Chapter 28- The annual unity festival

Valerie's POV:

I woke up to a knock on my door, groggily checking the time to see it was 7 am. I got out of bed and made my way to the door, opening it to find Saintly beaming at me.

"Happy Unity Festival!" Saintly exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement.

I smiled back. "Happy Unity Festival to you too, Saintly."

My gaze fell on an envelope in Saintly's hand, and she noticed me looking at it. "Julie asked me to give this to you," she said, holding out the envelope.

I was surprised, but I smiled and took it from her. "Thanks, Saintly."

She bounced up and down. "I'm going to go prepare for the festival now. I have to help set up the stalls and make sure everything is perfect. I'll see you later, Val!"

I smiled and closed the door, the envelope still clutched in my hand. I didn't know why I was feeling nervous, but I pushed the feeling down and sat on my bed to open the envelope. I took a deep, shaky breath and pulled out the neatly folded paper inside.

As I opened it, I saw Julie's handwriting staring back at me. I wondered what was going on, but I started reading anyway.

As I read the letter, my heart ached for Julie. Her words poured out like a confession, raw and honest.

"Dear Val,

I'm sorry for everything. I know it doesn't cover it at all, I know it's not enough, I know I have wronged you. For that, I'm so sorry.

With that apology, which I don't expect you to accept, I know I owe you an explanation. Bellamy and I are indeed sisters. When we were younger, we were very close, inseparable, in fact. Our parents loved each other and us too, it was perfect, but everything changed when our parents separated. Bellamy got taken by my father, and I stayed with my mum and my grandma, but my mum died of a disease a few years back. I had to take care of myself and my grandma, so I found a job at the Palace. It was going fine until I saw my sister working here too. I was very happy, elated to reconcile with her, but she hated me. She hated my guts."

I stopped reading, noticing a tear drop on the paper, smudging the word "hated" I was sure it was from Julie. My eyes went out to the older girl, and I felt a pang of sympathy.

The letter continued, "I confronted her to ask why she changed so much. She told me that I got to enjoy time with mum while she had to stay with dad, who didn't have time for her at all. That I grew up with love while she grew up neglected, so she decided that she would never talk to me. I tried, Val, I tried everything, but she still hated me. Everything I did was never enough, but I still kept on trying, wanting my younger sister back, wanting what we had when we were younger. But I was foolish, Val. Now I've lost both of my sisters, Bellamy and you. I wish I could turn back the hands of time, but alas, I can't. I want to apologize over and over again, but I know it won't be enough, so I want to say... I'm leaving."

My heart skipped a beat as I read the sentence. Julie was leaving? Where was she going? And why?

I forced myself to continue reading, despite the urge to puke.

"I'm leaving for good, away from you, Val. At least I know that's the right thing to do, and that would be even a little bit of a good apology, so you don't have to see my disgusting face. So I'm letting my hair down, literally. To find forgiveness and to suffer for what I did to you and my sister too. I want you to know that if maybe my prayers can be heard, then I'm praying for you, and that you receive all the happiness in the world, because you deserve it and more. You will always be my friend, Val, and I wish I could have seen your hometown or celebrated the festival with you. I want you to know that I love you, and I always will, no matter what. With love, Julie."

I froze for a moment, then abandoned the letter and rushed out of my room. I had to find Julie. I knocked on her door, but no one answered. I searched the north wing, asking workers if they had seen her, but no one had.

I wouldn't give up. I was ready to search the whole Palace. I checked the kitchen, the lounge, the library, and was about to head to the south wing when I saw Martha, Julie's close friend.

"Martha, have you seen Julie?" I asked, trying to stay calm.

"Julie? I saw her about an hour ago, heading to the Palace gates," Martha replied, looking thoughtful. "Come to think of it, I noticed her holding a suitcase, but I couldn't confront her because I had to get the balloons for the festival. Was I wrong not to have confronted her? Is she okay, Val? Where did she go?"

I looked lost for words, only tears coming out. Martha furrowed her brows but didn't ask questions, just hugged me tightly.

When I got back to my room, I shut the door and held the letter to my chest, clutching it as if my life depended on it. I cried and sobbed, thoughts running through my mind. If only I had told Julie that I hadn't really been angry.

