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?

41. 41

Lily's POV:

(Flash):

"Astral!" I shouted while getting held back by the guards.

He was chained to a a pole as lightning struck him making him wince in pain as he breathed heavily.

"Astral!"

"Princess Consort," The guards said as they blocked me with a spear. "Please step back. We don't want you to get injured."

I glared at them. "How can I step back when he is like this?!"

"Lillian," He said weakly and looked at me. "S-Step away."

"No!" I summoned up a sword.

"You must." He said sternly as another bolt of lightning hits him making his legs give out. "This is my punishment for breaking the rules."

"I know that but how do you expect me to watch you suffer like this?" I shouted as tears clouded my vision.

"You must go." He said weakly as he stood up again. "If anyone sees you here then-" He hacked out some blood as my eyes widen.

"Astral!"

He clutched his head with labored breathing. "I-I will be fine, my wife."

"Leave."

"But-"

"I use my authority of the Prince of the Heavens to command you to leave." He said as he clutched his arm.

"You cannot command me to go. Did you forget that we're married?"

"Lily, please leave…"

I stared at him in determination. "No, I'm busting you out of here."

He shook his head in pain. "No, you can't."

"What am I supposed to do then?" I screamed as tears flowed down my face. "You have been in there for 7 days now!"

"If you were any other person then you would've died when that first bolt struck you!" I said looking at him. "We are not compromising over this," I summoned out a sword as he shook his head, practically begging me not to save him.

"Do you know how dangerous this is?" He shouted weakly as he coughed up more blood. "If you touch this, with your prowess you will-" His eyes widen as he slowly fell onto the ground.

"Astral!"

(Flash)

"Astral!" I snapped my eyes and sat up, breathing heavily as I looked next to me. Where is he? Did he already wake up? My eyes widen as I ran out of the room in a hurry. Did something bad happen? Why on earth did I have that dream?

I flew around the entire palace looking for him but he was nowhere to be seen. Where are you? Suddenly my neck hurts as I summoned up and mirror. On the side of my neck is a big purple bruise. When did this… I blinked as I remembered last night. He did this… He was the one who gave me this bruise… I stumbled back in disbelief as I leaned against a wall.

Last night… he was… frightening. I… I swallowed as my heart rate rose rapidly. Why was he so scary?

"Hey," Zach said walking up to me.

I smiled at him. "Good morning."

He tilts his head as he looked at me. "That bruise…" Uh-oh.

"I wasn't careful and bumped something on my neck." I said quickly. I should've come up with a better lie! There is no way that he is going to believe that.

"Ok. Sounds reasonable."

I blinked. He believes it?

"So, where are the others?" I ask, trying to change the topic.

"Oh, they are all at the breakfast table."

"Did I wake up that late?"

He nods. "Yup. It's 10." 10?

I walked towards the table and took a seat beside my love as I avoided his gaze. How am I supposed to look him in the eye after last night?

"You don't normally wake you this late." Maria ask in concern.

"I'm fine, Maria." I looked up at her with a smile. "No need to worry."

"Mother!" Serenity ran up to me as I smiled. "Good morning, Serenity."

I carried her onto my lap as her hands touched my neck making me wince in pain. Ow… "Where did you get this bruise from?" She asks curiously.

"I wasn't careful and bumped something on my neck." I said with a smile. "No need to worry."

"So," The King said. "How did everyone's night go?"

"It went well." Crystal said as they nodded. "Same." Everyone said in unison.

"It was okay." Brandon said.

"How did you sleep, Lily?" Estella asks as everyone turned their attention towards me. How did I sleep?

"It was fine." I said quickly while eating my food. I barely slept at all. I was up all night thinking about… but there is no way I'm telling them that.

"Astral," Derek said looking at him. "Are you feeling alright? You have been quiet all morning."

They looked at him with concern as I ate my food. He's been quiet all morning?

"I'm fine." He said as he took a bite from his food. "No need to worry." Really? I glanced at him as he stared at his food. I don't believe him.

"Father," Serenity said as she got off my lap. "Aren't you going to ask mother how her night was?"

"Serenity," Crystal said. "He doesn't need to ask that."

"Why is that?"

Lilith smiles. "Did you forget they share a room?"

Serenity shook her head. "They do share a room but this morning I saw father walk out of another room."

They turned to us in confusion, looking back and forth at us while glancing at each other. Why are they looking at us?

"Did something happen that we are not aware of?" Zach asks in concern.

"Nothing happened." My love said, still looking at his plate. "I just wanted to sleep in another room for a change."

"Really?" Maria asks narrowing her eyes at us.

"Yes, really." He said in a neutral voice. He's a good liar.

They all look unconvinced as they stared at us in suspicion. Why on earth are they so nosy?

He sighs. "How did you sleep?" He asks in a quiet tone, not looking at me.

"I slept fine." I replied, looking at my plate. "You?"

"It was normal. Thanks for asking."

"Don't mention it."

A beat of awkward silence passed between us. How on earth am I supposed to face him after what happened? What am I even supposed to say? This silence is suffocating me!

He suddenly stood up. "Please, excuse me." He said as he left the table. I glanced at his figure walking down the hall as I exhaled.

"Ok," Estella said. "Spill."

"Spill what?"

"You two are acting super weird right now." Maria said.

"What happened?" Crystal asks, looking at me with concern.

"Did you two get into an argument of some sort?" Brandon asks.

I sigh. "No, nothing happened between us." I said in hopes that they will let this go.

"Do you think we would believe that?" Derek said, looking at me deadpan.

"Tell the truth, something happened didn't it?" Zach asks narrowing his eyes at me.

"Absolutely nothing happened." I reiterated while clenching my fist.

"If she doesn't want to tell us then don't force her." The King said as I looked at him with a grateful smile.

"Yes, nothing good comes out of forcing others to do what you want." The Queen said as I widen my eyes. Her words… is it just a coincidence or does she know what happened?

They groaned. "Fine." Lilith said reluctantly. "I'm just glad that he's back to his normal self." Huh?

"What do you mean by that?"

"My brother didn't tell you?" She asks as I shook my head.

"Tell me what?"

"Apparently, he couldn't control himself yesterday." Crystal said as I blinked. I already knew that.

I stayed silent as she continues. "Sometimes when there is a full moon, he goes on a rampage and turns into a completely different person."

(Flash):

"Lily… I-I can't control myself…" He stutters while shaking his head and blinking rapidly.

"What do you mean you can't control yourself?" I questioned as he puts a hand to his forehead.

"T-The moon… it-"

(Flash)

Ohhh… so that's what he meant by the moon… "So that's why he was acting so odd yesterday." I said in understanding as they all nod.

"But why?"

"It's a side effect of being the Prince. He harbors too much power and has to pay a price for it." The King said.

"Also," Estella said. "When he is in that state, he sometimes doesn't remember his actions." He… doesn't?

"He doesn't?"

"Not only does my son not have control over his words and actions, he doesn't even remember them." The Queen said as I looked at her. If he doesn't have control over his actions then… last night…

"Are you sure that he doesn't remember or have voluntary control over his actions?" I ask after a moment of silence.

"Well…" She trailed off, pondering. "Sometimes he remembers his actions and words but in most cases he doesn't really have any voluntary control over how he's acting."

"Why do you ask?" Derek asks me.

So if that's the case… the reason he didn't stop and the reason he was so aggressive was that he had no control over his actions. Which means that he didn't ignore me on purpose.

"Lily," Maria said in concern. "Are you alright?"

"Why on earth didn't he say anything before?" I muttered as I stood up. "Please, excuse me." I said as I flew down the hall.

Why didn't he say it before? Well actually he did but still… If he doesn't have any control over his actions in that state, it means that last night he didn't realize what he was doing!

I saw him walking towards me as I ran and jumped on him wrapping my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist as he staggers, immediately securing his arms around my waist.

"Lily?" He asks with confusion laced in his voice.

We both stared at each other. "Why didn't you tell me?" I whispered.

"Tell you what?"

"Last night."

His eyes widen. "A-About last night, I-"

I quickly sealed the distance between us as I bit his lip to open his mouth and slip in my tongue as he softly growled while deepening the kiss between us. I could feel his tongue licking my lips as I moaned softly.

We broke the kiss, breathing heavily from the lack of air, staring at each other still in that position. He is definitely back to normal.

"Why didn't you tell me that you couldn't control yourself?" I ask.

"I-" I placed a finger over his lips and glanced back at them, staring at us with blushes on their faces. Seriously?

He looked towards his room as I nodded. "Get off of me first."

"Why?"

"Do you expect me to carry you?" He asks in a shocked tone.

I nod and smile. "Yup!"

"Why would you assume that, darling?"

"Because you owe me, my love."

He tilts his head like a confused kitten. "How?"

I sigh. "Last night."

He blinks a couple of times and smirks. "You're going to use that against me now, aren't you?" I so am!

I poked his nose gently. "Maybe…" I said trailing off.

He chuckles as he pokes my nose playfully and starts to walk into his room, closing the door behind him.

"Alright," My love said. "Get off me."

"No." I pouted.

"Why not?"

"I don't want to." I said stubbornly as he sighs and sat down in the couch while carrying me off him. Oh you think it's that easy?

I smiled as I sat sideways in his lap. His eyes widen as I wrapped my arms around his neck and he wraps his around my waist. My heart rate quickened as my face flushed. I'm actually sitting on his lap!

I could see a seep of redness forming on his cheeks as he stared at me. "You're getting braver." He said calmly.

I could feel my cheeks heating up from his words. "S-So why didn't you tell me that you couldn't control yourself?" I ask.

"I did tell you that I don't have control over what I do."

I blinked. "You did say that but what I meant was why didn't you say anything throughout the day?" I clarified as he stayed quiet.

"I didn't want to concern you with this."

Makes sense considering his personality. "Does it happen often?" I ask curiously.

He ponders for a bit. "It happens sometimes when there is a full moon but not always."

"So we are talking about once a month?"

"Sometimes," Wow… he's going to act like yesterday roughly once a month… I don't know how to react.

My love looks at me in guilt. Why is he looking at me like that? "Lily, about yesterday, I'm-"

"You didn't realize what you were doing." I said softly.

"But I shouldn't have-"

"Don't worry about it. It's fine." I interrupted once again.

He looks hesitantly at me. "Are you sure that you're okay after…" He asks, trailing off as I smiled at him.

"I'm positive that I'm okay, honey."

My eyes widen. "Do you really not remember anything while you were in that state?"

He shook his head. "Some parts are a bit blurry…" Blurry huh?

I smiled sweetly at him. "Do you remember a lady named Olivia?"

"Of course I remember her." I frowned as I glared at him. Oh? So he remembers huh?

"Well then, did you remember what you said to her, darling?"

He puts his under his chin and ponders a bit. "Hm…"

"I remember asking for her name."

"Anything else, my love?" I ask him.

He closed his eyes for a moment then opens them a second later. "I also remember kissing her hand." He remembers that?

I resisted the urge to yell at him as I pulled him closer towards me. "Anything else?"

"The word beautiful." He looks at me. "Did I call her beautiful?"

Did he call her beautiful? I internally laughed. He practically flirted with her! I thought in anger. Calm down. "Yes, yes you did."

He blinked in shock and disbelief, probably because he actually flirted with another woman. "Tell me," I whispered with our lips inches apart. "Whose more beautiful, me or her?"

"Why do you ask that?" He looks at me in confusion.

"I want to know."

"But don't you already know my answer?" I honestly do not know…

A brief moment of silence passed as he thought things through. Is it really that hard to chose?

"Hm…" He furrowed his brows with a conflicted expression as I glared at him. "Is it really that hard for you to pick?" I ask with a hint of anger in my voice.

He stays silent for a couple of more seconds. Whatever. It's not like I actually need an answer from him anyway. I rolled my eyes and start to get off him but he grabbed my arm, making me fall back into his lap once more.

"Hmm… how would you react if I say that she's more beautiful?" My eyes widen. Well… I smiled at him. "I wouldn't have any problems with it." I stated as he pulled me closer. "Really?"

"Yeah, I don't have any problems with you call other people beautiful." I said smiling. He can compliment others and call them beautiful but flirting is a whole other story.

He blinks as a smile appears on his face. "This is precisely why I love you."

My heart rate accelerated as I could feel heat rising to my cheeks. "E-Explain."

He chuckles. "You're different from other women that I met." Different? I am?

"Different?" I ask with a head tilt.

He nods. "Well, first of all, you didn't react poorly when I said that she's more beautiful which means that you're highly compassionate and understanding of others. If I ask that question to any other, they would probably get jealous and angry but you didn't." I mean how else are you supposed to react when the man you love calls another woman beautiful and flirts with her? That's the standard reaction.

"With that answer alone makes you more radiant, exquisite and, enchanting than any other person that I lay my eyes on." My love said softly as my heart skipped a beat. He really does have a way with words.

He brought his hand towards my cheek, caressing it lovingly, leaned towards each other, closing our eyes as our lips were about to connect.

Our lips were millimeters apart when a cry from a certain baby rang out as we sigh and leaned back. Must he cry now of all times?

"Talk about timing." My love said as he shook his head.

"Great." I said with sarcasm as a frustrated sigh escapes my lips. It's not like I can blame him for interrupting.

"He's crying so get off me." My love said as he looked towards the crib.

"I don't want to." I whined, smiling.

"But he's crying."

"He rudely interrupted us though."

My love smiles as he strokes my hair. "I know, my love but our son is crying. We just can't leave him crying now can we?" True, that's wouldn't be the best idea.

"True…" I said trailing off, still in his lap.

"Now, get off my lap."

"Fine." I reluctantly agreed as we walked over to the crib.

I carried him while materializing a milk bottle. "Well well well, look who finally decided to wake up?" My love said as he strokes his hair.

