At least I'm Alive

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Everyone was staring at them.

Prince Robin placed his hand on her waist, while Abela placed hers on his shoulder.

Their right hands hold tight.

They begin dancing.

"I see you wore the jewelry I gave you." Prince Robin tells her.

Abela looked away embarrassed.

"It looks lovely." He smiled.

Abela looked back and stared at him.

Her mouth slowly formed a smile, and she giggled.

"It's quite unexpected to hear a compliment from you" she laughed.

They were glowing...

Everyone stared in awe. They looked beautiful.

After being adorable to eachother, Abela glanced to her side to see...

The Earl.

Abela's smile faded.

Little did she know, she was shivering.

Her eyes were shaking. The prince whispered worried, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Abela replied quietly.

"Really? You don't look fine" Robin doubted.

"Then stop looking..." She replied looking down.

As soon as the song ended, Abela bowed, and rushed to the corner balcony.

Luckily, no one was there, she squatted down with her hand on the balustrade... hyperventilating.

'why...did he come?' she asked herself in tears.

She covered her eyes, and couldn't breathe.

The door from the balcony, opened to see Prince Robin rushing in. The door closed by itself, as he ran to Abela.

"Hey! Are you okay? Breathe!" He said squatting next to her.

'why did he follow me? He can't see me like this!' she thought to herself.

Abela stood up, and Robin followed.

She wiped her tears and said "I'm sorry for making you worried."

She wanted to cry more. And it showed.

"Why...?" Robin asked.

Abela looked at him confused.

"Why...are you holding back your tears?" He asked again.

"Women...shouldn't cry. It makes you weak." Her voice shook.

He paused and went near her. Their faces were close to eachother.

"Crying does not indicate that you are weak...Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive."
He said looking straight at her teary eyes.

Abela's mind was blank. Her heart was aching so much she couldn't breathe.

Then, tears started dripping.

She didn't realize...and was surprised.

Robin pulled her arm and hugged her tightly.

Cressing her hair, assuring her that it's okay to cry.

She then, bursted to tears. And started weeping on his chest.

...

She eventually calmed down, and they were both beside eachother, leaning on the balustrade.

They were silent, til Abela spoke...

"Thank you...and sorry." She said with a weak voice.

Robin smiled and replied "It's alright. You needed it."

'being hugged like that...my heart fluttered.' Abela thought, making her blush a little.

Prince Robin wanted to know why she had a panic attack like that. He stayed silent, waiting for her to speak.

"The Earl...was there." Abela said looking at the sky.

"I'm sure you already know my original family...but the real story hasn't been opened yet." She continues.

Robin looked at her, "Is it okay to ask?" He said.

She smiled "it's nothing big. Thanks to the Archduke, I was able to live a normal life. A life not being treated as a nobody.

You see, I was an... accident. Because of that, people mistreated me. When I got the chance to escape, the Duchess took me in...I'm forever grateful."

Abela was too tired to cry again.

'I see, I guess I know who to mistreat next..' Robin thought.

"You too...Prince Robin. If you have anything to say, I'd be happy to listen." Abela said.

'It's the least I could do. I always did this as Cleo to my old friends, they always listened to my problems.' Abela recalled.

"Well, you obviously know I'm a dead inside prince..I'm cold to everyone, I'm mean and brutal.

I ignore nobles who meet me coincidentally. They think I hate everyone.

But..

The truth is, Ignoring people doesn't mean I'm mad at them...

It means that..they are not really important and worth of my time.

People are disgusting. They are greedy, and stupid. All I can do..Is be quiet. I just work hard, and be repeatedly called unworthy." Robin said looking at the trees.

"But...you're strong." Abela said.

"I'm strong, but I'm tired."
Robin sighed.

"I'm a monster. Even after years of hard work, there are people more suitable to be emperor.

Enemies are everywhere. They also think...I'm not worthy." His voice started shaking.

"If people are trying to bring you down, It only means that you are above them." Abela said, looking at the Prince.

"You're not a monster. And you are worthy. You worked hard Your highness." She smiled at him.

Robin stared at her...

His chest felt weird...like his heart was beating rapidly.

The wind blew, and her hair went to her face.

Robin, slowly removed the hair stuck on her face, and Abela was flustered.

Her face turned red when their faces were inches apart.

Abela stopped leaning and patted her face. "Well, I'm going back to enter the battle field." She turned and rushed outside.

Robin stayed at the balcony, bursting into laughter.

But he, as well...was blushing.