"Eclipse"

CHAPTER 15: NICOLE SAVOY POV

"So, how did your meeting go with Ruki?" Estelle asked me, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Amazing. We talked for hours. He's hilarious and incredibly intelligent. Plus, he has a knack for explaining things in a way that just clicks," I replied, a smile spreading across my face.

"Mmmh," Estelle hummed thoughtfully.

"Wait, that 'mmmh' sounded odd," I remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"Really? I didn't think so," she said, trying to brush it off.

"Come on, Estelle. I've known you forever. Just spill it," I urged, nudging her playfully.

"It's nothing, really. I just think this Ruki guy seems to be a master of many things, including winning hearts," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Estelle," I protested, trying to hide my blush.

"Why not?" she pressed on.

"I'm here, trying to impress a guy who could potentially marry me for the sake of my kingdom, and you're already shipping me with someone else," I sighed, shaking my head.

"But Ruki sounds way better than that jerk Prince Ford who publicly rejected you," she pointed out, her tone more serious now.

"Estelle, please. Show some respect. Prince Ford is the man I'm supposed to marry," I reminded her, feeling a pang of discomfort at the mention of his name.

"You don't love him, and he doesn't love you either. Do you really want to spend your life with someone who left because of sauce spillage?" she questioned, her gaze piercing.

"It was a lot of sauce, and it was my fault. And besides, I've already bored him with my jokes," I defended, feeling a mixture of frustration and resignation.

"You promised to support me, but instead of helping me prepare for the date, you're busy finding flaws in the prince," I accused, feeling a twinge of guilt for being so harsh.

"I'm sorry, Nico. I know your situation, but I also know you. Sacrificing your happiness won't make anyone happy," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern.

"It's not true," I argued stubbornly.

"It is," she insisted gently.

"It's not, and that's final," I declared, my tone firm. "If you don't want to help me, then you can go back to your room."

"Okay, I won't talk about it further," she relented, her expression contrite.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a sense of relief.

"By the way, how's Enzo?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, he's amazing—wait, what? You knew?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

"What about you and Enzo? I figured it out when I saw you flirting with him that day. It was too genuine to be a trick," I explained, a playful smirk playing on my lips.

"Are you angry?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"Why would I be angry? Just because my best friend didn't tell me about her boyfriend? Does that seem fair?" I replied sarcastically, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'm sorry, Nico. I thought you were so wrapped up in your own matters that it would be selfish to burden you with mine," she apologized, her tone earnest.

"No problem. Just don't shut me out again," I said, giving her a reassuring smile.

But If you ever speak ill of Prince Ford or criticise my decision to be with him, I will stop talking to you." I said.

"It's not fair," she whined.

"Okay then," I said, turning to leave.

"Okay, deal. But let's not ruin the moment by talking about boyfriends," she suggested, her tone playful.

We laughed as we walked away, the tension between us dissipating with each step.

"Oh, by the way, just to clear things up, Enzo and I aren't actually in a relationship," Estelle added with a grin.