Chapter 25- The high priestess' daughter.

Lord Alexander's POV:

I pressed the button on my laptop, saving the document I had been working on for what felt like an eternity. I sighed tiredly, rubbing my eyes. My father had sent it for me, requesting my assistance with some urgent matters, but I was far from done. Three hours had passed, and I was only halfway through.

Just as I was about to refocus, a knock at the door broke the silence. "Enter," I called out, not looking up.

The door creaked open, and Ariana's voice filled the room. "Do you need anything, Lord Alex?"

I raised an eyebrow, irritation creeping into my tone. "You asked me that ten minutes ago, and I said no. Can't you see I'm busy?"

Ariana's face fell, her eyes widening as if I had slapped her. "I-I'm so sorry.... I didn't–," she stuttered.

I cut her off, my patience wearing thin. "Leave me, Ariana."

I heard her retreating footsteps, and the door closed behind her. I returned to my laptop, trying to shake off the distraction.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow through the windows, I decided to take a break. I stood up, stretching my legs and arching my back. The tension eased, and I felt a slight improvement in my mood.

As I stepped outside, I noticed Ariana and a maid whispering in the corridor ahead. They seemed engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to my presence. I was about to turn in the opposite direction when Ariana's words caught my attention.

"...Valerie is getting more suspicious by the day..."

My feet halted, my interest piqued. I leaned against the wall, listening in on their conversation.

Ariana's voice was barely audible, her eyes fixed on the maid. "I mean, she just arrived a month ago and she's already assigned to Prince Nova's room? And Lord Alex gave her a birthday gift? It's too much."

The maid nodded in agreement. "Not only that, I heard Lord Alex might have a crush on her."

I almost coughed out loud. Me? Like Valerie? What a joke.

Ariana's eyes widened, and she gasped. "It can't be. How can Lord Alex like her?"

The maid shrugged. "Maybe he met her before?"

Ariana's expression turned skeptical. "That might be true, but I don't think that's enough reason for him to be so taken with her. There's something fishy going on," Her eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with malice. "I want to know more about what's going on. And I'll make sure to ask her myself, forcefully if need be. She's not a good person, I can tell. She's manipulating Lord Alex, and I won't stand for it."

The maid nodded vigorously. "I'm with you, Ariana. We need to get to the bottom of this."

Without thinking, I walked towards them, my presence sudden and imposing. Their eyes widened in shock, but I didn't spare them a second glance. "Come with me," I said coldly, my voice brooking no argument.

They immediately fell in step behind me, their whispers and gasps following me like a shadow.

I flung open the door to the servant's lounge. Let her be there, I thought to myself. Everyone's eyes turned to me as I entered, but I didn't care. I immediately spotted Valerie in the kitchenette, sipping from a mug. I strode towards her, my long strides eating up the distance. She looked up as I grasped her wrist, her eyes widening in surprise. I ignored her gasp and pulled her to the center of the room, facing everyone.

My voice boomed through the silence. "If anyone touches Valerie in this Palace, they'll have to answer to me. And if you try to make it difficult for her in any way, you will face my wrath. Do I make myself clear?"

The room gasped, eyes wide with shock. I kept my gaze fixed on Ariana, my eyes boring into hers. "Furthermore, if I hear even a whisper of gossip about Valerie, that person will face my personal consequences. Do you understand me?"

My tone was cold, my grip on Valerie's wrist tightening as she tried to pull away. The room was silent, the only sound was the heavy breathing of the servants. Then, in unison, they muttered a quick "yes, Lord Alex".

I smirked, my eyes never leaving Ariana's face. "Good. I'm glad we understand each other."

The tension in the room was palpable, but I didn't care. I was making a statement, and everyone knew it.

With that, I turned and left the room, still holding Valerie by her wrist. Everyone's eyes followed us, their gazes burning with curiosity, but I didn't care. I didn't know why I had stood up for her, maybe it was part of my plan to get under Nova's skin.

As soon as we stepped outside, Valerie forcefully removed her hand from mine. She turned to me, her eyes blazing with anger. I had never seen her this furious.

"What was that just now?" she demanded, her voice low and even.

