A Princess Named Harry: Book 2

Chapter 13

After the duel, Lianne went back to the palace. The knights who had been watching the fight now all began training. Kahil had attempted to say a few words of encouragement to Harry before leaving. Even Varian tried his best to cheer her up. He offered to escort her back to the palace, but she didn't feel like going back inside, not yet anyway.

Everything had been a little bit different from the Cardiaire Kingdom, but luckily there were still tall trees surrounding the palace. She leaned her back against one of them, and though it was foolish of her, she began to cry. Maybe it was because of her pride, or maybe, it was because she wasn't used to losing. Harry knew she was acting like a child, crying over things not going her way, but she couldn't help it. It was so sad and disappointing to her.

She continued to cry and berate herself when she heard someone coming. Had they heard her crying? But she had tried her best to be as quiet as possible. She was even far away from everyone too.

Just then, Varian suddenly emerged from behind a tall tree. "I knew it." He sighed, as he began walking closer to Harry.

"V-Varian," she stuttered. "Why are you here?" She felt her wet face. "Other than that, please wait for a moment! I'm not presentable right now! So . . . so if you see me, well . . . well I might look ugly."

Varian did not stop walking towards her. "If you wanted to cry alone, then you should have let me escort you back to your room first."

"I didn't feel like going."

"I knew you'd act this way."

"Act what way?" Harry asked puzzled.

"Smile and act like our words were making you feel better, and then go off on your own and cry alone. You won't find any satisfaction in crying alone."

"How would you know that?"

"Well, do you?"

Harry thought about her answer for a moment. "No . . . I don't." She hardly ever felt okay, even after going off to be alone.

"See? I told you so."

Varian was inches from her. He grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug.

"Aren't you mad at me?" she asked nervously. "I'm crying over something so dumb."

"Is it dumb to you?" Varian asked while hugging her tight.

"N-no," she hesitantly replied. "It's not dumb . . . but other people might see it that way. They'll think I'm a spoiled brat who is making a fuss about losing."

"Yes, but from what I've seen, you hardly ever lose."

Harry squeezed him tighter. It was true; she hardly ever lost.

"The thing about people who win a lot," said Varian. "Since they hardly ever lose, when they finally do, they take it very badly. They think it's all their fault when that's not true. Losing happens sometimes, just like winning. You lose some you win some. That's just how life is."

"Aren't you upset with me at all?" Harry asked.

"No, I'm not," he answered. He patted Harry's head. "But I do get upset when you keep things to yourself like this."

Just like that, Harry could feel her tears welling up due to Varian's words.

"I lost!" she cried.

"I know."

"It was so embarrassing!"

"It's okay."

"I looked so weak!"

"Everyone knows you aren't."

Harry continued to cry and complain in Varian's arms while he listened and consoled her. He did this until she felt better.