"Eclipse"

CHAPTER 10: RUSHFORD KINSTON POV

Enzo teased me, "Looks like you finally came around to the idea of settling down with someone."

I recounted the role-play session with Prince Nicole from yesterday. "That's my way of making up to him for rejecting him. Anyways, Ruki is now my alter ego, here to make the prince's stay more pleasant."

"Whatever you say, your highness. But you have to admit, role-playing was not necessary for someone you're not interested in," Enzo remarked.

"It's all part of a bigger plan," I replied.

"What bigger plan? You won't be—wait, you are? How can you?" Enzo stuttered.

"Yep, I have come down to malicious tricks now," I admitted.

"But what's the reason for all this?" Enzo asked.

"It's all for him. If every single one of our meetings goes wrong, he's going to realize that we're not meant for each other," I explained.

I had planned to trick him into discussing his meeting plans with me prior as Ruki so that I could sabotage them as Rushford. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but it felt necessary. I couldn't bear to ruin someone's life again.

Earlier today, I met Nicole and apologised for shutting him down the previous week. I agreed when he asked me out for a dinner date.

"Ford, seriously, this goes against our ethics," Enzo complained.

"I'm sorry, but I can't seem to find any better way to let him down painlessly," I explained.

"And why would you care about letting him down painlessly? I don't remember you being so kind-hearted to anyone before him or even to him during the royal court. So why now? What has changed?" Enzo questioned.

"Nothing has changed. Just get my attire and mask ready for dinner tonight," I said, ending the conversation.

🌜

I was ready. I wore the last piece of my attire—the mask. Ironically, it had now become the most crucial part of my attire.

I reached the roof where apparently the date was settled. The place was beautifully decorated with flowers and candles. The moon was at its best, and it felt like a shame to ruin this evening.

My eyes finally met those of Prince Nicole. He wore a beautiful white suit that complemented his pale skin perfectly. His cheeks were the perfect shade of pink, and his eyes glistened in a different shade of hazel under the moonlight. He had a strong warrior build, bigger and taller than most men, but it felt like the perfect match with me. I was a bit taller than him, and never was I more grateful to be so than in this moment. My tiny advantage allowed me to view him at the perfect angle.

In that moment, I wondered what our situation would be if things were different. If I were Different.