I laughed. "You are a bad boy, Phoenix," I said in a joking manner. "You interrupted our kiss."

He coos at us with a tiny laugh. Aww! "How am I supposed to be mad when you are so adorable?" I asks as I hugged him close.

My love smiles. "Anyway, we shouldn't stay in here all day," He said as he unlocks the door. I guess that makes sense.

"True but first," I walked up to him with a smile.

"First what?" He asks in confusion as I gave him a quick kiss on the lips which he returned as we tilted our heads. He's such a good kisser!

I broke the kiss smiling as he opened the door to reveal all of them pressed against it with blushes on their faces. Oh come on!

Phoenix giggled as he looked at us. "What are you so giggly about?" I ask as I poked him.

Astral's POV:

I looked at them and sigh. Why on earth do they want to know that?

"Please father?" Serenity asks as she looked at us. "I really want to know what happened that time!"

"Yea, Astral," Derek exclaims. "We are curious."

"Plus," Estella said. "They already know!"

Crystal and Lilith just had confused expressions on their faces as they looked at my love. "What happened on this day one year ago?"

"Why do you want to know so badly?" She asks with a blush forming as she held my hand gently.

"We are curious!" Lilith said.

"Ohhhhh don't worry," Maria said as she looked at us, smirking.

"Yea, Lily," Zach said looking at her. "You were really brave that day."

She blushes and threw a pillow at him as he dodged it. "Zach!"

"You were though." Brandon said with a laugh. "I mean you suddenly came into his room and commanded him to-"

I chucked a pillow at his head quickly and forcefully. "Brandon, at least let me tell the story!"

I can't believe that I'm doing this…

(Flash):

I sat at my desk with a sigh, rubbing my head in frustration. "So, tell me again what happened?" I ask them as I sat there with my arms crossed.

"I know," Maria said. "He's so persistent!"

"I actually met him once before and he doesn't seem that bad." Zach said. Really? Then why do I hear differently?

"Really?" I asks in surprise. "I heard that he's a player who manipulates a females emotions." I stated as they all got confused.

They blinked. "Where did you hear that from?" My father asks as I sigh. She's overreacting as usual.

"Lily," I said as groans could be heard from everyone in the room.

"I mean," My mother said as she looked at me. "I think that he honestly likes her."

They all nodded in agreement. "If he really likes her then-"

"The problem isn't whether he likes her or not it's whether she likes him." I said sighing. "And she made it clear to me many times that she doesn't like him or see him in that way." She made it exceptionally clear actually.

They all chuckled. "I'm sorry about my daughter, Astral." The General said as I gave him a slight smile.

"No need to be sorry." I replied. Speaking of Lily, where is she? I haven't seen her all day today…

"Have anyone of you seen Lily?" I ask in concern.

Her mother shook her head. "No, I haven't seen her at all today."

"That's a bit odd because usually, she would stick to you like a shadow." Brandon joked as I rolled my eyes.

"Really?" I said, dripping with sarcasm.

Zach nodded. "Yea, are you sure there isn't anything going on between the both of-"

His sentence was cut off as she suddenly flew into my room and slams the door. Why does she look so panicked?

"Lily," Her mother asks in concern. "Are you okay?"

Shd glanced at us then at me while trying to catch her breath. I tilted my head as she kept staring at me. Why is she staring at me like that?

"Why are you-"

"Astral, take your clothes off." She said in a hurry as my eyes widen in shock. Are my ears working correctly?

I blinked. "My ears must not be working." I said with a laugh as I stood up. "Can you repeat what you-"

"You heard me correctly." She said as she approached me. "Strip."

What? I stared at her in disbelief as she pushed all of them, still in shock, out the door and slams it shut.

I slowly backed away as she approaches me. "What did you just say?"

"There's no time to explain. Just hurry up and take off your clothes." She exclaimed as she took of her shirt and threw it across the room while I immediately averted my gaze. What is going on?

"Lily," I said cautiously as a blush appeared on my cheeks. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm feeling fine." She said as she took off her pants and threw it across the room as well. Don't turn around. Don't look. She must be feeling ill or something. Why else would she act like this?

"W-Why did you take off your clothes?" I said with my back turned as heat rose to my face.

"There is no time to explain! Are you going to take them off or not?" She asks in a panicked voice as I shook my head.

"No." I said, trying to keep a steady voice.

She sighs. "Come here." She said as she walks closer as I backed away. What is she doing?

"What are you doing?" I asks in a quiet voice as I continue to back away from her.

"If you're not going to do it then I will do it for you!" She said as she lunged as I dodged making a table fall over. Why? What on earth is she doing?

My eyes widen at her words. "Do you know what you're doing right now?" I ask in disbelief as she forcefully unbutton my shirt, tossing it aside as she used her powers to remove my pants. What the?

"What? No! Don't you dare touch me there!" I exclaimed as she tackled me into the bed.

"Hey! Stop it!"

My heart rate accelerated as she pinned me down on the bed with her laying on top of me. "Let go of me!"

"Are you in your right mind?"

"I don't have time to explain but I'm doing this for a good reason so-"

I scoffed. "Good reason? What is the reason that we are naked?" I shouted as blushes appeared on our faces. What is the matter with her today?

She glanced back at the door and quickly climbed into the spot next to me while holding onto my arm so I don't escape. She must have a good reason for doing this but what is it?

"Why are you doing this?" I sigh as I stared at her.

"Not enough time to explain. Just trust me!" She said rapidly as she looked at us on my bed, naked except for underwear. No inappropriate thoughts. No inappropriate thoughts. No inappropriate thoughts. No inappropriate thoughts. I thought as I tried to steady my heart beat.

"Pin me down."

"What?"

"Trust me, just pin me down on the bed!"

Well, let's just play along with her and see where this goes. I forcefully pinned her down onto my bed with our faces inches apart from each other. My heart rate skyrocketed as I stared at her. She's beautiful… What? No. No. No. No. I got to keep my emotions in check!

I could see a blush rising on her face as she stared at me above her. "Now unclasp my bra." She said quickly as I coughed a few times in shock. What?!

"Are you insane?!" I shouted in disbelief as she blushed even more. "Why would you even-"

"Just do it!"

I shook my head rapidly. "There is absolutely no way that I'm going to undo your bra. No way."

"You-you just have to lower the straps." She stutters as I could hear her heart beating faster. Nope. No way.

"Are you out of your mind?" I ask in shock as I stared beneath me. "Are you trying to seduce me of something? First, you took your clothes off then took my clothes off, forcefully pinned me down onto the bed and now you-"

"You won't do it? Then I will." She quickly lowered the straps until they were off her arms. Once again, I looked away. What is her motive? She normally doesn't act this way.

"No! Don't take it off." I yelled quickly, shutting my eyes tightly.

"Are you sick or something? Are you drugged?" I guessed as she ruffled my hair, messing it up a bit.

"Astral, open your eyes."

"No."

"Open it."

"No."

"I didn't take it off." Really?

"Yes, really."

I hesitated as I slowly open them to reveal her bra, still on as I let out a sigh of relief.

"So, what is this-"

She cuts me off as she pulled me down closer towards her face with our lips millimeters apart. W-What?

"Trust me." She whispers as she tilted my head to the side and brought it towards her neck as she arched back.

My eyes widen. "What are you-"

"Trust me!" She whispers in desperation. I mean this is… Does she know what this position means?

"Mmmm… A-Astral… Ngh…" She moaned as she looked at me. Why is she-

"I need you to moan."

"What?!" I whisper in shock.

"Trust me and moan!"

"Fine but you better have a fantastic explanation why we are doing this." I said after a moment of silence.

Lets see… how should I moan? "Mmmm… ahhh… oh yes… Ngh…"

I could see her face flushed as I moaned in a low voice. She kicked her legs and tipped over the items in the table as we switched positions with her in the top and me on the bottom. "A-Astral?" She asks nervously as she looked at me. What is she so nervous? Actually… it makes sense that she's nervous. I mean just look at us? If someone comes in, they will get the wrong idea!

She leaned closer and whispers into my ear. "Say that you can't control yourself anymore but say it with a bit of stuttering."

Mind as well play along. "I-I don't think I-I can control myself anymore." I breathed raggedly.

I could hear her heartbeat quicken as I said that as we flipped over once again. "I-I want you, my love." She said quietly as my eyes widen with my face probably a deep shade of red. W-Why is she saying that? Doesn't she know what…! Ohhhhh… is she trying to fake… that explains it but why though?

I looked down once again. Might as well act along with her. I smirked as I licked my lips. "You want me?" I leaned down as I winked at her and she smiles.

"Y-Yes,"

"Well, then I don't plan to disappoint you, darling."

Suddenly the door flew open and I immediately brought my lips towards her, placing it gently on her neck as she scratched my back with her nails. Ow! Why is she scratching my back? My eyes widen as a thought crossed my mind. I'm kissing her neck… no wonder she's scratching my back like this. She's aroused… Uh-oh…

"L-Lily?" I could hear a guy ask in disbelief as he stumbled back in shock. A guy?

I immediately covered us with a blanket as I breathed heavily. Does she know him?

"H-How could you?"

She looked down. "I'm sorry, Denis." She bit her lip. "I didn't want you to find out like this. I-"

Oh, Denis… I put an arm over her shoulder and looked at her. "My love," I smiled as I used my other hand to tilt her head up to meet mine. "You know this person?"

Her face is now full on red. "I… umm…"

"Oh, I get it." He suddenly said as he slowly took steps back. "This must be your lover that you always mentioned." Lover? Did she use that as an excuse?

He laughed as tears dripped from his face. "No wonder you wouldn't disclose any information about him. He's a Prince!"

"Denis, I'm-"

"No, no need to apologize, Lily." He said, stumbling back, clearly in shock. "How can I compare with a Prince?" I feel bad for him. Wouldn't it be better just to tell him the truth instead of doing this?

He slowly walked out of my room in disbelief and shock as I stared at her. "Why did you-"

My eyes widen as she pinned me down onto the bed once again and our lips were inches apart. What is she doing now?

"Someone else is coming." She whisper as she leaned closer. "I need you to kiss me." Kiss? She's kidding right? Friends don't kiss each other…

I blink a couple of times to see her face fully flushed and her breathing heavily. "Do-"

"Don't think about it just do it!"

She said as we flipped over again, getting tangled in the blankets. She wants me to kiss her… I thought as I processed her words. Acting along with her like this is… I don't even know but kissing is out of line!

"May I ask-"

My eyes widen as she cups my face and slams it down onto her lips. My heart feels like it will explode as we tilted our heads a little. I could feel a tongue trying to enter the crease of my lips. What is this feeling?

I parted my lips a little to let her enter as a growl escapes my lips. Did I just… growl?

I leaned closer to her, putting my full body weight onto her as she softly moaned. Our hands roamed around our bodies. Oh god…

I licked her lips as I thrust my tongue into her mouth as my hands rubbed her exposed stomach gently. She moaned with pleasure as she slowly stroked my back making a jolt of excitement flow through me as I kissed her hungrily.

"A-Astral…" She moaned while still kissing with my hands rubbing her thighs.

"Mmmm… so beautiful…" I whispered breathing heavily as I my hands unclasp her bra.

"Mmmm… Astral…" She moaned my name addictively as I was about to remove her bra. Wait… I blinked at the person on the bottom of me as my hands shook. What am I doing?

The door slammed open once again as I removed my lips from hers with a blush on my face. Uh-oh… What have I done?

"What on earth are you two doing?!" Everyone yelled in shock as I immediately threw the blanket over her.

"Hey!" She whined as she covered herself with a blanket.

I sigh and clothe myself with my powers. "What was the purpose of this?" I ask, not turning around to meet her gaze.

She stayed quiet as I sat there on the bed with my back turned to her. "Wouldn't it be better just to tell him the truth instead of doing all of this?"

"I got caught up in my web of lies." She finally said quietly. "I didn't know how to reject him because he is really nice and I could tell that I mean a lot to him. So I lied about having a lover."

"So you suddenly flew in here and chose me to be your lover?" I ask as I turned and looked at her in disbelief.

She nods as a blush formed on her face. "But why me?" I ask in confusion. "There are Zach and Brandon also in the room. You could have chosen any of them." I pointed out as she tackled me and sat on my stomach. My eyes widen as I shut my eyes. Ah, she's still not clothed properly.

"L-Lily, get off me."

I could hear her sighing. "Don't worry, I'm fully clothed."

"Really?"

"Why would I lie to you about that?" She said as I opened my eyes.

Shr smiled brightly. "So how was it being my lover?"

I chuckled. "It was sure interesting to say the least." Very interesting…

"I have a question though, why did you pick me to bring your pretend lover?"

She frowned. "My dear, did you forget your promise?"

What promise? "Promise?"

"Yes, you said that you would become my lover if I wanted you to!" She exclaimed while swinging my arm back and forth.

I blinked. Ohhhhh… yea, I did say that… "Well yea but-"

"You think that you can just toy with my emotions like this?" Tears welled up in her eyes as she pouted.

My eyes widen. "What? No, I didn't mean to-" I said quickly in hopes of explaining as she burst out laughing.

"I'm just joking around with you." She said in fits of laughter. "I know that was a joke. Don't worry, darling."

I rolled my eyes and poked her cheek. "You and your ridiculous plans."

"Hey!" She said furrowing her brows. "My plans are not ridiculous." Really?

"Then explain to me why you forcefully pushed me onto the bed and kissed me?" I said as she blushed and avoided my gaze. That kiss though… it felt nice.

"Well, umm…" She stammers. "I panicked!"

"Mhm." I nod as she glared at me.

"No, but seriously," I said looking at her, still sitting on my stomach. "Don't you dare to attempt this again."

