Astral's POV:
The light breeze flows as I stand on the balcony staring at the blue sea. Why is today so beautiful? Why can't it be gloomy or rainy? If that's the case, maybe they would reschedule it or something.
I stare at the cherry tree as the white delicate petals gently swirl with the light breeze. Who am I kidding? This is important. I doubt they would reschedule because of a little rain. And if it rains, they will probably move it inside.
"Are you going to stand here all day?"
"It's only been five minutes."
A pair of arms wrap loosely around my neck. "Five minutes?"
"Try thirty, honey."
I glance back at her. Thirty? I could've sworn it was five. "Oh."
My fiancée giggles covering her mouth as she pecks my cheek. "Do I need to get you a watch?"
"Hm… that would be beneficial but I can already tell time."
She raises a brow. "Right…" Why is her tone like that?
"You think I can't tell time?" I turn around to wrap an arm around her waist.
She nods with a smile. "You were the one who thought it was only five when it's been thirty minutes."
I ruffle her hair with a slight smile. "You're right, perhaps I can't tell time after all." I roll my eyes with a laugh.
"Sorry to interrupt the conversation between you two," My friend walks up to us with a smile.
"It's fine, Star." She returns the smile. "What's up?"
"Well," Maria clears her throat. "It's almost time for the wedding."
I knew it. My beloved frowns slightly as I tighten my grip on her waist. "Yea, I know."
"That's not the only thing," My father chimes in as he places a hand on my shoulder.
"What do you mean?"
"Remember when you said that you weren't going to be sleeping with her?" He starts cautiously as my fiancée's eyes narrow.
"Yes," I said slowly. Hm… what is he getting…!
My eyes slightly widen. "You don't mean…" I trail off as they nod.
My gaze shifts to the woman next to me as she looks down with her right fist clenched with a pursed lip.
Lily… I gently intertwine her fingers with mine as she looks up at me blinking.
"May I ask why?" I ask as my mother sighs.
"Firstly, this is a political marriage which means you and The Princess will have to act like a couple."
"But what does that have to do with sleeping?" My beloved asks in confusion as two people walk up to us.
"Plenty," Her father said as he slightly bows to my parents and me.
"Greetings, Your Majesties,"
"Greetings, Your Highness,"
"Don't be so formal with us."
"Please rise," I help the both of them up with a slight smile. "You don't need to bow in front of me."
"Mother, Father, when did you get here?"
"Since this morning of course." She says as her attention directs to me.
"Anyway getting back to your question, everyone will be expecting Princess Starlight and you to be sharing a room."
"Everyone?" Star asks as my parents' nod.
"Everyone."
"How can you be so sure?" Maria questions as the older adults sigh.
"Should we tell him?"
"He's going to know about this sooner or later."
"My only concern is their reaction to this…" Tell me what? Reaction?
"Tell me what?" I ask in suspicion as her parents drag their daughter to sit on the chair a few feet from me.
"Huh?" Her eyes widen. "Uh… Mother-"
"I figured it would be best if you sit down for this."
Why? What's the news?
"So," I stare at the four expectantly. "What are you hiding?"
I cross my arms waiting for an explanation while walking towards my fiancée.
"Well," My father starts. "Since you're getting married, the council has been preoccupied with certain issues regarding your personal life."
My personal life? Seriously? I look at them appall as my mother takes over. "And by that, what he means is the chemistry between you and Princess Starlight."
"But I haven't even met her yet," I said. "And by chemistry…"
My father nods solemnly as my face pales. What on earth? I haven't even met her yet and they are expecting us to…
Unbelievable. Simple unbelievable. "Why on earth are they so concerned about this?" I ask after a moment.
"One of the reasons is to preserve the peace between our worlds by marriage and the other is-"
I put a hand to stop my mother from finishing. "I already know."
A sigh escapes my lips. "The other is an heir?"
"Yea,"
I sit on a chair processing what has been said moments ago. An heir? My father is still alive. Do they think that he will die? No no no. I take that back. Don't think those unlucky thoughts.
"Absolutely not," I said after a brief silence. "No way that's-" A yawn escapes my lips as I rub my eyes. "No way that's happening."
"Did you two stay up late?"
"Why do you say that?" My beloved yawns out blinking a bit.