I shrugged, putting my hands in my pockets. "Nothing."

Her eyes narrowed, her anger escalating. "What? You think you can just humiliate me like that and then act like nothing's wrong?"

I felt my own anger rising, my tone turning cold. "Remember who you're talking to, Brownie–"

But she cut me off, her voice firm. "I know who I'm talking to, Lord Alex, but I can't just keep quiet when this concerns me. You had no right to do that."

We stared at each other, daring each other to speak, the tension between us palpable.

Then I sighed, my tone softening. "I was just protecting you."

Valerie's eyes flashed with defiance. "Why do you think I need protection?"

My jaw clenched, my teeth gritted. "Because you might think those people in that room care about you, but you're mistaken. They don't care about anyone but themselves."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she steeled herself and said, "I don't care if they care about me or not. I can handle it. I don't need your help." Her tone was firm, but I detected a hint of vulnerability beneath the surface.

I felt a surge of anger, why couldn't she see that I was just trying to help her? My frustration boiled over, and I blurted out, "I bet if it were Nova, you would have been over the moon!"

My eyes widened in shock as soon as the words left my mouth. What was I saying? Why was I bringing Nova into this? I felt a knot in my stomach, my emotions tangled in a way I couldn't understand.

Valerie's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp. "What's that supposed to mean, Lord Alex?"

I took a step back, my hands in my pockets, my tone dismissive. "Oh, don't be dramatic. You know exactly what I mean. You're infatuated with Nova, and you can't see straight when it comes to him." I turned to leave, my parting shot careless. "See you, Brownie."

I walked away, my heart still racing with anger and confusion. What was happening to me? Why was I lashing out at Valerie like this? I didn't know, but I couldn't seem to stop myself.

★★★

Valerie's POV:

I opened my drawer and touched the empty locket Prince Nova had given me. It had been exactly two weeks and three days since he left, and I had decided not to wear it, trying to reject his gift and the feelings that came with it. But the guilt was eating me up inside. I couldn't shake off the emotions that lingered, refusing to dissipate.

I didn't know how I could continue like this, trapped in a web of conflicting emotions. Rejecting prince Nova hadn't worked; he was too adamant, and now I couldn't stop how I felt for him. But what was I feeling? I didn't even know what it was. All I knew was that it was suffocating me, making it hard to breathe.

And then there was Lord Alex, always lurking, always troubling me. His behavior was mostly because of Prince Nova, and now most of the workers hated me because of him. Entering the lounge was like walking into a den of vipers, whispers and gazes following me everywhere.

My only friends now were Jude, Saintly, and Julie. I didn't know if I could continue with this. I felt drained, emotionally exhausted. The thought of leaving the Palace crossed my mind, and for a moment, it seemed like the only escape.

I stood up abruptly, before my thoughts could suffocate me. I slipped on my slippers and walked out of my room, needing to clear my head.

I made my way to the pool, the afternoon sunbeams danced across the water, and I settled on the edge, dipping my legs in the coolness.

But my tranquility was short-lived. Footsteps approached, and I looked up to see Lord Alex standing before me. I quickly rose, intending to leave, but he grasped my arm, his tone low and commanding. "Why are you leaving?"

I avoided eye contact, fearful of fueling the rumors about us. "I have something to do," I muttered, trying to wriggle free.

"Stay," he said, his grip tightening.

I looked up. "I have—"

He cut me off, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And I heard you."

I bit my lower lip, my hand jerking free from his grasp. As I turned to pass him, my feet slipped on the wet ground, and I felt myself falling. Before I could even scream, I was plummeting into the water.

My eyes closed, but I felt arms encircle my waist, pulling me close. I opened my eyes to find Lord Alex holding me, his face inches from mine.

"Clumsy. Very clumsy." He said.

His grip loosened, and I felt myself falling again. But this time, I grasped his collar, my fingers tightening as we both tumbled into the water.

I emerged out of the water, my eyes opening to see Lord Alex hauling himself out of the pool with a furious expression. He didn't even glance back as he stormed off, leaving me alone in the water.

I stared after him, my mind reeling with the absurdity of the situation. And then, without warning, I felt a giggle bubble up inside me. It started as a snicker, but soon I was laughing uncontrollably, the water splashing around me as I guffawed.

