CHAPTER XXXI
Sometimes… when the world outside gets too heavy, and silence becomes too loud,
I let my heart wander — back to that day.
The day Mon and I performed our stage play.
It wasn't just a drama.
It was a moment. A memory stitched in laughter, nerves, costumes, and something unspoken that passed between our eyes.
When I close my eyes and revisit that moment, I feel a strange mix of emotions — a quiet happiness and a tender ache.
I remember what I wore — a royal outfit, heavy and majestic, made for a king. I was supposed to play a Maharaja, regal and composed. The costume shimmered with golden embroidery, and the sword at my side clanked softly every time I moved. I felt proud… but I didn't feel complete.
Not until I saw her.
Mon walked onto the stage — and for a second, time forgot how to move.
She wore a royal blue gown, flowing like water under moonlight. It hugged her form like it was meant for her and only her. She didn't just wear that gown — she owned it. It was breathtaking, ethereal… like something straight out of a fairytale.
She reminded me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast — soft, strong, and stunning in that shade of blue.
But to me… she was more than any fairytale princess.
She was mine.
Even if I could never say it out loud.
The second my eyes met hers, everything else faded — the lights, the murmurs of the audience, even the weight of the crown on my head. I stood there, frozen, like the world had paused just to let me soak in that vision of her.
And I could've stood there forever.
But then — reality called my name.
"Sam! Sam, are you even listening to me?!"
Mahi's voice snapped me out of my daze. She was waving her arms, trying to catch my attention. But I had heard her all along… I just couldn't tear my eyes away from Mon. I pretended not to notice her voice — because truthfully, nothing else mattered in that moment.
Not even the play.
Mahi marched over, clearly annoyed, and smacked my arm lightly. "Sam! Best of luck! I swear if you forget your lines just because you're busy falling into Mon's eyes…"
I laughed softly, embarrassed and exposed. "Thank you, my dear friend," I replied, giving her a quick nod.
But my heart… it was still standing there, in front of Mon.
We were about to perform together — a scene of love, conflict, and destiny.
But off the stage, it felt real. Too real.
Looking back now, that moment feels like a gift wrapped in old curtains and dusty stage lights — a memory I treasure more than most.
Because in that royal hall, in front of an audience, hidden beneath lines and costumes…
Was the truth I never got to say.
And even now, as the world around us crumbles and danger stalks every step, that memory stays with me — warm, radiant, untouchable.
Because for a moment in time…
Mon was mine.
And I was hers.
Even if it was just pretend.
And sometimes… that's enough to keep going.
Our stage play begins, and it's theme is...
Title: Letters of the Heart
Characters:
Prince Lucas Royalton – A noble-hearted prince, searching for true love. (Played by me)
Lily Allen – A humble, kind girl from the streets, who secretly sends heartfelt letters to the prince. (Played by Mon)
Sophia Blackwood – A cunning noblewoman who lies to the prince, claiming she wrote the letters. (Played by Malvika)
Victor Blackwood – Sophia's elder brother, scheming for power.
Ryder Royalton – Lucas's jealous brother who wants the throne.
Sebastian St. Clair – Ruthless noble aligned with Victor.
Lord Edwin – Political manipulator, enemy of the Royaltons.
Duke Harrison – Silent observer, secretly loyal to Lily.
Baron Maxwell – A traitor in the royal court.
---
Scene 1: Royal Gardens of the Palace
Prince Lucas is reading a letter under the moonlight.
Prince Lucas (softly): "My dearest Prince, though I live where roses wilt and gowns are worn by others, my heart has always belonged to you..."
He clutches the letter close.
Prince Lucas: Who are you, mystery girl? Every word you write touches my soul. I must find you…
---
Scene 2: Throne Hall
Sophia Blackwood enters confidently.
Sophia: Your Highness, I've come to confess… I'm the one who has written those letters.
Prince Lucas (surprised): You? Truly?
Sophia (smiling faintly): Yes. I only hid my identity out of fear…
---
Scene 3: Secret Chamber (Later That Night)
Prince Lucas is pacing.
Prince Lucas (confused): Something doesn't feel right… her words don't match her spirit. Those letters were filled with warmth… she speaks only of pride.
