Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 18- Lord Luke's story

Valerie's POV:

I stood in the grand foyer, waiting for Mira with Julie by my side. Julie had asked me to join her on a visit to her grandma's place, and I had agreed, excited to spend time with my friend and her loved one. Mira had also wanted to tag along, and since it was I and Julie's day off, we had decided to make the most of it and explore Calon City.

"Your grandma will be thrilled with all the goodies you got for her," I said to Julie, nodding towards the bags in her hand.

Julie smiled, her expression a mix of love and guilt. "This is the least I can do for her, since I'm not staying with her. I feel so bad for leaving her alone in Pacifica." Her eyes dropped, and her voice was laced with regret.

I was about to respond when we heard a cheerful voice behind us. "Val, Julie, sorry I'm late!"

We turned to see Mira approaching us, dressed in a mini denim skirt and a track jacket, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and wearing Converse shoes. Next to her was Bellamy, dressed in a flowing yellow sundress and sandals, her long hair cascading down her back.

"Hey, can Bellamy come with us?" Mira asked.

Julie stiffened next to me, and I felt a sudden tension in the air. "Uh, I-I don't know–" Julie stuttered nervously.

But before she could finish, Bellamy spoke up, "Oh, I just remembered, I promised Ariana I'd help her with her hair today. I can't join you guys." Her expression was apologetic, but her eyes seemed to hold a hint of annoyance.

Mira looked disappointed, "But..."

Bellamy smiled and waved her hand. "It's ok, my lady. I can come with you guys another time." With that, she hurried away without looking back.

Julie sighed, a mixture of relief and frustration, but then smiled at us. "Can we go now?"

I wondered what had just happened, and even Mira looked a little confused, but we both brushed it off and left the Palace.

We took a bus to where Julie's grandmother stayed; Pacifica province, which was approximately 45 minutes away. The Palace was located in Civitas province.

I took my seat next to Julie, with Mira sitting in front of me. As the bus pulled out of the station, I gazed out the window at the passing scenery.

"Wow, look at that building!" I exclaimed, pointing to a sleek skyscraper. "It's so... shiny!"

Julie chuckled beside me. "That's the Calon City Tower. It's one of the tallest buildings in the city."

Mira turned around from her seat, her eyes wide with wonder. "I know, right? I've never seen anything like it. I've only seen pictures of Calon City before."

Julie smiled. "Well, you're both in for a treat. Calon City is amazing, and Pacifica Province is even more stunning."

As we drove through the city, Julie pointed out various landmarks and neighborhoods, with Mira and I asking questions and marveling at the sights.

"Look, there's the City Square," Julie said, gesturing to a bustling public space filled with people and street performers. "And that's the famous Calon City fountain."

Mira turned around again, her eyes sparkling. "It's so beautiful."

I nodded still in awe, Calon city definitely was amazing.

As we approached the province border, the scenery shifted from urban to suburban, with rolling hills and verdant parks replacing the concrete jungle.

"We're entering Pacifica Province now," Julie said, following our gaze out the window. "It's one of the most beautiful provinces in Calon city, with stunning beaches and scenic coastal routes."