Part 26

"I wish we could stay here," Lukas murmured, his lips pressed to the shell of her ear. "Do this every day for the rest of our lives."

It sounded like it could have become a reality, and Talia wanted to have it—Lukas as her better half. Her heart leapt up into her throat at the mere thought.

"I love you," Talia croaked, eyes clenched shut.

And the moon princess indeed did, so much, more than she's ever loved anybody and seeing it reflected in his eyes as well made her knees wobble.

Lukas leaned down and brushes their lips together, kiss as soft as a feather. "I love you, too."

"I don't want to say goodbye," She breathed against the soft and sweet smelling skin of his neck. Her vision was blurred with tears, the thought of saying goodbye clawing at her skin. "I can't."

"Then don't," The Prince's lips were pulled in a grin. "This isn't goodbye, all right?" His voice was strained, his breath hitching again and again. "I'll come after. I will. Don't care how long it takes."

Come after? Those words echoed in her head, and immediately Heras smirk appeared. No, that evil goddess may do more harm if she spotted Lukas again. Talia cannot let that happen to him; it would devastate her.

There were warm and familiar hands, fingers brushing up her neck and coming to cradle her delicate face. Lukas raised her chin, eyes meeting hers. "Look at me."

"I'll find you. I promise," With that, he pressed their lips together. The weight of his lips against hers takes a second to process before she parted her mouth in a shocking gasp, eyes rolling back when she felt his tongue slip into her mouth. She gripped helplessly at his shoulders, trying to hold on as her body went lax, a frisson of heat forming in her stomach and spreading across her body. His thumb pressed into her jaw, rubbing back and forth so tenderly that it made her feel faint.

The moon princess drew him even closer, fingers running through his curls, kisses starting to taste salty. She sucked on his bottom lip before pulling back, pressing their foreheads together, closing her eyes and breathing harshly through her nose.

Lukas was so temptingly close, and she could do this all day, all week, but she let the reality burst their bubble. There's only one way she could avoid anything happening to Lukas. Of course, that would entail sacrificing her need to see him but anything to keep him alive.

"I want you to make me another promise."

"What promise, my love?" He whispered into her skin, the tenderness almost causing her to cry. It ached her heart to say those words out loud, but she had no other choice. Knowing the kind of person Hera was, Talia feared for Lukas life.

Sucking a deep breath, she turned to him. "P-Promise me that you'll never step a foot in this Castle ever again."

The air shifted around them. She could feel it in her bones, her skin prickling at his intense stare.

Lukas chuckled, shaking his head. "I-Is this a joke?"

Tears burned in her eyes, but she blinked them away, hardening her stance. It was not the time to melt, fingers curling into fists. "No. I want you to promise, Lukas."

His arms loosened around her, eyebrows raised and lips pursed in a straight line. She was conflicted, unable to tell him the truth while also trying to save him.

"Is about your stepmother? We didn't get caught"

"No. That has nothing to do with this. Besides, we should stop acting senselessly. It's about time, don't you think?"

The Prince suddenly let go of her entirely and stepped away, his arms straight down his sides, head bowed, and hair falling in front of his face. She wanted to reach out but held her ground, noticing the way his clenched fists were trembling. Without saying another word, he spun on his heels, quickly crossing the window and heading out. A moment later, she heard doors leading to the terrace slam shut, windows rattling in their frames.

Talia lets out a ragged breath, wrapping her arms around her body before letting those tears trickle down.

***

The moon princess left her room in a whirlwind of grief and sadness, shoes harsh against the floors, and shoulders and neck stiff with tension. After Lukas left, she couldn't bear to stay in her room alone and reflect on the things that went down. She needed to get away see someone. On the way down the stairs, only one name came to her mind—Artemis.

Even though that sister of hers had some unkind words directed towards her in the past, she spoke facts. Talia needed to see her. Dashing into the hallway, she wobbled, trying to find her sister.

The guards gave her a strange look; mouths sealed as they watched the youngest princess crazily stroll through the hallways. Only if they had an idea about her misery. As she stood outside the familiar door, her gut twisted, conflicted about entering inside. What if Artemis doesn't want to entertain her anymore? After the rude way the moon princess spoke to her sister, it's highly plausible.

Despite the doubts, Talia raised her hand and sharply knocked on the door, shrinking into herself. Seconds later, the sound of creaking hit her ears, and she looked up.

"Talia?" Her sister quirked her brow, blinking at her with bleary eyes. "What're you doing—what?"

The moon princess chewed on her lips nervously, cheeks flushed. Of course, Artemis was resting, and she disturbed her mid-sleep. It appeared as if Talia couldn't do anything right these days. Not everyone was insomniac and restless as her. She should have understood that.

"I apologise for disturbing your sleep. I'll take my leave," The moon princess hastily replied,

"No! Wait!" Artemis blinked, rubbing her eyes, gaining consciousness while everything in Talia's chest was clenching. "What's going on?"

"Uhh..." She licked her lips, unsure on how to begin after all the things said between them. How did they get to this? Artemis used to be one of them. Talia could share anything and not have any hesitation. "You should go back to sleep. We can talk later."

"What do you have to say?" Her sister insisted on knowing, already far too awake for Talias liking. "I am wide awake now."

Talia didn't want to cry, but her eyes might very well still be red. "I'm sorry," She breathed, facing her sister, swallowing thickly, her pulse racing. "It is all my fault, Artemis. You were right all along."

"What in the heavens name are you talking about?"

Her entire body was hurting, legs straining to keep going, hands burning and head throbbing.

Swiftly she entered inside the room. The moon princess slid down the nearest wall, bricks digging into her back, damp ground cold through the few layers she got on her body. Letting her head drop back, Talia resisted the urge to cry her heart out.

Artemis plopped down beside her, eyebrows pulled together. Her hand reached out, wrapping around Talia. "Sister, I'm worried for you. What happened?"

The moon princess laughed at that, a harsh bark that cut through the cool breeze blowing around them.

"Hera", Talia sniffled, slapping a hand over her mouth. Saying that name itself caused a shudder to rack through her body. Her stepmother managed to instil that kind of disgust inside. "S-She caught me with Lukas today."

"Oh no!" Artemis parted her lips in a shocking gasp, fingers tightening around her. As if something clicked her, she blinked at Talia. "If you think I have something to do with—"

"No! No", The moon princess exhaled. "I believe you."

Artemis relieved a sigh. "I'm glad. After what happened between us, I thought—"

"No, you were right. I should have listened to you and ended it. Hera threatened me indirectly."

Her sister blinked, rage filling her features at the mention of that. They both disliked Hera, so her reaction was justifiable. "What are you saying? Tell me everything."

And the moon princess did. She also mentioned how their stepmother had an evil smirk playing on her lips the entire time. Then again, it should come surprisingly because Hera's a conniving, jealous creature. For reasons unknown, she could not tolerate others happiness.

"That old creature!" Artemis sighed, "I guess there's no point in hiding anyway. She's the one who told me to tell you all those things."

"W-What?"

"I'm sorry, I thought she's looking after you. Hera said that Ajaxson is a better match and will keep you happy in future. And that I should try convincing you to break up with Lukas. That's why I said all those things."

The moon princess mouth dropped open. "Does that mean you believe in us?"

Artemis sighed. "I believe we should do what makes us happy. And if Lukas is your happiness, then don't let him go."

Talia wiped her tears, determination evident in her eyes. After the tricks Hera pulled on her, she's still standing. Now the moon princess should figure out something. Very soon.

"I won't let him go."

***