Valerie's POV:
I walked gently to Miss Millicent's room my mind reeling. I paused and glanced out the window watching as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the castle, I couldn't shake off the thoughts that had been plaguing me all day. The kiss with Prince Nova still lingered on my lips, and my mind was a mess of conflicting emotions. I hated myself for enjoying it, for feeling like I was melting into his arms. It was wrong, so wrong. I was just a servant, and he was the prince.
I felt like I was betraying Mira too, and the guilt was eating away at me. But I couldn't deny the way my heart raced at the memory of his lips on mine. I didn't know how to stop it. So in that moment, I promised myself that I was going to tell Mira everything after the annual unity festival. My stomach churned because I knew she was going to be very upset and might probably not forgive me, but I knew I needed to tell her.
I knocked on Miss Millicent's door, and a slurred "Come in" responded. I pushed open the door, my curiosity piqued. As I entered the inner room, my eyes widened in shock, and I almost had a heart attack.
Miss Millicent lay spread-eagled on the bed, her dark brown hair disheveled and scattered across the pillow. Her faint makeup was smeared, her lipstick askew, and her clothes stained with dirt. It looked like she had fallen on the floor and struggled to get back up. One of her shoes lay on the bed, the other on the opposite side of the room.
The older girl's eyes were glossy and unfocused, her gaze fixed on some invisible point on the ceiling. She was giggling to herself; she was definitely very drunk.
"Miss Millicent!" I exclaimed, finally finding my voice after staring at her in shock.
She looked up at me, her eyes cloudy with confusion, then a slow grin spread across her face. "It's you......the maid," she slurred, her words barely intelligible.
I approached her cautiously, wondering what had happened. "What happened to you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral.
Miss Millicent frowned, her brow furrowing in concentration. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of belligerence.
But before I could respond, she burst out laughing, a loud, raucous sound. I sighed, wondering if this was the same girl I had met and admired yesterday, who had looked so calm and collected. Now, she looked so...broken, so vulnerable, like a fragile porcelain doll that had been shattered into a thousand pieces.
I shook those thoughts away and focused on the task at hand. "My lady, let's get you to the bath," I said.
I took both of her wrists and practically dragged her to the bathroom, wrinkling my nose at the strong alcohol stench emanating from her.
But she just smiled all the way, her eyes glassy and unfocused, muttering something that sounded like "engine" and "pollution" I had no idea what she was talking about, but I knew I had to get her cleaned up.
After preparing the bath, I helped Miss Millicent pull off her clothes, it was hard since she kept on touching my hair and face. It was a delicate process, but I finally managed to get her into the bathtub.
"Too hot," she squeaked, her voice slurred.
"I'm sorry," I replied, adding some cold water to the bath.
But then she cried out, "Too cold!"
I sighed for the second time that night. "My lady, the temperature is fine, I promiseâ"
But Miss Millicent cut me off, her voice cracking as she began to cry. "No, no, I don't want to hear it! I want to be heard for once!" She sobbed, her body shaking with uncontrollable tears.
I froze, taken aback by her outburst. What was going on? What was she trying to say? I hesitated, unsure how to respond, as her tears continued to fall like rain.
I settled for a soft "I'm sorry, Miss Millicent," hoping to calm her down.
And to my surprise, she quieted down, her tears subsiding as she stared into space. I looked at her worriedly, unsure what to do next. But something in her expression told me she needed my care, my help.
So I did what I had never done before - I bathed someone else. It was a strange feeling, washing another person's body, but I tried to be gentle and respectful. Miss Millicent didn't resist or speak, just sat there like a doll.
After bathing her, I helped her into a nightgown, her silence continuing all the way. I tucked her into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin.
As I stood there, staring at the sleeping form of Miss Millicent, I couldn't help but wonder why she had drunk to that level. What was she trying to escape?
Early the next morning, I knocked and opened the door to Miss Millicent's room, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee and a small vial of liquid. I had tried to make the hangover remedy my mother used to make, but I wasn't entirely sure if I got it right. The only time I'd seen her make it was when I was 15, and my dad had come home late, reeking of alcohol. My mom hadn't let him enter the house till the next morning, when she had made the medicine, which I had assisted her with. He had looked so defeated, ashamed, and worn out. He'd messed up in the repair of a customer's car and damaged large parts, and it was going to cost a lot to fix. My mom had listened before telling him that wasn't enough reason to drink. And he'd agreed, hanging his head in shame. After that, he'd never touched alcohol again.
