Maria's POV:

"Seriously!" I lay sprawl out on the bed ruffling the bedsheets. "You're just going to accept marriage to a princess like that?"

He blinks, standing there with an exasperated sigh. "Must you mess up my bed?"

Duh! "What are you complaining about? You can always redo it later."

"That's not the point."

"Oh? Then is it because of the person?"

He raises an eyebrow. "Huh?"

Why is he so clueless yet so intelligent? "You always complain when I mess up your bed but never have I heard a single complaint when others do it."

"That's because you're the only one who dares mess up my bed." He chuckles approaching me.

I roll my eyes as he pats my head. "What about Lily?"

My friend blinks and sits on the edge of the bed. "Well, she messes my bed up also but-"

"I have never once heard you complain or scold her about this," I said as I sit up next to him.

"She's my best friend."

I pout poking his shoulder as he looks at me. "Am I not your friend as well?"

"You know that's not what I mean."

"Then what do you mean?" I cross my arms. "There is clearly a favoritism between the two of us."

"Come on now," My friend begins softly. "I don't show favoritism between the two of you."

Oh really? I will show you that you are more lenient with her than me. A smirk flashes on my face as I launch myself at him wrapping my arms around his chest.

"My love," He stiffens as he looks at me with eyes widened. This look is priceless! I stifle a laugh as he tries to remove himself from my embrace.

"What did you just refer to me as?"

"Mmm! Come on, don't be that way." I whine as he tries to get out of my embrace. The look on his face! Hahaha!

He stops struggling with a sigh. "You're doing this to prove a point right?" As expected.

"Perhaps," I shoot him a cheeky smile while pecking his cheek.

My friend rubs my kiss away as I roll my eyes. See? He never does that when she gives him cheek kisses.

"Are you rubbing my kiss away?" I ask as he lets out a nervous chuckle.

"No?"

My eyes narrow. Liar. "Come on, let me kiss you!"

"Have you no shame?" He leans away as I came closer to his cheek.

"You rubbed away my kiss," I said as he holds my cheeks back.

"I didn't mean to." Like I would believe that.

"You let her kiss you all the time, what's the difference when I do it?" I ask leaning closer as he tries to remove my arms around his chest.

"Of course, there's a difference."

Hmm… Can he possibly realize that he…

"What's the difference?"

"She's my best friend."

I internally facepalm. He still doesn't get it. "Just one more kiss."

"No way!"

"Astralllll," I whine as my lips almost connect to his cheek. Almost!

"Ahem," What?

We turn towards the noise to find his parents standing not far from us. "Um… are we interrupting something?" His mother ask as he froze.

"It's not what you think." My friend states calmly after a minute of silence.

My lips connect with his cheek as his eyes widen. "Yay, I won!"

"What do you mean you won?" He looks at me with a defeated sigh.

"I was able to kiss your cheek twice so that means I won."

He lets out a small smile. "Ok, ok, stop hugging me."

"Don't wanna!"

He pats my head. "You're like a kid, you know that?"

I laugh poking his shoulder as I sit up straight. "My parents tell me that all the time."

"You make it sound like you take pride in that or something."

"I do!"

He stifles a laugh ruffling my hair again. "Of course you do."

My friend directs his gaze to his parents who are staring at us. "Are you sure that nothing is going on between you two?" His father gestures to us as we slowly glance at each other.

Hah?

A fit of laughter takes over as I sprawl out on the bed rolling until my sides hurt. He… thought that… hahahahahahaha!

My friend wasn't doing much better. He's trying to stifle a laugh but is unsuccessful and bursts out into laughter.

"T-They think that we… hahahahahahahahaha!"

"I know right?" I said in a labored breath as I calm myself.

"No offense, I love you but in a friend sense."

"Hahahahaha… me too, Maria. I love you as a friend." He tries to calm himself but burst into another fit of laughter. He needed this laugh.

A giggle escapes my lips as I help him sit upright. "Ok, ok, sit up."

He coughs a bit to stabilize himself. "No, Father. Nothing is going on between us."

"Really?"

I nod. "Your Majesties, I only see him as a friend."

"And I only see her as a friend as well."

Astral's POV:

"Waltari,"

"Yes, Your Highness?"

Should I ask? I fidget with my ring as my gaze shifts. "Never mind."

