My Prince

Chapter No 1 The Mirror That Spoke

Ringggggggggg!

“Oh no, I’m late again!” Kylie exclaimed, springing out of bed. She dashed to the bathroom and managed to get ready in just ten minutes, brushing her hair and freshening up with lightning speed.

She hurried downstairs to the kitchen, where the smell of toasted bread and brewing coffee filled the air. Her half-brother Andy was sitting at the table, happily munching on a sandwich.

Kylie poured herself a glass of milk and sat down.

“You’re late again, lazy bump,” Andy teased, grinning as he took another bite.

“Stop calling me that, Andy!” Kylie snapped, rolling her eyes.

He only smiled mischievously. “Where are Mum and Dad?” she asked cautiously, glancing toward the living room.

“They’re… having a proper row,” he said, shrugging with a little smirk. “Honestly, sometimes I wonder how I survived childhood. They spend more than half the day yelling at each other—or at me!”

From the living room came the unmistakable sound of raised voices.

“Paul! How many times do I have to tell you? The kids aren’t just my responsibility—they’re yours too! If Kylie is being so disorganised and causing trouble at school, you should be paying attention as well!” Their mother, Linda, shouted, frustration clear in her tone.

“She’s nothing like Andy! I swear this family’s problems are genetic!” Paul fired back angrily.

“Oh, stop blaming me!” Kylie could hear Andy shout from the table, laughter in his tone.

“What have you done now?” Andy asked, leaning back and raising an eyebrow.

“I had a fight with a cheerleader,” Kylie admitted, crossing her arms defensively. “She was bullying me, so I… responded,” she said, raising her middle finger for effect.

Andy’s eyes widened in surprise, then he broke into a grin. “Well, that’s positive! Finally standing up for yourself!”

“But my parents are still furious,” Kylie said, sighing heavily. “Seems like nothing ever changes.”

“Oh, come on, sister,” Andy said, leaning back with a reassuring smile. “They’ll always overreact. It’s not your fault. And honestly, you’re perfect the way you are. Better than perfect, even.”

Kylie tilted her head, letting a small smile creep across her face. “If some girl like me had a crush on you… secretly admired you… would you accept her?”

Andy let out a long, amused sigh. “Listen, if you mean Luke… you just can’t be with him. He’s not the one for you. But I promise, there’s someone out there who is perfect for you.”

Kylie scowled, frustration flickering in her eyes. “Yeah, well… I just need to change, and I don’t even know what to change!” She took a deep breath and stood up, exasperated.

“I’m done with all this drama, Andy,” she said, turning toward the door.

“Wait, Kylie! Let’s go together today,” he called after her, a warm smile on his face.

She paused, meeting his gaze, and nodded. It had been a while since they walked to school together—Andy had been busy with his own things—but today, at least, they would go side by side.

***********

The school bell rang sharply, echoing through the bustling corridors.

“Well, well, look who it is—a loser,” sneered Emilia as Kylie walked past, her heart sinking.

“A loser and the laziest person on the planet! She’s late again,” added Oscar, a cruel smirk on his face.

“Hey Andy, how have you never felt ashamed she’s your sister? Considering you’re the second coolest boy in school,” William said, leaning against the lockers next to Luke. Luke, as usual, didn’t even look up from his phone, typing away with effortless concentration.

Kylie felt her cheeks burn crimson. Her tormentors were bullying her in front of Luke—her crush—and it was humiliating. Anger flared in her chest as she wished she could vanish.

Andy strode forward, fists clenched, ready to confront William, but Kylie’s hand landed gently on his shoulder, stopping him.

“No, Andy. I don’t want any drama here. Let them be,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

“That’s your fault, sister. Why don’t you let me handle it if you can’t?” he snapped, his green eyes flashing. Kylie could see the tension in his jaw, and she knew he hated seeing her cry.

She took a slow, steadying breath and walked away, trying to ignore the stares and smirks.

Without a second thought, Andy turned and landed a swift, clean punch on William’s jaw. “This is one you deserved, jerk,” he muttered, then walked off, his reputation making him untouchable.

Kylie exhaled, relief mingled with guilt, and made her way to the library—the one place she felt calm amidst the chaos. Shelves of old books and the faint smell of parchment instantly soothed her. She pulled down her favourite—Shakespeare’s Hamlet—and tried to immerse herself in its words. But her mind drifted.

She was indeed striking—her chestnut brown hair framed a face that could have belonged on a magazine cover—but sadness and the weight of her life had dulled her glow. She hadn’t taken proper care of herself, and it showed in the tired lines around her eyes.

