HER MAJESTY, HIS ROYALTY

EPISODE 10: THE AFTER PARTY

EVLY

The exams were finally over, and the time had come for the ceremony we had all been dreading - especially me.

Over the holidays, Mshell and I had grown so much in our relationship. He would visit me from Athras Central, and surprisingly, my mum was quite supportive of us being together. Even though his father was the literal emperor, Mshell had his irresistible charms. His soft voice, his radiant smile, and the way his eyes sparkled with excitement - what other gentleman could meet my mum's high standards?

The moment Mshell and I had both been dreading finally arrived: his graduation ceremony.

We had spent the previous night together, as we had developed a habit of celebrating small victories over the months. Whether it was finishing a book, completing his project, or crafting a beautiful poem, we always took time to appreciate our little wins. When my article on modern-day entertainment was published and held the top ratings for a week, we celebrated that too.

Yesterday, we marked the end of his final exams. It was just the two of us at the edge of Peca Garden, a place we never fully explored, for reasons we didn't need to speak aloud. Sure, we had a few make-out sessions here and there, mostly when he visited my home, where my mum ensured we had all the privacy we could ever need.

"Cheers to the success of your exams," I raised my glass, the wine non-alcoholic since Mshell doesn't drink.

"Cheers to that," he said, smiling with his whole face.

He tilted his head slightly, locking his gaze on me. We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke again.

"Ugh, I don't like this space," he said, shifting closer to my side. "Yes! This is much better."

We were now so close, I could almost count his heartbeats.

"I'm going to miss this night, Vanilla," he murmured, resting his head on my shoulder, his voice soft and tinged with sadness.

"Me more than you. Peca Garden won't be the same without you," I replied quietly.

"Wait, why would you even come here again?" he asked, lifting his head to look at me, his expression so serious it made me laugh.

"A girl's got needs, your Majesty!" I teased, nudging him playfully.

The atmosphere lightened, and we spent the rest of the evening laughing, talking, and reminiscing.

Mshell made me feel safe in a way I hadn't known before. I never thought I could care so deeply for someone, especially here at Crowns. But as we sat there, my heart ached, knowing how much I was going to miss him.

MSHELL

My graduation morning kicked off with a text from my girlfriend:

"Good morning, Your Majesty! Happy graduation!! I love you. P.S. I might not be around much during the day, but see you at the after-party. Kisses 😊"

I could almost hear her voice as I read it. I wanted to call her, but knowing Evly, she'd probably sent the text and gone right back to sleep.

"Your Majesty! Your graduation attire is ready," my castle servant announced, pulling me from my thoughts.

I couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed when he called me that. When Evly called me "Majesty," it sounded so different-warm, pleasant. Maybe it was her soothing voice or the way her eyes would lock onto mine, waiting for me to respond. Whatever it was, it made me feel like royalty in a way no one else could.