She got a confused face upon her. "Why?" Uhhh… what?

I blinked at her. "Are you seriously asking me this question?"

She nods. "Why can't I attempt this again?"

"Are you joking or do you seriously not know what this means?" I ask seriously as she once again, tilted her head. She doesn't seem like she's lying or joking…

I glanced at her parents as they smiled sheepishly at me. "Why is she so innocent for a 17 year old?" I questioned them as everyone turned their heads.

"Carissa, Luca," My mother said, looking at them. "Did you not tell her anything?"

"Well," Her father said as he looks at us. "She never asked."

Our eyes widen. "Carissa," My father said. "Did you not give her that talk?"

"She never asked us…" She said trailing off.

I blinked as I look back at her, still sitting on my stomach with a confused expression. So her actions before…

"Let me ask you a question," I started as she looked at me. "Do you see anything wrong with your previous actions?"

She furrowed her brows. "Well, maybe I shouldn't have pin you down on the bed so forcefully." She started. "And maybe I shouldn't have taken your clothes off without your permission…" She trailed off as I blinked. Ok… maybe? Is she really that innocent?

"You know that if people see us like before, they will misunderstand right?"

She blushed. "Yea, they will mistaken that we are lovers." Okay. So at least she knows that.

"Why are you asking me that?" She still doesn't get it? Do I really need to start from the beginning on this?

"Astral?"

I sigh. I can't believe that I'm about to explain to her this… "So, do you know that you're not supposed to your clothes off in front of males?"

"Of course I know that!"

"Do you know why you're not supposed to do that?" I questioned as she ponders.

"It's because of the gender difference." Well, yea. True but there is also another reason as well.

I nod. "True but there is another reason as well."

"What's that other reason?"

I looked at her in shock. "Do you really not know?"

She shook her head as I blinked. Looks like I will have to teach her about this.

I exhaled as I pinned her down onto the bed with our faces inches apart. "Astral?"

"Do you know how a guy feels when he sees a naked woman?"

She swallows nervously. "N-no…" My friend trailed off, as she looks at me nervously with a hint of red on her face. Seriously?!

How should I explain this? "Do you know the term arouse or arousal?"

"Excited?" She said after a moment of silence. At least she's close to the actual definition.

"So you were excited to see me without clothes?" She asks in confusion as I looked away with an awkward cough. Why on earth am I doing this? This should be her parents job!

"Moving on," I reverted back to my serious demeanor. "You shouldn't take your clothes off in front of males."

"Because they get excited?" I guess I will be using the term excited now.

"Yes, because they get excited and when that happens, they might take advantage of you." I explained in hopes that this conversation will not last any longer.

"Take advantage of me?"

I nod. "Yes," I paused to chose my words carefully. "Sometimes, they can't control their… urges so they do things that are… bad." I finished quietly. I cannot believe that I am explaining this to my best friend. What has my life come to?

"Bad things? Like what?" She asks as I facepalmed in frustration. Is she that innocent? How can she be so innocent about this yet intelligent?

"Umm… they might touch you in places that they shouldn't touch…" I said, trailing off with a blush on my face.

She blinks as an understanding expression crossed her. "They might touch me inappropriately?"

"Yup." Finally, she starts to understand some of this.

She went into deep thought as a confused expression crossed on her face once more. "But even though I was naked, you didn't do anything." She said as my eyes widen.

"That's because I'm your friend." I said calmly.

"I thought you said males will take advantage of me." She exclaimed nervously as I sigh. Don't lump me together with those people.

"Not all guys are like that. Do you honestly think that I will do that to you?" I ask in disbelief as I stared at her.

She smiles as she pulls me down closer towards her into a hug. "Nope!"

"Why is that?" I ask out of curiosity.

"I trust you!" She exclaimed as she hugs me tighter. She trusts me that much? I thought in awe as I smiled.

"Ok, enough hugging." I chuckled as I tried to remove her hands from my neck as she tightens her hold.

"Why?"

"Because!"

"Because is not an answer!"

"Let go."

"You're mine." My friend said as she hugs me tighter. My eyes widen at her words. Does she realize what her words mean?

"Lily, what do you mean by that?" I ask after a moment of thinking.

"I enjoy hugging you and you're my friend." She said. "What did you think I meant?"

I blinked. Oh. I forgot that she is innocent about these things. "But seriously, enough hugging."

"But why?" She whined as she pulls my closer to her body.

"Do you realize what position we are in right now?" I ask as she blinked.

"Yea," She said. "You are laying on top of me while I'm hugging your neck on the bottom."

"This is why you should let go of me."

"Why? Is there something wrong with this position?" There's nothing wrong with it…

"There's nothing wrong with it but…" I said trailing off. There's nothing wrong with it but if I turn my head a bit then my lips would collide with your neck.

"But what?"

"Don't you think that-"

"I will never let you go!" She exclaimed as she hugged me tighter. Oh wow…

I sigh. Of course.

(Flash)

…

…

…

I looked at my sisters, Derek, and Estella. Are they okay? Why aren't they saying anything?

They looked at us. "Wow…" They all uttered simultaneously and burst out laughing.

"Lily," I can't believe you would do that." Estella said, laughing. Me neither.

"You really were brave." Crystal said.

"But, don't you think that telling him the truth might have been more suffice?" Lilith asks as she looked at her.

"I had a very hard time telling him that I don't see him that way."

"Why is that?" Maria asks.

"He was a very kind person and I just couldn't bring myself to reject him." My love admitted.

"So you thought of that ridiculous plan just to get him to back off?" Derek asks in disbelief. It is a ridiculous plan indeed.

She nods. "I panicked."

Zach sighed. "Did you know how impulsive that plan was?"

"Yea," Brandon said. "You got lucky that he had self control."

My eyes widen as I glared at him. "Of course I have self control! What does that supposed to mean?"

"What?" He said blinking innocently. "All I'm saying is that if you didn't have self control then things would have been a whole lot different."

I sigh. True… thankfully I didn't do anything except for that kiss.

I turned towards her. "Did you know what I could have done to you that time?" I ask as she blushed.

"Y-Yea but you didn't do anything." She stutters. True… but still it was a reckless move.

I shook my head. "Yes, but it was still an impulsive decision."

Maria laughs. "I love it that you're reprimanding her now when you two are lovers." She said as they all chuckled.

"She does have a point," My mother said with a smile.

"That's not the point," I said, as I fought to keep a blush down. "We were just friends when that happened."

"Besides, it was really a reckless move on your part." I stated.

"I know, honey. No need to keep reminding me."

"By the way, where is father?" I ask as I looked at my mother.

"The slaves revolted again so he's going to take care of it." Again? I mean I can understand how they are feeling but it's still… if they would just give us the information then we could let them go.

"Again?" Lilith said as she sighs. "They are out of control."

"And before you say anything," Crystal said. "We are not executing that plan of yours."

I raised a brow. What plan? "Plan for what?"

They blinked. "Don't you remember the plan that you came up with to get the information?" My love asks as I stared at her blankly.

"I did?"

"I guess that you don't remember since you were in that state." Estella said. If I came up with a plan then…

"What plan did I come up with?"

They all glanced at each other. What is up with them?

"Father," Serenity said as she climbed onto my lap. "You were really scary yesterday." I was?

"I was?"

She nodded. "You suggested that we should kill and torture them to get the information."

Huh? What? My eyes widen in disbelief. Did I really suggest such a thing? I looked around as they all nodded. Now looking back at it, it really is an effective way to get the information.

"But it really is a decent way to get the information we need." I said after a moment of silence.

"True but its immoral." Lily said as I nod in agreement. "I agree,"

"What do you think is the best course of action for this is?" Crystal asks as I shrugged.

"I don't know…" I pondered as I heard a soft crash from my room. What was that?

I glanced around at the others all discussing the plans to get the information. Does not one hear that crash?

It sure seems like no one heard that crash but how come I hear it? Has my hearing increased that much since my blindness?

"Quick, catch them!" We all looked over at the guards running around the palace. Huh?

Suddenly my father came up to us. "The slaves has escaped."

"How?" Lilith said.

"I don't know but they are getting round up by the guards as we speak."

"Let us go!" They struggled as the guards tied them up.

"Your majesty," A guard said kneeling. "Nine of them are here. One has escaped." One has escaped?

He sighs. "Search all over this palace. You must find her."

"Yes, your majesty."

"So, we are missing one?" I ask as he nodded.

"No worries, she's inside this palace somewhere." He said and paused. "For everyone's safety, I recommend you go all to your rooms for now." That's a good idea.

We all nod in agreement as I turned to Lily. "You should go back to your own room as well."

Her eyes widen. "But why?"

Because there might be someone in my room. "It's more safe."

"That doesn't even-"

"He's right," Zach said. "It's much more safer for you to be in your own room."

She blinked. "But-"

I smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Trust me, it will be safer for you in your own room."

She seemed hesitant as I looked at Serenity. "Serenity, would you like to keep your mother company?"

She nods. "Of course father!" She said happily as I ruffled her hair.

"The guards are highly trained in fighting skills." I started. "The fact that she is able to escape from them makes her more dangerous than all of the others."

I held both of their hands gently. "It will be much more safer if you return to your room for the time being until we sort this out." I said gently.

"But-"

I placed a finger over her lips to silence her. "It will put my mind at ease if you two are safe."

My love sighs and reluctantly nods. "Alright, honey."

Eliphas' POV:

How on earth did they escape? I thought as I walked the hallways with my wife and the guards.

"Your majesty, we have searched all around the palace. There is no sign of the slave anywhere." He reported as he rose. There isn't any sign of her?

"Have you checked the rooms at all?" My wife said. "Maybe she's in one of the rooms." Good point.

"My Queen, we checked all of the rooms but we dare not check the rooms with guests." True… they are guards after all.

"Ok, just this once, you will be allowed to check the rooms of the guests but be respectful got it?" I said as he kneeled.

"Yes, My King." He said as he walked away.

We both sigh. "Eliphas?"

"Yes, my dear?"

"If she is in one of the rooms, then will they be in danger?" My wife asks in concern. Perhaps…

I patted her shoulder. "You worry too much you know that?" I said as I gently smile. "It will be fine."

She frowned. "But what if-"

"I assure you that if she dare harms anyone, I will make her pay."

She nodded. "How did she escape anyway?"

That's what I'm trying to figure out. "I'm not sure…" I said, trailing off in deep thought as I hugged her. How did they escape?

Lilith's POV:

"I feel bad for the slaves." Star said, looking down. "I mean like I can understand why they would want to escape."

"I feel bad for them as well," I said in agreement as I sat there on the chair. "But what else are they supposed to do? They have the information to the black market and we need that in order to rescue more slaves and shut down illegal things."

"I understand but why don't they give the information to us?" She said as I blinked. "Don't they understand that we are just trying to help them?"

I guess that they don't understand that. "Maybe it's because they have trust issues or something." I said while pondering.

"That's most likely the case." She said in agreement. "With all that they been through, its no wonder why they have their guard up."

Yup. "By the way, how are you doing?" I ask in concern.

"It would be better if you let me take control for a bit."

"I know but I got rid of the restraints holding you in place didn't I?"

She sighs. "I know but it's not the same." I feel guilty.

"I promise that after we defeat Don Thousand, I will let you take control for some time." I said as she nods.

"Don't worry, I understand." She smiles. "I'm glad that you're back to your normal self, Lilith."

Me too. I returned her smile. "I'm glad that I'm back to normal as well."

(Pulse)

I winced in pain as my head throbbed. Is it master?

(Flash):

"Lilith, you have passed the test."

"Master, what are you talking about?"

"Even though you seek revenge, you don't hurt innocent people."

"I'm confused…"

He smiles as he shows face for the first time. He has silver hair, gray eyes, and pale skin.

I blinked. "You are my master?" I ask in disbelief as I stared at him.

He nods as he smiles. "You can stop calling me by master. My name is Nathaniel."

"Ok… Nathaniel." I said, still in shock of his voice.

"What do you mean by test?"

"The higher ups wanted me to test your personality. Even though you have a desire to seek revenge, your heart is still pure."

I stayed silent for a moment to process this. "Higher ups?"

"You don't need to know that. All you need to know is that you passed the test and thus, your previous karma is now broken."

"Karma? Test? Higher ups? What on earth are you talking about?"

"I see, you don't remember?"

"Remember?" I ask in a confused tone.

He slightly smiles. "All will be reveal in time, Lilith,"

(Flash)

I blinked. What… just… happened?

"Lilith?" Star asks as she looked at me. "Something really weird just happened."

I cleared my throat and shook my head. "What happened?"

"I just saw this man with silver hair and gray eyes talking to me." What? He was talking with her as well?

"What did he say?"

"He said that I passed some sort of test or something like that." What does he mean by that?

"Is his name, Nathaniel?" I ask cautiously as she nods.

"How did you know?"

So it was him but what on earth does he mean? "I saw him as well." I admitted as her eyes widen.

"You saw him as well?"

I nod. "Yup."

"What do you think he means?" She asks as I pondered. Is this all just a test? What does he mean by the higher ups?

"I don't know…" I responded while in deep thought. What does he mean by not remembering?

Astral's POV:

I made my way back to my room as I held my sleeping son close to my body. I heard a crash coming from my room a few moments ago… I need to be on alert just in case.

I opened the door and and sat down on the chair near my desk as I closed my eyes. I can sense a presence close by… a female around my age… breathing raggedly… is she injured?

I stood up and placed my son gently in the crib as I walked to my closet and opened it to reveal an 18 year old female with Auburn hair, teal eyes, and pale skin. I blinked as I looked at her. "What do you want? You caught me, so if you want to kill me then go ahead." She said in a labored breath as I can see blood trickling down her arm. She must be that escaped slave.

