The One - Four Fae for the Princess

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testy for the remainder of the evening. The Oceanans have excused themselves for the night, with King Alastair and Queen Lyria offering a brief, tight-lipped promise of a formal apolog

d Akin. Of all the people I've met in my life-nobles, commoners, visiting dignitaries-the only ones I've ever felt even a faint connection to have been those two. There's something about Brook's quiet, steady presence that draws me in, even when he's being o

was around, but it wasn't attraction. No, it was something much closer to revulsion, if I'm being honest. The way he carries himself, always seeking attention, always tryin

looking for. I've tried to remain open, patient, even hopeful, but the tug I expect to feel when I meet my One just isn't there. My time to find him is growing shorter as the

rtain that my One isn't here tonight. I'll excuse myself early, return to my chambers, and hopefull

wn Prince of Ambrosia, a confident smirk on his face as he bows slightly. He's impeccably dressed, his dar

oozing with charm. "Would you do me the honor of

polite. I know within a second that this man is definitely not my One. Still, I can't

tly, giving

ireken," I answer de

his own way, sure, but there's something about him that makes me feel unsettled around him. Perhaps it's the way he talks, always with an air of superiority, as if

low as we move in time with the music. "I must say,

anothe

My mind is elsewhere, already counting the minutes

shments, the grand estates they own, all the things I'm sure I'm supposed to be impressed by. Yet all I feel is a gro

e more Direken talks, the more tired I feel. It's not just physical exhaustion, though the evening has certainly worn on me. It's a dee

e than ready to be done with it. I

ince Direken," I say, keepin

appointed that the dance is over. He probably thought he could charm me, swee

I don't need to pretend anymore. There's no more need to put on a smile or engage in p

me. The music continues, couples twirling on the dance floor, their laughter and co

bows o

er another dance next

As I turn to leave, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I can f

e's watching the scene quietly, his expression unreadable, though there's a softness in his eyes that

but something stops me. Maybe it's the weariness I feel, or maybe it's the knowledge

I slip out, grateful to be free of th

up empty-handed. The truth is, I'm tired of waiting. Tired of pretending that everything will work out in its own tim

be ready. But how can I be ready when I haven't even found my One? Wh

ce. It gives me the space I need to breathe and to think. The night has been over

hat I do know is that I can't afford to wait forever. Time is runni

ow is another day, and maybe, just maybe, it

iced. When I finally reach my room, I gratefully collapse in my bed,