Page 8

Here's a small clap in the air as I look at Mother, who is wearing a big grin at her seat with her hands together. “I'm so glad we've come to a point where you two can interact like this.”

I chuckle as Grandmother grunts like the start of a laugh. I still can't believe there was a time when we weren't close.

“I'm so proud!” Mother’s feet tap the floor excitedly.

“It is certainly a thing to be proud of! Being able to move forward and carry on with love.” Grandmother’s eyes widen suddenly. “Oh! Did everyone have fun last night? It was wonderful to see Erasmus and Maya together. Maya is just perfect for my little Magnolia.”

I drop my shoulders. Back to this? We were just having a good moment. “Yeah. She's nice.”

“Maya is so lovely,” Mother chirps. “I was talking to her all last night, and…” She looks at me. “She told me you ran from her. Have you two ever had a proper conversation?”

Why does she have to ask me? “I would…”

Grandmother perks a brow. “Would you though? You've had plenty of opportunities to talk to Maya. She's been around for six months.”

“She thinks you have something against her,” Mother pouts slightly. “I mean, she's going to be your sister-in-law eventually. Rather soon actually. Erasmus is thinking of proposing soon.”

I lower my head and sit back down in my seat. “I'm happy for them.” I grab the breaker of orange juice and pour some in my cup, hoping to direct attention elsewhere.

“Are you still worried about being soulmateless?” Grandmother murmurs, standing above my seat.

I shake my head as if my straining eyes aren't giving the truth away. I take a deep breath, trying to suppress the green glow away. There's no need to be jealous of my brother. I should be proud. “No. I'm not.”

“Your eyes are turning green.” From the corner of my eye, Grandmother’s leaning towards me. I don't confirm her statement and instead, remain silent.

My heart is batting at my chest in utter shame. Maybe she sees that .

Grandmother huffs. “You shouldn't be worried about love. It's time to accept that romance isn't for you and it's okay.”

“Mother!” Mother scolds. “We were just having a good moment!”

“It's the truth, Rose Flower.” Grandmother says. “He needs to put his efforts elsewhere.”

The words stab my heart like a needle. I don't want to miss out on such a beautiful thing.

“Sweet Valley Lily. Look at me.”

I return my gaze to her, noting her pursed lips as she continues. “I know how it feels. You already know I was just in your shoes. I understand being jealous and longing for a soulmate.”

“I know.” I sigh I know it's wrong to try to force love, but damn it, I want it so badly. “That's how you and Grandfather got divorced.”

It's a secret between our family that Grandmother never had a soulmate to begin with. Grandfather was far from the perfect match for her, and yet, Grandmother decided to change and create a soulmate bond to him. In truth, I shouldn't be alive.

“It's more than that. It was torture for him. Forcing love when they don't fit you is just cruel.” Her eyes gloss over as she squeezes my shoulder. “I don't want you to suffer from the guilt I do. I shouldn't have forced a soulmate bond and made him go through that.”

“That's why I've been waiting for the flower to glow, and sensing soulmate bonds. I've told my dates their soulmates if I could sense them and I think I've taken every rejection well. I take every precaution to make sure I'm not forcing anything.”

“But why even worry and stress yourself when you're soulmateless?” Grandmother’s eyes twinkle with pity. “I'm saying this because I love you. It would be better for you to put your focus elsewhere. Put your focus on your duty as prince - helping people thrive as Cosmo intended.

An ache in my heart radiates throughout the rest of my body. She's right. It's been a dream of mine, but maybe I should abandon it if it's not meant to happen.

“Maybe you'll find that your disappointment is coming from these rumors,” Grandmother shrugs. “Or perhaps you'll find that you don't feel romantic attraction at all.”

I glance away at my juice. Am I just imagining my desires then? I guess it's possible if I'm really not meant for romance.

Mother clears her throat. “I still think you can get someone, dove. I wouldn't-”

“It's fine Mother.” I whisper.

“Dove. It's okay if-”

I blink hard to snap myself from my thoughts.

No , I have to make this positive. This is my life.

These are just the facts, and they will have to be dealt with.

“I'm going to be okay, Mother.” I smile at her.

“I'm just not meant to have a soulmate. I'll find a way to make myself comfortable with it! I’ll continue at the orphanage and help with the kingdom.” Then a little girl from the orphanage pops into my mind.

“And I could adopt Sabina one day. That life is satisfying enough.”

“That's my Valley Lily!” Grandmother nods quickly. “That's exactly how you should be!”

“Don't worry about me Mother.” I straighten my posture. “I'm not worried about it anymore. There's so much more to do in life anyways.”

She twists her lips. Her glance flicks back and forth as if any other answer would be hidden in my eyes, but eventually she returns my smile. “If you insist.”

My grin only grows. For Mother. I can't have Mother worry too much about me.

“I'm glad we were finally able to resolve that!” Grandmother exclaims. “Unfortunately, the day is always full of unmatched soulmates. Thosebonds aren't going to make themselves.”

She walks away from the room as we say our goodbyes to her. Once she's out the door, Mother turns to me. “I have to go too, dove. Bird watching club starts in an hour. What's your plan for the day?”

I shrug. “We’ll see.”

“Alright. Well, have fun and stay safe. You have your gun with you right? With ammo, right?”

“Yep.”

“Good.” She walks over and plants a kiss on my head. “If you need me, just call me.”

“Okay…” I whisper.

She walks away as I focus on the incident from yesterday. Clara . I haven't gotten the chance to talk to someone about it. “Mother?” I stand up from my chair. “I have a question.”

She turns back to me with her brows raised. “Yes, dove?”

I suck air through my teeth as I try to formulate the question properly. "How do you help someone who's terrified of you?"

Her brows crease as she puts a finger to the corner of her lip. “I’d try to see what's scaring them and then solve it from there. When people get nervous in front of me, I try my best to seem more like them. Maybe tell a joke."

I slowly nod. That's not something I can do for Clara's case.

"Why? Did you scare someone, little dove?" She chuckles. "I can't imagine anyone being terrified of you."

"Me neither, but someone is."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out." She smiles sweetly before strolling out the door.

I stretch out my arms. It's not exactly the kind of answer I'd hoped for, but it's something I can think about later.

I'll carry on my way today, being alone and not having to worry about a partner. It's the start to a new mindset and positive attitude. A new life full of satisfaction and happiness.

A sigh helps my shoulders relax, letting my heart stay afloat. I got this. I can do this. I can leave all my jealousy and hurt behind in the past.

I just need to keep moving forward.