~Chapter 5, Arabelle's POV~
I was very curious as to what my brother had up his sleeve, I could tell something was on his mind. I pulled him over to the side.
"What are you hiding?" I asked.
"Not a thing," he said, I could tell he was lying. He always brushed his hair back when he was lying.
"You know you can't lie to me."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'll put a truth spell on you."
"Fine, fine. It's a surprise, alright?"
"Alright then. I've got the transportation."
I teleported us all to the palace. For a split second, it felt as though we were all a cloud. Our paths dictated by the breeze. Then, we were solid and standing in the center of the library. I snapped my fingers and the lights glowed to life. The library was empty, apart from the many many books. I loved our library, the place just felt so magical.
"The library again?" Raven raised her eyebrows at me.
"What?" I shrugged. "It's my favorite place in the palace, so it tends to be the first place to pop into my head when I teleport back here."
"I think it's sweet," Liam said.
"Let's get to dinner," Alex shook his head.
We walked down the shimmering hallways, lined with elegant tapestries and paintings of times past. The chandeliers warmed the palace, the light dancing off the polished floors. The cool evening air brushed through the halls as the sun touched the mountain tops. We finally reached the dining hall as our parents came down the stairs.
"Arabelle, Alex, you're home early," Mom said, pulling me into a hug.
"How was your day?" Dad asked as Mom moved to hug Alex.
"It was lovely, Daddy," I said, hugging my father tightly.
"Ah, you're majesties," Lumiere said, entering in the room. "And I see young Liam and madam Raven have come for dinner, no?"
"Sorry we didn't give you a warning," Alex apologized.
"No problem at all," Lumiere assured him. "After all, ze more ze merrier!"
"Right, now if you wouldn't mind hurrying along," Cogsworth said, checking the time on his pocket watch. "Dinner is about to be served."
"Madam," Liam said. I took his arm and we walked into the dining hall.
Since we didn't often have many guests, we mostly used the smaller dining table. I took my usual seat beside Dad and across from Mom, beside Liam on that night. Alex sat at the opposite end, across from Dad, with Raven between him and Mom.
"Dinner is served," Lumiere said with a bow.
Mrs. Potts and the other kitchen staff members came in with the meal. They lifted the silver lids to reveal the appetizer, aligot. The smell of potatoes and cheese filled the air with their welcoming scent.
"Would you like some tea, princess?" Mrs. Potts asked me.
"Yes, please," I said. "Thank you so much Mrs. Potts."
"You're quite welcome, dearey."
We were halfway through the entree when I looked at Alex, a silent conversation passing between us.
Spill it, I sort of 'said'.
Patience, he 'said'.
The suspense is driving me crazy!
Alright, alright.
He whispered something to Raven, who smiled a Cheshire-Cat smile. She vanished for a split second, but then quickly reappeared.
"Um, Mom, Dad," Alex said formally, "Arabelle, Liam."
"Yes son?" Dad asked.
"What is it, dear?" Mom asked.
"Raven and I have some news," he said unsteadily.
He didn't have to say a word, I knew what it was.
"We're getting married," Alex breathed.
There was a split second of pure silence, in which my parents were in shock. I looked to Raven's hand where I saw the ring. It was elegant with a crystal band, the diamond and amethyst were cut and placed together to look like a cat's eye.
"That's wonderful you two!" I broke the silence.
"Thanks Arabelle," Raven purred. "I'm super excited!"
"Oh, Alex," Mom started.
"This is the best news we've had in a while," Dad finished.
"Congrats, Alex," Liam said, shaking his hand.
"I think this calls for a celebration!" Lumiere said, rushing to the kitchen to tell them to make who knows what.
While he did that, Mom, Dad, and I gave Alex congratulatory hugs. While Dad, Liam, and Alex started talking, Mom and I gave Raven a hug and we started discussing the wedding.
tbc