Chris

Lydia, and I are currently at the airport of Avelyn. The atmosphere is so peaceful and welcoming. Aurora wasn't kidding when she said Avelians are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. There's a joyous vibe all around.

Lydia and I take a cab to our hotel to settle in before we have to leave for the royal ball. 

I can't believe I actually listened to Jake and came. But hey, if he's here then he'll probably want to make a move on Aurora, and I obviously can't let that happen.

"I'm really nervous about this." I admit as I unpack.

"You've said that seventeen goddamn times already! Look, you're here to see your best friend and so am I. There's nothing to be worried about, chill!" Lydia chuckled slightly frustrated with me, but I know she understands.

"I can't help it!" I defend myself.

"That little crush of yours is getting out of control, bro." She rolls her eyes with a smile. "Come on let's go grab some lunch before we get ready. I saw a cute diner right down the street on our way here." 

And with that we were off to the streets of Avelyn's capital;  Wisteria. 

I remember Lydia telling me that Amelia described so much to Avelyn to her, and one of them is the name of the capital. Apparently when the country was founded by king Lucas, the land was full of wisteria trees. I see them almost everywhere, it adds so much color to the city. I heard that there's one tree that hasn't been cut since the country was founded. 

Walking in to the diner, we're immediately hit with the breeze of the air conditioner, which is needed because an Avelyn summer is pretty damn hot.

"Good afternoon!" The old lady smiles sweetly at us. A wave of nostalgia hits me, this reminds me of the diner Aurora and I always go to back in London.

"Good afternoon to you too, ma'am." I smile at her as Lydia replies to her. 

"Are you new here? I haven't seen you around before." She wonders and we nod, confirming it.

"Yeah, we're just here to surprise some friends of ours." I tell her while looking at the menu, glancing up to look at her as to not be rude.

"Aww, that's really sweet of you." We smile. "How do you like it so far?"

"Oh it's beautiful!" Lydia gushes, and I nod in agreement. "The trees look magical! The people are so happy and welcoming. Everything here is amazing!"

The sweet lady laughs wholeheartedly at Lydia's enthusiasm.

"All thanks to the royal family. And I'm sure the future queen will be just as amazing. The princesses are already doing so much for us!" She grins, taking the menus from us, placing them where they belonged. We gave her our orders and continued our conversation.

"What have they done? It seems as if everyone we meet loves them a lot." I ask.

"Oh we do, they're really lovely!" She states. "Princess Aurora recently put new rules to keep Avelyn clean and green. And the school she started will be having it's first graduation today, actually! My grandson is one of the graduates. He's been so much happier and more alive ever since he attended there. There's going to be an open royal ball too!"

"We know, we're surprising our friends there!" Lydia exclaims. "And I didn't know the princesses' names before."

"Yeah, now that you mention it. My best friend is actually called Aurora as well." I tell her.

"Imagine if that's our Aurora." Lydia joked.

"I mean, I do call her princess." I laugh.

I notice the lady staring at me with a fond smile, as if knowing something about me that brings her joy.

"You love her." She stated, looking into my eyes.

"I-" I stutter. "How did you know?"

"The way you said her name. The glint in your eyes when you spoke of her. I haven't seen that glint in such a long time, not since my husband died. It's nice to see that people still fall in love genuinely."

I smile at her warmly. "Yeah, I do love her. I just don't know how to tell her." I sigh.

"Tell you what," She started before writing something down on a paper. "Go to the flower shop down the road and get her these. The colors combined symbolize pure love, and admiration. That's how my husband confessed to me the first time. And we've been happily married for over 50 years." She places the paper in my hand and hold on tight. "Tell her how you feel tonight. You don't want to keep waiting on it any longer. There's so much you could be with her but you're only wasting time by not telling her." 

I smile at her gratefully, letting her words sink deep into my mind. I nod with a newfound determination. 

"I will. Thank you so much."

"And you chose a great person. Aurora is one in a million."

"You know her?" Lydia tilts her head.

"She comes here quite often. She's like family to me." She explains.

We then grab our food and go sit down at a booth to eat, with the echo of her words filling my mind.

"Come on Lydia!!" I yell as I knock on the bathroom door. "We're going to be late!"

Finally, she opens the door, revealing her completely dressed up in a long peacock dress, her hair done on the side.

"I'm ready!" She exclaims, grabbing her purse and walking over to the door.

"We won't have time to stop by the flower shop. Let's just get there already." I tell her, looking at my watch.

We eventually get in a cab and begin our ride to the castle. 

"They could be late?" I ask out loud, answering my sister.

"Eh, whatever. Let's enjoy our first royal ball as we wait for them." 

We walk around, admiring the beautiful simplicity of the castle. I honestly thought it would be full of gold and grand fancy decorations, but instead it's quite simple and delicate, full of flowers and plants. 

We hear someone talking into the microphone, announcing the arrival of the king and queen first, and in walk a happy couple, with intertwined arms and smiles shining brighter than the jewels on their crowns.

They then announce the three princesses, and gasps leave me and Lydia's mouth as they walk in.

"Holy shit, I'm psychic." Lydia gasped, looking at our three friends walk in, all dressed up and tiaras on their heads.

They look slightly different. Aurora's hair is no longer an ombre purple, and Scarlet's hair is strawberry blonde and she has blue eyes instead of the dark orbs we're used to. Amelia is no longer wearing glasses and she also has blue eyes.

Despite the shock, I can't help but stare at my best friend as she walks down the staircase gracefully, taking the microphone to give a small welcome to all the guests.

She looks breathtaking.

Lydia and I continue our night as we did, trying to process the fact that our best friends are freaking royalty!

What are they doing at London then?

I am so confused. I have so many questions.

It was then time for Dinner and we were escorted to some tables. We then heard the king of Crounia making an announcement. A guy standing on his right, but he was mostly covered by some people in front of me. Eventually I was able to see him and my blood boiled.

Jake Crown, or should I say, Jake Crounia. 

What's next? Will a unicorn fly in and sweep the princess away?

Upon hearing the announcement, my heart drops, and I regret every minute I spent without telling Aurora how I feel about her.

I see her falling back into her seat, and I don't notice myself bursting from my seat as I yell the only word going through my mind.

"NO!"