When Harry and Donald arrived in the suite, Harry is unsure if he is ready to see Mona's state. He knows he won't be able to stand seeing her in pain. But Donald insisted that he must talk to her now, before they see each other tonight. After convincing Harry, he knocked on the door. Dane answered the door, looking so sad.
"Where is she?" Harry asked upon entering the room. His heart dropped when he saw her sleeping on the bed, traces of tears are still on her eyes, her lashes are still wet. He felt like his heart is being squeezed to bleed. It was too painful for him to bear. Hanna, what have you done? He thought.
Harry ran his fingers on her hair and kisses her forehead. He murmured 'I'm sorry, sweetheart' and kissed her eyes. Mona felt it and woke up. When she saw that it was Harry, she looked away and tried sitting up. A gesture that felt like a stab for Harry. But Harry understand why she is acting that way. He needs to know what happened.
"Sweetheart...can we talk about what happened? Why are you like this?" Harry asked calmly, with the sincerest tone that made Mona wants to cry again.
"No, no..don't cry again sweetheart. Just tell me what happened please." Harry hugged her and tried comforting her.
"I wanna be alone please. This has nothing to do with you or anyone. I'm just disappointed with myself, that's all." Mona finally said, leaving Harry so confused.
"Are you sure this isn't about you thinking that I am just pretending? Because sweetheart, I wasn't and will never be. I know that you felt it too. Please talk to me." Harry said in a comforting voice.
"You don't have to be nice to me Harry. I will do my part and will play my role well if that's what you're worried about that's why you are being so nice to me." Mona said weakly.
"What?! You think I'm just being nice because of the contract? Now, that hurts Mona. You think so low of me, I thought you get me. I hope you feel better. You don't have to come with me tonight. Just take your rest." Harry said before leaving.
"Harry..." Was all Mona could say before the tears she was holding started running down her cheeks again. Dane ran to her and hugged her, Donald followed Harry.
"Harry, slow down, will you? What was that? I thought you're going to make her feel better, you just made it worse!" Donald said while catching up with how fast Harry was walking.
"I was wrong about her. She doesn't think. For her to think that I was just being nice to her and that all I think about is this fucking contract! I have never felt this disrespected my whole life." Harry said angrily.
"Harry you need to take into consideration that she is hurting! You need to find out what Hanna said to her before you feel disrespected. Think of her before thinking about your pride."
"It hurts Donald. I expect more from her than this. I understand that she is hurting but without considering that maybe I am innocent and what Hanna told her was not true? She should have asked me before she started weeping. She assumed right away. And that's what irritated me."
"I know it's irritating but still we need to find out what really happened. Once you're calm, let's talk to Hanna and ask her what she said to Mona. You have a commitment tonight and you need to focus on that."
"You think I hurt her even more with what I said?"
"Well..she started crying again, what do you think? Just don't think about this now. Give her space, she'll come around. This whole thing is not easy for her. You're a prince and she's just an ordinary girl and your feelings for each other became more complicated because of how it started...the contract. You cannot blame her if there are times that she would think that you are just pretending because of that contract. And Hanna being insensitive about this whole thing because she knows nothing about your feelings for Mona is another complication." Donald explained to Harry.
"Harry, you know that this isn't the complication that you should be worrying about. This is nothing compared to what's coming once you present her to your family. Once she'll come around, this is something that you need to talk to her about and warn her about the queen. The queen agreed to this because what she knows is that this is just a contract and this is necessary to fix your image to the press. Finding out that you are with Mona for real is another story. She's your mother, you know how she is. You need to prepare Mona for this." Donald added. Harry sighed. He knows that this won't be an easy journey for him and Mona but he will fight for her and he will stand by her side all through out.
"You're right. Call their room and tell Dane that I didn't mean the things I said earlier and I need Mona to come with me tonight. Tell her I was just hurt that Mona thought of me that way." Harry said. Donald did what Harry said and instantly have Dane on the phone.
"How is she?" Donald asked Dane, referring to Mona.
"She's awfully quiet. But I let her think. I know her, once we give her time to think, she'll come around."
"Good. The prince didn't mean what he said. He got hurt that Mona thought of him that way. He wants Mona to come with him tonight. This is an important event Dane, please make her ready before 6:00 o'clock. You are coming too, you will be my date so look pretty too." Donald said half laughing.
"This is how you ask a woman to be your date? What made you assume I'd say yes, Mister?" Dane said teasingly.
"Because I know you won't let Mona out of your sight especially now." Donald answered half laughing.
"Smart ass! Alright, I'll have her ready. Tell the prince not to worry, she will be ready." Dane assured Donald.
"Thank you beautiful! It's another formal event so you know what to wear." Donald said before hanging up.
"Who was that?" Dane was startled by Mona's voice. She just came out from the shower. She took a shower to help her think. This is what she does whenever she is confused and hurt. The water gives her comfort and a clear mind.
"It was Donald. The prince asked him to call to tell you that he didn't mean what he said, that he just got hurt that you thought of him that way...and that he wants you to come with him tonight."
"I know. I didn't mean what I said too. I will apologize to him later." Mona said smiling shyly.
"That's my girl. Don't ever listen to anyone lovey. You should trust how you feel and your instinct, you should know this by now." Dane said while hugging Mona.
"I know...I know. I don't know what gotten into me. My insecurities just knocked me out after that Hanna came here. I really don't like her. She is so intimidating and she looks at me with no respect and kept on talking about how the prince is just pretending. It reminded me of a lot of painful memories. Self-pity swallowed me again. It has been way too long since I felt that way. I'm starting to hate that woman but then I also feel like thanking her for bringing Harry into my life." Mona explained.
"I knew it. Someone summoned your demons. I'm glad you've come around before you ruin your own happiness. Again lovey, don't listen to anyone. Trust your instinct, trust yourself and your own judgment." Dane said in a frustrating tone.
"Thank you for being here for me all the time. I don't know what I should do without you. I love you Dane."
"I love you too Mona. You're the only one I have. We're family. I know you will always be there for me too."
"You're right. We're stuck with each other."
They both started laughing. Mona complained about being hungry so they decided to go down to the pool bar to grab a bite. They still have 2 hours before they have to get ready for tonight.
A/N: Hello guys, I hope you like this chapter. Let me know what you think.
Don't forget to vote, add this to your reading list and follow me, loveys. ~Aireen