Valerie's POV:
As I entered the dining hall, I scanned the room for Alia, trying to blend in and avoid drawing attention from the dignitaries enjoying their meal. I noticed Mr. Flynn and Mrs. Flynn leaving the room.
Alia stood in the background, poised and alert, ready to attend to any needs that might arise. Her eyes met mine, and she raised an eyebrow, concerned. "Valerie, where have you been?" she asked, then paused as her gaze fell on my bandaged hand. "What happened?" she asked, her expression worried.
I downplayed the incident, not wanting to make a fuss. "I cut my hand while doing the dishes, but it's okay. I barely feel any pain." I tried to ignore the slight throbbing in my hand.
Alia looked unconvinced but decided to drop it. "Maybe you should rest for the day," she suggested.
I declined, reassuring her. "I'm fine, really."
She asked again, "Are you sure?" and I nodded emphatically.
She glanced around the room, seemingly searching for someone.
I asked, "What's wrong?"
"I was looking for a waiter to serve the wine, but I think they're all busy in the kitchen," She explained.
Without thinking, I offered, "I can serve the wine."
Alia's expression turned skeptical. "Are you sure about that, Valerie?"
I nodded, determination in my voice. "Yes, I'll just use my left hand. I'm sure they won't complain." I was going to use Prince Nova's kindness as a benchmark to judge the others.
Alia nodded, understanding. In Calonia, it was perfectly acceptable to serve anyone, regardless of rank, with your left hand. She wasn't sure about other countries, but here, it was a non-issue.
With that, I took a deep breath and made my way to the wine table.
I began serving the wine, starting with the King, who barely acknowledged me. Next was Prince Nova, whose smile made my heart skip a beat. I moved on to Prince Cadoc, then Mr. and Mrs. Weldon. Mira smiled nervously at me, when I served her, I made a mental note to comfort her later.
But just as I was about to pour wine for Princess Evie, she spoke up, her voice dripping with disdain. "What are you doing?" she asked, as if I was committing a grave offense.
I stuttered, feeling panic rise in my throat. "I... um... I'm serving wine, Your Highness."
Princess Evie's eyes narrowed. "How dare you use your left hand to serve the Princess of Calonia?"
My heart sank. "I'm sorry, but my right hand is injured," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
The room fell silent, all eyes on us. Prince Nova intervened, "Forget it, we'll get another waiter to serve you."
But Princess Evie refused, her voice rising. "No, I want this one."
I summoned up the courage to speak, despite the fear gripping my heart. "I'll do it," my voice shook, but I forced it to remain steady.
Princess Evie murmured maliciously, "As if you have a choice."
I could feel the tension in the room, the weight of everyone's gaze upon me. My hand trembled as I poured the wine, the pain from my injured hand almost unbearable. But I bit my lip, determined to complete the task.
Just as I was about to finish, disaster struck. The wine bottle slipped from my injured hand and crashed onto the table, shattering into a million pieces. Princess Evie jumped back, as if the glass had touched her, but when I inspected her, she wasn't hurt, just a large wine stain on her silver dress.
My eyes widened in fear as I realized what had just happened. I was definitely dead.
The room erupted into chaos, everyone on their feet. Princess Evie screamed at me, "How dare you, you wench!" and raised her hand, ready to strike.
I cowered away, ready to accept my fate. But the King intervened, his voice firm and commanding. "Evie, that's enough."
"Fatherâ" Evie began, in a surprised tone.
"Everilda!" Warned the King.
Princess Evie sighed in defeat and turned to me, her voice low but menacing. "Avoid me at all costs, peasant."
With that, she turned and left the room. I felt tears prick at my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I looked at the ground in shame, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone in the room. Someone took my arm, I looked up and it was Mira, whispering, "Let's get out of here, Val."
I nodded weakly, not daring to look at anyone else in the room.
