William hadn't noticed Nathan walk into the library. His mind was still tangled in the events from a few days ago at the breakfast table. He had spent years with his little sister, yet not once had he ever heard her mention anyone named Jillian.
Had she made up the name just to avoid being with Prince Nathan? No… the way she had reacted, the pain in her voice… there was no way that had been an act.
"I think I should start coming to the Morrell household with a town crier to announce my arrival."
William looked up, startled, and immediately rose to his feet at the sight of Nathan's smirking face.
"I've been calling to you for over a minute," Nathan added as he casually took a seat beside him.
"Forgive me, Nathan. I… I was lost in thought. I didn't hear you come in."
Nathan nodded, gesturing for him to sit.
"You look troubled. Is something wrong?"
William shook his head. "Nothing serious."
It wasn't his place to speak of Jillian. If Nathan was to learn anything, it would have to come from Ella herself.
"Alright," Nathan said lightly. "I can tell it's something private, so I won't push."
He glanced around the room before turning back to William with a sheepish smile.
"What is it?" William asked.
Nathan's cheeks flushed faintly. "I hope you don't think I only come here for your sister. I value your friendship, truly, but…"
"But?" William raised a brow.
"…is your sister around?"
William let out a quiet chuckle. The poor prince wasn't nearly as subtle as he thought he was.
"Nathan… do you know anyone by the name of Jillian?"
Nathan paused, thoughtful, before shaking his head. "No, I've never heard that name before. Why do you ask?"
Because he already has her heart, William thought bitterly.
"Oh, it's nothing," he replied. "Ella is in her room. I'll go see if she's willing to come down."
Ever since the incident at the table, Ella had shut herself away in her chambers. Meals were brought to her after several failed attempts to coax her out.
"Is she alright? Is she sick?" Nathan asked, already on his feet.
"No, she's well… just not quite herself."
Nathan stepped closer, gripping William's shoulder. "Then I must see her. Perhaps I can lift her spirits. Where are her chambers? I can—"
William caught his wrist, his expression firm.
"Your Grace… she is in her chambers. Allow me to fetch her."
The message was clear, even without raising his voice.
Nathan paused, then nodded in understanding.
"Of course… lead the way."
*
Ella frowned at the knock on her door.
"Leave whatever it is outside!" she called.
"Ella, it's me," William replied. "May I come in?"
When she didn't object, he pushed the door open slowly.
"Hey."
"Hey," she replied quietly.
William stepped inside… and Nathan followed behind him.
Ella immediately rose from her bed, startled.
"Your Grace."
She curtsied, then shot William a look that could have burned parchment.
"I know you want to be alone," William said gently. "But Nathan was worried about you."
"Oh… I see."
"I'll leave you two to talk."
He turned to Nathan, giving him a pointed nod.
"I won't be far. Call if you need anything."
Nathan watched him leave, fully aware that the statement had been meant more for him than for Ella.
"May I?" Nathan asked, gesturing toward the soft peach sofa.
Ella nodded, taking a seat on the bed instead, keeping a careful distance. The door remained open… intentionally.
"Talk to me, Ella. What's troubling you?"
[So we're just diving straight into it, huh?]
Nathan's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Would you prefer I coax you first?"
Ella cursed inwardly. She really needed to guard her thoughts around him.
"It's nothing," she replied, avoiding his gaze.
Nathan leaned forward slightly.
"Whatever it is, it's enough to make you lock yourself away. That's not nothing."
His voice softened.
"Ella… I care about you. At the very least, let me help."
Her eyes flickered briefly toward the open door.
"Have you ever been in love, Prince Nathan?"
Nathan stilled.
"In love? I…"
"I have." She lifted her gaze and met his.
Nathan blinked rapidly, his chest tightening.
"Are you… still in love?" he asked carefully.
"I don't know," she answered faintly.
Was it still love… if the person no longer existed?
"Who is he?"
Nathan's voice was quieter now, almost fragile.
"His name…" Ella paused, her throat tightening.
[His name was Jillian.]
Nathan's eyes lifted sharply.
{Was?}
Ella nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.
[Yes. I met him in my past life. He was the first man I ever loved.]
Nathan's jaw tightened ever so slightly.
[We were supposed to have a future… a family. But he died protecting me.]
Her tears fell freely now.
[I loved him so much. And I never got to show him just how much he meant to me. I miss him… every day.]
Nathan felt something unfamiliar twist in his chest… jealousy, sharp and unwelcome.
Of a dead man.
{I'm so sorry, Ella.}
She wiped her tears and nodded.
[It's alright.]
Nathan exhaled slowly.
{I understand that pain… losing the people you love, carrying their memories alone… it never truly fades.}
He stood, then crouched in front of her, gently taking her hands.
{But you don't have to carry it alone anymore.}
His gaze softened.
{I'm here now. Let me share that burden with you.}
Ella's breathing steadied.
For the first time in a long while… she didn't feel completely alone.
Jillian was gone.
It hurt… but she couldn't hold on forever.
She wiped her tears and offered a small, fragile smile.
"Thank you."
Nathan returned it, warm and certain.
"Anything for you."
Just outside the door, William stood frozen, staring through the narrow gap.
The two had barely spoken aloud… yet now Ella was smiling.
He blinked slowly.
"What in the hell just happened?"