40 Is It That Hard To Love?

(At the Earth kingdom)

"Mateo, here's your steak. I sliced it for you." Lucy handed the prince his plate.

"I don't need you to do it." Mateo rolled his eyes.

"Why isn't—"

"Look, I'm tired of being kind to you."

"Well I never get tired of doing things for you."

"What do you want?"

"I want a date with you." Lucy giggled.

"Date? Then fine! Meet me at the nearby cafe at six," Mateo shouted as he walked away.

After a short chat, Lucy went to the dining hall and saw Valentina. She then told her that Mateo has finally asked her out on a date. As soon as Valentina heard that, her eyes widened. She then smiled and told her that Mateo has finally realized that she was special.

A few hours later, Lucy went to the nearby cafe and waited for Mateo, but he didn't show up. The waitress then asked her if she was gonna dine in since it was already ten.

"What time do you close?" Lucy asked.

"Eleven," the waitress answered.

Lucy smiled. "Then I'll wait for another hour."

After another hour of waiting, the waitress came again and informed Lucy that they were closing. Lucy then sighed and told her that she'll be leaving since Mateo didn't show up.

As the princess was walking back home, tears started falling from her face. She couldn't understand why Mateo had to lie to her. She was so excited when Mateo invited her out, but it was all her wishful thinking. Mateo just wanted to get rid of her.

"Princess, what are you doing here?" a voice asked.

The princess then looked back and saw the general.

"Josh, Mateo didn't come!" the princess cried.

Josh patted her back. "He's probably busy."

Lucy clenched her fist. "Look, I've dressed up for nothing! I've waited for hours!"

"Princess, why don't we go back to the kingdom first?"

"No, Valentina will just chastise me."

"Then let's sit at the bench over there first."

As they sat down, the princess told him everything. Josh then tried to comfort her by telling her that Mateo probably forgot about it.

Josh leaned back on the bench. "He really loves Mia, your highness."

Lucy sat up straight. "Stop mentioning—"

"Your highness, there's no use in crying for someone who doesn't even cry for you."

"Josh, I have a question."

"Ask anything, princess."

"Why do you always show up in the right time?"

"I guess it's a coincidence, your highness."

"I think it's destiny."

"Your highness, what are you saying?" Josh flushed.

"Josh, can I hug you? It's a friendship hug," Lucy said.

"If that's what makes you feel better, then you can."

The princess then hugged him. "Thank you for always being there for me, Josh."

"Anything, princess," Josh said as he hugged her back.

The next day...

"You left her!" Valentina threw the book she was holding onto the floor.

Mateo chuckled. "I didn't."

"Do you know that Lucy has been crying all night?"

Mateo lied, "I forgot about it."

"You worthless—"

"You have no right to tell me what to do. I have my own life and I don't want any of you in it."

Valentina slammed the table. "You ungrateful brat!"

"Stop this at once," said Antonio.

Mateo laughed. "I'm not doing anything. She's the one yelling."

Lucy sighed, "Mateo, apologize to your sister."

The prince asked, "Why should I? I'm not the one at fault."

The king said, "Mateo, you're going to far."

Mateo rolled his eyes. "Fine then. I'm sorry."

"You better be," Valentina responded.

"Lucy, if Mateo didn't go, who brought you home?" the king asked.

"Josh did," Lucy answered.

"Josh again? Didn't I tell you stay away from him?" the queen shouted.

"Valentina, it was just a coincidence."

"Lucy, you have to stay away from him. You're getting married. What will the people of the Earth and Wind kingdom think?"

Lucy looked at the window beside her. "I won't disappoint you, Valentina."

The queen smiled. "Good."