**********

Half an hour later, her phone rang. Kylie picked it up.

“Yes, Mum?”

“I need you both at home, ASAP. Aunt Lana—our distant relative—has passed away,” Linda’s voice came, tight with grief.

“Okay, Mum,” Kylie replied softly, hanging up. She set off to find Andy.

As she walked through the corridor, she caught sight of Luke, standing with Emilia, who whispered something in his ear before he walked off. Kylie’s eyes followed Luke as he walked away, her chest tightening for no reason she could explain. He moved with that effortless confidence that made heads turn wherever he went. Tall and lean, his body was athletic without being overbearing—a perfect balance of strength and grace.

His dark brown hair caught the sunlight, glinting with warm highlights, and framed a face that seemed carved just right, sharp jawline and all. But it was his eyes that held her gaze: deep brown, almost molten, full of intensity and a hint of mischief, like he knew secrets he wasn’t sharing.

The subtle tan of his skin made him look like he spent his life outdoors, healthy and alive, and the faint hint of muscle under his shirt hinted at the dedication he put into keeping himself in shape. Every movement—turning to check something on his phone, tossing a casual glance over his shoulder—was effortless, almost magnetic.

Kylie bit her lip, trying to tear her eyes away, but couldn’t. There was something about him that drew her in, a combination of charm, confidence, and just a touch of danger. She had to admit it, quietly, to herself: she was hopelessly attracted to him. Kylie’s stomach twisted at the sight, but she kept her gaze steady and headed to her locker. Emilia shot her a nasty, mischievous smile, but Kylie ignored it. She locked away her books and hurried outside, hoping to find Andy.

He was in the fields nearby, tossing a football casually. His tall frame, green eyes, and brown hair mirrored her own—another reminder of their shared blood, despite being half-siblings.

“Andy, Mum called. She said we need to go to the funeral,” Kylie said aloud.

He turned, concern flashing in his eyes. “Everything okay?”

Kylie nodded.

“Give me a second,” he said, kissing his girlfriend goodbye before turning back to her. “Let’s go.”

As they walked home, Kylie asked, teasing lightly, “So… are you serious about Lydia?”

He laughed, a deep, infectious sound. “No, she’s just a fling, nothing more.”

“You and your playboy ways,” Kylie said, rolling her eyes. He laughed again, and she felt herself relax slightly in his presence.

******************

Aunt Lana had passed away at 88, from natural causes. She had been on their father’s side of the family.

“Excuse me,” said Lawyer Patrick to Linda, “as you are the last remaining relatives of the deceased, she left a will for you.”

“We already have everything. She was so poor—what could she possibly have left?” Linda snapped.

“I’m afraid, Miss Allen, you must accept it, or we’ll have to auction it off,” Patrick said calmly.

“You can au—” Linda began, but Kylie stopped her mid-sentence.

“I’m interested to see what it is,” Kylie said quietly, curiosity shining in her eyes.

Linda opened her mouth to protest, but Andy pressed her hand gently. “Let her decide, Mum. It’s her choice. Besides, it’s her father’s ancestors’ property—he doesn’t care, so let her take it,” he whispered.

Linda huffed, uninterested, and Kylie followed Patrick into the house.

“Here it is,” he said, drawing back a heavy curtain.

Behind it stood a huge, golden-framed mirror, decorated with seashells along its edge. It didn’t look old, despite its mysterious presence, and it shimmered subtly in the light.

“Whoa… it’s fascinating,” Kylie whispered, stepping forward to touch its smooth surface.

“You are the owner of this mirror, Miss Kylie,” Patrick said with a small smile.

“Me?” she asked, stunned.

“Yes. Your relative left it for you, not your father,” he confirmed, then left, leaving Kylie to examine it in silence.

She stood there, mesmerised, her reflection staring back at her—and somewhere deep inside, a feeling of anticipation stirred.

***********

The morning light crept softly through the curtains as Kylie woke earlier than usual. For once, there was no heaviness in her chest, no reluctance to leave the bed. She dressed neatly, brushed her hair, and headed downstairs, her steps lighter than they had been in days.

Andy was already in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with a mug in his hand.

“Whoa,” he said, raising an eyebrow with a teasing smile. “On time, finally.”

She smiled back, a genuine one this time.

“Don’t get used to it.”

She poured herself a glass of milk, hesitating for a moment before asking, “Do you want to go to school with me?”

Andy’s smile softened. “I would, but I’ve got to take Jane today.” He winced apologetically. “Next time?”

“It’s okay,” she said quickly, masking the faint disappointment. “Next time.”

She grabbed her bag and stepped out, unaware that the day was about to tear her apart.

