{Sylvia's POV}
Never had I felt the weight of loneliness in such a manner. At first, I thought it was only painful when you couldn't interact with people the way you wanted, couldn't share your thoughts and dreams with anyone that would understand.
But right now, the feeling of separation from the one person I had connected with, truly felt like loneliness. I felt like I would've been better off if I hadn't even met him, than to be apart for so long.
"What is he doing right now?? Would he be sitting outside also, staring once more at the stars just like I was???"
Those questions grew from thoughtless wishing, to straight up insecurity in such a short time that even I, didn't notice.
"Princess, are you listening" Darius voice echoed, trailing beyond my ears as I immediately returned to the conversation we were having.
He was the epitome of youthful nobility, standing with an air of authority that came naturally to the first son of an archduke. At sixteen, he possessed a strikingly handsome face, with sharp features and a confident smile that could charm even the most stoic of hearts.
His hair was a rich chestnut, perfectly styled, and his deep green eyes sparkled with ambition and mischief. Clad in a finely tailored coat that hinted at his royal status, he moved with a grace that spoke of both privilege and poise.
As he approached me, his voice rang out, smooth and self-assured. "Your Highness," he began, a playful glint in his eyes.
"I must confess, I've traveled far and wide across the empire, yet nothing compares to the beauty that stands before me now. Surely, you must be the reason the sun rises each day, illuminating the world with your radiance." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a delightful secret.
"Sir Darius, I know I've said this before but, I'm still not interested in your advances, now if you'll excuse me I have things to do" i replied coldly, rolling my eyes at him before picking up the hems of my dress as I strode away.
The echoes of the howling wind in the grand hallway, reminded me of the day my first suitor appeared three years ago.
I was twelve and had newly formed my contract with Medina.
I had decided to visit my mom for her usual morning stories, on that cold winter morning, meeting with dad along the way.
He introduced me to a middle aged man; Ocyprus, who was a successful merchant and supported most of the empire's advancements.
At first I thought it was just a coincidence, but then he began frequenting the castle, bringing bountiful gifts each time.
After mom explained what his true intentions were, I eventually met with dad to turn down his offer.
Ever since then, father always prepared at least three suitors each year to woo for my hand in marriage, to see who I would pick.
But as I grew older, I also grew tired of the charade of lousy men and boys my age, who flocked around me, simply because of my status.
Darius, was no different.
"But you haven't even given me a chance, your highness. I promise you that I'm not anything like the hoodlums who've approached you before" He reassured, stoping in front of me.
I frowned at him, watching as his smile churned at the side of his lips.
Truthfully, my mind wasn't even in the conversation we held, since I had already deemed it irrelevant.
I was too busy contemplating what I would offer Milo as a gift for his birthday. I remembered him speaking about it on one of our fateful encounters.
Darius was getting restless now, stretching a hand towards me as he grabbed my wrist gently.
I pushed back at his advances, shrugging his warm grasp away.
Medina sensed I was troubled and appeared immediately, grabbing the young Lord by his hand as she readied to toss him away.
I stopped her before she could, then warned Darius to give up before he found trouble.
Medina followed me back to my room, holding my dress as we went.
The halls were empty, with barely a handful of servants, walking to and fro as they completed their chores.
I stared at the castle walls as we traveled, a tapestry of opulence unfolded at every turn. The Great Hall, resplendent with towering marble columns and intricate golden chandeliers, echoed with the whispers of courtiers and the soft rustle of silk. The corridors, lined with ancient portraits of noble ancestors, held the weight of centuries of history within their stone walls.
Before long, we stood in front of my room, maids folding and rearranging dresses and furniture, hurriedly before my return.
They stopped immediately they saw me, bowing as they quickly finished their work, stepping out after.
I slumped on the large bed in front of me, feeling the weight of my stress, elude me as it sunk into the lush, scented covers.
Medina helped me with my dress, unzipping it as she pulled it off before handing me a change of clothes.
I sighed as I pulled the yellow dress over my body, exasperated by my lack of interest the past few days.
"I want to see him so badly!" A thought slipped through my mind, ending in my mouth as i voiced out my concerns.
Medina turned towards me, shaking her head as she offered a daring proposal.
"Then why don't you?". She was busy with a spell she was trying to perfect, probably 11th level or so.
I turned towards her, feeling confused by her response but then shrugged off the idea.
"What if he's pissed because I didn't visit all this while" I replied, feeling backed up to a wall.
"Then he's a fool then" Medina concluded adamantly.
Maybe she was right, besides I had no clue what he fancied and didn't want to disappoint him by not preparing something for him.
Still, I brooded over the thought, even as I proceeded with my magic classes, and even as I sat for dinner that evening.