_______
"Ouch," I winced. Mira apologized softly, she had led me to her room. She gently applied new bandages to my injured hand, which had opened up again. The memory of Prince Nova helping me in the kitchen came to me, and I chided myself for thinking of him in this situation.
When Mira finished, she asked, "How did you get the injury?"
Her tone was soft and concerned, and I replied without much enthusiasm, "I got it while washing dishes."
She just stared at me, her expression sympathetic.
"What?" I asked, confused.
She said softly, "It's okay to cry, you know."
I touched my left cheek, and to my surprise, it came away wet. That's when I broke into tears, and Mira hugged me tightly, saying, "It's okay, it's okay." I cried uncontrollably, feeling a mix of emotions I hadn't experienced since my breakup with Magna. Mira was there for me then, and she was here for me now.
After what felt like an eternity, I finally stopped crying. Mira got up to get food from the kitchen when my stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't eaten much since morning. She returned with a tray filled with food, including Mr. Flynn's special chocolate mousse, which made me crack a small smile.
We ate in comfortable silence for a while before Mira spoke up, "Alia and Mr. Flynn are worried about you, but I told them you'll be fine. You will be fine, right?" Her tone was hopeful, and I nodded once.
Mira continued, "I wanted to say something to Princess Evie..." Her fists clenched, and her voice was angry.
I cut in, "I'm glad you didn't. She would have been angry at you too."
Mira replied, "I don't care. What she did was wrong."
I said, "Mira, please don't. I don't want you to face her anger too."
She huffed angrily and muttered, "I'm so upset." She looked at me and asked, "Do you need to knit?"
My eyes lit up, and I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."
Mira presented me with my knitting materials, which she kept on hand because she knew it calmed me. I felt a bit guilty for relying on knitting as a coping mechanism, but it was something I had learned since I was young.
As I began to knit, the familiar rhythm and soft yarn soothed my frazzled nerves. Mira sat beside me, watching with a gentle smile. The soft clicking of the needles and the quiet room were a balm to my soul. For a moment, everything else faded away, and it was just me, the yarn, and the needles.
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Prince Nova's POV:
As I strolled through the lush lawn of the Weldon's estate, I couldn't help but appreciate the autumn sun shining down on me. The warmth on my skin was a welcome respite from the chill of the season. My mind began to wander to my kingdom, Calonia, and its rich history.
Our founder, King Arinthal Calon, was born 500 years ago into the noble family, the Calons. His father, Lord Edric Calon, was a respected advisor to the previous ruler of the fragmented city states. Growing up in a tumultuous time with constant conflicts, King Arinthal's parents were betrayed and killed by Lord Morvane, the ruler, when he was just 16. Forced into hiding, he vowed to avenge his parents' death and spent years traveling, training, and forming allies. He eventually confronted Lord Morvane in an epic battle, emerging victorious and becoming the first King of Calonia.
Everyone in Calonia knew this story, etched in history books and taught in schools. King Arinthal was a good leader, and I aspired to follow in his footsteps, seeking a true love with a queen who would stand by my side. At 20, I had already met dozens of ladies-in-waiting, but none had captured my heart. Time was running out, and I couldn't help but feel the pressure.
My mind strayed to my personal bodyguard and father figure, Caspian Pierce, who was the head of the royal guards. He was the best friend and right-hand man to the king and always by my side. Unfortunately, he couldn't join me on this trip, as he had to tend to the Palace. I missed him dearly.
I made my way towards the garden wanting the feels of the flowers, I spotted her sleeping under a massive tree in the center. Her chest rose and fell with each gentle breath, her brown hair was shining in the sun casting cascading brown hues. I felt an inexplicable pull, as if fate had led me to this moment.
I approached Valerie and I couldn't help but notice how peaceful she looked while sleeping. A few strands of her brown hair had fallen out of her ponytail, framing her face like a gentle halo. I crouched down to her level, my hand reaching forward to brush the stray locks off her face. But before I could touch her, her eyes suddenly popped open, and she sat up with a start.
