CROWNS ACADEMY || A Royalty's Academia Book Series #1

2.෴VOLUME [31]෴

CHAPTER 2
Second Year

Rai's POV

The grand States Palace was unusually quiet tonight. The golden chandeliers cast a soft glow over the lavish sitting room, but even their warmth couldn't chase away the cold settling in the Princess Lexandra's chest. She sat by the window, her silhouette framed against the kingdom's skyline. Her shoulders looked tense, her usual poised composure faltering as memories threatened to pull her under.

෴

I stepped into the room, my heels barely making a sound against the polished marble floor. My heart ached at the sight of her-so distant, so lost in thought. I didn't say anything at first, just walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

I know today is hard, I sad softly, my voice laced with understanding. I din't expect her to answer right away. I just wanted her to know I was there.

I slid onto the couch beside her, close enough for her to feel my warmth but not crowding her. My fingers traced soothing circles on her hand, offering silent comfort. The weight of her grief heavy not just for her but for the whole royal family.

It was the annual anniversary for their sister who was shot when they were young. School was starting in a week so I decided to fly before then to provide some kind of comfort for both Lex and Liam.

We talked for a bit as she weeped until she drifted to sleep in my arms. Lex was one of the happiest people I knew and this was just devastating to see.

After she fell asleep I slowly put her head on a pillow and covered her with a warm blanket, taking care so as to not wake her up.

There was someone else I needed to check on.

....෴....

LIAM'S POV

The room felt colder tonight, even with the electric fireplace burning low in the corner. I sat by the window, staring out at the kingdom's landscape, but all I could see was the past. Her laughter echoed in my mind, a sound I hadn't heard in years, and yet, it still haunted me. My hands clenched into fists on my lap. Today marked another year without her, another year of wondering what could have been.

Then, I felt it-her presence, warm and grounding. She did't say anything at first, just sat beside me, her hand resting lightly over mine. I exhaled, a breath I didn't realize I had been holding, turned my hand over, intertwining our fingers. It was the first real thing I had felt all day.

Thank you Estrella.

"She was so young," I murmured, my voice barely holding steady. "She didn't even get the chance to grow up, to see the world the way we have. It's not fair."

I turned to look at her, my eyes searching hers. She was not trying to fix it. She was just here. And somehow, that made it easier to breathe.

"I miss her," I admitted, my voice raw. "I miss her so much."

I lifted my hand, pressing it against her heart, and for the first time that day, I feel something other than grief.

"And she would want nothing more than for you to be happy because she is in a much better place now"

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting her words settle deep in my chest. A part of me knew she was right-she wouldn't want me to be drowning in this pain, wouldn't want me to keep punishing myself with "what ifs" and memories that cut like glass.