Forbidden Love

by UnknownEntity0

(Flash): "Astral." A soft and gentle voice called out. "Who's there?" I said glancing around the darkness. "Did you forget me?" She asks as her voice quivered as if she was about to cry. "Who are you?" I repeated once more to the darkness in an annoyed tone of voice. She took a shaky breath. "I'm..." (Flash) I snapped my eyes open and clutched my forehead. Who is she?

38. 38

The next morning:

Lilith's POV:

I sat in front of the mirror, chatting with Star.

"So, let me get this straight," She said with a sigh. "Astral and Lily are a couple, Astral is now our older brother, The King and Queen are now our parents, Crystal is now our sister, and Astral will help us eradicate Don Thousand. Is that what you are telling me?" She summarized what I have been telling her for the last ten minutes. Yes, that's exactly it!

"Yes, that's it!" I responded happily.

"Wow, this is a lot to take in." She says as she exhales deeply.

"So, does this mean that you're back to normal?" She asks hopefully. Normal? I rolled my eyes.

"You wish," I said sarcastically, looking at her.

"So, how do you feel about having a new older brother?" She asks looking at me expectantly. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling.

"I like it," I said, smiling. "It's a warm and fuzzy feeling."

"That feeling is called love." She exclaimed while smiling at me. Love…

"Anyway, back on topic," She said. "Can you let me out now?"

"Sorry, no can do," I replied.

"Why?" She whined. "Are you planning to keep me in here forever?"

No. "I told you this already, I will-"

"I know but you can't keep me trapped in her forever."

True… "Can you let me out? Only for a little bit?" She begged desperately.

I shook my head. "No, I can't." I sigh. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's because I have to be in control for a while longer."

"But why?"

"I have to find out if-" I started to explain when I hear someone yell from the hall. Just what is going on out there?

I turned my head, getting distracted by the noises.

"Is that Zach, whose yelling?" She asks in question as I shrugged.

Why is he yelling early in the morning?

I turned back to her. "Star, I'm going to check out the situation," I said as she nods. "Talk to you later."

I sigh as I walked out the door, turned the corner, and widen my eyes at the scene.

Zach was being held back by the King, Queen, the General, and his wife. What the?

I blinked. "What is going on?"

"I don't know," Maria said looking at the scene with confusion.

"Zach wants to go into Astral's room." Crystal said.

Why? "Why?" Estella asks.

Derek shrugged. "I don't know."

"Mother, father," Zach said. "You have to let me go in there!" He said as he tried to get out from their grips.

"Why is he calling them mother and father?" Brandon asks in confusion.

We shrugged once more. Is he sick or something? He doesn't normally act this way.

"I'm telling you, I got to get in there before he wakes up!"

They grunted as they held him back. "Why?"

"Why do you want to go into his room?" The general asks.

"Because I'm Astral!" He exclaimed as all eyes widen in shock.

What? Does he have a fever or something?

"Mother, father, do you not recognize me?" He said as he looked at them.

They all blinked in shock. "Are you sick?" The Queen said gently.

"No! I'm not sick." He exclaimed as he walked towards the door only to be held back by the parents once more.

"If you're not sick, then why are you doing this?" Lily's mother asks.

"I'm telling the truth! I'm Astral!" He said tugging his arm.

"I have to get in there before he wakes up!" He said quickly as tried to get his arm free.

"Let go of me!"

"Zach, you better not do anything to her." He yelled in anger and frustration.

"Why won't you believe me?"

"Because you are obviously not my son." The King exclaimed.

"I'm telling the truth." He said while calming down a bit. "We somehow switched bodies or something."

They laughed. "Have you been reading too many fiction books again?" The Queen said chuckling a bit.

"I know it sounds unbelievable but you have to trust me!"

"Now, let go of me!"

"Ever heard of privacy?"

"This is my room and in there is my lover. I have to go in!"

"I think that you have a fever."

"Lily!"

(Thump)

What?

"What the?" I heard Astral exclaimed in shock.

"Is there something wrong, my love?" Lily asks in concern.

"How?"

"How what?"

"Why are you here? Why am I in this room?" He asks in confusion. If he's not in his room then where else would he be?

She laughed. "Why wouldn't I be here?"

"Don't come any closer."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Just stay right there, Lily."

"Why?"

"Because I'm Zach, not Astral." He said as we all heard another thump like a person getting pushed to a wall. Are they both sick or something?

"Zachary, I swear if you touch her, you will regret it!" He said as he yanked his arm loose and broke down the door.

Lily's POV:

I sigh as I got up and put our clothes in the hamper. I went over towards his closet to get one of his oversized dress shirts.

I looked back at him, sleeping, fully clothed peacefully in bed. He could sleep for a few more minutes. If he's already dressed, then he must have woken up to shower first then went back to bed. I walked towards him and gently pecked him on the lips as I shut the restroom door.

After the shower:

I unlocked the restroom door and glanced at him. Wow, he must be really tired after what happened last night. My heart rate accelerated as I remembered last night.

"Astral, wake up, darling." I sat on the bed and gently shook him awake.

"Stop shaking me." He muttered as he rolled over.

I sigh. "Come on, my love, I know that you're tired but you have to wake up."

"What are you talking about?" He muttered tiredly. "Since when do I have a lover?"

I glared at him. Oh? What did he just say?

"I'm serious, wake up."

"Stop being so loud and let me sleep, whoever you are!" He exclaimed as my eyes widen. Did he just say whoever you are?

This isn't working. I thought as I leaned closer and stared at him. "Wake up!" I shouted making him flail his arms and sat up in shock.

He rubbed his eyes, groaning with discontent. "Why is it so loud in the morning?"

"Sorry, honey but this is the only way to get you to wake up," I said laughing.

He rubbed his sleepy eyes even more. "Who are you and what are you doing in my room?"

My eyes widen in shock. What the? "Astral, are you sick or something?" I said as I felt his forehead.

He groaned. "Why are you calling me by Astral?"

"Why wouldn't I be calling you by your name?" I ask as I looked at him in concern.

He blinks as a shocked expression crossed his face. Why does he look so shocked?

"Lily?" A confused look flashed on his face. "What are you doing in my room?"

I blinked. Why is he asking that? "Where else would I be?"

He furrowed his brow in confusion as he looked around the room. What is up with him today?

"Why am I here? This isn't my room." He asks as he slowly got off the bed.

"Astral, this is your room," I stated as I put a hand to his forehead.

"Why are you calling me by Astral?" He asks as he removed my hand. Is he ill?

"Why wouldn't I be calling you by your own name?" I responded. "Are you ill?"

He slowly shook his head. "Lily, are you okay?" Why is he asking me that?

"Yes, I'm fine."

"If you are fine, then why are you calling me by Astral?"

"Huh?" I tilted my head, confused by his words. "Are you sure that you are not sick, my love?"

He sighs as he slowly backed away from me. "Look at me, do I look like him?"

I nodded. "Yes," I responded, confused.

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure that you are okay?" I ask once more. Why is he acting so strange today?

"I'm not Astral."

I blinked. What? "Then who are you?"

"Do you not recognize me? I'm Zach."

I let out a laugh. Him? Zach? "Stop messing around, darling. You two look nothing alike."

"I'm serious," He said. "I'm Zach!"

"Sure you are and I'm Starlight," I said sarcastically as I let out another laugh.

He let out a sigh in frustration. "Why won't you believe me?"

"Because you are clearly Astral."

He shook his head. "No, I'm not. I'm Zach." How long is he going to keep this up?

"Okay, if you are Zach, then care to explain this?" I grabbed his left hand and pointed to his ring as his eyes widen.

"W-Why is this on my hand?" He stuttered in shock as he looked at me. What? Does he not remember yesterday?

"Do you not remember yesterday's events?" I ask as the color drained from his face.

He quickly ran, almost falling on the way to the restroom, and looked at the mirror in disbelief.

"Are you feeling alright?"

"H-How?" He asks while touching his face and walking out of the restroom. What is wrong with him?

"How what?"

"Why am I… How on earth is this possible?" He stutters out.

"How what is possible?" I ask him in confusion as I walked towards him.

He backed away slowly, looking at his hands in disbelief, opening and closing his mouth like a fish. Seriously, what is up with him today?

"My love, are you okay?"

He shook his head rapidly. "I am not your love, Lily." He said still backing away from me. Okay, I had just enough of this joke.

I clench my fist in anger as I tackled him to the wall. "Okay, Astral, enough is enough," I exclaimed as he looks away from me. Why did he say that?

"S-Stop it." He stuttered as he tried to get out of my grip.

"Stop joking around," I said, tightening my grip on his wrists.

"Ow! That hurts. Let go of me!" He said while thrashing around.

I blinked at his reaction. Why is he reacting like this?

"Are you okay?" I ask as I leaned forward in a concerned voice.

"No! I'm far from okay. Just let go of me!" He replied, still trying to get out of my grip.

I tilted my head in confusion as I brought my face closer to his lips. "Why?"

He quickly turned his head away from me. "I'm not Astral." He said as I laughed.

"Astral, I think that I can recognize my darling." I chuckled a bit as I leaned in closer.

"I'm telling the truth! I'm Zach!" He exclaimed.

"I said to stop joking around, honey."

"I'm not joking! I'm Zach!" He exclaimed as he tried to get out of my grip.

"Oh?" I smirked. "So you wouldn't feel anything if I did this?"

I brought my lips closer to his as he thrashed around. "Stop it!"

"You got to believe me, I'm Zach!"

All of a sudden, the door slammed open and revealing an angry-looking Zach as he pushed me off of Astral and glared at him. What is he doing?

"Zachary, what were you doing just now?" He said as he tightened his grip on his shirt.

"I wasn't doing anything." He said as he gulped nervously. "I told her to stop but she didn't listen."

He glared at him and narrowed his eyes. "You didn't touch her in any way, did you?" He said in a low voice that made me shiver. Since when is he so scary?

"I swear that I did not touch her in any way, Astral."

I blinked. What? Why are they calling each other by different names?

"Zach, what are you doing? You better let him go right now!" I exclaimed as I walked towards him.

"Hey, did you not hear me?" I said clenching my fist. "I said to let him go, Zach."

He turned towards me. "Do you not recognize me, my love?"

Why is he calling me that? "Why are you calling me that? I'm not your lover." I responded as he tackled me on the bed. What the…

"Do you honestly not recognize me, darling?" He asks as he pinned me to the bed.

"What are you doing? Let go of me this instant!" I said while struggling to get out from under him. "Astral, help me!"

I glanced at him. "I told you that I'm Zach." He said. Why that little…

"Stop joking, my love, and get him off of me," I said as he looked away.

What is with him today? "Come on, let go of me!"

"Why should I?"

"Why are you doing this?" I said as he gripped my wrist tightly.

"Do you not recognize me?" He asks softly as I tilted my head in confusion. That tone of voice…

"You are Zach."

"I am not!"

"Then who are you?"

"I'm Astral."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "Do you expect me to believe that? My lover is right over there."

"Do you know how much it pains me to hear you call another man your lover?" He said quietly.

"What? I never call anyone by that name except for Astral."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh really? Then why did you call Zach, darling and my love?"

When did I do that? "I never called you that," I exclaimed while still trying to get out of his grip.

"I am Astral." He said calmly.

"I have eyes. Do you think I'm going to believe that?"

"Lillian, I am your lover."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Lillian? Since when does he use my full name? And why isn't Astral doing anything? Come to think of it, he was acting weird earlier…

"Ok, if you are who you say you are, you have to convince me."

He smiled and leaned down. What is he doing?

"Hey! Stop it!"

"Don't lean any closer!" I yelled as I turned my head away. Is he crazy?!

He suddenly stops and whispered something in my ear. "Lily, you have a pink heart-shaped birthmark on the left side of your chest."

My eyes widen as I looked at him. W-What? How does he know that? Did he… I yanked my hand from his grip and slapped him hard on the cheek, making him stumble back in shock.

I hugged myself protectively. "How dare you!"

I glared at him angrily as I summoned up a sword and pointed it at him. "How dare you!"

He smiled as he walked towards me. "You know how I know that?"

"You looked without my consent!" I yelled as I glared at him. "You will-"

"Do you honestly think I would do such a thing?"

"Then how did you know that I have a heart-shaped birthmark?" I said angrily. "The only people who know about that and its exact position is my mother, father, and…" I trailed off as I looked at him then at Astral then back towards him again.

There is no way that… it's not possible. "You will die!" I lunged at him as he quickly dodged my incoming sword and tackled me towards a wall, making me drop my sword. Darn it.

He tackled me onto the bed and used the blankets as a shield for his face as I kicked him. I spun around from the canopy and punched him but he reacted instantly, blocking my punch with his hand. I kicked him as he got off the bed. Oh, you are not getting away that easily.

I tackled him back onto the bed as he grabbed me from behind, making my dress and bra rip and got scattered across the room. Uh-oh. I need to do something quick!

Luckily, I was trained to adapt to any situation as I quickly wrapped myself in the light blue window curtains. That was close. I turned back around as I glared at him and jumped on the bed. He will pay for what he did.

I got out of his grip and we wrestled on the bed, limbs tangled as he wrapped me into a blanket. I got to get out of this blanket. I spun around in the blanket and managed to get it off me as I kicked his legs open, making him lose his balance and fall.

Uh-no! I have move! His lips collided with mine and both of our eyes widen and the canopy curtains fell directly on top of us. This kiss feels like… Astral?

I rolled around as we wrestled even more. I kicked the vase and table making it fall over with a crash as we broke the kiss, got off of each other, and sat up as we took the canopy curtains off.

I slapped him once more as he held my wrist tightly. I narrowed my eyes and was about to punch him as he used his feet to stop my incoming punch, making me lay tangled up in an awkward position with his feet near my chest and his hands gripping onto mine.

"Calm down, Lily." He said.

I glared at him as I send another punch towards him, making him react fast and pinned me onto the bed with our faces very close to each other.

"What? One kiss wasn't enough for you, darling?" He said as he smirked.

"You!" I glared at him as he pinned me to the bed. "How dare you peek while I was changing!" I yelled at him as I kicked him but he blocked it with his legs.

"I did no such thing." He replied calmly.

"Then how on earth did you know the position of my birthmark?"

"Think about it, who are the only people that know your birthmark position?"

My mother, father, and Astral but… I looked up at him as my eyes widen. Come to think of it, he was acting weird this morning and…

"Who are you?" I ask as I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. He can't be him… It's not possible, right?

"Who do you think I am?"

"I definitely know that you're not Zach. He doesn't know how to fight let alone wrestle." I said. "Yet you somehow predicted my moves and adapted to them well. Plus, you know where my birthmark is. There is only one person besides my parents who know its location and shape." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Looks like you finally figured it out."

I nodded as I look up at him in shock. "How did this happen?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out as well." He said as he got off of me and sat on the bed.

How on earth did this happen? I gasp as my eyes widen as cupped his cheek. I can't believe that I slapped him. "I didn't mean slap you," I said quickly as I looked at him. "It must've hurt a lot."

He smiled. "It's fine. You didn't know it was me."

"Zach didn't do anything to you, did he?" He asks softly as I blushed. Um… I did try to kiss him this morning…

He narrowed his gaze at me and looked at Zach, who is currently in Astral's body, then looked back at me in suspicion. "Tell me the truth," He said. "What did you two do?"