They eye us in suspicion. "You're yawning."
"You girls, seriously?" A masculine voice chime in as my friend approaches us. "Last night they obviously stayed up late."
"Yea, why would you go and ask the obvious?"
A sigh escapes my lips. Of course, they would show up. "Brandon, you three," I point at them. "Are officially the worst wingmen ever."
Their eyes widen. "What? Did it not work out?!"
"And here I thought we are going to have a bunch of children running around here in a couple of years."
Our eyes widen as my beloved chokes on her water with her face beet red. "Derek!" Oh my god, these guys are on a whole other level.
Our parents chuckle and start to whisper among themselves as she avoids my gaze. "Your speech was terrible."
"Oh?" He raises a brow. "Really?"
"No, it won the award for best proposal speech out there." My voice drips in sarcasm as he huffs.
"Is this what I get for trying to help?"
"Brandon, she literally asked 'Are you breaking up with me'?"
He gasps. "That bad?!"
"Oh, lord! How on earth did you manage to salvage the situation?"
"Thankfully, I abandoned your speech and improvised." Thank goodness I didn't follow through with the plan.
My friends chuckle as they wrap their arms around my shoulders. "Aw, come on, we were only trying to help."
"Mhm."
"I'm serious, I saw it in a story once and it worked flawlessly."
"Sorry to break it to you, Zach but this is not a story."
He rolls his eyes as a smirk appears on his lips. "So, about last night…"
My hand smacks his shoulder. "That's private."
"My friend, don't be like that!"
"Just a bit won't hurt, right?"
"No."
"Anyway, getting back on topic," My father clears his throat as I remove their arms from my shoulders.
"We figured that was the case," My mother said with a sigh. "At least be polite to her."
I flash a smile at her. "Of course. Since this is nothing more than a contract marriage, I will treat it as such."
"What are you planning?" Star asks as I smirk.
"You really want to know?
"Yea."
"A contract that ensures our boundaries." I simply stated.
My beloved sighs clutching her forehead. "Knowing you, you would probably go overboard."
I rub her back gently looking at her pale face. "Well yea, I barely know the woman."
"Are you okay?" Maria asks in concern as everyone directs their attention to her.
"I'm fine. A bit dizzy that's all." Her fingers rub her temples in circular motions. This must be getting to her quite a bit.
"Your Highness, it's time."
"Of course." With a wave of my hand, my clothes change into formal wear appropriate for a wedding.
"Let's get this over with."
Skip to the wedding:
What?
I stand at the altar with eyes wide as she stares at me in equal shock.
Everyone looks at us in silence. Why is she here?
Wait a minute… My eyes widen as a thought flies to my mind.
"What are you doing here?!" We shout in surprise ignoring the whispers surrounding us.
(Flash):
"I'm also getting married tomorrow."
(Flash)
"You're the Prince?!"
"And you're the Princess?!"
I groan smacking my forehead. What a twist. I never could've guessed that she is Princess Starlight of all people.
"Why didn't you tell me that you were the Prince?" She folded her arms over her chest as I roll my eyes.
"I could ask you the same thing."
"Ahem," My father clears his throat looking at the two of us. "You two know each other?"
My eyes meet her golds as we blink. "Yes."
"Somewhat."
How am I going to marry my friend?! This is too weird! But, if I cancel now…
She mindlessly walks up to the altar staring at me in a daze still reeling from shock. Amber is Princess Starlight's replacement?
My friend slowly tried to collect her thoughts. "Explain this. How? Why?"
Me? Whispers emanate around us as I blink. "You're the one with a lot of explaining as well not just me."
She scoffs. "If I knew it was going to be you, I'd run for the hills."
What?!
"Right. Said the one who said-"
"I meant that as a joke, bro." Her lips curve upwards. "You didn't think it was real, did you?"
My lips curve upwards. "Trust me, I have absolutely no interest in you whatsoever."
"The feeling's mutual."
"Is it too late to back out?"
I glance at my father who stares at me with an expectant look. "Unfortunately."
"If you two are done settling things," A voice interrupts us as he looks at the marriage officiant.
"Ah yes. Please simmer down everyone."
"We are pleased to gather here today for an important event. An event that will hopefully end the war between the two worlds and bring peace and prosperity to this land and everywhere else." This sounds rehearsed.
