#{ I love the idea of Aslan getting a little flustered around pretty women }

[the-coincidence-child]

"..Haah.. Grn..."

[His legs swung back and forth, kicking the back of the wall. He only heard himself and the little insults the boys threw into his ears, and the foots steps from different area's of the school and white noise. Suddenly he heard singing, from the women at the top of the stairs. For some reason he felt himself enchanted by the voice. Aslan closed his eyes shut.]

"..Uwah...!"

[He fell onto his knees. Watching the boys run in fear. The sight of a almost ethereal figure roamed after them, he decided to look back down to the floor. He forced himself to listen to the boys shouts and screams get further and further away, until they sounded somewhat gone. His shot open, at the ask if he was okay. He slowly looked up at her, only so slightly where the most prominent part you could see was his eyes, his hair covering most of face however.]

"..Ah... I.. W-well.... I'm..."

[Once he got a small look at her, he felt himself feelinga bit flushed. She was really pretty and her long dark greenish hue hair amazed him. How does one keep their hair so long? None the less he shook his head hoping the slight hint of bright rose would leave his cheeks, scooting away holding onto the handle bar that hung against the wall. Finally you could see his face better. He blinked at her his hair covering the right side of his face. His flustered embarrassed face soon left, it was a little scary how quick he can switch his facial expressions.]

"I'm fine."

[He wasn't beaten up too bad, in fact he barely had any bruises or scratched anywhere. The minute he was able to get a smell of her, he does his very best to indicate what species she may be. Vampire? That should be pretty obvious, he can easily identify that. But what was that other smell? It was a little... Fishy quite literally . Aslan doesn't quite have a filter, he says what he feels and won't sugar code it.]

"Why do you smell like fish...?"

{ @the-coincidence-child }

★ꕀ༒︎ꕀ★

( "Annoying..." }

[He thought in his head. He'd simply decided to walk up on the other floors away from the middle school that was downstairs underneath the high schoolers, hoping it would give him some peace away from constant torment or annoying girls. But no, why would he even think he could get some peace up here. The Sakamaki family was popular, specifically with the girls. Not sitting right with any of the boys they would sit there aggravated listening to their girlfriends or crushes swoon over them, even little Aslan fell victim to the fan pages and so on. But those boys wouldn't dare bother those big intimidating Sakamaki's no... No they wouldn't even wanna think about it. But Aslan on the other hand. He was small, scrawny, and delicate. Picking on him seemed so easy, and not only that Aslan in no way scared them in any shape or form, so when they saw him roaming the halls they cornered him, spilling their cup of jealously and anger out on him. There was so much they could pick on him for. Too much if anything.]

". . ."

[ "Are ya just gonna stand there like a little pussy or what?" ] The 2nd year male student spat at him.

"..Hmph..." Aslan turned his head to the side seeming almost unbothered.

[ "Tch.. You Sakamaki's think yer all high and mighty... Better then the rest of us, just cuz yer all rich and pretty. Well I got news for you kid you ain't nothin'." ] The boy spout at him. Aslan kept his eyes away, pretending they weren't even there he turned his music on his headphones louder.

[They continued to make fun of him, insult him in every way they could. But Aslan stayed still, "Be the bigger person" played in his head like the song that he kept playing over and over again he'd fear the song might start playing out his ears. It wasn't until one of the older boys got fed up and ripped his headset off throwing them on the floor stepping on it. Aslan looked in shock as he saw his headset get smashed into pieces. Suddenly he was grabbed by his collar lifted up and pressed into the window harshly. He fiddled with the mans wrists scratching at them his legs kicking as well as his head moving around a bunch.]

[ "You better listen up you little freak." ]

"Let go of me you dick!! I'll fucking kill— trch.. Gaah..!"