It wasn't till mid-morning before I decided to stop wallowing in my grief and stand up to take a shower. I put on casual clothes since I barely had any work to do and I wasn't among the workers assigned for the annual unity festival preparations. I carefully put Julie's letter in my drawer next to the locket Prince Nova had given me. I collected my phone from my bed and tried to call Julie, like I had been trying for like 10 times, but of course, it was switched off. I sighed and headed out of the room. I encountered some workers on my way to the lounge who greeted me cheerfully, chatting about the festival. When I got to the lounge, I noticed that it was surprisingly quiet, with just a few footmen relaxing in the couches. I saw the person I was looking for, sitting on a high stool in the Kitchen island.

Jude looked up when I slid in next to him. He immediately hugged me, and I patted his back, knowing he was just as sad as I was that Julie left. He let me go after a moment, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. He looked so sad that it crushed me, and I felt guilty.

"I'm sorry," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry that Julie had to leave."

He shook his head sadly, taking a sip from his beer. "I couldn't stop her, Val. I tried to talk to her, but she had made up her mind."

I rubbed his shoulder, staying quiet for a moment. Then I said hopefully, "Maybe she's still close by. Her grandma's house, she could be there."

Jude shook his head again. "There's no point, Val. I know Julie too well. Once she puts her mind to something, she always wants to see it through. And with this fact... I think she might not even be in Calon City anymore."

My eyes pricked with tears, and I found myself saying, "It's all my fault. All mine. If I had just told her I forgave her, none of this would be happening."

Jude put down his beer and turned to me. "It's not your fault, Val. You had every right to be upset. Julie made her decision, and we should respect that. She's been carrying around a lot of guilt and pain. Maybe this is what she needs – to get away and start fresh."

That didn't comfort me, and I knew it didn't comfort Jude either. After sitting in silence for a while, Jude looked down, his voice cracking. "I couldn't even tell her I loved her, or show her to my family, or... " He broke off, and a tear slid down his cheek.

My heart went out to him immediately, and I took his hand, speaking softly but matter-of-factly. "No matter where Julie is, I believe she knows you love her, and she loves you too. That won't change. The memories you guys shared won't change. You didn't have to tell her with words; your actions were enough. You were always there for her, supporting her, caring for her. That's what matters."

Jude looked up, and for the first time since we started this conversation, he smiled – a small, sad smile that made me smile too.

"Would you like a drink?" he asked, his voice a little stronger now.

"Of course," I replied, smiling back at him. "I would love a drink."

He squeezed my hand before getting up to get my drink, and I knew we would get through this together – for Julie's sake, and for ours.

_______

"Valerie?" I looked back and my eyes widened as I took in the sight before me. I blinked once, twice, but I was still seeing well. My parents still stood there in the hallway, alive and well.

I stuttered, "Mum? Dad?"

My mum smiled and said, "Valerie, I have missed you."

With that, I rushed to my parents and hugged both of them tightly. I couldn't believe they were actually here. I had missed them so much.

I let them go and asked, "How?"

My mum's smile grew wider. "It was all thanks to Prince Nova. He reached out to us and invited us to come for the festival. He said he wanted you to have your family with you during this special time."

My dad chimed in excitedly, "And he even paid for our flight - a first-class one, no less!"

I couldn't believe my ears. Why would Prince Nova do that? I hadn't asked him to. I said, "But why would he do something like that? How does he expect us to pay him back?"

My mum's expression turned gentle. "Never mind that, Valerie. I know he did it from his heart, not expecting anything in return. That's what makes him a good person."

I frowned, still unsure. "But still, Mum..."

My dad placed a hand on my shoulder. "Sheila, Val does have a point though. I know I was very excited to come here and even get on a plane, but don't you think it's too much? We can't just accept such a grand gesture without returning the kindness somehow."

My mum sighed exasperatedly at me and my dad. "Okay, if you really want to repay him, it's fine, but tell me, how are you going to do that, huh? Do you have the money or the resources? Do you even know anybody that's as powerful as him?"

My dad and I fell silent, knowing my mum was right. We didn't have anything or anyone; there was no way we could pay him back.

My dad spoke up, "I'm sorry, guys... You know how it is."

My mum eyed him. "Why are you apologizing?"

He said, "If only I was rich, or influential, or... I don't know, someone important. Maybe then I could repay him properly."

My mum shook her head, "Not that again."

I chimed in, "Even though we can't repay him just yet, I'm going to try by thanking him. That's the least I can do."

My dad grinned widely, "That's my girl!"

My mum rolled her eyes, "I think we should leave the appreciation for later, because, as you can see, we need to get freshened up."