"Your Highness?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of alarm.
"I'm sorry if I startled you," I said. She tried to stand up, but I quickly gestured for her to stay. "Please, stay. I didn't mean to disturb you."
She looked uncomfortable but sat back down, scooting over to make room for me. I joined her, and we sat together in silence for a moment. I noticed a half-done knitting project beside her and picked it up, curious. "You knit?"
She looked embarrassed and sighed. "I only do it as a coping mechanism to get my mind off things."
I quickly understood and apologized, feeling guilty on my sister's behalf. "I'm so sorry. Evie can be...overwhelming sometimes."
She sighed again, looking uneasy and uncomfortable in my presence. "It's okay, really. I know she didn't mean to hurt me."
I shook my head, feeling a pang of regret. "No, it's unforgivable. She's been like that since our mother's death..."
My voice trailed off, and I was lost in thought for a moment, remembering my mother's passing two years ago. It was still fresh in my memory. She had been a farmer's daughter, and my father had fallen in love with her despite the disapproval of others. She had been battling a rare disease, Erogtism, and we didn't know until it was too late. I remembered the night she died, the stormy and cold weather, her bright ginger hair dull and falling apart, her face pale and gaunt...
The girl's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, her words soft and sympathetic. "I know it must have been hard for you guys. I couldn't imagine losing my mom."
I smiled sadly at her, her eyes conveying her sympathy. I felt a strange sensation in my gut, maybe it was the chocolate mousse I had eaten earlier, but it felt like something more.
I quickly changed the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, could you knit something for me?"
Her expression was surprised, and she coughed uncomfortably, avoiding my gaze. "I...um...I don't know, Your Highness."
I stared at her, her dark eyes hard to read, but I was drawn to them. "I miss how you were so free with me last night. I miss it badly."
The silence that followed was uncomfortable, and I tried to break it by asking, "How's your hand?"
She replied, "It's fine, thank you, Your Highness."
I smiled, trying to put her at ease. "Nova, please."
She opened her mouth as if to say something, but no sound came out. I longed to hear her voice, to hear her say my name.
She looked up at the mansion, and I felt her panic as she jumped up, gathering her knitting tools. "I'm sorry, Prince Nova, but I have to go. I have to...um...check on something."
She bowed quickly and rushed away without looking back, leaving me with a furrowed brow and a grin on my face. She had called me Prince Nova, instead of Your Highness. It was a small victory, but it felt like a start.
Valerie's POV:
I hurried down the hallway, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Prince Nova in the garden. I had dropped my knitting things in the maid's changing room, which was also our lounge, and was headed to clean the library.
As I walked, I couldn't help but think about the prince. I hadn't meant to fall asleep under my favorite spot in the whole mansion - an old orange tree in the garden. And I was surprised to find the prince standing there. I had immediately realized my self when I noticed that Mira's room was directly opposite the garden. It was my second experience with him in a day, excluding the time we met last night. I had planned on avoiding the Golden Family, but my plan was crashing. I couldn't deny that I enjoyed sitting with him, even if it was just for a moment.
I was lost in thought when I heard a sound - music. I followed the sound and it led me to the singing hall. The room was rarely used, except by the maids who kept it clean. No one in the household knew how to play a musical instrument or had a passion for it, so I was surprised to hear the sound. I cracked the door open curiously, careful not to make too much noise. Standing at the center of the room was Prince Cadoc Calon, holding a violin, his fingers flying through the strings with skill. I stood there, gaping, my mouth open in amazement. I hadn't seen someone play so well in a long time.
I didn't know how long I stood there, but I heard the music stop, and I quickly realized the prince was looking at me. I quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Your Highness," and immediately shut the door, hurrying down the hall. I was embarrassed and panicked that I had startled the prince. My heart raced as I tried to compose myself. What was I thinking, sneaking up on him like that? I hoped he wouldn't think me a fool.
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