[ "Pfftt.. Right I forgot, you can't threaten people or fight anymore right? Oh no what a shame, that Reiji can't come and save you now can he? Haha..!" ]

[ "Even if he could, a stupid little kid like him wouldn't get that far against us. I bet the kids downstairs beat you up all the time, little useless half breed." ]

[ "Are you even related to them? If my brother was half human I think I'd kill him or disown him on the spot. I bet they wanna do that with you right little half breed? I wouldn't want a freak like you." ] He flicked the side of Aslan's head.

[The boys were provoking him. Hoping he'd try and fight them so he'd get in trouble. He only struggled in the older boys grip on his now hair he kicked and scratched but he didn't feel like getting a scolding for fighting by Reiji plus a massive punishment by... That guy..]

[He suddenly noticed, at the top of the stairs a girl standing there. He hated looking weak, or seeming weak to people. So he closed his eyes and continued clawing at the boys wristt.]

★ꕀ༒︎ꕀ★

Kazemi was pretty tired from all the classes and homework. As always, school was just not the place she would like to be in, but she knew better than to argue with Ruki about it.

While walking through the halls during break time, she heard some some ruckus going on by the stairs below her and decided to check only to find two boys cornering a smaller one against the window. She stood at the top of the starts for a quile, observing and listening to the situation getting caught in surprise when the smaller boy finally noticed her.

Suddenly music filled the air. The sound of Kazemi's voice travelled through the area while she made sure to hide from the boys' view. Soon ghost like hallucinations appeared, whispering and moaning around the two bullies, followed by a sudden water explosion in the nearby drinker, making the boys run for their lives.

The girl calmly walked down the stairs towards the younger boy against the window. Her face was expressionless, yet there was a hint of kindness in her eyes. Her scent was similar to a vampire, although there was clearly something else about her.

"Are you ok?" She asked quietly.

[padfootagain]

A Recipe For Love (IX)

Part 9 : The Second Christmas

Here comes a new chapter for this series! I have already written more than 70 pages for this story, can you believe it?

Hmm hmm… Cuteness and… troubles and… angst. Yeah… yeah, you'll probably hate me by the end of this chapter.

And we're coming close to an ending as well… I don't know how many chapters I'll add after this one but not so many I guess.

Anyway, I hope you like it :)

The beautiful aesthetic was created by @mxrihollxnd.

Word Count : 4731

You stared at your reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing yourself. Or well… your face was still the same but your hair was elegantly tied up in a bun, and your body was covered with a dress of satin that embraced your curves perfectly. Standing there in your bedroom, you stared at the complicated broderies, the silvery threads shining upon the dark blue dress. The fabric had almost the colour of the inky sky. You grinned to yourself.

You felt beautiful…

The past few days had been pretty intense. As a cook, you had a million things to prepare for the ball that would celebrate the countdown to Christmas. But as the woman accompanying the King, you had learned to dance, and to stand properly, and to bend like a lady before mighty Lords…

It was exhausting. You fully understood why Caspian longed so much for instants when he could be himself, without worrying about the protocol. And to be fully honest, you were not sure to be able to handle all the pressure that came with all of this…

First, there were the rumours. You had heard a fair amount of nasty things these past few days, Caspian had been right when he warned you that lies would be flooding across the Castle like rivers ran to the coast after heavy rains.

Y/N? She's nothing…

The King only used this servant as an excuse.

The King was clearly out of his mind.

Perhaps she's a witch who put a spell on the King.

The King is no better than the ones who sat on this throne before him and this slut is just one of his whores…

You took a deep breath, pushing these thoughts away.

Caspian and you were not playing any kind of game, and you knew it. He loved you. It was obvious. His eyes carried his words even better than his voice, his tender gestures were clear signs. He loved you. And Aslan knew… you loved him with all your heart, every fiber of your being was full of love for him.

He didn't know you had been crying every night since the announcement though.

You knew that you should have ignored these lies, you were aware of the poison in their words. But clearly, the poison was efficient nonetheless. You didn't know for how long you could handle all this anymore…

You heaved a sigh. Caspian was certain that things would get better after this ball. The Realm and its inhabitants needed to see how true your feelings were, that was all. The rumours would die out then, when all would finally realize that Caspian would never change his mind. At least, that's what he thought. You were more perplex though.

