Chapter 323 - My Childhood Friend (2/2)

”But brother Rap... we were still young back then, barley even teenagers.” I said with disbelief.

”It was love at first sight for me.” Raphael said with a gentle smile. ”But my plans did not come into frution. My mother fell ill before I debuted. I decided to wait until my mother got better because I do not want to be an added burden to my father. But she never really got well, and just got even worse as the years gone by. And I just heard that... you might be engaged to the heir of duke Cunningham.”

”There was such rumors?” I was shocked. I never heard this news. I looked back to William but he averted his gaze.

”The news circulated when I heard you were sent to the country side to recuperate.” Raphael said. ”But I was even shocked to here that you were engaged to the crown prince of Grandcrest. At first I thought that you were pushed into a political marriage and was thinking that you could be against it. I was thingking of a way to help you if ever that were true. But looking at you now, I guess my hunch was wrong. The way you look to your husband and the way he looks back at you, is full of love.” He said with a sad smile.

”Yes, I love him so much and he loves me back just the same.” I said. ”I am sorry.” I can only give an apology back to his confession.

Raphael's confession was something I did not anticipate. It was so out of the blue that I was caught of guard.

”It is okay Alicia.” Raphael waved his hand and smiled. ”You do not need to apologize. I have come into terms with my feelings after seeing you and his majesty happy with each other. I am just happy to be able to convey this feelings I have harbored in such a long time deep in my heart. Thank you for hearing me out.”

”Thank you as well, brother Rap.” I replied.

It was silent for a short while once again and we laughed the awkwardness out.

”Well, your quarters is not that far away.” Raphael said. ”If I can take my leave now, your majesty.” He was using formal speech once more.

”Thank your for your time Sir Raphael.” I replied. ”I had a great time chatting with you.”

Raphael bowed down and headed the opposite direction. I looked at his back until it vanished at a corner.

”Well that was a sudden confession.” William said. ”And I thought I was your first friend.” He said jokingly.

”Why, are you jealous?” I teased him and giggled.

”Well... a little.” William said. ”It looks like you have broken yet another heart.”

”I never intended to.” I said feeling sad. ”We were still young back then, and I feel a little guilty that I forgot about him. But after remembering our time together, I was happy to have a childhood friend like him.”

”I am sure that he was also happy to meet you.” William said. ”I know I am greatful to have met you, even though I was not able to win your heart.”

I looked at William and gauged his expression. He was not wearing his usual pained smile whenever he talks about his feelings about me. Right now, he was wearing a calm and gentle expression. I felt less guilt seeing that William is starting to move on.

”Do not tell me your sorry again, I know that face.” William teasingly scolded me. ”I am happy to be by your side to serve and protect you. I will be always here as your best friend and personal knight.” He gently pulled a lose strand of my hair and gently tucked it behind my ear.

”Thank you Will, for always being there for me.” I said solemnly.

William and I smiled at each other in a friendly manner.

”Well then, before I forget. I was set out to find a certain someone.” I remembered. ”Now where could my husband be?” I again felt the anger that was forgotten a while ago.

”Oh dear...” William chuckled.

Edited by: nalyn