Tied to the Throne

chapter eleven

Nikolai P.O.V

As I walk away from her, I feel a hint of guilt. I just left her there after she just told me about her brother. Her secret brother.

I mean she was sobbing. And I left her. Why did I even leave the fucking ballroom?

I can't believe I did that.

Why did I do that?

Why did I follow her out? I could have left her be, made up a lie about her feeling sick, having to leave early. But no, I just had to see if she was alright.

I can't let it happen again. I won't let it happen again.

She's an alliance, not anything more.

Arabella P.O.V

After Nikolai left, I sat on that balcony for a few moments more. Letting the cool wind dry the tears that were left. It felt nice to be engulfed by that wind. Even If I was freezing without a coat.

Eventually, I knew I had to go back. So I did. I fixed up my appearance and went back in. Nikolai had made up a story about me feeling ill and having to get some air, which wasn't entirely false.

Everyone rushed to ask if I was alright. I brushed them off saying I was now fine. And looking around the room, I was no longer able to spot the brown haired prince who I now recognised to be my brother.

The night went on as planned. We all said our farewells and everyone left. The act between me and Nikolai was dropped.

I'm now sat on the stairs leading up to my room. I just need another minute before I head up.

"Bella?" a soft voice asks me.

The sudden noise startles me. Quickly darting my head up, Camille stands before me. She's still in her lovely green dress, a few shades light than mine.

"Hey Camille," I answer a bit more glum sounded than I intended. She notices this.

"Are you okay?"

The question is simple. Yet it stumps me. It's a question that is thrown around almost every day. The phrase is asked, but never really answered. Well, answered truthfully that is. I mean is anyone ever really okay?

After a moment of silence, my mind starts to run. Thoughts about tonight spiralling through it. William. How could he do that to us, to me? We were close, he was my best friend, and he left like nothing. That hurt.

I see Camille's expression start to worry. And I can image how I look right now. I'm a mess. An over thinker, some might say.

She comes and sits next to me. The small space that was next to me is now filled, and we both block the stairs.

Finally, the answer to her question slips out, "No-" I cut myself off with a voice crack. You know that type when you're about the cry. My head tilts down to my dress once again. My eyes close and my head shakes.

Before I can comprehend what's happening, tears flow down my cheeks once again. I try to blink them away, but to no avail. My attempt to stop them is futile. Camille buries her face into my shoulder, and wraps her arms around me.

I hug her back and hold her head. I feel bad for what I'm putting on her. Seeing me like this.

"I'm sorry, " Is all she says.

No, no. Why is she apologising, it's not her fault. I squeeze her a little tighter, "Don't apologise for something that isn't in your hands Cam." I manage to get out between large breaths. I feel her nod against me. God, she's precious. We both sit there in silence, occasionally broken by my strangled breaths.

It's nice to have someone to turn to. And I'm glad Camille is there for me despite not knowing me that long. She never asked what happened, or what I wanted her to do. She was just there. And that is all I could ask for. William used to be the person that was just there. But obviously he couldn't stay there.

"You know, you're like the sister I never had. Thank you."

Camille pulls away, a shocked look on her face. Her eyebrows furrow, and her mouth fluctuates between a smile and a frown. Like she can't decide what to feel.

I hear her sniffle before she smiles at me. A warm, thankful smile. Then I see tears brim her eyes. Oh no. Have I upset her?
Shit.

My face contorts into a scared, worried look. "I've never had any real friends" Cammile manages to tell me before a tear runs down her rosy cheek. I frown and go to tuck her soft hair behind her ear. "I'll always be here for you, Cam. No matter what, you can tell me anything." She weakly nods and crashes into me once again. Engulfing me in a hug.

The poor girl has had no one to turn to. I would think Juliette would be there for her, but maybe they're not as close as I thought. Or maybe Cammile wants a friend to talk to, not a mother. And Nikolai is different. He's a guy. You can't talk to guys the same way you can girls. They don't understand.

We stay like that until Cammile pulls away. She looks at me happily. A glint of childhood like joy in her eyes. I hope she knows what she's worth. I really do.

No more words are exchanged between us as she goes to rest her head oh my shoulder. Just a silent understanding. An understanding that I was there for her and she was there for me.

Maybe this engagement wasn't all bad. I mean if it didn't happen, Cammile would probably have no one. And that thought alone makes me a little too sad for the amount of time I've known her.

But she deserves someone, and I'm glad I can be that person.

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bit of a sad one today 🤗 anyway i truly hope that if you're reading this you know that everyone has someone, and you are never alone. you deserve someone, and it's okay to not be okay, love you! thank you for reading :)
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