The scent of rain fills the air as he quickly takes out an umbrella. "Your Highness, is something on your mind?"

(Flash):

"Son," She walks up holding my hand firmly. "Marriage is not like a business."

(Flash)

"What do you think about this arranged marriage?"

A brief silence passes. "If you're asking for my opinion, I would say-"

"Young man," A woman near her 30s with black hair and brown eyes stands in front of me.

"Can I help you with something?" I ask with a head tilt.

I materialize an umbrella to shelter her from the rain as she takes it with a smile. "Thank you."

"You are most welcome."

"Anyway, I heard you mention a marriage?"

"Yes,"

Her face lights up as she clasps my hand tightly. What?

He gasps in shock as he swats her hand away with an angry expression.

"Hey! Hands off!"

"Waltari," I stare at him as he smiles nervously.

"Don't mind him," I direct my eyes towards her.

"I'm so sorry, that was rather rash of me."

"Don't worry about it," I flash her a small smile.

"I heard you mention a marriage?"

"Yes," I reply slowly. Why is she asking? "I'm planning to get married soon."

"Wonderful!" She exclaims happily clapping her hands together.

What does she mean by that? Wonderful?

"Tell me," She leans closer as his eyes widen as saucers and immediately place a hand protectively stopping her.

"Don't get too close if you know what's good for you." He furrows his brows in anger as I sigh.

"It's fine," I put a hand on his arm. "Stand by."

"My Lord-"

My eyes bore into his brown eyes as he reluctantly nods. "As you wish."

"Please, continue."

She clears her throat with a grin. "Does your fiancée have a ring?"

I blink. A ring? I haven't even met the woman and she's asking if she has a ring? How would I know that?

At my silence, she giggles. "Judging from your silence and expression, you haven't proposed yet?"

"Um…"

"Splendid!"

Hah? She promptly drags me into a ring shop and sits me down with a collection of rings in front of me.

What is going on here?

"Hey! I said don't touch him!"

She ignores him and offers me a big smile. "Young man, you're getting married soon so an engagement ring is a must for any happy marriage."

"Are you ignoring me right now?!"

"Yeah but-"

"Look over here," She gestures to a bunch of expensive luminous rings. "See any that would suit her?"

Is she trying to get me to buy an engagement ring? "Ma'am, I think you misunderstand-"

She waves a hand. "Ma'am? How old do you think I am? My name is Mary."

I let out a chuckle. "Mary, I think you-"

"Don't say anything," She covers my mouth as my eyes widen. "I understand."

"How many times do I have to say it, lady? Don't lay a finger on him." He yells storming up to her. Oh god.

"Waltari," I snap my head towards him. "Don't make me repeat myself."

He let out a huff with his arms cross muttering in discontent. Overprotective as usual.

"What do you understand?" I ask curiously as she sits next to me.

"You kids nowadays," She shakes her head with a sigh. "You said you're getting married but you have failed to give her an engagement ring."

"You should be ashamed of yourself." Ashamed? Me?

"Watch your words." My butler narrows his eyes with his tone lace with venom.

"She doesn't need a ring." I simply state after a few minutes of thinking.

A gasp escapes as she covers her mouth with tears glistening. "What a wonderful woman!"

"That's why you absolutely need to get her a ring." She said confidently. Might as well play along.

"Let me tell you something, the more a woman denies that she wants something, the more she wishes to obtain it."

"Really?"

She nods. "Yup! Which is why you have to get her a ring to show your eternal love for her." Eternal love? Right… this is a contract marriage. What love is there?

I blink as she walks to the back of the counter. "All of the engagement rings are here."

Hm… I scan the shelf as she starts to show me a bunch of rings. Saying how they are limited edition and made from real gems/diamonds. What have I gotten myself into?

"Here," She shows me a titanium band with a pink sapphire in the middle. "This is-"

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a luminous huge diamond ring. That ring…

"Ah," She quickly takes it out for me to examine.

A classic round diamond solitaire ring radiates effortless elegance. Its twist shank is partially encrusted with diamond accents for extra sparkle. The entwined pattern of this engagement ring creates an eye-catching silhouette of the infinity symbol.

Wow… it's stunning.

"You do have an eye for this huh?"

"Can you tell me more about this ring?" I ask as she happily obliged and pulled up a chair.

