The Bonds Between Us

Crown, Note & Quill Café, Britchester

The campus café buzzed with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of ceramic mugs. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint scent of pastries, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Outside, Victoria sat at her favorite table on the café’s patio, enjoying the warm, golden rays of the autumn sun. Leaves danced in the light breeze, their colors a fiery blend of reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop. She wore a cozy, oversized blush pink sweater paired with jeans and ankle boots—casual yet effortlessly chic. Her wavy, medium blonde hair was tied in a loose ponytail, and her light blue eyes, framed by a hint of fatigue, scanned her open textbooks and papers with focused determination.

From a distance, Liam Kensington, a Royal Guard, observed her intently. He stood near the edge of the patio, a tall figure with a stern expression, his military uniform immaculate. The uniform was green and gold, featuring a metallic silver chest plate that gleamed in the sunlight, a testament to his status and dedication. Despite the air of duty, his eyes held a touch of sadness and frustration as he watched Victoria. The weight of his unspoken emotions was almost tangible, tightening the atmosphere around him.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered Victoria’s eyes from behind. She startled, but a familiar voice whispered in her ear, “Guess who?” Before she could answer, he kissed her cheek, his breath warm against her skin.

Victoria smiled and playfully responded, “Hmm, I don’t know, who could it be?”

Hendrik chuckled. “Just how much competition am I dealing with exactly?”

Victoria turned, placing her hands on top of his, and said giggling, “Oh, that would take me too long to recount. Days, really. Just kidding, you know there is only you for me now.”

He moved one of the empty chairs closer and sat down immediately next to her, wrapping his arm around her in a playful and affectionate gesture. As he gestured to the waitress for a coffee, which she acknowledged with a nod, Victoria felt the warmth of his body heat and the subtle movements sending a jolt of electricity through her entire body. Victoria’s cheeks flushed with happiness and a sense of contentment. The feel of his soft kiss still lingered as she breathed in the fresh, crisp air, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and distant wood smoke.

At that moment, Liam’s jaw tightened, and his fists clenched. The sight of their closeness struck him like a blow. He forced himself to remain still, his muscles tensing as he struggled to mask the surge of emotions within him.

Duke Hendrik, with a wide smile, leaned over and kissed her again, the softness of his lips and the warmth of his breath sent another shiver down her spine. Victoria’s cheeks flushed with happiness and a sense of contentment. The feel of his soft kiss still lingered as she breathed in the fresh, crisp air, carrying the scent of autumn leaves and distant wood smoke.

Liam, unable to bear the sight any longer, turned away. The girl he still secretly cared for was showing affection to another man, and the sight felt like a dagger to his heart, amplifying the pain of missed chances and unfulfilled love. There was a time when she wanted him, but he had been paralyzed by feelings of inadequacy and an irrational fear of the unknown. Now, she had given up on him. Too late. Clearly Hendrik hadn’t been so foolish and now reaped the benefits. And clearly, she was in love with him now.

The rest of the Royal Guards, stationed discreetly around the café, exchanged glances. They were attuned to Liam’s turmoil, but their duty-bound expressions remained unchanged. The scent of coffee and the sound of laughter surrounded them, a stark contrast to the tension simmering within their ranks.

As Liam stood there, eyes shut, the sun’s rays filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Birds chirped in the background, their melodies a distant comfort amidst the turmoil in his heart. He inhaled deeply, the cool breeze doing little to soothe the heat of his frustration and longing.

Victoria’s Dorm

That evening, Victoria stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting her outfit. She wore fashionable white Marlene pants that exuded elegance and paired them with a deep burgundy cashmere sweater that draped across her figure just right. Her hair was styled in loose waves, cascading over her shoulders, and her makeup was done subtly, highlighting her natural beauty.

As she turned to check her reflection, she took extra care to ensure her new, special burgundy lace underwear, bought on a whim for this evening, wasn’t visible through her pants. The delicate lingerie was meant to signal her intentions clearly, making it evident that this night was meant to be special. Satisfied with her appearance, she adjusted her bra strap slightly and smiled at the thought of the memorable night ahead.

Her mind drifted back to the moment she had walked into ‘La Belle Étoile’, an upscale lingerie boutique known for its exquisite selections. Unlike the usual protocol of having the court tailors and dressmakers attend to her wardrobe needs, Victoria had ventured out alone, determined to make this choice personally. The boutique’s elegant interior, with its soft lighting and plush furnishings, had made her feel both excited and nervous. She had hesitated at the entrance, taking a deep breath before stepping inside.

The attendant, a sophisticated woman with a warm smile, had approached her. “Good afternoon, how can I assist you today?” she had asked.