Miss Millicent was sitting on the bed, holding her head in her hands and looking down at the floor.
"Good morning, Miss Millicent. How are you feeling today?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful and gentle.
She slowly looked up, her face pale and her eyes bloodshot. She looked like she'd been through a rough night, and I could tell the aftermath of drinking was taking its toll.
I set the tray on the bedside table. "I made a medicinal brew for you. It should help with the headache and nausea. And I brought some coffee too, to help perk you up."
Miss Millicent didn't smile, just looked at me with a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Thank you, Valerie," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I wondered if there was something bothering her, something more than just the hangover. She looked dejected, like the weight of the world was on her shoulders.
After a few moments, she got up and went to have her bath. I waited for her. As she dressed, silence hung between us, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
It wasn't after Miss Millicent started doing her hair, that I finally gathered the courage to ask. I approached her cautiously, standing behind her as she gazed into the mirror. I spoke carefully, trying not to startle her. "Miss Millicent, is everything okay? I mean, is something wrong?" My words hung in the air as Miss Millicent's eyes met mine in the mirror. Her expression was unreadable, like a mask hiding her true emotions. I continued hurriedly, a little nervous. "I know it's not my place, but...I can't help but feel like something's bothering you. Did something happen? Do you have something on your mind?"
She stared at me for a moment, our gazes locked. Then, she finally sighed, her shoulders sagging. "I'm not sure you'll be able to help, even if I told you, Valerie."
I held her gaze, my heart beating faster. "My mom always said that if you just speak about your problems with someone, it can help ease the burden. Even if I can't fix it, maybe I can listen and help you carry the weight."
Miss Millicent narrowed her eyes, looking a little indignant. "Oh really?" she said, her voice dripping with skepticism.
I nodded eagerly. But instead of encouraging her to open up, my gesture seemed to irritate her further.
"Well, have you ever had what you've strived for, labored for, worked for; abruptly taken away from you?" she asked, her voice laced with pain and anger. "Or have your dreams, which were right in front of your very eyes, waiting for you to touch them, been violently snatched away?" She didn't give me a chance to answer, her words tumbling out in a rush. "So don't talk to me about telling my problems to you, when you can never be able to fathom what I'm going through, even if you tried."
With that, she turned back to her hair, continuing to brush it with a vigor that seemed almost aggressive. I felt a little hurt by her outburst, and my confusion must have shown on my face.
"I don't understand, Miss Millicent," I said, trying to clarify. "Is it the dream you told me about, the one where you wanted toâ"
But she interrupted me, her voice rising in anger. "How can you understand? You're just a servant who doesn't comprehend the concept of having something you truly want to achieve! You're just aâ"
Her eyes widened in surprise, and she looked guilty, as if she had said something she didn't mean to. She opened her mouth as if to apologize, but the words didn't come out. The tension between us was palpable.
Then I spoke, "You are right, I am just a servantâ"
Miss Millicent cut in, "I'm sorry, I didn't meanâ"
But I continued as if she hadn't spoken, "But I do know how you talked about what you wanted, your dream of building something so extraordinary. You were so passionate about it, and I just stared at you, admired, envied andâ"
I broke off there, and Miss Millicent looked at me with an ashamed expression. I took a deep breath and continued, "And wished that I had something that I was passionate about, just like you." My voice was laced with an underlying emotion, and Miss Millicent looked a little stunned. "So, I might not know how it feels to have something like that, but I did see it in you, in your eyes, and it looked like I was sharing in it too. I had prayed that you would, without a doubt, get what you want, and knowing that when you did win, it would feel like I did too."
Miss Millicent's eyes now shone with unshed tears, and she found it hard to meet my eyes. I smiled warmly and said, "I hope and I pray you never give up on your dream, even though it feels like it's out of your reach." With that, I politely excused myself, "If you'll excuse me, Miss Millicent, I'll leave you to your preparations." And I left the room.
