Prince Nova's POV:
We finally returned to the palace after our enchanting trip, and I walked Valerie to her room, savoring every moment. Our time together had been a blissful escape, and I wasn't ready for it to end.
As we landed in Calon City earlier, my father had called, requesting my presence. His unexpected summons weighed heavily on my mind. What did he want to discuss? I saw Valerie into her room, ensuring she was settled before taking my leave.
With a sense of trepidation, I made my way to my father's office. I knocked and entered, surprised to find Cadoc standing before my father's desk, his face pale.
My father's voice was thunderous. "I'm ashamed of you! Get out! Get out of my sight immediately!"
Cadoc shakily bowed and turned to leave. Our eyes met, and he shook his head subtly before hurrying out. My eyebrows furrowed, concern etched on my face.
My father muttered to himself, but I caught the words: "One fooling around with a servant, the other frolicking around with the girl his brother is supposed to marry." My eyes narrowed, instincts on high alert. Was he talking about me and Valerie?
I approached my father, bowing respectfully. "What's going on, Father?"
His expression darkened. "What's going on? You're seriously asking me that, Nova?"
I felt a surge of surprise. "Yes, Father. I don't understand."
He reached into his desk drawer, pulling out a stack of photographs. He slammed them onto the desk. My eyes widened as I took in the images: Valerie and I in Selonia, our arrival, the café, our kiss by the lake, and our hotel entrance. My blood ran cold.
"Where...have you been stalking us?" I demanded, outrage mixing with fear.
My father's voice dripped with disdain. "Yes, and I'm glad I did. I can't believe what I am seeing. This is what you've been doing all this time? I'm so ashamed of you."
I shook my head, defensive. "Father, she's amazing. She isn't like other girls. She'sâ"
He cut me off, his tone venomous. "Right, she isn't like other girls. She's a servant, not worth your attention."
My fists clenched, anger boiling within me. I took a deep breath, my voice firm. "Father, you married for love. Mother wasn't rich, nor from a prestigious family. Why can't I do the same? Why can't I marry the girl I want?"
His eyes softened slightly. "We can't keep doing that, Nova. We need strong alliances, strong bonds. That girl...she doesn't have it. Try to understand, my son. I want what's best for this kingdom."
I whispered, my voice laced with pain, "And not for me."
His face hardened again. "To be a good king, you have to be willing to sacrifice your happiness."
I bit my lip until it drew blood. I knew he was right, but I couldn't leave Valerie. Not even if I tried. "I...I can't," I said.
His glare intensified. "Then I'll send her away."
My eyes widened, my heart literally stopping. "You can't."
He stood up, his voice cold. "I will." We locked gazes, the air thick with tension. He broke the stare, shaking his head. "You and Cadoc are the same. How did I even raise you guys? He can't seem to stay away from Mira."
I knew Cadoc loved Mira, and I was happy for my brother.
I stepped forward, determination burning within me. "No matter where you send Valerie, I'll find her. Even if it's to the end of the earth or out of this world."
My father's eyes blazed with anger. I turned away, but before I took a step, I heard a thud. I spun around to see my father on the floor, blood trickling from his mouth.
My eyes widened in horror. "Guards! Anyone! Help!" I shouted, panic setting in. The doors burst open, guards rushing in. "No, no, no...Father!" I cried, kneeling beside him. This could not be happening again.
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Valerie's POV:
I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling settling within me. Restlessness consumed me, as if something was amiss or looming on the horizon. Pacing around my room, I tried to calm my racing thoughts.
After arriving at the palace this morning, I'd taken a nap, eaten, and even spent time with Mira. Now, nighttime had fallen, casting a dark veil outside.
My concern grew with each passing minute. Prince Nova hadn't answered my numerous calls or texts. This wasn't like him. Worry crept in, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Where was he? Why wasn't he responding?
My anxiety spiking, I decided to try again. Still, no response. Fear gnawed at me. Something felt off.
Just as I was about to head to his office, a knock at the door stopped me. My heart soared, thinking it might be Prince Nova. I flung the door open, but my excitement faltered when I saw Prince Cadoc instead. Hiding my disappointment behind a smile, I greeted him.
Prince Cadoc returned the smile, though his eyes seemed off â a little swollen, his usual sparkle dulled. "Hey, Valerie," he said softly.
I stepped aside, allowing him to enter.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, noticing the fatigue etched on his face.
His expression turned serious. "No...I need to talk to you about Nova."
My heart skipped a beat. "What is it?" I stammered, my lower lip trembling.
Prince Cadoc's expression turned grave. "Our father is...sick."
My eyes widened. "Sick?"
He nodded solemnly. "He...the doctor said he has Erogtism." I hadn't heard of that disease before... Wait, IÂ had! Prince Cadoc confirmed my fears. "That was the disease that killed my mother."
I staggered, feeling tears prick my eyes. Prince Cadoc offered his hand, leading me to my bed. He sat beside me, his presence a comforting anchor.
I felt horrible, but I couldn't imagine how Prince Cadoc felt...or Prince Nova. "Is...the king alright?" I whispered.
Prince Cadoc's voice cracked. "It's uncertain for now. When my mom had the disease, we didn't know until it was too late...when it reached its explosive state. We were asked not to see her, told it would be easily contracted at that stage. Mom was kept in a room for months; we barely saw her. Doctors searched for a cure, but they couldn't...it was too rare. And now...there still isn't a cure."
I sucked in a breath, looking away as a tear slid down my cheek. I had to be strong. For Prince Nova. My heart ached for him. "Prince Nova...how is he?"
Prince Cadoc sighed, his expression weighted. "Since my father is sick, he has to take over the kingdom. He'll be very busy now. It's not going to be easy."
I nodded shakily, knowing it would be hard to see him now. Taking the king's position in this situation would be daunting. No wonder he hadn't answered my calls. My heart went out to him.
Prince Cadoc's concern turned to me. "Will you be fine?"
I smiled softly. "I should be the one asking you that." He shrugged, and I wrapped my arms around him in a gentle hug. "It will be alright," I whispered. "It will be fine."
We held each other for a moment, finding comfort in the embrace.
Prince Cadoc pulled away, standing up. "I have to go now. Will you be alright?"
I nodded slowly.
He smiled fully at me, his eyes crinkling. He bent and pressed his lips to my hair. My eyes widened, surprised by the gentle gesture. He ruffled my hair with his hand. "I'm glad you're here, Valerie."
I smiled. "I'll always be here."
Later that night, as I prepared for bed, my phone rang. I picked up, my voice barely above a whisper. "Prince Nova."
His deep voice filled the line. "I'm sorry I couldn't take your calls."
Tears threatened to spill as I replied, "It's alright."
"Did Cadoc come to meet you?" Prince Nova asked.
"Yes," I replied, my voice steady.
"That's good," he said, relief evident.
My heart ached for him. "Are you alright?"
He sighed, the sound weighing heavy. "I've been better. But I will be fine."
My emotions overflowed. "I miss you."
His voice softened. "Me too, baby. But I won't be able to see you now. I have to attend to some business."
"That's fine," I said, resignation mixing with longing.
We lingered in comfortable silence, the line open between us. Tears slid down my cheeks as I cried silently.
Fifteen minutes passed, and then I heard a gentle snore from the other end. A sad smile spread across my face. "Goodnight, Prince Nova," I whispered.
The line remained open, a gentle connection between us.
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