You jumped as someone knocked on the door of your chamber.

You took another deep breath. It was time. You needed to get out of this safe room and face all those people who seemed to hate you…

But Caspian would be there with you. It would all be fine. Caspian was there…

You strode to the door, gathering your courage before opening the door.

You froze at the sight of Caspian standing on the threshold, and he remained motionless as well as his eyes landed on you, his jaw dropping.

He was so handsome in this auburn velvety suit, and this large white shirt…

You looked up at his eyes, but didn't meet his gaze. His chocolate brown eyes were roaming your body, drinking you in. If he had been able to think, he would have stopped himself from looking at you this way, respectfully keeping his gaze to your face. But his brain had stopped for a while now. You were too stunning for his mind to keep on making thoughts, it was all blank, only filled with you…

His eyes slowly traveled up again, to find you flustered.

He blushed fiercely as well.

"Y/N… I…" but his voice broke.

He couldn't find a way to breathe. You were literally breathtaking.

"Do you like my dress?" you asked shyly, clearly insecure now.

He smiled.

"You're…" a whisper was all he could summon. "You're simply… perfect…"

You smiled.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"You're extremely beautiful, Y/N."

"You are very handsome as well," you smiled, your cheeks on fire.

"Thank you."

The two of you exchanged a smile, before Caspian would offer you his arm.

"Are you ready, my Lady?" he asked you.

And there was no humour in the title he used to call you. To him you were a Lady, a real Lady, more than most of the women who were born to wear the title. You smiled, nodding, and closing the door behind you.

You enlaced your arm with his, and let him guide you towards the ball room.

"I know you are nervous," he said warmly. "But I'll stay by your side all along. You have nothing to fear."

"Don't leave me alone."

"I won't."

You took his hand in yours, holding his fingers tightly. You were not nervous actually, you were bloody terrified.

"It's all going to be fine, Y/N. I won't let anyone be mean to you. And if you feel uncomfortable there, we'll leave, okay?"

You nodded.

"Thank you so much, Caspian. I know it's important for you to make a good impression tonight and I just hope that I won't be a disappointment."

He laughed.

"You could never be a disappointment. I'm the one who should be thanking you. I know it's hard. All the rumours, the glares… I know that you didn't sign for this when you chose me. But there's nothing I can do about it. I'm King, and this weight upon my shoulders that comes with this title can never be lifted off of my shoulders and carried by someone else. Not for as long as I live. And now that you're here with me, I hope it won't happen before we have spent a whole lifetime together."

Your heart skipped a beat at his words. They were earnest, and full of meaning. He was confessing feelings he knew you might not share. You loved him, but to what extent?

You smiled.

"That's all I wish for myself, Caspian," you whispered, and his hold on your hand tightened. "A chance to spend my life with you."

He stopped right before the corridor that would lead the two of you to the ball room. The passage was dimly lit, and still deserted. When he looked at you, he had tears in his eyes.

"I'm so happy you feel the same as I do," he whispered.

"You know I do, Caspian."

He leaned down to capture your lips with his in a tender kiss. You let go of his hand and freed your arm to wrap it around his neck while your other hand travelled through his hair. You were soon pressed against him as he wrapped his arms around you.

"You are stunning tonight, Y/N," he whispered against your skin as he bent down to bury his face in the crook of your neck. "Although, you are always beautiful."

"This dress does miracles then?"

"No… it just enhances what I already saw in you. But I reckon that everyone is going to see it now as well, not just me. Which… might not be a good idea after all…"

"Why not? Having second thoughts?" you asked, only half-joking.

But he laughed your remark away, stroking soothingly your back.

"Of course not," he chuckled. "But with this dress… all the men in there will notice you and I won't like it…"

You laughed.