â â â
Mira's POV:
I strolled through the Palace halls, a smile gracing my lips as I took in the festive decorations and lively atmosphere. With only five days to go until the annual Unity Festival, the excitement was palpable. This celebration was a big deal in Calonia, commemorating the unification of the city-states under King Arinthal Calon on the summer solstice. I couldn't wait to experience it all in the Palace, surrounded by the royal family and nobility.
My mind raced with thoughts of which competitions I would participate in - the drinking contest, the poetry recital, or perhaps the traditional Calonian dance performance? I walked with a happy bounce in my step, feeling like a kid on the eve of a grand adventure.
"Mira! Is that you?"
I froze in horror, my heart sinking at the sound of that familiar voice. I knew that voice, and I knew it all too well. I turned slowly, my worst fears confirmed. My annoying cousin, Abigail Weldon, stood before me, dressed in a designer dress that probably cost a fortune. She wore that same irritating smile on her face, the one that I knew didn't reach her eyes.
"It's definitely you," Abigail said, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "You look...different."
I rolled my eyes, recognizing the disguised shade she was throwing my way. "What are you doing here, Abigail?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral.
Abigail feigned hurt, her eyes widening in mock surprise. "What do you mean, dear cuz? I'm here for the annual Unity Festival, just like you."
I raised an eyebrow, realizing that Abigail had no idea I'd been living in the Palace for a while now. I didn't feel like filling her in, so I said sarcastically, "Congratulations on finally making your way to the Palace."
Her eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly covered it up with a fake smile. "Is that any way to greet your cousin you haven't seen in a long time?" she asked, her voice sugary sweet.
I rolled my eyes again, my dislike for Abigail still strong. We'd hated each other since we were kids, and it wasn't just because she was always trying to one-up me. Abigail was too perfect, always nagging, always wanting everything I had. And practically everything in the world. I just couldn't stand her.
She continued, eyeing me. "Seems like you haven't gotten any taller," her tone was dripping with condescension.
I fired back, my sarcasm sharp. "Seems like your forehead is still broader."
Abigail ignored my jab, but I saw her eyebrow twitch. I smirked to myself, knowing I'd gotten under her skin.
"The Palace is amazing," Abigail gushed, "and I can't wait to seeâ"
I interrupted her, my voice laced with sarcasm. "Let me guess, you can't wait to see Prince Nova?" I raised an eyebrow, knowing she had a crush on him too.
Abigail giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't be silly, I wasn't going to say Prince Nova...though I would love to see him. But he isn't the one I long for."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Someone else caught your eye?"
Abigail's face lit up, and she gushed, "Prince Cadoc did!"
My mouth opened in shock, then anger. "What do you mean, Prince Cadoc?" I demanded, my voice low.
Abigail's eyes sparkled with excitement. "He's handsome and charming, and he has that vibe of a bad boy who will be so obsessed with me and shower me with all the love in the world."
I stared at her as if she had lost her mind. "Listen here, let me advise you, Abigail, you've got it all wrong. And if you think Prince Cadoc will spare you a glance, you're truly mistaken."
Abigail frowned, her eyes flashing with anger. "And how do you know that, young lady? Wait, don't tell me you have a crush on Prince Cadoc?" She spat out the words, her voice dripping with venom.
I started, surprised by her accusation. "Of course not!" I protested, but my cheeks flushed a little. Abigail peered at me for a moment, then shrugged.
"Well, you can take that advice and shove it up your ass because I'm definitely going to catch his eye one way or the other." She smiled sweetly, her eyes glinting with determination. "See you around, love."
With that, she walked away, her ponytail bouncing behind her. I stood there, watching her go, and wondering why I had felt so angry.
Valerie's POV:
I sat with Jude and Julie, enjoying the warm conversation. Jude had just returned from visiting his family and was eager to share his experiences. We chatted about the upcoming Unity Festival and the various competitions.
Jude turned to me with a curious expression. "Hey, Val, how do you celebrate the Unity Festival back home?"
I smiled, nostalgia washing over me. "We don't do it in a big way. My mom would cook a traditional dish, and we'd watch the fireworks from our home."
As I spoke, I realized this was the first time I was celebrating the festival without my parents. A pang of sadness hit me, and I looked down, trying to compose myself.
Julie noticed my expression and took my hand, squeezing it gently. "Hey, we're here for you, Val. You're not alone."
I smiled gratefully at her.