I swallowed nervously. "Well… um… I might have unknowingly kissed him on the lips this morning and tackled him to a wall…" I trailed off, as he clenched his fist and snapped his gaze towards him. Oh dear, he's angry.

"Zachary," He said in a calm yet cold tone that made him shiver. "I thought that you said you didn't touch her."

He gulped nervously as I could see beads of sweat dripping down his face. "I-I didn't know about that kiss. I swear that I did not touch her in any way." He stuttered out as the rest of them took a step back from him, sensing the murderous vibe. If I don't do something then… I glanced at Astral, who was glaring at him with a calm yet furious gaze. Yea, ok, I need to do something.

"It's true," I said, in hopes of easing his anger. "He didn't know anything about that kiss."

His gaze softened as he looked at me. "Really?"

I nodded. "Really and you came in before our lips connected."

He smiles at me and leans in closer. My heart rate accelerated as I closed my eyes.

"Ahem!" My father cleared his throat loudly as we backed away.

"May I remind you that you're in my body right now, Astral?" He said with a blush.

He sighed. "You're right," He said as he lets go of my hand. Huh?

"So?" I tilted my head in confusion as he whispered in my ear. "Although that I'm Astral, I'm still in his body and I refuse to share you with anyone." He said as a seep of red crawled onto my face. He… I looked at him smiling as I nod. I would prefer him back in his original body as well.

He looked down at what I'm wearing and quickly dragged me to the restroom and fetched new clothes for me, consisting of an oversized blue dress shirt and a brown belt, handed it to me, and closed the door.

I undid the curtain as I changed into his shirt and wrapped the belt around my waist, looking into the mirror. I can't believe that I almost kissed Zach. I thought as I shook my head and unlocked the door, finding them all seated on the couch as I took my seat next to my lover. How on earth did this happen?

Enna's POV:

Zach flung the door open to reveal my son being pinned to a wall by Lily. Their lips were inches apart from each other as his head arched back into the wall. He had a pained expression on his face. Why is he acting like he doesn't want to kiss her?

"Zachary, what were you doing just now?" Zach said, glaring, tightening his grip on my son's shirt.

I looked at the others, confused at what I just saw. Why is he calling my son Zachary?

"I wasn't doing anything." He said as he gulped nervously. "I told her to stop but she didn't listen." Since when is he nervous when speaking to Zach?

He glared at him, narrowing his eyes. "You didn't touch her in any way, did you?" He said in a low voice. Since when does he speak like that?

"I swear that I did not touch her in any way, Astral."

"Zach, what are you doing? You better let him go right now!" She exclaimed as she walked towards me.

"Hey, did you not hear me?" She said clenching her fist. "I said to let him go, Zach."

He turned towards her. "Do you not recognize me, my love?"

"Why are you calling me that? I'm not your lover." She responded. He tackled her down on the bed.

"What is he-" Luca said as he was about to storm over there.

"Stop." My husband said, holding his arm.

"Honey," Carissa said. "Don't you think that they are both acting strange?"

"I agree," I said. "Just let this play out."

"Do you honestly not recognize me, darling?" He asks as he pinned her to the bed.

"What are you doing? Let go of me this instant!" She said while struggling to get out from under me. "Astral, help me!"

She glanced at him. "I told you that I'm Zach." He said as we all looked at him in shock. Is he ill?

"Stop joking, my love, and get him off of me." She said as he looked away. There is definitely something wrong with him.

"Astral," I said as I looked at him in concern. "Are you alright?"

He nods. "Your majesty, I'm alright."

"Your majesty?" Star asks while looking at him. "Since when do you call our parents by their title?"

"They are not my parents." He said as we widen our eyes. How can he say that?

"How could you say that?" Crystal asks him in shock.

"It's the truth."

"Since when did you become so disrespectful?" Maria asks, looking at him appalled by his words.

"It's the truth, they are not my parents."

Serenity tilted her head in confusion. "Father, what are you talking about?"

He smiles. "I'm not your father, Serenity."

Ok, there is definitely something wrong with him today.

"Astral, are you feeling alright?" Estella asks while feeling his forehead.

"Stop calling me by Astral!"

If we don't call him by his name then what else would we call him?

"Why?" Brandon asks in confusion.

"I'm Zach."

We all chuckled. "You are Zach?" Derek asks. "Come on, stop joking."

He glares at us. "I'm not joking around. Why would I even joke about this?" He said with his voice rising a bit. True, he's not the type to joke around about these things…

"If you say that you are Zach," My husband started. "Can you prove it?"

He stays quiet while pursing his lips. "Your majesty, I don't know how I can prove it but you have to believe me, I am Zach." He exclaimed. I narrowed my eyes at him. Hmmm…

"I believe you," I said as he looks at me in surprise.

"You do?" They all exclaimed in shock.

I nodded. "If he is my son, then he would have helped her," I said as they slowly nodded.

"True," Maria said.

"So," Star said, looking at him. "You're not Astral?"

"I'm not."

"You are Zach," Brandon said, still in shock.

"Yes."

"So, that must mean…" Derek trailed off as he looked at Zach.

"You're right. Astral is in my body."

We all nodded as we looked at them. Is this possible?

"Come on, let go of me!"

"Why should I?"

"Why are you doing this?" She asks as he gripped her wrist tightly.

"Do you not recognize me?" He asks her softly as she tilted her head in confusion.

"You are Zach."

"I am not!"

"Then who are you?"

"I'm Astral." Is he really my son?

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Do you expect me to believe that? My lover is right over there."

"Do you know how much it pains me to hear you call another man your lover?" He said quietly.

"What? I never call anyone by that name except for Astral."

He rolled his eyes. "Oh really? Then why did you call Zach, darling and my love?"

"I never called you that." She exclaimed while still trying to get out of his grip.

"I am Astral." My son said calmly.

"I have eyes. Do you think I'm going to believe that?"

"Lillian, I am your lover." Zach never used her full name before. This must be my son.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Ok, if you are who you say you are, you have to convince me." How is he going to prove it?

He smiled as he leaned down towards her. "Hey! Stop it!" Is he going to…

"I got to stop him from kissing her!" Zach exclaimed as we held his arm.

"Woah, calm down Zach," Luca said.

"Why are you getting so worked up?" Carissa asks him.

"Because he is in my body right now!" He said as he tried to get out of our grips. Oh, so if he kisses her while in Zach's body then…

I stared back at them.

"Don't lean any closer!" She yelled as she turned her head away.

He stopped and whispered something in her ear. What did he just whisper to her?

Her eyes widen as she looked at him. She suddenly yanks her hand from his grip and slapped him hard on the cheek, making my son stumble back in shock. What?

She put one arm around her chest protectively. "How dare you!" She glared at him with hatred and anger in her eyes as he clenches his fist. Why is she glaring at him like he wants him dead?

She summoned up a sword and pointed it at him. "How dare you!" How dare he what?

He smiled as he walks towards her. "You know how I know that?"

"You looked without my consent!" She yelled as she glared at him. "You will-" Looked without her consent? I thought as I turned towards my husband, who sported a confused expression.

"Do you honestly think I would do such a thing?"

"Then how did you know that I have a heart-shaped birthmark?" She said angrily. "The only people who know about that and its exact position is my mother, father, and…" She trailed off as she looked at him then at Zach then back towards him again. Ohh… He… No wonder she reacted that way. Now, I'm sure that he's Astral.

"You will die!" She lunged at him as he quickly dodged her incoming sword and tackled her towards a wall, making her drop her sword. Should we stop them?

"Should we step in and stop them before one of them gets injured?" I said in concern.

"No need," Carissa said smiling. "Just let them settle this their own way."

"But-" My husband started but got cut off by Luca.

"Don't worry. Knowing your son, he won't hurt her. Plus, I want to see if her fighting skills have improved."

He tackled her onto the bed and used the blankets as a shield for his face as she kicked him. She spun around from the canopy and punched him but he reacted instantly, blocking her punch with his hand. She kicked him as he got off the bed. This is wrestling? Why does it seem so odd?

She tackled him back onto the bed as he grabbed her from behind, making her dress and bra rip and got scattered across the room.

"Guys, shut your eyes!" I exclaimed quickly as all the males in the room closed their eyes except for my son, still in Zach's body, blinking at her back. This escalated fast…

She quickly wrapped herself in the light blue window curtains. Impressive.

"It's safe," I said as they opened their eyes again.

She turned back around as she glared at him and jump back on the bed.

She got out of his grip and they wrestled on the bed, limbs tangled as he wrapped her into a blanket. She spun around in the blanket and managed to get it off her as she suddenly kicked his legs open, making him lose his balance and fall. I think I know what's coming next.

His lips collided with hers as both of their eyes widen and the canopy curtains fell directly on top of them.

We all blinked at the scene. Are they even fighting anymore?

She rolled around as they wrestled even more. She kicked the vase and table making it fall over with a crash as they broke the kiss, got off of each other, and sat up as they removed the canopy curtains off. This… Although I know that they are wrestling but… It kind of seems like…

She slapped him once more as he held her wrist tightly. She narrowed her eyes and was about to punch him as he used his feet to stop her incoming punch, making her lay tangled up in an awkward position with his feet near her chest and his hands gripping onto hers. Let's see, she's in a curtain, they are in that position and on the bed. If anyone came in here without knowing the full extent then they might misunderstand.

"Calm down, Lily." He said.

She glared at him as she sends another punch towards him, making him react fast and he pinned her onto the bed with their faces very close to each other.

"What? One kiss wasn't enough for you, darling?" He said as he smirked.

"You!" She glared at him as he pinned her to the bed. "How dare you peek while I was changing!" She yelled at him as she kicked him but he blocked it with his legs. You still don't recognize him?

"I did no such thing." He replied calmly.

"Then how on earth did you know the position of my birthmark?" Where is it located?

"Think about it, who are the only people that know your birthmark position?"

She looks up as her eyes widen. "Who are you?" She asks, narrowing her eyes in suspicion.

"Who do you think I am?"

"I definitely know that you're not Zach. He doesn't know how to fight let alone wrestle." She said. "Yet you somehow predicted my moves and adapted to them well. Plus, you know where my birthmark is. There is only one person besides my parents who know its location and shape." She finished as she narrowed her eyes at my son. She finally realizes.

"Looks like you finally figured it out."

She nodded and look up in shock. "How did this happen?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out as well." He said as he got off of her and sat on the bed.

She gasps, her eyes widen as cupped his cheek. "I didn't mean slap you." She said quickly. "It must've hurt a lot."

My son smiled. "It's fine. You didn't know it was me."

"Zach didn't do anything to you, did he?" He asks softly as a light shade of pink dusted her cheeks.

He narrowed his gaze at her and looked at Zach, who is currently in his body, then looked back at her in suspicion. "Tell me the truth," He said. "What did you two do?"

We all glanced at Zach as he flinched. Uh-oh.

She swallowed nervously. "Well… um… I might have unknowingly kissed him on the lips this morning and tackled him to a wall…" She trailed off, as he clenches his fist and snapped his gaze towards him. Oh god…

"Zachary," He said in a calm yet cold tone that made him shiver. "I thought that you said you didn't touch her."

"We should move out of his line of fire." My husband whispered as we all nodded and slowly took steps back. What a murderous vibe.

He gulped nervously as I could see beads of sweat dripping down his face. "I-I didn't know about that kiss. I swear that I did not touch her in any way." He stuttered out as we took a step back from him, sensing the murderous vibe that he is giving out towards Zach. Who knew that he can be so scary?

"It's true." She said. "He didn't know anything about that kiss."

His gaze softened as he looked at her. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really and you came in before our lips connected." I guess that he really didn't know that happened.

He smiled at her and leans in closer as she closes her eyes. Did he forget what body he's in?

"Ahem!" Luca cleared his throat loudly as they backed away.

"May I remind you that you're in my body right now, Astral?" He said with a blush.

He sighs as he reluctantly let go of her hand. "You're right,"

"So?" She tilted her head in confusion.

He leaned in to whisper something in her ear. What is he whispering to her?

She looked at him, smiling as she nods.

He scanned her body and quickly dragged her to the restroom, fetching new clothes, consisting of an oversized blue dress shirt and a brown belt, and handed it to her while he shut the door. He went over towards the couch and sat down.

Astral's POV:

I opened my eyes and rubbed them gently as I looked at the ceiling at paused. Something seems off.

I slowly sat up and scanned the room and found a couple of things missing. This isn't my room. Lily is missing, and Phoenix is also missing.

I got up and walked around the room, confused. Why am I in this room? Also, who's room is this?

My eyes widen as I felt my ring finger and looked down. Where's my ring? Wait a minute…

I narrowed my eyes as I looked at my hands, flipping them over and examining them. Why do my hands feel so different?

I mulled over this thought as I went into the restroom and almost fainted at what I saw. What I saw or should I say who I saw in the mirror was Zach.

I touched my or should I say his face in utter disbelief. What? Am I dreaming? I pinched myself on the cheek. No, I'm definitely awake. How on earth did this happen? I thought as I sat down on the bed. Is this possible? Did I switch places with him?

I gasp as I stood up, opened the door, and flew towards my room in a hurry. If I switched places with him, then he must be in my room. If he wakes up then he will… I clenched my fist. I will not let anyone see her like that!

"Waltari, step aside." I commanded as he bowed.

"Sir Zach, may I assist you with anything?"

"You can help me by letting me go into this room." I said as I try to go but he stepped in the way.

"I apologize, but the Prince has given very strict orders not to let anyone inside."

"It's an emergency. I need you to step aside and let me in the room." I repeated once more as I grabbed the door handle.

"Please, forgive me, Sir Zach." He said as he grabbed my arm, pulling me away forcefully.

"You have to let me go in there! It's an emergency!" I shouted in hopes that he will release his grip as I tried to get my arm free. I growled. Why can't I get my arm free? Why am I so weak? I'm usually much stronger than this. Is it perhaps I'm in his body?

"Let go of me!"

"I apologize but his highness ordered me to stop anyone from going inside." Right, I can't even blame him because he's only carrying out my orders.

"Let me go into my room!" I shouted as my parents walked down the hall, looked at the scene with confusion. Good, mother and father will recognize me right? No, I couldn't even recognize myself in this state. How can they recognize me?

"Waltari, I need to go into my room!"

"What is going on here?" My father asks as he looked at me.

"Father, mother, I need to go into my room before he wakes up!" I said quickly.

"What?"

"Zach, are you feeling alright?"

"Yes, I need to go into my room!" I said as I tried to break free from their grips.

"Mother, father," I said. "You have to let me go in there!" I exclaimed desperately.

"I'm telling you, I got to get in there before he wakes up!"

They grunted as they held me back. "Why?"

"Why do you want to go into his room?" The general asks.

I should just tell them that I'm Astral. Hopefully, they will believe me.

"Because I'm Astral!" I exclaimed as all eyes widen in shock.

"Mother, father, do you not recognize me?" I said as he looked at them.

They all blinked in shock. "Are you sick?" My mother asks me gently.

"No! I'm not sick." I exclaimed as I walked towards the door only to be held back by the parents once more. Darn!

"If you're not sick, then why are you doing this?" Lily's mother asks.

"I'm telling the truth! I'm Astral!" I said tugging my arm.

