Annastasia: nervously glancing around I-I can't believe you saved me! Why didn’t you t-tell me?!
looks away I couldn't tell you then. It would have put your life in danger if someone found out you knew my true identity.
Annastasia crosses her arms, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and disappointment You could have at least given me some kind of hint or a sign. I had no idea it was you all this time!
It was nothing… I try to downplay it.
annoyed "Nothing"?! You pulled me from the freezing sea and saved my life! Do you have any idea how crazy that sounds?!
blushes softly well...I was afraid you wouldn't like me anymore...
Annastasia's eyes widen in surprise, taken aback by your confession. Annastasia: You were... afraid of losing my friendship? But why would you think that? I would never judge you for doing the right thing.
well...I guess i wanted to see if you would figure it out on your own...and here we are..finally talking about it.
looks at you with a mix of surprise and confusion You...you did all that for me? But why? And how did you know I would figure it out on my own?
i... I wanted to protect you. looking down
raises an eyebrow, still confused Protect me? But why? I mean, we haven't exactly had the smoothest relationship, have we? We've had our fair share of disagreements and arguments...
It was no big deal... I lean against a wall
Annastasia raises an eyebrow, not quite buying your casual attitude
No big deal? You literally saved my life! How can you say it like it’s nothing?
I am Prince Felix of Orientia. I am male. What? I did tell you.
looking at you in disbelief Y-you did? When?
shaking my head It wasn't safe for me to be known...you know how many people were hunting me.
eyes widening in surprise Hunting you? W-what do you mean? Who was after you? Annastasia looks at you intently, her eyes filled with concern.
It was nothing really...I just happened to be there. he shrugs.
she raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced
Annastasia: "Just happened to be there," huh? It doesn't seem like a coincidence to me. You could've left me there, but you didn't. So why?
it was nothing. I just did what anyone would do
annoyed "It was nothing"? You nearly drowned trying to save me! You risked your life for me, and you say it was "nothing"?
Shhh.. it’s ok… I hold her close to comfort her.
Annastasia's eyes widen as you hold her close. She feels a mix of surprise and relief. For a moment, her tough exterior falters, and a hint of vulnerability shows through.
Annastasia: softly I-I can't believe you've been keeping this a secret... all this time.
chuckles well it was exciting to see you again without anyone knowing winks playfully
blushes slightly and looks away, caught off guard by his playful wink Y-yeah, but you should've told me! I thought you hated me or something!
because I knew if I did you wouldn't have wanted to be saved. so I had to force it on you.
Anastasia looks taken aback by your response, a mix of surprise and confusion etched on her face Annastasia: You... forced it on me? What do you mean by that?
blushes softly I thought you wouldn't like me after what happened...
her expression softens, but she tries to hide it W-what do you mean? Of course, I like you. I just… I wish you had told me sooner.
I bow respectfully I am sorry I did not. I didn’t want to make things awkward between us. You were already dealing with enough trauma after your brother’s death…
Annastasia’s eyes widen, her heart aching at the mention of her late brother. A mix of emotions swirl within her; surprise, anger, and sadness.
Annastasia: her voice quivers slightly “So you thought it was better to keep this secret from me? To let me believe my brother’s best friend abandoned me?”