Felicity's POV.
We stayed in that hug like the world might collapse if we let go, like it would break something fragile between us. However, emotions, like storms, eventually subside.
I pulled back slightly, wiping my cheeks. "I don't know how to do this," I whispered.
"We don't have to know," he said. "We just have to try."
My fingers curled into his shirt again, like I was afraid he would disappear.
"I'm scared," I admitted.
"I know." He brushed a tear from my cheek. "Me too."
The wind picked up around us, sharp and restless, but I did not let go.
I cleared my throat gently and pulled back fully, just enough to look into his eyes. "So… where's your dad?"
Christopher shifted, rubbing the back of his neck. "He went back to England. Said he had urgent matters to handle. Royal business. Classic King Grayson. Drop a bomb and vanish into the mist."
I blinked. "That's it? Wow. Your dad really knows how to make an exit. King Drama himself."
He laughed. "Yeah, pretty much. That's King Grayson for you."
I tilted my head. "So… you're actually a prince now? Like, an actual royal? Crown-wearing, palace living, bow before you speak prince?"
His expression softened, his lips curving into a small smile. "Yeah. Born into it. Prince Christopher Buckingham Blake the Third, at your service, ma'am. His Royal Highness of England." He gave a playful bow, took my hand, and pressed a gentle kiss against it. "Pleasure to meet you."
I stared at him like he had grown a second head. "You've been royalty this whole time and just… didn't mention it? I mean, what? I have so many questions. But start with this. Why did you hide it?"
He gave me that crooked, irresistible smile. "Because I didn't want to be treated differently. I wanted to be normal around you. Especially with you. I'm sorry. There's so much going on with me and my father and politics. It's complicated. But not now. Please just respect that I needed space."
"But that is no excuse. I am mad at you." I tried to walk away, but he caught my hand and pulled me into a hug.
"I'm sorry I lied to you. Please forgive me."
"Ugh, you are so annoying and sweet. I am sick of it. I forgive you on one condition. You buy me a doughnut for a week. And you promised me an ice cream that day. Now where is it?"
"Okay, okay. Doughnut and ice cream. Copy that."
"Good." I folded my arms and nodded. "Okay. That's fair enough." Then I smirked. "But let's not pretend you didn't enjoy living like the rest of us, eating pancakes in the dorms, dodging cafeteria chicken like it was radioactive, while your royal butlers were probably polishing gold forks."
He snorted. "Hey. I love pancakes. And trust me, our palace chefs suck at ramen. It's a tragedy."
I burst out laughing, loud and real. I slapped his arm playfully. "You're insane."
"Charming," he corrected, wiggling his brows.
I rolled my eyes, still grinning. "Sure. Okay, Prince of Instant Pancakes. So what now?"
"Well," he said, straightening. "We've got our matriculation ceremony next week and after that, the Winter Ball."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh right. I almost forgot. You're attending both?"
He grinned. "If I survive my father's lectures and Mia's attitude, absolutely."
I gave him a teasing look. "Speaking of Mia... do you have a date for the ball? Or is Miss Sparkle Crown already picking out matching tiaras?"
He leaned in, his eyes soft but intense. "I was actually hoping it would be you."
"Me?" I blinked.
"Yeah. You."
I pretended to think hard. "Hmm... I don't know. I'll consider it."
He smiled knowingly. "That's not a no."
I turned away, blushing like a schoolgirl. "You're lucky you're cute," I muttered, hoping he didn't hear me.
"What was that?" he asked, leaning closer. "Did you say something?"
"Nope," I replied way too quickly.
"Hmm. Okay. Sure. Keep your secrets, Paddington," he teased.
We both laughed. And somewhere between the stars and the stolen glances, I forgot all about royal secrets, the titles, and the revelation. None of it mattered. I just knew this boy, this prince, was still the same one who held my hand when I was sick, who made me laugh when I wanted to cry, the one I might be falling for slowly but surely.
>>>>>>>>>>
Christopher's POV.
The next morning, we headed back to the hospital for one last visit before flying to England. Felicity wore a royal blue blazer and jeans, looking like a student and a queen all at once. I kept it casual. Mia, on the other hand, looked like she was ready for a dramatic audition. Wyatt was sitting up now, colour returning to his face. He looked at all of us and smiled weakly.
"Well, the doctors say I might be discharged sooner than expected," he said. "Apparently, someone gave me a reason to fight."
"That's amazing," Felicity said, and squeezed his hand.
Joy wiped her eyes. "You're a miracle, Wyatt Paddington."
He smiled softly. "No. I just have a daughter who reminded me why life matters."
"Aww, Dad…" Felicity whispered.
Then Mia sighed loudly. "So we came all the way to Scotland for nothing?"
I casually stepped on her foot.
"Ow!" she screeched.
"Oops," I said, not sorry.
Wyatt chuckled. "Christopher behaved. Step away."
Mia scowled. "You people are cruel."
"No," Felicity said sweetly. "We're just allergic to nonsense."
Mia shot Felicity a death glare, and for a second, I swear the air felt tight with tension. But Felicity ignored her entirely.
Joy turned to us, her voice soft. "I'll stay behind with Wyatt and take care of him while he recovers. You two go back to school and make me proud."
She hugged Felicity tight, then she looked at me and gave me a warm smile. "Take care of my girl."
"I will," I promised.
We said our goodbyes, took a few last photos, then headed for the airport. On the flight, Felicity sat beside me, tired but peaceful and glowing. When she leaned her head on my shoulder, I didn't say a word or move. Just warmth. I just smiled quietly because one thought echoed in my mind, soft and sure. One month. That's all I had to win her heart completely. But deep down in my soul, I didn't want just her heart for a month. I wanted it forever.