Hearts on fire: A tale of love and rivalry

d," she said, her voice coy. "And sayi

but he tried to remain polite. "Yes, I was just say

ion. "Oh, just saying goodnight?" she asked, a hint of mockery in her

is cool. "I'm not sure what you're implying, Nora," he said, his voice ters

his skin. "And here I thought you'd be complimenting me on my

aged to keep his tone even. "Your dress is lovely, Nora," he sai

, thank you, Prince Gerald," she said, feigning bash

a notch. He was about to respond with a sharp retort wh

e firm. "Can't you see that the Pr

t. "I was just trying to be friendly,"

ooled by her innocent facade. "Your idea of 'frie

g told off. "Fine, I'll leave you two to your...goodbyes,

his head, looking at Diana with an apologetic smile. "Your sister

ve me, I know," she said, rolling her eyes. "She alwa

"I don't know how you put up with her,"

easy, I'll tell you that much," she said. "But I've learned

ed at her. "You have more resilience than I giv

e of pleasure and embarrassment. "It's all a matter of surv

recating humor endearing. "Well, whatever the reas

ing solemn. He realized that their

ng late," he said, his voi

conversation was about to end. She had been enjoying her

of regret himself. He didn't want this moment to en

be heading home," he

e was right. "Yes, I should," she said so

, but he knew there was nothing he co

he said, his voice

x of sadness and longing. "Goodnight, Gerald," she said,

locked on hers. "The pleasure was all mine," h

anting to be the first to turn away. The air

mething more, to express the many things he was feeling i

that threatened to surface. "You should go," he sai

"Yes, you're right," she said, her voice tinged w

ng the ache he felt inside. "Goodnight

g to make her way home. Gerald watched her le

ough he had lost something important. He stood there for several moments

ain. The connection he felt with her was undeniable, and he couldn't shake