Chapter 33- Use me

Mira's POV:

A few days ago, I'd heard the devastating news: the king was sick. The palace was abuzz with worried whispers. I hoped with all my heart that he would recover. Prince Nova had been absent for what felt like an eternity, consumed by his new responsibilities. And Prince Cadoc, usually so full of life, looked miserable.

Determined to lift his spirits, I organized a picnic in the gardens with him, Luna, and Majesty by our side. Our usual lively chatter was replaced by silence as we ate.

I broke the silence, concern etched on my face. "Are you alright?"

Prince Cadoc nodded, but his eyes told a different story.

I reached out, my voice soft. "I'm always here, okay?"

For the first time that day, a faint smile crossed his lips. "Thank you, Mira."

After lunch, we played with Majesty and Luna, their joyful energy infectious. Once their handler whisked them away, Prince Cadoc and I sat together again.

"How is Prince Nova?" I asked, genuine concern in my voice.

Prince Cadoc's expression turned somber. "It's not easy for him. Hearing his father is sick and taking on those pressing responsibilities...it's quite toiling. But my brother is strong; I know he'll pull through."

I nodded, knowing Prince Cadoc was right. That was the Prince Nova I'd once admired, and thinking about it now...my heart ached. I couldn't think of him in that way again.

Prince Cadoc noticed my distress. "Mira, is something wrong?"

I sighed, honesty spilling out. "It's really hard for me. I did once like him, and sometimes when I think of him...it hurts. And I know I shouldn't be thinking like that, but I—"

Prince Cadoc's expression softened, his voice low. "Use me, Mira."

"What?" I asked, shock etched on my face.

Prince Cadoc's expression turned serious. "Use me to forget Nova."

My eyes widened, his words sinking in.

"I like you, Mira," he confessed.

Before I could process anything, his lips brushed against mine. The kiss was gentle, yet electrifying. I froze, my mind racing. But then, something took over, and I kissed him back. It wasn't my first kiss, but this felt different. Prince Cadoc's lips were warm, inviting. For a moment, I lost myself. But reality struck, and I pulled away.

"I can't do this," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Prince Cadoc's eyes flashed with pain.

I stood, my legs wobbly. "Sorry," I muttered, turning to leave. I'd wanted to cheer him up, but now I was the one who needed cheering. As I walked away, I felt his gaze on me.

Two days had passed since I'd last spoken to Prince Cadoc. I'd been avoiding him, unsure how to process his confession. He'd been one of my closest, and now...everything was complicated. I knew he needed me, especially during this difficult time with his father's illness, but facing him seemed impossible. I didn't know what I felt, and the uncertainty was suffocating.

Sighing, I left the library and paused, spotting Prince Cadoc and his personal maid ahead. The maid's hand rested possessively on his arm, her smirk grating. Prince Cadoc, oblivious, gazed at his phone.

I watched, feeling a pang of discomfort. I knew some of the maids liked him, but I hadn't really cared that much...until now. Something about this scene ignited a fire within me. I almost saw red. The maid's flirtatious giggles and Prince Cadoc's unawareness fueled my irritation. For some reason, this felt personal.

Prince Cadoc tilted his phone, sharing the screen with the maid - Khloe, who giggled. That's when I marched up to them, took Prince Cadoc's arm, and said in my sweetest voice. "Your Highness, you promised to braid my hair." Braid my hair? Where did that come from?

Prince Cadoc's eyes widened; Khloe looked stunned. Before he could react, I dragged him away.

Once out of sight, I released his hand, smoothing my dress. Prince Cadoc smirked. I knew he'd seen the jealousy in my eyes.

Anger bubbled up; I turned and walked away. He didn't stop me - not that I wanted him to stop me that is.

After dinner that day, I hastened to my room, eager to escape Prince Cadoc's presence. My heels clicked on the marble floor as I briskly walked, my silk gown rustling. But he trailed after me, his footsteps echoing through the corridors.

I cursed under my breath, quickening my pace.

Prince Cadoc persisted, his determined stride matching mine. As I rounded a corner into an empty hallway, I spun to face him. "Stop following me!" I demanded, arms folded.

He halted, a hint of amusement on his face. "I have a question."

I raised an eyebrow, irritation simmering. "What is it?"

"Why did you act that way when you saw me and Khloe earlier today?" he asked, his eyes probing.

I glared, rolling my eyes. "I was jealous, okay? Are you happy now?"

Prince Cadoc smirked, nodding. "I'm very happy."

I scowled, turning to leave.

"Don't you have anything else to say?" he called out.

I shouted over my shoulder, "No!"

But then I stopped, pivoted, and marched back to him.

"Actually, yes," I said, standing before him. "I like you very much, Prince Cadoc."