"If anyone objects to this marriage, please speak up now." He said as my eyes drifts to my fiancée.
My friends and her mother are holding her arm back as she stares at me intensely. I'm sorry. Forgive me, my love.
On another note, Amber is the replacement princess? This is the absolute thing I-
"Your Highness," A male voice whispers as I snap from my thoughts and turn.
"Yes?"
"Are you alright?" He asks in concern as I gave him a small smile.
"I'm fine. Please, continue."
He nods. "Ahem, since nobody objects, Prince Astral, do you take Princess Starlight, to be your one and only wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"
My one and only wife… My gaze subtly shifts back to her as she purses her lips looking at me with tears glistening. I'm sorry.
"I do." I manage to choke out in an indifferent tone while trying to ignore the stabbing pain in my chest. Who knew two words hurt so much?
My friend stares at me with pursed lips. "Your Highness-"
"Don't."
"But this-"
"Is our wedding. Whatever questions you have, I will answer later but now, let's get through this." I whisper lowly as she nods reluctantly.
"And you, Princess Starlight, do you take Prince Astral as your one and only husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Now, you can exchange rings."
Oh yea, the wedding rings.
Laying on the tray are two simple and elegant white gold bands. Guess we must exchange rings.
"This ring is a token of my love for you," I said as I slip the ring on her left ring finger. She stares at me blinking blankly.
Is she still in shock about this whole situation? A smile graces her lips as she holds out my hand. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you."
Woah… I never realized that she can act. My friend starts to slip on the ring when she looks up at me.
"That ring…"
My eyes widen at the blunder I made. I should've taken it off before!
I chuckle as I promptly take the ring off and slip it on my right ring finger.
"Oops, my bad."
"No worries."
My friend slides the ring on my left ring finger.
"Now," He stares at me with a slight nod. "To seal the ceremony with a kiss from the groom."
Of course. It's always a kiss to seal the ceremony.
Her cheeks sport a light blush as I softly sigh pulling her closer by the waist. Her eyes widen at my sudden gesture.
"Trust me," I whisper with our faces inches apart.
"What are you planning?" She struggles against my grip making me tighten my hold.
"I'm not going to do anything out of line to you. We've been forced into this against our will."
My friend stops struggling and eases into my hold staring at me. "They are expecting a kiss. How will we-"
I lean closer until our noses touch. "W-What-"
"Wrap your arms around my neck."
She wraps both arms around my neck. "Like this?"
"Yup. Now, shut your eyes."
"But…"
"Amberline, please," My gaze softens. "Do you trust me?"
"Always." She utters as she shuts her eyes and I lift her chin to meet my lips. Judging from this… let's do it this way.
Out of the corner of my eye, the audience sits at the edge of their seats in anticipation. Seriously? Is a kiss that worthy of seeing?
My head tilts at an angle as my hand cups her cheek. I casually place my thumb over her lips as her eyes snap open and seal the distance between us. Her eyes widen with her cheeks dust a faint red as she pulls me closer. The audience starts clapping as I slowly pull back. And done. Our lips didn't actually touch.
She stares at me in disbelief with her arms still wrapped loosely around my neck. "Thank you for trusting me."
My friend returns the smile as we remove our arms from each other. "Why wouldn't I trust you?"
"You know… because-"
A finger meets my lips as the audience's eyes widen in excitement. Are they anticipating another 'kiss'?
"Knowing you, you probably had a reason to hide your identity from me."
"As you said before, let's get this over with and talk later." She whispers and pecks my cheek as my eyes slightly widen.
A smile graces my lips as I pat her head. "As you wish," I whisper.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Everyone claps for this joyous occasion as my eyes drift to my fiancée. A heartbroken expression appears on her face. Her hand clench as she looks at me blinking away the tears, straining a smile. Her claps are slow and shaky.
My jaw clench as I forcefully stop myself from running to her. Darn it! I'm just standing here.
In the mind link:
"Liliana-"
"Congratulations, Astral."
What?
"What's there to congratulate about?"
"You have a wife now,"
"You know that this isn't voluntary!"
A brief silence passes between us.
"I know."
"Liliana-"
"I have something to do."
Huh?