Victoria had blushed, feeling a bit awkward as she described her intentions. “I’m looking for something special… for a very special night. It’s my first time, so it needs to be classy, yet… um, alluring,” she had said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The attendant had nodded understandingly and led Victoria to a section filled with delicate lace and silk. The soft lighting cast a warm glow, illuminating the luxurious fabrics. “I think I have just the thing,” she said, picking out a burgundy lace set. “This will make a statement—both elegant and alluring. It conveys exactly what you want to say in a quiet, yet assertive tone. This color will look outstanding on your skin tone. Please, let me show you to the fitting rooms, right over here.” She smiled at the young princess, showcasing the intricate lacy details.

Victoria hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. She nodded and followed the attendant, the plush carpet muffling her footsteps. Once inside the fitting room, she tried on the set. The room’s soft, ambient lighting highlighted her reflection in the mirror, showing a grown-up version of the girl she still felt like inside. She imagined Hendrik’s reaction, the look in his eyes when he saw her. Determined, she decided to go for it. “I’ll take it,” she said, her voice more confident.

Now, as she stood in front of the mirror, she felt a sense of anticipation and readiness. Tonight was going to be special, and she was determined to make it unforgettable.

Satisfied with her appearance, she picked up her overnight bag, a necessity despite the short distance, symbolizing her poised and prepared nature. As she stepped into the hallway, she glanced at her watch, noting the late hour. The clock chimed ten at night, echoing through the quiet dormitory. She knew from their many chats and late-night phone calls that Hendrik never went to bed before 11 pm, later on the weekends, and since it was Friday and he had mentioned he wasn’t going out, she was confident the surprise would work just as she imagined.

Liam, on duty as Royal Guard and on his evening patrol, saw her leave. He hid in the shadows, following quietly as she gracefully made her way to Duke Hendrik’s residence across the large courtyard between the two grand dormitories. This prestigious university, steeped in tradition, had dorms separated by gender—one for male — St. George’s Hall— and the other for female students, St. Margaret’s Hall. Though overnight visitors of any gender were now permitted at both, the historic gender separation remained in place.

Her determined stride and the overnight bag she carried hinted at her intentions, making Liam’s heart ache.

Victoria’s steps echoed lightly in the hushed corridors of the dormitory. She could feel the excitement bubbling within her with every step closer to Hendrik’s room. The campus grounds, usually bustling with life, now lay under a blanket of serene quietude, the moonlight casting silvery shadows across her path.

Victoria reached Hendrik’s door and knocked softly. The door creaked open, revealing Hendrik in casual attire, looking pleasantly surprised.

“Victoria, what are you doing here so late?” he whispered, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Without a word, she stepped closer and kissed him. As they broke apart, she whispered something in his ear, making him chuckle. He pulled her inside, and the door closed with a definitive click, leaving Liam to pull a painful face, knowing what was to come.

St. George’s Hall, Hendrik’s Dorm – A Night of Firsts

The night was a whirlwind of emotions and sensations for Victoria. The warmth of Hendrik’s embrace, the gentle touch of his hands, and the soft whispers shared in the dim light created an atmosphere of intimacy and trust. Every moment felt both exhilarating and tender, a blend of nervous anticipation and deep affection.

As the night progressed, Victoria found herself lost in the experience, each sensation heightened by the significance of the moment. The feel of Hendrik’s heartbeat against her own, the softness of the sheets, and the quiet, shared laughter all melded into a blur of firsts that she would cherish forever.

In the early hours of the morning, as they lay entwined, Victoria felt a profound sense of connection and contentment. The night had been everything she had hoped for and more, a beautiful beginning to a new chapter in their relationship.

The Next Morning

The sun cast a warm glow over the campus as Victoria walked back to her dorm, freshly showered and dressed in her usual casual attire. She wore jeans and a warm light pink hoodie, a color she always favored for its delicate, romantic touch. Her light blue eyes sparkled with the remnants of last night’s happiness, and her medium blonde hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail.

Birds chirped cheerfully, and the gentle hum of campus life began to stir around her. A group of Royal Guards stood in the distance, their presence a constant reminder of her royal status, yet their relaxed postures indicated a rare moment of ease.

Spotting Liam sitting on a bench, not in his uniform, indicating it was his day off, she approached him quietly, sensing his need for solitude.
She sat next to him, both staring at the horizon in silence for a moment on a bench near the expansive field separating the male and female dorm buildings, the early morning sunlight casting long shadows across the dewy grass. This field was a hub for student activities—debate matches, rallies, and various events. Despite the cool autumn air, a sense of warmth emanated from the waking campus.

“I heard about Eloise,” Victoria finally said, her voice soft with genuine empathy. “I’m so sorry, Liam. Her engagement to Crown Prince Henri DeMercier of Willow Creek must have come as a shock. For what it’s worth, my family and I didn’t know about it either.”