"I have to get in there before he wakes up!" I said quickly as I tried to get my arm free.

"Let go of me!"

"Zach, you better not do anything to her," I yelled in anger and frustration. I swear if he dares kiss her, I will never forgive him!

"Why won't you believe me?" I ask, looking at them.

"Because you are obviously not my son." My father exclaimed.

"I'm telling the truth." I said while calming down a bit. "We somehow switched bodies or something."

They laughed. "Have you been reading too many fiction books again?" My mother said chuckling a bit.

"I know it sounds unbelievable but you have to trust me!"

"Now, let go of me!"

"Ever heard of privacy?"

"This is my room and in there is my lover. I have to go in!"

"I think that you have a fever."

I am not sick!

"Lily!"

(Thump)

What?

"What the?" I heard my voice exclaimed in shock. That must be Zach!

"Is there something wrong, my love?" Lily asks in concern. My love? She's calling another man by pet names? I narrowed my eyes as I clench my fist.

"How?"

"How what?"

"Why are you here? Why am I in this room?" He asks in confusion. We switched bodies or is it brains? Can it be both?

She laughed. "Why wouldn't I be here?"

"Don't come any closer."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Just stay right there, Lily."

"Why?"

"Because I'm Zach, not Astral." He said as we all heard another thump like a person getting pushed to a wall. I got to go in there!

"Zachary, I swear if you touch her, you will regret it!" I said as I yank my arm loose and broke down the door.

My eyes widen at the scene displayed in front of me. What? She had him pinned against the wall, with their lips about 1 inch apart. I clench my fist and pushed her off of him and tightened my grip on his shirt. Ohhhhh you are so going to suffer for touching her!

"Zachary, what were you doing just now?" I said, glaring, tightening my grip on his shirt.

"I wasn't doing anything." He said as he gulped nervously. "I told her to stop but she didn't listen." Is he telling the truth?

I glared at him, narrowing my eyes. "You didn't touch her in any way, did you?" I said in a low voice.

"I swear that I did not touch her in any way, Astral."

"Zach, what are you doing? You better let him go right now!" She exclaimed as she walked towards me.

"Hey, did you not hear me?" She said clenching her fist. "I said to let him go, Zach."

I turned towards her. "Do you not recognize me, my love?"

"Why are you calling me that? I'm not your lover." She responded. Oh? She's not my lover huh? I tackled her down on the bed.

"Do you honestly not recognize me, darling?" I ask as I pinned her to the bed.

"What are you doing? Let go of me this instant!" She said while struggling to get out from under me. "Astral, help me!"

She glanced at him. "I told you that I'm Zach." He said.

"Stop joking, my love, and get him off of me." She said as he looked away. I clench my fist in anger. There she goes, calling other men by pet names again.

"Come on, let go of me!"

"Why should I?"

"Why are you doing this?" She asks as I gripped her wrist tightly. Because that's not me!

"Do you not recognize me?" I ask her softly as she tilted her head in confusion. That is a no.

"You are Zach."

"I am not!"

"Then who are you?"

"I'm Astral."

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Do you expect me to believe that? My lover is right over there."

"Do you know how much it pains me to hear you call another man your lover?" I said quietly.

"What? I never call anyone by that name except for Astral." True, but he is not me.

I rolled my eyes. "Oh really? Then why did you call Zach, darling and my love?"

"I never called you that." She exclaimed while still trying to get out of my grip. You might not know it but you just did a few minutes ago.

"I am Astral." I said calmly.

"I have eyes. Do you think I'm going to believe that?"

"Lillian, I am your lover."

She narrowed her eyes at me. Does she recognize me?

"Ok, if you are who you say you are, you have to convince me."

What should I say to convince her? Hm… I have to say something that only I know… I got it!

I smiled as I leaned down towards her.

"Hey! Stop it!"

"Don't lean any closer!" She yelled as she turned her head away.

I stopped and whispered something in her ear. "Lily, you have a pink heart-shaped birthmark on the left side of your chest."

Her eyes widen as she looked at him. Hope bloomed in my chest. Does she recognize me? She suddenly yanks her hand from my grip and slapped me hard on the cheek, making me stumble back in shock. What? Why did she?

She put one arm around her chest protectively. "How dare you!" She glared at me with hatred and anger in her eyes as I clench my fist. This hurts and does she not believe me?

She summoned up a sword and pointed it at me. "How dare you!"

Does she think that I… My eyes widen. Ohhhhh.

I smiled as I walk towards her. "You know how I know that?"

"You looked without my consent!" She yelled as she glared at me. "You will-" I internally smirked. Without your consent? I asked for your consent numerous times already.

"Do you honestly think Zach would do such a thing?"

"Then how did you know that I have a heart-shaped birthmark?" She said angrily. "The only people who know about that and its exact position is my mother, father, and…" She trailed off as she looked at me then at Zach then back towards me again. Does she finally realize?

"You will die!" She lunged at me as I quickly dodged her incoming sword and tackled her towards a wall, making her drop her sword. Darn it, I still can't get her to believe me. You can try to kill me but my fighting skills are slightly more advanced than yours.

I tackled her onto the bed and used the blankets as a shield for my face as she kicked me. She spun around from the canopy and punched me but I reacted instantly, blocking her punch with my hand. She kicked me as I got off the bed. Thankfully, I can still fight in his body but it sure feels uncomfortable.

She tackled me back onto the bed as I grabbed her from behind, making her dress and bra rip and got scattered across the room. I blinked as I looked at her. If I wasn't in his body right now then I would do much more than just look.

She quickly wrapped herself in the light blue window curtains. She whipped clothes from a window curtain. My love is sure impressive. She turned back around as she glared at me and jump back on the bed.

She got out of my grip and we wrestled on the bed, limbs tangled as I wrapped her into a blanket. She spun around in the blanket and managed to get it off her as she suddenly kicked my legs open, making me lose my balance and fall. Oh no!

My lips collided with hers as both of our eyes widen and the canopy curtains fell directly on top of us. I got to break this kiss! This is his body, not mine. So technically, she is kissing him.

She rolled around as we wrestled even more. She kicked the vase and table making it fall over with a crash as we broke the kiss, got off of each other, and sat up as we took the canopy curtains off.

She slapped me once more as I held her wrist tightly. She narrowed her eyes and was about to punch me as I used my feet to stop my incoming punch, making her lay tangled up in an awkward position with my feet near her chest and my hands gripping onto hers. Wow, is it weird that I somewhat enjoyed this fighting match with her? Also, she's improved quite a bit from the last time I fought her. She even managed to catch me off guard.

"Calm down, Lily," I said.

She glared at me as she sends another punch towards me, making me react fast and I pinned her onto the bed with our faces very close to each other. My heartbeat quickened as I resisted the urge to claim her lips. This is his body.

"What? One kiss wasn't enough for you, darling?" I said as I smirked.

"You!" She glared at me as I pinned her to the bed. "How dare you peek while I was changing!" She yelled at me as she kicked me but I blocked it with my legs. Spied on you while you were changing? Like I would go and do something like that.

"I did no such thing." I replied calmly.

"Then how on earth did you know the position of my birthmark?"

"Think about it, who are the only people that know your birthmark position?"

She looks up at me as her eyes widen. Does she finally realize that I'm Astral?

"Who are you?" She asks as she narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"Who do you think I am?"

"I definitely know that you're not Zach. He doesn't know how to fight let alone wrestle." She said. "Yet you somehow predicted my moves and adapted to them well. Plus, you know where my birthmark is. There is only one person besides my parents who know its location and shape." She finished as she narrowed her eyes at me. Better late than never.

"Looks like you finally figured it out."

She nodded as she looks up at me in shock. "How did this happen?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out as well." I said as I got off of her and sat on the bed.

She gasps as her eyes widen as cupped my cheek. "I didn't mean slap you." She said quickly. "It must've hurt a lot." More emotional than physical but it's not my body anyway.

I smiled. "It's fine. You didn't know it was me."

"Zach didn't do anything to you, did he?" I ask softly as a light shade of pink dusted her cheeks. I clench my jaw in anger. Why is she reacting that way? Did something happen between them that I don't know? I glanced at him as I glared. What did he do to her?

I narrowed my gaze at her and looked at Zach, who is currently in my body, then looked back at her in suspicion. "Tell me the truth," I said while trying to keep my anger in check. "What did you two do?" It can't be that bad right?

She swallowed nervously. "Well… um… I might have unknowingly kissed him on the lips this morning and tackled him to a wall…" She trailed off, as I clench my fist and snapped my gaze towards him. She kissed him on the lips?! Although it was my body, his soul is in my body, meaning that she technically kissed him.

"Zachary," I said in a calm yet cold tone that made him shiver. "I thought that you said you didn't touch her."

He gulped nervously as I could see beads of sweat dripping down his face. "I-I didn't know about that kiss. I swear that I did not touch her in any way." He stuttered out as the rest of them took a step back from him, sensing the murderous vibe that I'm giving towards him. How dare he kiss my lover?! I mean, what kind of friend does that? I glared at him with a calm yet furious expression. Does he really not know about that kiss?

"It's true." She said. "He didn't know anything about that kiss."

My gaze softened as I looked at her. "Really?"

She nodded. "Really and you came in before our lips connected." I guess that he really didn't know that happened.

I smile at her and leans in closer. I could hear her heart rate accelerating as she closed her eyes.

"Ahem!" Her father cleared his throat loudly as we backed away. Why do they always find a way to interrupt us?

"May I remind you that you're in my body right now, Astral?" He said with a blush. Oh yeah, if I kiss her now then it would be like she's kissing him. That I will not allow happening.

I sigh as I reluctantly let go of her hand. "You're right,"

"So?" She tilted her head in confusion.

I leaned in to whisper the reason in her ear. "Although that I'm Astral, I'm still in his body and I refuse to share you with anyone." I said as a seep of red crawled onto her face.

She looked at me, smiling as she nods in understanding. Just wait until I get back to my own body.

I looked down at what she is wearing and quickly dragged her to the restroom and fetched new clothes, consisting of an oversized blue dress shirt and a brown belt, and handed them to her while I shut the door. Who knew that she would look so seductive in curtains. I facepalmed as I went over towards my couch and sat down. Oh, how I wish that I was in my body right now.

"So…" Crystal said, looking at me and Zach, who is in my body. "You are my brother?"

I nodded. "Yes, I'm your brother." I said as the restroom door opens and she took a seat next to me.

"And this," Maria said, gesturing towards Zach. "And this is Zach?" She asks, confused.

"Yes," Lily said. "The one sitting next to me is Astral. While the one over there is Zach."

"Really?" Estella asks, not believing her words.

She nodded. "Yeah, do you think that I wouldn't be able to recognize the one I love?"

"Well," I said looking at her. "You tried to kill me with your sword."

"That was because I thought you were Zach and besides, when you mentioned my birthmark and its location, I thought that-"

I smiled. "It's fine. It's normal for you to react that way considering its location."

"Where is it located?" Lilith asks, looking at us.

Why does she want to know?

"Yeah," Brandon said. "Where is its location?"

"Why do you want to know?" I ask.

"I'm just curious," Zach said. "Where is it located to make her want to stab you with a sword like that?"

Seriously? "I want to know as well!" Serenity chimed in. "Mother, where is it located?"

Her eyes widen as she looked away and I sigh. "I'm not telling you that."

"Why not?" Estella ask.

"Yeah, Astral, why not?" Zach asks as I looked at him. "Zach, really?" I stared at him with a deadpan expression.

He raised a brow. "What?"

I shook my head. "You are not knowing its location."

"But why?" Crystal asks me.

"It must be somewhere on her body." Maria said pondering.

"Hmm…" Lilith puts her hand under her chin and went into deep thought.

"Give us a hint." Derek said as he looked at her.

"No."

"We are asking Lily," Brandon said as he looked at me. "Why are you answering for her?"

"Because it's private." I said in hopes that they will give this conversation a break.

"We are just asking." Zach said. "What's the harm in that?"

I looked at her. We stared at each other for a moment as I nod in understanding. "Is it located-"

I snapped my gaze towards Zach. "Don't you dare finish that sentence, Zachary."

"What?" He said innocently as he tilted his head.

"You are still on thin ice with what you did this morning."

"I told you that I didn't do anything to her."

"I know that but still, you are not getting an answer to that question."

"But I really want to know!" He whined as I blink. Since when does he whine?

"No means no!"

"But-"

"No!" I said staring at him with piercing eyes as the rest of the people look at this scene.

"This scenario looks really odd." My father commented as they all nodded.

"Yeah," The General said. "I mean, I know that Astral is in Zach's body and vice versa but it still seems peculiar."

"I know what you mean." My mother said.

"Also, when does he whine like that?" Her mother asks us as we all shrugged.

For some reason, he's not acting like his normal self. Could this have to do with-

(Pulse)

I blinked at the sudden energy drained from my very being that I collapsed back onto the couch, breathing heavily. What? What was that just now?

"Astral?" Lily asks with concern laced in her tone. "Are you okay?" She asks as everyone looked at me with concern. What was that just now? Why did I feel like my energy was being drained somehow?

"Astral!"

I shook my head as everyone stood up and looked at me in concern.

"What is it?"

"Are you okay?" My mother asks in concern.

"I'm fine," I responded.

"You are looking a bit pale, father." Serenity pointed out as I tried to smile. Oh god, don't tell me that I don't even have the energy to smile.

"Am I?"

They all nodded. "Are you sure you are okay?" Maria asks me.

"I'm fine."

"You are lying." Lily said looking at me.

"I'm really fine."

"I don't think that you are fine," Estella said.

"Oh my gosh, Astral, are you okay?" Zach exclaimed as he rushed up to me and felt my forehead.

"Normal temperature so no fever…"

"Hm, you are looking a bit pale." He said looking at me like a worried mother concerned for her child.

"Have you been eating and sleeping enough?"

"I have."

He narrows his eyes. "Don't lie to me, young man." He exclaimed making our eyes widen in shock. Young man?

"Zach, are you feeling okay?" I ask as I looked at him.

He smiles brightly. "Of course, I'm feeling great!"

"Why do you ask?"

"Really?" I ask in disbelief as he nods.

"Why do you ask that?"

"It's just that you're not acting like your usual self." I responded to him.

He tilted his head to the side in confusion. "I'm pretty sure that I'm acting normally, son."

All of our eyes widen in shock. Son?

"Son?!" They all said, looking at him.

"Why does everyone look so shocked?" He asks, confused.

I blinked. "Zach, I'm not your son…" I said as I trailed off, not knowing what to say.

"How could I not recognize my own precious son?" He responded as he cupped my face as I stared at him in disbelief. Does he have a fever?

Lily slowly touched his forehead. "What are you doing, my daughter?"

Our eyes widen again. "Daughter?!"

"Yeah, she's my daughter-in-law. She and my son are married." He said as we both looked at each other.

"Just what is wrong with you today?" Crystal asks.

"Why are you calling my son, your son?" My mother and father both ask.

"And why are you calling our daughter, your daughter?" Her parents ask.

This really isn't like him at all. Let's see, he doesn't have a fever so that's good but then why-

(Pulse)

I shook my head and closed my eyes. Why am I feeling like this?

I buried my head in my hands as I rubbed my eyes. What is wrong with my eyes?

"Astral?"

