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S L A V E ~ 24

Third Person

The look on Justin's face as Catalina stood in front of him gave it all away. She knew this was going to be a hard conversation and quite frankly, neither of them were truly ready for it.

        "There is something I have to tell you" Justin started out. Catalina stayed silent and allowed him to continue on with what he had to say. She waited, her attention fully on him. "The wedding has been moved up. It is tomorrow actually" he whispered, but she heard every word. "I never knew until today, and now with everything beside said...my father wants it to happen as soon as possible"

All she did was nod in response. She was still trying to process everything that was happening and for a moment Catalina wanted to tell him about the new found information about carrying his child — or possibly, children, but she decided to keep her mouth closed and said something else,

        "I am leaving, prince Justin"

"what?" his head snapped in her direction after being glued to the ground in what seemed like forever. Time, had seemed to slowed its pace as the conversation ensued.

           "Grandpapa wants me to go with him and—" Catalina took a deep breath, "—My mother is alive, as you may now have figured. I was with her and that is why I have been gone for hours.." she trailed off as tears filled her eyes,"I also found out that I have a younger brother and, I really really don't want to be without them"

"I thought your mom died"

         "I thought so too, for eleven years actually" She chuckled sarcastically as she wiped the tears that fell, "–But my grandfather took care of her and my brother. They were living in the states" she said.

After a moment of silence, Justin felt a bit uneasy as he dreaded the answer to his next question, "America, Is that where you are going?"

         In reply, Catalina shrugged her shoulders as her gaze fell. Even though she truly was not sure of her destination next, It was hard to look into his eyes.

"I never said I was leaving the country" she mumbled. The love she had for Justin, was evident. He knew that and she knew he loved her but it was just an unfortunate situation that they were both forced with. Neither wanted to lose the other.

        "what about me?"

"you get married, Justin" Catalina stated with a sigh, "I can never change my skin colour and neither do I wish to do so. We all have a life to live, and you have duty —"

     "that rightfully belongs to your family. Ever since I met you, I didn't understand what the true meaning of love is, Catalina — I love you. I do not care for this position knowing that my father stole it from your family"

Catalina sucked in her breath and closed her eyes for a moment before reopening them. She then placed her hand to rest upon Justin's cheeks with a soft — yet sad, smile. "I am choosing to refuse this position because I think you are capable of doing what is best for this country. I trust that Issac knows what he is doing when he is allowing you to take the throne. I support him fully" She said, "Also, your family does not know about us, Justin. Charles, does not know and I – I do not want to do this anymore.." she trailed off in a whisper.

         "are you breaking up with me?"

"we were never together"

         "so instead — you're leaving me"
As sad as it is, Catalina slowly nodded her head, refusing to let the tears pour out anymore, "I need to learn more about where I came from – my background" she moistened her suddenly dried lips as she partially lied through her teeth, "I need to be with my family for now"