"Of course. This ring is a 18K diamond ring with a pave twisted shank. The 12-carat diamond perches delicately in the center."

12 carats? My eyes slightly widen. The average engagement ring is 1 to 1.5 carat. This is a whopping 12.

But… it does look gorgeous. I bit my lip. I shouldn't. After all, I have no one to give it to.

"This is custom made by an individual so there's only one."

She really wants me to buy this. "How much is this ring?" I ask as her eyes light up.

"It's very cheap. It's only around 1.5 million dollars."

My eyes widen at her words. "1.5 million is cheap?!"

Holy cow… 1.5 million for an engagement ring. Inflation is deadly.

She nods. "Considering the 12-carat diamond and the twisted shank along with the pave." True…

But really? 1.5 million for a ring?!

"Your fiancée would be very pleased if you get this ring for her." She shoots me a smile. "It's one of the most beautiful engagement rings out there currently."

Beautiful? Yes. Costly? Most definitely.

"I almost forgot," She takes out a box and opens it. "This ring includes a matching wedding ring."

The wedding band is a 18K white gold with a pave twisted shank. This is also gorgeous as well.

"The 1.5 million is the total cost currently for both of these items. Considering the inflation value, it will most definitely go up in a few years."

"My Lord, you're not considering actually buying this ring are you?" He asks as I look at him with a conflicted expression.

I… don't know. What can I possibly do with an engagement ring? It's not like I will have anyone to give it to. Well, there's always Princess Starlight but no way am I spending 1.5 million on her. My eyes shift to the ring once again. But then again… it really is stunningly beautiful. Hm… but although it's beautiful, I feel like something is missing…!

"My Lord?"

I snap from my thoughts as I look at her. "This is the only one?"

She nods. "Yes,"

"Sorry about this," My butler takes my hand and leads me to a corner of the room.

"Your Highness, please tell me that you're not considering buying that ring?" He whispers as I look at him.

"I…"

"Are you giving it Princess Starlight?" He asks in disbelief as my eyes widen.

"Of course not!" I said in appall. "Why would I give her such an expensive ring?"

"Then why are you considering buying it? Are you giving it to someone else?"

"No."

He blinks blankly. "Your Highness, I'm confused. Are you buying this for the sake of the ring?"

"I don't know…" I trail off after a moment. "Possibly."

"May I ask why?"

A sigh escapes my lips. "I don't know, Waltari. There is something so compelling about that ring."

He places his hand under his chin. "Compelling?"

I nod. "Yeah, but I don't know what."

I glide over towards the ring. "What's your decision?"

Should I? The door rings as it opens and in walks a male customer.

"Why hello," She shakes his hand. "May I assist you with anything?"

"I'm looking for an engagement ring."

"Fabulous!" She leads him next to me.

"This is all of our engagement rings for the season. Pick what you like."

He places his hand under his chin as he scans the rings with focus. His eyes shift to the ring in front of me with interest. Is he interested in this ring?

"That ring-"

"I'll take it." I quickly said cutting him off. "What's the price for this and the wedding ring again?"

"1.5 million."

"I'm wondering but can you replace the centerpiece with a diamond in the form of a flower?"

Her eyes widen and look at the ring closely. "Hm… I guess it wouldn't be a problem." She places the ring in the box. "But, I need a drawing of it."

"Waltari," He hands me a sheet of paper and a pencil. "Give me ten minutes." What design should I go for? Wait a minute, why am I customizing it again? It's not like I have anyone to give it to. Also, why a flower of all things? Where did that thought come from?

Ten minutes later:

Hm… I examine it closely with a smile. Not too bad. "Wow," She looks over my shoulder in awe with her mouth agape. "It's beautiful!"

"I'll start on it right away!"

An hour later:

Woah... This elegant engagement ring features a round brilliant cut diamond prong-set atop a crisscross, split shank, with marquise diamond accents on the shoulders. It's a classically-inspired design that integrates organic elements with the traditional diamonds to create a truly one-of-a-kind piece. There are three diamonds in this ring, with the largest being a round brilliant cut coming in at exactly 12 carats. The other two are smaller marquise-shaped stones, and they're tucked into openings on the shoulders between the two strands of the split, crisscross shank. This creates a lovely three-stone look that helps highlight the center diamond's natural brilliance and perfect shape, while also helping to ease the transition to the organically-styled band below.