Wait, how did I… I looked down at my hands and summoned up a handheld mirror while touching my face in disbelief. How am I back?

"Zach," Derek asks me. "Are you okay?"

"I'm not Zach, I'm Astral," I said as they widen their eyes.

"Stop joking with us," Estella said.

I shook my head. "I'm not joking with you all," I said as I rubbed my eyes. "We somehow switched back."

"Right," Lilith said sarcastically.

Looks like I have to prove it.

"You… We… I…" Zach stuttered out as I held out a mirror in front of him.

"We are back to normal!" He shouted happily.

"Seriously?" They all ask.

I nodded as Lily took a seat beside me. "Really?"

I leaned in and whispered where her birthmark is located and its shape and size. Her eyes widen as she cupped my face. "You are back!" She exclaimed as she hugged me in a tight embrace. Finally, I'm back in my own body.

"But how?" Maria asks in a confused tone.

"I don't know."

I directed my attention back towards Zach. "Are you sure that you are back to normal?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"You called me by son earlier."

His eyes widen in shock. "Really? I called you that?"

We all nodded. "Yea," Brandon said. "Don't you remember?"

He ponders for a moment then shook his head. "No, I don't remember."

How peculiar… How can he not remember what happened a few minutes ago? More importantly, how did we-

(Pulse)

Just why is this happening? I thought as I rubbed my eye once more. And why do my eyes hurt so much?

"Astral, are you sure that you are okay?" My lover asks me as I rubbed my eye. "You have been rubbing your eye a lot."

"I'm fine."

"Astral, open your eyes." She said in a serious voice. Why?

"I'm fine, Lily," I said while rubbing my eyes once more.

She sighs as she gently took my hands off of my eyes and I slowly opened them. Ow! I immediately shut them tightly once again. Why does it hurt so much?

"Do your eyes hurt?" She said softly as I nodded.

"Can you explain to me the pain?" Well, it's like having a knife stuck into my eye.

"It burns," I said as tears leaked from my closed eyes, making me wipe them with a tissue.

"When did it start?"

"It started a while ago," I admitted as I could hear everyone sigh.

"Why didn't you say anything before?" Maria asks.

"It didn't hurt as much."

(Pulse)

I clench my fist as I shut my eyes tighter. Why is this happening? The pain has suddenly intensified. What is this agonizing pain? It feels like my eye is being stabbed and being ripped out.

"Father, I think I need a doctor ASAP," I said while trying to keep my voice steady.

"Has the pain gotten worse?" I could hear Lilith asking me.

"Yes, it feels like my eyes are being stabbed with a knife, being ripped out of their sockets, and being lit on fire all at the same time." I described as I tried to keep the tears from leaking out of my eyes.

"Walter, quick, send in the royal doctor!" My father commanded quickly as I could hear his footsteps fade into the distance.

What is happening to me?

Zach's POV:

We all paced around outside as the doctor shut the door to his room. Why do his eyes suddenly hurt? Lily is in there with him do it should be fine right?

"Zach," Maria asked as I turned to her.

"Yes?"

"Do you have any idea how you two switched bodies?"

I shook my head. "No, I do not know."

"Say, mother?" Star asks the Queen.

"Yes?"

"Is there a potion for body-switching?"

She blinks. "Possibly."

"We have to check but I don't actually know." The King said as we nodded.

"Did father hurt his eye?"

Estella smiled. "Yes, he hurt his eyes so now, the doctor will check on him."

"I wonder how though," Brandon asks as we all shrugged.

(Crash)

We snapped our heads towards the sound of something breaking as Phoenix started to cry at the noise.

"What was that noise?" Derek asked us.

"It was the sound of something breaking." Crystal said as we all looked towards the door.

"Are they okay in there?" The General asks, concerned.

"I think they will be fine." His wife said reassuring us.

But still, why did something break?

We all leaned towards the door to hear the conversation.

"Your highness, please open your eyes." The doctor asks as we could hear footsteps in the room.

"No, I said that I'm fine." He responded.

"Astral, you are not fine. If you are okay, then why won't you open your eyes?"

"Please, your highness," The doctor begged. "I need to see what's wrong with your eyes!"

"I already told you that all of a sudden, they burned and stung."

"Yes, but I still need to see them to make an official diagnosis."

"Astral, open your eyes." Lily said with a sigh.

"No."

"Open them."

"No."

"Open them."

"No."

"I will ask you nicely one last time, will you open them?"

"No."

"I'm sorry to do this, my love but this is the only way." She said as a thump could be heard followed by struggling.

"Keep his eyes open, Lady Lily!" He said quickly.

"I'm trying my best!"

"Ow!" He shouted as I could hear the sound of something falling over. Just what on earth is going on in there?

"Sorry, your highness but that was the only way that I could get the eye drops in."

"I want you to open your eyes."

"No."

"I promise, the burning and stinging sensation is gone."

"Fine."

A couple of minutes of silence went through the room. Why is it so quiet?

"Happy?" I opened them and there is nothing wrong." He said quickly.

"Why aren't you two saying anything?" He asks curiously.

"Astral, can you blink for me?"

Blink? "Why?"

"Just blink for me."

"What?"

"Your highness," He asks in hesitation. "Can you… see?"

Our eyes widen at his question. Why would he ask that?

He chuckled. "What kind of question is that? Of course, I can see."

"Here, watch." He said as we could hear footsteps in the room followed by a thump.

"Ow!"

"Astral, are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine. You just walked into a wall!" She shouted in concern.

"I just tripped that's all."

"My love, look at me."

"Can you see what I'm holding right now?"

"Yes."

"I'm not holding anything right now."

"Your highness-"

"I said that there is nothing wrong with my eyes!" He exclaimed as we heard another thump.

There is definitely something wrong with his eyes.

"Careful!" She said. "You almost walked into a table."

He stayed quiet as we all looked at each other in concern.

"Be honest with me, you can't see, can you?" She asks him softly.

"I can't see anything." He admitted as we all gasp in shock.

"Why can't he see?" The King exclaimed as he unlocked the doors and walked in.

Lily's POV:

We sat on the bed, waiting for the doctor as he rubbed his eyes once again. Does it really hurt that much?

"How are your eyes?" I asked gently as I held his hand.

"They burn." He said.

"Honey, can you open your eyes for me?" I ask as I looked at him.

"Why?"

"I want to see your eyes."

He hesitated then nods and slowly opens his eyes. He looks around, turning his head as he furrowed his brows in confusion. Why is his expression like that?

"Why is it so dark in here?" He asks in confusion. Dark?

"My love, did you not turn on the lights?"

I blinked at his words. Dark? But it's morning.

"Um… Astral, are you okay?" I ask with concern.

His confused expression then morphs into understanding as he slowly closes his eyes, massaging them once again.

"I'm fine."

"What did you mean when it's dark?"

He laughs a bit. "I was joking. It's the morning." He was joking?

"Your highness, may I come in?"

"Yes."

He opens the door, shuts it, and stood next to us.

"So what's going on today?"

I looked at him as he stays quiet. How odd…

"His eyes hurt," I said as he looks concerned.

"Your highness, if I may ask, when did it start hurting?"

"This morning."

"Did you do anything to injure your eyes?"

I looked at him as he shook his head. "I didn't."

"Can you describe the pain for me?"

"A burning and stinging sensation that keeps getting worse each second."

The doctor bit his lip. "And you are sure you didn't injure it or fall right?"

"I am sure."

He went into deep thought and looked at him. "Your highness, can you open your eyes for me?"

"No." No?

I looked at my love. "Why is that?"

"I'm not opening them."

"You opened them a few minutes ago."

"When I open them, the burning and stinging sensation gets worse." It gets worse?

"It gets worse…" He ponders a bit then his eyes widen.

"Your highness, I need to see your eyes." He said, desperate to see his eyes. Why is he so desperate?

"No."

"But-"

"No. Why are you so desperate to see my eyes?" He said standing up and backing away with his eyes still shut. Why is he reacting like this?

"Because there might be something wrong with it."

My eyes widen. "What's wrong with his eyes?" I ask in a panic voice while looking at the doctor.

"The only way I can make a diagnosis is to look at his eyes and-"

(Crash)

We turned our head towards the noise to find a broken cup on the floor and Astral standing there still with his eyes closed. He must have bumped into it.

All of a sudden, our son starts to cry from being interrupted from his slumber. I quickly flew over to the crib, rocking him back and forth, summoning up some milk as he drifted off the sleep once again. Being a baby is sure easy.

"Your highness, please open your eyes."

"No, I said that I'm fine." He responded.

"Astral, you are not fine. If you are okay, then why won't you open your eyes?"

"Please, your highness," He begged. "I need to see what's wrong with your eyes!"

"I already told you that all of a sudden, they burned and stung."

"Yes, but I still need to see them to make an official diagnosis." Why is he so stubborn?

"Astral, open your eyes." I said with a sigh.

"No."

"Open them."

"No."

"Open them."

"No."

"I will ask you nicely one last time, will you open them?"

"No." Look likes I need to do this the hard way. I looked at the doctor and we nodded.

"I'm sorry to do this, my love but this is the only way," I said as I tackled him to the ground, pinning his arms and legs as he thrashed and struggled.

"Keep his eyes open, Lady Lily!" He said quickly.

"I'm trying my best!" I responded as I tried to keep him still.

"Ow!" He shouted as he kicked over the table, making it fall over as the doctor quickly put eye drops into his eyes.

"Sorry, your highness but that was the only way that I could get the eye drops in." He said as I let go and helped him stand up.

"I want you to open your eyes."

"No." He responded.

"I promise, the burning and stinging sensation is gone."

He stays quiet for a moment."Fine."

He slowly opens his eyes as the doctor shines a bright light on each of them. We got a confused look as he sat there, not even blinking at the bright light. Why is he not even acknowledging the light?

"Happy? I opened them and there is nothing wrong." He said quickly.

We looked at each other then back at him. If there is nothing wrong, why aren't you blinking at the bright light that he's currently shining in your eyes?

"Why aren't you two saying anything?" He asks curiously.

"Astral, can you blink for me?"

"Why?"

"Just blink for me," I said as he blinked. Just what is wrong with his eyes? I looked at the doctor who was shining a light in front of his face. I was waving my hands to see if his eyes can detect the movement. Why aren't his eyes following my hand? It's like he can't even see them.

"What?" He asks after a moment of silence from us.

"Your highness," He asks in hesitation. "Can you… see?"

My eyes widen at his question as I glanced at him. Can he not see?

He chuckled. "What kind of question is that? Of course, I can see."

"Here, watch." He said as we watched him stand up and walk straight into a wall. I blinked. It's official, he can't see.

"Ow!"

"Astral, are you okay?" I ask as I helped him up from the ground, checking for anything broken.

"I'm fine."

"You're not fine. You just walked into a wall!" I shouted in concern.

"I just tripped that's all." Tripped? On what? Air?

"My love, look at me," I said while holding him by the shoulders.

"Can you see what I'm holding right now?" I ask, waving my hand in front of his face.

He hesitated. "Yes."

I looked at him in disbelief. "I'm not holding anything right now."

"Your highness-"

"I said that there is nothing wrong with my eyes!" He exclaimed as he attempted to walk towards the bed but almost hit the table. If I didn't hold him back then he would have fallen again.

"Careful!" I said. "You almost walked into a table."

He stayed quiet as he looked down. He really can't see?

"Be honest with me, you can't see, can you?" I ask him softly as I placed a hand on his cheek.

"I can't see anything." He admitted as we sigh. He really can't see. How on earth did this happen?

"Why can't he see?" The King exclaimed as he unlocked the doors and walked in.

"Your majesty," He kneels at them.

His father and mother took a seat beside him on the bed. "Astral, can you see us?"

He glances in the direction of his mother and tilts his head. "No."

His father sighs. "How did this happen?"

"Your majesty, I don't know what exactly is the root cause but I have to ask," The doctor asks them. "Did anything unusual happen today?"

Unusual? "Something strange did happen today." My lover said suddenly as all eyes directed towards him.

"May I ask about it, your highness?"

He nods. "Zach and I swapped bodies for a bit."

He blinked in confusion then turns to his father. "Is there a potion for body-switching?"

We all shrugged. "I don't know."

He sighs and shines a light into his eyes once more. "Your highness, you really can't see this bright yellow light?"

He slowly shook his head. "No, I cannot."

"This is quite an unusual occurrence." He said while pondering.

"So," My father said. "What is your diagnosis?"

"Your highness," He turns to him once more. "If you can't see, then what do you see right now?"

Huh? "It's all dark." He said after a moment. "I can't see anything except for darkness."

So he wasn't joking when he said that the room was dark.

He sighs. "Your highness, I'm afraid that you have-"

"I know that I'm temporarily blinded but is there a way to fix this?"

"Umm…" He trailed off, looking nervous.

"Just say it." My lover said calmly. "At this point, even if you say that I'm blinded permanently, it won't shock me."

All of our eyes widen at his words. Seriously?! How is he not shocked by this?

"Very well," He said as he looked at him. "You are temporarily blinded. If I can find the root cause then it is maybe reversible."

"But?"

He gulped. "But, if I cannot find the root cause then you would be… permanently blinded." He said quietly as my breath hitched in my throat. Did he just say he will be permanently blinded?

"I demand you to find the root cause for this." His father said quietly.

"He can't be blinded permanently!" My father exclaimed.

"He's only 18." My mother said.

"Astral, are you-"

"I'm fine, mother." He said feeling for her hand and gently holds it. Is he really fine?

"Mother, father, I have a favor to ask." He suddenly said after a moment of silence.

"Don't be so formal with us."

"What is it?"

"I need you to search for a body-switching potion."

"What? But-"

"Also, I need you to search for an antidote for that potion."

"But-"

"Actually, forget what I just said about the antidote."

"Why?"

"Because there is no antidote for that potion."

Our eyes widen. "How do-"

"You don't need to know how I knew that. All I want you two to do for me is the search for a body-switching potion." He said staring straight ahead.

"Doctor," He said as his ears perked up.

"Yes, your highness?"

"I need you to give me something to help with the pain."

"Of course your highness," He smiles, dug into his bag, and took out a small bottle filled with liquid.

He hands it to me. "Lady Lily, this is a bottle filled with eye drops to stop the burning and stinging sensation." He explained.

"How many times a day should I administer this?"

He ponders my question for a bit. "Every time he feels pain."

I nodded as he turns back to him. "Also, your highness, don't try to endure the pain, or else no matter how advanced I am, I'm afraid that it will cause more damage than might be irreversible."

"You hear that, honey?" I ask as I looked at him as he nods. "Yes, I heard him."

Brandon's POV:

This day sure has been weird. I thought as we walked down the hall, thinking about this morning's events. So, he's only temporarily blinded. It's not permanent so that's good but if we don't find out the underlying cause then…

"Astral," I said looking at him who was being guided by Lily.

"What is it?"

"Do you know what the underlying cause might be?"

He stays quiet a bit. "It might be because of the body swap that happened this morning." He said after a moment of silence. Hmmm…

"How?" I ask him in confusion.

"Maybe it's a side effect of that potion."

"How do you even know if there is that potion?" Derek asks.

"It's better to assume there is than to not." He responded.

"But what would you do if there isn't such a potion?" Zach asks.

"I don't know."

We all looked at him sadly. Right now, his only lead is the body swap but he's not sure what caused the swap.

