Chapter 51
After everyone left, Aurora slowly pushed herself out of bed and limped toward the window.
The wound in her side still ached, but the pain in her heart hurt far more.
Moonlight spilled across the room, bathing everything in a soft silver glow. Beyond the glass, countless stars shimmered across the night sky.
Aurora stared at them quietly.
For a moment, she closed her eyes. Her thoughts drifted across two lifetimes.
To Sarah.
To Mike.
To Dante.
The family she had lost.
The life she could never return to.
Tears gathered in her eyes.
"God..." she whispered softly. "Please keep Sarah and Mike safe and happy wherever they are."
Her fingers tightened against the windowsill.
"They gave me so much love. Please... let them be happy. Let them smile again."
Her voice trembled.
"And if possible... please send them another child to love."
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Just then, the balcony door quietly opened.
Lucian stepped inside.
He had come intending to check on her before returning to his chambers, but the moment he heard her voice, he stopped.
Hidden in the shadows, he listened.
Aurora never noticed him.
"I love you, Mum and Dad," she whispered toward the stars.
"Thank you for everything."
Her voice broke.
"Please watch over them for me."
Lucian frowned.
Mum and Dad?
Not Mother and Father?
Who was she talking about?
Then Aurora took a shaky breath.
And spoke the name that had haunted him for days.
"Dante..."
Lucian froze.
His entire body stiffened.
A painful ache settled in his chest.
"Dante, I love you."
The words struck him harder than any sword.
Aurora smiled sadly through her tears.
"Wherever you are... be happy, my love."
"I miss you every day."
Lucian felt his jaw tighten.
For days he had ordered knights to investigate. He had questioned servants. Asked informants. Searched records. Yet no one knew who Dante was.
It was as if the man didn't exist.
And somehow that made Lucian hate him even more.
A ghost.
A memory.
A man he couldn't compete against.
A man Aurora loved.
"Aurora.", His voice broke the silence.
Aurora jumped in shock and spun around, "Your Highness?"
Before she could react, Lucian crossed the room and lifted her into his arms.
"What are you doing?" she protested, "Put me down."
"You should be resting."
His voice was sharper than intended.
Aurora frowned, "I only wanted to look at the stars."
"You were stabbed two days ago."
He carefully carried her back toward the bed, "Do you enjoy worrying everyone?"
Aurora rolled her eyes, "You sound like Philip."
"That is not a compliment."
"It wasn't meant to be."
Despite herself, Aurora almost smiled.
Almost.
Lucian settled her onto the mattress before pulling the blanket over her.
For a moment neither spoke.
The silence stretched between them.
Heavy.
Awkward.
Painful.
Finally, Aurora broke it, "What are you doing here, Your Highness?"
Lucian sat down beside the bed.
"Call me Lucian."
"It would be inappropriate."
"It's not inappropriate if my fiancée uses my name."
Aurora's expression immediately cooled, "Our engagement is over."
Lucian felt irritation rise inside him, "Aurora, we can discuss that when you're better."
"I am better."
"No, you're stubborn."
Aurora raised an eyebrow, "And you're annoying."
For the first time all evening, Lucian almost laughed.
Almost.
Instead, he sighed.
"Your coming-of-age banquet is in a few weeks."
"What would you like as a gift? Jewellery, Dresses from your favourite boutique?"
Aurora shook her head, "Thank you, Your Highness, but I already have enough jewellery and gowns."
She looked away, "I might not even have a coming-of-age banquet."
Lucian stared at her, "You must. Society expects it."
Aurora snorted softly, "Society also expects noble ladies to carry half their body weight in lace and jewels."
Despite his mood, Lucian let out a short laugh, "You do have a point."
Aurora blinked in surprise.
That might have been the first time he had ever agreed with her.
Then the silence returned.
"Aurora...", His voice softened.
"Why have you changed so much? Were you pretending before?"
Aurora slowly turned toward him.
There was no anger in her eyes.
Only sadness.
"I grew up."
The simple words hit harder than any accusation.
"You were right. I was immature."
Lucian's chest tightened, "Aurora—"
She continued before he could interrupt.
"You were also right about Bella. She is more mature. She understands you. She makes you happy."
Lucian immediately frowned, "That isn't what this is about."
Aurora gave a small, tired smile, "Isn't it?"
"You are going to be Queen," Lucian said firmly, "That is your place."
Aurora laughed softly. A sad laugh.
"Then what would Bella be?"
The question hit its mark.
Lucian fell silent.
Aurora looked away, "I don't think she'd enjoy being called your mistress."
A flash of guilt crossed Lucian's face.
For the first time, he couldn't find a response.
After a long silence he finally spoke, "Bella was always important to me. We grew up together."
Aurora nodded, "I know. And that's natural. There is a six-year age gap between us. You and Bella understand each other. You share memories. You speak the same language."
Lucian hated hearing her say it.
Because every word sounded like goodbye.
"I want us to be friends, Aurora...I'm trying."
Aurora looked exhausted, "I don't need more friends."
The words stung.
"We can be acquaintances."
Lucian felt something inside him sink.
Acquaintances.
After all these years. That was what she thought of him now. Then another thought surfaced. The thought that had been poisoning him for days.
"Are Turner and Dante your friends too?"
Aurora immediately looked at him.
Her expression hardened, "There it is."
"What?"
"You only ever ask about them."
Lucian opened his mouth. Then closed it again. Because she was right.
Aurora sighed and lay back against the pillows, "I'm tired. You should leave ...Goodnight, Your Highness."
Lucian stood. Slowly, he adjusted the blanket around her shoulders.
Then he leaned closer.
Too close.
Aurora immediately stiffened.
His voice dropped into a dangerous whisper.
"Did you share a bed with another man, Aurora?"
The room went silent.
Aurora stared at him in shock.
The hurt in her eyes was immediate.
Sharp.
Painful.
As though he had slapped her.
For a moment neither moved.
Then Aurora's voice came out cold, "Please leave."
Lucian instantly regretted the question.
But his jealousy had spoken before his reason could stop it.
Without another word, he straightened. Turned. And walked out. The door closed behind him.
Aurora stared at the ceiling. Her eyes filled with tears.
Not because of Lucian. Not because of his jealousy.
But because for one moment, hearing Dante's name spoken aloud had made him feel real again.
And that hurt more than anything.
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