My dad raised a brow, "Why is that, honey?"

My mum sighed exasperatedly, "Because we are in the Palace for goodness' sake! We can't look like travelers who just arrived from the countryside."

I shook my head at my parents, smiling. This was going to be a very good festival.

Prince Nova had actually made arrangements for my parents to stay in a guest room in the south wing, which was much more than I could fathom. I was definitely going to thank him when I saw him.

After my parents had freshened up, changed, and eaten, they immediately asked to be shown around the Palace. They were in awe of everything, and I couldn't blame them. We walked through the grand halls, and they marveled at the intricate carvings and beautiful artwork.

As we strolled, we came across some of the workers who greeted us, acquaintances of mine who were happy to meet my parents. Mira even appeared, hugging my parents tightly and exclaiming how much she missed them. Her parents had also come to the Palace for the annual unity festival. Mira had asked how we had arranged for them to come and I had told her that we had been saving some money for this moment.

We had explored many parts of the Palace and were heading to the gardens when we encountered Lord Alex. He tipped his head slightly, raising an eyebrow at my parents, wondering who they were.

I smiled and said, "Lord Alex, happy Unity Festival!"

My parents turned to him, and I introduced them, "This are my parents. Mum, Dad, this is Lord Alex."

My mum exclaimed, "Wow, he is so handsome!"

I rolled my eyes, and Lord Alex smirked, saying politely, "Nice to meet you, my lady." He kissed her knuckles, and my eyes almost bulged. I didn't know Lord Alex could be this polite - well, to anyone.

My father asked, "Are you a noble?"

I quickly intervened, "He's Prince Nova's cousin; his father is the younger brother of the king."

My father's mouth hung open at that. My mum said, "I knew you looked familiar! I'm honored, Your Lordship," and she curtsied. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes.

Lord Alex said, "Please, don't bother with the honorifics. I'm just a human like you." At that, I was sure he was someone else, not the Lord Alex I knew.

When we arrived at the garden, my mum whispered to me, "So, is he single?" Her expression said it all.

I almost shouted, "Mum!"

She said, "I meant for you," with a sly smile. I shook my head and joined my father at the front, leaving my mum to her matchmaking thoughts.

______

The thing about the annual Unity Festival was not just the music, fireworks, or the meticulous planning that went into it – it was the people, gathered together in one place, celebrating as one. Mira slipped her arm through mine, and I smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over me. We had decided to stick together throughout the festival, just like old times.

Mira's parents were nowhere to be seen, likely mingling with the other influential families, but she had opted to spend the day with me instead. My parents, on the other hand, were nearby, enjoying the atmosphere and letting us have our freedom. The crowd was a sea of colorful stalls, enticing food, and refreshing drinks. Unlike previous years, there was no raised dais for the royal family – instead, everyone mingled together, a true testament to the festival's spirit of unity. Of course, the guards were on high alert, discreetly keeping watch over their respective charges from the royal family.

As we wove through the throng, I couldn't help but think of Prince Nova. I had missed my chance to thank him earlier today, and I was determined to make amends now. I scanned the crowd, searching for a glimpse of his familiar face. Mira followed my gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Looking for someone?" she asked.

Before Mira could press me for an answer, the high priestess took the makeshift stage at the center of the Palace grounds. The crowd parted, and Mira and I stopped to watch, our eyes drawn to the serene figure. The high priestess's presence commanded attention, and soon, everyone was transfixed by her gentle smile.

"Beloved community, we gather tonight to celebrate our unity and the blessings of the past year," she began, her voice like a soothing melody. "Let us come together in love, light, and gratitude." As she spoke, the air was filled with the sweet scent of incense, and the soft chirping of flutes seemed to emanate from the very stars themselves. The high priestess lit a ceremonial torch, and the flames danced across her face, casting a warm glow.

"With the fire of unity, we ignite our spirits and cast away the shadows of division," she continued. "May our hearts be filled with compassion, empathy, and understanding." The crowd echoed her words, their voices weaving together in harmony, and I felt Mira's hand squeeze mine. I squeezed back.

The high priestess's voice continued to enchant us, "Let us honor the elements that sustain us: earth, air, water, and fire. May we walk in balance and reciprocity with nature's rhythms." As she spoke, symbolic offerings were presented: a bowl of soil, a feather, a shell, and the torch. The crowd responded with applause and cheers, and I found myself clapping along, feeling the joy spread through the crowd.