"Father," Serenity said in a sad voice. "Will you be able to see again?"

It's only temporary not permanent. He stays quiet for a couple of minutes. "I don't know." He uttered out slowly.

"Don't worry, Astral," His sister said. "We will find the root cause sooner or later."

"She's right," Star said. "This is only temporary."

"Yup," Maria said. "You will get better."

"Your highness!" What is he doing here?

"What is it, Waltari?"

"Your highness, the Duke wants to see you and Lady Estella."

"My father is here?" Estella said in shock. "I thought that he is in prison for his crimes?" That's what I thought as well.

"I don't know the full extent but the King has requested your arrival to the throne room to see the Duke." He responded.

"Okay." He replied. "Let's go." He said as Lily guided him towards the throne room. I wonder why her father want to see them?

"Estella," Derek said, looking at her. "Are you okay with your father being in prison and all?" He asks softly as he held her hand.

She smiles and nods. "I'm fine. Even though that he's my father, he committed a crime and therefore has to be punished accordingly." She said, looking at Astral. "Thank you, Astral, for lightening my father's punishment."

"Don't mention it, Estella. It was the least that I could do. After all, you're my friend."

She smiles and then directed her gaze towards Crystal. "I need to thank you as well. If it wasn't for you, my father would probably be sentenced to life in prison."

She beams. "Like my brother said, don't mention it, Estella. The last thing I want is for one of my friends to be sad." She said as she gave her a wink.

Who knew that she is so rational? Any other person would probably beg to get their father out of prison.

We reached the throne room as the guards stop us. Huh? "The Duke only wants to see the Prince and Lady Estella."

"Why?" Lily asks in confusion.

"I don't know but we have received an order from the King to stop anyone other than his highness and Lady Estella from entering the room." Hmm… Is it me or does this seem suspicious?

"But-" She started to say as he puts his hand on her hand.

"It's fine

"But your eyes-"

He smiles. "I can feel around as I walk."

"But still-"

"Astral," Estella said walking towards him and holding onto his hand. What is she doing?

He stiffens at the unexpected contact. "What are you doing?"

"Since us two are only allowed in the room, I figured that I can guide you."

He ponders her request for a moment. "Ok, if you want to."

"Hmmm… actually…" She trailed off as she gently grabs his arm.

"This will be better for guiding." She said as she looks at the distance between her and Astral. The distance will make it harder for her to guide him.

She sighs. "Astral, stand closer to me. That way, I can actually guide you properly." She said as she linked her arm with his.

"Are you sure that you are ready to face your father?" He asks her as they took a step.

"I'm going to have to face him anyway." She replied as she went closer towards the door.

"Your highness, Lady Estella, welcome." The guard said as he opens the door as they walked into the room. Why does her father only want to see them?

Estella's POV:

Well, this is it. "Are you nervous to face your father?"

I nod. "Yeah," I said quietly. "I went against his order and freed Derek from the dungeon. He must be angry."

He smiles in my direction. "Don't worry. He is your father after all."

"He will forgive you." He said reassuring me. I hope that you are correct.

We walked into the room to find my father standing in the center with his back turned towards us. Uh-oh…

"Father?" I called out in a small voice as I gripped his hand tighter.

"Estella," He said in a cold voice. "I gave you strict orders but you went against me and freed that illegitimate son?"

I gripped his hand even tighter. "I-"

"You only had one job to do and that was to become the Princess and to marry Prince Astral. It was that simple!" I don't like him that way.

"I already told you," I said quietly. "I don't like him that way."

"How dare you talk back to me!" He shouted angrily. "You only had one job yet you managed to ruin all of my plans. You really are a failure."

Why doesn't he see me as a daughter? "Do you even see me as your daughter?" I ask as I grip Astral's hand tighter.

"You?" He asks angrily. "You're just a tool that I weld in my possession."

Tears streamed down my face as I heard him say that. I blinked the tears away. "That was the whole purpose that you were born to this world."

Really? That's the only reason for my existence? More tears clouded my vision as a could feel a firm grip on my hand. I looked at Astral, who was holding my hand gently. Astral…

"Is power really that important to you?" I ask while trying to stop my tears from falling. He really doesn't see me as anything more than a tool?

"You should know that by now. Power is everything to me. Why else would I want you to marry the Prince." He said while laughing.

I sniffled as I looked at his back. "Did you ever love me?"

He stayed quiet as hope bloomed in my chest. Does he love me? Did he ever see me as a daughter? Anything more than a tool that he can manipulate?

"I never loved you." He responded coldly as my breath hitched in my throat. He… Tears streamed down my face. All of my little hope, gone, crushed into tiny pieces, and flushed down the drain. "Then why did you-"

"I threw you a big extravagant party because that was a chance for you to seduce the Prince and in thus, help me with my plans."

I gripped his hand even tighter. "I was the one who raised you yet you went behind my back and not only freed that illegitimate son, you went and told the King and Queen about my crimes!" He shouted in anger.

"What kind of daughter are you? You are-"

I glared at him. "Have you ever seen me as a daughter before? No! You only see me as a tool. You know that I don't like Astral that way but you still force me to go and seduce him just for your benefit! You gave me bruises every time that I have done something wrong." I took a steady breath as I can feel a hand on top of mine. "Tell me, what father does that to his only daughter? Thankfully, Astral saw through your seduction plan before anything happened." I said with tears streaming down my face. He doesn't love me. He sees me as a tool for power. I closed my eyes. Very well, father, I will expose everything in front of-

"You little bitch, I raised you and this is how you talk to me?!" He shouted as he summoned up a whip. No no no no. Please, anything but the whip…

He turned around, ran towards me, and I closed my eyes tightly, bracing for impact. I can't just move or else, he will fall.

(Whip)

I heard the door slam open and footsteps rushed in as my father dropped the whip.

"Y-Your majesties, I-"

(Slap)

…

Huh? Why do I not feel the burning and stinging sensation of the whip? I heard the whip make contact with someone.

I thought in confusion as I opened my eyes in shock and found him standing in front of me, using his back as a shield against my father's whip. Why did he…

"A-Astral, why did you-"

"I'm your friend, Estella." He said softly as he turned around.

My father suddenly got very pale and stumbled back in shock. Finally. "Your highness, I-I didn't realize-"

He glares in the direction of his voice. "Duke Epifanio, how dare you hit her?" He said calmly. "She is your daughter. Even if she didn't manage to seduce me that one time, doesn't mean that she's a failure."

"Y-Yes, your highness-"

"Estella," He said looking at me and I nodded as I guided him towards my father a bit.

"I did mention before that if I want, I could strip you of your power and make you lose everything in a heartbeat, did I not?"

My father, now bowing and kneeling in front of us. "I-"

"You don't deserve to speak to me you pathetic, filthy piece of trash!"

I chuckled at his insults. He's doing what I always wanted to do but never had the courage to.

"You know what? Estella begged me to lighten your punishment for torturing Derek," He started as my father swallowed nervously. "But after what I just witnessed, I don't think you deserve a light punishment, am I correct?"

But he is still-

He placed his hands against mine. "Estella, you can't keep begging for him like that. These types of people rarely change." He said gently.

"But he raised me," I said quietly.

He turned towards the sound of my voice. "Although he raised you, he didn't love you. He never saw you as a daughter. He gave your back bruises with a whip."

I stayed quiet as I pondered his words. True. I looked back at my father. "But-"

"He doesn't deserve to have a daughter such as you."

I closed my eyes as I nodded. I'm sorry, father but you forced me to do this.

"Astral,"

"Yes?"

I took a deep breath. "My father has more crimes than just torturing other people."

"Estella! What are you saying? Stop all of this-"

He snapped his gaze back at my father. "I don't remember giving you permission to speak, Epifanio." He said in a cold tone as my father shut his mouth.

He turns towards me. "What are his crimes?"

"There are plenty of slaves that he stores in the dungeon," I confessed as my father shouted.

"What are you saying?! Your highness, I can guarantee that is absolutely-"

"I swear, one more word from you and I will cut off that little tongue of yours." He exclaimed in a calm yet dangerous tone.

"Do you know where in the dungeon he stores them?"

I shook my head. "Sadly, no but I know that it's somewhere in the dungeon."

He sighs as he narrows his eyes towards my father. "Epifanio, where did you get the slaves?"

He stays quiet, still kneeling, and shivering. "Answer the question. Where did you get the slaves?" He repeated in a calm, emotionless voice.

"You do know that in this world, owning slaves is a major crime right? Couple that with torturing people, then you committed two major crimes that can only be paid by death."

"But, if you tell me where you got the slaves from…" He trailed off, looking at my father. "Then I might make an exception."

His eyes widen at his words and slowly lifts his head to meet his eyes. "Really?"

"Really."

He clenched his jaw. "I brought them from the black market."

"And where is the black market?"

"I don't know because I never went there before but all I know is that they sell slaves and more illegal things."

He stays quiet for a moment, pondering his words. "If you never been to it then how do you get the slaves?"

He purses his lip. "A guy usually gets them for me." A guy?

"Who is this guy?"

"I don't know."

"How can you not know?"

"I'm telling the truth, your highness, I do not know."

He sighs. "Guards,"

"What is your command, your highness?"

"Take this man to the dungeon until further notice."

His eyes widen. "Your highness, I thought that-"

"I said that I might make an exception. Be happy that I didn't execute you now."

"Take him away."

"Your highness, please have mercy on me!"

"Estella, I am your father! How could you do this to me?" He shouted as he got dragged away by the guards.

I held his hand even tighter. Was this the right decision?

Maria's POV:

"Father?" She called out in a small voice. Why is she speaking to her father that way?

"Estella," He said in a cold voice. "I gave you strict orders but you went against me and freed that illegitimate son?" What orders?

"I-"

"You only had one job to do and that was to become the Princess and to marry Prince Astral. It was that simple!" Really?

"I already told you," She said quietly. "I don't like him that way."

"How dare you talk back to me!" He shouted angrily. "You only had one job yet you managed to ruin all of my plans. You really are a failure."

Our eyes widen at his words. How dare he call her that!

"Do you even see me as your daughter?" She asks.

"You?" He asks angrily. "You're just a tool that I weld in my possession."

"That was the whole purpose that you were born to this world."

"I got to go in there!" Derek said as we grip his arm.

"Stop," I said trying to hold him back.

"She is his daughter. What kind of father is he?!" He shouted in anger.

"This is a family thing," Star said.

"But-"

"Just let them sort this out." Crystal said in hopes of calming him down.

"Plus, Astral is in there," Brandon said.

"If anything happens, he will do something," Lily said as he snaps his gaze towards her.

"But he's-"

"Derek, if there is one thing that I learned over the years is that you should never underestimate people. Especially, Astral." Zach said as he calms down a bit.

"Is power really that important to you?" She asks in a sad tone.

"You should know that by now. Power is everything to me. Why else would I want you to marry the Prince." He said while laughing.

She sniffled. "Did you ever love me?"

"I never loved you." He responded coldly as our breaths hitched. What kind of father is he?! "Then why did you-"

"I threw you a big extravagant party because that was a chance for you to seduce the Prince and in thus, help me with my plans." Seduce?

"Seduce?" Lily asks in shock.

"Does he mean as in…" Crystal trailed off as I clench my fist. How can her father ask her to do that?

"I was the one who raised you yet you went behind my back and not only freed that illegitimate son, you went and told the King and Queen about my crimes!" He shouted in anger. You raised her but never loved her.

"What kind of daughter are you? You are-"

"Have you ever seen me as a daughter before? No! You only see me as a tool. You know that I don't like Astral that way but you still force me to go and seduce him just for your benefit! You gave me bruises every time that I have done something wrong." Bruises? As in…!

"Let me go in there!"

"Woah, I know how you are feeling but rushing in there won't help the situation," I said in hopes to soothe his anger.

She took a steady breath. "Tell me, what father does that to his only daughter? Thankfully, Astral saw through your seduction plan before anything happened." She finished.

"Thankfully, nothing happened," Derek said as he sighs with relief.

We all look at him deadpan. "As if he would be seduced by her," Lily said sarcastically. Someone is jealous.

"You little bitch, I raised you and this is how you talk to me?!" He shouted.

What is he doing?

"How dare he call her that!"

"Let go of me!" He shouted as we all held him back.

"What is with all of the noise?" The King said as they approach us.

(Whip)

We all widen our eyes as we heard a whipping noise rang through the room. Could he be…

The King and Queen slammed the door open and our eyes stared at the scene. Her father was holding a whip, obviously trying to whip her but Astral shielded her using his back so he got whipped instead. How dare he-

"How dare you hit my son!" They both say as they slapped him.

"Do you have a death wish or something?" The General asks.

"Y-Your majesties, I-"

(Slap)

"How dare you whip my lover!" She exclaimed while summoning her sword with a murderous gaze upon her. Uh-oh…

"Lily, Derek," Her mother said calmly as we held them back. "Let them handle this."

"But-"

"Let this play out."

…

She opened her eyes in shock and found him standing in front of her, using his back as a shield against her father's whip.

"A-Astral, why did you-"

"I'm your friend, Estella." He said softly as he turned around.

Her father suddenly got very pale and stumbled back in shock. "Your highness, I-I didn't realize-"

He glares in the direction of his voice. "Duke Epifanio, how dare you hit her?" He said calmly. "She is your daughter. Even if she didn't manage to seduce me that one time, doesn't mean that she's a failure."

"Y-Yes, your highness-"

"Estella," He said looking at her and she nodded and guided him towards her father a bit.

"I did mention before that if I want, I could strip you of your power and make you lose everything in a heartbeat, did I not?" He did? When was that?

Her father, now bowing and kneeling in front of them. "I-"

"You don't deserve to speak to me you pathetic, filthy piece of trash!"

We all stifled a laugh at his insults towards him.

"You know what? Estella begged me to lighten your punishment for torturing Derek," He started as her father swallowed nervously. "But after what I just witnessed, I don't think you deserve a light punishment, am I correct?"

He deserves the utmost punishment for doing that and hitting you.

He placed his hands against hers. "Estella, you can't keep begging for him like that. These types of people rarely change." He said gently.

"But he raised me." He said quietly. But he doesn't love you.

He turned towards the sound of her voice. "Although he raised you, he didn't love you. He never saw you as a daughter. He gave your back bruises with a whip." Her back has bruises? How does he know that?

"How does he know that her back has bruises?" Lily ponders as the look of confusion on her face got replaced with a shocked one as she looked at him. Why is she looking at him like that?

"I wonder, did he…" Derek trailed off as he glared at him. What is up with them?

She stayed quiet as she pondered his words. "But-"

"He doesn't deserve to have a daughter such as you."

She closed her eyes as she nodded. "Astral,"

"Yes?"

She took a deep breath. "My father has more crimes than just torturing other people."

"Estella! What are you saying? Stop all of this-"

He snapped his gaze back at her father. "I don't remember giving you permission to speak, Epifanio." He said in a cold tone as her father shut his mouth.

He turns towards her. "What are his crimes?"

"There are plenty of slaves that he stores in the dungeon." She confessed as her father shouted.

"What are you saying?! Your highness, I can guarantee that is absolutely-"

"I swear, one more word from you and I will cut off that little tongue of yours." He exclaimed in a calm yet dangerous tone. Slaves?

