These formal events were always stuffy.

Victory banquet mashed into a coming of age party for Damon and I.

Of course.

I felt on edge, like every set of eyes rested on me, waiting for a mistake.

And they probably were. Rumors floated about how I carried a torch for one woman and one woman alone and waited until we were both of age to confess.

Half right. It was a man, but the rest was true.

I still knew this would end poorly for me.

"Ah, the crown prince wandered off at his own party," Finn teased.

I followed my eyes and glanced around, catching the briefest hint of him as he left for the gardens. "I think I'll find him before the emperor arrives."

"Good luck," Finn snorted.

Liam glanced at me worryingly, but I smiled, and moved on. this was the choice I chose, I had to accept it. No matter how much it hurt me.

I wandered the garden for a bit before i found him. He stood by a koi pond, watching the fish. He was alone, lost in thought.

"Damon, glad I found you," I said sincerely.

He glanced over, offering a smile, "shouldn't you be looking for that bride to be,"

I chuckled and shook my head, "I actually wanted to talk to you about something."

He quirked a brow upwards and he turned to me, crossing his arms. "Oh?"

My heart started racing at the words, and I felt my body shaking, even if it didn't show. "You are the most important person to me, nothing will change that. And no matter what, I'll always be happy to serve you. As a soldier, or a friend."

"Stop talking as if you're in your death bed," he joked. "So what is it you wanted to say?"

"I love you."

He paused, "what?"

"I love you. The person I've loved all my life has always been you. It's not brotherly, it's not familial. I want to hold your hand and hug you while you cry. I want to wake up every morning and sleep every night with you beside me. I love you."

"I-"

"You don't have to accept it. If you want me to, I'll vanish from your sights, but I needed to tell you. I love you Damon, and I always will."

I poured my heart out to him, and braved myself.

"You like men?"

Ah... "I do."

"Disgusting."

I winced at the words. He had malice in it. I could feel it's hate.

"Get out of my sight."

"I'm sorry," I got out as I walked away.

I expected this. I knew he'd reject me.

He never agreed with liking men...

So why does it sting so much?

I stopped just outside the garden and let out a sob, feeling the tears blossom in my eyes. It blurred my vision as I sobbed my heart out.

And time surely passed, maybe people saw me, but I didn't care.

But eventually, I needed to go back.

My eyes were surely swollen, even if my face wasn't bright red. I headed back, feeling hurt.

I drew attention, I definitely did.

The emperor was there, and he could see. I walked over to Finn and Liam, smiling sadly. "I should've expected as much."

"Oh, you confessed to that woman you liked?" Finn asked.

"I knew they'd reject me, but why does it hurt so much?" I asked quietly, feeling my chest tighten.

Liam understood completely, putting a hand on my shoulder and giving a reassuring squeeze.

"Well, you can move on then. There are plenty of-"

"No. No. They were the only one I was happy with. Everything I did, was for their sake. I was happy being by their side- I should've kept quiet about it."

"That's not-"

"Liam, you know who it is, you know things would've been better if I never said anything."

He quieted, sighing, "there is someone better out there, they are not worth the heartbreak."

"Dance with someone, let the pain go away-"

"You get rejected too?"

We all glanced to the new voice, finding...

The protagonist!?

She was a delicate lady. Long black hair that's curled at the ends, a bright smile that made you sore, bright hazel eyes that glittered like gems...

Rejected?

"I'm not trying to hit on you, I like women."

"Huh?"

"You need a dance and someone to vent to, why not a stranger that isn't into you?"

I smiled at that, "alright, a dance then."

I took her hand and we went to the floor. It was almost empty, and we flew into the movement's like it was nothing.

"You are just the same here as before Alex. Letting your heart get broken."

I nearly tripped over my own feet at that.

She giggled, "you don't remember your best friend?"

"Lisa?"

"It's Elizabeth now. Liz for short."

"You died?"

She nodded, "school shooting a month after you passed. I woke up here."

"Both of us woke up as the characters we'd hate to be."

"Exactly. So, who broke your heart?" She asked, following my movements.

"Prince Damon. I still want to cry at the thought."

She smiled sadly, "I'm sorry."

"It will be alright. Ah, the song is over. Feel free to write."

"I will. Please stay safe."

We slipped apart, going back, or trying to.

Damon had returned, his eyes angry.

I flinched and went over to the emperor instead.

"I apologize your majesty, but I think i should head home."

The emperor seemed surprised and annoyed. "Why, the party has only just begun!"

"Please sir. If you need a reason I'll give it, but please let me leave."

He looked at me with confusion, "did your confession turn south. If so, the pr-"

"No. You highness, I like men. Not women. And I just got my heart broken. I want to leave as to not cause a scene. He doesn't want me here, I don't want to upset him."

"You like men!"

Fuck.

That's was loud. Too loud.

"I will leave your sight and never show up again. Please let me leave. Yes I like men, I won't lie about it! I've always known that. And the man who broke my heart doesn't want me near him since I'm disgusting. So please, let me leave." I was definitely shaking. On the verge of tears.

He seemed even more shocked. I was begging to leave. I wasn't being stubborn or proud...

I just wanted to go home.

"Your highness, I'm sorry I'm this way. I can't help I fell in love with who I did. But if you grant me permission to leave, I will never bother you again."

"You... are you crying?"

"Yes. Because it hurts knowing he doesn't want me near him. It hurts to know he things I'm vile. It hurts because he's the only one I'll ever love... and I wish I could stay by his side..."

"You may leave."

I rushed off, and left for home.

I wasn't turning back.

I couldn't.