"Are you okay?" I ask in a concerned voice as she sneered.

"Since when do you people care about a slave like me?"

I tilt my head. "Why wouldn't I care about you? You're clearly injured." I pointed to her bleeding arm.

She chuckles bitterly. "Oh stop it with the act. I know that you can care less about my life." What? Does she really think that we don't care about her life?

"Here," I walked closer towards her and managed to help her up.

"Don't touch me." She said coldly as she pushed me away.

"I just want to-"

(Knock)(Knock)

I let out a sigh. "Who is it?"

"Your highness, the King ordered us to search all of the rooms for the escaped slave."

I blinked and turned my head towards her. I can't just turn her in like this. Who knows what they will do to her. Plus, she's injured and if she knows about the black market then…

"Have you found her?"

"Unfortunately, we have not, your highness. That is why the King gave us orders to search all of the rooms." If they do that then…

"Let me guess, you want to search my room because you're suspicious of me housing a slave?"

"Your highness, I do not mean any disrespect. I'm just carrying out his majesty's orders." He responded quickly. If I don't let them in, they will be suspicious but if I do, then…

"Okay, just give me a minute to clean up."

I quickly turned towards her and pushed her back into my closet. "What are you-"

"Shhh!" I shushed her quietly. "Do you want to get killed?" I whispered.

"Why should I trust you?" She narrowed her eyes. "You're the Prince."

"If you want to live, then trust me." I said quickly. "You're going to stay here, not making a sound, until I come open the door, okay?" I said as I closed my closet door.

"Come in."

The door opened and the guards came in. "Your highness, I'm-"

"No need to apologize. You are just carrying out orders." I said.

"Thank you for understanding, your highness."

I glanced at Phoenix, still sleeping peacefully in his crib. "When you search, can you be not be so loud?"

He looked at the crib and smiled at me. "Of course, your highness. We will be sure not to disturb the little Prince's rest."

I nod as they searched the room quietly. Hopefully she takes my advice and stay put. I narrowed my eyes at the carpet. Is that a blood stain? My eyes widen as I subtly walked over to place my foot on the stain while trying to not look too suspicious. That wound on her arm… it must've bled on the carpet.

"Did you find anything?" I ask him as he kneeled.

"Sorry to disturb you, your highness."

"Don't worry about it,"

"We will take our leave now," He said as I waved my hand. Finally.

"Wait," A guard said as he approached me. Does he suspect something?

"Your highness, may I check your closet?"

Uh-oh… "Do you suspect me of housing a slave as well?" I questioned as he kneels.

"Your highness, I-"

"That's enough," The head guard said. "I sincerely apologize for his actions, your highness." He kneels before me. Thank goodness.

His eyes widen. "But-"

He glares at him. "His highness has been extremely generous with us and allowed us to search his room. We shouldn't be suspicious of him. Also, why would he house a slave? It makes no sense." The head guard said as he shuts his mouth. Great, now I feel bad because of how much they trust me.

"I'm sorry, your highness," He said. "I shouldn't have been suspicious of you."

I smiled as they rose. "It's fine. You were just carrying out orders from my parents."

"If there is nothing more then we will take our leave now."

I waved my hand. "You are dismissed."

They closed the door gently as I let out a sign of relief. Thank goodness they didn't check the closet. I opened the door to find her sword up against my neck. Is this what I get for saving her life?

"Tell me," She said as she walked to the bed with her sword still on my neck. "What is your motive?"

"What do you mean?"

"You're the Prince and your protected me. Why is that?"

I blinked. Why? "Why wouldn't I help you?"

"Why do you care about a measly slave like me?"

Measly slave? Is that how she views herself? "You are more than just a slave." I replied as I carefully sat on the bed.

Her eyes widen as I continued. "You are a person as well." I said as I looked at her. "I won't harm you."

"Why should I believe you? Your parents trapped us in the dungeon." True…

"True, but I won't harm you." I repeated. "If I wanted you to die then why would I go through all the trouble just to help you hide?"

She ponders my words for a moment as Phoenix starts to cry loudly. Uh-oh… She looks over at the crib and narrows her gaze. What is she up to?

I walked towards the crib with her sword still on my neck as she stares at him with an unreadable expression. I slowly pick him up and rocked him while summoning up a milk bottle.

"Is he your son?"

I narrowed my gaze as I held him closer to my body. "Yes…" What is she planning on doing?

"Then he must be important to you huh?" She said as she comes closer to me.

"Of course he is." I responded slowly. "What are you planning on doing to him?"

She moves closer with her sword still on my carotid artery. Is she planning on…! "He's just a baby." I said while trying to keep my voice steady. There is no way that she will harm him right?

"You realize that if I move my sword ever so slightly, I could kill you instantly right?" She asks as I gulped. Actually, you wouldn't be able to kill me even if you tried but I'm going to play along with her to see what she wants.

"What do you want with my son?"

She smiles. "Hmmm…" She puts a hand to her chin. "I want to see who you would save." Is she going to make me choose between…!

I stared at her in shock. "Who will you choose? You or your son? Only one will be able to live." She said as she summoned up a dagger and put it near him. Oh no.

He coos as he tries to touch the dagger not knowing that it's dangerous as I immediately blocked his tiny hands from it. How could she do that?

"He is just a baby."

"Does it look like I care?" She ask while bringing the sword closer towards my neck, making it bleed a little. "Now, what is your decision?"

I narrowed my gaze as I stared into her eyes intensely. She won't do it… I can see it in her eyes. "Isn't the answer obvious?" I said as I looked down at him, still trying to bypass my hands to reach the dagger. "Let him live in exchange for my life."

She stared at me in disbelief. "You are really going to pick him over your own life?"

I nod. "Yup."

"Why is that?"

"If my life could help a person live on, then isn't my life worth sacrificing? Also, this is my son that we are talking about. As a father, I have to save and protect him from danger." I replied calmly as she widens her eyes. Why does she look so shocked?

"Very well," She puts the dagger away, causing him to whimper as she looks at me and narrows her eyes. "Then die!" I could feel her sword move a bit as I stare at her.

After a moment of silence she drops her sword with a clang. "Why didn't you attack me? I know that you can kill me if you wanted to so why didn't you?" She asks as she stood there.

"As I said before, if I wanted to let you die, then I would have exposed you in front of the guards."

"As for why I didn't want you to die," I said while bouncing my son up and down a bit to stop him from whimpering. "I don't kill innocent people."

She laughs. " Innocent? I'm a slave." She said. "You honestly won't kill me?"

I shook my head. "No, you were forced into being a slave. Being a slave does not depreciate your value as a person."

She stays quiet as I gently place my son in the crib smiling as he giggles. He doesn't even know that he almost died.

"You're injured." I said as I pulled her and both sat down on the bed.

"So? I received deeper wounds than this."

I shook my head as I summoned a medical kit. "You're bleeding. If we don't get this situated, you might pass out from the lack of blood."

"Why do you care about me?" She asks as open the kit. "You're a Prince."

"You're a person and my status doesn't mean that I don't care about others." I responded.

I touched the wound, making her flinch a little. The slash is really deep. Blood is dripping down her arm but the main injury is on her upper back. If this wound isn't situated then… but it's on her upper back…

I bit my lip. Desperate times call for desperate measures. "You have a slash wound that is bleeding heavily. If it's not situated then you might lose too much blood and eventually die." I started. "I need you to take off your shirt."

She spins around and looks at me in shock while hugging herself protectively. "What?"

"It's the only way I can treat the wound." I said factually. "Do you want to die?"

She hesitated as she swallowed. "I can treat it myself." The wound is on her back.

"You can't. The wound is on your back." I sigh and look at her. "Now is not the time to think about these things. You are bleeding right now and need medical attention."

She reluctantly nods as I close my eyes so she can take off her shirt. "You can open them." She said quietly as I opened them and start to tend to the wound. This wound is sure deep.

I unscrew the rubbing alcohol and dabbled it onto the slash using a cotton ball while she hissed.

"Sorry, this will help decrease the risk of infection." I stated as I threw the cotton ball in the trash and applied antibiotic cream.

"What is that?" She questioned as I dapped it onto her wound.

"This is antibiotic cream. It will also decrease the risk of infection."

I rummaged through the aid kit to find a small bandage. I don't think this will cut it. It's way too small.

I noticed a sterile bandage long enough to cover the wound as I quickly applied pressure on it making her hiss in pain.

"Sorry, the wound is bleeding again." I said in an apologetic tone as I covered it up securely.

Ok… and that does it. It should be secure now. "Ok, it's done." I said while making the first aid kit disappear and closing my eyes so she can put her shirt back on.

"You can open them." She said as I blinked and turned towards her. "You need to be careful to not reopen that wound again. You already lost a significant amount of blood."

I said as I got up from my bed. "It's a wonder how you didn't pass out yet."

"Thank you for tending to my wound." She said, avoiding my gaze.

I smiled. "Don't mention it…" I said trailing off while looking at her. I never got her name…

"Rose." She said after a moment of silence.

"Astral." I held out my hand as she shook it firmly.

"Thank you, Astral."

"Don't mention it, Rose."

(Knock)(Knock)

"Who is it?"

"My love, we are allowed to move around freely now."

I guess they didn't find her. "Ok, I will be out in a minute."

I turned back towards her. "No one must know that you're a slave so," I used my powers to change her clothes to a maids outfit. "You will be my personal maid until further notice okay?"

She nodded. "Okay,"

I went over to pick up my son who is giggling and opened the door to reveal Lily and Serenity.

"Father!" She tackled me into a hug. I smiled as I lightly pinched her cheeks. "Did you be a good girl for your mother?"

"Of course I did!"

"I know," I said with a smile as he reached his hands towards my love.

"Darling, our son wants you." I said as I handed him towards her.

She looks at me then the girl behind me in suspicion. "Astral, whose she?"

"Oh, her name is Rose and she's a new maid. I was just showing her around the palace." I quickly lied. If anyone knows that she's a slave then who knows what they would do.

"A new maid huh?" She slowly walked and eyed her as she flinched. Why is she eyeing her like that?

"What was she doing in your room?" She said sweetly as she grabbed my arm to pull me closer.

I blinked. "She's injured so I invited her to the room to tend to her wounds."

"Injured huh?"

She stared at me deadpan. "First, it was Estella. Now, it's Rose. Why do you keep doing this?"

I sigh. "This is different than Estella." I glanced at Rose. "She is really injured."

"Really?" She asks in disbelief as I nodded.

"Really."

She gazed at her in suspicion. Oh god… I need to change the topic somehow. I turned my attention towards her, walking beside me. "So, Rose," I ask as she looks at me. "How's your injury?"

"Your highness, my wound is better."

I smiled. "You better be careful not to reopen that wound again. You lost a significant amount of blood so if it reopens again then it will be bad." I said as she nodded.

"Where was the wound?"

"Oh, it was on her back." I said as I walked faster to get out of her glare.

Oh boy… this will result in a misunderstanding. "Rose," I whispered. "Do you have any information on the black market?"

"Unfortunately, I was blindfolded at that place but I maybe," She puts a hand up to her chin.

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe someone else knows where the black market is."

True… ok. "Also, why do you want to know?"

I noticed Lily staring at us. I leaned closer to her ear. "This isn't a good place to talk."

Her eyes widen. "How about you meet me at the dungeon tonight and we can find out if anyone knows about the information."

Hm… I glanced back at my love who was still eyeing us in suspicion. I guess that I can find an excuse to sneak out… well, it's not really bad that she finds out anyways… "Ok, see you tonight." I whispered.

She nods. "Your highness, thank you for your generosity."

"You may rise." I said as she rose.

"I will take my leave now," She winked as I smiled. "You are dismissed." I said as she walked away.

My love walks up to me and hugs my arm tightly. "Honey, what were you whispering to her?"

"I was just wondering how her wounds are." I lied as I walked away from her. I'm sorry but I just can't tell you about this yet…

Zach's POV:

Who is that woman he's whispering to? "Hey, look."

"What is it?" Estella asks as her eyes widen.

"She's in a maids outfit and just came out of his room…" Derek trailed off. This seems familiar…

We all looked at Estella. "Wasn't that what happened when you-" Maria started as she cuts her off.

"You don't need to bring that up!" She said quickly as her cheeks start to heat up.

"Something is fishy here," Brandon said as we looked back at them whispering while Lily stared at them intensely.

She nods. "Your highness, thank you for your generosity."

"You may rise." My friend said as she rose.

"I will take my leave now," She winked as he smiled. "You are dismissed." He said as she walked away.

We all blinked. Did she just wink at him?

"Did she just wink?" Derek asks in shock.

I nod and walked up to Lily who stood there, staring at him as he walked away.

"Are you okay?" I ask in concern as she nodded with a confused expression. "Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"Well…" Derek started. "Don't you find this similar to when Estella tried to seduce him?"

"Yes," She said slowly as we followed him into the throne room. Hm…

This is quite odd indeed…

Crystal's POV:

"Mom, dad," I said as I walked into the throne room. "Have they caught her yet?"

He sighs. "No, unfortunately they have not."

"They checked every single one of the rooms in the palace but no avail."

"They where on earth could she be?" My sister said, pondering. How did they escape anyways?

My eyes widen. "Are you sure that they checked all of the rooms?"

"They said that they checked all of them so…" My mother said.

"She couldn't just escape the palace walls. I mean the security in this place is tight since Astral got attacked a few months ago." My father said as we nodded. True, she has to be in this palace somewhere but where?

The door opened and in walks my brother and a new maid that I have never seen before. A maid?

She went over and stood along with the other servants in the room as she gave him a nod which he returned. Huh?

"Astral," Lilith asks in confusion. "Since when did you get a maid?"