Liam nodded; his eyes fixed on the distance. “Thank you,” he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. “I had no idea either, but it’s not like she owes me explanations, we weren’t really together or anything. It just happened so fast. I didn’t even know she was shopping around. One moment we were just casually seeing each other, and the next, she’s engaged to a prince. Not as if we had sworn eternity to each other, but still, a little heads up would have been nice.”

Victoria placed a comforting hand on his arm. “Well, I think to her it was mostly about getting out of Henfordshire after all her mother and aunt have done. And of course, if a Crown Prince comes a’knocking, as Jack would say… Look, Liam, I know firsthand how rejection feels, you taught me well, so if you ever need to talk or need anything, I’m here for you,” she offered, her sincerity evident.

Liam turned to her, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “Ouch. Thanks, but you can’t say it like that, that is just not fair! I’ve never rejected you, as you call it. Vic, you have to know it wasn’t meant to hurt you. I wanted to do right by you, I always want to protect you and me with you just wasn’t it, so many reasons, way too many to overlook. But is there any chance to salvage what’s left of our friendship?”

Victoria took a deep breath, considering her words carefully. “Liam, if it walks, talks and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck, no matter your intentions. You have rejected me many times, you were sweet about it for the most part, but it still hurt. But because I know you felt you had good reasons, and because you were being nice about it, and also because we’ve been through so much together, I believe we can get past this, and I want to, I will always care about you, but it will take some time. We’ve both changed and grown in different ways. Then again, my brother managed to finally speak civil to his ex, and I know they occasionally chat again, they may well be considered friends now, so I am confident we could too.”

He nodded slowly, then looked at her intently. “Did you really … I mean, last night … did you … actually … did you go through with it? You know .. did you do it? With … him?”

Blushing deeply and averting her eyes was already more than enough of an answer for him, her shaking her head while muttering “None of your business! You and I are not having THIS conversation. You have no right, Liam. No right at all.”

“Yeah. Sorry. I don’t have to ask anyway. It’s obvious. I can tell. There is something different about you.” he sighed deeply. “But can I ask something else then? Do you love him, Victoria?”

She met his gaze, her eyes steady. “Yes, I do, Liam. I see no reason to hide something to pure and honest. I love Hendrik. And he loves me. It’s amazing.”

Liam’s shoulders sagged slightly. “What about when you told me you loved me?”

Victoria sighed, her expression pained, feeling awkward sitting here talking about all this with Liam after having just left Hendrik’s dorm, the memory of the night still fresh in her mind. “I meant it then, but a lot has happened since, Liam. I’ve tried so hard to show you how much I cared and how little all those things holding you back really mattered to me. Don’t you remember my 18th birthday party? I insisted you dance with me, despite you being on duty, throwing a literal tantrum until my parents ordered you to. That was my final grand gesture to make clear to you how little all those differences and issues you saw everywhere meant to me. To no avail. Nothing changed. You were always just out of reach, making excuses. First, you felt inadequate as a stable boy. Then, the thing with your late mother being part of the resistance group that once wanted to lynch my family and me back when you and I were toddlers, while your dad always raised you to love and respect royalty. All that was pretty rough on me, but I believed you were different. When it turned out you were the illegitimate son of an Earl, which should have fixed all that, you found new excuses. Then you joined our Royal Guard and were no longer allowed to date me. Meanwhile, I had to watch you with my cousin Eloise, and others saw you both as well. You weren’t as covert as you thought. It felt like a slap in the face every time, trampling on my heart. There comes a point where the dog you keep kicking won’t come back. I’m done trying. I couldn’t do it any longer, Liam. It’s too late now. I do love Hendrik, and he makes me feel loved, treating me like I am special to him—not because of my title, but because of who I am beneath. He’s been so patient with me, and I finally jumped in with both feet and am glad for it. It feels just as I always hoped it would, and better.”

The early morning sunlight cast a crisp glow over the yard, its warmth a stark contrast to the cool autumn air. Leaves in fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow rustled gently in the light breeze, adding a vibrant backdrop to their conversation. Liam’s face twisted with regret and sorrow.

“Victoria, the reasons I avoided dating you kept mounting up, don’t you see that? It’s true, years ago when we first met, I felt super-inadequate as the stable boy. I know it sounds romantic in literature, but not in real life. It was just stressful for me. I don’t even want to talk about the things my late mother was involved in, but imagine if we had dated and some reporter brought that fact to light. Those headlines would have devastated us both, emotionally, and our families. Don’t you see that?

