To For Get or To Regret

Chapter 1

Too Late

The sun shone brightly over the kingdom of Evergreen, its rays bathing the lush green landscape in a warm, inviting light. In the distance, the towering Evergreen Mountains stood like sentinels, their snowcapped peaks reflecting the light of the sun. The air was alive with the sounds of birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves, as if nature herself was celebrating the beauty of this idyllic day.

Within the castle walls, Princess Arah sat upon her throne, her long, flowing golden hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with happiness, for today was her wedding day. The charming prince from the neighboring kingdom had finally arrived, and she could hardly contain her excitement. As she waited for the ceremony to begin, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at leaving behind the kingdom and her lifelong friend, Lorenz.

The wedding festivities were in full swing, with bakers crafting the most delectable pastries and confections, musicians playing joyous melodies, and servants scurrying about, making sure everything was perfect. The entire kingdom had turned out to witness the union of their beloved princess and the handsome foreign prince.

As the hour drew near for the ceremony to begin, Princess Arah's mind drifted back to her childhood friend, Lorenz. Despite his lack of skill in combat, he was known for his kind heart and unwavering loyalty to the kingdom. Lorenz had always harbored a secret crush on the beautiful Princess Arah, but he knew that she was way out of his league.

A servant approached Arah, bearing a small, delicate bouquet of flowers. The princess recognized them immediately as the same flowers Lorenz had given her when they were children, promising to always protect her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she remembered the innocence of those days and the simple joys they shared.

As the ceremony began, Arah tried to focus on the words of the priest, but her thoughts kept returning to Lorenz. She knew that he would be watching her from the sidelines, his heart full of hope and longing. She couldn't help but feel guilty for not having realized his feelings sooner.

The sun beat down mercilessly upon the crowd, but Lorenz didn't seem to notice. His gaze was fixed on Arah, his face a mixture of happiness for her and sadness for himself.

As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Arah felt a pang of regret deep in her soul. She wished there was some way she could show Lorenz how much she truly cared for him.

As they rode away from the castle, Arah turned to Lorenz, a newfound determination in her eyes.

"Lorenz."

"I want you to know that I have always valued your friendship. You have been my rock, my protector, and my confidante. I want you to know that I will always cherish those memories."

Her words hung in the air, weighty with unspoken meaning.

Lorenz looked at her, his face a mask of confusion and hope.

"But... you're married now."

He stammered.

"You belong to him."

Arah's heart ached at his words. She wanted so badly to reassure him, to find a way to make him understand.

"Lorenz, you are my friend,"

"You always have been, and always will be. I cannot change that."

Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, Lorenz didn't react. He seemed to be considering them, weighing their truth against the reality of their situation. Finally, he nodded slowly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Thank you, Your Highness,"

His voice thick with emotion.

"That means more to me than you'll ever know."