"Wait-"
Outside the mind link:
My fiancée quickly walks out of the crowd as my friends follow. Where is she going? Tears stream down her face as I was about to follow her but got stopped by a hand.
"Your Highness, where are you going?"
My eyes lock on to her figure leaving the reception, wiping her tears with the back of her hand as my fist clench. Darn it! If I leave now…
My head swirls to the right of me. "What do mean?"
She tilts her head. "You look like you were about to chase someone."
A chuckle escapes my lips as I ignore the pulsing pain growing in the chest. "Right… where else could I possibly be?"
Astrana's POV:
After the wedding:
"That's it. That's it." A camera clicks as I lay my hand on his chest gazing up at him. He wraps his arms around my waist pulling me closer. "Amazing!"
"Keep this position, Your Highnesses." The camera clicks again as I stare at him. How much longer is this going to take?
"Now, Prince Astral," The cameraman said grinning ear to ear. "Take a step back and wrap your arms around her waist from behind if you please."
My 'husband' did just that. He took a step back gently wrapping his arms around my waist standing very close to me as my breathing hitches. Great… how long do I have to endure this?
"Princess Consort, I want you to gaze back at him lovingly." Lovingly? How am I supposed to do that?
My eyes drift back towards his. He bores an indifferent expression on his face as I internally sigh. I know he's not happy about this but is it that hard to smile?
"Your Royal Highness, pardon my rudeness but you have to smile." The cameraman rubs his eyes with a sigh. At this rate, we will never be done with this.
"Your Highness, smile a bit."
"Why?" He asks raising an eyebrow. "I see no use in smiling."
"The faster you smile, the quicker we can get this done and over with," I stated as he blinks.
Why is he so stubborn? "Your Highnesses, I know this is political but please, corporate with me here."
"Son," His father chimes in with a nod. "Smile a bit. It will do you good."
My 'husband' sighs glancing back at me as his lips curve upwards staring at me gently. My eyes widen as my gaze lock onto his. His… eyes…
The camera shutters rapidly as we gaze into each other's eyes. Why do his eyes look so familiar?
(Flash):
"Lucky!"
A boy the same age as me runs towards me with a worried expression. "Astrana, what's the matter?"
I tilt my head. "Why do you have two different colored eyes?"
He gives me a deadpanned look. "Seriously? You yell my name for that?"
"Mmm… older brother!"
He sighs. "Father said that it is genetic."
"Yes, but why are you the only one that has one silver and one gold?"
"That's a good question. Unfortunately, I don't know. As I said, it's all based on genetics."
"I want a different colored eye too!"
He chuckles ruffling my hair a bit. "Why?"
"Isn't it obvious? It looks beautiful!"
(Flash)
Gold and silver eyes… "Magnificent!"
"Now, Your Highness-"
I wonder… My body spins around to face him while laying a hand on the side of his face. If 'Lucky' is my brother. If he has gold and silver eyes… then does that mean…
"Now, you're getting it! Ah, I can see the love radiating off of them!"
The camera snaps a few more shots as I gaze into his eyes. The same gold and silver eyes. Could he be my older brother?
No, isn't that a little far-fetched? I mean, what are the chances of him being my older brother? That would mean, I'm royalty. No way that's possible.
He lays a hand on my cheek. His gentle gaze bores into mine as I stare at him. This… I… why is his gaze so familiar? He looked at me like this before but there's something different about this. This time, the gaze is more loving… is that the word?
"Perfect, magnificent, stunning!" He exclaims with a smile.
"Now," He pulls up a chair. "Your Highness, please, sit on the chair."
Why? Also, where is my chair? Am I going to stand for this? "Princess Consort, if you don't mind, sit on the chair as well."
"But… that chair only houses one being…" I trail off in confusion as he chuckles.
"I mean sit on His Highness's lap."
"What?!" The audience exclaims in shock as he winces at the loud noise. Sitting in his lap? No way am I doing that.
"It's a part of the shoot, Your Majesties."
My 'husband' closes his eyes for a second the opens them with a breath. "Come here."
I slowly walk towards him suspiciously. What is he planning this time? A hand wraps around my waist as my eyes widen. A force pulls me sideways into his lap as my arms unconsciously wrap loosely around his neck. This position…
I squirm, struggling to get off him as he takes a deep breath holding my waist. "W-What are you doing?"
