Rosabella's Advice
Darling found herself wandering the castle halls, her emotions tangled in knots. She hadn’t meant to lash out at Apple. But hearing her talk about destiny as if it was some unshakable law had hit a nerve she hadn’t expected.
She wasn’t surprised when Rosabella found her.
“You look like you just lost a duel,” Rosabella said, falling into step beside her.
Darling sighed. “I think I lost something worse than that.”
Rosabella leaned against a column. “Apple?”
Darling flinched. “How do you always know everything?”
Rosabella smirked. “It’s a gift.” She studied Darling for a moment. “So. What happened?”
Darling hesitated. “She doesn’t… get it.”
“Get what?”
Darling clenched her fists. “That not everyone’s love story fits the same mold. That some people aren’t meant to follow the script.”
Rosabella nodded thoughtfully. “And you wish she did?”
Darling swallowed. “More than anything.”
Rosabella was quiet for a moment. Then she said, “You know, when Daring and I started getting close, I convinced myself it was nothing.”
Darling blinked. “Wait. You have feelings for Daring?”
Rosabella rolled her eyes. “Don’t look so shocked. And keep your voice down.”
Darling grinned. “I knew it.”
Rosabella ignored her. “My point is… I told myself over and over that it didn’t make sense. That it wouldn’t work. That I shouldn’t feel this way.” She looked at Darling. “But love doesn’t care about should, Darling. It just is.”
Darling exhaled. “And what if… it’s not possible?”
Rosabella gave her a knowing look. “Is that what you believe? Or is that what you’re afraid to believe?”
Darling had no answer to that.
Rosabella placed a hand on her shoulder. “Apple cares about you, Darling. But if you don’t let yourself be honest with her… she’ll never see what you want her to.”
Darling nodded slowly, taking in her words.
Maybe it was time to stop running.