ミ 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 | 𝘒𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘩 彡

𝟏𝟒

August 27, XXXX

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Whoever wrote goodbyes were the hardest thing in life would be partially correct. Goodbyes are only hard when you grow attached to someone. Obviously, the more attached you grow to them, the harder it is to part ways.

Attachment, though, is a funny thing. You never know how long it takes to grow attached to someone until you do.

I never expected to grow attached to Kaveh in a week, nor did I expect saying goodbye to him would be one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.

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You stood next to Diluc outside of the castle. A carriage was prepared to bring your guest back to his homeland.

Kaveh bowed in front of Diluc. "I appreciate your endless hospitality, Your Highness," he said. "I can never repay you."

"There's no need for repayment," Diluc stated. "We only did what good hosts would."

The knight turns his attention to you, and without warning, you pull him into a hug. Your brother's eyes widened at the action. Diluc observed as Kaveh reciprocated, gently wrapping his arms around your figure.

"Thank you for keeping me company while I was sick," he whispered. Though he kept his voice low, the words didn't go unheard by Diluc. "And everyday afterwards."

"I should be thanking you," you replied. "It was very exciting having you around the castle. Both Tatsu and I enjoyed it."

Kaveh's chuckle filled the air. "I assume you liked it way more than Tatsu," he joked.

"Of course I did," you giggle. Your grip on the blonde tightened as you buried your face into his shoulder. "I'll miss you and I'll write as often as I can." Reluctantly, you separated yourself from him. "I promise."

"I promise to do the same," he replied. "I'll write once I get home."

Kaveh looked at you with sad eyes before bowing. He lifted his head, ruby hues meeting your gaze. You took a sharp breath, suddenly being reminded of how you two met, though the current circumstances now were wildly different.

"Safe travels Kaveh," you whispered.

"Thank you, Princess."

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I would be a liar if I said my heart didn't sink when he used my title. It was a cruel reminder of our vastly different realities. I'm a princess, a public figure with duties to her nation. Kaveh is a knight who protects such figures in his homeland.

The chances of us ever seeing each other again seem very slim, but I am thankful for the time we've shared, even if it was short.

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You kept your eyes fixed on the disappearing carriage until it was out of sight. When it was, you trudged back into the castle. Diluc let out a sigh as he followed you.

"Y/N," Diluc called. "How are you feeling?"

You turned to face your brother. "It feels weird now he's leaving."

You spotted a bench in the castle's hallway. Diluc gestured toward it, letting you get comfortable before he sat down next to you.

"Weird how?"