---
Scene 4: Victor Blackwood's Hideout
Lily Allen is tied up. Victor, Ryder, Sebastian, Edwin, Harrison, and Maxwell surround her.
Victor: Let the prince rot in his delusions. With Lily gone, the throne will soon be ours.
Ryder: He always got everything — the crown, the praise. It's time I take what should've been mine.
Sebastian: And we'll break him… piece by piece.
Lily (bravely): You can trap me, but love… love finds its way.
---
Scene 5: Prince Lucas's Chambers
Lucas discovers another secret letter hidden in the garden, confirming Lily's true identity.
Prince Lucas: It was never Sophia. It's her… Lily. And they've taken her.
---
Scene 6: Showdown in the Ruins
Lucas bursts in, sword drawn.
Prince Lucas (shouting): Release her now!
Victor (mocking): Come to save your peasant girl, Your Highness?
Prince Lucas: She's more noble than any of you. You'll not touch her again!
A grand fight unfolds — Lucas vs. Victor, Ryder, and Sebastian. With Duke Harrison secretly switching sides, Lucas gains the upper hand. Lord Edwin and Baron Maxwell flee. Victor is defeated.
---
Scene 7: Lily's Rescue
Lucas runs to Lily and unties her.
Lily (weakly): You found me…
Prince Lucas: I'd tear down kingdoms to find you.
He gently lifts her chin, looks into her eyes.
Prince Lucas: I love you. I've always loved you.
He kisses her.
---
Scene 8: Royal Balcony – Weeks Later
Lucas and Lily stand before the people, hand in hand.
Prince Lucas: Let this be known — love does not wear crowns. It is born in letters, in courage, in truth. Today, I choose love. I choose Lily.
The crowd cheers.
---
THE END
Your royal romance play "Letters of the Heart" is complete with emotional depth, dramatic tension, and a powerful climax
After the play ended, something beautiful happened—something that made every heartbeat, every practice session, and every ounce of nervousness worth it.
People began to gather around me, one by one — their faces glowing with excitement and genuine appreciation. Some clapped me on the back, others hugged me tightly, and many simply smiled and said the words that made my heart soar:
"Your performance was incredible."
"You and Mon were magical together!"
"I couldn't take my eyes off the stage — it felt so real!"
I stood there, overwhelmed. Not by pride, but by the warmth that surrounded me like a soft blanket. For the first time in a long time, I felt seen… not as a survivor, not as a fighter — but as me. As Sam. The girl who had loved deeply, lost painfully, and still found the courage to stand in front of a crowd and perform with all her heart.
Then came the final announcement.
Our names echoed through the auditorium.
"The Best Drama Performance Award goes to… 'Letters of the Heart' performed by Sam and Mon!"
I froze for a moment.
Mon turned toward me, her eyes wide with disbelief — and then, joy. Pure, unfiltered joy.
We looked at each other, then laughed like kids who had just won their first race.
As we walked up to receive the award, the crowd erupted in applause. The moment felt surreal — like something out of a dream we'd once whispered about, now turning real in front of our eyes.
After the ceremony ended, Mahi ran up to us, grabbing both our hands with excitement.
"We have to celebrate this," she said, her voice bubbling with happiness.
Aarvi nodded in agreement, already pulling out her phone to check her room key.
And just like that, the four of us — me, Mon, Mahi, and Aarvi — escaped the noise of the stage and headed to Aarvi's room for a small, cozy celebration of our own.
There were no balloons, no fancy lights — just music playing low in the background, a few soft drinks, and snacks that we grabbed from the campus store.
But the atmosphere?
It was perfect.
We danced, we laughed, we talked about the awkward moments during rehearsal, about how I forgot a line but Mon saved me with her expression, how Mahi kept crying even though it wasn't an emotional scene — and how Aarvi almost fell off the chair during the applause because she was jumping with joy.
For a little while, the world outside didn't exist.
No pain.
No fear.
No past.
Just us — four girls, bonded by stories, love, friendship, and a moment of joy we had created together.
And as I sat there, surrounded by the people who mattered the most, I looked at Mon — the way her eyes lit up when she smiled, the way her voice filled the room with laughter — and I realized…
This memory…
This moment…
Was a chapter I would carry in my heart forever.
To be continue....