Shauna

In the ornate throne room, draped in the rich tapestries of our history, my father and Torell sat ensconced in their seats of power, their expressions lighting up as I entered. "There you are," my father greeted, his tone carrying a hint of relief as if I were the missing piece in a long-awaited discussion.

"Yes, here I am," I responded, maintaining a composed posture as I stood before them, waiting for the signal to sit.

"How is your studying going? Have you learned much?" he inquired, his voice echoing slightly off the high, arched ceilings.

"I've learned that the council wields too much power over the crown, and I think that needs to change," I stated boldly, catching him slightly off guard.

He chuckled, a sound that resonated with wisdom and a trace of caution. "Be careful with that. The council is a valuable tool when you're faced with really tough decisions. Always have a wild card up your sleeve just in case they try to usurp too much power," he advised.

"I'll take that into consideration. I can abide by their rules fine, but they will not control who I choose to date if you expect me to take this position seriously," I declared, setting my terms clearly.

"I do want you to be fully committed to this. Do you have someone in mind?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes, Cell," I answered without hesitation.

"You can't be serious, Cell?" Torell interjected, disbelief etching his features.

"I am. He's the only one here who truly understands what I'm going through," I countered firmly, asserting my choice.

"But he is..." Torell began, but my father silenced him with a hand.

"Fine. You may date Cell. I won't lie, I'm not sure how the public will react to this move," he conceded, his voice tinged with concern.

"I understand," I acknowledged, appreciating his openness.

"There's something else. Cell showed me ancient scrolls that only I could read. Why is that?" I queried, delving into deeper matters that had piqued my curiosity.

"They are written in a dead language. Because you are my daughter and carry my blood, you have the ability to decipher its words," he explained.

"So, it's true we are descendants of gods?" I pressed, seeking confirmation on the lofty tales.

"The gods were boring. We are something greater," he laughed, his amusement veiling the gravity of our lineage.

"Seriously, what are we?" I persisted, needing more than jests.

He glanced around, his demeanor shifting as he considered his words carefully. Torell leaned in slightly, his interest clearly piqued by the unfolding revelation.

"My mother was a god. She believed that the creations weaker than ourselves should fend for themselves. Thousands of years ago, she chose to let the Solar fend for themselves. I disagreed, so my brother and I left the heavens and swore to protect the Solar," he disclosed, his voice heavy with the weight of ancient secrets.

"Listen, I know you deserve to know your history, but recalling it brings more heartache than it's worth," he finished, a somber note in his tone suggesting layers of untold stories woven into the fabric of our existence.

Marcell's sudden appearance in the throne room added an unexpected tension to the air. His bow was perfectly executed, the gesture of a seasoned courtier, yet his presence always seemed to bring a subtle undercurrent of unease. "Your Majesty," he greeted with a deference that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"It's good you're here, Marcell. It seems my daughter has taken a liking to Cell. She has requested to begin dating him," my father revealed, his voice neutral but carrying an undertone of scrutiny as he observed Marcell's reaction.

Marcell's face briefly registered surprise, quickly masked by a courteous smile. "I had no idea that you had feelings for him, Princess," he said as he approached me and kissed my hand. His gesture was smooth, but the way he lingered slightly too long made me uncomfortable. "I will be sure he is on his best behavior with you," he added, his wink trying to convey camaraderie but instead sending a shiver of discomfort down my spine.

Before I could respond, Torell interjected with practical concerns, perhaps sensing my discomfort. "Before you begin pursuing your love life, you need to visit some realms, make appearances and speeches. You have some groundwork to lay down," he said, his tone suggesting both responsibility and an escape from the current conversation.

"Ok. When?" I asked, ready to focus on duties that felt more straightforward than navigating the complexities of court intrigue.

"Tomorrow morning. Why don't you bring Cell? He can be your date," Torell suggested, a lightness in his voice that belied the importance of these engagements. He chuckled softly, perhaps at his own joke, before walking away, leaving a mixed feeling of anticipation and apprehension.

I excused myself from the room, feeling the need for some air and space to think. As I walked out, I pulled out my phone and texted Cell, letting him know about the plans for tomorrow. "We're on for a date," I typed, a part of me excited at the prospect of spending time with him outside the oppressive walls of the palace.

