*Victoria's POV*
Yelling.
That's I can there now that mother's past has been exposed.
Father yells and sometimes even abuses mother in front of me, every day I wonder if there is even a point to living. When no-one gives you care, concern, or love. A dull life I'm living but that all changed when I arrived at the academy, I didn't have to hear the yells and screams that I feared. I finally could smile but that was until father threatened me and mother, saying "Victoria you must do anything to make one of the princes fall in love with you. If you don't there no point of your mother and you to even exist as I don't even love you. You'll only be good enough if you marry into royalty that's the only good you're for."
Now I'm here staring at Leona's little sister as she introduces us, she's really cute I must admit. And I'm glad I could meet her as I really like Leona, she's been my friend since the moment we entered the academy though all our male friends seem interested in her, I'm not jealous. But I still have to do as father says, as long as mother is married to that man I can't do anything.
Looking at the gazes between Kai and Leona, I couldn't help but panic a little and I'm sure Lorance noticed it too. That's probably why he acted like he did to Leona's little sister, to distract and lighten the mood. He's the only one who knows what's going on with me. I still remember that day very clearly, it was only a week ago that it happened, the sun was setting and the hallways were empty, a festival in town was going on so many students were absent from school. I was crying alone in a classroom, after getting a letter from one of father's servants. That was the day father had told me that he told me of his plan's of marrying me off to royalty and that it's all I was good for. In the letter he even told about mother had fallen ill and that if I didn't follow his orders she'll die.
I couldn't hold it in anymore, so I cried. Right there in a corner of the classroom, with the letter in my hands.
Alone again...
I was always alone...
In my own dull monotone world with no-one to reach out to, just incase I became a burden to others I kept this hidden deep into my heart.
But that all changed, I thought that everyone had left for the festival and I was the only one here at the academy but I was wrong.
Through my huddled position, I kept letting my tears stream down my face. I was shaking so much as I held the letter, I couldn't do anything but cry as his words kept reciting itself in my ears. At one point I screamed "STOP IT!! PLEASE STOP!! GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!!"
And through my screams I didn't notice the door opening and shutting, nor did I hear the calm footsteps approaching me.
All I knew was that I was so scared, I had shut me eyes and curled into a ball against the wall, my hands covering my ears as if I could block out his words that kept shattering my barriers and piecing my heart.
Just as I felt like the world was against me and my world slowly became that of one without colour, I felt a warm hand on my head. Gently stroking my head as if they were comforting, as if I wasn't alone in my colourless world.
It felt nice, I finally calmed down and opened my eyes to peek at the person who had helped me. To my surprise it was Lorance, seeing my shocked expression he gave a small chuckle and smiled, but his smile didn't last long as he asked in a serious tone "Vicky, what made you like this? This is my first time seeing you sad much less in tears."
And with that I handed him the letter that I had been tightly clutching this whole time and just looked down at my chest with my arms tightly hugging my knees, trying to cover my unstoppable tears.
I knew he was reading the letter, but I didn't care. I never asked, told or even sought for help before, but right now I felt like it was okay. 'Just this once, I'll allow someone to know...just this once,' I thought still scared at the contents of the letter. After a few more minutes in silence, I felt his hand resting on my head, again I look up from my position, looking into his eyes that reflected my sorry figure.
"I'm pretty useless aren't I?" I quietly said more like a statement than an actual question.
But my statement was then refuted back by him, "I don't think you are. Your one of the most talented individuals I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with. And now I'm thinking that I am pretty lucky."
"How are you lucky?"
"Well, I'm lucky because I got to see a part of the real you, not a mask you put in front of others."
"What! How did you know?"
"Hmmm...Just say it's a talent of mine, but yea...You do know that you aren't alone right? Even when you go through all this, there's always someone that will care for you."
"...How are you so sure? Who would care when my own blood-related father doesn't love me."
Hearing this, the room was met with silence for a while with Lorance thinking about how to convince Victoria.
Finally, he breaks the silence by saying, "I can see how that's what you think. But look at me, Leona and Bryon though he doesn't show it but he considers you a friend. And for Leona and me, we definitely care about you. We've been together since the very beginning of the academy so why would we ever leave you."
"..." I remained quiet as I heard his words, taking them in slowly before replying, "I guess your right, but I never wanted to burden any of you. That's why I just keep my problems to myself, cause if I do it'll only be my problem and it won't impact you guys."
Without hesitation Lorance started to refute her statement, "But that's where you're wrong. We are your friends Victoria. Friends are meant to be there for one another, you got my back and I got yours. That's what friends are for, we care for you as if we are family."
He left a mini break in between before quietly whispering the last part to himself, "Though I'm not to sure if I want to be considered that way..."
"Excuse me, but I couldn't catch the last part could you please repeat that Lorance."
"Don't worry that last line wasn't important. Anyways the main point is that your not alone. You may think your alone but we'll always be there for you no matter what."
"...Thank you."
"Your welcome but what's the thank you for?"
"It's for comforting me and helping me feel better. Though I can't change my mindset as of right now I will try to believe and trust in my friends more, so thank you."
"Oh, there's no need to thank me for that. Naturally that's what I should do for someone I care for." He smiles happily, one that isn't filled with flirtatious or other intent.
Seeing his pure, happy smile made me smile just as big, and in that moment I felt like my world wasn't as dull as it was before.
"Just look for me again please, I'll definitely get your mind off it. Remember that you are your own person, you don't have to listen to your father."
"But mother's sick..."
"It's going to be okay. We'll get through this together...Okay?"
"..."
"Okay, Lorance I'll put my trust you..."
"Has anyone told you that you look beautiful when you genuinely smile?" Lorance said warmly looking at Victoria who was happily smiling.
"hmmm, nope. I guess you're the first."
"Well, I hope that it stays that way. I want to be the only one who sees you like this..." Lorance says playfully but it was said with a hint of sweetness.
"You jerk!, you know your charm magic doesn't affect me!" I yell while running out of the room slightly pink from his words.
"Yeah...I know. Though I kinda wish it did, maybe then you'll see..." Lorance said calmly while watching the fleeing figure.
I kept running until I reach my dorm, immediately I jump onto my bed, my face in the pillow muffling my yells at Lorance. I'm still confused why I had that reaction to his words when we're just friends, nothing more right?
Yeah how can I like a flirt like him...
Putting my thoughts aside about Lorance I think of how to get one of the princes to fall for me, though I don't like them, besides Bryon who I think of like a friend. Personally I ship Leona and Bryon together as he seems to be the most genuine with his feelings towards Leona. I'm not to sure if Lorance fancies her too, but if he does then he can make a good match with her too...
But that still leaves me with having to make one of the princes like me, but that easier said then done, how can someone like me make one of them fall for me when there's Leona.
She's perfect.
She's everything a man could wish for.
Her life is what many would envy over.
Strangely, I'm not jealous. To me she's the most sweetest and kindest person I've met during my studies at the academy, and I'm grateful that I could be bestfriends with her.
But I'm still torn to what I should do...
After all I don't want to get married to royalty...