A Billion Tears

Chapter 1: Sign of Eternal Love

Her POV

“Once upon a time, there was a princess named Cassie. She’s beautiful and lives in a high castle at the top of the mountain. She was happily living with her father and mother, the king and queen of the kingdom. One day, when she turned thirteen, she met a handsome man,” Their eyes grew with curiosity.

“Is he a prince?” One of them asks me. I slowly nodded and smiled, “Yes, he’s a prince from another kingdom.” Another kid raised her hand.

“What is his name?” I chuckled. Such a curious child. “His name is Prince Jasper. He’s handsome and brave.” They giggled; they probably liked his name.

Another kid raised her head, “What happened next?” she asked innocently. Sure, sweety, I read the book again.

“She met him at her birthday party. They talk, play, and laugh together. Since that day, Prince Jasper always visits her to play. They grew up together and then slowly fell in love,” I said with a big smile. All of them smiled widely and giggled.

“But then something unexpected happens. Prince Jasper’s father wanted him to marry someone else. He forced him to break up with her,” I continue. The smile on their face dropped.

“But… that’s terrible. Why would his father force him to break with someone he loves?” I smile sadly.

“That’s how life sometimes works, honey. But don’t worry, the story doesn’t end there,” They smile again and attentively listen to what I will tell next.

“But the prince disagrees. He told his father that he loved Princess Cassie. He’s hoping his father won’t force him again, but he’s wrong. He still insisted on marrying the girl he chose,” their eyes filled with sorrow and pity.

“I hope he will fight for her,” I hope too. “Prince Jasper escaped the palace and went to Princess Cassie’s home. He asked her to run away with her, but she disagreed because she knew what he needed to do. Prince Jasper’s father went to their house. He told her a lie….”

“What lie?”

“The king said the woman he chose for his son is pregnant. She’s carrying the prince’s child. She was devasted when she heard that. So, she reluctantly agreed to stay away from the prince for the child’s sake.”

“That’s too sad. Princess Cassie will sacrifice her happiness,” One of them said. She’s almost crying now. Aww, I suddenly feel terrible. I stood up and approached her.

“Don’t cry. The story will end happily, so stay still and listen, hmm?” She rubbed her eyes and nodded.

“Princess Cassie forced him to leave. He might be shocked and confused, but he agreed. He returned to Cassie’s home the next day, but she didn’t face him. But he never gives up. He still visits her until one week later, he realised what is the reason why she’s avoiding him. He confronted his father and said that no matter what he did, he would never marry someone except Cassie. His father saw his sincerity, so he never insisted anymore.”

Their sad faces change quickly. They all smile, “That’s great. His father wasn’t that bad after all.” Yes, she’s right. “After that. He went to Cassie’s home and explained everything. She was shocked, but in the end, she forgave him.”

“They were okay again, and two months later. They decided to get married and build a family. And they live happily ever after,” They all clapped their hands in joy.

I gazed over the doorway when someone clapped loudly. A smile quickly formed into my lips when I saw who it was.

“That’s a lovely story, mate,” he said, walking closer. He hugged me tightly, “Hmm, I miss you,” he whispered and playfully bit my ear. I giggled and punched his chest jokingly.