Chapter 14:  It’s You, Vishiea
 
Vishiea’s POV
 
I let out a quiet sigh as the car slows down. We’ve arrived. I stole a glance through the car’s window. I’m pretty surprised. The entire place had changed. Are we still in the exact location?
 
I noticed him gazing intently in my direction from the corner of my eye. I turned to face him, wearing a questioning expression.
 
When he realised I was looking at him; he quickly looked away. He faked a cough, “Excuse me,” he mumbled before exiting the car.
 
When he was outside, he opened the car’s door for me. I saw him extend his hand; I looked at him, puzzled. “Shall we?”
 
Oh, I see. I smile a little and accept his hand. He gently pulled me out of the car and placed my hand around his arm. Wow, easy there…
 
Did he forget that he’s engaged? And now, he’s behaving like this in front of everyone? I took my hand off his arm and shook my head.
 
“We’re in public, your majesty,” I remarked. He raised an eyebrow, “And?” What? And? He’s being unreasonable.
 
“And you’re the king and engaged,” I replied honestly. He looked at me for a while, and then later, he nodded. “Right,” he agreed. I can hear the bitterness in his voice, and I wonder why.
 
I’ll act hard to get it. I know that was his weakness. I chuckled mentality as I watched him looking to nowhere, bothered.
 
“You’re right. Anyway, since we are here, let’s move on. I’m starving,” he continued and started to walk. I nodded and trailed behind him. The people we passed by bowed, but I couldn’t help but notice their curious glances.
 
“Who is she?”
 
“Why is she with him?”
 
“Her majesty will be furious if she sees this.”
 
“She looked beautiful and familiar.”
 
“Who is she to his majesty?”
 
I heard them whisper. I just shook my head; they murmured too loud.
 
“Don’t mind them,” I heard him say, so I looked at him. He’s looking at me too. “I’m curious about something. May I ask you if you don’t mind?” he stopped walking.
 
He nodded, “Of course, lady Anastasia,” he answered, looking directly into my eyes. I felt like I was drowning in his stares. I shouldn’t have looked at him. Memories of the past flooded back to me.
 
Five minutes before my eighteenth birthday. This will be the moment I’ll find my mate. A sense of fear creeps into my system. What if I don’t have one? Or worse, what if he’s not within our pack? It would be challenging to find him if that’s the case.
 
“Are you worried about your mate again?” I overheard someone say behind me. I looked around; I spotted Darius walking closer in my direction. I quickly smile; in this kind of situation, he’s the only one who can calm me down.
 
“I couldn’t help but to. You know, it will disgrace my family if I can’t find him as soon as possible,” I answered. He chuckled and messed my hair up.
 
“You’re overthinking. I’m sure your mother and father will understand. And besides, look at me. I turned eighteen a few months ago but still haven’t found mine,” he reassures me.
 
He’s right, my parents will understand. I let out a sigh and rested my head on his shoulder. I looked at the scene in front of us. We are on the balcony of my room now. Watching the moon and the sky. Tomorrow will be my birthday celebration, but I always start my birthday like this.
 
And Darius is always here with me to do this. I heard him sigh, too, making me look at him. “Is there something wrong?” I asked him. He smiled and shook his head.
 
“Nothing, I’m just happy,” he answered.  My brow furrowed in curiosity, “Happy about what?” I asked him again.
 
“I’m happy for you; I don’t want to spoil this moment, but…” he stopped talking and faced me. He tenderly cupped my cheeks, locking his gaze with mine.
 
"I’ve been waiting so long to tell you this, Vishiea,” tell me what? I only looked at him, waiting for his following words.
 
“I… I have feelings for you.” My eyes widened in shock. Have feelings for me? But… we’re best friends.
 
“I know this may sound absurd, but I’m in love with you. I’ve kept this secret to myself because I don’t want to ruin our friendship,” he continued.
 
I… I don’t know what to say. He’s my best friend. The person I trust the most. “And, you need to know something. You and I were mates. You might don’t know it, but I do. The moment I turned eighteen, I knew you were my mate.”
 
I was about to say something, but I halted as I caught a whiff of something sweet and irresistible scent. My emotion went into turmoil, and my thought messed up. My eyes widened in realisation --- he… he’s my mate.
 
I was pulled back into reality when someone touched my back. I `took a step back in shock and turned my gaze to the person who touched me. It was him, Darius. I almost forgot his existence.
 
“Are you okay?” he asked me. I took a deep breath and nodded, “Yes, your majesty.”
 
He nodded as well, “All right. Shall we go and eat?” He said. A woman welcomed us with a big smile on her lips, “Your majesty, this is an unexpected visit!”
 
“Indeed. Breakfast,” he said shortly. The woman’s smile widened, “Sure, your majesty and…” She looked at me, curious.
 
“I’m Anastasia,” I introduced myself. Her eyes widened, “Lady Anastasia?” Does she know me? “Yes, I am,” I replied.
 
“Oh my gosh. This is the first time I have met you. It’s my pleasure, lady Anastasia,” she energetically said joyfully. I don’t understand why they act like this when they see me or hear my name.
 
I smiled awkwardly, “My pleasure,” I replied. “Well, please follow me, your majesty and Lady Anastasia,” Darius and I only nodded as I followed her.
 
“Please wait patiently as we prepare your meal,” she said and bowed. A silent sigh escapes from my lips when we are left alone in the room.
 
“So?” I heard him say. I arched an eyebrow as I looked at him. “What?” He smiled playfully and leaned back on his chair.
 
“You know. You can quit acting when we are alone.” Acting what? I playfully smirked too. I rested my hand on the table and leaned forwards slightly.
 
“Acting on what? Your majesty?” he looked at me amused and leaned forward too.
 
“I know who you are. It’s you, Vishiea.” He got it right, but there’s no way to admit that now.