Star Crossed

Chapter 19

The Prince had dropped off Kara right outside the castle's back gates leading towards the stables. They had decided to go separate ways, not wanting to get caught by guards this early. Mon-El knew that no one would dare to question him, but seeing Eclipse, they would think he went out for a ride early in the morning. As for Kara, she knew she had to lie if she ever got caught.

And she did.

She had just walked in through the door that led to the castle from the courtyard when she ran into Winn. The Daxamite's eyes widened when he saw her and he quickly let out a sigh of relief.

"Lady Kara, where have you been? I was looking all over for you!"

"I'm sorry, Winn. I just went out for a walk. And I told you to call me Kara. Please."

Winn kneaded his temple. "Please tell me you weren't outside the castle this morning." Lowering his voice, he moved forward. "Kara, your mother sent me to search for you. And that was almost thirty minutes ago. I haven't told her that you weren't in your room, because you really can't be seen out without a chaperone. I'm sorry, Kara, I don't mean to question you, but please tell me if you left the castle this morning."

Kara was about to reply, but she stopped when she saw Mon-El walking towards them. Winn immediately bowed to the Prince, who gave him a small nod before looking at Kara.

"Lady Kara," Mon-El greeted. "What a pleasant morning it is. Are you heading out for a walk? I would suggest you see the gardens while you are out."

"No, Your Highness, I was just coming back from my walk. I was heading back to my room."

"Very well. Winn, make sure the lady gets to her room safely. Have a good day, Lady Kara." Giving her a quick nod, he walked away.

Once Mon-El was out of earshot, Winn spoke, "You were out with him, weren't you? All night?" He didn't have to wait for an answer. Kara was like an open book. Her expression said everything he wanted to hear. But that only made him feel bad since he was aware of what the Crown Prince was like. Winn really didn't want Kara to be another conquest. The Prince had had way too many of those.

"Let me escort you to your room, Lady Kara," Winn said, clearing his throat. "And next time you go out, please let me know."

Kara gave Winn a small nod as they began to make their way back to her room. Just as she was about to go in, she heard someone call her name. Kara turned around to see her uncle making his way towards her. He had a pleasant smile on his face as he greeted Winn and walked into Kara's room, all the while asking his niece if she slept well.

"I did, Uncle. Thank you," Kara answered as he gestured for him to take a seat. "Is everything alright?"

"Of course, dear one. I just came here to tell you that there's a luncheon today, followed by a dance. The royals and nobles from the other planets, including us, have been invited to dine with the King and his family. Apparently, they are looking for a suitor for Princess Cait of Wolford."

"The Princess is getting married?"

"I heard hers would be the other royal wedding, sometime after Prince Mon-El's own wedding takes place." Jor-El didn't sound too pleased when he said that.

Kara didn't want to talk about it. There was no way she was going to pretend she would ever be okay with Mon-El getting married. But she knew she couldn't stay away from him even if it was the right thing to do. As she sat lost in her thoughts, Kara felt her uncle's hand on her head, patting it gently. She looked up at him to see him give her a small smile. "I know nothing makes sense now. You want something and you feel you will never have it; I would normally say that you have to fight for it, but just know that sometimes you don't have to."