Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 19- A well deserved Apology

Prince Nova's POV:

I pounded through the winding garden path, my feet striking the damp earth in a rhythmic cadence. The early morning sun cast a golden glow over the lush greenery, and the dew-kissed flowers filled the air with sweet fragrance. My breath came in steady gasps, my heart racing with the exertion. I had been jogging for a while, trying to clear my head.

As I turned a bend in the path, I saw a figure waiting for me ahead. Caspian, fell into step beside me, his long strides matching mine with ease. We jogged in silence for a while, our footsteps echoing off the palace walls.

The palace gardens were my sanctuary, and I came here almost every morning to clear my head. Caspian sometimes joined me, and I cherished these moments with him.

As we finished our jog, we collapsed onto a nearby bench, panting and sweating. Caspian wiped his brow with a towel, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he grinned. "You're getting slower, Nova. I think I'm going to have to start carrying you soon."

I rolled my eyes, chuckling. "You're just jealous of my royal physique."

Caspian snorted. "Royal physique? You mean the one that's been indulging in too many pastries?"

I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with Caspian that I never felt with anyone else. He had been my bodyguard since I was a child, and his sons, Galen and Xander, were like brothers to me. Galen, my best friend since childhood, was currently away at the guard's school in Valdoria, while Xander, the youngest, was still in high school. Our bond was unbreakable, and Caspian was like a second father to me. He had also been my father's best friend since they were young.

Caspian turned to me, his voice turning serious. "Nova, it's time to talk business. Your father wants you to sign the papers to begin the excavation of the stones we found in Nordania."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Me? I thought the king would handle it."

Caspian chuckled. "Looks like the old man wants to retire soon, Nova. Your father wants you to start taking responsibility, and besides, you were the one who found it that day. You're the perfect person to see this project through."

I couldn't help but smile, a grin spreading across my face. "My first project, I'm ready."

This was my first major project, I wondered why my father had wanted me to oversee it, I was happy about it though, it was a stepping stone to me being a good king; it had always been my dream and my mum's and I was going to see it through.

Caspian's expression turned amused. "Oh ho ho, Nova, you must be happy to finally have a project to call your own. Just don't mess it up, and don't get distracted by..."

He stopped looking really happy for some reasons. I prompted, "By..?"

Caspian's grin grew wider. "I mean don't get distracted by that girl."

"Girl?" I asked, confused.

Caspian finally turned to me, his brown eyes shining with amusement. "I saw both of you in the queen's garden, Nova. You were gazing at her like a lost puppy."

My head snapped to him, shocked.

Caspian chuckled at my expression. "Do you like her, Nova?"

I nodded immediately, without even thinking.

Caspian raised an eyebrow. "That's a first. You've never been one to get swoony over a girl before."

I stayed quiet, knowing he was right. Valerie was a first.

"I won't tell your father yet," He added with a wink.

I grinned. "Thanks, Caspian."

Caspian then asked curiously, "Don't mind me asking, but why her, Nova? What's so special about her?"