The high priestess raised her hands once more, and the sky erupted in a kaleidoscope of fireworks, painting the stars with vibrant colors. The crowd gasped in wonder. I felt Mira's eyes meet mine, and we shared a smile.

With the high priestess's final words, the festival erupted into a vibrant celebration. The air pulsed with music, and people began dancing. The sky was ablaze with fireworks, their colors and patterns mesmerizing the crowd. Mira and I wandered through the throng, sampling delicacies from various booths. We savored sweet pastries, spicy skewers, and fragrant street food, our senses overwhelmed by the array of flavors.

We even indulged in a glass of wine, but I had to stop at one, my low alcohol tolerance making itself known. Mira, ever the loyal friend, stopped drinking as well, though I knew she could have handled more. We laughed and chatted, enjoying the merriment around us.

As we strolled, we ran into Saintly and Jude. Jude was still a bit down, but I stayed by his side, trying to cheer him up.

Later, my parents joined us, beaming with joy as they took in the festivities. The night air was filled with laughter, music, and the occasional burst of fireworks, casting a magical glow over everything. Amidst the revelry, I caught glimpses of the royal family, Prince Nova included, but I hadn't yet mustered the courage to approach him. Maybe later, I thought, as Mira pulled me into another dance.

Some time later, Mira leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the music. "It's almost time," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with a mix of nervousness and excitement. I knew exactly what she meant. The main event of the festival was about to begin – the traditional Calonian dance.

Every year, men would gift the women they admired a handkerchief, symbolizing their affection, and then lead them to the dance floor to perform a traditional Calonian waltz.

As I glanced around, I saw that some men were already presenting handkerchiefs to their chosen ladies, and the first notes of the waltz were beginning to play. The crowd was growing quiet, anticipating the grand spectacle. Mira's eyes met mine, and I could sense her anxiety. I smiled reassuringly at her, trying to calm her nerves. But my own heart was racing with anticipation.

Just then, I spotted prince Nova making his way towards me and Mira. It was surreal, how I could pick him out so effortlessly amidst the sea of people. I was still getting used to this newfound connection, this sense of being drawn to him like a magnet. A part of me knew he would do this but I didn't want to believe it, since I had some what confessed my feelings to him; feelings that I had been trying to deny I had. Regardless, why would he want to do this in front of this many people?

My mind raced as he approached, the handkerchief clutched in his hand. I glanced at Mira, but she seemed oblivious to the prince's approach. That was, until someone bumped into him, and he stumbled towards her. The handkerchief, now presented to Mira, made it seem like he'd intended to give it to her all along.

Mira's eyes widened. "Your Majesty?" she breathed.

I felt the weight of the crowd's gaze, all eager to see who the crowned prince would choose. Prince Nova hesitated, catching my eye. I shook my head discreetly,  pleading with him to not choose me and instead play along. Though he seemed reluctant, he offered Mira a smile and presented the handkerchief. She beamed, and he led her to the dance floor. Mira's face lit up as she accepted, and prince Nova led her to dance.

I tried to ignore the sting in my chest, but it was no use. Prince Nova glanced back at me, but I looked away, focusing on my parents by my side. My dad presented my mom with a handkerchief, a sweet gesture that only made my heart ache more.

My mum turned to me and said, "You'll be fine here, right?" Her concerned expression made me force a smile and nod. She eyed me for a moment before leaving with my dad to dance.

I watched as they glided across the floor, lost in each other's eyes. I noticed that a lot of people were now dancing with their partners. I sighed, pushing away the sad feeling that had settled in my chest. Instead, I focused on the happy couple that was my parents, enjoying the love that radiated from them.

Just then, I felt a presence beside me. I turned to see Prince Cadoc standing there, looking dashing in his checkered shirt and slacks. His red hair shone in the light as he watched the dancers.

I grinned and nodded towards the handkerchief in his hand. "You didn't give anyone?" I asked, half-teasingly. I was surprised he hadn't offered it to anyone yet, considering how many ladies would love to receive a handkerchief from him. Maybe he didn't like anyone, I thought to myself.

Prince Cadoc smiled warmly at me and said, "Do you want it?" His sincerity made my eyes widen.

For a moment, I wondered if he might have a crush on me, but I quickly pushed the thought aside. Then, a realization struck me - maybe the handkerchief didn't have to be a romantic gesture. Maybe it could signify a platonic relationship too.