His eyes widened, shock etched on his face. My own eyes grew wide as I clapped my hand over my mouth.

I'd said too much.

Anger and frustration had loosened my tongue. But it was true. I did like him. Prince Cadoc's gaze locked onto mine, searching.

Maintaining eye contact, I spoke slowly, "I do like you...I like you...I like–"

Prince Cadoc's eyes crinkled at the corners as he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine, interrupting my confession. I melted into the kiss, my words forgotten.

This time, I kissed him back, our lips moving in perfect harmony. His hand cradled my cheek, his fingers tracing my jawline. Mine slipped around his neck, deepening the kiss. Time melted away, leaving only the two of us. We broke apart, gasping softly.

Prince Cadoc laid his forehead against mine, chuckling. I chuckled too, my heart racing.

"Thank you, thank you very much," he whispered.

Memories flooded my mind – My cousin's sad smile when she had confronted me at the annual unity festival.

"You won," she'd said, "You took him from me."

Back then, I hadn't understood. Now, I did. Prince Cadoc had been the prize, and I'd unknowingly claimed him.

"Thank you too," I whispered back.

★★★

Valerie's POV:

I stopped mopping and checked my phone as it ding-ed. A text message from Prince Nova flashed on the screen: "Meet me tonight at the private dining hall in the south wing, that is if you are not busy."

My face broke out in a radiant smile. It had been a week since we last saw each other, and I missed him terribly. With his hectic schedule, calls were impossible, so this invitation was a delightful surprise.

I typed out a swift reply: "I'm not busy, I will be there."

As night fell, I dressed with care, choosing a stunning blue ruffled dress, strapless with a daring cut from mid-thigh to knee. Blue was his favorite color, and I wanted to impress. The heels he gifted me on his father's birthday added a touch of elegance.

With makeup applied and my heart racing, I made my way through the secret passageway Prince Nova had shown me. The corridor led me to the south wing, and I entered the dining room, my smile widening as I spotted his broad back.

As he turned, my heart skipped a beat. I missed him so much!

Prince Nova's face lit up with a warm smile. I rushed into his open arms, and he caught me tightly.

"Valerie," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. I hugged him fiercely, inhaling his intoxicating scent. Releasing me, he held me at arm's length. "Gosh, I missed you," he exclaimed, his eyes shining.

"Are you alright?" I asked, noticing the dark circles under his eyes and his pale complexion.

He sighed, his smile faltering for a moment. "I am because you are here."

My cheeks flushed as he led me to the table, laden with exquisite dishes.

"Let's eat, shall we?" he suggested.

I nodded, and we sat together, savoring the meal and casual conversation. I avoided mentioning his father's health, not wanting to dampen the evening.

Prince Nova shared stories of his business trip to a neighboring country, and I recounted how the workers were warming up to me. As we laughed and talked, the tension in his shoulders began to ease, replaced by a sense of tranquility.

After dinner, we stood side by side at the large window, sipping wine as we gazed out at the city. The comfortable silence between us was a warm blanket.

He took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine. "I don't know when I'll hold your hand like this again," he said, his voice low and tender. "I want to cherish this moment."

I turned to him, my eyes locking onto his. "Let's be positive, let's be optimistic," I said, desperation creeping into my voice. "Everything will be fine, believe that, Your Highness." The title rolled off my tongue with endearment.

We held eye contact, and he nodded, a gentle smile spreading across his face. I smiled back.

As the night wore on, I lingered, reluctant to leave his side. When he walked me to my door, I couldn't bear the thought of him leaving.

"Stay the night with me," I blurted.

Prince Nova's eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded.

I smiled, taking his hand, and led him into my room. This time, with him by my side, everything felt right. We slipped into bed, and I nestled into his arms. The small bed forced us closer together, but I didn't mind.

As I drifted off to sleep, I thought I heard him whisper, "I love you." But I must have imagined it.

The next morning, Prince Nova was gone. A note on my bedside table read: "Valerie, I've been called away on an unexpected trip to Marlenia. I'll be back to you soon. I love you."

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"I'm dating Prince Cadoc!" Mira exclaimed, bouncing onto my bed.

We were both in my room, catching up on lost time. Though Mira didn't say it, I knew she was here to cheer me up. Two weeks had passed since I'd seen Prince Nova, and the distance weighed heavily on me.

"What? Not that I'm surprised though," I said, genuinely thrilled. "I'm so happy for you!"

Mira beamed, radiating happiness.

"Spill the tea," I teased, leaning in. "So, tell me, have you guys... kissed?"

Mira said offhandedly. "A lot of times." Then, her eyes widened, and she screamed, "Valerie!"

