Chapter 51: Part 2 - Conflicts &      Confessions.

Recap -

"I know you are a really nice person, N-Prince Nathaniel. You think it's your duty to protect others. But, I was far much better without your protection, your Alves."

(Continuation going on...)

"I know you are a really nice person, N-Prince Nathaniel. You think it's your duty to protect others. But, I was far much better without your protection, your Alves. At least, when I was in Torrentice, I was sure who I was, how I felt, but YOU. You always confuse me. At times, we are cracking jokes. Then, all of a sudden, you become a total stranger and block me out, like I never mattered to you. Yet, yet for some God damn reason, I fell in love with you, when you clearly don't care and are about to marry Princess Admiranda. I don't even know why I--" Marina stopped her rambling suddenly, realizing what she had said.

She dared to look up at Nathan, who stood there shock written over his face. Marina turned around, ready to flee and save whatever was left of her dignity.

You robbed me off my pride. Marina's inner voice, fake cried.

However, Nathan stopped her from running by holding her wrist. He tried to turn her around, but Marina shook her head as tears built inside her.

Sighing, Nathan dropped Marina's arm, only to cage her in his arms from behind. He wrapped his arms around Marina's waist and gently kept his chin on Marina's exposed shoulder. Marina felt goosebumps with sudden close contact.

"If you don't want to face me, be it so. But, I am not letting you run away, either. Especially, not after what you told me tonight. Firstly, I am sorry for giving you the mixed signals and avoiding you like that Marina. Secondly, the whole point of calling you here was to stop being a coward, face my feelings and confess them to you," Nathan said, his hot breath fanning Marina's cheeks.

"Confess?" Marina asked, her voice coming out small.

"Yes, Princess. I want to make a confession," Nathan replied, smiling.

"I love you, Princess Marina Verdirosi. I don't know when it happened or why, but I'm glad to have met you and married you. I didn't want you to wander off alone because I care for you and... I love you."

"W-What?" Marina asked, turning back quickly, shock evident on her face.

"B-But how can you love me? I am not feminine and don't exactly dress up. Besides, you are going to marry Princess Admiranda soon and how can you claim--" Marina's words are cut off by Nathan as he presses his lips against hers.

When the initial shock wore off, Marina found herself kissing back her arrogant green-eyed prince. Their lips moved in sync as Nathan wrapped his arms around Marina's waist, pulling her closer. While his other hand gently carassed Marina's cheeks and jawline.

Marina found her fingers involuntarily playing with Nathan's silky brown hair. It felt like the forest was calling out to the ocean to quench its thirst, to help it survive. The ocean water was what the forest needed to live.

As the two broke their kiss, Marina blushed hard, thinking about what had happened. She tried to create some space between them, but Nathan wouldn't let her. He quickly pulled Marina back towards himself, engulfing her in a tight embrace. Marina found herself, hugging back her husband, drinking in the moment till it could last.

She felt conflicted. Her lips were still tingling and she felt so right, as if she belonged there in Nathan's embrace, but what about Princess Admiranda.

The mere thought of Princess Admiranda made Marina push back the love of her life.

"I-I, Nathan this is not right," Marina said reluctantly, looking down.

In response, Nathan gently lifted Marina's chin.

"Why is it wrong to love my wife?"

"It is not right when you are going to marry Princess Admiranda," Marina replied, her voice sounding cold even to her own ears.

"I-What? Who told you that?" Nathan asked with a frown.

"Princess, trust me, I am not marrying Princess Admiranda or anyone's else for the record. Didn't I promise you the same thing on our wedding day?"

He remembers. Marina thought to herself while looking at Nathan.

"Sorry to interrupt you two. But, I also have a confession to make," Princess Admiranda said, coming out a carriage that stopped right in front of the couple.

"When I came to Mystic Falls and talked with Nathan, I immediately realized this idiot was in love with you, Princess Marina. I noticed how you would stare or at times even glare at us when we strolled around the palace. I put two and two together and realized you both were in love with each other."

"But, your ego and friendship wasn't letting you see it and even accept the obvious truth that anyone could see. So, I decided to play the role of the God of Love - Cupid and made both of you realize your love for each other."

"For Nathan, I simply had to distance him away from you to make him realize the importance you have in his life and indeed he slowly realized it all. But, you, Princess Marina, you didn't accept your feelings, even though you were clearly jealous of me. So, I may or may not have slipped a lie about Nathan marrying me and fed you the rubbish about the marriage happening to strengthen political ties."

"People only realize the value of something or someone when they have the fear of losing it and see my theory worked. You two finally confessed your love for each other," Princess Admiranda replied while smiling but stopped when she saw the glaring couple.

"I-I just wanted to help you two out--"

"How about next time when you decide to play Cupid, try to use a more subtle way?" Nathan replied to the tribal princess as understanding of the reasons behind Marina's behavior dawned upon him.

"I am really really really sorry, Nathan and Princess Marina. Honestly, Nathan's like a brother to me and I can't even think of marrying this annoying little idiot of my friend. Oh! How could I forget, my fiance is coming to take me back tomorrow. I need to see the preparations. Bye!!" Princess Admiranda shouted as she hurridely sat inside the carriage, fleeing away from the couple.

Within minutes, the carriage was out of sight.

"Fiance?" Marina asked Nathan.

"Yes, her fiance is coming tomorrow."

"Oh..." Marina replied, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she realized she was clearly pranked by Princess Admiranda.

"So, you were jealous of Princess Admiranda?" Nathan asked with a smirk.

"No!" Marina replied quickly while blushing as the couple started walking back to the mansion.

"But Princess Admiranda said so, now why would she lie?" Nathan asked, giving an innocent smile.

"I hate you," Marina replied, narrowing her eyes at Nathan.

"I love you too, Princess," Nathan said, entwining his fingers with Marina's hand as Marina continued to blush profusely.

Mr. Blush, congratulations on robbing off my pride and of so many other girls out there in this world. May your soul never rest in peace. Marina's inner voice said grimly.
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Hey Guys!!!
Am I the only one who let out a sigh of relief after their confession?

So, now what do you all have to say about Princess Admiranda? Considering I got so many 'I hate her' comments.😂😂

Come on people, I am not heartless. Maran are meant to be😊😊. BTW, I hope this chapter fills all the no Maran moments?

So, what was your favorite part of this chapter?

Oh and there's more to come. Chapter 51 is divided into three parts. This was the second one, the third part revolves around more confession, more drama and more Maran!

Till the next update, keep shining ;)

- Love Addy :)