Author’s Note (ft. Auren, Your Favorite Disaster Prince)“Let’s Talk About That Kiss, Shall We?”( Not a chapter)

Auren here. Yes, that Auren. The one with the dazzling smile and emotional damage you can taste like expensive wine.

So…

You're all screaming.

"BUT I THOUGHT ELARA WAS ENDGAME WITH CLADUS!"

"WHY DID SHE KISS AUREN?!"

"IS THIS A LOVE TRIANGLE?!"

And listen, sweethearts—I get it. I'm just as confused and emotionally constipated as you are.

But let's break it down, shall we?

---

That kiss wasn't romance.

It wasn't longing.

It wasn't finally-they-realized-they-love-each-other.

(Trust me. If someone truly loves me, they don't call me a liar and walk away like a storm in heels.)

No.

That kiss?

That was power.

That was anger.

That was a queen reminding a prince that saving her doesn't mean she forgives him.

---

Elara kissed me to shut me up.

To end a moment that hurt too much to leave hanging in silence.

It was her way of saying: I see what you did. Thank you. Now stay the hell out of my way.

And honestly?

I respect the drama.

---

Now, don't get it twisted.

This is not Elara suddenly ditching Cladus and running into the arms of emotional chaos (hi, that's me).

Cladus is the one she trusts. The one who stayed.

I'm the wild card. The firecracker. The guy who shows up with a sword and a poem, then burns the ballroom down by accident.

So no, she didn't fall in love with me.

She fell into a moment—and used it like a blade.

Queen behavior, if you ask me.

---

So breathe, my little gossip gremlins.

The ship sails as intended.

Unless I torch it.

(Just kidding. Or am I?)

Love, betrayal, and breakdowns await.

Yours in chaos,

—Prince Auren

(Professional liar. Amateur heartbreak.)