Just as I was about to accept Prince Cadoc's handkerchief with a smile, a figure appeared in front of us. It was Lord Alex, holding a handkerchief and looking surprisingly shy. He avoided eye contact, took my hand, and pressed the handkerchief into it. My eyes widened in surprise, but I quickly relaxed, realizing this was also a platonic gesture.

I glanced back at Prince Cadoc, who was already putting his handkerchief away. Our eyes met, and he gave me a reassuring smile. I smiled back, almost apologetically, and followed Lord Alex to the dance floor.

As we danced, I shook my hips to the rhythm, my hands in Lord Alex's. He was surprisingly quiet, without his usual snarky comments. He looked a little embarrassed, his ears flushed with red, and his eyes cast anywhere but my face. I remained quiet too, relieved when the song ended. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to have danced with him, but the dance had become uncomfortable due to the way he was acting.

Lord Alex immediately left, not even glancing back at me. I furrowed my brows, puzzled by his behavior. But as I looked down at the handkerchief in my hand, I decided to keep it very dearly. It wasn't like I hadn't received handkerchiefs before when my parents and I had been invited to some annual unity festivals. But this one was special, it was worth keeping.

______

"Lord Alexander, huh?" Mira asked, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Don't think like that, there's nothing there," I said, but even though I meant it, I couldn't stop the light flush on my cheeks.

Mira raised an eyebrow. "But that doesn't stop the fact that he likes you."

I shook my head. "He doesn't, Mira."

She leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "If he did like you, would you give him a chance?"

I rolled my eyes. "Mira!"

She persisted, "Come on, Val, give him a chance. After Magna, you haven't tried to date anyone, not that there's anything wrong with that, but still... maybe Lord Alexander is your destined partner."

I threw up my hands. "Where is all this coming from, Mira?"

Mira opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, her cousin Abigail appeared beside us. Mira had informed me that she was in the Palace. Abigail was known for her competitiveness and vanity, but today she looked... different. Her usual chatterbox persona was replaced with an expressionless mask.

Abigail's expressionless face turned to Mira, and she said, "You won, Mira."

Mira's confusion was palpable. "What?"

Abigail's voice remained flat, but her words were laced with a hint of bitterness. "For the first time, you actually won me on something... and this... it hurts so much I don't want to accept it... but I have to."

Mira stared at her, bewildered, and I was equally perplexed. I decided to give them privacy and slipped away, but not before glancing back. Abigail was leaving, and Mira looked stunned, as if Abigail had revealed a shocking secret. I chose not to ask and gave Mira some space.

As I turned a corner, I bumped into a hard chest. Apologetic eyes met mine, and Prince Nova said, "Forgive me, I wasn't watching where I was going."

I waved it away, swallowing hard. He looked so handsome, no, regal was the word. His intense gaze made me feel like he could see right through me. I snapped out of it, remembering my parents. "My parents, you didn't have to do that," I said.

Prince Nova's expression softened, and he said, "You're right, I didn't have to, but I wanted to. I know how much you miss your parents, and I know the festival would be more special if they were here. I wanted to see you smile."

My cheeks flushed, and I looked down, trying to hide my emotions. "Thank you, but I'm going to repay you, I don't know how, but I will try."

Prince Nova's voice was gentle. "Don't try, Val."

I shook my head, determination rising within me. "I will."

Prince Nova sighed, reached into his pocket, and brought out a handkerchief. He took my hand, pressing the handkerchief into it. "This was originally supposed to be yours."

I looked up, concerned. "What if people see?"

Prince Nova's eyes locked onto mine, his voice firm. "I don't care... I don't care what anyone says. You deserve it as much as anyone."

I looked down at his feet, disbelief written across my face. Prince Nova's words were too kind, too genuine. I reluctantly kept the handkerchief.

"I'm sorry about Julie," Prince Nova said, his voice tinged with sadness. "I didn't know she would do that."

I looked up, surprised. "You know?"

Prince Nova nodded, his eyes clouding over. He and Julie had been good friends, and I could see the pain of her betrayal still lingered.

I placed a hand on his arm, offering comfort. "It's okay, I'm sure she had a lot going on. I hope wherever she is, she'll know that a lot of people care about her, and one of them is the Crowned Prince of Calonia."

Prince Nova's lips twitched in amusement, a small smile breaking through his somber expression.

Just then, the High Priestess approached us, her eyes fixed on me with an unnerving intensity. I had noticed her staring since our conversation began, and I knew Prince Nova had too.

