Star Crossed Haters

Chapter Five (Apex)

A/N- omg i'm so sorry we finished this a bit ago and i forgot to post it 😭

I sit on my bed, quietly flipping through the pages of my favorite book, when Cari suddenly says, "Are our chambermaids gonna go help out other kids, or will they follow us home?"

I feel my face heat slightly when I think of Eudora. Imagining her helping out another student lights a small flame of fury within me, and I don't understand why.

"I have no idea," I respond.

Footsteps echo through the small room as Cari strolls over to sit beside me.

"Are you blushing?"

My face burns hotter. "No!"

"You definitely are," she teases. "I wonder why... do you have a cr-"

"NO!" I shout, embarrassment lacing my voice.

Cari smirks knowingly.

"...Okay, maybe I have a small crush," I admit reluctantly.

"HA! There's no way," Cari laughs. "Apex Flaeren Pyracent, the cold-hearted heir of the fire kingdom, has a crush!"

"Not so loud!" I hiss.

Someone's voice drifts down from upstairs:

"Okay, we're releasing the anchors now. I pray you know what you're doing, Cap'n."

"I guess that's my cue," the water princess says enthusiastically.

"Get out," I tell her, shoving Cari out of my room.

Once she exits the room, I continue to read, yet I can't focus.

The sailor's words circle through my mind.

"'I pray you know what you're doing, Cap'n.'"

What... what's happening? I... if we don't make it back safely, our parents (or brother, in Cari's case) will order the crew dead – although Little Miss Flawless' parents are a bit more merciful, so they may only order them to be solidly punished.

Eran should have sent a letter out, giving the captain the okay, no? If he hasn't, there's no telling if we can leave yet. And Eran always sends a letter.

The rhythmic thumping of waves on the hull is making me slightly nauseous, as is the rocking of the ship.

Groaning, I flop backwards on the soft bed, and I shut the book I was reading.

I lay in silence for a moment or two when I notice a slightly yellowing scroll peeking out of the bedside table.

What in the world? I think. Reaching over, I run through my mind what it could possibly be, but nothing significant comes to mind immediately.

I unfurl the scroll, careful not to tear any of it, and begin to read it.

Dear Prince Dyor,

Hey, it's me. I know, I get it that I'm not using any formalities, but I figured given the circumstances - it's not required of me. But I wanted to apologize. For ignoring you. I miss you, old friend, and I hate that my own weakness over the situation is tearing our friendship apart. I just don't think of you that way. There are plenty of girls who would want to marry you – and I truly do hope these feelings don't change anything. It's probably too late to fix things now – but I think we both need closure. My parents will probably be infuriated with me when I see them again, they may seem merciful to others, but we both know how they are in the palace... I think I still have the marks from last time. Anyways I hope this letter finds you in good health, old friend. It was fun while it lasted.