CHAPTER THREE
861 Words
When they got to the parking lot of the school. Evelyn and Becca were surprised to see Cyrus in the parking lot.
"you haven't gone", she asked
"Well, my heart wouldn't let me leave a damsel in distress".
Evelyn chuckled trying to keep her emotions in check
"But this damsel is not in distress, instead,she has a best friend and a driver ", she said, pulling Becca to her side.
They left.
When they were inside the car Becca asked "why did you reject the prince's offer?".
"Excuse me, as a lady, I have to maintain dignity". Evelyn said, intending it to be a joke.
But Becca didn't see it as a joke, instead she saw Evelyn ascertaining her right as a lady.
Becca didn't want to be around Evelyn anymore so she told the driver to stop at the front of her house.
"Why?, what's up", Evelyn asked
"Nothing , just remembered that mom assigned some work to me ", Becca replied.
" Great ,just great, first it was your dad now it's your mom. I'm starting to think that they don't want you to come to my house again ",Evelyn said jokingly.
Becca smiled and hurriedly left
Upon getting to her house,immediately Evelyn got down from the car, she saw her elder brother -Tristan, coming out of the house.
Without getting her backpack from the driver, she ran as fast as she could and hugged him.
At first Tristan was dumbfounded as to who it was but when he heard a voice that he could recognize in a crowd. He then smiled.
"How are you?, Tristan asked.
" I'm fine, but you came home after a long time and now you're going out again without seeing your princess. This isn't fair", Evelyn said, pouting
" you're majesty I'm very sorry ", Tristan said smiling " what should I do to make you forgive me ".
" Well ",she continued " How about you take the princess out for shopping "
" Hmm, that's a great idea,but there's a problem "Tristan said
" What happened ", Evelyn asked
" I'm going for a meeting "Tristan replied. "How about this", he continued "I'll drop you off at the mall, give you my credit card and when you are done I'll send my assistant to come pick you up", he continued "okay?"
" okay ", Evelyn replied, her spirit low
Tristan's return should have felt comforting.
Evelyn stood at the foot of the doorstep,, watching him instruct his personal assistant.
" sorry princess",he said gently." Meetings. But-" He put the credit card into her palm." Buy whatever you like ".
Evelyn nodded, forcing a smile.
she wanted his time
Then she went back inside to freshen up.
when she was coming down the stairs. The card felt heavy in her hand. useless.
Without thinking too long, she pulled out her phone
Becca.
The phone rang longer than usual
"Hello?" Becca's voice came, careful. not cold
just.... guarded
"Do you want to come to the mall with me?", Evelyn asked excitedly. Apparently Tristan's busy,and I don't feel like going alone ".
There was a pause.
" I was planning to run an errand for Mom, you know how she is, wanting me to get it myself ", Becca said
Evelyn's chest tightened." oh, but can't you convince her ".
Another pause.
" I'll convince her.... but I'll only join you for a bit ".
Evelyn was very happy." Great. I'll pick you up ".
The mall was bright, loud, full of life.
Evelyn was famous in the mall, so, she could move easily through the stores, greeted by the staff who recognized her .
Becca and Evelyn spoke, but carefully .
"so... how's the symposium prep?" Becca asked
"Fine", Evelyn replied. "Cyrus is really serious about academics".
Becca nodded. "That's good".
They stood in a boutique window when a familiar voice interrupted them.
"Evelyn?"
Evelyn turned
Cyrus stood a few feet away, dressed casually, a jacket slung over his arm, looking nothing like royalty and entirely too familiar.
"oh", Evelyn said, genuinely surprised. "what are you doing here?"
He smiled "I could ask you the same thing".
His gaze softened when it lingered on her. Then politely, he acknowledged Becca. "Hello"
"Hi", Becca replied.
EVELYN gestured between them. "This is Becca. My Best friend".
"Nice to meet you properly", Cyrus said.
They walked together for a while.
Cyrus talked mostly to Evelyn-about classes, about how strange it felt being both prince and student, about wanting something normal. Evelyn listened.
Becca walked slightly behind them.
Do you want to get coffee? "Cyrus asked suddenly." just for a few minutes ".
Evelyn hesitated
just a moment too long
Becca noticed.
" I think I'll head home ", Becca said quietly." My mom should be waiting for me ".
Evelyn turned." Now? we just-"
" it's fine ", Becca said, already stepping back." I'll see you tomorrow ".
she smiled once. polite. practiced
Then she left.
Evelyn watched her go, a strange unease settling in her chest.
For the first time, she wondered if she had just chosen something without realizing she was choosing at all.
- Writer
