Chapter 126
Lucia páced nervously in front of Samantha’s dorm room. She had already rehearsed a dozen different ways to start the conversation. She wanted to be lighthearted, to apologize if necessary, although she saw to be the one trying to her on her good side, but she was willing to y, just get a smile or a word out of Samantha–anything that no reason to. If anything, Sam was meant could break the invisible wall that had suddenly sprung up between them.
With a deep breath, she knocked on the door. The muffled sounds of music and laughter seeped through the door, a stark contrast to the tension gnawing at Lucia’s insides. There was a moment of silence, then the music continued without a break. Lucia waited, knocking again, louder this time.
“Samantha? It’s Lucia. Can we talk?”
The door remained closed. Lucia’s heart sank a little. She tried the doorknob, but it was locked. Biting her lip, she leaned against the wall next to the door, wondering what had gone wrong. Just a few weeks ago, they had been inseparable, sharing secrets, dreams, and endless cups of coffee during late–night study sessions. Now, Samantha wouldn’t even look at her.
Lucia decided to wait. Maybe Samantha hadn’t heard her over the music. She slid down to sit on the floor, her back against the cold wall, eyes fixed on the door that felt like an impenetrable barrier.
As the hallway grew quieter, the door finally opened. Samantha stepped out, her expression unreadable. She glanced down at Lucia, her eyes flickering with a brief hint of something–was it guilt, anger, sadness?-before they turned cold.
“Samantha, please, can we talk?” Lucia’s voice trembled. “I don’t understand why you’re avoiding me. Did I do something wrong?”
Samantha crossed her arms, her posture defensive. “I’m busy, your grace.
“would you please stop calling me that”
“I am busy lu-“
Busy?” Lucia snapped, feeling a pang of frustration. “You haven’t talked to me since I got here, I don’t understand. I don’t even know what I did to make you so upset.”
Samantha sighed, looking away. “It’s not that simple.”
“Then explain it to me. I can’t fix what I don’t understand.” Lucia’s plea was met with silence. She could see the conflict in Samantha’s eyes, the battle between wanting to speak and staying silent.
After what felt like an eternity, Samantha shook her head. “I can’t do this right now, good night your grace” she muttered, stepping back into her room and closing the door softly but firmly.
**
Lucia sat on the edge of her bed, her room dimly lit by the soft glow of a bedside lamp. The day’s events weighed heavily on her mind, but as she sank into the quiet solitude of her room, her thoughts drifted to someone who always brought her comfort and light: Helios.
She missed him terribly. As she looked out the window, the moonlight casting a silvery sheen on the world outside, she ved herself to be swept away by the memories of their time together.
One night, in particular, stood out vividly in her mind.
It had been a warm summer evening, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun set over the horizon. King Helios had planned a surprise for her, insisting she wear her favorite dress and meet him at the edge of the royal gardens. Lucia had been curious and excited, her heart fluttering with anticipation.
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When she arrived, she found fim waiting by a large, ancient oak tree Fairy lights hung from the branches, twinkling like stars in the growing dusk. A blanket was spread out on the grass, adorned with an array of her favorite foods. Helios, ever the charming host, stood by with a warm smile that made her heart skip a beat.
“Lucia,” he said, his voice gentle yet commanding. “You look breathtaking.”
She blushed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. “Thank you, Helios, This is beautiful. What’s the occasion?”
He took her hand and led her to the blanket, his touch sending a thrill through her. “No special occasion. I just wanted to spend some time with you, away from the palace and the responsibilities. Just us.”
They settled down, and Helios began to pour a sparkling golden liquid into two glasses. Lucia took hers, marveling at the way it shimmered in the fading light.
“To us,” Helios toasted, his eyes locked onto hers.
“To us,” she echoed, clinking her glass against his.
They spent the evening talking about everything and nothing, laughing and sharing stories. Helios had a way of making her feel like the most important person in the world, his attention unwavering and his words filled with genuine affection. As the night wore on, the stars emerged, dotting the sky with their brilliance.
Helios leaned back on his elbows, gazing up at the heavens. “Do you know why I chose this spot?” he asked.
Lucia shook her head, curious.
“Because this is where I first realized how much you mean to me,” he said softly. “We were just children then, playing under this very tree. I remember looking at you and knowing, even then, that you were special.”
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Her heart swelled with emotion. “I remember that day,” she whispered. “You caught me when I fell from one of the branches. You’ve always been there for me, Helios.”
“And I always will be,” he promised, his gaze intense and sincere.
They lay back on the blanket, side by side, watching the stars. Helios pointed out constellations, weaving tales of ancient gods and heroes. Lucia listened, enchanted by his voice and the stories he spun. She felt a deep sense of peace, as if the universe had conspired to create this perfect moment just for them.
As the night grew cooler, Helios wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. She rested her head on his shoulder, feeling his warmth seep into her. They didn’t need words; their silence was filled with understanding and unspoken love.
Back in her room, the memory brought a bittersweet smile to Lucia’s lips. She missed those moments of pure, uncomplicated joy. She missed the way Helios made everything seem possible, his unwavering support and the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the world.
The memory of that night lingered, a beacon of light in the midst of her current darkness. She longed to feel that sense of peace again, to hear his voice and see his smile, to have that peace that usually erupted to butterflies every so often and smell him, Goddess!! She craved it, like a child on crack.
With a deep sigh, Lucia got ready for bed I hopes that she would see him in her sleeps, whispering sweet nothings to her and cuddling her tight.
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