Their Hidden Princess (Zora) novel Chapter 184

**Where Sleeping Rivers Dream We Follow Trails Toward Tomorrow by Eva 184**

**Chapter 184**

As I stumbled back into the sanctuary of my room, I found Loren seated at her desk, her focus immediately shifting to me as I entered. Without a moment’s hesitation, she sprang to her feet, a whirlwind of energy and concern. The moment she enveloped me in a warm embrace, I let out a soft sigh, surrendering to the comfort of her presence. It was as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted from my shoulders.

“I’m so, so sorry!” Loren exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I knew I should’ve stopped talking, but I just couldn’t help myself and I—”

“Loren, it’s okay,” I interjected gently, cutting through her frantic apologies. “I left in such a hurry. I didn’t mean to just dash out like that. I should have explained myself better. I just—”

Before I could finish my thought, Loren guided me to our desk chairs, her hand soothingly moving up and down my back, reminiscent of Maximus’s earlier gestures. The warmth of her touch was both familiar and reassuring, easing the tension that still lingered in my body from the earlier confrontation.

“I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed,” I admitted, a humorless laugh escaping my lips as I leaned back in my chair. The admission felt heavy, but necessary.

Loren let out a snort, her expression shifting to one of sympathy. “I wish I could blame you for this mess, but unfortunately, I can’t,” she replied, her brow furrowing with concern. “What exactly happened?”

I hesitated, my heart racing as I lifted my gaze to meet hers. “I just…” I paused, searching for the right words, “I felt so upset about everything I’ve been keeping from you.”

As I spoke, I noticed the flicker of worry cross Loren’s face, her usual smile dimming slightly. She continued to rub my back, a silent encouragement for me to voice my feelings.

“And Maximus,” I murmured, my eyes fluttering shut as I tried to gather my thoughts. “You both have been so incredibly supportive, and here I am, lying over and over again. Some things I keep hidden for your safety, and others for my own.”

With a deep breath, I opened my eyes again, finding Loren nodding thoughtfully. I bit my lower lip, feeling the tremor in my voice as I prepared to continue. My fingers fidgeted with the end of my braid, a nervous habit I had developed over time.

And that was how I found myself in the nearly packed library on a Sunday night. The atmosphere buzzed with the low murmur of voices and the rustling of pages, a comforting backdrop to our conversation. I spotted Kairos and Petyr in one corner, their presence a familiar anchor. Kairos gave me a curt nod, which I returned with a small smile.

In another shadowy corner, I noticed Thorne hunched over a desk, clearly sulking. A part of me wanted to roll my eyes at his brooding demeanor, but then I recalled Maximus’s words about the necessity of consummating all my bonds. Did that mean I had to make amends with Thorne? The thought sent a shiver of dread down my spine, realizing that it would require more effort than I felt capable of mustering.

Loren and I made our way to our usual study spot, only to find it occupied by a girl I’d never seen before. She had blunt black microbangs framing her face, her hair twisted into a messy knot atop her head. A constellation of silver piercings adorned her features, and her electric red, wide-rimmed glasses added a striking contrast to her pale complexion. If it weren’t for her vibrant violet eyes, I might have mistaken her for a character straight out of a gothic novel, her skin almost ethereal in its fairness.

“Looks like we’ll need to find a new spot,” I said, glancing at Loren with a mix of amusement and frustration.

“Let’s see what else we can find,” she replied, her voice light and encouraging as we scanned the room for an alternative place to settle in.