Chapter 247
Poppy
The year is coming to an end, and when it began… this is not how I thought it would go.
I thought I would still be with his highness. That my place at his side was certain, inevitable. But I'm glad I was wrong.
Being with Isaac is...different. Calmer. He doesn't dazzle the world with grand gestures or golden words. He doesn't need to. Being the sole target of his affection feels… safe. Solid. Like the ground beneath my feet is finally mine and not borrowed from someone else.
Even with his highness—we're cordial now. A month ago, he even apologized. I almost didn't know how to respond. What a surprise that was.
Felaris Academy still spins around him. His name, his image, his shadow—it's all anyone talks about. Rumors flow like wine: how kind, how charming, how talented he is. Every week another tale, another spectacle. He's doing well, I suppose. Happy, even. And I find that I'm happy for him, too.
