Dragonkin 4 You're my Mate? No thanks.

Part 28 Declaration

Sharp branches poke into my side, making me uncomfortable. Sharp objects pierced into my flesh. In my haste, I haven't got the time to notice that it's a shrub with thorns.

Crap! How do I make my exit undetectable?

Taking a step backwards, I am about to leave when the male speaks, "Cassy -".

Before he can finish his sentence, Cassy interrupts curtly, "Valerius, I know what you are planning to say. Stop. It's not going to change my mind. I want peace and quiet. Now, please excuse me".

Great. Just great. It's the entire evening replaying all over again. The three of us here. Except for me hiding in the bushes. Great.

Absolutely damning great.

I heard some rustling of the grass as Cassy turns to leave.

I dart further into the shrubbery, wishing to hell that I'd been smarter and left when I could. This is going to be awkward as hell if I'm discovered.

There's nothing I can do now, except hide.

Giving up on reclaiming my sleep, I took to wandering the gardens in the hope that the fresh air will clear my thoughts. Now I'm seriously regretting my action, Cassy berates herself. I should have valiantly battled Morpheus and attempted sleep after that nightmare.

I stand rigid as I face Valerius.

He has a mulish set expression which indicates he's not letting this go. Great, here we go again.

"No," Valerius states firmly. "I'm not letting you escape again. I'll put it out there and state everything clearly so there's no mistaking".

Taking a deep breath, he rushes, "Cassy darling, I love you, since young and -".

"But I don't love you," I cut in impatiently. I want to end this conversation swiftly.

How many times have we had this conversation over the past few years?

Valerius' face fell.

Facing him and upsetting him over the same matter repeatedly isn't doing wonders for our friendship. I love him as a brother. But somewhere down the line, our relationship has gone way wrong. Too off the course to rectify, without bruising his ego. And Valerius isn't Valerius without his enormous ego.

Disappointed but undaunted, he continues his persuasion, "I'll try to make you love me. We have a long life. Who knows? Maybe after a century, you'll realize that I'm the one for you".

"Valerius, dear friend. My feelings won't change," I assure him confidently. My eyes straight and unyielding.

When I heard my harsh reply to his declaration of love, it occurs to me that this may be what Karalianus feels when I fervently chase after Karalianus but he has no feelings for me. One-sided love all around, how complicated. Sometimes I wish that my life is simple.

Does Karalianus find me a nuisance too? Maybe I should give up my pursuit and gracefully give in to Valerius' proposal. No, I'll persist like Valerius. My dreams have never lied to me. Karalianus is my one true love.

His hands gripping my shoulders, "Cassy dear, don't be so sure. Many things can happen in a century".

"My visions have always held true. In the past, I may have harbored romantic notions for Karalianus because it's been foretold that he's my soul mate. But now, I've been won over by his compassion, diligence and humor".