"What now? I didn't know you were jealous, Caspian."

"Well, me neither. I wasn't, before meeting you. Now… I could probably start a fight…"

"Don't be silly," you giggled.

"I'm serious!"

But you merely laughed in response, before being interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming your way.

You and Caspian reluctantly broke away, and you took his hand again.

You walked towards the large doors of wood that were already open. In the ballroom, many of the guests had already arrived, and were chatting, drinking some red wine. You followed Caspian's lead as he walked without a hesitation into the large room. You let the scent of food and wine fill your lungs, the warm light of candles and torches illuminating the richly decorated room. The Christmas decorations were shining with thousands of colours under this light. The Narnian tune played by the orchestra was making you want to dance with Caspian already.

For a moment, you were too impressed by your surroundings to notice that everyone in the room had fallen silent at the sight of you and Caspian walking in. You first noticed this feeling of being watched actually, and soon came to realize that everyone in the room was staring at you.

You blushed fiercely again, but followed Caspian, being careful at keeping your back straight and your chin high just like you had been told to. You tightened your hold on Caspian's hand as Lord Lirian and his daughter welcomed the King first.

"Your Highness," he bent, Clarissa following her father's lead. "What a brilliant celebration you have here! I am thrilled that both me and my daughter could attend."

"I'm glad you could come, my Lord," Caspian answered, nodding back to Lirian. "Well… I'm sure you remember Lady Y/N, right?"

"Lady?" Clarissa asked in a bitter tone.

You stared back at her, forcing a smile to your lips.

"It's a pleasure to see you again," you said, and couldn't help but feel proud of yourself for not stuttering.

But Clarissa didn't answer you, and merely turned to Caspian instead.

"I'm sure you can save a dance for me, Your Highness," she requested.

"We shall see," Caspian answered elusively.

"The night is till young, there is plenty of time."

But Caspian was tired of this little game of hers. And he was tired of remaining polite with her when he reckoned that she deserved a lesson.

"I'm afraid I already have the perfect partner for a dance, Lady Clarissa. Now, I hope both you and your father enjoy this evening. If you would excuse us…"

But before any of them could reply, he had guided you away.

"Are you alright, my love?" he asked in a caring voice.

But you nodded reassuringly.

"Thank you," you smiled.

"I told you, I'm keeping you all for myself tonight."

You exchanged a bright smile, and indeed, for as long as you politely greeted guests, Caspian never let go of your hand.

The night was starting to fly by already when Caspian was finally done with the hypocrite smiles and the handshakes. He walked to one of the tables set near the walls, and picked up a piece of this chocolate cake he had asked you to prepare for this event. It seemed so long ago already…

"Now… this is delicious, Y/N," he smiled, taking another piece before turning towards you again.

You giggled, picking up a piece of the cake as well.

"I'm glad you still like it this much."

"More than ever. It reminds me of that night… do you remember?"

"How could I forget?"

He brought your hand to his lips and kissed it gently.

"Well, my love… would you like to dance?" he proposed.

Next to you, the two Ladies who had been whispering froze at the sound of the petname Caspian had used.

"I would love to, darling," you grinned, nodding.

He guided you to the center of the large room where some couples were already dancing. But they all stopped as you and Caspian approached.

He rested his hand on your lower back – a bit lower than he had during the repetitions, you noticed – and you rested your own on his broad shoulder.

A new song started to play, and Caspian made a movement to start dancing, but you looked down at your feet as you almost stepped on his foot already.

You blushed fiercely, but he merely chuckled, stopping his movement altogether.

"Here you go again. Just look up at me, love."

You raised your eyes to meet his brown ones.

"I'm guiding you. Just follow me, okay?"

You nodded, locking your eyes on his and knowing that you had to never let your stare falter if you wanted to survive this dance with him.

