a gentleman's mistress

XX. January 13th, 1986

Mira's POV:

Alaric's family is hosting a dinner for a few royal family members, including Asena. According to him, it will be one hell of a night, and I wouldn't want to miss it.

Plus, I get to see Asena and Gwen again.

My gut told me to say no, but my curiosity told me to hop on for the drama.

I ended up rejecting his offer and asking him to send Asena and Gwen a message. It's nothing too much; just ask them how they're doing.

Alaric was disappointed in my response.

But, to be honest, I don't want to see Asena or Gwen. Once in a while, I'd see them on the news, and it felt like we were living a completely different life. There's a part of me that doesn't want to go and face reality; how they might've forgotten about me.

On the night of the dinner, I rested on the couch while reading an article about ALS. Steven and Carter are out for a romantic dinner before Steven comes back later for his night shift.

In my large, comfortable one-piece, I grab the cup from the small nightstand and sip the tea.

I never thought I'd peak the wildlife at twenty-one, but here I am on Friday night, drinking warm tea and reading a boring case study.

At least, that's what I assume my Friday night would be.

"As I said-"

I look up from the article to see an unfamiliar room with familiar people.

"Mira?" Alaric says.

Lucianus looked at him, "You see her?"

"Yeah. She's right there."

"Ah shit, not again." I closed my eyes and screamed: "Can't I get a damn break!"

When I opened my eyes, I was back inside the living room. "Maybe Steven is right; I should see a psychiatrist." I reached for the cup, but it wasn't there. I looked around the room for my cup of tea, but it didn't come up.

I thought the week wouldn't get any weirder, but it did.

On Monday morning, I was greeted by Lucianus in the parking lot, and Alaric was just a short distance away.

He brought flowers.

I walked towards Lucianus while looking back multiple times to make sure I was not blocking someone else. When I got closer to him, his eyes were still on me. I walk past him.

"Mira."

Oh no, it's me he's looking for.

I stop and turn towards him, "Good morning."

Lucianus inch the bouquet near me, "This is for you."

"Why?"

"As an apology for my rudeness during New Year."

"Okay." I grabbed the bouquet from his hands. I noticed a small box on the bouquet. "This is?"

"An apology gift."

I grabbed the box and handed him back the flowers. When I unwrapped it, a beautiful pair of earrings greeted me. "I don't think I can accept this."

"Please, I insist."

"Since you insist and you apologize. I'll accept it." Anything to get away from this embarrassing situation. "Anyways, I have to go-"

"Would you like to have breakfast together?"

I smiled, "I have class."

"Lunch?"

"I have to study."