________

"He did what?" Emily screamed. I had just told them about the pool incident with Lord Alex yesterday.

Lydia's laughter burst through the video call, "I was right after all, Lord Alexander likes you!"

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "Not that again."

Emily chimed in, "Yes, not that again, Lyd. I'm pretty sure Prince Nova is the one for Val."

I let out a sigh, "Wow, Emily, you just made this situation better."

Emily giggled, and Lydia said, "Val, you don't know how lucky you are! You're stuck in a royal romantic drama, with the most eligible bachelors - Lord Alex and Prince Nova - vying for your attention!"

I shook my head, "For the umpteenth time, they are not fighting over me, for goodness' sake!"

Lydia teased, "Well, keep telling yourself that."

Emily and I laughed, and Lydia continued, "Well, if you don't want Lord Alexander, I'm ready for him! I'm here, single and ready to mingle!"

Emily and I screamed in unison, "Lydia!!"

Just then, the double doors leading to the south wing opened, and footmen carrying luggage emerged. Distracted, I said, "I'll call you guys later."

Emily started to ask, "Wait, what's going on?" but I quickly ended the call, my attention focused on the commotion at the entrance.

The footmen carried the luggages away, one heading to the east wing and the other to the west wing. My eyes widened in surprise as two figures emerged from the doorway. Prince Nova stood tall, looking majestic as ever, dressed in a crisp green shirt and dark pants, his hair styled perfectly, his green eyes shining bright. But his smile wasn't directed at me; instead, it was aimed at the girl clinging to his arm.

My gaze shifted to her, and I couldn't help but stare. She was stunning, with a tall, athletic build, dark brown hair that fell in waves to her chin, and a subtle auburn tint that caught the light. Her hazel eyes sparkled, and her caramel-toned skin glowed with a radiant complexion. She wore shorts and a tank top, her sunglasses perched on her head, giving her a celebrity-like aura.

They chatted and laughed together, completely absorbed in their own little world, heading towards the west wing. I stood there, unnoticed by Prince Nova, feeling like an outsider. My mind raced with questions: Who was this girl?

______

I made my way to Mrs. Bertha's office, my mind still reeling from the surprise arrival of Prince Nova and his mysterious guest. It had been an hour since they arrived, and I couldn't help but wonder who she was.

As I entered the office, Mrs. Bertha smiled warmly at me. I returned the smile, taking a seat in front of her desk.

"Valerie, I called you here because I know you're aware that the annual Unity Festival is just a week away," Mrs. Bertha began.

I nodded, my curiosity piqued.

"Good," she continued. "And with the festival comes new guests. Lots of them."

"I'm aware, big mum," I replied, using the affectionate term I'd grown accustomed to.

Mrs. Bertha's eyes twinkled. "And guests mean a lot of work. Valerie, you have been assigned to a guest."

My eyes widened, and I gasped, my heart racing with excitement. I had always wanted to be assigned to a guest, but a part of me was also nervous.

Mrs. Bertha chuckled, her expression softening. "Don't get all excited just yet, you don't even know who the guest is, do you?" Her smile widened.

I rubbed my neck, feeling a bit sheepish. "Oh...right."

Mrs. Bertha's eyes sparkled with amusement. "But I'm pretty sure you have nothing to worry about," she said mysteriously.

I cocked my head to the side, curiosity getting the better of me. "Who is it?"

Mrs. Bertha's smile faltered for a moment before she spoke. "Valerie, the guest you are assigned to is the daughter of the High Priestess of Calonia."

My eyes widened in shock. I knew who the Priestess was - a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The Priestess had existed long before Calonia became a country, but her existence was only whispered about in history books until King Arinthal Calon became the first King. Then, the Priestess became well-known, taking on the surname Dawnsbury. It was said that if the Priestess didn't have a daughter, a female relative could take on the role. That's how it had been for generations, but with the advent of technology, the Priestess's powers were reduced to symbolic duties, conducting festivals, rituals, and holding a ceremonial seat on the council. Still, she was feared and respected, known for her visions and counsel.

I had only seen the current Priestess once in a newspaper, and now I was assigned to her daughter?

