Christopher's P.O.V.
The table was set like a scene from a royal fairytale.
Golden plates. Silver cutlery. Candles tall as towers. Everything sparkled under the chandeliers of the royal dining hall. But no amount of luxury could calm the storm in my chest.
Mia was here.
My mother had reminded me last week, and today—today—everything was happening just as they planned. A royal dinner to welcome Mia and her family back to England. The start of something I never asked for.
I sat at the head of the table, beside my father. On my other side, Mia sat, glowing in a navy-blue silk gown, looking like she was already rehearsing for her queenly role.
Across from us, her parents chatted politely with mine. My mother smiled gracefully, playing the perfect royal hostess, while my father sipped his wine like it was patience.
I didn't eat a single bite.
I just kept glancing at the door like someone might burst through and save me.
Like she might burst through and save me.
Felicity.
Goodness, even thinking her name made everything in me ache.
"Christopher," my father's voice thundered suddenly. "Will you do the honors?"
I looked up, startled. "Sorry… the honors?"
He smirked. "The announcement."
Mia beamed. Her parents sat up straighter.
My father stood and raised his glass. "It is with great joy—and pride—that we officially announce the engagement between Crown Prince Christopher of England and Lady Mia Harrison of Scotland. The wedding will be held next month."
The room went silent for a beat.
Except for the sound of my chair scraping back.
I stood. "What?! I'm sorry," I said, my voice cracking under the weight of everything. "But I'm not marrying Mia."
You could hear the record scratch in their shocked silence.
Mia's smile faltered.
My father's face turned red. "Excuse me?"
"I said I'm not marrying her," I repeated. "You can't force me to marry someone I don't love."
My mother stiffened beside him. Mia looked like she'd been slapped.
"I don't understand," she said quietly.
I looked at her, pained. "You deserve someone who chooses you freely. I'm not that guy. I'm in love with someone else."
Boom.
That was it. The room exploded.
"You insolent child!" my father shouted, slamming his fist on the table. "This is not a high school romance! This is royalty. Responsibility. Honor!"
I turned toward him, pulse roaring in my ears. "And what about my heart, huh? What about my happiness? I was born into this, but I'm not going to let it bury me."
"You will marry Mia, and that's final!" he snapped. "This is not up for debate."
"Well then," I said, seething. "You can crown someone else."
Gasps echoed around the room. My mother's hand flew to her mouth. Mia's father muttered something about disgrace. The King's eyes locked onto mine like daggers.
I stormed out of the dining hall.
I didn't stop until I reached my old room. I slammed the door and braced my hands on the edge of the dresser, my heart thudding so hard it could've knocked down the palace.
Minutes passed.
Then—knock knock.
"Go away," I muttered.
"It's me," came my mother's voice softly. "Please."
I hesitated… then opened the door.
She stepped in, graceful as ever, her expression a mix of concern and sadness.
"Christopher," she began.
"I can't do it, Mother," I said before she could ask. "I can't marry Mia. Not when every beat of my heart belongs to someone else."
She took my hand gently. "Then tell me… who is she?"
I looked her in the eye.
"Felicity Paddington."
Her brows lifted slightly. "Felicity… Paddington. The girl from Oxford? She made quite an impression in my home. She's your sister's best friend."
I nodded. "She's not royal. She's not rich. She's not even someone the court would approve of. But she's everything to me. She's smart, kind, fierce, beautiful—she makes me laugh, makes me real. When I'm with her, I don't feel like a prince—I feel like me."
My mother's lips curled into the ghost of a smile.
"And does she love you?"
"I don't know," I admitted, voice breaking. "But I know I love her. Deeply. Fully. Messily. And I can't keep pretending I don't."
There was silence.
Then she cupped my face, like she used to when I was a boy afraid of thunderstorms.
"You sound just like your grandfather," she whispered. "He gave up a crown for love too. The world called him a fool. But he never once regretted it."
I swallowed hard. "So… what now?"
She straightened. "Now? You fight for her."
"I already have a secret to tell her. She doesn't know I'm a prince," I said bitterly. "And that secret might ruin everything."
"Then you'd better tell her before someone else does."
I nodded slowly.
Because this wasn't just about escaping an arranged marriage anymore.
It was about becoming the man I wanted to be—for her.
**********
Felicity's P.O.V.
I hadn't eaten since morning, and now it was late afternoon. My stomach growled so loud, it was almost royal.
"We're done for the day," Penelope said, stretching.
"Thank goodness. Let's go eat—I'm starving. And then I'll tell you about Chris," I replied.
"About Chris? What's going on with you two?" Penny asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Let's eat first," I said, giving her a look.
"Alright, let's go," she grinned.
We walked into the hallway—and there he was. Talking to Mia.
My heart skipped a beat.
As we approached, I heard him pushing her away.
"Please don't," he said.
"Who is the girl? I want to teach her a lesson," Mia snapped.
"Don't you dare, do you hear me?" he said sharply.
Penelope and I stepped right into the tension.
"Hello Mia, it's so good to see you again! How are you?" Penelope said cheerfully.
"I'm fine, and you?" Mia replied with a fake smile.
"I'm good, thanks," Penny said.
I stood there, stiff and awkward. Chris wouldn't even look me in the eye.
"Where are my manners? Let me introduce you to my best friend—Felicity," Penelope said.
"Yes, I met her yesterday," Mia said. "So good to see you again."
"Likewise," I said politely.
"We have to go," I told Penelope quickly.
"Oh no, you're joining us! We're headed to the Oxford Lounge," Penny chirped.
What the heck? I thought to myself.
"Yes, I love that. Chris, let's go," Mia added.
"You girls have fun. I'm out of here," Chris muttered, walking away.
"Come on, Chris," Mia said.
"It's okay. You hate girls' stuff anyway. Let's go, girls!" Penelope said.
We left, but I couldn't help looking back. Chris looked at me, too.
Then he walked away.
We got to the lounge, and while Penelope and Mia took a seat, I went to the counter to order us some burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
I returned, quiet. Waiting. Hungry.
"So tell me what happened between you and Chris?" Penny asked, smiling.
"I don't want to talk about it," I said.
"Just a moment ago, you said you would! What changed? Is it because Mia's here?" she teased.
In my mind: OMG. Seriously.
"It's not that," I replied quickly.
"Felicity, your secret's safe with me," Mia said, laughing awkwardly.
I didn't respond.
The food arrived, and I dove in like it was a rescue mission. Penny and Mia joined.
"Please, please, please," Penelope begged again.
"Okay, fine! Oh my Goodness. I'll tell you—but no more baby doll eyes!" I said.
"Deal!" she said, grinning.
I began explaining, mouth full of fries and nerves.
Penny gasped. "Oh my goodness! He kissed you?! He's so in love with you! And you like him too, that's why you're all nervous now."
"No, I'm not," I said quickly. "Why would you say that?"
"Yes, you are. You're flustered," Penny said with a wink.
"Whatever. I'm done eating," I muttered.
"Mia, why are you so quiet?" I asked, eyeing her.
"No reason," she replied.
I have to avoid Chris… I thought. Because Mia's clearly in love with him.
"Okay, let me pay the bill," Penelope said cheerfully. "Let's get out of here."