Royal Heartstrings

Chapter 33- Use me

Mira's POV:

A few days ago, I'd heard the devastating news: the king was sick. The palace was abuzz with worried whispers. I hoped with all my heart that he would recover. Prince Nova had been absent for what felt like an eternity, consumed by his new responsibilities. And Prince Cadoc, usually so full of life, looked miserable.

Determined to lift his spirits, I organized a picnic in the gardens with him, Luna, and Majesty by our side. Our usual lively chatter was replaced by silence as we ate.

I broke the silence, concern etched on my face. "Are you alright?"

Prince Cadoc nodded, but his eyes told a different story.

I reached out, my voice soft. "I'm always here, okay?"

For the first time that day, a faint smile crossed his lips. "Thank you, Mira."

After lunch, we played with Majesty and Luna, their joyful energy infectious. Once their handler whisked them away, Prince Cadoc and I sat together again.

"How is Prince Nova?" I asked, genuine concern in my voice.

Prince Cadoc's expression turned somber. "It's not easy for him. Hearing his father is sick and taking on those pressing responsibilities...it's quite toiling. But my brother is strong; I know he'll pull through."

I nodded, knowing Prince Cadoc was right. That was the Prince Nova I'd once admired, and thinking about it now...my heart ached. I couldn't think of him in that way again.

Prince Cadoc noticed my distress. "Mira, is something wrong?"

I sighed, honesty spilling out. "It's really hard for me. I did once like him, and sometimes when I think of him...it hurts. And I know I shouldn't be thinking like that, but I—"

Prince Cadoc's expression softened, his voice low. "Use me, Mira."

"What?" I asked, shock etched on my face.

Prince Cadoc's expression turned serious. "Use me to forget Nova."

My eyes widened, his words sinking in.

"I like you, Mira," he confessed.

Before I could process anything, his lips brushed against mine. The kiss was gentle, yet electrifying. I froze, my mind racing. But then, something took over, and I kissed him back. It wasn't my first kiss, but this felt different. Prince Cadoc's lips were warm, inviting. For a moment, I lost myself. But reality struck, and I pulled away.

"I can't do this," I whispered, my voice trembling.

Prince Cadoc's eyes flashed with pain.

I stood, my legs wobbly. "Sorry," I muttered, turning to leave. I'd wanted to cheer him up, but now I was the one who needed cheering. As I walked away, I felt his gaze on me.

Two days had passed since I'd last spoken to Prince Cadoc. I'd been avoiding him, unsure how to process his confession. He'd been one of my closest, and now...everything was complicated. I knew he needed me, especially during this difficult time with his father's illness, but facing him seemed impossible. I didn't know what I felt, and the uncertainty was suffocating.

Sighing, I left the library and paused, spotting Prince Cadoc and his personal maid ahead. The maid's hand rested possessively on his arm, her smirk grating. Prince Cadoc, oblivious, gazed at his phone.

I watched, feeling a pang of discomfort. I knew some of the maids liked him, but I hadn't really cared that much...until now. Something about this scene ignited a fire within me. I almost saw red. The maid's flirtatious giggles and Prince Cadoc's unawareness fueled my irritation. For some reason, this felt personal.