Jude, sensing the somber mood, changed the subject. "Val, what are you going to make for the dessert competition?"
I was grateful for the distraction. "I'm going to make an Eldrida dessert my mom normally makes. It's a yoghurt-based dessert with coconut, honey, and petals. The petals are the main ingredient, and you can't prepare it without them."
Jude's eyes widened in fascination. "So, the petals are like the star of the show?"
I nodded. "Yup, without the petals, it's just yoghurt with coconut. Nothing special."
Jude grinned. "I can't wait to try it!"
Julie rolled her eyes. "Val is making it for the competition, Jude."
Jude chuckled. "That doesn't mean there won't be leftovers!"
Julie shot him a sarcastic look. "I'm sure you'll be the first in line for those leftovers."
I intervened, sensing they were about to bicker. "I'm sure with the petals, I can make a lot of Eldrida petal bliss for everyone."
Jude grinned at me, his eyes sparkling. "See, Julie, Val just gets me."
Julie shook her head, smiling sarcastically. "You two are something else."
Jude was about to retort when Julie's phone dinged, breaking the banter.
I watched as Julie's expression changed, her eyebrow quirking upward in curiosity. "What is it?" Jude asked, noticing her reaction.
Julie's eyes narrowed slightly as she read the message. "Prince Nova texted me...he wants me to bring two cups of tea to his room. He has a guest..." Her voice trailed off, and she frowned.
I sensed something was off. "What's wrong?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Julie's eyebrows scrunched together, her eyes still fixed on the message. "It's just unusual for a guest to be in Prince Nova's room. It's mainly his office, and only close friends and family are allowed there."
Jude nodded in agreement, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
"Who's the guest?" Jude asked, his voice casual.
Julie's eyes flicked up to meet mine. "Lady Aurora."
My mind raced as I processed the information. Lady Aurora, the daughter of the governor of Eldrida, was the last person I expected to be in Prince Nova's room. Mira had told me about the flirtatious glances Lady Aurora had given Prince Nova at the Weldon's mansion last year. The way she would bat her eyelashes, giggle at his jokes, and find excuses to touch his arm. It had been obvious, even though I wasn't there, that Lady Aurora was smitten with the prince.
I felt a pang of unease, my eyes fixed on Julie's phone as if it held some hidden answer. "Did you say Lady Aurora?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Julie nodded, her eyes curious. "Yes, do you know her?"
I nodded, trying to keep my tone neutral. "She's the daughter of the governor of my state."
Jude's eyes widened in surprise, while Julie's expression turned thoughtful.
There was a moment of silence before Julie stood, her expression practical. "I best go serve them."
But without thinking, I blurted out, "I'll do it."
Julie paused, her eyes locked on mine, a hint of surprise in her expression. Even Jude looked at me, his eyebrow raised in curiosity. I felt my cheeks flush at their gazes.
"I mean, I can serve the tea for you," I hurriedly added, trying to cover up my sudden outburst.
Jude asked. "Why is that?"
Julie gave me a knowing look, but before I could respond, she said, "Okay."
I exclaimed, almost too happily, "Really?" Then I flushed, realizing my enthusiasm was a bit too much.
Julie nodded, her expression teasing. "Besides, I need to clean a guest room."
Jude furrowed his brows. "I thought you were free."
She replied, her tone light, "Well, I'm not free now."
I stood, my mind racing with questions. "What kind of tea does he like? Hot or cold? Should I put cookies or brownies? Should Iâ"
Julie cut in, laughing. "Normal tea, Val. And don't worry about the extras, just the tea is fine." She teased, "You're not trying to impress him or anything, are you?"
I felt my face grow even hotter as I shook my head and hurriedly left the room. But I heard Jude's whispered question, "Why is she so excited?"
After making the tea, I headed to Prince Nova's room, Julie's words echoed in my mind. Most guests went to his office, not his personal quarters. I wondered what I would find in the room, and why I was feeling so nervous. It's not like anything bad was going to happen between Prince Nova and Lady Aurora, right? But my unease only grew.
Just as I was approaching the room, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Lord Alex gazing at me, his eyes fixed on the tray in my hands. "Who is it for?" he asked, his voice even.
"Prince Nova and his guest," I replied, my voice steady.
His eyes darkened slightly, and he said, "You should give it to me instead. I'll make sure it reaches them."