Although it begins as a solid piece across the bottom, the band of this ring soon divides into two strands, and these separate slightly before crossing back over each other at about the one-quarter point. From here, they begin to narrow, and they loop back quickly together just before they reach the main setting, creating the opening that houses the marquise diamond accents. On each side, the top portion of one of these strands also branches outright at the top, forming leaf shapes that help bring wonderful organic overtones to the ring. There is also a small leaf tucked just below each marquise diamond, and these metal accents play off of the shape of the side diamonds as well to integrate smoothly into the overall design.

It turned out better than I imagined!

"What do you think?"

I'm speechless... "It's stunning."

My butler nods unblinking. "I agree."

I swipe my card on the machine to complete the transaction as she hands me the box. "Your fiancée is a very lucky woman indeed."

A smile appears on my lips. "I know."

"Also, we offer free engraving on the wedding band. You can come back any time to engrave it free of charge."

"I will keep that in mind. Thank you and have a good day."

"You as well and good luck with your marriage."

"Thanks."

I walk out the door with an umbrella in hand while handing the box to him.

He looks at me in shock. "Your Highness-"

"Before you say anything, I know it was a reckless move but I felt compelled to buy it."

I still can't figure out the reason why. "Be careful with it and don't tell anyone about this, got it?"

He nods. "My lips are sealed regarding this matter."

My eyebrow raises at the sight of beings gathering at the bottom of a cliff whispering and pointing. That's peculiar…

"Why are they all standing there?" He asks out loud as I briskly walk up to the crowd.

"Greetings, Your Highness,"

I wave an arm. "You may all rise."

In front of me lays a white-haired 18-year-old woman wearing a white dress. Her head is bleeding slightly, staining the dress bloody red. What on earth happened to this poor woman?

"Does anyone know what happened?" I ask as I turn towards the crowd.

They shake their heads as I softly sigh. My gaze shifts upwards. Let's see… considering the position she laying, there is a possibility of her jumping/falling off a cliff.

I kneel in front of her placing two fingers on her carotid artery with a smile. It's faint but it's definitely there.

"Your Highness, I'm assuming she's alive?"

"Yes,"

If I can get her medical treatment then she might live. But why should I? My eyes narrow as I cautiously touch the wound on her stomach. Oh my… with a wound this deep. Even if I could save her, death is most likely inevitable.

I shake my head. "Waltari, go dispose of her."

He gapes at me. "Y-Your Highness, she's still alive!"

"With a wound this deep, she won't in a few more minutes."

"B-But-"

"Why should I risk my time to save a person who is going to die? Not to mention, wants to die?" I don't go around saving such weak individuals.

A weak hand touches my arm as I look down. Bright emerald green eyes, slightly open to meet mine. Those eyes…

"Help… me…"

(Flash):

"Help me!"

(Flash)

A throbbing sensation near my temple makes me wince as I clutch my head with a hiss. What on earth?

Her eyes… why do they look so familiar?

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Waltari."

"Please…" The person holding my arm whispers with labored breathing. "Help."

"You're going to die any second. Why should I help you?"

"I… I… have to… live…" Her stunning green eyes shut as my eyes widen. She… such resolve…

"Why?" I lean closer towards her ear as her breathing grows heavy. "Tell me, why must you live?"

"T-To…" A groan in pain escapes her lips. "R-Revenge."

Revenge?

I look up at the cliff then touch her stomach wound again as a thought clicks. This wasn't a suicide but rather an attempted murder. This wound was clearly caused by a sword. This woman must've hadn't a choice but to jump to save herself.

"Please…" Her breathing grows ragged. Her voice barely a whisper. "Save me."

Now's not the time to think about this. I drape my jacket over her body and lift her slowly trying to balance the weight of an 18-year-old girl in my arms.

"Let's return to the palace ASAP."

He nods as he shelters me from the rain. Have I met her before?

At the palace:

"Waltari," I step into the palace grounds. "Notify the doctor immediately."

"Of course."

He leaves and I walk up the stairs tightening my hold on her slender figure.

"Son?" My mother asks as I swiftly past her in the hallway approaching my room. I kick the door open laying her gently on the bed. Why did this happen?

Two heads poke in the doorway as they step into the room. "What happened?"