"Oh, she's a new maid. I was showing her around the palace for a bit." He replied nonchalantly and turned his attention to our parents.

"Have you-"

The door opened again and in enters the others. "Are you sure that you were showing her around the palace?" Lily asks as she looks at him.

"Why do you ask that, darling?"

"I saw her walk out from your room." She did?

He chuckled. "Oh, is that all?"

My brother turns to the maid. "Rose,"

"Yes your highness?"

"Tell my lovely wife what we were doing in my room."

Our eyes widen. Wife? Did he just say wife?

She blinks at him. "Your highness, his highness was showing me around the palace when I got injured. Since because his highness is so benevolent, he tended to my wounds." Ohhh…

He turns his head around towards Lily with a smirk. "Is that a good enough answer for you, my dear lovely wife?"

We all stifled a laugh as her face turns bright red at his words. So he was teasing her when he called her his wife.

"Of course it is." She said quickly as she looks away.

My brother looks back at our parents. "A random question but what will you two do if we get the information?"

"Why do you ask that?" My mom ask as she tilts her head.

"We would obviously let the enslaved people go and live their own lives." My dad said.

"And why do we need that information?"

My parents got a confused look. "Why are you asking that? Don't you already know?" My mom ask. Yea, doesn't he already know?

My brother shrugged. "Is there a problem with telling me again?" He questioned.

My parents shook their heads. "We need that information to know it's location and to free the other slaves." Zach said.

He nods and puts a hand towards his chin. "How would I know that you two would free the enslaved people if we found it's location?"

Our eyes widen. Of course we would free them! Is he suggesting that we don't free them?

"Why on earth would you ask that?" Maria asks as we all stared at him. "Are you suggesting that we don't free them?"

He slightly smiles. "No, I'm just curious that's all." Really? I thought in disbelief.

"This might be abrupt but can I visit the dungeon?"

"Why?" Lily asks in curiosity.

"Because I want to go and see." He replied vaguely. But why though?

"Can we all go as well?" Estella asks as she looks at him. "I want to go visit my father."

"Why on earth would you-" Derek started as she cuts him off.

"I know that he doesn't see me as a daughter but regardless of how he treated me, he still is my father." She really does care about her father after all that he has done to her…

"Ok," My brother said. "You can all go." He turns to our parents. "Would that be alright with you two?"

They nodded. "Of course."

"Father," Serenity said as she held his hand. "Can I go as well?" Um…

He kneeled to her level and placed a hand in her shoulder. "Unfortunately, a dungeon is no place for a kid."

She tilts her head. "Why?"

"Because a dungeon can be very scary and I don't want you to get nightmares." He said softly. You're right. A dungeon is filled with torture weapons and can sometimes be very scary.

"No worries father. I won't get scared easily!" She said in an attempt to reassure him.

"Ok but still, it's no place for a child your age to be."

"But-"

He strokes her hair gently. "Serenity, trust me." My brother said as he looks directly into her eyes. "You most definitely don't want to go to that horrible place."

I narrowed my eyes as I looked at everyone. Why is he… I glanced at Lilith who was closing her eyes. What is the matter with those two?

"Is the dungeon really that scary?"

He hesitated and paused. "Yes, yes it is." He gulped nervously. It's that scary to him? I glanced at my sister who looked at him with the same nervous expression.

"Lilith," Lily whispered as she turns to her. "What is up with you two?"

"Yea," Brandon asks. "Why is he so nervous?"

She sighs. "Remember how he got kidnapped?"

We nodded. "Don Thousand would sometimes tie us to a cross and whip us using a whip." She said in a shaky voice as we look at her in shock. He tortured them like that?! I look back at my brother. No wonder he's acting like this…

Lily walks over to him and kneels to her level. "Serenity, listen to your father okay?" She said gently as she turns to him. "If you're scared then why do you-"

"It's time to face my fear." He said softly as they stood up. "It's all in the past."

"Yes, but-"

He smiles. "Don't worry, I will be fine, my love."

She nods. "I will stay back to watch her and Phoenix."

"Okay." My brother turns his attention back to us. "So anyone else going besides Lily and my parents?"

"Your highness," Rose said as she kneels before my brother.

"Yes?"

"May I come along as well?" Why does she want to go as well?

He nods after a moment of pondering. "Alright, you can come along."

Her eyes widen as she looks at him in disbelief. "Really?"

"Really."

She stood up suddenly, smiles brightly, and hugs him tightly. "Thanks Astral!"

Our eyes widen once again. Um… I know that he doesn't really like to be addressed formally but…

He pats her arm gently. "Don't mention it. Also, I told you to be careful not to make any sudden movements. It might cause your wound to reopen." He said as they broke the hug.

Her eyes widen as she starts to kneel but he places his hand on hers. "Stop. You're injured."

"But-"

"Rose, no need to kneel in front of me." He said with a slight smile as she stood up and slightly smiles. "Thank you, your highness."

Enna's POV:

A maid huh? I thought as they left to go to the dungeon. Hm…

"Lily, has he ever mentioned a maid to you before?" I ask as I looked at her.

"No, he hasn't."

"Honey," My husband said. "What are you trying to get at?"

"I just find it a little peculiar why our son suddenly took interest in a maid is all."

"It really is quite odd indeed…" He said trailing off.

"Serenity," Lily said as our attention directs to her. "I have something to do. Can you stay here with your Grandparents?" Something to do?

"What do you have to do mother?"

She smiles. "It's a secret." She turns her attention back to us. "Your majesties, can you watch them for me?"

"Lily, no need to be so formal with us." My husband said as I nodded.

"Just call us by mom and dad." I said as her eyes widen.

"Your majesties that would be-"

"He did refer to you as his wife didn't he?" I said as she blushed.

"H-He was just joking." She stutters out as I stifle a laugh. Was he though?

"How did you know that he wasn't being serious?" My husband questioned as her face grew even more red.

"I-"

"Mother, your face is really red." Serenity pointed out.

She looks at us. "E-Excuse me, your majesties." She said, clearly flustered as she handed me their son as quickly left the room.

I patted her on the head. "You did well, Serenity."

She looks at me and tilts her head. "What did I do?"

"I wonder what she had to do?" He asks as I shrugged. I don't know.

"By the way, just out of curiosity, how do you feel about Lily becoming his wife one day?"

He raised a brow. "Why do you ask that? Do you have any objections?"

My eyes widen. "Of course not! Why would I have any objections about this?"

"Well then why do you ask?"

I sigh. "I was just wondering how you felt about this."

"If they really love each other then let's let this happen." He said as I nod in agreement. Yup. Plus, she passed my tests.

"I agree."

He looks at me with disbelief. "What?"

"Something wrong?"

"It's just that you're usually protective of our son so…" Ohhhhh…

I smiled. "That is true but we have known her since the age of 6. I can see very clearly that they love each other very much." I said. "Plus, she passed all of my tests with flying colors."

"She did?"

I nodded. "Yup."

(Flash):

Hm… even though I have known her since the age of 6, there is just a part of me that is still a little unsure…

I thought as I scrolled the royal garden. What is she doesn't really love him? What is she breaks his heart? What if she betrays him somehow?

My eyes widen as I saw her peacefully staring at the flowers. This gives me an idea!

I purposely twisted my ankle and sat there. "Ow!"

Her eyes widen in alarm as she rushed towards me. "Your majesty, are you alright?"

I shook my head as I winced in pain. "I twisted my ankle."

She glances around and notices the gazebo. "Your majesty, let me help you up." I winced as I leaned on her for support. Let me take this a step further.

"Can you walk?" She asks in concern as I tried to take as step and collapsed on the ground purposely. "I can't walk."

She stayed quiet for a moment as she crouch down. "Here, your majesty, let me give you a lift."

My eyes widen. She's doing it voluntarily? I didn't even have a chance to say anything.

"You don't have to-"

"Your majesty, I insist."

I slowly got on her back as she stood up and walks towards the gazebo. She's pretty strong.

"Careful, don't drop me."

"No need to worry, I won't drop you."

She made her way into the gazebo as I got off her and she sat next to me. She's doing well so far.

She suddenly got down on the floor of the gazebo, gently took my ankle, massaging it softly.

"You don't really need to-"

She smiles and looks up at me. "Your majesty, this is my duty and I want to do this."

I blinked as I stared at her. "May I ask why?"

"Your son is my lover so his mother is technically my mother as well. If my mother twisted her ankle then I would do the same exact thing." She replied as she gently massaged it. I knew that my fear was irrational. Looks like she really loves him.

I smiled. "Your massaging skills are amazing!"

She laughs. "Your too kind, your majesty."

"Does your ankle feel better?" She asks in concern as I rotate it slowly.

"It doesn't hurt anymore!" I said happily. "Looks like your massage really works."

She sat down next to me with a smile. "Thank you, your majesty."

"Why are you so formal?" I said as she chuckles. "Seriously, you are as bad as my son."

"If I don't call you by your title then it will be disrespectful."

I waved my hand dismissively. "You of all people shouldn't be so formal with us."

"Just call me the same way you call your parents."

Her eyes widen. "Your majesty that would be improper." Oh?

"Why is that?"

"I just can't call you by mother like that." She stated.

I tilted my head. "Why is that? You and Astral are a couple."

"Yes, but we are not yet married. If I call you by mother now then it would be improper." Respectful.

I nod in understanding. "Alright." I said as my arm suddenly hurts. Why is my arm so sore?

I slowly rotated my arm to hopefully make it less sore when she massaged it gently.

"How did you know that my arm is sore?"

She smiled. "Your expression and the way you were rotating your arm." She's pretty sharp.

I smiled as she focuses on massaging my arm. She's respectful, responsible, has manners, gentle, knows how to fight, sometimes playful, empathetic, kind, not to mention beautiful, straightforward, direct, and most importantly, she loves him. She will make a great wife for Astral.

(Flash)

"So that's what happened." I concluded. "She successfully passed my test."

He laughs as he pokes my cheek. "You and your plans."

"How else would I get to know her real personality?"

"Don't you already know her though?"

"Yea but still, I got to test her if she's wife material or not."

He chuckles. "True, their personalities are similar don't you think?"

I nod. Yea. "They are. Perhaps that is why they get along so well."

"Although," My husband said. "I find her to be more reckless than our son and a bit more head strong."

"Yes, while he is more calm, rational, and logical. She is more reckless, stubborn, and head strong." I stated. "Those two are so similar yet different." He nods in agreement.

Estella's POV:

We walked to the dungeon to find people locked in cells, screaming and begging for mercy. I gripped Derek's hand a bit tighter. Their screams of terror…

"Don't worry," Astral said in an emotionless voice. "I gave special orders to lock your father in a cell until further notice." I sigh in relief. At least he's not getting whipped like these other prisoners.

"So, this is what a dungeon is like?" Maria and Crystal simultaneously said as we nodded.

"Yup," Derek said. "I'm all too familiar with this place." He mutters softly as I placed a hand on his hand.

"I'm afraid that you're not the only one." Lilith said trembling as Astral took her hand securely. That's right, they were both tortured in a dungeon.

"Are you two okay?" Zach asks as he looked at them.

"We're fine." Really? Because she is trembling right now.

"You don't look fine though." Brandon pointed out as she gripped her brother's hand tighter.

"I said that I'm fine." She reiterated as we all look at each other in concern. She's trembling and he's walking like nothing happened whatsoever. They are most definitely not fine.

We got to a hallway which separates into a right and a left. "Estella, if you want to go see your father, go left." My friend said as I nodded.

"The rest of you, follow me."

He starts to turn right but stopped. "If anyone wants to go with her then feel free just be careful."

"I will go with you." Derek said as he smiles and I nodded.

"Ok,"

"Oh, and one more thing," My friend summoned up a map and hands it to us. Huh?

"This place is filled with traps to prevent anyone from escaping. The map that I just handed you have all the locations of the traps and how to avoid them." He explained.

We blinked. "Brother, why do we even have traps in the dungeon?" Crystal asks.

"It's an extra security precaution in case of escapees." Lilith responded.

"But you don't really need traps in a dungeon. There's no way that the people here can escape." Maria said.

He sigh. "Like she said, it's an extra precautionary measure. This isn't the first time someone has escaped from the dungeon. Also, you might not know it but all dungeons have traps." They do?

"Anyway," Lilith said. "Let's go."

"To avoid getting lost," He said looking at us. "This is our meet up spot."

Derek nodded. "Ok," He said as they left.

Derek's POV:

I looked at her as we started to walk down the hallway. "Are you sure you want to meet your father?" I ask her again as she sighs.

"Derek, I already told you that I want to meet him to see if he's okay or not."

"But-"

"He's my father."

She is too kind. After all that he's done, she still wants to visit him? "You're too kind you know that?" I said as I poked her cheek as she smiled.

"I'm pretty sure if the roles were reversed you would do the same thing."

"Yup."

"One more thing," She said seriously as she looks at me. "I want to talk to him alone."

"But-"

"This is a family thing. I have to resolve it by myself." True…

I sigh. "Alright, I will stand by and watch."

She smiles as she gave me a peck on the cheek. "Thanks for being so understanding, honey."

I pulled her closer by the waist and claimed her lips with passion as she returned with a soft moan. I still can't believe that we are lovers.

She blushed as she avoided my gaze. "My my, what do you know?" I said, leaning closer to her. "You are so adorable." I said with our noses touching as her face flushed even more.

"S-Stop teasing me!"

I chuckled as we walked further.

At the end of the hallway, we reached a room. There is a large cell guarded by two guards who kneeled at us. "Lady Estella, Sir Derek, we were informed by his highness that you would be visiting." He said. Wow, he took care of everything.

"We will be right outside if you need us." He said as they left the room and shut the door.