And when he moved again, you followed his lead. In just a moment you had forgotten the crowded ballroom, the couples who had resumed their dances, the candlelight, the decorations… everything had vanished beyond Caspian's glance. It was so warm and tender… oozing with love, and you knew that you were looking up at him the same way.

If only this moment could have lasted forever… the oblivion brought by his eyes and his embrace enough to bring your heart all the happiness it desired.

But only too soon, the music faded, the song coming to an end, and you reluctantly stopped dancing. Caspian kept you close to him for just a few seconds longer, and you knew that he didn't want to let go. But you were not alone this time, and he didn't have a choice but to break his embrace.

You exchanged a smile.

He wanted to take you for a walk now, he knew you were not enjoying the evening so much because of all these stares set upon you. But he didn't have the chance to make you his offer, as Lord Emras stood next to the two of you.

"Your Highness, Lord Lirian requires your presence, I think he wants to discuss an important matter with you. Perhaps I could keep Lady Y/N company while you attend your duties."

Caspian heaved a sigh, his gaze full of hesitation as he looked at you again, but you nodded your head with a reassuring smile.

"You should go, you are needed elsewhere, Caspian."

"It won't be long."

You nodded again, and he gave your hand a squeeze before turning around and walking towards the Lord and his daughter.

"May I have the honour, my Lady?" Emras offered you his opened hand.

You blushed slightly. It felt strange to accept to dance with another man than Caspian, but you reckoned that the protocol required you to accept the Lord's offer, so you slipped your hand in his and let him slowly dance with you.

"So… you are a cook, aren't you?" Emras asked.

His tone was nonchalant, the tone of a pointless discussion, but you were not so naïve as to believe in his careless tone. You were certain that he was more dangerous than he seemed to be.

"I am, indeed," you nodded.

He tried to pull you a bit closer to him, but you kept a fair amount of distance between your two bodies.

"I wonder… how you and the King did meet? And how… did you make him fall for you?"

You didn't like this sudden accusatory tone of his.

"I did nothing to make him fall for me," you snapped.

"But you think that he does have feelings for you, don't you?"

"I know he does. He does have feelings for me. And I have feelings for him as well."

"I see…"

He remained silent for a moment, and you held his prying stare.

"I do not think that you manipulated him…" he said slowly.

"Of course, I didn't!" you protested, outraged.

You took a step back, trying to move away from him, but he only strengthened his hold on you, preventing you from escaping.

"You know that this relationship with the King is doomed though. Do you not?"

You tried to scowl at him, but you couldn't. Because of all the doubts in your heart and mind, you tended to even agree with him.

"I thought so. You are wiser than you look like."

"Caspian loves me. And I love him," you tried to defend yourself.

"Love? That's a strong word."

"I know the way I feel…"

"But do you know the way he feels as well?"

"He told me. Multiple times. And there were no lies in his eyes, I know he spoke the truth."

Emras stared at you for a moment, but he knew that you were not telling lies. It was all true. He hadn't really expected to have to fight against something as strong as love. But you obviously were in love with the King. And he was beginning to think that Caspian loved you as well.

He hated to be that man, the one to break hearts. But the safety of the Kingdom depended on it, and he would have done anything to defend Narnia.

"Y/N… I know that you think that Caspian has only eyes for you. That his feelings are true. But they are not. It's just a phase of his, it will pass…"

"You're lying!"

You tried to move away again, but he kept on holding you too tightly, and you were afraid of making a scene and humiliate Caspian.

"Do you really think that you are the first woman the King shows any interest in?"

You froze, staring at him. You were trying to read through him, but couldn't figure out if he spoke the truth or not.

After all, Emras was a good liar…

"I…" you tried to protest, but there was too much doubt in your mind already.

You felt insecure, he had seen it in an instant. You were such an easy prey…

"He will soon show no interest in you anymore. I'm sorry, if he made you believe that you were special. But you're not special, Y/N."

"I don't believe you."

"We both know you do though."

You stared at each other in silence for a few seconds, but your throat was too tight for you to speak.

