No return

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I gripped the edge of the balcony railing, my fingers white with pressure as if holding on to something that was already slipping through my hands.

Behind me, laughter echoed, strings played, heels clicked across the marble floor.

It was a celebration inside.

But out here…

Only silence, and the whisper of the wind.

I took a slow breath, trying to calm the storm twisting inside me.

The gown felt too heavy now. The curls pinned in place pulled at my scalp.

My cheeks ached from smiling too long.

And my heart…

My heart was nowhere in that ballroom.

I looked up at the sky, searching the stars for him.

Rowen.

The name drifted through my thoughts like smoke.

Tears welled in my eyes before I could stop them — quiet, stubborn tears that refused to fall during the dance, or while Rye looked at me like I was already his.

But now, alone in the night…They spilled freely.

"I hate you," I whispered, the words trembling.

"I hate you for leaving like that… for not even saying goodbye."

But even as I said it, I didn't mean it.

I hated that he was gone.

I hated that I still loved him.

And I hated how his silence hurt more than anything Rye could ever say.

I buried my face in my hands, pressing the heels of my palms against my eyes to keep from sobbing. But the ache wouldn't stop —

it pulsed through my chest, raw, tender and endless.

A breeze swept across the balcony, cold and gentle. It carried with it the faint scent of roses from the garden below —

The very same garden where I and Rowen had played as children. Where he once made me laugh until I fell into the flowers.

Where he once promised he'd never leave me behind.

And now he was gone.

Not dead. Not lost. Just... gone.

Somewhere out there, under the same stars, was the only boy who had ever known my heart. And he hadn't written.

Not once.

A sob escaped my lips before I could swallow it back.

"I miss you," I whispered into the darkness.

"You left everything behind. But you took all of me with you."

The music inside swelled again, distant and false.

And I stood there beneath the cold moonlight, the wind tugging at my gown, my shoulders trembling…

Wishing I could forget him —

But knowing I never would.

"Evelynne?"

I stiffened at the voice but didn't turn. I already knew it was him.

Rye stepped onto the balcony, a drink in each hand — crystal flutes of pale golden wine, their rims dusted with sugar.

"You disappeared on me," he said gently, his voice dipped in concern.

"Everyone's asking where their future queen wandered off to."

"I just needed a moment," I murmured, still facing the railing.

He paused beside me, close but not touching. "

You looked stunning out there," he said, offering me one of the glasses.

"More than stunning. You left half the court speechless."

I hesitated, glancing at the wine.

"I'm not really in the mood."

"But it might help," he urged, his tone low.

"To calm your nerves. You're trembling."

I looked down. my fingers were, in fact, shaking slightly.

Reluctantly, I took the glass. "Thank you."

Rye leaned against the balcony wall, gazing at me with eyes full of faux softness.

"You've been carrying so much since he left," he said.

"I see it, Evelynne. Every day. You try to act like you're strong, but inside…"

I flinched. "Please don't talk about him."

"But he's still controlling you — even now." Rye's voice darkened, subtle but deliberate.

"He walked away. And still, here you are… mourning someone who's not coming back."

I stared down into the glass, my grip tightening.

The night air suddenly felt colder.

"You deserve better," Rye whispered.

"Someone who stays. Someone who can give you the future you were born for."

I didn't speak.

He stepped closer — not quite touching, but surrounding me with his presence.

"Let me be that person, Evelynne."

His hand brushed mine lightly.

I stiffened — not visibly, but enough for him to notice.

Rye smiled, slow and deliberate, eyes searching my face.

"You're tired," he said, lowering his voice.

"Let me walk you to your chambers. You shouldn't be out here alone like this."

I hesitated.

The wine in my hand felt too warm now.

My heart thudded uneasily in my chest.

"I think I'll stay here a bit longer," I said finally.

Rye's eyes narrowed just for a heartbeat — then he smiled again, smooth as ever.

"Of course," he said.

"I'll wait inside. Come find me when you're ready."

He turned and walked away, the sound of his boots quiet on the marble.

"You ruined everything, Rowen," he whispered.

"But I'll erase you. One careful inch at a time."

As he disappeared into the ballroom's glow, I glanced once more at the glass in my hand — then gently set it on the railing, untouched.

Something inside me, quiet and instinctive, told me not to drink.

I didn't know why.

But I listened.