Chapter 33

ARIA

The more I tried to avoid Aaliya, the harder it became. She was always there. When I didn't go to her, she came to me. She knew I was trying to push her out after intentionally spilling tea on me but she apologised and warned her way back into my heart.

She started coming over more frequently, staying later each time, as if hoping to see the king again. Her presence became a constant, her eyes always lingering a little too long on the door, waiting for him to appear. Whenever she heard a knock, she would jump and her expression eould shift to disappointment whenever she realised he wasn't the one. I noticed it, but I tried to ignore the unease gnawing at me.