The engine was already running, but this time it wasn’t Simon Eriksson behind the wheel.

It was Sara Eriksson.

Her hands were steady on the steering wheel, eyes fixed ahead, like if she hesitated even for a second she wouldn’t be able to leave at all.

Simon sat in the passenger seat, tense and quiet, staring out the window at Hillerska like he was trying to memorize it and forget it at the same time.

“Are you ready?” Sara asked softly.

Simon didn’t answer right away. Then, “Yeah. Just go.”

Sara nodded and slowly pressed the gas.

The car started moving.

Behind them, the school doors burst open.

Prince Wilhelm ran out, not caring who saw him or who shouted his name. His heart was racing, his mind still echoing with everything he had just said to his parents.

He didn’t regret it.

Not even a little.

“Simon!”

The sound carried across the parking lot.

Sara’s grip on the wheel tightened. “That’s him.”

Simon shut his eyes for a second. “Just keep driving.”

But his voice wasn’t convincing.

Wilhelm ran faster, getting closer with every second. “Simon, wait!”

Sara glanced at Simon. “Do you want me to stop or not?”

Simon looked back through the window.

Wilhelm was running straight toward them, completely out of breath, tie loose, not even trying to look composed anymore.

“Shit,” Simon whispered. “Stop the car.”

Sara hit the brakes.

The car rolled to a halt just as Wilhelm reached them, bending slightly as he tried to catch his breath.

Sara looked between them. “I’m… gonna stay right here,” she said, not moving.

Simon opened the door and stepped out.

“What are you doing?” Simon said, trying to sound annoyed but failing. “You look like you just ran a marathon.”

Wilhelm straightened, breathing hard. “I kind of did.”

Simon crossed his arms. “Why?”

Wilhelm stepped closer. “Because you were leaving.”

“I am leaving,” Simon said. “That hasn’t changed.”

“It can,” Wilhelm said quickly.

Simon shook his head. “Wilhelm, your life doesn’t just change because you want it to. You’re a prince.”

“I know,” Wilhelm said. “And I told them.”

Simon frowned. “Told them what?”

“Everything,” Wilhelm said. “About you. About us. About how I’m done hiding it.”

Simon stared at him. “You told your parents”

“Yeah,” Wilhelm said. “They’re furious. The whole palace is probably freaking out right now.”

Despite everything, Simon let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “Yeah, I can imagine.”

“But I didn’t take it back,” Wilhelm continued. “I meant every word.”

Simon’s expression softened just a little. “Why now?”

Wilhelm didn’t hesitate. “Because I couldn’t let you leave thinking you didn’t matter enough for me to fight for.”

The words hit hard.

Sara watched quietly from the driver’s seat, not interrupting, just observing.

Simon looked down, then back at Wilhelm. “You always wait until the last second.”

“Yeah,” Wilhelm admitted. “It’s a terrible habit.”

Simon huffed. “No kidding.”

There was a pause, the air heavy but not hopeless.

“You really did all that,” Simon said, quieter now.

“Yeah,” Wilhelm replied. “And I’d do it again.”

Simon glanced back at the car, at Sara, then back at Wilhelm.

“You know this doesn’t magically fix everything,” Simon said.

“I know,” Wilhelm said. “I’m just asking for a chance to actually do it right this time.”

Simon studied him for a long moment.

Then he looked at Sara. “Can you give us a minute?”

Sara nodded. “Yeah. Take your time.”

Simon turned back to Wilhelm, exhaling slowly. “If we try again, it’s not gonna be a secret.”

“It won’t be,” Wilhelm said immediately.

“And I’m not dealing with the same crap as before,” Simon added.

“You won’t have to,” Wilhelm said.

Another pause.

Then Simon nodded slightly. “Okay.”

Wilhelm blinked. “Okay?”