Wild Berry Meadow An avalanche

Scars of old display themselves plainly. He’s witnessed Nirali’s relationships on the sidelines, knows more of her and her family than perhaps any other. That is the part that ultimately, the silver ex-prince was born to play in their lives. He has never been the protagonist, or “the one that gets the girl”.  

Despite that, he is earnest, he lays his feelings out and answers her—tells her what he has been hiding since the revelation of his feelings months ago. It feels freeing to do so, as if he no longer must burden this secret alone. Yet he knows that their relationship will shift no matter the outcome. Her stock still frame is proof, as are her words that follow his own confession.

In his gut, he wishes to be greedy; to consume and possess what he’s longed for. Yet he knows in his heart that Nirali will never be a caged bird, and Aldric would not cage her. She is born for the spotlight, to lead. And he a supporting actor in her journey. It is enough to know that she loves him. That is more than he’s ever imagined.

‘Me too,’ he wants to say, instead, he tucks in close.

No matter what, I’ll be here.