Page 20 of Defying the Crown
Act II
Chapter 8
Harald
I stretch out on the plush sofa in my private sitting room, a contented smile playing at my lips as I think back on last night's gala. For once, I didn't make a fool of myself or bring shame upon my family. Quite the opposite, actually. My speech went off without a hitch, the words flowing from a place of genuine passion rather than a carefully crafted script. The audience seemed to respond to my authenticity, their applause and kind words afterward filling me with a newfound sense of confidence.
As I relive the moment, Daniel's words of encouragement echo in my mind. It's almost as if he was there with me, his steadfast belief in my abilities like a comforting presence by my side. My heart swells with gratitude for this man who, in such a short time, has become an invaluable source of support and understanding.
But it's more than just gratitude I feel. With each passing day, each shared message and inside joke, I find myself falling deeper and deeper for Daniel. The realization both thrills and terrifies me. As the Crown Prince, my life has always been one of duty and restraint, but Daniel makes me want to throw caution to the wind and follow my heart.
My soul yearns to be in Daniel's presence, to witness the radiant beauty of his smile and have my heartsing at the melodious sound of his laughter without the cold, impersonal barrier of a phone screen separating us. Though I've never had the pleasure of hearing Daniel's voice in person, I imagine it would envelop my senses - deep and comforting, yet tinged with an alluring sultriness that sends shivers down my spine. I fantasize about reaching out to caress his skin, to have my fingertips dance across the smooth warmth of his body and feel the comforting strength of his arms enfolding me in a loving embrace. It's an all-consuming desire, a desperate longing, unlike anything I've experienced before. Thoughts of him pervade my mind from the moment I wake until I drift off to sleep at night, my dreams haunted by tantalizing visions of what it would be like to finally be together.
And yet, a part of me hesitates. What if Daniel doesn't feel the same way? What if the connection we've forged online doesn't translate to the real world? The thought of losing him, of jeopardizing our friendship, fills me with an icy dread.
But as I gaze out the window at the sprawling gardens below, I can't help but imagine Daniel by my side, his hand in mine as we explore the winding paths together. The image fills me with a longing so intense it steals my breath. I know it's a risk, but it's one I'm willing to take. For a chance at true happiness, at love, I'd face a thousand uncertainties.
A sharp knock at the door startles me from my Daniel-infused reverie. I scramble to sit up straight, hastily smoothing down my rumpled shirt as Ella strides into the room. She takes one look at my flustered state and snorts, a knowing smirk playing at her lips.
"Hey sis," I stammer, trying to regain my composure. "How are you doi-"
"Cut the crap, Harry," Ella interrupts, plopping down beside me on the sofa with a dramatic sigh. She fixes me with one of her patented piercing stares, the kind that makes me feel like she can see right through to my soul. One perfectly sculpted eyebrow arches up in amusement as her lips curl into a knowing smirk. "You've got that dopey, lovesick puppy dog look on your face again. The one that screams 'I'm a fool in love'. Don't even try to deny it - I can read you like an open book, brother dear. So spill it. Don't tell me you've gone and fallen completely head over heels for this Daniel guy already."
I feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a telltale blush giving away my secret like a neon sign flashing above my head. I open my mouth to deny it, to brush off her accusation with a casual laugh and wave of my hand, but the words stick in my throat, refusing to cooperate. There's no point in lying to Ella - she's always been able to see right through me as if I'm made of the clearest glass. My sister has an uncanny ability to read me like an open book, every emotion laid bare on the pages for her keen eyes to absorb.
"I...I think I have," I admit softly, my gaze dropping to my lap as I fidget with the edge of my sleeve, a nervous habit I've never managed to break. "I know it's crazy, we've never even met in person, we haven't even talked on the phone, but I can't help how I feel. He just...he gets me, Ells. In a way no one else ever has." My voice grows stronger as I continue, finding comfort in finally voicing these feelings that have been building up inside me with no release. "When I message with Daniel, I don't feel like the Crown Prince or father's disappointment - I'm just Harald. Just me. And somehow, that seems to be enough for him."
Ella's expression softens, her teasing smirk melting into a gentle smile that reminds me so much of our mother it makes my chest ache. She reaches out to take my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze that somehow manages to anchor me in the moment, just like she's done since we were children. The familiar warmth of her touch helps steady my racing thoughts.
"Oh, Harry," she sighs, her voice laced with affection. "I've been watching you this past week, seeing the way your face lights up every time your phone buzzes. I've never seen you like this before, so...happy. So alive."
I glance up at her, surprised by the earnestness in her tone. Ella's always been my fiercest protector, the one person I could count on to have my back no matter what. But to hear her so openly supportive of my feelings for Daniel, it means more than I can express. My throat tightens with emotion as I remember all the times she's stood between me and Father's disapproval, how she's held me through panic attacks and sleepless nights. Even now, she's looking at me with that same unwavering love that's been my lifeline since Mother died, and I find myself wondering how I got lucky enough to have a sister like her.
"You really think so?" I ask, hating the note of vulnerability in my voice.
"I know so," Ella replies firmly, giving my hand another squeeze. "And if this Daniel is even half as amazing as you make him out to be, then he'd be a fool not to fall for you too."
I let out a shaky laugh, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders at Ella's words. She always knows just what to say to ease my fears and bolster my confidence.
"Thanks, sis," I murmur, pulling her into a tight hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Probably pine away in your room like a lovesick puppy," Ella teases, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "But lucky for you, you've got me to keep you in line. God knows you'd just sit there overthinking everything until your brain short-circuits." She pulls back and gives me that knowing look she's perfected over the years - the one that says she can see right through my anxious thoughts. "And we both know how well that usually turns out for you, big brother."
I let out a laugh, shaking my head at Ella's playful jab. She's right, of course. Left to my own devices, I'd probably work myself into a panic attack trying to figure out the perfect way to tell Daniel how I feel. But with Ella's support, I feel a newfound sense of determination. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart as I meet her gaze.
"I want to meet him, Ells," I confess, my voice barely above a whisper. "In person. I want to see his smile, hear his laugh, hold his hand...I want it all. But I'm terrified. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if I ruin everything by asking?" The words tumble out in a rush, my deepest fears laid bare.
Ella's expression softens, her eyes filled with understanding. "Oh, Harry," she sighs, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from my forehead. "I know it's scary, putting yourself out there like that. But you can't let fear hold you back from something that could be truly amazing."
I nod, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. "I know, I know. But how do I even bring it up? I can't exactly just blurt out 'Hey, I know we've never met, but I'm kind of in love with you, want to grab coffee sometime?'" I let out a humorless laugh, running a hand through my hair in frustration.
Ella purses her lips, considering for a moment before her face lights up with an idea. "Why don't you start with a phone call?" she suggests, her tone gentle but encouraging. "You said you've never actually talked on the phone before, right? So maybe that's a good first step. See how it feels to actually hear his voice, have a real conversation. And if it goes well, then you can bring up the idea of meeting in person."
I mull over her words, feeling a flicker of hope spark in my chest. A phone call. It's not as daunting as jumping straight to a face-to-face meeting, but it's still a step forward. A chance to deepen our connection beyond the confines of a screen.
"That's...actually a really good idea," I admit, a small smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I think I could handle a phone call."
Ella grins, giving my shoulder a playful shove before standing up to leave the room. "Of course it's a good idea, I came up with it," she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But seriously, Harry, you've got this. Just be yourself, and let things unfold naturally."
