Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 9- A new phone

Mira's POV:

The rain from last night had left the garden fresh and vibrant, despite it being late November. The flowers, though few, were blooming, and the wind swayed them gently in the breeze. Prince Nova and I stood under the old orange tree, which had been here since the mansion was first built. Its leaves were shedding golden hues all around us. I wondered why he had called me to the garden so suddenly.

"Your Highness, you wanted to speak with me?" I asked.

"Yes, Miss Mira," he said, pausing and staying silent for a long time. His expression was thoughtful, almost tired, as if he had been carrying a heavy burden. I almost thought he wouldn't say anything. Then he spoke, his voice low and introspective, "I've met many debutantes who want to be by my side, to be my queen, but I don't want my love story to be like that. I want to marry for love, not duty or convenience." He paused again, collecting his thoughts. "Miss Mira, you have made my stay in Eldrida worthwhile, and I won't forget it. Your kindness, your smile... they've made a difference in my life."

My heart sank, and I managed to whisper, "Thank you, Your Highness, but why are you telling me all this?"

He finally turned to me, his expression serious. "My family's visit to Eldrida isn't just a friendly one, Miss Mira." I knew what he meant, I had unknowingly, or should I say knowingly, entered the race to be the next queen of Calonia.

I looked down, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm aware, Your Highness, but through all of this, regardless of what happens after, I'm happy to have met you, not just the crowned prince of Calonia but the person behind it all, the man named Nova." I looked up, my eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm honored to be your friend, Your Highness."

The prince eyes flashed with surprise, then smiled, his face softening. "Me too, Mira."

We stood there side by side, looking at the mansion in front of us. Then, suddenly, the prince bent down and picked something up. I didn't see what it was, but he put it in his pocket, his expression determined.

"I have to go do something now, Miss Mira," he said, bowing. "I will take my leave now."

I curtsied and smiled, trying to hide the sadness I felt, "Take care, your highness."

As he walked away, I knew what had just happened - he had looked at me not like a debutante vying for his attention, but as a friend, a genuine connection. I didn't know how to feel after that.

"Mira?" I turned and saw Prince Cadoc standing there, wearing a black sweater and pants. He smelled like a mix of leather and sandalwood, a scent that was both earthy and inviting.

"Prince Cadoc," I said with a smile.

He came to stand beside me, his eyes scanning my face. "Are you quite alright, Mira?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I looked up at him, ignoring his question. "Do you think Prince Nova likes anyone?" I asked, my eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Prince Cadoc looked thoughtful, his brow furrowed in concentration. "My brother has always focused on being a good king, having a good queen by his side to rule Calonia together, but somehow still marrying for love. And yet, I have never seen him with a single girl. So, to answer your question, there might not be a chance he has someone on his mind," he said, his expression serious.

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Since it's a 50:50 percent chance, then I'm going to focus on the chance that there is no one he has on his mind and be the one instead," I said, my voice firm. I looked up at Prince Cadoc, making eye contact. "Will you help me, Your Highness?" I asked, my eyes pleading.