"The Priestess' daughter?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Bertha nodded. "Yes. She's in her final year at the University of Science and Technology in Marlenia, studying Mechanical Engineering. She's here with her mother to conduct the annual Unity Festival, as they do every year."

I nodded, taking in all the information. Then, a thought struck me. "She seems like a very important figure...then why me?" I asked.

Mrs. Bertha shrugged, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Beats me. Maybe I just thought you were the perfect person for the job...or maybe you're the only person right for the job." She said it nonchalantly, but I detected a hint of seriousness beneath her tone. I sighed, feeling uncertain. But Mrs. Bertha's reassuring touch on my hand calmed my nerves. "Valerie, don't doubt yourself. You can do this. And I'm pretty sure this will be an interesting experience."

I raised an eyebrow but smiled, feeling a bit better. "Thank you, Mrs. Bertha."

She smiled back. "Her room is Room 1 on the first floor in the west wing. You should go now; there's a tea party at 4 pm, and you need to help her get ready."

I nodded and stood up, but before leaving, Mrs. Bertha added, "Her name is Millicent Dawnsbury."

I nodded again and walked out of the office, heading towards Miss Millicent's room, my heart racing with anticipation.

I took a deep, shaky breath before knocking on the door. I had no idea what to expect from Miss Millicent. The soft voice saying "come in" barely registered as I pushed open the door. My eyes widened as I took in the large room with plush sofas, a massive TV, and a door leading to what I assumed was the main bedroom, just like in Mira's room.

But my gaze was drawn to the girl standing by the window. She turned, and my eyes widened in shock. It was the same girl I had seen with Prince Nova earlier! I froze, staring at her, my mind racing with questions.

The girl raised an eyebrow, a crooked grin spreading across her face. "You are?"

I snapped out of my trance, arranging my uniform and curtsying. "My lady, my name is Valerie Alaric, and I'm the maid assigned to you."

Miss Millicent paused, then strode towards me, scrutinizing my face. I felt uncomfortable under her gaze, wondering why she was staring at me like that. But then, she smiled fondly and said, "I finally get to meet you, Valerie."

I was taken aback, wondering what she meant. This was our first meeting, after all. "My lady?" I choked out, confusion etched on my face.

Miss Millicent laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, my bad. My name is Millicent Dawnsbury, and I've been hearing a lot about you from Nova." She said it with a sly grin, like she knew a secret. I stood there, unsure how to respond. Millicent's eyes roamed over my face, and she smiled again. "Now I know why Nova is so taken with you. You really are beautiful."

My cheeks flushed, and I looked down, feeling embarrassed. "Please, call me Millicent," she added, her voice gentle.

I looked up but didn't respond. Miss Millicent didn't seem to mind, saying, "Please, be free with me, Valerie."

I still didn't speak, unsure what to make of this unexpected turn. Miss Millicent glanced at the time and exclaimed, "Oh, look at the time! Will you please help me get ready for the tea party?"

I nodded, finding my voice. "Of course, my...Miss Millicent."

It took only thirty minutes to get Miss Millicent ready, and I was surprised by how little effort was required from me. She was largely self-sufficient, and I mostly just stood by and watched as she expertly applied her makeup and styled her hair.

Once she was dressed, we made our way to the south wing for the tea party. Miss Millicent chatted happily with me along the way, sharing stories about her life, her friendship with prince Nova, and her studies in college. Her eyes lit up when she talked about her passion project - designing eco-friendly engines that ran on sustainable energy sources. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself staring at her in awe, wishing I had something I was equally passionate about.

My thoughts were interrupted when we arrived at the tea party room. Miss Millicent gestured for me to enter with her, but I hesitated, making up an excuse about needing to attend to something else. Miss Millicent looked disappointed, but she smiled and went in alone.

I turned and headed to my room, pulling out my phone to text Mira and ask if she was going to the tea party. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going until I collided with a hard surface. "Ouch!" I muttered, rubbing my forehead.

Looking up, my eyes widened to see Lord Alex's chest. He smirked, gesturing to his chest. "Brownie, I know you can't get enough of this." He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're always running into me, literally."