"I found her at the bottom of a cliff," I said turning to my parents as I walk to the couch.

"The doctor is notified so he will be here any moment." I take a sip of tea as they stare at me. Why are they staring at me like that?

"Is something the matter?"

"It's just is there a reason why you saved her?"

I slowly glance up at my father as my mother nudges his ribs making him wince.

"Should I not?"

Her eyes widen. "No no, that's not what he meant."

"Normally, you wouldn't do anything that wouldn't serve you any benefit."

Huh… she's right. So why did I?

A chuckle escapes. "Do you two see me as a cold-blooded monster or something?"

Their eyes widen. "Of course not!"

"Relax," I sip my tea once more. "I'm kidding."

"Psst, why on earth would you ask that question?" My mother whispers glaring at him.

"I was curious on why he saved her. Don't you think that's a bit out of character for him?" He responds whispering back as she softly sighs.

Do they forget that I'm right here and can hear everything? "To answer your question, Father," They flinch. "She was on the brink of death. Anyone who came across her would've done the same thing. Plus," My lips curve upwards. "She's intriguing."

"Intriguing?"

Hm… but thinking back, it really was unusual for me to save her. Perhaps, Liliana is rubbing off on me quite a bit.

(Flash):

"Why don't you smile more, baby?"

"Why should I?"

She rubs my cheek in circles with a pout. "When you smile, it makes you seem more human."

I raise a brow. "We're not humans, to begin with."

She giggles. "I know but still, it makes you appear more approachable and less cold and calculating."

"Why would I want to appear more approachable?" I ruffle her hair as she wraps her arms around my waist.

"Regardless, I want you to try to smile more often and initiate physical contact."

My eyes widen as I look at her radiant amethyst eyes. "Is this not enough physical contact? I'm letting you hug me for the last ten minutes."

A melodic giggle escapes her pink lips. "Silly, not just with me but with other people as well."

"I don't get the point of initiating physical touch with others."

"The whole point is to make you more costumed to touch. It's a basic skill that everyone needs to acquire."

I roll my eyes. "Well, count me out. I don't need that skill."

A hand smacks my chest gently. "Seriously, you can touch me just fine but when it comes to others, you stiffen up. Why is that?"

I wrap my arms around her shoulder. "Simple, you're my best friend so I'm comfortable to let my guard down and that includes any intimacy and touching that we might do."

She leans into my chest. "And you can't do that for others?"

"Only with friends."

"Baby," She whines with a pout looking up at me. "You have to learn to get used to physical touch."

"Can I not?"

Her eyes light up as a sense of dread fills me.

"I have a challenge for you. You have to hug someone a stranger that you just met by the time I get back from visiting my parents."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because if you don't," Her eyes narrow. "You won't receive any more of my cheek kisses."

I shrug. "Fine by me."

"No more hugs?"

"Ok."

"No more pet names?"

I shrug with a smile as she blinks in deep thought. "Hm… Ah-ha!"

She leans closer. "Because If you don't, I will spend all your money. Not only that, I will bother you to no end and cling onto you every day."

I burst out laughing. "My darling, don't you already do that?"

"Hey! I'm not clingy. I just like to see you every day that's all."

"Ok ok, my bad." I ruffle her hair as she pecks my cheek.

"But, if you don't accept this challenge, I will cling onto you everywhere you go until you snap." I'm curious how that would be.

"Good luck on getting me to snap."

"Don't worry," She chuckles with a mischievous grin. "My father works as a General so I picked up on a few things."

My eyes widen as I squeeze her cheeks gently. "You're not saying corporal punishment, are you?"

"Just wait and see, my baby."

I stifle a chuckle. "I would like to see you try so I'm going to accept this challenge."

"I knew you would."

She holds out a pinky as I raise an eyebrow.

My friend sighs at my blank expression as she takes my pinky and intertwines it with hers connecting our thumbs.

"There. Don't you dare break our pinky promise!"

I laugh. "Pinky promise? What are we kids or something?"

She rolls her eyes gives me a lingering kiss on my cheeks wrapping her arms around my waist as a sigh escapes me. "You really like hugging me huh?"

"Yup!"

(Flash)

I wonder how she's doing right now. The door opens and in walks the doctor. "Your Majesties,"

"No need for formalities,"