In Time And Memories

Chapter Fourty-Six

Queen Frizella is fuming mad, I know, since I can see her gritting her teeth from afar. I did not only made a scene and stole her spotlight but I also ruined her son's coming of age ceremony. While Celestia is also furiously looking at me.

When our eyes met, the corner of my lips went up into a wicked smirk. Her eyes widened as if she couldn't believe that I just smirked.

"N-Now, now... it is shameful to witness those guests disrespect Princess Azelaine. Princess, are you alright?" Queen Frizella showed them a pleasing smile, to regain her composure. I made a pitiful expression and sniffed.

"I apologize, Your highness." I looked at the guests. "And for everyone here, I must have spoiled the banquet. I think it's best for me to leave."

"You did nothing wrong, Princess Azelaine." Prince Pierre caught everyone's attention. "Please, let's continue the banquet peacefully and I hope that no one will disrespect Princess Azelaine again," he said while looking at me.

The guests did what they are told to do and the banquet continued as if nothing happened. After that, I remained seated and drank some wine.

Prince Urus excused himself earlier and I don't know where he gone to. Queen Frizella and Celestia interacted with every guests to appear sociable and to hear whatever they want to hear from the guests.

I became bored so I went out to have some fresh air and to avoid any interactions. My feet carried me to the garden and settled there.

My eyes caught a freshly bloomed minesoua flower. It shines beautifully with its golden petals. So it's time for this flower to bloom, even though it's only once in a year. I gave it a faint smile before walking away.

I strolled around the palace to look for more flowers when someone suddenly grabbed my wrist and trapped me between his arms. My back is leaning on a wall and his body is so close to mine.

My mind couldn't process what just happened but I snapped out of it after smelling an alcohol.

"I don't... to mar..."

"Prince Pierre," I called his name. My hands went to his shoulder and gently pushed him away but he wouldn't budge. I don't why he is here but what's more concerning is he reeks of an alcohol.

"Prince Pierre, I think you shou—" I was caught off guard when he pulled me into a hug.

"Please... let's stay like this..." He murmured.

I tried to protest but it's all in vain. "Let go, Your highness. People will misunderstand if they saw us like this and you should be at the banquet right now."

There's only silence. He still won't move nor even tries to listen to me. Instead, his arms around my body went tighter, as if I'm going to disappear.

"Prince Pierre," I called him again.

"That's not how you used to call me." His voice is faint but I heard his words clearly. He chuckled. "It should be My prince, right...?" Pain is evident on his voice.

Without any thinking, my hand went on his back and lightly tapped it, to comfort him. This is not supposed to happen. Our connection has been severed a long time ago but why is he still coming back to me? He was the one who cut ties with me so why?

And despite of that, despite of pushing him away, why do I still welcome him in my arms?

"I don't want to marry her, Azelaine... It should have been you..." I felt his shoulder shake, he's crying. A pang of pain was felt in my heart. Tears are also starting to build in my eyes and fell like a waterfall.

He let go from the hug and cupped my face.

"I love you... I really do..."

Maybe fate is harsh towards us or maybe we're not really for each other. Hearing him confess made my heart tore into pieces. Now, I know, Prince Pierre loves me. But it also made me realize that his love for me is not enough to defy his mother's orders.

He loves me but he still abandoned me.

He loves me but in the end, he's still a puppet.

I shake his hands away from me and run from him. My eyes are blurry and I can't see what's in front of me. All I know is someone grabbed me.

It's Prince Urus.

When I saw his face, my heart suddenly clenched and I fell on my knees while weeping. I can't keep my emotions on check so I just cried there, on his arms.

After crying for god knows how long I cried my heart out, Prince Urus and I are sitting on a hidden bench near the Therilian Palace. He gave me his handkerchief to wipe my tears away.

"Do you still love him?" My mouth gaped. He must have saw us and heard our concersation.

"I... don't even know what love is." It's a lame answer, I know. I liked Prince Pierre before but after what happened, I started to question if that's even considered as love or it was only a concept of my own fantasy.

Prince Urus sighed. "My mother once told me that love should make you feel safe and genuine," he started.

"Love is not supposed to make feel crazy and lost because that's a different type of love. It should be endearing and something you will never let go."

He looked at me and wiped a tear that is left in my cheek. "Love is hard to sort out but... no matter what it is, you only have to think deeply and that's when you'll realize that it's easy to understand." He made a small smile.

"You suffered because of love and I think it's time to finally let it go so that you won't have to suffer anymore."

He's right. I was only escaping it with the use of my revenge but I haven't let go of it completely that's why I still welcome Prince Pierre in my arms. I'm still stuck because there are questions lingering in my mind that's supposed to be buried a long time ago.

I should have let go of it from the start and move on.

What I felt for Prince Pierre was a crazy love. It corrupted me, it changed me, and made me question myself.

I did love Prince Pierre... It was love.

An unfortunately love that is composed of should have beens. I will no longer linger myself and regret the love that is not meant for us.

———