We all looked at the King and Queen, who had shocked faces upon them. "Eliphas," The General asks. "Did you know about this?"

They shook their heads. "No, no we did not."

"Do you know where in the dungeon he stores them?"

She shook her head. "Sadly, no but I know that it's somewhere in the dungeon."

He sighs as he narrows his eyes towards her father. "Epifanio, where did you get the slaves?"

He stays quiet, still kneeling, and shivering. "Answer the question. Where did you get the slaves?" He repeated in a calm, emotionless voice.

"You do know that in this world, owning slaves is a major crime right? Couple that with torturing people, then you committed two major crimes that can only be paid by death." Everyone knows that.

"But, if you tell me where you got the slaves from…" He trailed off, looking at her father. "Then I might make an exception." My eyes widen. What? Why would he spare him?

"I'm confused," Crystal said. "Why would he-"

"He's trying to get his information by pardoning his punishment," Star said.

Lily nods in agreement. "It's all a part of human nature to value their lives above all else." Ohhhhh.

His eyes widen at his words and slowly lifts his head to meet his eyes. "Really?"

"Really."

He clenched his jaw. "I brought them from the black market." Black market?

"And where is the black market?"

"I don't know because I never went there before but all I know is that they sell slaves and more illegal things."

He stays quiet for a moment, pondering his words. "If you never been to it then how do you get the slaves?"

He purses his lip. "A guy usually gets them for me." A guy?

"Who is this guy?"

"I don't know."

"How can you not know?"

"I'm telling the truth, your highness, I do not know."

He sighs. "Guards,"

"What is your command, your highness?"

"Take this man to the dungeon until further notice."

His eyes widen. "Your highness, I thought that-"

"I said that I might make an exception. Be happy that I didn't execute you now." Ah, who knew that he was so sneaky.

"Take him away."

"Your highness, please have mercy on me!"

"Estella, I am your father! How could you do this to me?" He shouted as he got dragged away by the guards.

She held his hand even tighter. Poor Estella.

"Father," He said as she guided him towards us. "I'm leaving the rest up to you okay?"

He nods. "Okay."

"Guards,"

"Yes, your highness?"

"I need you to go to the Duke's mansion and free any slaves that have been working there." He exclaimed.

"Yes, your highness." They exclaimed as they rushed off.

"Are you okay?" He asks her as she guided him towards a table.

"I'm fine." She responded. "Thank you." Thank you?

"Thank you for what?"

She stayed quiet for a moment, pursing her lips as we could see a deep shade of red on her face. Is she blushing?

"Estella?" He asks in confusion.

"Thank you for… not doing anything that night." She whispered as our eyes all widened. That night? Doing? Huh?

His eyes widen as he smiles in her direction. "Not to worry, Estella. You were forced into seducing me after all."

I looked back at Derek and Lily. Their eyes narrowed as they looked at them. Uh-oh… This is not good.

"My love?" She said as she took his arm back from her. "Don't you think you owe me an explanation?" She asks in a sweet voice. Oh no…

"What explanation?" He asks in confusion.

"What do you mean by that night, Estella?" Derek asks as he holds her hand.

"Umm…" She trailed off, glancing at Astral.

We all looked at each other.

"Pss," Zach whispered. "I think I know what happened."

We tilted our heads. "What happened?"

"Zach," Estella said. "It's not what you all think."

"Then care to explain so that we all understand, Astral?" Lily asks.

Astral's POV:

I sigh as we all sat at the table. Do I really have to explain this?

"So," Crystal said. "What happened that night?"

"Do you all want to know?"

"Yep, all of us want to know," Brandon said.

"Estella," I ask. "Are you comfortable with-"

"Yes, you can explain. I will be fine." She said quickly.

"Ok, it all started one evening when…"

(Flash):

I walked into my room. Something seems off… why do I smell perfume? I sniffed the room even more. This perfume… why do I sense something wrong with it?

I shut the door and turned on the lights. That's odd… why won't the lights work?

I slowly took a step forward towards my bed as the candles around the room lit up. Since when do I have candles?

I widen my eyes at the figure on my bed. She was obviously around my age, with purple hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. What is she doing on my bed? I noticed the clothes that she has on and immediately averted my eyes. Why is she wearing a such revealing nightgown?

She came up to me and hugged me from behind, making my mind go blank as she slowly undid my belt and threw it to the side. What?

I quickly turned around and pinned her to the bed with our faces very close.

"Who are you?"

She smiles all seductive as she got out of my grip and wraps her arms around my neck, bringing our faces closer to each other. I blink. What…

"Did you not hear me?" I ask again. "Who are you?"

She pulls me even closer to her with our lips inches apart. "Am I pretty?" She asks batting her eyelashes at me. Yes, but what does this have to do with anything?

"You are but who are you?" I ask as a blush appeared on my face because of our proximity.

"You can call me by Estella, my love." My love?

She suddenly moves one of her hands from my neck, unbuttons my shirt, and threw it across the room as I blinked at her. Wait… is this what I think it is? Seduction?

"Why are you doing this?" I ask nervously as she touched my chest.

She bites her lip as she stared at me. "Don't you like me?"

"I… um…" I stuttered as I trailed off, not knowing how to react during this situation.

She smiles as she pulls me down until our noses are touching. Uh-oh…

"Astral," She whispers as I could feel her breath against my lips. "Tell me, do you find me pretty?"

I could feel my heartbeat accelerating. "Y-Yes." Why am I like this?

"Well then, do you want me to be yours?" She said as she brought our lips closer.

"W-What do you mean?" I stuttered out as my heart rate skyrocketed. What is wrong with me? This is clearly is a seduction tactic but why am I falling for this?

She smiled. "For this night, you can do whatever you want with me." She whispered as I leaned closer to her. Whatever I want? What? I… No!

My heart feels like it's going to burst as our lips got closer and closer to each other. "Estella…" I said as we sealed the distance.

(Flash)

"You two kissed?!" I could hear Derek and Lily yell in shock as I could hear some struggling. What is going on?

"Can someone tell me what is going on?" I ask no one in particular.

"Astral, um…" I could hear Estella walk over towards me.

"Yes?"

"Astral! You are a dead man!" Derek shouted.

"Woah, calm down!" Maria said.

"Let go of me!" I can hear my lover said angrily. "How dare you kiss another woman?!"

"Lily," They all said. "Get a hold of yourself!"

"Let go of us!" They shouted as I can hear struggling. Of course, they would get mad.

"I think you should continue the story before they kill us." She said in fear.

"Are they really that angry?"

"Yeah, Derek looks like he wants to beat you up while Lily is glaring at us with anger and hatred." She said nervously. Wow…

"Ok, I will continue the story."

(Flash):

My heart feels like it's going to burst as our lips got closer and closer to each other. "Estella…" I said as we sealed the distance.

I unconsciously used my powers to pull off her nightgown while deepening the kiss between us. Mhm… Is this what a kiss feels like? I shouldn't be doing this… I have to stop!

We rolled around in bed as she fumbled to take my clothes off. Mhm… Wait what am I doing?!

I snapped my eyes open and blinked. Why am I doing this? This isn't like me. I have to break the kiss!

I rolled around and tried to turn my head but she kept claiming my lips. Why is she so persistent?

I have to… Ah! I used one of my legs to kick the table over and the other to kick the vase. Hopefully, someone will hear the noises and come in. I finally bit her tongue to make her retract in pain as I pinned her onto the bed, glaring at her.

"Estella, why are you doing this?"

"Don't you want me, my love?"

I narrowed my eyes at her. "I am not your love and what did you do to me? Why can't I control my urges?

"What do you mean?

"Don't lie to me!" I exclaimed. "What did you do?"

I sniffed the air and it dawned on me. "The perfume that you are wearing," I said. "It's effect is to make a male act upon their sexual urges correct?"

"I have no idea what you mean by that."

"What is-"

She smashes her lips against mine once again as my heartbeat accelerated. I… No! This is wrong. Stop it!

I turned my head but she kept kissing me. I have to stop this!

I could feel her hands travel towards my back and gently strokes it, making me shiver. I have to break this kiss!

I tossed and turned on the bed. Finally, I was able to break the kiss as I immediately pin her up against a wall, with her face away from me.

I breathed heavily from the lack of air as I tried to control my urges. Calm down. I have to calm myself. Be calm.

"What is your motive for seducing me?"

"Honey, why are you doing this to me? Don't you want me to be yours?"

I look away from her still holding her against the wall. "Stop saying those things," I said, trying to keep my voice steady and controlling my urges.

"If you think that you can seduce me, you are very naive," I said with a laugh. If I didn't snap out in time then things would have been awful.

I turn around and my eyes widen. "Are those bruises on your back?" I went closer to her. Yup, those are definitely bruises.

"Why do you have these bruises?" I ask in concern as she stayed quiet. Could it be that she's being abused? Or could it be that she was somehow forced into seducing me?

"Your highness," A voice called from outside my room, making us freeze. Oh no.

"Yes?" I responded, trying to keep my voice as steady as possible.

"I heard a loud crash. Is everything okay?"

Oh great. Now you hear it? Where were you when I actually needed you? "I'm fine."

"I wasn't watching where I was going and knocked over a table." I lied. Hopefully, this lie is believable.

"Ok, goodnight your highness," Waltari said as I can hear his footsteps fade into the distance. That was close.

I looked back at her back as I started to breathe heavily again. Uh-oh. I have to control my urges!

"Estella, do you have an antidote for this?" I ask as she stayed silent.

"Why do you want the antidote? Don't you find me pretty?"

"Hurry, just hand me the antidote," I said quickly.

"Why should I do that?"

"I know that you are being forced into doing this."

"How-"

"I will explain later. Just hurry and give me the antidote!" I exclaimed as I removed my hands from her. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. Don't do anything reckless.

She quickly plopped a pill into my mouth as I swallowed it. That was the antidote, right?

I started breathing normally again. Let's see, no urges, no thoughts, I'm cured!

I turned around to face her as she quickly covered herself with a blanket and sat on the bed. Ohhhhh yeah, I took her… "Estella, where did you get those bruises from?"

She looked at me as she covered herself with the blanket. "Why didn't you tell the butler that I'm here?" She asks in confusion.

"There is no reason to tell other people," I responded, making her tilt her head. "Someone is obviously forcing you to do this."

Her eyes widen. "How do you-"

"Then care to explain those bruises on your back?"

She looked down and clench her jaw as I crawled over to the other side and turn on my bedside lamp. "If you don't want to tell me, that's fine but no one deserves to hit you like that."

"Also, that person shouldn't be forcing you to do things such as seducing men. Just imagine, if I was like any other out there, do you think I would be able to sit here and have a conversation with you when you wore that seductive nightgown and kissed me?" I said as she blushed. "Not to mention that you drugged me as well. If I didn't snap out of it in time, do you know what I could've done to you?"

I shook my head and sigh as I went and retrieve my shirt, put it on.

I looked back at her, still covered in blankets as I went over to my closet, dug out a long sleeve green shirt, and handed it to her.

"Why are you giving me your shirt?"

"Change into this," I said as I turned away.

"Why?" Is she serious?

"Do you want to wear nothing with a man in the same room as you?"

She stays quiet as I could feel her take the shirt from my hands. "Are you really not a bit seduced by me?" She asks quietly. No.

"Your seduction tactics might work on other people but not for me."

"Really? I am sitting here, on your bed, naked, I just kissed you, and I drugged you. You really don't feel anything?" She asks curiously. When you put it that way…

I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. "Of course I feel something. What man wouldn't feel anything if a female was sitting naked in their room, on the bed?"

"But, I'm not that type of person to take advantage of other people like this. Especially if they are being forced by others to do this." I said.

"You really are different from other people, Prince Astral."

I shook my head. "No, I'm the same as others."

"No, not the way I see it." She exclaimed. "If you were like any other person then we wouldn't be having a conversation right now." She said as I blushed. Don't turn around.

"You can look." She said as I turned around and sat on the bed next to her.

"So, who are you?"

"My name is Estella."

"I know but who are you?" I clarified my question.

"I can't tell you that." She said, biting her lip. Hmmm…

"I should get going." She said as she got up. My eyes widen as I pulled her back down onto the bed. She can't leave now!

"Prince Astral?"

I let go of her arm. "Do you know how many guards protect this palace? If you leave now then they might think that you are an assassin and kill you." I explained to her.

"If I can't leave then what do I do?"

I pondered her question for a moment. Well… she could…

I looked at her. "Why don't you sleep here tonight and I will take you out of this palace tomorrow?"

Her eyes widen. "But-"

"If you're worried that I will-"

"No no. It's not that." She said quickly. "Do you really trust me enough to let me sleep here? I might be an assassin for all you know."

I smiled. "If you were, then why didn't you kill me before? Plus, you don't know any fighting skills. Tell me, if you are an assassin sent to kill me, wouldn't you at least know a couple of moves?"

She nods. "True."

She looks at the bed then the couch. "You can take the bed and I will take the couch."

"What? This is your room. You should be able to sleep in your own bed!" She reasoned.

I shook my head as I smiled. "I appreciate your concern but I can't let you sleep on the couch."

She tilted her head. "Why not?"

"You are a guest. What host would let their guest sleep on the couch?"

She stays quiet as she nods. She looks at the bed then the couch. "How about this," She said as she looks at me. "How about we sleep on the bed together?"

I looked at her in shock at her words. Sleep on the same bed together? Like sharing a bed? Is she still trying to seduce me?

She blushed. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not trying to seduce you or anything. I don't want you to be sleeping on the couch that's all." Is she not afraid that I might do something?

"Aren't you afraid that I might do something to you?" I ask curiously.

She shook her head. "If you wanted to do something then you would have done it when I kissed you earlier."

I nodded. True… "Alright." I slowly crawled towards my pillow as she laid next to me. Hmm… what do I do if one of us is a roller?

I summoned up a bunch of pillows and placed them in the middle, dividing up the bed into two halves. There. That should do it. As long as the pillows stay put then it will be like we are sleeping separately.

"Wow, you really thought this through huh?"

"I just want to make sure if we happen to end up in a weird or awkward position in the morning that you won't be blaming me," I stated as she laughed. She should laugh more often.

"You should laugh more. Your laughter sounds nice." I complimented as she looked away. Huh?

"Why are you looking away?" I ask in confusion.

She looked back towards me. "You know that you have to be more careful when complimenting other people."

"Why?"

"It could be mistaken as flirting."

I blinked. "It could?"

She looks at me with a deadpan expression. "Seriously?"

"What?"

"Are you that clueless?"

"Hey!" I faked anger as she laughed again.

"Anyway, goodnight, Estella."

"Goodnight, Prince Astral." She said as I shut off my lamp.

The next morning:

I rolled on my bed as I groaned and felt something on my arm. Huh? I yawned as I tried to move it but heard a feminine groan next to me as she took hold of my arm. Well, looks like she's a roller.

I opened my eyes fully to see that the pillows were scattered across the room as we were in the middle of the bed. She was holding tightly onto my arm. I blinked with confusion. How did the pillows get all scattered like that? Also, how did we get in the middle?

I thought as she slowly opened her eyes while yawning. She took one look and the position that we are currently in and widen her eyes as I covered her mouth to muffle a scream.

"Estella, be quiet," I said calmly as I removed my hand.

