"I love you."

I had heard all my life that these three words can heal the most wounded soul, that these three words make your heart melt and your world ten times more beautiful.

But hearing these three words completely broke me apart.

The man I had admired for so long had finally admitted he admired me back. But I guess it was too late now.

Wilhelm backed away looking at me intently, but I could barely hold eye contact for one second. Because I knew if I did, he'd see the emotion stirring behind my pupils and I would see his, and honestly, I did not think it was worth it anymore.

"I hope you have a nice Chirstmas," I said. The feeling of Wilhelm's arms engraved all over me.

"Thank you Simon," he said, his lips pressed together, no longer able to meet my eyes. A lump formed in my throat and I could feel a hollow expanding in my chest.

He turned around and walked away, his coat flapping gracefully in the gentle wind. The Crown Prince.

What if he was not the crown prince? What if he was just another normal boy? Would we still be who we are now? I dragged my foot across the ground, staring at the dust beneath my feet.

I felt an arm around my shoulder. It was Sara, she gave me a warm smile. I blinked, then smiled back at her. I was a lucky brother and son, wasn't I?

We walked back together as Sara wanted to say goodbye to Felice, then went to our mother who was waiting for us with a bag of our favorite cookies in her hand. She smiled on seeing us.

Man, this was going to be a long break.