I frowned, feeling a spark of annoyance. "Why is that?"
Lord Alex raised an eyebrow. "Are you speaking back at me, Brownie?"
I hated the way he called me that, and my anger flared up. "No, I'm not speaking back at you. But Prince Nova is the prince, and he has a guest. It's not appropriate for you to intervene."
Lord Alex's expression turned angry. "You're getting too comfortable, Brownie. You forget your place."
I stood my ground, despite his intimidating tone. "I'm just doing my job, Lord Alex. And my job is to serve the prince and his guests, not to obey your orders."
He gripped my arm, and I roughly pulled it out of his grasp, glaring at him. For a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a flicker of hurt in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by his usual arrogance. I turned and walked away, wordlessly. He called out to me, even used my name, but I didn't look back.
Prince Nova's POV:
I sat on the couch, Lady Aurora beside me, chatting casually. I was still surprised she had shown up unannounced at my door. How did she even get past the guards? I made a mental note to ask them later. For now, I had to be gracious.
"How's Lady Charlotte?" I asked.
Lady Aurora waved her hand dismissively. "She ran off with some peasant lover. Can you believe it? No title, no wealth, nothing. Just a commoner."
I frowned, noting that Lady Charlotte must have felt trapped to resort to that.
My mind strayed to Valerie, and I couldn't help but compare the situations. I knew I couldn't run away with Valerie, no matter how much I might want to. I was the next king, after all. Duty came first.
"At least she's happy," I said with a sad and faraway smile. Lady Aurora looked indignant, but before she could respond, we heard a knock at the door. "Come in," I called out, expecting Julie. But to my surprise, it was Valerie, my Valerie.
She stood in the doorway, holding a tray with a maid's outfit that accentuated her curves. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and I longed to set it free. Her eyes flicked to me, then to Lady Aurora, and finally to the hand on my arm, which belonged to Lady Aurora. She curtsied to both of us and set the tray down.
I was stuck staring at her, my gaze unable to wander. It was like my eyes were magnetically drawn to hers. I couldn't help it; it was just my normal reaction to her presence.
But I noticed her still standing there, her eyes fixed straight ahead, her jaw clenched. Lady Aurora followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Why is she still here?" she asked rudely. "Can't she see we're in the middle of a conversation?"
Valerie's expression didn't change, but her voice was firm. "His Highness hasn't dismissed me yet."
I smirked, intrigued by her boldness. And then it hit me - she was jealous. My smirk grew wider, and she must have noticed because her eyes flashed with even more anger. Her face was a picture of restrained fury, and I found it adorable.
"Ah, Valerie, you may go," I said. "Thank you for bringing the tea."
She blinked, her eyes locking onto mine, and I saw her chew on her lower lip. I went crazy at that moment, longing to kiss her again. But alas, she curtsied and left the room rather briskly.
I turned back to Lady Aurora, continuing our conversation with an amused tone. My mind strayed to Valerie once in a while, or more than that.
During the remainder of our tea, Valerie didn't come back to refill our cups. Instead, Julie brought in some snacks, and we nibbled on them while continuing our conversation. But my mind kept wandering back to Valerie, wondering why she hadn't returned.
Lady Aurora's grip on my hand startled me. I looked up to see her staring at me, her eyes intense. "Your Highness, I've noticed your birthday is approaching in two months' time, and you haven't chosen a partner," she said, her voice low.
I frowned, feeling unsettled. Our conversation had been enjoyable, and for once, I felt like I had a friend. But now, it seemed like everything was always about me marrying and having a bride. I sighed, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Lady Aurora, you're right, I haven't chosen a partner, but let's not discuss that now. It's not the time or placeâ"
But she interrupted me, her words blunt. "I love you, Prince Nova, and I want to be yours forever."
My eyes widened at her forwardness. I chose my words carefully, not wanting to hurt her feelings. "Lady Aurora, I respect you and value your company, but I only see you as a dear friend. Please understand."
She shook her head and stood up, her expression a mix of disappointment and frustration. "No, no, I don't want to be your friend," she said, her voice trembling. "I want to be your queen, your partner, your everything."