As if that weren’t enough, the man I still love as my father turned out not to be my father at all, not even remotely biologically related, which nearly killed him, and honestly, me too. Yet he felt I now had all the chances for a better life he could never give me, and because of him, and only because of him, have I tried to be whatever Kensington wants me to be. I know he doesn’t love me any more than I love him. How could we? We are practically strangers. Roland Hawthorne, the royal stablemaster, is and will always be my father, whom I love and who loves me back as a father. And he would NEVER do what Earl Kensington did when he noticed my feelings towards you, the daughter of the king, second in line to the throne. He had currency signs and crowns in his eyes, imagining what that could mean for him and his precious name. He kept pushing me to marry you to elevate the Kensingtons more, which I didn’t want. So, I kept trying to push you away, then joined the Guard so my father couldn’t push it any longer. “

Victoria’s eyes softened as she listened, understanding dawning. “What?! I had no idea, Liam.”

“Yes, exactly. He and his daughter are the last of the Kensingtons, or were, until it turned out I was one of them. Ever since, he’s been utterly determined to secure the family name’s immortality. Before I came along he had been pushing Claire to keep Kensington as her last name whenever she marries Lord Jake Cameron, Jake even agreed, told them he didn’t care, but Claire just refused. Why do you think they are dragging their feet on setting a date? Claire is itching to move in with Jake. She’s such a sweet girl, so kind and patient, she loves her father, but he is just too much sometimes. Now she’s off the hook, because he’s been trying to pair me with every unmarried aristocratic girl he knows, some of whom are at least five years my senior, until he noticed that you and I were…closer. He’s been relentless, dreaming of making the Kensington name truly regal! Eloise and I, that was mutually beneficial. We both were society rejects in a way, but both curious about … things. I am 19 and thought I should know what I am doing with a girl when the lights go out, Eloise didn’t want to be the eternal virgin either as she put it, so we … you know, learned from each other. Sounded like a good idea at the time, but out loud … well … not so much. I might have screwed up there.”

They sat in silence, the weight of their words and unspoken emotions hanging in the air.

Finally, Liam glanced toward Hendrik’s dorm and, with a hint of awkwardness and hurt, asked, “So, how was it? With him?”

Victoria felt her cheeks flush slightly as memories of the night surfaced. She managed a soft, fond smile. “It was…special,” she admitted, her voice gentle. “And that is ALL I am going to tell you, you nosy parker, or this conversation will be over in an instant! Oh, but as far as you screwing up with Eloise goes, I have to say I get it. I was at that point too, feeling like I really should level up. I mean, my brother did that when he was 16, and the whole world found out about that because of paparazzi. I didn’t quite want it so public, but I am not ashamed. It was time, and it was the right time.”

Liam’s expression shifted to a mix of snark and pain. “Well, I’m glad someone finally won the royal lottery,” he quipped, though his eyes betrayed the hurt behind the words.

Victoria felt a surge of frustration but paused, recognizing the pain in his words. She softened her tone. “Liam, this isn’t a game or a prize to be won, nor am I. It was about finding someone who truly cared and didn’t keep pushing me away. Hendrik doesn’t. He pulls me in, gently, and he has shown me that I can be free of the gilded cage without denying my upbringing. He has been so patient with me and…well, with this situation.”

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. His amusement quickly faded, replaced by a reflective look. “You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel free and cherished. I couldn’t be that guy, sure I can make you feel cherished, but you and I could never be truly free. You’d be even more caged if you had ended up with me than before. You do see that, right? Tell me you see it.”

They sat in silence, the weight of their words and unspoken emotions hanging in the air. The early morning sun continued to rise, casting a warm glow over the campus, and the soft rustling of autumn leaves filled the quiet moments.

Finally, Victoria spoke, her voice gentle. “Yeah, I suppose you do have a point. Let’s try to rebuild our friendship, Liam. I believe it’s worth it.”

Liam nodded, a faint smile crossing his lips. “I’d like that, Victoria. I’ll try to be a better friend than I was a … well … than I was as a … umm …”

“Friend?” Victoria grinned, and they both chuckled.

“Retroactively friend zoned? Really, princess? Or do you take all your friends to the royal wine cellar and behind shrubbery to kiss them?” he said with a playful wink.

“Considering the only true friends I have aside from you are my brother and Jack, the answer would be obvious. And to me, you used to be so much more than a friend, but you never wanted to be more. Plus, you kissed me too.”

“Fair enough, I just might again, at some point, if it gets too much to bear seeing you with that duke dude.” he grinned, clearly teasing.

“Duke dude? Hendrik is wonderful and if your lips come anywhere near me from here on out, I will have you arrested. You are Royal Guard, after all, remember? You did this to yourself. All of it,” she said with a smile. But there was something in the look she shot him that told him not to extend what was currently still harmless joking any further. He smiled and nodded, acknowledging her boundary.

As they sat together on the bench, the campus life continued around them, the rustling of leaves and distant laughter filling the air.