HER MAJESTY, HIS ROYALTY

EPISODE 13: VIRTUAL HUGS AND DIGITAL SMILES

EVLY

"Can you believe it? I think my brain is failing me," I muttered to Mshell, who was on the other side of the screen, listening quietly as I vented.

"Babe, don't be too hard on yourself. I think it happens to everyone once in a while. We can't keep tabs on everyone we know in our heads," Mshell replied, his voice soft but reassuring.

I understood what he meant, but this wasn't just about forgetting someone—it was about Albertus. We had shared such a memorable time, yet I couldn't bring myself to tell him that.

"Anyways, enough about me!" I said, trying to shift the conversation. "What's up with you? When are you heading to school?"

Mshell had enrolled at the Royal University of Arts (RUA) in Mane's, which was only a few hours away from where I was in Asianie. The thought of being closer to him made me smile, but I kept it to myself.

"In two weeks," he answered, but his tone carried an undertone of something else—something that sounded a lot like worry.

"Why don't you sound excited about it?" I asked, my brows furrowing.

He blinked slowly, rubbing his eyes as though to shake off a sense of unease. A sigh escaped his lips before he spoke again. "I don't know how to feel about it. I mean, I've always wanted to go to RUA, but now that it's almost here, I'm wondering if it's the best fit for me. Will I even fit in? RUA is known for having the most talented students in all of Athras."

My jaw dropped. This was Mshell we were talking about—the guy who lit up every room he walked into with his talent, his charm, and his effortless cool. I'd never heard him doubt himself before, and hearing him do so now left me speechless for a moment.

"You're kidding, right?" I finally managed. "Babe, should I remind you who you are? You're Mshell. You're probably—scratch that—definitely more talented than all the students at RUA put together. How dare you doubt yourself?"

I watched as his lips quirked into a small smile. His eyes softened, the weight of his uncertainty easing just a little. "Thank you, Evly."

"Thank you for what? I'm just stating facts here." I couldn't stop myself from laughing, a little relieved to see him start to lighten up.

"Well, thank you for stating them," he said, his tone playful, the tension melting away from his voice.

Just then, Kaniz waved at me from across the room, signaling that I needed to head to class.

"Okay, babe," I said, sighing as I stood up. "As much as I would love to stay here and keep reminding you how amazing you are, I've got class to attend."

We exchanged our virtual kisses, and I ended the call with a final, affectionate smile, feeling a little lighter after our chat.

At Class

"Hey, Evly, you look good today. Mind telling me the secret?" Darcy asked as she passed my desk.

I raised an eyebrow, leaning back in my chair. "I always look good, Darcy. You just happen to be paying more attention to me lately. Why's that?" I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

She flashed a smile before walking away, and I couldn't help but smirk. I knew exactly how to handle Darcy—she just needed a little reminder that I had things under control. I didn't need her help, not now.

The class settled in, and moments later, our teacher walked in with an announcement.

"Good morning, everyone! We have a new student joining our class today."