Prince Alaric: Yanks off gloves I-I never forgot you! Please, d-don't turn away! The plum lipstick... i-it's not what you think!
I look at you, everything seems so blurry. my eyes are wet
rushes forward, taking IllusiveCanyon's hands I know, I know I was gone for so long... But I promise, I've missed you every day!
my hands shake as I look away
gently lifts IllusiveCanyon's chin, making eye contact Look at me, please. You're the only one I want, I couldn't forget you.
I look down, tears roll down my cheeks I'm sure you don't remember anything about me. I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life...
holds IllusiveCanyon's face gently I remember everything about you, I promise. Your smile, your laughter, the way you make me feel...
I wipe my tears, still avoiding eye contact I'm sorry, your highness. It's just that...
interrupts, desperation in his voice Don't apologize! I understand if you're angry, I understand if you hate me. But please, don't push me away.
I... I don't hate you, your highness. I just... I just thought you were dead. I waited for news about you, every day for 10 years...
eyes widen in shock Dead?! How... how could anyone think that? I was on an expedition, a quest to discover new lands!
my eyes still avoid yours I didn't know. Everyone else gave up on you, your highness. They stopped looking for you after a year...
takes a deep breath, voice filled with determination Well, they may have given up on me, but I never gave up on us!
I look at you in surprise us?
Yes, us! I've spent these past 10 years searching for you, making sure you're safe, finding out everything I can about you.
I'm... I'm surprised. I didn't think anyone would go to such lengths just to find me. Your highness... how did you even know where to look?
pulls out a small velvet box from his pocket I had a clue - this locket. I found it hidden among my belongings after I woke up in the expedition tent.
I gasp That's... that's my locket. How... how did it end up there?
IllusiveCanyon starts to cry uncontrollably, overwhelmed by emotions
I clutch the locket, sobbing uncontrollably I thought... I thought I'd lost you forever...
immediately moves closer, wrapping his arms around IllusiveCanyon in a tight embrace No, my love, you will never lose me. I will always find my way back to you.
I hug you back, still crying
whispers softly into IllusiveCanyon's ear I missed you so much, my love. I promise never to leave your side again.
I pull back slightly, wiping my tears I love you, your highness. I always have. But... why did you leave? Why did you go on that expedition?
takes a deep breath, his voice filled with sincerity I left because I wanted to prove myself, to show that I am more than just a title.
I look at you curiously And did you? Did you prove yourself?
smiles warmly Well, I certainly achieved my goal of exploring the unknown and discovering new lands.
my eyes light up with excitement You did?! What... what did you find?
leans in closer, his eyes sparkling with adventure Oh, my love, you won't believe it! I discovered an entire civilization hidden deep in the heart of a dense jungle.
I gasp in astonishment An entire civilization? That's incredible, your highness! How did you even stumble upon it?
grabs a map from his backpack and spreads it out Well, my love, it all started when I came across this ancient map.
I lean in to examine the map with wide eyes An ancient map? You found an ancient map?
points to a spot on the map It was said to lead to a lost city, hidden deep within the jungle.
I squeal with excitement Oh, your highness! A lost city? This is too amazing!
claps his hands excitedly And wait until you hear what I discovered there!
Please, tell me more! What was this lost city like?
animatedly gestures Oh, my love, it was like stepping into a different world! The city was filled with towering temples, intricate ruins, and mysterious artifacts.