I thought about his words for a moment and concluded he had justifiable reasons. I’d be at a crossroads, too, if I were him.

“It’s okay. Just make sure there’ll be no more surprises moving forward.”

He flashed me his signature toe-curling smile. “I promise.”

“Can I ask you a question?” I asked after thinking about it for a while.

“You can ask anything you want. I’ll be honest.”

“Is it true you’re competing for the throne with Griffin?”

His brows shot up, and he regarded me with curious eyes. “Is that what he told you?”

“No.” My reply came out rushed, and I probably looked like a deer caught in headlights. “The news is everywhere. I just wanted to hear it from you.”

He heaved a sigh, drawing circles on the back of my palm. “I was invited by the council after Griffin failed to bring forth an heir. I know it doesn’t look good on me, but it’s royal protocol. The bloodline must be secured at all costs.”

I nodded, understanding what he was saying, although I couldn’t understand why Griffin was failing to provide an heir if it meant losing the throne.

“So, what are you going to do? You have to produce an heir before you can be crowned king, too .

His eyes settled on me, and I immediately regretted my question. He was looking at me like I was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, and unease coiled in my stomach as I dreaded his next words.

“That’s what I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while now.

I’ve watched you. I’ve seen how kind you are, how you extend your grace to everyone, and the compassion you carry with you.

I’ve equally come to develop deep feelings for you over time, and I’m certain with someone as special as you by my side, I’d be successful with my plans of restoring our community to a thriving environment where everyone is valued and respected and not the brutal caste-riddled system it has come to be. ”

His words reminded me so much of the Griffin I used to know, his passion for uniting the community, and how much he loved his people. A brief memory of some of the times we spoke about his plans flashed through my head, and I forced it out.

A few years ago, I would’ve been interested in fighting for change and justice, but now, I am somewhere different, and I have a son to think of. The only thing I want in my life is peace and stability.

“I’m sorry, Victor, but I can’t help you.”

I watched as the glimmer of hope in his eyes died out following my words.

I felt a pang of guilt, but I continued.

“You know everything about my stay in the palace and why I wouldn’t want to go back.

But I’ll tell you this: your dreams are wonderful, and I’m sure you’ll achieve them someday. When you do, I’ll be cheering for you.:

“I know you didn’t have the best experience in the palace, Mira, but I promise it’ll be different this time. Just give me a chance, please.”

His eyes were filled with so much sincerity that it hurt to let him down. Still, I knew what I wanted. So, I held my ground.

Victor eventually accepted defeat, seeing as I was never going to join his reform or return to the palace with him. He did ask if we could remain friends, to which I responded with a big yes. He’s been a wonderful person so far, and I’d hate to lose him.

*******

“Mommy, look! It’s a rollercoaster!” Noah shrieked, pointing at the speeding structure. He had always wanted to get on one, but I constantly told him he was still too little. That didn’t stop him from almost exploding with excitement any time he caught sight of one in motion.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. When you’re big enough, I’ll take you on your first ride. But now, you get to play with the horses.”

He complained nonstop about how the horses carried him in circles without going anywhere, and I laughed in return. He was quite a joy to be around when he was in the park.

“Mommy, look! I’m a knight,” he squealed once he was on top of the horse and pretending he was holding a saddle.

“Why darling, you make a really fine knight,” I cheered, watching as his smile widened.

My phone vibrated in my purse, and I pulled it out to see my COO’s name flashing on the screen. “Hello Mr. Smith. Is everything okay?”

It was Saturday, and I had made sure to let my workers know weekends were family time and they could only call if it was a life-or-death situation.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m really sorry to bother you, but we need your signature on a file to conclude the project. Can I send you a scan? I promise it won’t take much of your time.”

I let out a sigh. I knew they were all working overtime so that I could be done and leave the States. Denying a signature would be cruel.

“Send the file to my lawyer. She’ll send it to me once she’s satisfied with it. ”

“I’ll do that right away. Thank you, ma’am,” he said, and the line went dead.

I tucked in my phone and returned my attention to the plastic horse in front of me to find it empty. Panic clogged my chest as I scanned the environment, and there was no familiar mop of curly brown hair in sight.

Noah?

Where is my son?!