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. "I apologize, Lord Alex."

As I turned to leave, he snatched my phone from my hands. I shouted, trying to grab it back, but he held it out of reach. His fingers flew across the screen, and I wondered what he was doing. I tried to reach out again, but he ignored me.

Then, he smiled and pulled out his own phone. "Now I have your number, and you have mine."

I snatched my phone back, checking the screen to see that he had indeed added his number. Lord Alex grinned. "Don't even bother deleting it, because I know I'm not going to delete yours."

I turned away, leaving him standing there. I knew he was watching me, but I didn't have the strength to muster up polite small talk. I just needed to escape.

Millicent's POV:

The next day, I sat beside my mother in a large room in the south wing of the Palace, surrounded by the murmur of voices and the scent of incense. Some of the people of Calon city and beyond had gathered, seeking my mother's guidance and wisdom. Some came for counsel, others for palm readings, but all shared a deep respect for my mother's gifts.

As we sat there, a middle-aged woman approached, her eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and hope. My mother smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling behind her glasses. "Ah, my dear, I see a lot of grandchildren in your future," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Your family will be blessed with abundance and joy."

The woman's face lit up with delight, and she thanked my mother profusely before leaving. As she departed, I couldn't help but think about how people perceived my mother. They expected a traditional priestess, clad in flowing robes and adorned with mystical symbols. But my mother was far from that image. She wore her brown hair, flecked with grey, in a simple bun, and her glasses perched on the end of her nose. Her attire was equally unassuming - a pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt. Yet, despite her understated appearance, my mother's presence commanded respect and awe.

Before the next person approached, my mother turned to me, her eyes serious. "Millicent, I hope you're listening and taking notes. One day, you'll be the one to take over, to guide and counsel our people."

I sighed, feeling a familiar sense of frustration. Why did I have to be the one to take over? Why couldn't I forge my own path, follow my own passions? But I said nothing, simply nodding as the next person approached. As they began to speak, I zoned out, my mind wandering to my own dreams and aspirations. My phone buzzed in my hand, it a call from Adam, my close friend and fellow student. We both had similar ideas and we had been inseparable since first year.

I excused myself but my mother's eyes narrowed, her expression disapproving.

"Millicent, Where are you going?"

"I will be back." I said while walking away.

As I stepped outside, I answered the call, my voice cheerful. "Hey Adam, what's up?"

Adam's excitement was palpable, even through the phone. "Millicent, I have amazing news! Dean Martin agreed to let you lead the team for the prototype of the eco-friendly engines!"

My eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! Oh my gosh, that's incredible!" I almost dropped my phone, my heart racing with excitement. I had been pestering Mr. Martin since our second year, and I couldn't believe he finally agreed.

But my excitement was short-lived. Adam's next words shattered my euphoria. "You need to come tomorrow, Millicent. The project starts in two days, and we need you on board."

My heart sank. I knew I couldn't leave my mother's side, not now, not ever. "Adam, I...I can't," I stammered.

Adam's voice was persuasive. "You have to, Millicent. This is your dream project. You can't let it slip away."

I sighed, knowing he was right. This opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. "You're right, Adam. I'll come tomorrow."

Adam's excitement returned. "That's the spirit! I can't wait to see you. We'll make this project a success, together."

I smiled, feeling a mix of emotions. "Me too, Adam. Me too."

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath before returning inside. My mother was by the food and drink section, sipping what looked like a smoothie. I approached her, trying to compose myself.

She looked up. "I thought you bailed on me."

I smiled nervously. "I would never do that, Mom."

We stood in awkward silence for a moment, before she set her smoothie down and flexed her wrist, looking at me pointedly. "Alright, out with it."

I looked at her, surprised. "Out with what?"

She said seriously, "Say it, Millicent."

I sighed, knowing she knew me too well. "Mum...I need to go to Marlenia for a project...tomorrow."

Her demeanor changed slightly, but she remained calm. "No."

I was taken aback, blinking repeatedly. I knew she would say no but it still made me a little angry. "Why not?"

She picked up her smoothie again, her voice even. "You know the reason, Millicent. We have to conduct the annual unity festival in a few days' time."

