Valerie's POV:
Next week was Prince Nova's birthday, when he would traditionally announce his bride. Otherwise, his father would choose one for him - which would have been Mira, but she was now with Prince Cadoc. And I was with Prince Nova. But uncertainty still lingered because of the king's illness and how people would feel about prince Nova and I. Ugh, it was all so confusing. I just prayed it turned out well.
I clutched the locket around my neck that Prince Nova had given me, as I entered the Lover's Cave. The empty locket now held our pictures, taken at Selonia.
I glanced around the cave. A smile curved my face, remembering the night Prince Nova confessed to me here. It felt like a million years ago.
I stopped when I noticed something. I went closer, and sure enough, written faintly in small letters on the cave wall was: Nova loves Valerie. Encased in a delicate heart. Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes.
My heart skipped a beat. When had he written this?
"Prince Nova," I whispered, my voice echoing off the walls. How long had this declaration of love been here, waiting for me to find it?
I caressed it, a smile on my face. I took a picture of it and kept my phone back in my pocket and started walking around the cave. Lost in thought, I heard footsteps behind me. Someone must have come here, just like me, seeking solace in this intimate space. The footsteps stopped, and I turned around, and froze.
Standing there was Prince Nova, my Prince Nova, smiling brightly at me. I felt like I was gazing at a shooting star â but this shooting star was mine.
"Valerie," he said softly.
Tears poured down my face, and I couldn't move. Prince Nova took quick strides, wrapped his arms around me, and I fell into the hug.
"I'm here, and I'm not leaving again," he whispered.
I sniffled, and we parted.
"How... how are you here?" I asked.
"I arrived from my trip yesterday and saw your text message," Prince Nova explained. "I took an immediate flight to Eldrida today. I needed to see you," He paused. "I needed to tell you something in person... well, things."
My brow furrowed.
"My dad â they found a cure for my father," Prince Nova said, his eyes shining.
My eyes widened, and tears flowed again. I hugged him tightly.
"Thank God, thank God! Thank you, thank you so much!" I whispered. After we released each other, I asked, "Will he be okay now?"
Prince Nova nodded, smiling.
I breathed a sigh of relief, then asked, "How did you know I was here?"
"Your father told me you were coming to the woods around the Lover's Cave," Prince Nova replied. "I knew you'd be here â where it all began."
I smiled at him, our eyes locked. I missed him so much. Then I remembered. "Do you have any other thing you want to tell me?" I whispered, still holding eye contact.
Prince Nova smirked, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes, I do."
I waited.
"Valerie Alaric, will you be my plus one to my birthday party?" he asked.
I took a deep breath and grinned slowly. "I'll always be your plus one."
Prince Nova flushed, and I caressed the red on his cheek.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too."
Then he kissed me, his lips gentle and I knew I was right where I needed to be.
_________
The double doors stood imposingly before me, fear swirling in my depths. Prince Nova squeezed my hand, and I turned to him. His reassuring gaze met mine.
"Valerie, gather your courage," he said softly.
I nodded once and linked my hand through his arm, drawing strength from his presence.
The herald's voice boomed. "It is our honor to welcome Crowned Prince Nova Calon and Miss Valerie Alaric of Eldrida!"
I took a deep breath and stepped forward.
The grand ballroom unfolded before us, a sea of elegant guests in formal attire. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. The air buzzed with polite conversation and the soft clinking of glasses.
As we entered, every eye turned to us. I tightened my grip on Prince Nova's arm, feeling the weight of their questioning gazes. I'm sure they were wondering why I clung to the prince's arm.
Prince Nova led me to Mira and Prince Cadoc.
"I thought you bailed on your own birthday party," Prince Cadoc said with a smile.
"Not this time, brother," Prince Nova replied.
Mira whispered in my ear. "Let's make a statement tonight."
"You're always making a statement, Mira," I whispered back.
Mira's smile was her only response.
After that, prince Nova gave his speech welcoming everyone to his birthday party and informing them that the king couldn't come since he was still recovering.
After his speech, Prince Nova and I mingled with the guests. They asked who I was, and Prince Nova's simple reply â "My plus one" â sent a flutter through my chest. Conversing with the esteemed guests proved challenging, but Prince Nova's presence bolstered my confidence.
I sipped champagne, exchanged pleasantries, and presented Prince Nova with his gift â a customized camera. Though it paled in comparison to the lavish gifts from others, Prince Nova looked at it as if it was a priceless diamond.