She got a confused look. "How does he have enough time to inform them that we are coming?"

I shrugged. "I don't know but it's sure impressive." She nodded as she approached her father.

"Father?" She asked in concern as he scowled.

"What? Throwing me in prison isn't enough so you have to see if I'm suffering?" He said with a laugh.

Her eyes widen. "No, I-"

"Well, you got what you wished for." He said glaring at her. "Thankfully, his highness just locked me here and not torture me."

"Although," He puts his hand towards his chin. "You would have prefer him to torture me right?"

"What? Why would you-"

"Considering your close relationship with the Prince, it shouldn't be hard to get him to bend the rules just a bit." He said. "So, why not set me free then we could go home as one happy family again?"

I clench my fist. Go back as a happy family? Like there was a such thing as a happy family to begin with.

"I will not be doing that." She said sternly. "Even though I'm friends with him, there are some things that I know he won't budge upon."

He rolled his eyes. "Are you sure he's the one who won't budge or you?"

"Do you really see me like that?"

"Who knows. I never thought that you would go and betray me but apparently you did just that." He said. "What a great daughter you are."

She blinked as I was about to rush over there. But I said that I wouldn't interfere with this conversation…

"Seriously, what daughter would go and imprison her own father like this?"

"You don't even get to speak," I shouted as I walked up to her. "She did the right thing to imprison you."

"Derek, I told you-" I placed a finger on her lips.

"Seriously, what father would whip their own daughter like this? What father would force his own daughter to seduce another male? What father would abuse their child like this?" I yelled in anger.

"A father is supposed to protect their child, love, and support them. Not abuse them like you did." I said calmly as I hugged her by the waist. "You don't deserve to be a father."

He laughs darkly. "Ah, are you the illegitimate child that I kept hearing about?"

"So what? Even if I am illegitimate, my father and step mother loves me." I said as I glared at him. "You don't even love your only child."

"Who cares about-"

"Your daughter is amazing." I shouted in anger. "Don't you dare ridicule her with your words."

"In the end, she is still my daughter."

I shook my head. "No, she is not yours. She is her own person."

"You know what?" I said as I took her hand. "We had enough of this conversation."

"Father, I was hoping that you would change with the time that you spent in here but looks like I was incorrect."

"Me? Change? Never will that happen."

I looked at her. "See, these type of people never change."

"Let's go."

She looks back at her father. "One more thing, this will be the last time that I will visit you."

She gulped. "Take care of yourself, father."

He laughs manically as we leave and the guards enter the room.

Estella… I looked at her in concern as I hugged her close. "Are you okay?"

She gave me a smile. "I'm fine. No need to worry."

"Estella-"

"I'm honestly fine, honey." She said while walking. "I was hoping that he changed but I know the answer."

"You don't have to worry, if he doesn't cherish and love you, I will do it for him." I smiled as she blushed.

"Seriously, you are so cute!" I complimented as her face becomes more red.

I laughed as the rest of my friends all came back to the main hallway. I wonder how it went.

"How did it go?" I ask as they look at each other and shook their heads.

"They wouldn't give us any information." Brandon said.

"They were really defensive and untrusting. Crystal said as she sighed.

"You can't really blame that they are untrusting," Astral said. "After all that they have been through, it would surprise me if they were trusting." He said as we all nodded. He's got a point.

Brandon's POV:

We said goodbye to Derek and Estella as we walked cautiously down the hallway. "Why are we being so cautious?"

"There are plenty of traps in this hallway." Really?

"Really?" I ask as I looked at him in disbelief.

He nodded as his eyes widen. "Watch out!" He pushed everyone away as I turned my to see an endless pit.

He quickly grabbed on to Rose as she fell into the pit. "Hold on," He shouted as he tightens his grip on her wrist.

He turns his head back towards us. "Brandon, I need you to step on one of the panels." Panels? But there are so many.

"Which one though?"

"Step on any one of them." He said as he tried to pull her up.

Any of them? I cautiously stepped on one of them as the wall closed in between us. Oh no!

"Brandon!" Zach shouted. "What did you do?"

The rest of my friends tried to keep the walls from closing as Astral successfully pulled her up.

"Help!" Maria shouted as I tried to step on another. This time, spikes came out as the walls closed even faster.

"Don't you dare step on anymore platforms!" Lilith yelled.

"Do you want us to all die in here?" Crystal said as they tried to push the walls apart.

"Astral!" I shouted helplessly. "Help!"

He sighs as he calmly walks over and pressed on the emergency hidden panel near the wall making the spikes and the wall retract as we all fell onto the ground in disbelief and shock.

He then pressed another button for the pit to close and walks towards us. How can he be so calm why we almost died?!

"Brandon, I told you to step on one of the panels, not three of them."

"I did step on one of them though."

"These panels are very sensitive so your foot must've stepped on two at the same time by mistake triggering the trap." Really?

They all stared at me as I smiled nervously. "My bad."

Zach sighs. "Anyway, how are you so calm when we almost died?" He asks Astral as he smiled.

"Do you honestly think that I would let you all die in here?"

"No but how are you so calm about this?" Crystal asks as she looked at her brother.

"As I said, I know the mechanics of this dungeon." How can he remember all of that? And without a map as well? That's impressive.

"Anyway, let's move forward." My friend said as we walked onwards and got to a large room with two guards protecting it. This must be the place.

Their eyes widen and kneeled before him. "Your highness,"

"You may rise."

We walked towards them but they stopped us. "Your highness, I don't think-"

"I know what I'm doing." He responded as he stares at the child who was being held protectively by her mother.

"You are dismissed." They slowly left the room and closed the door as we walked closer towards them.

"If you want to kill us then go ahead!" A man said as his eyes widen at Rose, standing next to Astral. What is that all about?

"It's not my intention to kill any of you." He started. "I just want the information for the black market."

He scoffs. "What makes you think we will trust you?"

"I promise that I won't harm any of you."

"You could be lying and we will never know." He said. "Who knows what you would do to us if you got the information."

"I-"

"I can absolutely guarantee that he is not lying." Rose said as the man shuts his mouth.

He narrows his gaze. "How are you so sure?"

"We need the information to free more slaves held captive at the black market." My friend said. "Whether you believe it or not, that's on you but like Rose said, I will not harm any of you."

He stayed silent as he stared at them intensely.

After a moment of silence he finally answers. "Your highness," He made a come hither gesture with his hands as my friend comes closer and he whispers something in his ear as he nods.

We all glanced at each other in confusion. What is he whispering to him.

"Very well," He said as he backed away. "I will respect your decision."

He turns to us. "He won't reveal anything."

"Seriously?" Lilith asks as he nods.

"There is no use staying here if they're not going to reveal the information we need." My friend said as he looks at Rose and subtly nod. "Let's go."

I glanced back at them staring at Rose. Why are they staring at her like they recognize her?

We all made it back to the main hallway. "Astral," Maria said as she looks at him in curiosity. "What did he whisper to you?"

"He said that he won't tell us where it's located."

"Really?" Zach asks unconvinced at his words.

He nods. But if that is the case then why does he need to whisper it to him?

Maria's POV:

"What is a way that we can get them to trust us?" Crystal asks as we all sat down on the couch in his room pondering this question for 15 minutes now. Hm…

"I mean we could promise them their freedom." The King said.

"But they have no reason to believe us either." The Queen said as we nodded.

"True," Lilith said. "If they don't trust us then there's no way they will believe our words."

Why is this such a difficult thing? We all sigh as a growl could be heard. We all turned towards Astral. "Sorry, I'm a bit hungry." Makes sense because he barely touched his food.

"Want me to notify the royal chef?" The Queen asks as he shook his head.

"No, I'm fine."

"Are you sure?" I ask. "I mean if your hungry then-"

"I'm fine Maria," He said looking at me. "Besides, we are supposed to figure out a solution for this problem."

We glanced at him in concern. Why is he always like this? "True," Estella said. "But you can't think on an empty stomach."

"This is more important."

"You can't keep doing this to yourself." Zach said as he looks up from his documents.

"What?"

Derek sighs. "You can't keep skipping meals like this. It's not healthy."

"I know it's not healthy but this is important. Plus, I don't have an appetite."

"But still, you can't skip meals." Crystal said.

"I-"

The door opened to reveal Serenity and Lily. What is she carrying? The aroma of food filled the room as our stomach growled. What is that delicious aroma?

"Father!" She said as she sat next to him on the couch.

Lily took the spot next to him while putting a plate on the table.

"Lily, Serenity, where have you been?"

"Mother has been-"

"Serenity," She interrupted. "Remember what I said?"

He blinks and turns his head towards her. "What's in the plate?"

She smiles as she removes the foil cover to reveal Shrimp Alfredo Fettuccine. Mmmm, that smells so good!

"Try it." She said as she handed him a fork.

He raised his brow. "It does smell delicious."

He leaned down, tried the pasta and his eyes widen as he went in to eat some more.

We all looked at him as he carried the plate towards his mouth and ate it quickly. It is really that good?

"Mother, father, did the chef switch without me knowing?" He asks as he ate some more.

The King and Queen looked at each other. "Not that I know of," His father said.

"Why do you ask?" His mother asks him.

He put the plate in his lap and looked up. "This is delicious." He stated.

"Is it really that good?" Lily asks as he nodded. "It's the most delicious food that I ate so far."

"Here," He took his fork and twirled it. "Try some." He placed his hand under the fork to avoid spillage as he fed it to her. Man, it must be good to be in a relationship.

She nods. "You're right," She covers her mouth a bit. "I didn't even get a chance to taste it."

"Can I try some?" I ask as he protected the plate.

"No."

"But Astral!" Crystal whined.

"Get your own food."

Lily laughs. "Don't worry, I made plenty of food."

His eyes widen as he turns towards her. "You know how to cook?" He asks in disbelief as he fed her another forkful.

She nods. "Yea, I thought you knew."

He blinks. "You never cease to amaze me, my love."

Her face grew a deep shade of red as we chuckled. I never knew that she knew how to cook.

"This really is delicious." He said as he finished off the plate and materialized it away.

We laughed. "And you said you had no appetite." Lilith said as he rolled his eyes playfully.

"That was before I tasted the food that my beloved has prepared for me."

"If you liked the food I prepared then," She summoned up dessert consisting of cheesecake topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. She really thought of everything.

"I made dessert as well." She said while cutting him a slice.

We all glanced at each other and got each a slice of cheesecake. Why do I smell alcohol?

"You made dessert as well?" He said happily as he summoned up a fork and tried it.

"How is it?" She asks nervously as we all tried the cake. What is that flavor?

He smiled at her. "Delicious but did you use alcohol in this?"

Her eyes widen. "Yea, I used a bit of rum to spice up the flavor a bit." Ohhhhh, so that's what the flavor is.

The King's eyes narrowed. "Son, how do you know the taste of alcohol?" Yea, how does he know the taste of rum?

He sighs. "Funny story, so remember the alcohol cabinet in your room, father?"

"Yes," He said slowly. "What about it?"

The Queen's eyes widen. "You didn't drink the alcohol did you?"

We all looked at him as he laughed nervously. "Out of curiosity, I might have drunk the alcohol left on the table." He admitted quietly.

"Astral!" She scolded.

"In my defense, it was just a little sip, nothing more."

They sigh and shook their heads. "Anyway, this cake is great!" The King complimented as he took another bite.

"Thank you your majesties."

"Yea, Lily," Brandon said with his mouth full. "You really do know the way to a man's heart."

We laughed as she blushed. "Here," Astral said as he fed a piece of his cake to her. "Have some."

"Mother," Serenity looks at her. "Can I have some cake?"

That might not be the best idea… "Unfortunately you can't."

She tilts her head. "Why is that?"

"This cake is reserved for adults only." She explained gently as she frowned.

"But," She materialized a chocolate chip cookie. "I made this for you."

"Yay!" She immediately took a bite from it. "Thank you mother!"

She ruffled her hair as she took another bite off his fork. "I never knew that this is so good."

"Really?" I ask as she nods.

"Really."

"Have you never tried to incorporate alcohol in desserts before?" Estella asks.

"No, I saw a bottle of rum in the kitchen so I thought why not incorporate this into the dessert and see how it would turn out."

"And it turned out amazing!" Derek complimented as he and Estella also shared the same plate and fork.

"I agree with them, my love." He said as he took another bite. "You should cook and bake more often."

"Really?"

He nods as she puts a finger on her chin and smiles. "Well, how would you like it if I prepare your meals from now on?"

His eyes widen. "Then I would be the luckiest man alive to have my beloved prepare my meals." He said as she blushed and looked away.

"See?" The Queen said. "I knew that she's wife material!"

We all nodded. "I agree." The King said.

"Astral, Lily," Crystal said as she sighs. "Are you trying to make us singles jealous or something?"

They turned to look at us with a confused expression. "Huh?"

"She has a point," Lilith said while looking at them.

He tilts his head. "How?"

"I mean look at you two," I said as I look at them. "You two are eating off the same plate."

"And on top of that," Brandon said. "You are also eating off the same fork."

"Derek, Estella," Zach said as he glanced at them. "You two are doing the exact same thing!"

The four of them blinked. "So?" Estella asks in confusion.

"It's not like it matters that we are sharing the same fork or anything right?" Lily asks us as we sigh. That's not it.

"God," Lilith said. "It must be great to be in a relationship."

Crystal nodded. "I agree. I want a lover as well!"

"Absolutely not!" Her father said as we directed our attention to him.

"Why?" She asks in confusion.

"You are too young."

We blinked. Too young? But she's the same age as Astral. "Dad, I'm 18." She stated.

"That is way too young for you to have a boyfriend."

She raised an eyebrow. "But Astral is the same age as me. Plus, if he can have a lover then why can't I?"

"You are different from your brother."

