Selene let out a quiet sigh as she closed her book, her gaze drifting to the window. The carriage rocked gently as it traveled along the worn road, but her mind was far away.
It doesn't matter how much I love him. She tightened her grip on the fabric of her dress. No matter how much my heart aches for Crown Prince Keith Everhart, I have to stay away. I will.
The thought was like a dagger, sharp and painful, but she forced herself to hold onto it. She had spent a lifetime, a past lifetime chasing a love that would never be hers. Keith's name was etched into her very soul, but that didn't mean she had to follow the same path. She would fight against it. She would learn to love someone else, even if she had to force herself.
Across from her, Eric watched his sister with quiet contemplation.
He had noticed the changes in her lately. She smiled more, spent time with the family, and no longer spoke of the crown prince with that unsettling obsession. It was a relief, but also a source of growing anxiety. Because soon, they would arrive at the academy.
And there, Keith Everhart would be waiting.
Eric frowned, leaning back against the carriage seat. He and Selene had once been inseparable, the closest of siblings. She had meant the world to him, and he to her. But that had changed when she got engaged to Keith at fourteen. From that moment on, nothing else mattered to her, not their family, not their bond, not even him. He had been sixteen then, the same age as Keith. He had watched, powerless, as his sister lost herself to a love that was never returned.
And now, history threatened to repeat itself.
Eric clenched his jaw. He had heard rumors, whispers of the crown prince's unwavering interest in Lady Evangeline Ravenshire. A baron's daughter, far beneath their family in both wealth and power, yet Keith's attention never seemed to waver. He was always by her side, his eyes following her every move.
Eric's hands curled into fists. Hey was worried that if Selene saw them together, she might crumble and she might throw away her newfound happiness and dignity to chase after Keith once again?
He had just gotten a glimpse of the sister he once knew. He wasn't ready to lose her again.
The carriage slowed as they entered Aldermere Town, a charming place known for its bustling markets and cozy taverns. The scent of fresh bread and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the chatter of merchants and travelers.
Selene's eyes lit up as she spotted a familiar stall. "Eric," she said softly, "can we stop for a moment? There's a snack I really like."
Eric hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. I could use something to eat, too."
They stepped out, weaving through the crowded street until they reached the stall. Selene eagerly picked out a few treats, and Eric ordered some food for himself. As they ate, Selene surprised him by asking about the academy.
"What's it like?" she asked, her voice light but curious.
Eric raised a brow. "You'll see for yourself soon enough."
"I know," she said, biting into her snack. "But I want to be prepared."
She continued asking questions, about the student council, his friends, the different social circles within the academy. Selene Could not help but remember her past, she had never cared about any of that. Back then, she had only focused on Keith.
Eric answered her as best as he could, watching her carefully and with joy.
Once they finished eating, they returned to the carriage and continued their journey to the academy.