"What did you-"

"I didn't do anything," I said quickly. "We somehow ended up in that position."

She then glances around the room, finding pillows scattered everywhere. "Why are the pillows all over the place.

I shrugged. "I don't know."

(Knock)(Knock)

We froze at the sudden knock at the door. Who is knocking?

"Who is it?"

"Astral, are you awake?" My friend asks me.

"Yes, why are you asking?"

"I just want to know if we are still going to the park today." Oh yea, I promised her that we would go today.

"Yes, of course, we are."

She stayed quiet for a couple of minutes. "Well? Are you going to let me stand here all day, darling?"

Estella raised an eyebrow. "Darling?" She whispered at me. I ignored her and focused my attention back on the door.

"You can leave if you want to," I replied to her.

"You are too cruel, you know that?" She whined as I laughed.

"Can I come into your room?" If I don't allow her then she would get suspicious.

I sigh. "Ok, just wait for a couple of minutes."

I turned my attention back to Estella as we sat up on the bed.

She smiled. "Darling?"

I rolled my eyes as I pushed her into my closet. "Don't come out unless I tell you to."

She smiled. "Why? Are you afraid that your lover will notice?"

My eyes widen at her words. "She and I are not lovers."

"Just don't come out until I tell you to."

I said as I shut the closet door and cleaned up the room. Everything is back in place.

I took a few breaths to calm myself as I sat on the bed. "You may enter," I said as I door burst open.

"Astral!" She tackled me into an embrace, making me fall over with her, sitting on my stomach. Why does she always tackle me so hard?

"Did you miss me, my dear?"

"Miss you? We just saw each other yesterday." I said as I looked at her.

"Aw," She pouted. "So my love doesn't miss me?"

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Ok ok. Stop pouting. I missed you as well."

She beams. "I knew that you missed me!" She exclaimed as I smiled.

"Anyways, Lily, can you get off me?"

She tilts her head in confusion. "Why?" Seriously?

"Look at the position that we are in right now."

She blinks. "So?"

"If people come in my room and found us in this position, they would misunderstand," I explained to her.

"So? Since when do you care what other people think?" Because we are not alone right now.

"You don't care if other people misunderstand?" I ask her in disbelief.

"I don't. If they want to think that we are a couple and or dating then so be it."

I blinked at her words. Does she not care about her reputation?

"Do you not care about your reputation?"

"Why should I care about that?"

"Aren't you afraid that you won't be able to find a lover?" I ask.

She looks at me in confusion. "Since when do I want a lover? I don't need or want a lover."

I smiled while poking her cheek. "Sure, you might say that now but maybe in the future, you will change your mind."

She smiles. "Maybe but even if I don't have a lover. I will still have you and you can be my lover!"

My eyes widen at her words as a smile crossed my face. She somehow always manages to make me smile.

I laughed at her. "Alright, when the time comes, if you want me to, I will be your lover," I said jokingly as I leaned up to ruffle her hair playfully.

"Okay, now get off me."

"Why?" She whined.

"Because I say so."

"No."

"Get off."

"No."

"Get off."

"No."

I sigh. "My dear, don't you want to take a walk in the park?"

Her eyes widen as she got off of me and I sat up. "We are still on for that? I thought you were only joking when you said that."

Why would I joke about that? "Of course we are still going," I said.

"Great!" She exclaimed as she took hold of my hand. "Let's go."

"Wait a minute," I said as she stopped and look at me in confusion.

"What is it?"

"I still have a couple of things to take care of."

"And what is that?"

"You know, political things and stuff like that." I lied. Sorry, Lily.

"Can't you take a break from your Princely duties and just have fun?"

I smiled. "I wish but that's the responsibility of being a Prince."

"It will only take a couple of minutes," I said as I pushed her out the door.

"Why are you pushing me into the hall?" She asks in confusion.

"You know how boring it is. I don't want you to get bored."

"Aw, are you concerned for me, honey?" She smiled. "I don't care. As long as you are by my side, I will never be bored."

I shook my head and smiled at her. "It will only be a couple of minutes," I said as I shut the door. You are the last person that I want to lie to.

I opened up my closet door to find her grinning ear to ear. What is with her expression?

"What?"

"Be honest with me, do you like her?" Her?

"You mean, Lily?"

She nods as I laughed. "We don't have that kind of relationship."

"Really?" She asks in disbelief.

I nod. "We are best friends since the age of 6."

"Anyway," I quickly summoned up a maid's outfit and gave it to her.

"Huh?"

"You will be my maid. That way, you can follow me without arousing suspicion and once we are out of the palace, you can head back."

"Ok," She said as she headed to the restroom to change.

After a few moments, the door unlocks and she walks out handing me back my shirt from last night.

"Not too bad."

"Anyway, let's go."

I opened the door to find Lily still there. "Ready to go?" She asks me as I nodded.

She notices Estella. "Astral, who is she?"

"This is Estella and she is the maid."

She narrows her eyes. "I know that but what was she doing in your room?"

I should have thought of this beforehand. "She was cleaning something up," I said quickly as I took hold of her hand a dragged her down the hall.

"What? Why are you dragging me?"

"Don't you want to go to the park?"

"Well yes, but there is no need to drag me you know?"

We made our way out of the palace and to the park. Phew, I managed to avoid her questions.

I glanced back at Estella who was still following us. Why is she still here?

"Estella," I whispered. "Why are you still here?"

"I just want to see how this would turn out." What?

"How what would turn out?" I ask in confusion.

"Hey Astral," Lily called out. "Butterflies!" She exclaimed as she grabbed my hand, chasing after them.

One landed on her hair and the other on her hand as she smiled brightly. This scene…

"Is it pretty?" She asks while looking at me.

I smiled as I leaned in closer. "What are you doing?"

"Hold still, my love," I said as I leaned in closer to her.

"W-What are you…" She trailed off.

I picked a flower petal from her hair and leaned back to see her face. Why is her face flushed?

"There was a flower petal stuck in your hair," I said as I tilt my head. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine." She said, looking away from me and walked into the field of flowers. Huh?

"Prince Astral, I saw what you did." She said with a smirk as she looked at me.

"What do you mean?"

"I just picked a flower petal from her hair."

She sighs. "You know that's a romantic gesture right?" It is?

My eyes widen. "It is?"

She nods. "Didn't you know?"

I shook my head as she sighs. "You really are clueless."

How on earth was I supposed to know that was a romantic gesture? I looked over at her, still playing in the flowers with the butterflies. No wonder she reacted that way.

"Are you sure you don't love her?"

I sigh and glanced back at her. "We are just friends," I said.

"Sure…" She trailed off, looking at me with a knowing smile. Just what is up with her?

"Anyway, I should head back to my house." She said frowning. What is with her expression?

"Do you not like it at your house?" I ask in concern as her eyes widen.

"Why would you think that?"

"Your body language told me."

She stayed quiet. If she doesn't want to go home… then…

"How about you stay with us for the whole day, then you could go back at night?" I suggested as she bit her lip.

"But then my father-"

"If you don't want to go back to your house, there must be a reason why you don't like it there. So why do you still want to return?"

"If I don't, my father will…" She trailed off as I narrowed my gaze at her. Her father will… Why did she trail off?

I smiled. "It's your choice. Whether to stay or leave is your call." I said as I started walking towards my friend.

"Lily,"

"Yes?"

I summoned out a sword and pointed it towards her. "Want to have a sword fight?"

She smiled and summoned out her own sword. "Do you even have to ask?"

"Even though you are the Prince, I won't be merciful." She exclaimed as she lunged at me. Time to see if her abilities have improved.

(Clang)

(Clang)

(Clang)

After 15 minutes:

I was breathing heavily from her direct attacks as I countered it with my own, making her back away. Doesn't she ever get tired?

(Clang)

We grunted in exhaustion as I blocked every single one of her attacks. She, of course, retaliated with full force as I could see beads of sweat dripping down her face.

"You must be exhausted," I said while breathing heavily and blocking one of her attacks.

"I am but I will not let you win again." She shouted.

(Slash)

"You are getting better and better each day." I complimented her as I dodged her incoming sword.

(Clang)

"Yup, I have been practicing." She said as she attacked me once more.

(Slash)

(Clang)

Her eyes widen and suddenly kneeled, holding her ankle. "Ow!"

I panicked, dropping my sword and flying to her. I didn't hurt her, did I?

She smirked as she grabbed my shoulder, threw me onto the ground, and pointed her sword to my chest. I blinked. What just happened?

"You-"

"I know that you care about me, my love but if this was a real fight, then you would have been killed."

I glared at her. She tricked me!

"You tricked me."

"It was a victory."

"It was a tainted victory!" I exclaimed.

She smirked. "Still a victory is a victory, my love." She teased.

I lowered her sword as I got up. "So, your ankle is fine then?"

"Hmmm…" She ponders. "Actually, I think I might've sprained it a little." She said sheepishly looking at me.

I sigh. "Really?"

She nodded. "Astral, it hurts!" She whined as she grabbed my hand.

"Well, what am I supposed to do about it?" I ask while she leaned on me.

Her eyes lit up and smiled. What is she scheming up this time?

"Give me a piggyback ride!" What?

"Why?"

"Because you injured my ankle. The least you can do is to give me a ride on your back." She said. I did do that to her…

I sigh as I crouched down. "Get on."

She got on and stroked my hair. "What are you doing?"

She giggled. "Your hair is really soft." Really?

I started to move as she clung to my neck, cutting off my air supply. I can't breathe…

"Lily… can't… breathe… need… air!" I said between gasps of breaths as I tried to loosen her arms.

She quickly loosened her grip, making me take in air at a very fast pace. Thank goodness!

I glanced back at her. Is she trying to kill me?

"Sorry, I panicked and thought that I was going to fall." She chuckled.

Of course. "Do you really think that I'm going to drop you?"

She ponders for a bit. "No, but better safe than sorry, my dear." She teased as I reached back and touched her forehead.

"I will never drop you, darling," I said as I walked over to Estella with her grinning. "What are you so happy about?"

"Are you two sure that you're not dating?"

Why does everyone keep saying that? "No, we are not dating," I said.

"We have a platonic relationship." She said, still playing with my hair.

"Sure, I understand." She said sarcastically as she looked at us.

"We are just friends!" We both exclaimed as she smirked.

(Flash)

…

Why is it so quiet? "Why aren't you saying anything?"

"I remember that day," My lover said. "That was over a year ago."

"No wonder she was in your room…" She said trailing off. Uh-oh.

"Wait a minute," I suddenly felt like I was weightless as someone tackled me to a wall. Who?

"Who are you?" I said as that person pinned me to a wall.

"Who am I?" Ohhhhh.

I sigh. "My love, why are you doing this?"

"Why? You ask me why?" She shouted.

"A woman was on your bed, naked because you ripped her nightgown off. Why did you rip it off!" She held my wrists tighter.

"I was drugged and it was an accident. I didn't mean to."

She scoffed. "An accident? Yea right. Do you think I would believe that?" It's the truth.

"It's the truth."

"So, you are telling me that she not only kissed you, you ripped her nightgown off, and slept with her on your bed for the night?" She asks, shouting in anger.

"Yes."

"Why you-"

"But nothing happened. We just slept." I said calmly.

"A woman was naked on your bed! Do you think I believe that nothing happened between you two?"

"Lily," Estella said. "It's the truth. We didn't do anything."

"Astral! You are dead! Dead I tell you!" Derek shouted as I heard grunting.

"Stop him!" I could hear my sister say.

"Let go of me!"

"Derek, nothing happened," Estella said, in hopes of calming him down.

"You expect me to believe that he didn't do anything to you?"

"We are innocent." We both exclaimed as I can hear grunting and struggling.

"Mother, let go of me!"

"You got to calm yourself." Her father said.

"Estella," I could hear my father say. "How about you two leave and let us calm them down."

"But-"

"Right now, they won't listen to reason." My mother said as I could feel an arm guiding me towards the door.

"Astral, you get back here! This conversation is not over!"

"You are a dead man!"

I sigh as I shook my head. They are angrier than I thought they would be.

"Will they be okay?" She asks in concern.

"They will be fine."

"I never thought that they would get this angry," I said.

"Me neither."

Crystal's POV:

"Let go of me!" Lily exclaimed as everyone dragged her to the table.

"Stop it! He will pay for kissing her!" Derek shouted as we dragged him as well to the table. I can't believe that this happened.

"Please, calm down you two." My dad said as we held them down.

"How can we be calm when they kissed?" Derek asks.

"Do you all know how we feel right now?" Lily said sadly.

"We just found out that both of our lovers kissed each other and one even tried to seduce him," Derek said.

"I can understand how you feel," Her mom said. "But, they didn't do anything else."

"Plus," Her dad added. "She was forced by her father."

"I can guarantee that he did not do anything to her." My mom said.

"Exactly," Star said. "If she likes him that way then they would have done something that night."

We all nodded in agreement. True. "Lily," I said looking at her. "He said that he didn't do anything to her besides the kiss. Don't you trust my brother?"

She stayed quiet. Do you really not trust him?

"Derek," Brandon said. "Do you not trust her?"

They looked at each other in silence. "You guys," Maria said in a scolding manner. "A relationship is built by trust. If you two don't trust them then do you really love them?"

Their eyes widen at her words. "Of course I love her/him!" They both said.

"Then do you trust them?" Brandon asks as they stay silent once more. I sigh. This isn't working. Why won't they trust them? They said that they didn't do anything besides the kiss.

Serenity came up to her, holding her hand gently. "Mother, don't you trust father?" She asks in a small voice.

She smiled, stroking her hair. "It's not that I don't trust him. I do." She said softly.

"It's just…" She trailed off, pursing her lips. Just what?

"Serenity, what if your father does something to make you sad or very hurt." She started, placing her hand on her shoulder. "Would you trust him if he said that he didn't do it on purpose?"

Our eyes widen at her words. So it's not that she doesn't trust him. It's just that she's conflicted and sad that he kissed Estella.

We looked over towards Derek and found him listening in to the conversation between Serenity and Lily. Does he feel the same as well?

She furrowed her brow in confusion at her words and looked at her. "I would still trust him!"

She tilts her head, confused. "Why?"

She beams. "Because I know that he loves me. Even if he does something to make me sad, I know that he didn't do it on purpose."

"There is a reason for each decision and action that he makes. I know that he still loves me at the end of the day and that's enough.

She looks in shock at her words as a look of realization suddenly hits her. "Mother, don't be sad that father kissed Lady Estella. I could tell that he really loves you or else, he wouldn't have turned towards the sound of your voice when he left."

She noticed that? We looked at each other and shrugged. Looks like she is really like her father.

"Thank you, my daughter." She said with a smile as she kissed her on the forehead.

"Thank you, Serenity!" Derek exclaimed, patting her on the head.

They both stood up, looked at each other, and flew out the door.

"Did I do well?" She asks us.

We all smiled as my mom pats her on the head. "You have done well, my grandchild."

"Should we follow them?" Zach asks.

"No, just let them settle this themselves." Her mother said as we all looked at the door. Who knew Serenity can be so smart?

Derek's POV:

Lily and I flew out the door with one purpose only, to apologize to them. Ok, I will admit that I was angry and a little jealous that they kissed and she tried to seduce him but she was forced by her father. Meaning that she didn't do it voluntarily.

"Where do you think they are?" I ask her as we roamed the halls.