"Lady Aurora..." I started to say, but my words trailed off as she zipped her gown and the fabric pooled at her feet. My mouth opened in shock, and I slowly looked up to see her standing completely naked before me. I quickly stood up, and she reached out to me, but I evaded her touch. Instead, I removed my jacket and wrapped it around her, avoiding eye contact.
"Lady Aurora...I'm sorry," I said, my voice genuine. We stood there in silence, me facing away, still wrapping her with my jacket, her standing like a statue, slack. Then, I felt my arm grow wet, and I knew without a doubt that she was crying.
I wanted to comfort her, but I didn't know how. This situation was too much for me to handle. I just stood there, holding my jacket around her, feeling her tears soak into my sleeve.
Valerie's POV:
I stood beside Prince Nova on the south wing's roof, as the sunset painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, the silence between us palpable. The warm breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and I felt my heart race with every passing moment.
I couldn't take the awkwardness anymore, so I blurted out, "I signed up for the dessert competition!"
Prince Nova turned to me, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Really? That's wonderful! I'll be there, supporting you and hoping you win." His smile was genuine, and my heart stuttered in response.
I couldn't help but grin, feeling a little shy. "Thank you," I muttered, my voice barely audible.
As we stood there, I peeked up at him through my lashes, and our eyes met. He was staring at me intensely, as if searching for something, and unconsciously leaning in. My cheeks flushed furiously, but I maintained eye contact.
"Your Highness?" I whispered.
He blinked, seemingly realizing what he was doing, and straightened up. "I'm trying to find the brown in your eyes," he said, his voice gentle.
I sucked in a breath, no one had ever said that to me before. My eyes were almost black, making it hard to see the brown flecks, but Prince Nova's words made me feel like he truly appreciated their uniqueness. I felt warm and fuzzy inside.
I turned away, hiding the red on my cheeks, and we stood in comfortable silence, watching the sunset fade into a starry night sky.
Then, I suddenly remembered something and my smile faded. It was how I had acted earlier, and my conscience pricked me.
I turned to Prince Nova, took a deep breath, and said, "I'm sorry."
His brow furrowed, and he raised an eyebrow. "Why are you apologizing?"
I looked away, feeling ashamed. "I shouldn't have acted like that today...I shouldn't have been rude to Lady Aurora." My voice trailed off, but I continued, "For that...I'm sorry, Your Highness."
I finally looked up to see Prince Nova's amused expression. He seemed to be suppressing a grin. "You don't have to apologize. Though, I have to ask, why were you so upset earlier? Did someone say or do something to you?"
I paused, cocking my head to the side, and thought for a moment. "No one said or did anything to me...I just felt so angry. I really don't know why...maybe because..." My voice trailed off, and I couldn't meet his eyes.
He pressed. "Because...?"
I looked down, playing with my fingers, and whispered, "Because...because...I was jealous."
Prince Nova's grin widened, and he looked pleased, while I felt embarrassed and ashamed. My heart raced, and I couldn't believe I had admitted it out loud.
He then said with seriousness, "You have nothing to be jealous about, Valerie. I'm yours." My insides squirmed, and I looked guilty. He must have seen it because he added, "I know Mira likes me."
I didn't say anything, not surprised he had figured it out. I said sadly, "Then you know what I'm going through."
He took my hand and squeezed it. "You have to tell her, Val. Tell her I like you, and you like me. We can't keep hiding our feelings."
I frowned. "I can't...not right now, not like this."
"Why not?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
I looked into the distance, at the stars. "She'll be heartbroken, furious, and angry. She'll hate me, and that's fine. I'm a terrible friend. I went behind her back and did...so many things."
Prince Nova said softly, "Hey, hey...you did nothing wrong. You can't control how you feel."
I turned to him, searching for answers. "Why do I have to feel this way?"
He looked at me with passion in his eyes. "I don't know, but one thing I do know is that we're in this together. I'm happy about how I feel for you, Valerie." I stared at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. "You have to tell her, the longer you keep it, the more it will hurt."
I nodded. I was going to tell Mira. I couldn't deny my feelings anymore. I liked Prince Nova, and the more I tried to stay away, the deeper it got. I knew they might not be a chance with prince Nova in the future but at least I would do the right thing and come clean.
So, in that moment, I just focused on Prince Nova's arm around my shoulders, the night sky, and the future, which didn't seem so daunting anymore.