You didn't want to believe it. With all your heart, you were trying to push the thought away. But it was already too late. Seeds were planted in your mind and doubts grew out of it too fast for you to remain logical.

"You seem to be a good person, I can see it now," Emras added, his voice softer than before. "I don't want you to end up broken-hearted because the King has found a new toy in you…"

"That's not true! It… It's not what it is about between us!"

"To you, no. But to him… How can you know?"

Your eyes drifted across the crowd to set upon Caspian. He was still talking with Lord Lirian and his daughter, and you couldn't help but notice how close Clarissa was…

"We both know that all this is not real, Y/N," Emras went on. "You're a cook. It's a noble profession, but it can hardly be compared to a Queen…"

"I don't want to be Queen," you admitted in a breathy whisper.

"You were not born to be one," Emras reassured you. "You can be proud of your work, Y/N. But this world the King lives in is not yours. You don't belong there, Y/N. You've seen it, haven't you?"

You were close to tears by now, your eyes still resting on Caspian.

"The King belongs with someone of his rank. Someone who will be able to understand his duties, what it means to be King, and will be able to wear the title of Queen. You deserve to find love, Y/N. But whatever is happening between you and the King… it's not really love. He's just curious. He's curious because you are not what he is used to. He is used to meet Ladies and princesses, women he deserves. But you are not like this, and that's what intrigues him. But his curiousity will fade, Y/N. And he will break your heart. He did so to other women before. I don't want you to be hurt that way. You know what needs to be done."

A tear rolled down your cheek.

"You need to stop all this," Emras went on, knowing he had already won the fight. "While you still have time. While you still can. Before it's too late for you to save yourself. He might look like it hurts… and maybe it will hurt him, but it's for the better. You know it, Y/N… I'm sure that deep down, you've always known."

You closed your eyes, but Caspian's silhouette bathed in candlelight was still painted on your closed eyelids, like a ghost haunting you down…

"You need to let go..." Emras's voice sounded from far away, and yet painfully echoed in your heart. "For your sake. But for his as well. He's about to make a huge mistake, Y/N. If he breaks trades with the North, it will mean war all over again. Do you want that to happen?"

You shook your head.

"I thought not. Well… then you have to take your distance, and make him see that he belongs with a woman of his rank."

"But he loves me…" you whispered, a last spark of hope slowly burning out but still hot enough for your heart to survive on it.

"The King still has much to learn… love is one of these things he can't understand yet."

"What do you know about how he feels?" you asked back, looking up at him again.

You were crying by now, but couldn't find a way to care. You were barely aware of the salty drops rolling down your cheeks. You were struggling against yourself too hard for that, your heart torn apart between doubts and faith…

"I have been by his side for a while now," the Lord answered. "Who do you think takes care of shushing rumours about women he sees?"

Your eyes grew wide, tears only falling more down your cheeks.

"Y/N… you're not what is best for him. And he is not the best for you either. Leave him, while you still have a chance to spare your heart…"

The music stopped, the silence that came with it seeming sudden to you, but you finally managed to get away from Emras hold.

But his poisoned words had reached your heart and soul already, and it was too late…

You strode across the room, looking down at your feet in an attempt to hide your tears.

Caspian saw your form moving across the room so fast, a mere form all draped in dark blue moving through the crowd. He frowned hard, knowing right away that something was wrong.

He excused himself and didn't wait for Lirian to answer before striding after you.

"Y/N!" he called once he had reached the corridor.

But you kept on walking down the corridor without a single glance over your shoulder towards him.

"Y/N!"

He had to run after you, finally catching your arm, to bring you to a stop. He forced you to turn towards him. He clenched his jaw in anger at the sight of tears on your face.

"What did they tell you?"

His voice was colder now, but you didn't answer.

"What did they say? You know… it doesn't even matter. It's just a lie. Y/N, it's not true. You're amazing. You're perfect…"

But you shook your head, clenching your jaw as well.