I pleaded, my voice cracking. "You can do it on your own, right, Mum? Please?"

She remained adamant. "No, Millicent."

I clasped my hands together, desperation creeping in. "Please, Mum, this is my dream project. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

She sighed, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Millicent, you're a priestess. This is your duty."

My anger spiked. "Why? Why do you always do this? Why do you only care about carrying the family's legacy?"

Her voice was warningly low. "Millicent, watch your tongue."

I shouted, attracting the attention of the people around us. "No!" I paused, taking a deep breath, and continued in a calm, collected tone. "This is why I never come home."

With that, I turned and walked away, ignoring my mother's calls and the stares of the people around us.

Valerie's POV:

I hurried to my room, my mind racing with excitement. I had just discovered that the Palace was hosting competitions three days before the festival, and one particular event caught my eye - a cooking competition to create the most exquisite dessert. I had instantly thought of making an Eldrida dessert, a traditional sweet treat from my homeland. But there was one problem - the main ingredient, Eldrida petals, were scarce in these lands.

As I rushed to my room to send a message to my parents, requesting them to send the petals from home, my phone chimed in my hand. I hesitated, wondering who it could be. I didn't recognize the number, but the message was brief and mysterious: "Please meet me in the south wing's roof. - PN."

My heart skipped a beat as I realized who it was - Prince Nova. I shouldn't go, I thought. But my feet seemed to move of their own accord. I couldn't explain why I felt compelled to go, but I couldn't ignore the sensation either.

With a sense of trepidation, I changed direction and made my way to the south wing's roof.

I opened the door, phone still in hand, and stepped out onto the rooftop. The warm sun and fresh air enveloped me, but my surprise at not seeing Prince Nova immediately gave way to a sense of calm. I walked over to the railing, gazing out at the grounds and sky, feeling the breeze on my face.

But I knew the moment he approached. My pulse quickened, and I turned to see him smiling at me, his warm smile that always made me feel at ease.

I stared at him, taking in the sight of him, and for a moment, I felt like I was admiring him in a way I never had before.

"Long time no see," he said, his voice low and gentle.

I smiled sadly, feeling a pang in my heart. "Long time."

He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around me in a warm hug. I didn't resist, letting him hold me for a moment.

"Valerie, I—" he started to say, but my phone rang, shrill in the silence.

I pulled back, my heart racing, and looked at the screen. Lord Alex's name flashed on the caller ID, and my eyes widened in fear.

Prince Nova must have seen the caller ID because his face darkened. "Don't answer it," he said, his voice firm.

But I shook my head, feeling a sense of dread. "I have to."

"No, you don't," Prince Nova said, his voice firm.

I stood my ground, my eyes locked on his. "I need to. He won't stop calling me if I don't answer."

But before I could answer the phone, Prince Nova snatched it from my hands, holding it above his head. I struggled to reach it, but he held it out of my grasp, his eyes sparkling with determination.

Finally, I managed to grab it back, my heart racing. I pressed the answer button, took a deep breath, and opened my mouth to speak.

But before I could say a word, Prince Nova's lips crashed into mine.

Everything stopped. My heart, my breath, my thoughts. All I could feel was the warmth of his lips, the pressure of his mouth on mine. I couldn't even close my eyes, my shock was so complete.

Lord Alex's voice was a distant echo, a faint "Hello? Brownie?" but my ears were rushing, my senses overwhelmed.

The kiss was like a storm, sweeping me up in its intensity. Prince Nova's lips were soft, yet firm, demanding yet gentle. He kissed me like he was claiming me, like he was marking me as his own. As if this was what he had wanted all this while.

And I just stood there, frozen, unable to move or respond. My body was paralyzed, my mind reeling.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the kiss ended. Prince Nova pulled back, his eyes shining with a light I had never seen before. His face was flushed, his cheeks pink, but his gaze was steady, unwavering.

I stared back at him, motionless, my heart still racing. I couldn't speak, couldn't think. All I could do was stare at him, my eyes wide with shock.

And then, without a word, I turned and walked away, the phone still clutched in my hand. I knew I wasn't going to answer Lord Alex's call. I knew I wasn't going to answer anything, ever again.