"Your Highness," she said, her voice dripping with subservience, "might I have a word with Valerie alone?"

Prince Nova's eyes flashed with hesitation, but he looked at me, and I smiled warmly, reassuring him. He finally agreed, but not before taking my hand and pressing a kiss to my knuckles. My eyes widened, but I stayed quiet.

As he left, I turned to the High Priestess, who wore an amused expression. "I won't beat around the bush, I will go straight to the point. Stop what you are doing with His Highness," she said, her words direct and to the point.

I was shocked, but not entirely surprised. "I knew that's what you wanted to say," I replied, my voice laced with a sad smile.

The High Priestess raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh?"

I explained, my smile still tinged with sadness. "Not only you, but everyone who sees us will say that... I mean, it's kind of cliché, isn't it? The Crowned Prince liking a girl like me? Everyone will definitely not accept."

The High Priestess laughed lightly, and my head snapped up in surprise. She smiled warmly and said, "I'm not talking about the people, Valerie Alaric. I'm talking about what you will go through if you follow this path."

My mind raced, realizing that, of course, this woman was the High Priestess – she could actually read the future.

The High Priestess's expression turned serious, her eyes piercing. "It's not going to be easy, Valerie Alaric, especially with your best friend... that might actually be the hardest. You know that, right?"

I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. I didn't even bother to ask how she knew.

The High Priestess's voice was laced with a hint of solemnity. "I know, as the High Priestess, I'm supposed to reassure you, but I have no words of assurance, my dear. You have to do it on your own."

I nodded again.

"Is there... maybe a chance that I..." I trailed off, looking down, feeling a sense of embarrassment.

The High Priestess's voice was soothing. "Go on, my child. Don't be scared to speak your mind. You didn't do anything wrong."

I took a deep breath and continued. "Is there maybe a chance that I can end up with Prince Nova? That our love would be enough?"

The High Priestess's expression turned thoughtful. "That, my child, I am not aware of, but I believe there may be a chance. Because I see fire in you, child, and I love what I see. Maybe this is what this kingdom needs – a queen like Valerie Alaric."

My eyes widened in shock. Queen? The thought had never crossed my mind. I hadn't thought I stood a chance with Prince Nova, but now... could I really be a good queen? The thoughts swirled in my head, making me feel dizzy.

As if sensing my thoughts, the High Priestess spoke up. "Fear not, you were not the first person who had to go through this. Late Queen Sophia was just like you... even the most darkest path might just have the right type of light to navigate it and reach the finish line."

I mulled over the High Priestess's words,

then a thought struck me, and I asked the her, "Why aren't you saying I'm not good enough because I don't come from a respectable background?"

The High Priestess smiled, looking younger than her age. "Because it isn't right to judge someone just because they aren't influential or rich or famous or from a respectable home. That, my dear, doesn't matter. What matters is here," she said, touching my heart.

My eyes shone with tears as I realized how much I needed this assurance. "What about Mira? She doesn't deserve all this. How will she be happy?"

The High Priestess's expression turned thoughtful. "Happiness isn't something tied to just one source. Happiness can be received in different ways and forms. And for Mira... she already has it. It doesn't have to be Prince Nova." She paused, looking like she knew something I or Mira didn't. "Maybe for Mira, it's someone she least expects."

I took a deep breath and thanked her, feeling a sense of gratitude.

The High Priestess chuckled. "It's funny how I came here to warn you, but now I'm helping you. Isn't that strange, Valerie? What is it about you that I see?"

I flushed, feeling embarrassed. "There's nothing to me at all, I mean—"

The High Priestess interrupted, her eyes sparkling. "That isn't true, Valerie Alaric. Prince Nova saw you, and he liked what he saw. So, I believe you are not an ordinary girl. You are something more."

For once, I believed it, feeling a sense of pride and self-worth.

The High Priestess continued, "Always believe that, Valerie Alaric, and stay strong. Because even though it might all seem okay, it isn't always. Be ready and never lose your guard, because that might be what keeps you going. Understand?"

I nodded. I didn't know what she meant but when it comes to the high priestess' predictions you can never be too careful.

The High Priestess straightened and said, "I guess we've had enough chit-chat for one night." I smiled, and then she leaned forward, whispering in my ear, "Valerie Alaric, you will make a good queen."

My eyes widened in shock, and the High Priestess smiled brightly before turning to leave. But she stopped and looked back, saying, "Thank you... for helping Millicent."

_______

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