After gift giving, I stood beside a woman who peppered me with questions, her eyes scrutinizing. Prince Nova was nowhere near, leaving me flustered.
"How did you meet the prince? Are you his chosen bride? Who are your parents?" she asked.
I sighed, about to reveal my humble background when a spotlight shone on me. The woman's eyes narrowed, her lips pursing as if aware of the unfolding drama. She moved away subtly.
My brow furrowed, and I reached out to try to stop her, but Prince Nova appeared beside me, drawing everyone's attention. The room fell silent.
I looked around, searching for Mira in the crowd, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Prince Nova knelt on one knee, and I finally knew what was happening â he was announcing his choice of bride, and it was me. My heart stuttered.
He held a sleek, velvet ring box and brought out the ring. The diamond solitaire sparkled, surrounded by sapphires, its beauty mesmerizing.
"Valerie Alaric," Prince Nova said, his gaze locked on mine, "will you grant me the honor of being my queen, my wife, and the mother of my children?"
My eyes widened, and I paused, tears threatening to spill. Never in a million years had I imagined this moment. For the past year I'd known Prince Nova, I hadn't envisioned being here, in this very moment, a lowly maid standing beside the crowned prince. Yet, it felt right. I'd learned to look at him not as a royal, not as a golden statue, but as a normal human being, and as the person I loved, my soulmate.
I glanced at the crowd, searching for Mira again. She pushed through to the front, her bright smile a beacon of encouragement. I nodded, and she nodded back. Returning my gaze to Prince Nova, I saw the expectant look in his eyes.
I stretched out my hand, my voice barely above a whisper. "It would be my honor."
Prince Nova smiled brightly as he slipped the ring onto my finger. The crowd erupted in cheers. Mira rushed forward, embracing me tightly. I hugged her back, tears of joy streaming down my face.
After releasing Mira, Prince Nova immediately pulled me into a deep kiss. I kissed him back, uncaring about the watching crowd.
______
I took a deep breath, knocked, and opened the door. Glancing beside me, Prince Nova smiled reassuringly, and I stepped into the room.
The king sat upright on the grand bed, a blanket covering his leg. A guard stood nearby, bowing to the king and then to me before departing. I hesitated, and glanced back at Prince Nova who leaned against the door, bowing his head to his father.
The king nodded in acknowledgment. His focus shifted to me, his expression stern.
I bowed shakily to him, feeling a flutter in my chest. "I brought some things you will need as you are recovering, Your Majesty," I began, stretching out the bag in my hand.
The king's gaze lingered on me, his silence unnerving. I fidgeted, unsure how to react. Prince Nova remained by the door, observing our exchange.
The king's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing.
I reached into the bag and brought out two books. "I brought some books for you to read, Your Majesty, so you won't be bored," I said.
I set them down on the table and dug into the bag again, pulling out a wicker basket.
"I made a dessert for you. Don't worry, your majesty, I confirmed with your doctor that it's safe for you to eat," I added.
The king's expression didn't falter, his stoic gaze unwavering. I was sure he had heard the news â that Prince Nova had proposed to me, and I was now his intended bride.
Lastly, I pulled out a leather-bound journal. "You can write down your thoughts, or perhaps your plans for the kingdom's future, in this," I said, setting it down.
The king stared at me, then at Prince Nova, before returning his gaze to me.
I bowed awkwardly. "I wish you a quick recovery, Your Highness," I said. Feeling disappointed by his silence, I turned to leave. Prince Nova waited for me, smiling reassuringly.
But before I reached him, the king spoke. "Valerie Alaric."
I turned back, startled.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" I replied.
He smiled faintly. "Thank you."
My eyes widened, and I grinned. "You're...you're welcome, Your Highness," I said, bowing. I couldn't help but laugh.
Prince Nova extended his hand to me with an approving smile. "We will leave you to rest now, Father," he said.
His father nodded.
As we departed, I realized I was exactly where I was meant to be â beside Prince Nova, surrounded by the complexities and joys of royal life. I slipped my hand into Prince Nova's, feeling a sense of belonging.
"Thank you for being here," he whispered.
I smiled up at him.
"I wouldn't be anywhere else," I replied.
___________
And there you have it, the last chapter. I will be uploading the epilogue soon. Stay tuned. Please don't forget to vote and comment. Thank you.