The message sent, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for the whirlwind of official duties and personal challenges that lay ahead. The balance between being a princess and exploring a potential relationship with Cell would be a delicate one, and I was determined to navigate it with grace.

In my room, the air grew tense as Kiser questioned my upcoming date with Cell, her concerns echoing Torell's apparent distrust. "Why are you here? To tell me it's a bad idea?" I asked, half expecting her usual cautionary advice.

"No, Torell seemed worried. I don't know him well, but he seems to be involved in a lot of bad things," Kiser replied, her brow furrowed with genuine concern.

"Like what?" I prodded, curious despite myself.

"I don't know exactly, but Torell was clearly upset with him," she said, shrugging slightly.

"It's just a date, not a marriage proposal. I appreciate his honesty, that's all," I responded, trying to sound more convinced than I felt.

"Fine. Just be careful. I trust Hawk more than him," she said, bringing up a name I wasn't prepared to discuss.

"Hawk is married and nowhere near my radar," I said sharply, flopping down onto my bed in frustration.

"So, you don't think about him? You're over him?" Kiser pressed, sitting beside me.

"It almost felt like it could have been love," I confessed quietly.

"And what about Cell? Do you feel that way with him?" she asked, watching me closely.

"I don't know," I admitted just as Cell cleared his throat from the doorway, his presence startling me. How much had he heard?

He looked frustrated, holding a stack of files. "You have three meetings tomorrow. I brought you some reading material to get to know them," he said curtly, placing the files on my desk.

"Is there anything important I need to know now?" I asked, trying to gauge his mood.

"Read the files yourself," he replied coldly. Kiser excused herself, sensing the shift in atmosphere, and I hurried after Cell.

"Cell, wait," I called out, catching up to him. He turned, his expression closed off.

"It's fine. Go back to your conversation," he said dismissively.

"No, what? I said something that hurt you, but that wasn't my intention," I said, feeling a pang of guilt.

"Do you want to be with me or him?" he asked bluntly.

"I've made myself clear, haven't I?" I replied, my voice tinged with frustration.

"Not when you can't come up with one reason you want me other than my being around. This was a mistake. I'll continue to tutor you, but that's it," he stated firmly before walking away.

Stunned, I stood there, realizing just how much I had hurt him. I was scared because feelings like these can't be neatly explained. I can't read him, and that uncertainty was terrifying. I knew I had to make things right, but for the first time, I was unsure of how to bridge the gap between us.

As we toured the palace grounds, I was struck by the disparity between the grandeur of the palace and the evident hardship of its workers. They seemed nearly as downtrodden as the common Hominin folk, a stark contrast to the opulence reserved for the council members. My frustration grew as I recalled the council's self-serving budget allocations I had learned about recently.

Among the workers, an older woman caught my attention, standing out with her dignified yet somber demeanor. I turned to Cell, curious. "Who is she?" I asked.

"A seer. They used to serve the palace but were cast out. Their insights can be... double-edged," Cell explained with a hint of caution in his voice.

Intrigued, I approached her. She bowed respectfully. "Princess," she greeted, her eyes shifting briefly to Cell with a knowing smile.

"Do you want to know your future?" she asked, her voice a blend of warmth and mystery.

I hesitated, skeptical of such predictions. "I don't believe in fortunes," I replied dismissively.

Yet, her next words caught me off guard. "You are destined to bridge many worlds with your open heart and mind. You must act swiftly, for evil conspires against you and your future children," she warned softly.

"I don't have children," I responded quickly, discomfort creeping into my voice.

"It's in your future, as well as death. Don't fear death; you carry it with grace," she continued, her eyes piercing.

Thanking her, I quickly moved away, feeling a chill despite the morning sun. Cell caught up, his curiosity apparent. "You ever been to a seer before?" I asked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Off the record, twice," he admitted.

"And what did she tell you?" I pressed, my interest piqued.

"She told me about the one I was meant to fall in love with," he said, his voice softening.

"So, did you fall in love?" I asked, watching his expression closely.

