HIGH SCHOOL DIARIES (A Tale Of Love And Deception)

The castle buzzed with life. Celebratory banners of silk and gold draped from towering columns, and the soft glow of enchanted lanterns bathed the hallways in a warm, ethereal light. Music drifted in the air, mixing with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Everywhere one looked, nobles and servants moved in a flurry, preparing for the upcoming coronation.

But in a secluded room far from the lively crowds, Hadrain stood alone. His chambers, decorated meticulously for the celebration, felt suffocating. Garlands of roses lined the walls, and an intricate arrangement of candles cast flickering shadows, but none of it brought him joy. Instead, he stood by the window, staring into the sprawling gardens below, his thoughts consumed by Lamia.

He clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw tightening. Never in his life had he felt this way—meek, vulnerable, desperate. He'd always prided himself on being unyielding, a force to be reckoned with. But Lamia had unraveled him, reduced him to someone he barely recognized. And yet, no matter how hard he tried, it seemed he was losing him. Lamia, who once shared quiet smiles and soft words with him, now seemed distant, slipping further away with every passing day.

The worst part? It wasn't entirely Lamia's fault.

"Something's wrong," Hadrain muttered to himself, pacing the room like a caged beast. His frustration boiled over. No matter how carefully he planned, something always went awry. Little moments of sabotage—misplaced letters, sudden distractions, and misunderstandings—had derailed every attempt he'd made to get closer to Lamia. And now, the realization struck him like a blade to the chest: someone was deliberately interfering, and they were close.

His anger simmered beneath the surface, but he forced himself to calm down. This wasn't the time to dwell on conspiracies. If he wanted to win Lamia back, he needed to act. He needed something perfect—beyond perfect.

---

In the lavishly adorned quarters down the hall, Lamia sat by the window, gazing out at the sprawling castle grounds. His expression was distant, his thoughts clouded. Catherine, reclining on a velvet couch, watched him intently. A servant knelt at her feet, massaging her legs, but Catherine's focus never wavered from her troubled friend.

"Lamia," she said softly, breaking the silence. "You've been pacing for hours. If you feel bad, why not talk to him?"

Lamia turned to her, startled by her words.

"I'm not—" he began, but Catherine raised a hand, cutting him off.

"Yes, you are," she said firmly. "You've been sulking since this morning. If you feel bad for lashing out at Hadrain, fix it. Apologize. He cares about you more than you realize."

Lamia sighed, running a hand through his reddish adorned hair. Catherine's words hit closer to home than he'd like to admit. He had been cruel to Hadrain earlier, letting his frustrations get the better of him. And now, guilt gnawed at him.

"What if he doesn't forgive me?" Lamia asked quietly, his voice uncharacteristically unsure.

Catherine gave him a knowing smile. "He will. Hadrain isn't the type to hold grudges, especially not against someone he cares about."

Lamia hesitated, but eventually, he nodded. Catherine was right. He couldn't let this fester. Rising from his seat, he leaned down and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you, Cathy," he said softly. "I'll go talk to him now."

But before he left, he turned to Angus, his father loyal guard. "Stay here. Make sure no one enters. Catherine's safety comes first."

---

Hadrain had left his room, unable to bear its stifling confines any longer. He now stood by Lake Florence, a secluded spot nestled just beyond the castle's gardens. The lake was a sight to behold, its waters shimmering like liquid silver under the light of the full moon. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets created a serene symphony that calmed his restless mind.

He knelt by the water's edge, dipping his hands into the cool, glittering surface. As he let the water trickle through his fingers, he whispered softly, his voice almost lost to the night breeze.

"Oh, water of Lake Florence," he murmured. "If only you could bring me the love I desire. If only…"

"Love you desire?"

The voice behind him sent a jolt through his body. He froze, recognizing it instantly. Turning slowly, he found Lamia standing a few feet away, his figure illuminated by the moonlight.

"Lamia," Hadrain breathed, his heart racing. "What… what are you doing here?"

"I came to apologize," Lamia said, stepping closer. His tone was soft, almost hesitant. "I was wrong to lash out at you earlier. You've been trying so hard to help me, and I let my frustrations get the better of me. I'm sorry."

Hadrain's chest tightened at the apology, but Lamia's next words stung more than he expected.

"And today's my coronation as the Crowned Prince," Lamia continued. "I want you to be there… as my friend."

Friend. The word hung in the air like a curse. Hadrain forced a smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Of course," he said quietly.

But he couldn't let things end there. Not tonight. Not when Lamia was standing right in front of him, closer than he'd been in days.

"Before you go," Hadrain said, his voice trembling slightly, "there's something I want to show you. Dance with me. Just once. In the inner garden."

Lamia hesitated, torn between his duties and the unspoken tension between them. "Hadrain, I can't. Catherine's alone, and—"

"It won't take long," Hadrain interrupted, his eyes pleading. "Please. Just this once."

After a long pause, Lamia relented. "Alright. Just once."

---

The inner garden was a hidden gem, accessible only through a small, unassuming door. When Hadrain pushed it open, Lamia's breath caught in his throat. The garden was unlike anything he'd ever seen—a paradise of vibrant flowers, sparkling fountains, and trees adorned with glowing orbs of light. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming jasmine, and the soft hum of magic seemed to linger in every corner.

Hadrain led Lamia to the center of the garden, where a small gramophone sat waiting. He placed a record on it, and moments later, the haunting melody of Dandelions by Ruth B filled the air. Lamia froze, his heart aching as memories of Damian surfaced. The song was a painful reminder of a love he thought he'd buried long ago.

Hadrain extended his hand, his voice soft but firm. "Dance with me, Lamia Alexandria."

Lamia stared at him, stunned. Hadrain's vulnerability was laid bare, his eyes a mirror of emotions too raw to hide. Slowly, hesitantly, Lamia placed his hand in Hadrain's. As their fingers intertwined, Hadrain pulled him closer, guiding him into a slow, gentle dance.

The world around them faded, leaving only the music and the rhythm of their movements. Hadrain's hand slid up to cup Lamia's cheek, his thumb brushing against soft skin. Lamia's breath hitched as Hadrain's gaze locked onto his, deep and unwavering.

"I love you, Lamia," Hadrain confessed, his voice breaking under the weight of his emotions. "I've fallen hopelessly in love with you, and I want you to be mine. Will you… will you be mine?"

Time seemed to stand still as Lamia searched Hadrain's face, his own heart a whirlwind of confusion and unspoken emotions. The question hung in the air, fragile and heavy, waiting for an answer that could change everything.