Watching the Stars (A Short Story Collection)

When the Stars Fall

"Andra. She means nothing to me. I promise."

"That's what they all say."

~ Saturday 1:00 A.M. ~

When Cass married Princess Quinta to secure Chevral's relations with our neighboring country, I was fine with it. Cass and I had already declared that we loved each other. It was only when Quinta began going after Cass that I got mad. Cass, oblivious and in denial, defended her against my accusations and that was the last straw.

I stood on the balcony where Cass told me he liked me. I could picture the exact scene right now. Us standing together watching Commonwealth's lights flicker, his hand on mine. It was perfect. I looked up, no stars. There were never any at the castle, but I was fine with it as long as I was with Cass.

"I knew I would find you up here." I heard a familiar, welcoming voice say behind me.

"Where else would I be tonight?" I answered, not even bothering to look at Cass.

"Look, Andra. I'm sorry about Quinta."

I spun around. "Do you think it's Quinta I'm worried about, Cass? If that's what you think I'm worried about than maybe you don't know me."

He had a regretful look on his face that made me want to forgive him, but I stood my ground. "It's you, Cass. I'm not stupid. I know you know she's going after you and you are doing nothing to stop it."

I almost pointed my index finger accusingly, but decided against it, afraid I would look childish. I hated fighting with Cass, but he left me no other choice.

"Andra. She means nothing to me. I promise."

"That's what they all say."

I had muttered the last line so quietly that I thought Cass hadn't heard it. His answering silence told me he heard it and he wasn't arguing against it. So it was true. He was falling for Quinta. I couldn't stand his presence anymore. Looking at the empty, dark sky once more, I stepped around him and went inside.

~ Wednesday 3:00 A.M. ~

I stayed out on the balcony all night, crying. It wasn't something I did a lot anymore, but after the terrible week I've had, I didn't even care. Walking in on Cass and Quinta wasn't even the worst part, it was the way he lied to me afterwards.

One more day, I thought. One more day until I turned twenty. One more day until I would be considered an actual adult in Chevral. One more day until I could walk outside the castle walls and into freedom.

~ Thursday 12:15 P.M. ~

Cass forgot about my birthday. He did the same thing last year, except last year, he had to deal with another massacre in Chevral, so I didn't blame him. This year, there was no excuse.

~ Friday 4:30 A.M. ~

Placing my suitcase down, I slung my jacket around me. I took one last look at the castle, saying goodbye to so many things. The guards didn't bother to stop me, it was too early. It didn't matter. At this point, nothing could stop me.

~ One Year Later ~

I gripped the strap slug around me. My camera hit my thigh as I walked. My other hand held a tablet. Reporters were everywhere in Kingston University. The Prince and Princess were visiting the school today. Students were crowding into the theatre, eager to be this close to royalty. Our yearbook president walked into the room. I turned to him quickly and snapped a picture before he could note my presence. I peered over the viewfinder.