Page 49 of Lost Prince

"That's what family's for, right? Just remember, we're all on your side. Even when it doesn't feel like it."

I watch her retreat up the hall feeling pretty good. I’ve gotten Diana back into my bed and made amends with Piper. I still need to put things right with Elio and Lana. Elysse too, although I don’t know how to do that. She’s just a kid and likely wants to give me a wide berth.

I step into the kitchen, stopping short when I find Lana and Henry lounging comfortably at the counter holding glasses of wine. They're laughing about something, heads bent close together, and for a moment I feel like I'm intruding on a private moment. Maybe I should come back later.

As soon as Lana spots me, though, the atmosphere shifts. Her laughter dies abruptly, and her posture stiffens. The easy smile on her face vanishes, replaced by a guarded expression that makes me feel like shit. It's like watching a wall slam down between us.

Henry picks up on the change immediately. He straightens up, wrapping his arm around Lana as if to protect her.

“I just came to get some dinner for me and Diana,” I say awkwardly.

Lana’s eyes narrow and I know it’s about Diana. What is her problem?

“I should probably get going.” He gives her a kiss. “Behave.”

She purses her lips at him, and he kisses her again. It’s interesting to watch the way he deals with her. It’s like he knows how prickly she is and isn’t afraid to meet it head on. But she doesn’t seem to get pissed about it. I suppose that’s love.

As he moves to leave, Henry pauses beside me. He gives my shoulder a light pat, the gesture conveying a silent understanding of the complicated situation. "Take it easy, Lazaro.”

I nod, grateful for the small show of support. As Henry exits, the kitchen falls into an uncomfortable silence. Lana takes her wine and sits at the table, pointedly avoiding my gaze.

I could get the food and leave without saying a word. After all, Diana is upstairs waiting for me. But after the heart-to-heart with Piper, I know I need to make an effort with Lana.

I take a deep breath and sit down across from her, noting how she tenses at my proximity. I don’t think she’s afraid of me. I think she’s gearing up for the conversation that will most likely end with an argument.

"I'm sorry. For losing my temper earlier. For scaring Piper and Elysse. For… everything, really."

Lana's eyes flick up to meet mine, surprise evident in her expression. She clearly wasn't expecting an apology.

"I know I've been difficult since I came back. To be honest, I’ve only thought about how hard it’s been for me. I haven’t considered how hard this has been for you. To have me here, but not really, not the way you remember me."

Lana's guard begins to drop, her shoulders sagging slightly. The ice in her eyes melts, replaced by vulnerability.

"I'm trying, Lana. I swear I am. But it's not easy. Nothing feels right. I don't feel like the brother you knew, and I don't know how to be him again."

Lana's breath catches and her eyes glisten with tears. It shows me just how much pain she's been carrying.

"I never meant to hurt you. I know I've been pushing you away, and that's not fair. You've done nothing but try to help me, and I've been too caught up in my own head to see it,” I finish.

Lana reaches out hesitantly, her hand hovering over mine for a moment before she gently grasps it. The gesture is small, yet meaningful. "I'm sorry too. I've been pushing too hard, expecting too much. I guess I want everything to be how it was before. It’s no secret that I’m not very patient.”

I give her a wan smile. “I wish I could give you what you want. I hate disappointing you. I know I'm not the brother you lost, and every time I fail to live up to your memory, it feels like I'm letting you down."

Lana's eyes widen in shock and pain. “Oh, Lazaro. I had no idea. I… I feel like I'm the one failing you. I should have been there for you, should have seen how much you were struggling. Instead, I've been so focused on getting my old brother back that I couldn't see the pain you're in now."

She sniffs, trying to hold her tears back. The sight of her pain, mirroring my own, is too much to bear.

Without thinking, I pull her into a tight hug. "You're not failing me, Lana. You found me. You fought for me when everyone else gave up. I just hope you can accept who I am now. Even if I'm not the brother you remember."

Lana pulls back from our embrace, her eyes still glistening with tears. She cups my face in her hands, her gaze intense and full of emotion.

"Lazaro, listen to me.” Her stern, bossy tone makes me laugh. “I love you. Unconditionally. No matter what. You're mybrother, my twin, my other half. That connection we have? It's still there. It always will be."

I nod. “I do feel the connection to you. When you entered the garage, I had no clue who you were, but deep inside me, I knew you.” I shake my head because that sounds crazy. “If that makes any sense.”

“It does. You and I are a part of each other. I know things are different now, but that doesn't change how much you mean to me. We'll figure this out together, okay? Whatever you need, I'm here."

Taking a deep breath, I know I need to address one more thing. "One more thing. Diana is here, and she has her job back. I want her with me. I need her support right now."