It's not my first kiss. I have kissed boys before Finn, too. Just two, actually. And then Finn.But all those moments were nothing compared to this. It felt like my atoms have dispersed across the universe and have felt all the pleasures the stars have to offer, and then arranged back to create this version of me.My heart burst in my chest, it's almost painful.Caelum's lips were soft and gentle and warm. He is warm. His hands snaked their way to my back and pulled me into him and I wanted nothing else but to melt into his arms.Now, I know what it is like to be kissed by someone you love and love you. It's so much better than all those kisses made in the darkness of cars, or theaters, or under the bleachers.We pulled apart, and as soon as we did, I wanted more. Craved for his touch."I thought you'd never had someone before?" I asked him, almost breathlessly."Never. Why?"He looked confused. And he looked so beautiful even when his brows were furrowed together, lips slightly parte

A day after the pool incident, things were a little awkward with Caelum and I. It's as if every time I looked at him, I'd remember how much I felt wanted and how I wanted him.He tried avoiding me all morning, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth and a pang to my heart."Hey, you okay?" I asked, finally walking up to him on the terrace. He had just finished a game and it was quite obvious that he was frustrated. If it was because he didn't win or something else–like what happened last night–I'm not entirely sure.But he jumped when I walked to him. It's as if he forgot I existed and he was in deep thought."Skye. Of course I am," he replied, albeit a bit awkwardly. He tried to smile, too."No, you're not," I tell him as I plop down the chair beside him. "You've been avoiding me all morning.""I'm not…"I just looked at him to say "you think I believe you?""Look, I know you're avoiding me because of last night," I told him. He blushes. "It's really not your fault. Or mine. It's just

For the past few days, it was the same routine: Madam Roserta in the mornings, lunch, Gonzalo sessions in the afternoon, dress fittings to finish my dress, and awkward dinners with the royal family.According to both Madam Roserta and Gonzalo, I have improved a lot. Gonzalo even said he can see me in interviews and I felt a sense of pride.In fact, I've started to believe my own lies, which is kind of good, but also not really. I just kept reminding myself that this persona is only for the cameras.It's also been raining a lot, so we don't go out for a walk that much.But I do like hanging out in the seating room near the fireplace and reading. Caelum would sit opposite me and do his own thing, and just like in the Palazzo, we would mostly sit in comfortable silence.The day of the Charity Gala is as hectic as the engagement party. It took hours to get me ready, but I didn't complain.For some reason, I have a nagging feeling that something will go wrong. I have been anxious about the

There were several things that happened all at once: royal guards were pulling Duke Fontaine from me, there were loud gasps from the audiences, Caelum running towards me, and flashes of bright lights.The latter was the first one to pull me back into my body.Fucking hell. The media is on a rampage, and I will most likely have my face everywhere from newspapers to magazines to news channels both on TV and online.But before I could react, Caelum was beside me, his back from the audience and blocking me from the cameras."Are you okay?" He worriedly asked."Get off me, you scoundrels! I'm assaulted and you hold me?!" The Duke was screaming. He looked at me with such rage. "You filthy peasant!"He tried to lunge at me but the royal guards held him back. Caelum stepped in front of me, holding me back."Get him out of here," Caelum said, his voice low but full of authority.As the royal guards dragged the Duke away, who was still screaming obscenities and lashing out at the guards, I look