"I'm not, Caspian."

"Of course, you are, my love…"

You winced at the nickname, and Caspian frowned.

"I'm sorry, I should have remained by your side all along…"

"No… it's… I'm so lost…"

You kept on crying, and Caspian made a movement to wrap his arms around your shaking frame in an attempt to comfort you. But you didn't let him, pushing him away.

"How many women have you called this way before me?" you asked him, your tone more bitter than you intended.

Caspian frowned hard.

"I… why are you asking me this?"

"Answer me."

"No… no one, Y/N. You… you're the only one…"

You clenched your fists as well, staring at his now puzzled expression. He didn't seem to understand what you were talking about. But you were too lost to know who to believe anymore.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly.

"I don't know… I'm not like that, Caspian. I can't handle all this…"

You nodded towards the direction of the ballroom, but Caspian shushed you when you opened your mouth to speak again.

"I know it's hard for you, and I know that you are making huge efforts for me. I know it. I'll repay it one day, I promise. We can leave the ball if you want, it was already brave of you to come with me…"

"No, you don't understand! I can't do it! I can't! It's not me! I'm not happy like this!"

Your words pierced his heart like cold daggers.

"I thought you were happy with me…" he breathed.

But you shook your head.

"I don't know anymore… I don't know…"

"This evening was intense for you," Caspian tried to cool the situation down. "Perhaps you should get some rest. You will feel better tomorrow."

"I don't want you to break my heart…"

"I won't. Y/N, I won't. I promise. I love you."

You brushed another tear away.

"I can't pretend to be someone else, Caspian. And I'm not a Queen," you said firmly, despite your wet cheeks, and he knew how serious your words were. "I don't think we were meant for each other…"

"Y/N! Don't say things like that!"

"It's the truth! It's just a dream… all this… it's just a dream, Caspian. We can't be together…"

"Of course, we can. We can be together, we just need to fight hard enough for it. I need you. I will fight until my last breath to spend my life with you."

"Caspian…"

"Why are you saying all this anyway? I thought you loved me as well."

"I do, Caspian. But the world is not ready for that. And no matter if you're King, you can't fight the whole world on your own."

"For you, I would."

You shook your head.

"I need some time to think this through…" you breathed.

"What do you mean?"

"I need to be alone for some time."

He slowly nodded.

"We… we'll discuss this tomorrow then, after a good night of sleep…"

"It will take more than a night, Caspian."

He looked at you with eyes full of fear… the fear of losing you…

"How long then?" he asked, but you merely shrugged.

"I don't know. The time it takes me to come to a decision."

"A decision?"

"About us."

Tears started to shine in his eyes.

"Don't do that. Don't leave me…"

"I need to think…"

"What did they tell you? Who spoke to you? I can't be… before the ball you were ready to spend your life with me…"

"But then I was blinded. By you. By how sweet and kind you are with me. But being with you involves more than that. And I can't take it…"

You shook your head.

"I need some time. Please, I need to be left alone."

Caspian didn't try to stop you when you walked away. And you were too busy hiding your tears to notice that Caspian was crying as well. He rested his back against the nearest wall to keep his balance as you disappeared around the corner. He had not cried that much since he was a little boy scared of the dark…

You didn't stop walking, almost running, before you reached your chamber. You closed the door behind you, finally letting out a sob as you didn't need to control your appearance anymore. You could let the mask fall now, so you crumbled.

But you noticed a little box on your bed as you walked through the room to get rid of your dress.

You took it in your hands, wondering what could be inside. But when you opened it, you could only let out another sob.

It was the star you had seen in a shop in your village, the one to put on top of your Christmas tree. Along with the beautiful object, a little note rested in the box :

For the brightest of all stars,

Merry Christmas, Y/N.

With all my love,

Caspian X.

Your knees gave way under your weight, shaking too much now. And you were left sobbing on the floor of your room, the same question twirling in your head again and again…

What were you supposed to do now?

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