It's The Beginning for Melissa

Melissa felt someone was holding her hand. But she didn't know who it was. The hands were big, indicating they belonged to a man. She tried to open her eyes, but she couldn't no matter how hard she tried.

Is this how being in coma feels like?

The man was stroking her palm, and soon she felt droplets of water on her hand. Whoever it was, he was crying, probably distressed by her condition. 

"Melissa, please open your eyes. I'm sorry for causing you such harm. I never meant to hurt you." The man said, his tone was very soft. 

It's Prince Xavier! Oh my God, he's crying because of me.

"I wish we could go back in time. I would get us engaged even if it meant going against the order of society. I waited three years for you, only to lose you again. It's been two years, there's no news from you. Melissa, what did I do wrong? Why did you shut me out completely without telling me the reason?" Prince Xavier's anguish voice clearly filled the quiet room.

Based on what the Prince just said, Melissa knew Prince Xavier didn't betray Lady Melissa's feelings for him. He felt the same way as her. She felt sadness engulfed her heart. She really felt sorry for this man. 

Prince Xavier was alone in the room. It was late night and everyone else had left.

Earlier, the room was extremely crowded and noisy, prompting him to leave to seek solace in his study. The Queen had wept sorrowfully when she saw Lady Melissa's bloody mess. Soon after, Duke Malcom Knight had rushed to the palace with his son, Lord Melvin Knight. As calm as Duke Malcom was, his son was acting the opposite. Lord Melvin had cried, hugging Lady Melissa without letting go and was adamant to bring her back home. It wasn't until the doctor advised otherwise that he calmed down and stopped moving her. 

Then came the next thunder: Little William. Upon waking up from his nap and knowing of Lady Melissa's injury, he had caused a bigger scene than Lord Melvin, bawling his eyes out while calling her, "Mother, mother". He also hugged her waist, refused to let go even when his father reprimanded him. This unruly action annoyed the Prince tremendously. He didn't like any other person to touch her, not even if they're related, or if they're under 3 feet tall! And that damn Zachary, never once did he correct William. They were not even married yet, how dare he allowed his son to call Lady Melissa his mother! Unwilling to take it any longer, he quietly left the room. 

The doctor had advised for the patient to remain where she was, as it's not advisable to move her until her condition stabilised. The Queen had also insisted that Lady Melissa stayed in the palace until she's fully recovered. Duke Malcom had no other choice but to follow the doctor's advice. Furthermore, the Queen had given him assurance that Lady Melissa would be taken care of and he could come and visit her anytime without restrain. The only person who seemed reluctant was surprisingly, Duke Kensington. 

"When do you think she will wake up, Doctor?" Duke Kensington asked. He had never left Lady Melissa's side even when treatment was given. Occasionally, Duke Kensington would glance at where Prince Xavier was standing, uncertain as to why this man was still in the room. The worrying look that he wore on his face greatly annoyed Duke Kensington. It was only until William made a fuss that the Prince finally left. 'Good boy! That's my son.' Duke Kensington was pleased with his beloved son's success in driving the Prince away.

"It's uncertain for now, Your Grace. Lady Melissa's head injury, although was treated in time, the extend of that injury is unknown until she wakes up. We can only wait, Your Grace." The doctor explained.

"Are you certain we can't move her? I think it would be better to bring her back home, to a more familiar surroundings." Duke Kensington further pressed.

"Come on Zachary! You heard what the doctor said. I would be the first to bring her home if we could but we can't move her now. It might cause her harm." Lord Melvin exclaimed in surprise at Duke Kensington's stubbornness.

"Yes, Your Grace, it's best for us to wait until she's awake." The doctor repeated his advice earlier.

"Zachary dear, don't worry. I will personally make sure she is comfortable here. You can also visit her anytime you want, this is also your home. If you're worried Katherine might disturb her, I won't let that happen." Queen Serina sensed Duke Kensington's reluctance and thought it was because of Princess Katherine.

'I'm more worried about Prince Xavier than the Princess! God knows what he'll do to her when she's alone and unconscious.' Duke Kensington's fingers pinched his eyebrows, frustration was apparent in his handsome face.

Duke Malcom was glad that this future son-in-law of his cared deeply about Melissa. That's a good sign. He walked over and patted Duke Kensington's shoulder, attempted to reassure him.

The Duke's silence was taken as no further objection to the arrangement made by the Queen. 

After making sure Lady Melissa's wellbeing was taken care of, the Knights left the palace after expressing their gratitude to the Queen. Duke Kensington stayed until late night before departing to his Estates with Lord William. Duke Kensington had wanted to leave before Lord William's bedtime but that young brat had refused to budge from Lady Melissa's side and insisted to stay with her. However, he fell asleep once night approached, probably due to tiredness. Duke Kensington carried Lord William in his arms and bade farewell to the Queen. 

Once the Queen retired to her inner chambers, Prince Xavier silently made his way back to Lady Melissa's room. His gaze soften at the sight of her, she looked so beautiful even in her sleep and with the hideous bandage around her head. Prince Xavier sat on the chair placed beside the bed and held her hand in his. Her hand was slightly cold and he caressed it, trying to make it warm. Looking at her pitiful state, Prince Xavier couldn't help but cried. His heart was aching for whatever that had happened between them, until this unexpected turn of events. But he was also relieved that despite everything, she's here with him now. Although he knew she won't be able to hear anything he said, Prince Xavier decided to unload his grievances for the past two years to the sleeping beauty, letting everything off his chest. 

After saying his piece, Prince Xavier stared at Lady Melissa's face. She looked so serene with her eyes closed. Suddenly drops of tears trickled down from her eyes, causing Prince Xavier to panic. He immediately wiped the tears carefully.

"Melissa, my dear Melissa, did you hear what I say?? Is that why you're crying? Please open your eyes and look at me." Prince Xavier implored her. His clasp on her hands tighten, wishing she would wake up at this moment. However, there's still no movement from her.

Prince Xavier stayed by Lady Melissa's side in silence for a few hours, before he decided to leave. As much as he wanted to accompany her more, the palace maids might come in any minute to check on her. He kissed her forehead before he left, feeling satisfied.

Melissa felt Prince Xavier's presence by her side throughout the night even though he wasn't speaking anymore. She had lost composure just now after she heard Prince Xavier's heartfelt words, and she cried. She was surprised to learn that she had actually cried for real. 

Melissa stayed in the state of unconscious for a few days. During the day, Melissa heard voices belonging to her father, brother, Lord William and few others, including the Queen. However, she didn't hear Duke Kensington at all. Did that cold-hearted guy never visited her at all? Or even if he did, doesn't he have anything to say to her? Melissa sighed deeply, wondering if Duke Kensington actually cared about her.

On the other hand, Prince Xavier visited her every night. Most of the time, he would read to her from books taken from his library. Sometimes he would tell her stories from his childhood. She had enjoyed her alone time with the Prince, to be honest. Laying there with nothing to do truly challenged her patience. But with the Prince's care and attention, the wait was bearable, if not enjoyable. Each time before he retired for the night, the Prince would always leave her with a kiss.