Finally reaching the conclusion that it was worth the risk.
As we reached Milo's window, i peered inside his room, hoping to find him asleep but strangely enough, his room was vacant.
"I'll trace his mana, don't worry princess" Medina assured, settling down to uncover his location.
A smile appeared on her face as she opened her eyes after a while, pointing towards the garden at the end of the building.
I quickly jumped down, supporting my landing with wind magic as I dashed towards him.
My heart was beating fast, and I couldn't tell exactly what the cause was. If it was because I was running at top speed presently or because I always felt that way each time I thought about Milo.
The full moon hung high in the sky, casting a warm silver glow over the park. As I strolled along the winding path, I could feel the soft crunch of leaves beneath my slippers. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, but my heart was racing for an entirely different reason. Today was supposed to be just another ordinary day, but fate had other plans.
Turning a corner, I froze. There, under the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree, sat Milo, laughing heartily with another girl. Their smiles were bright, and the way they leaned in closer, sharing secrets, made my stomach twist.
The other girl had long, flowing brown hair that shimmered like silk in the sunlight, and she was wearing a vibrant dress that danced with the breeze. It felt as if the universe had conspired to showcase everything she possessed that night.
I immediately felt a pang of jealousy mixed with an odd sense of vulnerability. My heart sank as I watched them, the laughter echoing in my ears like a cruel reminder of what I longed for but couldn't have.
Just as I was about to turn away, our eyes met for a fleeting moment as time seemed to stop. In that instant, I felt both invisible and painfully aware of my own feelings.
Taking a deep breath, I decided to walk silently toward the both of them, still drowned in their conversation.
A frown was now plastered on my face as I stood in front of him, watching him lift his face towards my gaze.
Shock written all over.
"What are you doing here, Sylvia" He questioned, calmly pulling me away to a tree far off.
He let me go as soon as he was sure the girl couldn't hear me.
"So?"
"I came to see you" I replied, a different response escaping my lips.
'No, that's not what I wanted to say.
"Why though, you ghosted me for a few weeks and now you're back" he attacked, phrasing his words without any fear.
"I didn't, I just couldn't come because of my father, the emperor " i replied genuinely, feeling my fingers shudder in fear of his response.
He laughed softly, walking away for a moment before returning back.
"There you go again, lying to me"
"I'm not!" I yelled, feeling hopeless by his disbelief.
Why was he behaving this way?
For the longest time I had thought he found my claim laudable just for the fun of it, but did he not seriously believe me.
"I can call Medina if you wa-"
"Just stop, and tell me what you want" he cut me off, his eyes peering deeply at me, unshaken by my fears.
I was so used to reprimanding people, I had never once asked myself how it felt being the one on the other side.
"Who's she?". I responded, asking the wrong question again.
"She's the princess of Droncus". He responded plainly, leaning towards the tree as he rested on it with hands folded.
"Oh, so you believe she's a princess because she came in some fancy carriage, but can't believe I'm one too" I was feeling embarrassed at this point.
"You know it's not like that" he responded shaking his head slightly.
"Why are you behaving this way" he asked confused.
"That's my line. You've been seeing me for so long and you couldn't even believe the things I said?" I asked, my voice quivering softly.
"I don't know what you want me to say right now" He was holding something back, something hurtful that he didn't want me to hear.
But even still, I pressured him regardless.
" Say what's on your mind" I dared him, feeling strength leave my body.
"I can't, let's jus-"
"Say it!". I yelled again.
"I don't know you Sylvia!. I never did. At first I thought you'd open up to me the more we spoke but you didn't, instead you kept on stalking me and now you want to know everyone I decide to speak with" He was clearly vexed as he spoke. His stern look causing me to breakdown in tears finally.
"I'm sorry Milo, but that's the truth" I replied, feeling the tears fall down slowly.
"If that's true, then why do you keep coming. Surely you'd be more busy with your schedule as the princess of the empire. Why choose to risk your safety over someone you just met!" He lashed out, standing upright as the unsettled look on his face grew.
"I- I don't....know" I stuttered foolishly, feeling pushed back by his presence.
"You know what. I think it's best if you don't see me anymore, go home Sylvia" He replied finally, walking away back to her as his response smashed my heart to a million pieces.
"I'm sorry Milo, come back!" I pleaded disgracefully, a heavy feeling drowning my heart.
He didn't stop or turn, but just kept walking.
I ran towards him.
As fast as my legs could take me, not caring about his warnings.
I simply didn't want to let him go because of some stupid argument.
I didn't want to lose my only friend.
But before I could reach him, Medina came in, swooping me off my feet as she teleported us back in an instant.
That night, I cried till the croaking in my voice alerted my mom, the pain so raw, it clung to my heart crazily.