The Pure-Hearted Princess and the Kiss of Darkness

- KATALEYA -

"No tears," Raihana warns me.

I nod as I turn and hug her tightly, trying to control my emotions.

"Thank you, Ri."

"You don't need to thank me," she whispers, hugging me back before she moves back. "Now don't go ruining my effort. Enrique is the only exception to ruin my hard work. Skyla snickers at that. Raihana smiles, brushing a curly that frames my face into place. "You know, on your father's engagement to Jasmin, I did your Mama's makeup."

"You did?" Skyla asks in surprise.

Raihana nods and I smile. "I know, she's told me, and Aunt Raven chose her black dress."

Raihana nods again. "Yeah. Look... no matter what happens tonight. I need you to keep your head high and remember that you are a queen, a Rossi, but more than that, you are a strong woman." "Thank you," I say.

"Well, I better go get ready, I won't be long, our dates should be here soon." Her smile fades and I want to ask if everything is ok, but she leaves before I can.

"I better go get my dress on too. You really do look a vision, Kataleya." Delsanra says before she leaves me and Kataleya alone.

I exhale deeply as Skyla smiles. "Go get him, Queen. Show him that he is going to have to worship the ground that you walk on and nothing less."

"That's a bit extreme." I giggle.

"No, it's not, a goddess is made to be worshipped, or so I'm told." She winks at me before she looks down at herself. "Shit, I better go get ready but first photoshoot for everyone back home."

I don't argue as she rushes to get her phone and takes far too many pictures of me before she asks me to do a twirl for a video. "Sky! You are getting late, hun," Delsanra's voice comes.

"I'll be ready! Don't worry about me!" she shouts back before she gets one final video of me sitting down and crossing my legs. I entertain her, posing a little.

I turn my face away before slowly turning back to the camera with my eyes lowered and then blinking flirtatiously.

Skyla squeals as she stops recording.

"Oh, hot damn if I was back in school and you weren't my sister, I'd sell these to the boys..."

I blink as she turns and leaves, making me giggle again.

That's Skyla for you, always hustling.

A light knock on the door makes me look up to see Uncle Liam standing there. He's all dressed in a white suit with a pale blue shirt.

"You look beautiful." He smiles at me as he comes over and crouches beside the stool I'm sitting on, taking my hand in his." You feeling up to it?"

I nod. "I'll be ok. I know he loves me."

"That knowledge is indeed powerful. Hold on to it no matter what. I always believe that true love always wins," he says softly. "It is... I'm just scared that not every love story ends happily." I whisper, my smile fading.

Uncle looks at my hand for a moment, thinking over his answer before he looks up. "I don't think a love story ever truly ends, no matter what happens. In order to avoid an incomplete reading experience, visit J O b n I b. c 0 m. The loss of a lover, a misunderstanding that tears you apart... or situations that force you apart."

I listen carefully as he continues. "Two people who love one another will always cross paths and, whether they are together or apart, their love story still goes on, weaving and intertwining with others. Until one day they can finally come together, but only when the time is right."

His words are deep, and I ponder on them as he places a soft kiss on my hand before he stands and leaves the room. I look in the mirror.

He's right. No love story is without hurdles. We all have a journey to make before we can taste the blissful sweetness of true happiness.

A short while later, we are all in the hall, waiting for Raihana to come back with the two men who were our mystery dates. Delsanra looks stunning in an icy pink sequin gown.

"Who is your date, Uncle?"

"He's mine," Delsanra tells me as Uncle smiles and nods.

"Yes. I think we'll be alright." He says.

"I think so, so it's me and Ri who have these mystery men." I pout.

"Yes, I'm afraid," Delsanra replies.

I nod forlornly. There's not much I can do.

Royce and Skyla look stunning too, with Royce in dark grey and Skyla in a slightly sheer white sequin dress that clings to her, reminding me of a Greek goddess.

Her eyes are smoky with red lips and somehow, I don't think I'll be seeing much of her this evening. She and Royce are all over each other again, although I know they had sexy time already.

I look away, giving them a little more privacy, although they are not very discreet with those kisses and naughty hands.

"I'll be right back," I say, deciding to go find Hugo who has been rather busy all day around the house, stopping only to cook for us. I could hear him moving things earlier and I wondered what he is doing.

After walking around the house, I find him in the storeroom that holds piles of packed boxes which he has upturned. "Am I intruding?" I ask softly.

"Not at all, My Queen but you shouldn't come in. It's rather dusty and I'm sure you are all ready for tonight," he says from behind a pile of boxes before his head appears and he gives me a smile. "Oh, you do look beautiful, My Queen." "Thank you. Are you looking for something or spring cleaning?"

His small smile fades. "I was looking for something and sadly, it is something I kept safe for years and now it is gone... but I'll keep looking. I'm sure we'll find it.

"I see, umm may I also ask for a favour?"