𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐀

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 19

Prince Atlas and Flora stood in front of her quaint little house, the paint peeling in charming disarray. The door, like a curious friend, swung open with a creak, revealing a woman who wore her wrinkles like badges of honor. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and delight.

"Flora!" Her mother's voice held all the warmth of a sunbeam. She enveloped Flora in a hug that felt like coming home after a long journey. "My sweet girl, I've missed you too."

Flora's tears flowed freely, a river of emotions uncontained. She buried her face in her mother's shoulder, inhaling the familiar scent of lavender and love. The years melted away, leaving only this moment-their reunion, a fragile bridge connecting past and present.

"Momma," Flora whispered, her voice a fragile thread. "I thought about you every day."

Her mother pulled back slightly, studying Flora's face. "And I you, my wildflower." She brushed a tear from Flora's cheek. Suddenly prince Atlas asked "Aren't you gonna invite us in?"

In the cozy embrace of Flora's humble abode, Prince Atlas stood tall, his regal presence filling the room. The flickering candlelight danced across his features, casting shadows that whispered secrets of kingdoms and forbidden love.
Flora's mother, eyes widened, and she dipped into a graceful curtsy, her hands trembling. "Pardon me, your highness," she stammered, "please, come inside."

Prince Atlas, ever the enigma, chuckled-a sound that echoed through the room like the soft rustling of leaves in a moonlit forest. His eyes, the color of stormy seas, locked onto Flora's. There, in that fleeting moment, worlds collided-the weight of duty, the pull of destiny, and the fragile thread of their shared past.

Inside the cozy haven of Flora's home, emotions swirled like autumn leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Mark and Luna, her steadfast companions, stood before her-familiar faces etched with the passage of time. Their presence was a balm to Flora's soul, a reminder of shared laughter and whispered secrets.

Flora's arms enveloped them, pulling them close. Mark's sturdy frame and Luna's delicate grace melded into a trio of warmth. Prince Atlas, ever the observer, watched from the shadows. His jaw clenched imperceptibly seeing Flora hugging Mark, a flicker of something akin to envy dancing in his eyes. For a prince accustomed to adoration, this unfamiliar pang was both vexing and intriguing.

"Flora," Mark's voice rumbled, "you have no idea how much we missed you."

Luna's tearful gaze met Flora's. "More than the stars miss the night sky," she whispered, her fingers brushing against Flora's cheek.

And then, the moment that set the room abuzz: Mark's affectionate side-hug. "How are you, Monkey?" he asked, using the nickname that had stuck since childhood. His cheeks flushed, a confession hidden in plain sight.

Flora grinned, her heart doing a merry jig. "I'm fine, Mark. And Luna, you look like a blushing rose."

Luna's blush deepened, and she swatted Mark playfully. "We've been...well, exploring our feelings," she admitted, her voice a fragile melody.

Mark scratched his neck, a bashful grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, we're officially a thing."

Flora gasped, her eyes wide. "Finally! You two are-"

"-in a relationship," Luna finished, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. "It's been a secret dance, Flora. But now, it's out in the open."

Prince Atlas shifted pulled flora by grabbing her waist, a subtle movement that drew Flora's attention. His eyes held a storm-part curiosity, part possessiveness. "Congratulations," he said, his voice low, "to both of you."