"How so?" Lilith asks in confusion.

He stays quiet as her mother spoke. "I think what your father meant was that if one day, you two find a lover then he would have to prove himself worthy."

She looks at the King. "Isn't that right, honey?"

He nods. "Absolutely."

"What?" Crystal asks.

"How is that fair?" Lilith complained. "Lily didn't pass any test." Oh, the test of love.

The Queen smiles as she looks at Lily. "That is where you are wrong."

We furrowed our brows. "Huh?" I ask as I looked at her in confusion. When did she pass the mother in law test?

"She did pass the test."

"I passed a test?"

She nodded. "Yes, you passed it with flying colors."

She blinks in confusion. "When was that?"

"A few days ago."

Her blank expression suddenly morphs into a look of disbelief and understanding as she looks at her. "That was a test?"

The Queen nod. "Yup,"

"To be honest," The King said. "Even without that test, you still would have passed considering your actions." They got a point.

"And because we known you since you were 6 years old." He said as we nodded.

Lily's POV:

"I have a question." Crystal asks, looking at me and my love.

"What is it?" He asks as I ate another piece of cake. So good!

"What is it like to kiss someone?" She said as he chokes on a piece of cake. I gently pats his back as he swallowed. Why is she asking that question?

"Why are you asking that question?" He asks as he sipped some water.

"Because, brother, I'm curious what a kiss feels like." She said.

"Also," Lilith said. "You kiss Lily all the time so I think that you're the best person to describe it."

Maria nods. "Yea Lily, mind describing the feeling?" Me? She wants us to describe the feeling of a kiss? I could feel an oncoming blush surfacing as I looked at him.

"Or if you two don't want to describe it then," Brandon said as he glances at Derek and Estella. "You two can describe it."

Their eyes widen. "Have those two describe what it feels like." She said with a blush.

"Yea, why do we have to describe it?" He asks.

"Because none of us knows what a kiss feels like except for you six." Zach said while also glancing at the King and Queen who immediately looked away.

"We are not explaining it," Derek said firmly.

They looked back at us with pleading eyes. "Please, we really want to know!" Maria said in desperation.

My love sighs. "Maria, didn't I kiss your cheek before?"

She nods. "Well yea, but it was on the cheek."

"I want to know the feeling of a kiss on the lips." Brandon said as we sigh and looked at each other.

"Just wait until you have a lover then you get to experience it for yourself." I said as they frowned.

"Lily!" Crystal whined. "I really want to know the feeling right now!"

"Astral," Lilith said. "Tell us!"

My love looks over at his parents. "Mother-"

"Sorry son, but you're on your own on this one." The Queen said.

"But-"

"Why are they so persistent?" The King asks as he sighs.

"Because," Lilith said. "We really want to know how it feels."

"Astral," Zach said looking intensely at us. "Tell us!"

"It's a warm and fuzzy feeling." Serenity suddenly chimes in as we stared at her. She is correct in a way. It does make you nervous…

"Warm and fuzzy?" Maria said as she furrows her brows. "Can you describe it more?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

They all groaned as they look back at us and smiled sweetly. I gulped. Do we really have to explain this?

We sigh as we looked at them. "First of all," My love said. "It all depends on the type of kiss."

"There are different types?" Crystal asks as I stared at her in disbelief. Does she not know that there are different types.

"Yes," I said. "There are different types."

"What are the different types?" Brandon asks as I stared at my lover. Do we have to tell them?

"First of all, there is a peck which is the one I did to Maria when I kissed her on the cheek."

"Why is it called a peck?" Maria asks.

"It's called that because it's not technically a kiss." I explained. "It's more of a lip press."

They nod. "So it's more of an innocent type of kiss?" Lilith asks as we nodded.

"Then we move on to the more passionate kisses." He said as I blushed. He's talking about the…

They stared at us, waiting for us to continue. I can't believe that I'm doing this. "Umm… have you ever heard of the French Kiss?" I ask quietly as I avoided my gaze from his. What has my life come to?

Zach blinked. "French kiss?" He ask confused.

"What is it?" Brandon asks in curiosity.

"Well… um…" I looked at my lover who had an emotionless facade.

"It's basically the standard kiss that when you kiss." He explained vaguely. That's one way to explain it.

"Ok…" Lilith said.

"How does that differ from a peck?" Crystal asks. It's a whole lot different from a peck. That I can assure you.

"A French kiss is more passionate than a peck." I said in hopes to end this conversation.

"I know," Brandon said. "But how is it more passionate?"

"It's much more longer."

They stated deadpan at us, clearly expecting a better answer. How are we supposed to explain this?

"It feels different from a peck." I said after a moment of thought.

"How does it feel different?" Maria asks. Seriously?

"A peck involves only the lips. While a French Kiss involves not only the lips but…" He trailed off, covering his face with his hand as I could see a blush forming.

They tilted their head, confused. "But?" Zach asks us. Are they that innocent?

"It also involves something else." I said while biting my lip.

"What is this something else?" Crystal asks as I glanced at my beloved who removed his hand from his face.

"It not only involves lips but it also involves tongue." He said in a monotone voice as I blushed. I can't believe that he said that.

They all stayed silent and stared at us in disbelief and confusion. "How do you kiss with tongue?" Crystal asks.

"Yea," Lilith said. "Do everyone kiss with their tongues?"

"So, do you two kiss with tongue or a peck?" Brandon asks.

"That question is off limits." We simultaneously said as we looked at each other.

"Why?" Zach asks.

"Because." I said quickly as he coughs in his fist. Privacy reasons.

"Anyway, how would you describe a kiss?" Maria asks.

He stays silent for a moment, looks at me, then looks back at them. "I would describe it as slow, sensual, and passionate."

They looked at me, waiting for my answer. I gulped nervously. Do I really have to say it? "I would describe it as intense, addicting, and everlasting."

"Those words aren't helping us feel the emotions of a kiss." Brandon said as I glared at him.

"Well, how about you go find a lover so that you can experience a kiss instead of having us explain."

He shrugs. "I would love to but no one sees me like that."

I took a deep breath to steady myself as a hand hold my hand gently. I glanced at Astral who smiled at me. "A kiss is most exciting yet nerve wrecking." He said.

I sigh. "To add on, when two people kiss, you feel a spark, a magnetic pull that pulls you closer."

"A magnetic pull?" Lilith asks as we nodded.

"When you kiss, you want to be closer to that person." He said.

They nodded. "Ok… what else do you feel?" Zach asks.

I put a hand to my chin in deep thought. What do I feel? "My heart beats faster, face flushed, butterflies fluttering, nervous, excited, etc…" I explained.

"So you feel a range of emotions?" Crystal asks as I nod.

"What do you feel, Astral?" Maria asks as she looks at him.

"An intense desire to make her mine." He said as I quickly chucked a pillow at him with my face fully red. H-How can he say that? "Astral!"

"What?" He said innocently. "They wanted to know. Mind as well tell them the truth."

All of them have blushes on their faces. Great… "Look what you've done!" I pointed at them all red. "You made them go into shock."

"Then maybe they shouldn't have ask that question in the first place." He countered. You do have a point but still…

"True, but you didn't need to say it like that." My heart rate quickened as I looked at him.

My lover leaned closer. "Oh?" He smirked. "Then what am I supposed to say, milady?"

I swallowed as my heart rate accelerated at our close proximity. "Umm…" How does he always manage to make me so nervous?

"Ahem!" He leaned back and as I steadied my heart from beating so fast. Come on, stop beating so fast!

"Now I really want a lover." Crystal whined.

"I already told you." Her father said. "That will not happen."

"That doesn't even make any sense." Estella said.

I nodded. "True, she's 18." I pointed out.

"See?" Lilith said. "We're 18. Besides, if he can have a lover then we can as well."

"I already told you two," The King said. "You are different than Astral."

"I don't understand," Derek said. "How are they different for him?" Yea, how are they different from him?

"Let me ask you two something," My love said as the attention directed towards him. "Why do you want a lover?"

"I want to see how it feels to have someone who loves me." Crystal said as Lilith nods.

He blinks and chuckles. "You two shouldn't rush into these sort of things."

"You should just enjoy the freedom that single people have." Freedom huh?

I smiled. "He's right. You should wait until the right one comes along."

"What if the right one doesn't come along?" Lilith asks as I looked at him. Well…

"Then, I don't know but you shouldn't rush into relationship. It could end up terribly."

"It could?" Crystal asks.

I nodded. "Remember Denis?"

I looked at my love who narrows his eyes in my direction. "Yea," She said. "He was the one who likes you right?"

"Yup."

"How did it end up in disaster?" Lilith asks. "I thought that you didn't like him."

I put a hand towards my chin in deep thought. Well… "To be honest, I would be lying if I say that I didn't like him."

"Oh?" My lover said as he looks at me.

"What?" I ask confused at the way he's looking at me. Why is he looking at me like that?

"You liked him?"

I nod. "I mean, he's kind, nice, compassionate, caring, not to mention that he confessed to me and we went on a bunch of dates together…" I trailed off as a smile graced my face.

(Flash):

"I will protect you until the oceans dry up. I promise that I will treasure and cherish you to my fullest extent. I will always make you happy because your happiness is all that matters to me."

"What are you trying to say, Denis?"

"I guess what I'm trying to say is I love you, Lily."

(Flash)

His words… I smiled as I thought back. "What are you smiling about, my love?"

My eyes widen and looked at him. "Oh, I was just thinking."

He narrows his eyes in suspicion. "What were you thinking about?" What's up with him all of a sudden?

"I was thinking back at his words."

I looked back at the rest of them who looked at me like I made a horrible mistake. Huh?

"Why are all of you looking at me like that?" I ask in a confused tone.

They sigh in frustration and shook their heads slowly as I looked back at my lover who is staring at me intensely. "Astral?" I questioned as I felt his cheek. "Are you okay?"

He smiles. "Why would you think that I'm not fine, darling?"

"It's just that you were just staring at me intensely so I was wondering if you're okay or not." I pointed out as he chuckled.

"No need to worry." He said. "I was just thinking about someone." Someone?

"Who were you thinking about?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. It can't be her… can it?

"Oh, I was just thinking about Astrid."

My breath hitched. Of course… there's no problem with him thinking about her from time to time. There is absolutely no problem at all.

I slightly smiled at him. "Were you?"

He nods. "Yup."

My love clears his throat. "To answer your question, Lilith," He said, glancing at her. "You two shouldn't really rush into these things when you are young. Just enjoy the freedom of being single for a little while longer."

I nod in agreement. "Plus, not to mention that you're innocent about this whole romance thing in the first place."

They looked at each other. "We are not innocent about romance!"

"I beg to differ." I said, looking at my lover. "Isn't that right, honey?"

He chuckles a bit. "Crystal, you were wondering about this kiss thing so if that doesn't scream innocent then I don't know what will." He said laughing. So true.

A moment of silence passed between them as they mulled over his words. "Astral," Lilith asks as she looked at him. "Were you this innocent as well?" Innocent?

I burst out laughing as everyone stared at me. "Oh my god… I can't even…" I laughed even more at her words. Him? Innocent about this whole thing? As if!

I looked at him while trying to hold in a laughter as he glares at me. He's 18 years old. How do you expect him to not know these things?

"Lilith," He said as he glared at me. "I'm 18. So no, I never was as innocent as Crystal."

"Really?" Zach asks. "Then how did you learn how to kiss?"

I cease my laughter as both of us looked at him. Did he just ask that?

I stayed quiet as I looked at my love who stared at me in disbelief. Come to think of it… how do I know how to kiss anyway? I never attempted to kiss anyone before… My face grew hot as I thought of that memory.

"Instinct." He responded after a few minutes of silence. Instinct?

"Huh?" Maria said in confusion.

"Instinct?" Brandon asks again as we nod.

"When you kiss a person," He said, pondering his word choice a bit. "Sometimes your body moves on your own."

They blinked. "It does?" Crystal asks.

"It does." Then I quickly added. "There is no right or wrong way to kiss. You just kiss."

"Oh, that makes sense…" Brandon said. "But…"

I raised an eyebrow. "But what?"

"I'm just wondering you two, but how was your first kiss?" Maria asks as my face heat up once again. What is up with these questions?

He coughs with a faint redness seeping onto his face. "We are not answering that."

Zach frowned. "But why?"

"Hold on," Crystal said. "Let me guess, was it passionate, rough, and aggressive?"

My eyes widen as I threw a pillow at her. "Crystal!"

"Ohhhh," Lilith said knowing eyeing us. "Or was it steamy, sultry, and exciting?"

I-I can't believe that she said that… I glanced over at Astral who had his face buried in his hands. Hm… My eyes widen as inspiration struck me. This gives me a great way to tease him!

I leaned closer towards him with a smile. "So, my love, I never got the chance to ask but how was our first kiss?"

"I'm not answering that." He said trying to regain his composure from her question. I will make you answer.

I leaned in closer as he slid further down the couch. "All I want is an answer."

"You're not getting one."

He quickly glanced at the table and picks up the plate the leftover cheesecake that we had yet to finish. Oh yea, we never finished it.

He smirked. "Do you want it?"

I nod. "Then come and get it." He lifted it over his head as I tried to reach over his body to get the cake.

"Astral, give it back!" I whined as he chuckled.

"Then get it."

"Oh, I will get the cake!" I said in determination as I climbed on his body to reach his hand. Almost…

I reached a little bit more as my hands are in sight of the cake. Yes!

I held onto the plate as I grinned. "See? I told you that I will get it!" I looked down at him as he facepalms with a hint of red on his cheeks. Huh?

I look at him with confusion. "Are you okay?"

"Just get off me." He mutters quietly as I noticed what position we are in and immediately got off him with my face fully flushed and my heartbeat beating rapidly. I got carried away with the cake.

