Valerie's POV:
Prince Nova led me through the dark path, his phone's flashlight casting eerie shadows on the trees. I couldn't help but notice that the trees were already bare, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching towards the sky. The cold air stung my skin, and I shivered, wishing the coat I wore was thicker. And to make matters worse, I had forgotten my phone at home.
The path became familiar, and I wasn't surprised when we stopped at the Lovers' Cave. I turned to the prince curiously, wondering why he had brought me here. He smiled and gestured for me to follow him, and I sighed internally, having no choice but to comply.
As we stepped inside, I sucked in a breath. The cave was brightly lit, not just by the crystals but by shiny, flickering lights that seemed to dance on the walls. The Lovers' benches were decorated finely, with roses and candles, and the glowing stars on the ceiling looked so beautiful.
"This is so nice," I said, my expression softening despite myself. "But why are we here, Your Majesty?" I asked cautiously, my eyes scanning the romantic setup.
I didn't know prince Nova had moved behind me until I felt his hand on my shoulder, and I was surprised to find him holding a bioluminescent flower, the same one that grew near the luminous lagoon. He was smiling, his eyes sparkling, and I felt my heart flutter.
"For me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine, and I took the flower with shaky hands. It glowed brightly, and I remembered how I had come here twice for a date with Magna.
"Thank you, Prince Nova," I said softly.
I turned and decided to walk around the cave, admiring the decorations, I tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that I was trapped in a romantic movie. But then prince Nova spoke up, his voice soft and gentle.
"Come with me to Calon City, Valerie. Be my queen."
I stopped in my tracks and snapped my head around to look at him, my expression incredulous. Had I heard him correctly?
He continued, his voice deepening, and I felt my heart race. "Valerie, please don't protest."
He stepped closer to me, his footsteps echoing in the vast cave, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. He took both my hands, his eyes holding mine, and I felt like I was drowning in their depths.
"Valerie Alaric, Nova Calon likes you."
I stared at him, my mind racing, and finally, I broke the silence.
"Okay, Your Highness, I will be your queen."
His eyes lit up with happiness, but I continued, my voice shaking.
"Let's go outside and announce that you chose me as the queen of Calonia. Let's tell them that we want to get married. What would they say? Would they welcome me with open arms? Won't they ask about my family? Won't they ask how I got to that position? Would they let us?"
The happiness and hope in his eyes vanished, and he said with determination.
"I don't care what they say, Valerie. What matters is that I like you. I want you."
I felt a surge of anger and frustration, and I removed my hands from his.
"How can you be so selfish, Your Highness? I can't do this. I won't try and touch the stars. I have to come back to earth." He looked broken but I forced myself to continue, feeling the overwhelming urge to throw up, "I'm not a debutante, and I can never be one. The sooner you realize that, the better."
YOU ARE READING
Royal Heartstrings
General FictionFor Valerie Alaric, her family was the most important thing to her. Her bestie, Mira Weldon was also on that list. So that drove her to always make them proud in everything. So when, the royal family, decided to pay a visit to the Weldon home; where...
