1. learn his name. that’s all there is, in the beginning. it always starts with nothing but a name.
2. make sure he doesn’t know. this secret is yours to carry; it’s unbearable, but you have to bear it anyway. tell yourself, i won’t fall for him. tell fate, this won’t work.
3. fall for him anyway. make him fall for you, too.
3. break rules. it is not allowed, but your fingertips touch and suddenly your skin’s on fire. this is it. this is your something more, and you are never letting go.
4. lie. to him, to yourself. pretend that it’s going to be alright. believe that there’s another option, that magic exists for this purpose only, that if you pray hard enough, your ancient gods might save him.
5. there are no other options. he is a king, and this is the day he is going to die.
6. a kiss. that’s all there is. in the end, there’s nothing but a kiss.