He sat up properly as cleared his throat again. It wasn't my fault that he took it away.

I looked at them all laughing as I shook my head. These people…

"Mother," Serenity said as she pinches her nose. "A weird smell is coming from Phoenix." A weird smell? Ohhhhh…

We both got up. "It must be that time again." He said as he carried him to the restroom.

She tilts her head in confusion. "That time?"

"He needs a diaper change." I said as I summoned up a diaper and handed to him.

My love smiles. "I could do it. You just sit and relax."

"Ok." I said as I sat down with everyone staring at me. What?

"He knows how to change a diaper?" Derek asks in shock.

"Yea."

"How?" Brandon asks, looking at me. How?

"Well, it took him a couple tries to get it right." I said as I stifled a laugh.

The restroom door opens and he places our son in the crib as he smiles slightly and poked his forehead.

My love walks over and took a seat beside me with everyone staring at him. "Did I miss something?"

"You know how to change a baby's diaper?" Crystal asks as he nods.

"Yup."

"Son, you're acting more and more like a father each day." The Queen said as he smiled. "If I could just say the same about your father…" She trailed off as the King's eyes widen.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You didn't even know how to change a diaper for a baby." Really?

"That's because you never taught me!"

"Eliphas, it was self explanatory." She said. "I taught you it many times."

"Well, I just don't like to change baby diapers." He said defensively as we chuckled.

"Father," My love said as he rolled his eyes playfully at him. "No one likes to change diapers but it's a thing that all parents must do."

"See?" His mother exclaimed. "Even our son is somehow more mature than you."

We burst out laughing as he got scolded by his wife as he glared at her. Well, at least I know who's in charge in their relationship.

"Even if I wanted to change a diaper, I can't because our kids are fully grown."

"You could change your Grandson's diaper."

His eyes widen. "What? No, let them change it. They are his parents after all."

She smirked. "You don't know how to change it, do you?"

He shifted his eyes around the room to avoid looking at her and cleared his throat. "It's getting pretty late." He stood up. "We shouldn't linger here any longer."

"Eliphas, get back here!" She shouted as he walked out the door. She sighs and looked at us. "Goodnight everyone."

"Eliphas, answer my question!" She flew after him to demand an answer.

We all blinked at the scene we just witnessed. Wow…

"We should get going as well." Estella said as everyone walked out the door. "Goodnight everyone." I said.

"Goodnight!" They closed the door and I plopped down in the bed, staring at the ceiling as my love materialized all the dishes away.

Astral's POV:

I glanced at the clock and my eyes widen. It's 9? I have to find someway to meet up with her…

"Love, I have an emergency I need to take care of." I said quickly.

She tilts her head. "What emergency?"

Um… "I really have to go now!" I opened the door and flew out of the room feeling guilty. I could have played it a little smoother but this will have to do for now.

I flew to the dungeon to find her standing there as she smiled. "Your highness,"

"You may rise." I said as she rose.

"I'm assuming you came up with an excuse?"

I chuckled. "Something like that," I said as I looked at her. "I think she's suspicious,"

She nods. "Well, this is a one time thing after all, when you get back, you just need to it why you're doing this." Yup. She's a rational person so she will understand right?

"Shall we get going?" I said as we walked into the dungeon.

"You'll free them when you get the location right?" She asks as I nod.

"Yes, I will most definitely free them but not tonight." I said as she looks at me in shock. "But-"

"I still have to report the location to my father. He has more power than me and basically nothing gets passed him. So if I keep this all to myself them I will be in huge trouble."

"Ohhhhh, makes sense." She nods. "When though?"

"Hm… that depends if the information they provide me is accurate or not."

"Of course it accurate!"

"How would you know?" I stated. "You were blindfolded."

"Yea but still, they wouldn't lie about that."

We reached the end of the hallway where two guards greeted us. "Your highness,"

I nod as I opened the door to the room to reveal the enslaved people staring at us as we entered the room.

"I thought that you wouldn't show up." A man said as I smiled. "I always keep my promises."

"Rose!" A woman shouted as she ran up to her. "How are you? Are you injured? How on earth did you-"

"Mom, calm down." She said gently. "I'm fine. The Prince saved me from the guards."

"Really?" She asks in disbelief as she nodded. "Without him, I would have die two times already."

"Rose!" A little boy exclaimed happily. "You're alive?"

A girl smacked him on the forehead. "Do you want our sister to die, John?"

She laughed a bit. "Violet, don't hit your brother like that." Her mother scolded her.

"But mommy, he said that-"

"I'm fine you two," She said with a smile.

The girl named Violet looked at me as she tilts her head. Why is she looking at me?

"Is he the man who saved you?" She asks as she looked at her. "Yup,"

"He's handsome!" She exclaimed as my eyes widen.

I walked closer to her and gently ruffled her hair. "Thank you, Violet." I smiled as she looked towards her sister. "Is he your boyfriend?" She asks innocently as our eyes all widen in shock. Boyfriend?

"Violet," Her mother exclaimed. "That's enough."

"But-"

"That's enough." Her father said still in shock.

I looked towards her as a blush appears on her face. "Your highness, I'm so-"

I shook my head as a smile graced my lips. "It's alright. Your sister a just a kid." I said as she stood up.

"Why can't you be her boyfriend?" John said in confusion.

"John!" She shouted as her face flushed with color. "He already has a wife." She mutters quietly as their eyes widen. Wife? Oh yea, that's what I told her.

"Ohhhhh!" Her sister exclaimed in understanding.

Suddenly a noise of someone falling could be heard in the corner near the door as I cautiously walked over holding a sword in my hands. Is it an intruder?

My eyes widen as I saw who was on the ground glaring at me with those beautiful red eyes. "Lily?" I withdrew my sword as I helped her up. What is she doing here?

"What are you doing here?" I ask in confusion as she stared at me. "You have a lot of explaining to do, Astral." Of course.

"How dare you sneak and meet another woman at night!" She shouted as my eyes widen. What?

"This is a huge misunderstanding." I replied quickly.

She scoffed. "Oh really?" My lover said as she directs her attention to Rose, making her flinch. "I saw it with my own eyes."

"Princess Consort, nothing of that sort happened." She said. "I-"

She narrows her eyes at her. "Rose, don't you dare interfere with the conversation that I'm having with my husband." Husband?

I looked at her as she stares at me calmly. Was that just a slip of the tongue or…? "Astral, don't you think you owe me an explanation?" She bats her eyelashes as she hugs my arm close to her body.

I glanced at them then looked at my lover and sigh. "I promise that I will explain everything later."

"Why?"

"Just let me sort this out first, okay?"

She pouted as I looked towards them. "So, can you tell me it's location?"

Her father nods. "It's near the border of this world and Barian World."

"There is a house near the borderline and in there is a secret passageway that leads you underground and to the Black Market."

I blinked. Secret underground passageway… no wonder we haven't found it all these years.

"Do you know who the leader of the Black Market is?"

He shook his head. "Unfortunately, I do not. I only saw the route to get there but then I was blindfolded before I saw his face."

Well, at least I know where it is. "Thank you for the information." I said gratefully. "Unfortunately, I can't release you all today but I can assure you that you will get your freedom soon."

They all nodded. "I trust you, your highness." He said as I smiled. That went well.

"So Rose," I said as she turns to me. "You will continue to be my personal maid until your family gets released. Is that alright with you?"

She kneels as I grabbed her hands to stop her. "Stop. I told you, your injured. No need to kneel in front of me."

Her eyes widen. "But-"

"I'm being serious, if that wound on your back somehow gets undone then the consequences will be very bad."

She seemed hesitant but nodded, still holding onto my hands. "Thank you, your highness."

I gave her a slight smile as I removed my hands from hers. "Don't mention it."

Lily's POV:

We got back to our room as I shut the door. He's got tons of explaining to do.

My love sat down on the couch as I sat sideways on his lap, wrapping my hands around his neck as he wraps his hands around my waist.

"You really like sitting on my lap huh?" He teased as he pokes my cheek softly.

I nod as I can feel a blush forming. Don't get distracted. "So what happened 15 minutes ago?"

"Like I said before, it was just a-"

(Knock)(Knock)

We stared at the door. Who is knocking this late?

"Come in." I said as the door opens to reveal Crystal and Brandon. What are they doing here?

Their eyes widen and blushes appear on their faces as they looked at us. Why are they blushing?

"Do you two need something?" My love asks as he looks at them.

"S-Sorry to barge in like this," Brandon stutters after a moment of silence as we stared at him. Why is he so red and stuttering?

I raised a brow. "Brandon, are you okay?"

"Yea, you're face is flushed right now." My love pointed at him.

"H-How do you expect us not to blush when you two are…" She pointed at us as she covered her face. Are what?

"Are what?" He asks in confusion.

"Lily!" She said in disbelief. "You're s-sitting on his lap."

I tilted my head in confusion. "Ok?"

"Do you two have a problem with her sitting on me?" He asks in confusion.

They both looked away from us with their face full on red. Seriously, what is wrong with them?

My lover sighs. "You have seen us kiss many times before. Are you two really-"

"True," Brandon said. "But that was a kiss, not such an intimate gesture like this!"

"So?" We asks simultaneously as they facepalmed. What's wrong with me sitting on his lap?

The door opens again and the rest of them comes in, looks at us, and stares at Brandon and Crystal.

"Crystal," Her father said. "Why are you bothering them?"

"Dad, I'm not bothering them."

"Then care to explain what you two are doing in his room?" Her mother ask.

"Brother, have you seen my hair tie anywhere?"

He ponders her question for a couple of seconds. "I think it's on the mini table."

She walked over and checked the table. "Nope, it's not on the table."

"Then check the makeup vanity." I said as she walked over there. "Maybe it's on the table or something."

"Oh, here it is!" She exclaimed.

"Mother?" Serenity came over to us with a confused expression.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"Why are you sitting on father's lap?"

I smiled as she got in the couch. "Because I want to."

She nods. "Can I sleep with you two?"

"Is there a reason why you want to sleep with us?" He asks in curiosity.

"Do I need a reason to sleep with you two?" She tilts her head cutely.

I looked at him. Well no, she doesn't really need a reason or anything… but… I bit my lip as I looked at her.

He sighs. "Sure, Serenity, you can sleep with us."

"Is it alright with you, darling?" My love stares at me as I smile. "Of course it is!" I exclaimed.

"Yay!"

"Well, goodnight!" They said as they closed the door behind them.

I sigh as I got off of my lover and walk towards the bed. "Ok, bed time."

"I don't want to!" She whined as I carried her on to bed. "It's too late for you to stay up."

She turns towards me. "But you two stay up late all the time."

He came up and sat on the bed. "Because we are adults. You're only a kid."

She frowned as I tucked her in. "But I don't want to!"

I laughed as I climbed into bed beside her with Astral next to me. "I know you don't want to but sleep is critical for a kid such as yourself." He said as he turns off all the lights except for a nightlight near the corner of the room. A nightlight? I guess she needs it to sleep.

"Father, why are you laying next to mother?"

"Can I not lay next to her?" He said as he hugged me gently.

"Anyway, it's getting really late, Serenity," I said. "You should get to sleep."

"No."

I sigh as I got out of his embrace and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Goodnight, sweetie."

She smiles and hugs me tightly. "Goodnight mother!"

"Goodnight father!"

"Goodnight, my daughter." He said as I wrap my arms around him, pressing my body up against his as I can see a blush appear.

"Love," He whispered as I looked at him. "We can't."

I frowned as I brought our faces closer. "Why is that, handsome?"

"Because our daughter is here." He whispered, not to wake her up.

True… it wouldn't be good if she wakes up and find us… A blush appears on my face as I looked at him. "You have a point but are you sure that we can't do anything?"

I could hear his heart accelerate as our lips connected. I ran my tongue over his lips and opened his mouth so that I can slip it inside as he lets out a small growl.

He returned the kiss with passion as I let out a soft moan of pleasure. My hands made their way up his chest as he shudders and his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me in closer as he broke the kiss breathing heavily. "We can't."

I tried to calm myself as heat rose in my body. He's right… I have to have self control. I nod as we stared at each other. Why is it so hard though?

He smiles as he kissed my forehead. "Goodnight, Love Bug."I blushed as I snuggled closer with my leg wrapped around his waist and my head buried into his neck.

"Goodnight, Boo Bear."

He looks at me. "Boo Bear?"

I nod and smiled. "You're a soft, cuddly teddy bear that only I get to snuggle with." I muttered quietly as my face heat up. I can't believe that I just said that.

He stifled a laugh as he played with my hair, messing it up. "You are so adorable. You know that right, Love Bug?"

My heart rate accelerated as I snuggled closer. He really is a soft, cuddly teddy bear! I regained my composure. "Love Bug?" I ask a he looks down at me.

"According to me, it means a person with a playful, attractive personality and a lovable nature." My love strokes my hair gently. "That suits you doesn't it?"

I could feel my face flush with color. How does he always able to make me feel like this?

My love wraps his arms around my lower back, pulls me in closer, and gave me a peck on the lips. "Goodnight, Love Bug."

I smiled as I kissed his neck. "Goodnight, Boo Bear." Wait, he never explain…!

"Boo, can you explain what happened earlier?"

He yawned. "Tomorrow. I will explain it to you tomorrow, Love."

"But-"

"Aren't you tired?" He questioned. Maybe a bit.

"Well, yea but-"

"Then you should get some rest. I promise I will explain everything tomorrow." He muttered quietly.

I blinked as he had his eyes closed. Looks like he's really tired. "Alright, sweet dreams, my Boo Bear!"

My love opens his eyes and looks down. "Sweet dreams, my little Love Bug." He whispered as we drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.