XXI. January 13th, 1986

Mira's POV:

Alaric's family is hosting a dinner for a few royal family members, including Asena. According to him, it will be one hell of a night, and I wouldn't want to miss it.

Plus, I get to see Asena and Gwen again.

My gut told me to say no, but my curiosity told me to hop on for the drama.

I ended up rejecting his offer and asking him to send Asena and Gwen a message. It's nothing too much; just ask them how they're doing.

Alaric was disappointed in my response.

But, to be honest, I don't want to see Asena or Gwen. Once in a while, I'd see them on the news, and it felt like we were living a completely different life. There's a part of me that doesn't want to go and face reality; how they might've forgotten about me.

On the night of the dinner, I rested on the couch while reading an article about ALS. Steven and Carter are out for a romantic dinner before Steven comes back later for his night shift.

In my large, comfortable one-piece, I grab the cup from the small nightstand and sip the tea.

I never thought I'd peak the wildlife at twenty-one, but here I am on Friday night, drinking warm tea and reading a boring case study.

At least, that's what I assume my Friday night would be.

"As I said-"

I look up from the article to see an unfamiliar room with familiar people.

"Mira?" Alaric says.

Lucianus looked at him, "You see her?"

"Yeah. She's right there."

"Ah shit, not again." I closed my eyes and screamed: "Can't I get a damn break!"

When I opened my eyes, I was back inside the living room. "Maybe Steven is right; I should see a psychiatrist." I reached for the cup, but it wasn't there. I looked around the room for my cup of tea, but it didn't come up.

I thought the week wouldn't get any weirder, but it did.

On Monday morning, I was greeted by Lucianus in the parking lot, and Alaric was just a short distance away.

He brought flowers.

I walked towards Lucianus while looking back multiple times to make sure I was not blocking someone else. When I got closer to him, his eyes were still on me. I walk past him.

"Mira."

Oh no, it's me he's looking for.

I stop and turn towards him, "Good morning."

Lucianus inch the bouquet near me, "This is for you."

"Why?"

"As an apology for my rudeness during New Year."

"Okay." I grabbed the bouquet from his hands. I noticed a small box on the bouquet. "This is?"

"An apology gift."

I grabbed the box and handed him back the flowers. When I unwrapped it, a beautiful pair of earrings greeted me. "I don't think I can accept this."

"Please, I insist."

"Since you insist and you apologize. I'll accept it." Anything to get away from this embarrassing situation. "Anyways, I have to go-"

"Would you like to have breakfast together?"

I smiled, "I have class."

"Lunch?"

"I have to study."

"Coffee break?"

His desperate face looks a bit cute.

No.

"I'm sorry, but no," I said. "I'm not interested."

Lucianus stared at me for a few seconds, "May I know why?"

"Because I dated your nephew, it's a bit weird for me." Plus, you felt me up on New Year's and then demanded I break up with your nephew.

I can't handle someone with multiple personalities.

"You're still angry about what I did on New Year?"

"I was, but not so much anymore. It was a weird starting point between us, so-" I exhaled, "Sorry."

"No. It's not your fault. It was mine; I allowed my jealousy to get the best of me."

"Oh." I'm not even his girlfriend, and he was jealous I was with another guy? What happens if I am his girlfriend?

"I have something to tell you, which was why I'd like to take some of your time."

My face scrunches.

There is a part of me that wants to say yes, but I know better than to agree. There are too many red flags around him.

"Please."

But, the please always seems to get me.

"Okay, I can squeeze in a bit of time between class and study."

Lucianus smiled, and my chest warmed up, "Fantastic. I'll wait for you."

With the flowers and new earrings, I walked to my next class. When I passed Alaric, he said: "Nothing is going on?"

I rolled my eyes and said: "Shut up."

Somehow, lecture time seemed to stretch more than usual. In my seat, I'd find myself glancing at the clock every few minutes. When the hands finally clicked at dismissal time, I gathered my items and walked outside.

At a bench nearby, Lucianus was staring at the garden. When he noticed me, he got up and smiled. "Mira."

How does my name sound so perfect coming out of his lips?

Red flags!

Lucianus recommended a small cafe near the school. When we got there, we settled at a table in the corner. Unlike other cafes, which have various background noises, such as music or people talking, this one was accompanied by a fireplace.

The barista took our order, and off he went to make our drink.

"So-" I said, "What is it?"

"Did my nephew ever mention my powers?"

"Yeah. Mind control?"

He chuckles, "Of course he'd tell you."

"I don't understand why he wouldn't."

"Alaric has a bad habit of revealing too much information to people he naturally feels comfortable around."

I nodded.

At least I know Alaric considered me a good friend.

Lucianus cups his hands together above the table, "Don't get mad."

That's the line someone says to someone else who'd get mad.

"What I'm about to say, I need you to listen to me."

Oh, no. I'm about to be really pissed off with what he's about to say.

The barista came with two cups of drinks.

"In a moment," Lucianus says.

The barista takes the drink away.

That's a sign that he's about to hit me with some really bad news.

Lucianus tucked his lips inside his mouth and then let out a shaky breath. "I...um...I may have...We...I may have used my powers on you."

Silence.

"You used your powers on me? In what ways?"

"We're lovers."

I really wanted to call him out on the bullshit that was coming out of his mouth, but when I looked into his eyes, I knew he wasn't lying.

I hooked up with the archduke.