"Hopelessly," he replied, his gaze meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart skip. Without another word, he walked ahead, leaving me to wonder if the seer had pointed him towards me.

As I followed him, a mix of apprehension and curiosity swirled within me, the seer's ominous words echoing in my mind alongside Cell's confession.

As we embarked on our diplomatic journey, the mood was one of cautious optimism. The elves were the first on our agenda, a people known for their grace and deep connection to nature. Their leader, a charismatic female, greeted us warmly. Standing before their council, I delivered a speech emphasizing unity and cooperation. The leader and I connected over shared visions for our peoples, discussing potential collaborations that could benefit both our realms.

Our next visit took us to the dwarves, a stark contrast to the ethereal elegance of the elven lands. The robust and industrious community of dwarves, with their impressive architectural feats carved into the mountains, was reminiscent of scenes from a fantasy epic. Meeting with their elders in a hall adorned with the riches of their mines, I felt as though I had stepped into a storybook. The discussions were pragmatic, focusing on trade and security, but there was a warmth to their hospitality that belied their stern exterior.

Each meeting, from the elves' verdant groves to the dwarves' stone fortresses, added layers to my understanding of the intricate tapestry of our Solar system's cultures. These encounters not only broadened my diplomatic horizons but also deepened my resolve to weave these diverse strands into a cohesive alliance.

Back in the regal atmosphere of the throne room, Cell stood confidently before my father, giving him a comprehensive report on our diplomatic efforts. "She really impressed them. She's going to be idolized," he concluded with a note of pride in his voice.

"That's great. I'm happy that it went well," my father responded, his tone imbued with genuine relief and contentment. His gaze then shifted between Cell and me, a subtle change in his expression suggesting he was broaching a more delicate subject.

"Well, if you don't mind, Your Majesty, I will take my leave," Cell interjected, perhaps sensing the shift or simply ready to retire from the formalities of royal reporting.

"Wait, I want to talk to you two about dating," my father said, halting Cell's departure with a slightly embarrassed look that mirrored my own surprise. "Dad, seriously?" I asked, my voice a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"I just want you two to know to never be ashamed of whatever you two have," he continued, his words earnest and supportive. "Once the press gets a hold of this, you will never have a moment's rest, but make it public soon, so the council won't arrange any marriages anytime soon. Maybe, a date tonight," he suggested, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Cell and I exchanged a quick look, a mixture of apprehension and excitement at the idea. The prospect of making our relationship public was daunting yet somehow thrilling. As we nodded in agreement, I felt a renewed sense of partnership with Cell, fortified not just by my father's approval but by the shared path we were about to embark on.

"Wait. I can't go on a date with you angry at me." I said. "I am not angry. I just don't know what we are doing here. You get me to admit I care for you, just so you can turn around and tell someone you dont know how you feel. Why even go public?" He asked. "Because I care for you too. Hawk didn't scare me because he was the safe one. It was no way the safe one would hurt me, but he did and it scares me that I feel something for someone that I can't tell if it's safe or a game." I said.

Cell's response to my concerns brought a mixture of relief and anticipation. I could sense the sincerity in his voice, a stark contrast to the doubts that had been clouding my thoughts. His hands gently cradled my face, his touch reassuring, grounding me in the reality of our connection.

"I'm not playing a game here. I don't show feelings, but you know that you are all I see," he said earnestly. His words echoed in the space between us, settling some of the turmoil I had been feeling. It was a moment of clarity, a reminder of the genuine emotions that flowed beneath the surface of our interactions.

"Can we start over?" I asked, hopeful. The idea of resetting our dynamic was appealing, offering us a chance to lay down a new foundation built on mutual understanding and respect.

He kissed me then, a soft, affirming gesture that sealed our intent to begin anew. "I will pick you up tonight," he promised as he pulled away slightly, his eyes searching mine for any remaining signs of hesitation.

The simplicity of his assurance was comforting. As he left to prepare for our evening, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Tonight wasn't just any date; it was the beginning of something real, something we both needed but hadn't dared to define until now. The thought of stepping out not just as the princess but as someone exploring the possibilities of love was both daunting and exhilarating.