************

School felt ordinary at first—lockers slamming, voices echoing through the corridors, laughter that always seemed to belong to everyone else. Kylie opened her locker absently, already preparing herself for another invisible day.

Then she froze.

A folded piece of paper sat neatly inside.

Her heart began to race as she picked it up and unfolded it with trembling fingers.

Hi Kylie!

You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.

Will you come to prom with me?

— Luke

Her breath caught. She read it again. And again. And again.

“This… this has to be a dream,” she whispered, her hands shaking.

Luke. Luke had noticed her.

For one reckless moment, she forgot about Emilia. Forgot everything except the warmth spreading through her chest, the hope she had never allowed herself to feel.

The football field buzzed with energy later that day. The match had ended, cheers still echoing as players celebrated. Andy stood among them, flushed and victorious.

Kylie gathered every ounce of courage she had.

**********

She spotted Luke laughing with his teammates, sunlight catching in his dark curls, his tan skin glowing with sweat and adrenaline. He looked so alive, so unattainable—and yet, she walked towards him.

“Luke,” she said, her voice barely steady.

He turned. “Yeah?”

“It’s… it’s yes,” she said, smiling nervously. “The prom. I’ll go with you.”

His expression shifted—confusion first, then amusement.

“My prom?” he asked. “With you?”

Her smile faltered.

Andy, standing a few metres away, felt his stomach drop.

No. No. What is she doing?

Emilia appeared beside Luke, sliding her arm around his. Her lips curved into a slow, cruel smile.

Luke laughed, shaking his head. “You think I asked you?”

Kylie’s world tilted. “But… the letter—”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Luke interrupted. “I’m going to prom with my girlfriend.”

Emilia leaned in closer to him, her eyes never leaving Kylie’s face.

Something inside Kylie shattered. Her chest tightened, her vision blurred, and the laughter around her became distant noise. She looked at Andy, her eyes glassy, silently begging him to wake her up from this nightmare.

Andy saw it—the moment she broke. And it terrified him.

Without another word, Kylie turned and ran.

The letter slipped from her hand and fluttered onto the grass.

Andy picked it up, read it once, then felt pure rage surge through him.

“You absolute coward,” he snarled, storming towards Luke.

Before Luke could react, Andy’s fist connected with his face.

They fell into a brutal fight—shouts, punches, chaos—but Andy barely felt the pain. All he could see was his sister’s face as she ran away, crushed and humiliated.

************

Kylie locked herself in her room the moment she got home. The silence pressed in on her as she slid down the door, knees to her chest.

“Why does this always happen to me?” she sobbed, her fingers tangled in her hair.

“I hate myself,” she whispered, the words tasting bitter and final.

Her gaze fell on the mirror in the corner—the golden one, inherited from a relative she barely remembered. It stood there silently, watching.

Something inside her snapped.

She stood abruptly, hands shaking, grabbing the nail trimmer from her desk. Her thoughts spiralled, dark and unforgiving.

“I just want it to stop,” she whispered. “I can’t do this anymore.”

Her hand trembled—

Then a voice, calm yet commanding, filled the room.

“Stop.”

Kylie gasped, the trimmer slipping from her fingers and clattering to the floor.

“Who… who’s there?” she whispered, her heart pounding.

She turned towards the mirror.

Her reflection stared back—but not quite right. Her green eyes shimmered unnaturally, flashing into an electric blue for a split second.

“You are not meant to end here,” the voice murmured, gentler now.

“Not like this.”

Kylie staggered back, breath uneven. “I’m losing my mind,” she whispered. “I can’t even… I can’t even die properly.”

Overwhelmed, she collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion pulling her under.

Later that night, Andy quietly opened her door.

She was asleep, tear tracks still visible on her cheeks.

He sat beside her for a moment, his jaw tight, guilt heavy in his chest.

“I’m sorry, little sister,” he whispered. “I should’ve protected you better.”

He left silently.

As the door closed, the mirror glowed faintly, bathing the room in soft white light—watchful, waiting.

Morning came too soon.

Kylie stirred, groggy and unwilling to face the day. She turned, reaching for her pillow—

Her hand touched something solid. Warm.

A man’s arm.

She frowned, half-asleep, instinctively curling closer, inhaling a faint, unfamiliar scent. The rise and fall of a broad chest beneath her cheek.

Her eyes snapped open.

A stranger lay beside her.

Light brown hair fell across his forehead, his features sharp and undeniably real. He slept peacefully, as if he belonged there.

Her breath caught.

This was no dream.

She screamed.

“AAAAAAHHHHH!”