My hand moves to my stomach.

Is this his baby?

Holy fuck.

"Mira?"

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

Who is okay after hearing something like that?

"Um—yeah." I tuck my hair back and look at the barista. "We're ready for our drinks now."

The barista came over with our drinks. When he set them down, I grabbed one and drank it so hard I coughed. Lucianus grabbed a paper towel, and I yanked it from his hand.

"Darling-"

"No," I said. I got up, "No, darling. I'm not your darling." I stepped away, "I stopped being your darling after you decided to take away my memories."

Two can play that game.

"I can explain."

"Then, explain."

"You'll suffer if-"

"I will suffer?" The emotions didn't hit me at first, but when they did, they came in full storm. "No. I may not have my memories, but I'm not stupid. Why let the human woman keep her memories just so she could rat out my dirty affair to the world? You didn't take away my memories for me. You took it away for you and your fucking reputation."

"That's not true."

"Really? Is it also not true that the King is declaring your marriage to Lady Lilith?"

"I did not agree to that arrangement."

"But you can't deny it either," I said. I may not have my memories, but I can clearly feel the pain. "I don't know why you're here, and frankly, I don't want to know."

I grabbed my stuff and rushed to the exit.

"Mira-" Lucianus didn't chase after me.

He didn't have to.

Alaric blocked the exit, "You might want to stay and hear what he has to say."

"I thought you didn't like the thought of me hooking up with your uncle."

"I don't know what's going on, but-"

"That's it—" I interrupted, "You don't know what's going on." I took a step forward. "So, let me give you the short version: Your uncle and I hooked up, and he took away my memories."

Alaric stares at me.

"I'm asking you kindly to step aside so I can storm out of here."

Alaric stepped aside.

Now, Lucianus is chasing after me.

With him hot on my trail, I continue to my next destination. Studying at the library doesn't seem like an option today. Now, I plan to go home, draw a bubble bath, and scream in the bathroom.

When I open the car door, Lucianus slams it shut.

"Lucianus-"

"Lucian," he says.

"Lucian, please move."

"Please-"

"No," I chuckled, "You can't just say please every damn time things don't go your way!"

"Wouldn't you like to hear why I'm here?"

Does he know about the baby?

I caught Alaric from a distance. It is far enough to give us space but close enough to intrude if something happens.

"What is it?" I asked.

"On Saturday evening, you appeared in front of Alaric and me. How?"

It's not about the baby.

"What do you mean?"

"You appeared in the room and left a cup."

I stared at Lucian with a dumb look on my face. That wasn't a dream?

"I thought it was all in my head," he says. "I thought it was because I've missed you so dearly that I started imagining your presence, but it was you."

I admit, the man has a way of sneaking in words that'll warm your heart.

After I cooled down, the three of us went to a private location, and I listened to Lucian and Alaric about my appearance on Saturday. When they were done, I told them that I'd been having episodes where I collapsed and stopped breathing for a few minutes.

Lucian didn't like what I said.

Alaric asked a list of questions, such as when it started, what happened to me before my episodes, etc.

I said it started when I was in Bulteria, but I also have gaps in my memories from when I was 17 or 18.

That confession caused Lucian to look away in guilt.

"Uncle," Alaric says. "Please excuse my rudeness, but were you the cause of her memory loss?"

Lucian looked up from the empty glass in front of him. He cleared his throat and rested his elbows on his lap. "It's complicated."

"He did," I said. Lucian looked at me, and I gave an unamused grin, "Your uncle has been screwing me since I was a teen and was fortunate enough to not have to take any responsibility."

"That is untrue," he responded.

"What about Lady Lilith?" Alaric asked.

"That-"

"Don't you know? I'm the side piece," I said. "He's going to marry Lady Lilith and come visit me once in a while when his balls get blue."

"Mira-" Lucian doesn't sound like he's in a mood to joke. Well, neither am I. "My feelings for you are honest."

"Well, I'm sorry to say this, but the feelings aren't mutual. I don't recall ever loving you."

My words hurt him.

Good.

Alaric cleared his throat, "So, you appearing in the room," he said. "Can you think of anything that happened in Bulteria that may cause that? Perhaps an item or someone cast a spell on you or-" Alaric paused.

He stared at me.

His eyes travel down.

I shake my head.

Lucian noticed our silent exchange.

"Alaric," Lucian calls for him.

My breathing intensified. He wouldn't, would he? I know Lucian has the right to know, but I want to tell him on my own terms. When I'm ready.

"Nothing, uncle."

"Mira?"

I folded my arms and scooted back, "He says it's nothing."

I can tell Lucian doesn't like either of our responses. It's weird, really. How can I read Lucian so well? Is it because he wears his emotions on his sleeve?

"Look-" I got off the chair, "I would love to stay here longer and ponder why I appear and disappear, but I have to go home. Steven is waiting for me."

Alaric and Lucian walked me to the underground parking lot. Lucian opened the car door, and I slipped in. "Drive slowly," he said. The weather hasn't been kind, and they say it may snow today."

When Lucian grabbed the seatbelt, I did, too. "I can buckle myself in, " I signaled for him to step back and close the car door. I couldn't let him see or feel my baby bump.

When I got home, there was no one in the house. The whole Steven thing was a lie to get away. I can handle only so much information at once. I rested the backpack on the desk and unpacked. When I opened the drawer, the box appeared.

I forgot about that.