chapter 4

𖤓 admiration 𖤓

I arrived at school, and just like Marie said, they were talking about me. But I ignored them. As I walked to my room, I overheard a group of girls discussing two students who would be staying, and I knew they were talking about me. But who was the other person? I wondered to myself. I didn't pay much attention to it, knowing it was just gossip.

As I was reading at my table, someone knocked on the door. I thought it might be Marie, but I wanted to make sure. "Who is it?" I asked.

"It's me, Marie," she replied.

"Marie? Is that you?" I asked, still a bit doubtful.

"Yes, it's me. I'm sorry I'm late. Your father, the king, had some tasks for me to attend to," Marie explained.

"Okay, you can come in. By the way, did you have trouble finding my room?" I asked.

"Oh, Princess Zyra, I found it thanks to the gossip. I asked around, and someone told me where your room was," Marie replied.

"What were they talking about?" I asked, curious despite knowing what people were saying.

"Princess Zyra, I don't think I should tell you here. There are people who spread hurtful rumors, and it would be hard for me to explain," Marie said.

"It's okay, I want to know. If it's hurtful or mean, I'm prepared. I've chosen to listen, and I'll find out anyway. So, tell me now, before I hear it from someone else," I said.

"Princess Zyraaa... why do people spread such hurtful and untrue rumors? If only they knew the truth, they would think differently," Marie said, her voice on the verge of tears.

"I understand, Marie. But even if the rumors are hurtful, I can't just reveal the truth without considering the consequences. It would reflect poorly on my family, and it would also affect my cousin's reputation. Let's just understand them, okay?" I replied.

"Princess Zyraaa... so, what they said...," Marie hesitated.

"What is it, Marie?" I asked.

"Well, they said that you've been disowned by the royal family and that you're only a crown princess in name. They say your cousin will succeed to the throne instead," Marie said, her voice trembling. "And there's more... there's a prince from a neighboring kingdom who volunteered to stay here because of you. Some people are angry, and they have different opinions about you, some good and some bad."

"Thanks, Marie, for telling me what's going on," I said, processing the information.

Based on what Marie said, people were indeed talking about me. But what caught my attention was the part about a prince from a neighboring kingdom volunteering to stay here because of me. That part I couldn't believe. It's impossible. My whole life has been focused on studying and becoming worthy of my position as a queen.

I couldn't fathom why anyone would think that a prince would go out of his way for me. My priority has always been my studies and preparing myself for my role. The thought of someone going to such great lengths because of me seemed absurd.

I pushed the thought aside, focusing on more pressing matters. But the seed of curiosity had been planted, and I couldn't help but wonder what had led people to believe such a thing

Prince Neo POV

I couldn't help but think about my recent conversation with Kairos. "Prince Neo is absolutely absorbed! To stay There because of Princess Zyra!!" I mused, recalling his words.

"Kairos, do you believe in love at first sight?" I asked, my mind wandering back to the moment I first laid eyes on the princess. "Because I fell in love with Princess Zyra at first sight."

Kairos's response was laced with skepticism. "But Prince Neo, we all know that Princess Zyra is known for being stone-hearted. It's impossible for her to love anyone, let alone you."

I nodded, acknowledging his point. "Kairos, even so, I don't expect her to love me back. But it's hard to believe in what I'm saying, isn't it? Love at first sight, right?"

Despite my doubts, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was drawn to her. "And yet, I'm still acting like I'll catch her. It's just that I don't know if I can bear seeing her amidst all these rumors."

Kairos's expression turned serious. "But Prince Neo, with what you're doing, you're just encouraging it. Please think about this carefully, Kairos."

Before I could respond, he excused himself, citing some urgent business. I let him go, lost in my thoughts.

I'm sure it's hard to believe what I'm saying, but honestly, there's a reason why I'm acting this way. I know she needs me. But honestly, I didn't plan on approaching her or persuading her at first. Fate is strange, though. Haha, I guess I really did fall for her.

My mind wandered back to the day I first saw her in the library. At first, my plan was just to observe her from afar. But later on, I was drawn to her because of a girl spreading misinformation, and Princess Zyra didn't hesitate to correct her.

In that moment, I saw a glimpse of her gentle and humane side. She doesn't show authority, but she's a person with a kind heart. And that's what captivated me.

In this world, people are respected based on their position and status. But when someone lower in rank dares to share their opinion with someone above them, they're often seen as rude and inconsiderate. Most people would just keep their thoughts to themselves, fearing to be judged or ostracized.

But Princess Zyra is different. Despite the strict social hierarchy, she managed to correct someone's mistake with kindness and humility. She didn't let her title get in the way of being respectful and compassionate. It's refreshing to see someone like her, who values the truth and doesn't let societal norms dictate her behavior.

Her actions showed that even in a world where status and power are everything, one can still be true to themselves and treat others with dignity. I couldn't help but admire her for that.

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