"Let's check-in their rooms." She said as we flew into her room then his room to find no one there. Where could they be?

"Estella!"

"Astral!"

"Where are you?"

We shouted in hopes of a response but nothing. Where are they?

"Waltari, have you seen Astral and Estella?" She asks him.

"Lady Lily, they went towards the royal garden a little while ago."

"Thank you." We said as we flew towards the garden. No wonder they didn't respond.

We walked into the garden. "Wow, this place is beautiful," I said, looking at the flowers.

She nods. "Yup."

We walked a little further and heard a giggle. That giggle sounds familiar…

I walked towards the noise to find a gazebo in the middle of the garden. In it, was Astral sitting down next to Estella. She is holding Phoenix while laughing as he smiled and chuckled. This scene… since when do they get along so close?

We got a little closer to hear the conversation between them.

"Astral," She said while laughing. "Remember when you pushed me into your closet because Lily said that she wanted to go into your room?"

He chuckled. "Yes, I panicked."

"Don't worry about it. It's fine. Besides, I wouldn't have been able to find out about you and Lily if you didn't push me into your closet."

"What do you mean? We were just friends back then." He said in confusion.

She laughs. "Just friends? Seriously? I distinctly remember her saying that if she doesn't have a lover, you can be her lover."

"You also agreed to her proposal as well, saying that if she wants you to, you will be her lover in the future."

He smiles. "Yeah, who knew that joke would come true now."

Her smile fades. "Do you think that they will be mad at us?" She asks sadly.

He sighs. "Yes, I mean we both lied to them. I would be surprised if they weren't angry at us."

"I still feel like it's my fault-"

"It's not your fault. You were being forced by your father. You didn't have a say in the matter."

"But still, I shouldn't-"

"As I said before, we just kissed. Nothing else happened that night."

She nods and smiles at him. "You really are different from the others, Astral." She complimented. He is?

"No, I'm-"

"I'm being serious." She said. "If you were like the others, then that night would have been a whole lot different."

"I told you, I-"

"I know, you don't like to take advantage of other people and therefore didn't do anything that night but I got to ask." She said looking at him. "Were you really not seduced by me one bit? Did you really not feel anything for me when I kissed you?" She asks in curiosity.

I clench my fist. Why is she asking him that question? I looked over at Lily, who was staring at him, waiting for a response. I gently held her hand to comfort her.

"Don't worry," I said as she reluctantly nods.

We both waited for his response as he stayed quiet. Why is he taking so long to reply?

"If I'm being honest, I was a little taken back by the sudden kiss." He started. "If you're asking if I felt anything for you when and after that kiss, I would be lying if I say I didn't."

I felt a hand grip my hand even tighter and I glanced at the person next to me. Lily…

"Really?" She asks in disbelief.

He nods. "After all, that was my first kiss. Actually…" He trailed off.

"That wasn't my first kiss but still it was a kiss. How could I not feel anything." He said.

"What did you feel?"

"Why are you asking?"

"I'm curious."

"Let's see…"

Ow! I looked beside me and saw her jaw clenched as she gripped my hand tightly. Astral, you better not say anything that you will regret later.

"That kiss felt… a little odd." Odd?

She tilts her head in confusion. "Odd?"

He nods. "Yea, it felt kind of forced. Which made sense because you suddenly kissed me and were forced into doing it." He clarified as she nods.

I felt a grip loosen on my hand as I looked next to me. She was smiling. Umm…

"Are you okay?" I ask in concern.

She nods. "Yeah, I'm fine."

We looked back at them.

"As for your other question," He shook his head. "After that kiss, I felt nothing towards you which is really odd." He felt nothing?

Her eyes widen. "What do you mean by nothing?"

He stayed quiet for a moment. "Like you know, how during a kiss, you feel all happy and want to be closer to that person right?" He asks as she nods.

"Yea, that's how I felt with Derek." She admitted as my eyes widen in disbelief. Really?

"I felt that way when I kissed Lily as well but when you kissed me, it felt different."

"Different?" Different?

"Hm… how should I explain this…" He ponders, choosing his words. "Instead of wanting to get closer to you, I wanted to get as far from you as possible." He said then quickly added. "No offense, Estella."

She chuckles. "None taken, Astral. I felt the same way you did as well."

"You know," She said. "She is very fortunate to have you as a lover."

He tilts his head as she clarifies. "Not many men can resist seduction tactics from other women. Plus, remember when you and she got drugged with the Pleasure Potion?"

He nods. "Who can forget that?"

"You could have easily taken advantage of her by letting yourself succumb to that potion's effect but you resisted." She said.

He slightly smiled. "That was because we were friends back then. Plus, I knew that she didn't see me in that way."

"That's why I said that she is a very fortunate woman to have such a faithful and loyal partner such as yourself by her side."

I looked at her and found her smiling at her words. Astral is really amazing.

"I'm pretty sure it's the opposite." He said. Huh?

"I'm lucky to have her in my life. Without her, I would have no one to tease and converse with."

She tilts her head. "What do you mean? You still have Crystal-"

"Let me clarify," He interrupted. "Although I do have my friends and family to converse and talk to, they don't really get what I'm saying on a deeper level." We don't?

"They don't?"

"I wouldn't say all the time but sometimes they don't really get what I'm saying."

"And Lily does?"

He nods with a smile. "Yeah, I sometimes wonder how we understand each other so much." He said while pondering.

"That's love for you." She said as she smiles. "It's a magical thing yet is filled with obstacles to overcome."

"I agree." He responds. "I have been meaning to ask, how are things between you and Derek going?"

I blushed. Why is he asking that?

"You two confessed right?"

She nods. "We did."

"And it's thanks to your help." His help?

"My help?" He asks in confusion.

"Remember at the party?"

"Oh yeah," He said with a chuckle. "I was really surprised when I heard your name come out of my father's mouth that day."

"Yes, I was surprised as well. To think that my father invited you was out of my suspicions."

"Anyway, you were the one who told me that Derek likes me and therefore, I got the courage to confess as well." How dare you Astral!

"Plus," She quickly summoned up her purse and took out a small container. What is that?

"Here." She took his hand and placed it in his palm.

"What did you just give me?"

"It's the medicine you gave me for those bruises on my back that night."

"You don't-"

"I have been meaning to give it back but never had the chance to."

"You don't have to-"

"It was yours, to begin with." She said as her eyes widen.

"How is your back? You took that whip for me." Oh yeah, he shielded her from her father's whip.

"It's fine. It just stings a little."

She summoned up another container and gave it to him once more. "And what is this?"

"This is the ointment for your back."

"You-"

"I know you already have it but just accept this." She said desperately. "I feel really bad for my father hitting you with his whip." She exclaimed quietly.

He stays quiet for a couple of seconds. "Alright, thank you, Estella."

"No worries, Astral."

"Hey Astral?" She said after a brief moment of silence between them.

"What is it?"

She glances at him, looking nervous. "Do you think they will forgive us?"

"Forgive us?"

"Do you think they will forgive us for kissing each other?"

He sighs. "They are both rational people. They won't hold a grudge for that."

"But when we left, they both seem really angry and mad."

"You didn't see it but the look in her eyes when she was looking at me." She swallowed nervously. "If looks can kill, I would already be dead."

I looked at Lily with a glare. "Really?"

"What?" She said innocently.

I looked at her with an emotionless expression. "Fine, I was angry ok?"

"Don't act like you were all nice." She said rolling her eyes.

"Remember the threats to kill him that you kept making?"

Oh, yea…

I laughed. "We were really angry at them huh?

She nods. "Yup."

We then looked back at them.

"No need to worry, they will forgive us." He said. How can he be so sure?

"How do you know?"

"Because they love us." He responded.

"True, but what if they don't forgive us? I mean it was a kiss after all."

He stayed quiet, biting his lip in frustration. "I don't know."

"You don't know?"

He slowly nods. "I don't know what I would do if she doesn't forgive me."

"I honestly don't know…" He trailed off softly.

"I don't know what I would do if he doesn't forgive me either." She said, looking down at the baby sleeping in her arms.

I looked back at Lily. Do they think we won't forgive them? Wow… of course, we will forgive them!

"How could he think that?" She exclaimed as she looked at them.

I nod. "They actually think that we won't forgive them?

We both sigh. "Should we walk over there and talk to them?

"Yeah, let's do that," I said as we walked over towards the gazebo and sat next to our lovers.

Her eyes widen as I quickly put a finger on her lip to silence her as Lily smirked and walked over towards Astral. What is she doing now?

She taps him in the shoulder, making him turn towards her as she quickly gave him a peck on the cheek. "Lily?" He asks in confusion as she frowned.

"Aww, guess I got found out huh?"

"So you finally decided to show yourself."

What? "You knew that we were spying?" I ask as I looked at him.

"Yeah,"

"How?" She asks in confusion.

"Being blind for almost a whole day heightens your other senses." That makes sense.

I turned back to my lover. "You knew about this?"

She shook her head. "I didn't."

Oh. She gave Phoenix back to her as we all say there quietly. What are we supposed to do now?

"Is there a reason why you two were spying on us?" She asks as we avoided her gaze.

"Um…" I trailed off as I looked at Lily. How should we apologize?

"Do you two not trust us to be alone with each other after that kiss?" He asks as we widen our eyes.

"We trust you two!" We said simultaneously.

"Then why were you spying on us?" She asks once more.

I took a deep breath. "We came to apologize to you two."

"Apologize? What for?" He asks.

"Astral," She started. "I should have trusted you when you said that nothing happened that night."

"Same with me, Estella," I said looking at her in guilt. "I should have trust what you said."

"We shouldn't-"

"It's fine," They said simultaneously, cutting us off.

"Derek," She said. "It's only natural for you to react like that."

"But-"

She places a hand on my lips. "If you weren't angry then I would question our relationship but you were, thus it means that our relationship is important to you." She said with a smile.

I cupped her cheek with one of my hands. "Estella…" I said in disbelief.

"Do you really forgive me?" I ask her softly.

She nods. "Yea."

She smiles as she turns her attention towards Lily and I removed my hand from her cheek. "Lily, do you forgive me for trying to seduce him?"

"You didn't do it on purpose. Besides, nothing happened except for that kiss." She said, smiling at her. Who knew she was so understanding.

"Please forgive me for glaring at you like that." She said looking down. "I was-"

"Don't worry about it," My lover said. "I know what jealousy can do to a person."

He laughs. "That I know." He said as she glared at him.

"Honey, no need to glare at me like that. I'm just telling the truth." How does he know that she was glaring at him?

"How did you know that I was glaring at you?" She asks confused.

"Because I know you." He responded.

Eliphas' POV:

I let out a sigh as my wife walked over to me. "Something wrong?"

"I'm just wondering how things are going with the four of them."

She nods. "Me too."

And what am I supposed to do about the black market?

"Honey?"

"Yes?"

I sigh once more, clutching my head in frustration. "It's about what Epifanio said."

Her eyes widen. "You mean about the slaves?"

"Yes, and about the black market."

"If there really is such a market going on then we need to get to the bottom of this." She said. Yes, because if not then it will cause trouble sooner or later.

"He honestly doesn't know where it might be?"

I shook my head. "No, I ask him a bunch of times but he doesn't know."

"He could be lying."

"No, it doesn't seem like he's lying." If he is lying then he's an amazing liar.

She ponders my words as she puts her hand under her chin. "Have you tried interrogating the slaves to see if any of them knows the location?" I have.

"I have but the slaves, they have their guard up. Even though I promised to set them free, they still won't give away its location."

"It makes sense for them to be wary of us. We need to do something to make them trust us enough to give away its location."

I nod in agreement. "But what?"

"Oh, by the way, where are Carissa and Luca?"

"They left a while ago. They said that they have some business to take care of and have stayed at the palace for too long."

She nods. "Makes sense, Luca is the General after all."

Yes, now how will I get the slaves to trust me?

Lily's POV:

"Watch out! You almost walked into a window." I exclaimed as I guided him back to the bed.

He sighs sadly. "I can't even walk without someone guiding me."

I sat down next to him. "Don't worry, my love, this is only temporary."

"I know that but still, it doesn't change the fact that I can't see."

I grabbed one of his hands as he turns in my direction. "I will be your eyes from now until you can see again."

He gently smiles. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

We stayed quiet for a moment. "Astral?"

"Hm?"

Should I ask him? "Did you honestly feel nothing for her after she kissed you?"

He sighs as he closes his eyes then opens them. "Nope. I felt nothing for her except for concern for those bruises on her back."

Really? It's not that I don't trust him but it's rather an irrational fear.

"Lily, I already told you, nothing happened that night except for that kiss. Besides, I resisted the drug and she gave me the antidote before anything happened." He said holding my hand.

I nodded. I shouldn't have suspected him of lying like that. "I know. I trust you." I said as I smiled at him.

He blinks rapidly as he brought his hand up and massages his eyes. Ah, it must hurt again.

I walked over to the drawer and took out the eye drops that he gave me. "Okay, I need you to open your eyes," I said as I unscrewed the cap.

"It hurts."

"I know it hurts but I need to get these eye drops in," I said as I gently opened his eyes to put the drops in.

"Ok," I said as he blinked rapidly.

"How are they?" I ask in concern.

"The pain is gone."

That's a relief. "Lily, what day is it tomorrow?"

I tilt my head in confusion. "Why do you ask?"

"Just tell me the date tomorrow."

Why though? "It's a Friday tomorrow."

"Yes, but what's the date?"

"The 15th. Why do you ask?" I ask in confusion as I looked at him. Does he have an appointment somewhere?

He stays quiet for a bit, probably in deep thought. "I have to go somewhere tomorrow." Really?

"Where do you have to go?"

"Do you want to come with me?" He asks, ignoring my question. Yeah but go where?

"Of course, but where are we going tomorrow?"

"A shelter for the poor and injured." He said after a couple of minutes of silence.

My eyes widen. A shelter for the poor?

"It's late." He said as he crawled in bed. "I will explain more tomorrow."

He used his powers to turn off the lights. What?

"You-"

"I'm tired." He said closing his eyes. "Goodnight."

I blinked at him. Why is he acting so closed off? What is wrong with him today?

"Astral," I gently nudged him.

"Hey, can you explain to me why you're so closed off about this?"

"I told you, I'm tired and I will explain more tomorrow." He mutters while rolling the other way.

"Astral, explain to me!" I whined as I shook him in hopes for an explanation.

He sighs as he sat up. "Every month on the 15th, I go and visit the shelter for the poor to make sure that they are okay and to get them everything they need." Really? How come I never knew about this?

"How come that I never knew about this?" I ask as I looked at him.

"That's because I went in secret. I was afraid that if anyone found out, that place will be in danger because my life was in danger constantly over the years." Makes sense.

"Why the 15th out of all the other days? Does the number have a significance to you?" I ask curiously as he went quiet. It must be significant if he's reacting this way.

He bit his lip. "That was the day when I first met her." He said quietly as my breathing hitched. So he… no wonder he was acting so closed off about that. He first met her… He goes to the shelter for the poor on that day because he wants to remember her.

If I remember correctly, she used to live there. No wonder…

"Goodnight." He said, laying down facing away from me as I laid down, looking at his back.

"Goodnight." The shelter for the poor… I shut my eyes. Astrid, how much longer will you make him suffer?