21 Destined

"What do you mean?" My lips were shaking even after I spoke. My heart was thumping so loud, and at the same time, I felt like my heart was being stabbed by thousands of fine needles. "I meant what I said—every word of it. I'm sure I was speaking clearly when I said those words to you, Princess. But if you want me to make it clearer, then I will," he said and took another step closer towards me. "You are not supposed to end up with Vaughn. There is someone else for him, and it goes without saying that there is also someone else for you, too. And regardless of the knowledge I shared with you, I can't tell you who's destined for the two of you. If you defy your destiny and try to change it, you will suffer great consequences that would eventually lead to death," he explained as his eyes looked straight into mine with all honesty and seriousness.

"I... I do not understand. I thought I was brought back here to change how things ended between the two of us..." I said under my breath, barely audible. "Of course, you're going to change how things are going to end up between the two of you. You may end up being something else instead of ending up as a betrothed couple and dying by his hands, Princess. Changing your destiny doesn't equate to a happy ending with the man who used to be your prince charming," Ethan said as he crossed his arms.

His words were painfully direct, but I can't protest since I know that he is infallible and that every word that comes out from his mouth is correct.

I bit my lower lip so hard that it almost bled. I couldn't care less about my lips. The emotional pain I'm feeling right now is so immense, that one could not even fathom to compare my almost bleeding lips to my bleeding heart.

"I may not feel the same pain as you feel right now, Princess, but I know that you are suffering inside more than I could think of. If you'd like, we can leave the ballroom," he said as he gave me a comforting smile. I looked at him as my eyes were watering and turned my back on him without even responding to his kind offer.

I do not want to be with Ethan right now—I do not want to be with anyone right now. I might take out my anger on someone else, so it would be better if I'm alone for now.

I left the ballroom to get some fresh air. I have to clear my mind and process what Ethan said.

I ended up at the maze. I looked up to see how tall the bushes were, and it was almost twice as my height, just like before. I guess even though some things should change, things like this do not change, huh?

My lips curved into a bitter smile and I entered the maze absentmindedly.

"I guess this is the perfect place to take a very long walk," I whispered to myself and chuckled due to frustration.

I still can't accept the fact that the man I love isn't meant for me. If he isn't for me, then who am I supposed to end up with? If we aren't for each other... then, who am I even living for?

I looked up at the starry night sky, as I felt my tears roll down my cheeks.

"This is way too painful," I screamed as I cried. I hate this. I hate this so much.

I sat on the cold concrete floor, with a few vines crawling on it, and hugged my knees. I rested my forehead on top of my knees and cried my heart out.

"What am I supposed to now? I don't think I still have the means to go on..." I whispered to myself as I sobbed.

All my life, I've never loved anyone as much as I love Vaughn. To think that we were never meant for each other is just... way too heartbreaking.

I knew he loved someone else, but I had a little hope deep inside my heart that maybe... just maybe... we actually had a chance to grow old with each other happily in love.

I kept crying until I had no tears left to cry. I wiped my cheeks, stood up, took deep breaths, and smiled forcefully.

I have to accept it. No matter how I react, nothing could change the fact that we were never meant for each other.

I finally decided to leave this maze, so I looked around to find the exit. I kept walking around, but I was never able to find it.

I think I'm lost.

How am I going to leave this maze?

"Princess?" I immediately turned around as soon as I heard his voice. "Noah!" I let out a sigh or relief and ran towards him. "What are you doing here, and alone at that?" He said as his forehead creased while looking at me.

Oh, right... I was here to clear my mind.

"U-Um... Well, I thought I needed some fresh air, so here I am..." I said and smiled awkwardly. "... lost, and can't find my way back," I continued. "Pfft." He chuckled as he put his palm over his face. "Don't worry, I got you. I know my way around this maze," he said after he finished laughing at me. My face turned bright red due to embarrassment and said, "Thank you," as I lowered my head to hide my face.

"Would you like to hold my hand, Princess? It would be a problem if you get lost again," he said as he offered his hand and smiled at me. I looked at his hand hesitantly before accepting his offer.

We held each others hand as we walked to find our way back, and after a few minutes of walking, we finally got out of the maze.

"Seriously, this maze should not be here anymore," I said and sighed. Noah just chuckled. We walked back to the ballroom, and I was shocked to see that I was still holding his hand as we walked inside.

I immediately pulled my hand from his and said, "Thank you for helping me out." He just smiled and bowed his head. "It is an honor, Your Majesty," he said and raised his head after.

My eyes were searching for Vaughn again, and saw that he was still with the woman he was dancing with earlier.

And it breaks my heart knowing that the woman he was with was my best friend, Serene Campbell.