I laughed so loudly my sides ached. For a moment, I forgot my worries about Prince Nova.

Days passed uneventfully until my mom called.

"Valerie, your dad is sick," she said. My eyes widened, and Mom hurriedly continued, "He just has a cold."

I sighed in relief. "How is he?"

"Peachy," Mom replied. "I need you to be here, Valerie. I can't watch him since I have to work, and besides, you haven't been home in forever."

"I'll come," I said, knowing I had to see my family too.

Mom asked, "How's Prince Nova and the king?"

I hesitated. "They still haven't found a cure."

Mom sighed. "My regards to everyone there. I'll keep praying for the king."

"Thank you, Mom."

Next, I visited Mrs. Bertha to request leave and caught up with her. Then, I chatted with Jude and informed Mira I was leaving.

Mira offered to join me, but I insisted she stay with Prince Cadoc.

The last person to inform was Prince Nova, but he wasn't back from his trip. I tried calling, but it was unreachable. I texted him, "Going to Eldrida tomorrow."

The message showed "not seen." I sighed and began preparing for my journey.

The train ride to Eldrida was a welcome escape from the worries lingering in my mind. As I stepped into my childhood home, I was enveloped in warmth. Mom and Dad greeted me with open arms, and we spent the evening chatting like old times. Dad's cold couldn't dampen his smile.

The next two days passed in a blur of caregiving and household chores. I didn't return to work at the Weldon's mansion, but Emily and Lydia visited, filling me in on the latest gossip.

My phone remained silent, devoid of any messages from Prince Nova. His absence weighed heavily on my heart.

Seeking solace, I stepped into the cozy cafe, craving my favorite coffee. As I sipped, lost in thought, a familiar voice broke the silence.

"Valerie."

I looked up, shocked. Magna Evans stood before me dressed as a barista. He looked so unrecognizable. His usual messy hair was slicked back, revealing bright blue eyes that sparkled. His skin glowed with a warm tan. I had heard from Emily and Lydia that he had quit his job at the Weldon's mansion for no apparent reason.

"Hello," I said warily, unsure what to expect.

Magna's smile faltered for a moment before he asked, "May I sit?"

My instincts screamed "no" but I nodded, curiosity getting the better of me. He sat across me.

An awkward silence hung between us until Magna spoke.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I was taken aback.

"I wanted to tell you all this while, but I heard you traveled to Calon City," Magna continued, his eyes locked onto mine. "For months, I contemplated reaching out, but I didn't know how. I was scared you wouldn't pick up, scared you'd end the call the moment you heard my voice."

I searched his eyes for dishonesty, but he looked sincere.

"After that day you slapped me, I went home and thought about my actions," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I realized I deserved it. I knew I needed to make it up to you, but when I returned, I lost courage. I stayed away, feeling guilty. When I finally gathered the courage, you were gone." He took a deep breath. "I quit my job at the Weldon's and went on a spiritual pilgrimage. When I returned, I started anew, determined to make amends. I raised money to come see you in Calon City, but fate brought you here."

I was stunned. This wasn't the Magna I knew. But then again, this guy, right now, was the guy I had once dated and liked.

"When I saw you walk in through that door, I knew it was fate," Magna said, his voice filled with conviction. "I needed to talk to you."

He stood, his movements deliberate, and knelt before me. My mouth opened in shock. Some patrons watched, but he didn't seem to care.

Magna's voice cracked as he spoke, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I was just so jealous of you, so jealous that you were so loved by Mira's parents. I was wrong, I'm so sorry. I don't know if you can give me another chance."

My mind reeled. Was this genuine regret or another manipulation?

"First, please stand up," I said, my voice firm. Magna rose slowly. "Sit," I instructed.

He sat, a tear escaping his eyes.

"Magna, I don't know if I'll ever be able to forget what you did to me," I said, my voice measured. "And for the jealousy part, I'm not sure you had any right to be. I gave you my all, I gave you everything. I liked you."

Magna looked down, shame etched on his face. "I'm sorry... I liked you too... No, I still like you."

I stared at him for a long time before speaking. "It's all good now," Hope flickered in his eyes. "It might be all good now, but I'm not sure we'll ever be friends again... Heck, I don't even want to see you anymore."

Magna's face contorted in pain, but he nodded. "You're right."

I took a deep breath. "I forgive you, regardless."

A faint smile crossed his lips. "Thank you, Valerie," Magna said, sincerity in his eyes. "Whoever you're with or whoever you will be with will be so lucky to have you,"

I paused, then said softly "I'm with Prince Nova, and I'm lucky to have him too."

Magna's expression didn't betray surprise. "Do you love him?" he asked.

I smiled slightly.

"Yes....very much."

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