“Oh my God, Runa, I’m so sorry.”
“No need to apologize. That’s love, right? It’s life’s greatest challenge. Sometimes you get to live and love, and sometimes you must love and forget.” She looks me in the eyes. “Are you telling me you’re in love with Keller?”
I nod slowly. “Yes, and I’ve never truly been in love like this before. Like I depend on him to bring joy to my life. I never depended on anyone before, as I’ve always been so independent, but we connected on a deeper level at Harrogate. A level so deep I think only a few people would understand. In a time where I was so lost, he was a lifeline, my safety net . . . my hero. And I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. I feel like he opened my eyes to a whole new world. He showed me that I didn’t have to walk through this life alone, and then . . . and then he just left me out to dry. He abandoned me when I needed him the most. I—” My tears fall once again. “I don’t know how to handle that.”
“Ah, I see. I understand the feeling of loss. It’s painful. It feels like you can’t breathe at times.”
“Yes. Especially after all the promises we made to each other.” I take the tissue she hands me and dab at my eyes. “I hate that he’s affecting me this much, but this whole experience has been with him. I feel . . . empty.”
“That’s very understandable. I’m not sure I’d be as strong as you.”
“What are you talking about? I’m missing a luncheon because of a broken heart. That’s not being strong.”
“Ah, but you’re talking about your feelings. You’re wading through them, trying to make sense of it all. If I were in your shoes, I’m not sure I’d be sticking around in this new country, where my biggest advocate just broke my heart. I’d probably flee to my comfort home.”
I shake my head. “I’d never do that. I made a promise to King Theo and Queen Katla and to this country. This is where I belong.”
Runa smiles softly as she takes my hand in hers. “You know, Miss Campbell, we have a lot in common. There might be different DNA running through our veins, but our desire to serve others is a bond I take very seriously.” She pats my hand. “Now, rest up, cry, be sad, have a moment. I’ll bring eye patches to clear the puffiness. Make sure you have plenty of water, and if there’s anything I can get you, please, feel free to ask for it.”
“I’m not very hungry, but whenever I was sad, my mom always brought me a donut.”
“Consider it done.” Runa stands from the bed and then hands me my phone from her pocket. “This was buzzing while you were napping. I took it away so it wouldn’t disturb you.”
“Oh. Thanks.” I take the phone from her, and when she walks out the bedroom door, I glance down at the screen, hoping to see a message from Keller. But when I see a text from Timmy, my heart sinks all over again.
Timmy: How are things? I read some articles about the welcoming parade. Baby girl, you looked breathtaking. I can’t believe this is your real life. When can I come and visit?
Even though I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest, I text my friend back.
Lilly: Please visit whenever you can. I could use a friend.
Lucky for me, he texts back right away.
Timmy: That sounds ominous. What’s going on?
Lilly: I think Keller and I broke up. Well . . . more like I know we broke up.
Timmy: WHAT? WHY?
Lilly: It’s such a long story, but something spooked him, and instead of working it through with me, he ghosted me.
Timmy: What? That doesn’t seem like the man you talked to me about. I thought he was attached to your hip.
Lilly: So did I, but things turned awkward once we got to the capital. It was like the bubble we were in burst, and he didn’t know how to handle it. He felt weird about staff knowing about us being together, even though Theo and Katla didn’t care. It still doesn’t make sense to me. I’m just . . . sad.
Timmy: Ugh, I wish I was there to hold your hand. Maybe he just needs a second to get his head on straight. From what you told me, the man was infatuated with you, and an infatuation like that doesn’t just wash away. Plus, he still has to work with you, right? That means he’ll see you every day.
Lilly: Which will make things incredibly awkward.
Timmy: Or it’ll make him realize what an idiot he’s being. Let me ask you this, would you take him back?
Lilly: I don’t know, honestly. I love him still. I’m not sure that feeling will ever go away, but the trust we built vanished in the blink of an eye. He truly hurt me, Timmy.