My heart accelerates as he pulls me closer. "Stop moving and sit still." He said in an authoritarian tone as I stopped squirming. "Snap the picture."
The cameraman breaks from his shock as he regains his smile snapping some shots.
The scent of sandalwood and jasmine radiates off him as he still displays a neutral expression. Seriously?
"Your Highness, smile a bit."
His lips curve upwards with a soft gaze as he tucks my hair behind my ear. "Are you still good?"
My face heats up. "Yeah, I'm fine, Y-Your Highness." I whisper staring at him.
"I apologize about this position."
"You have nothing to apologize for. All we have to do is endure a bit more and it's over." My lips curve into a slight smile as he nods.
We stand up straight as he removes the chair. "One last thing, Your Highnesses,"
Yes! Is this the last one? We have been at this for hours now. After this, I can sleep! Woohoo! "I want you to kiss each other."
What? Did he say kiss? "But didn't you get the shot of our kiss from the wedding?" My 'husband' asks.
He chuckles covering his mouth. "You might have fooled everyone else but not me. When I took the photo, it seemed like your lips connected but your thumb covered her lips, am I correct?"
My eyes widen. "How on earth did you-"
"Princess Consort, a camera can capture anything."
Darn it! I glance at him. Does this mean we will have to… "Can we not?"
He shakes his head. "I'm afraid not. It's just a kiss, Your Highnesses."
I know but it would be my first kiss… "Mother,"
"Astral," The Queen sighs. "It's just a kiss."
"Your Majesty-"
"Liliana," Her tone softens. "It's an innocent peck."
The dark-haired woman with mysterious amethyst eyes glares at me as a shiver course through my body. Her glares are so frightening. Also, why is she glaring at me?
My 'husband' sighs pulling me closer with his arm around my waist as I wrap my arms around his neck. "We're going to do this for real."
"You mean we-"
"Yes."
My face heat up as my heart thumps faster. "B-But I-"
"The faster we do this, the faster we'll be done."
"Just," His gaze softens. "Don't think too much about this and keep your lips closed, okay?" How can I not think too much? Okay… calm yourself. This is an innocent kiss. Nothing romantic at all.
I nod. My heart thumps rapidly as he leans in. Our lips are inches apart as we slowly shut our eyes.
A pair of soft lips touch mine as my arms pull him closer still wrapped around his neck. The scent of sandalwood and jasmine fills my nostrils as a pair of delicate lips rub against mine. T-This… My heart thumps faster as my lips part a bit. No no no! I have to keep them closed! He's my friend.
"Fantastic!"
"Stunning!"
"Radiant!"
"Wonderful!"
How long do we have to do this? My lips are getting tired.
My 'husband' pulls back disconnecting our lips from one another with a neutral expression. "That was the only way-"
"No worries. It was an innocent peck that's all."
"Let's never speak of this again, ok?"
I nod with a laugh. "Alright, Your Highness."
It's an innocent kiss. Don't think too much about it. Plus, if he is my long-lost brother… if he is 'Lucky' then…
In His Highness's room:
"Alright," I sat on the bed next to him breathing deeply.
"Your Highness, you have a lot of explaining to do."
"Well, you have a lot of explaining to do as well." He crosses his arms staring at me expectantly.
This reaction is normal. "Your real name is Astral?"
"Yes,"
"You're The Prince?"
"Yes,"
Ok… he's the prince… my 'husband'. This is weird on so many levels.
"Why did you hide your identity?" I ask after processing all of this.
He sighs deeply. "I don't want people to treat me differently just because of my name and status." Same.
I nod in agreement. "Yea, that was one of the reasons why I chose to hide my identity as well."
The door opens as two women walk in pushing a cart. "Your Highnesses, pardon the intrusion,"
"You are forgiven." He looks at them then at the cart. "May I know why you're here?"
One of the women pours a red liquid into a wine glass. "Your Highness, I'm sure you are aware of the tradition that has been passed down on one's wedding night, right?"
Tradition? She hands me a glass and hands him a glass as well. "What tradition?" I ask raising a brow.
Also, what is this liquid? "We have to drink this."
"But," I lift it to my nose. "What is it?"
"Red wine."
Red wine?! "As in alcohol?!" I exclaim in shock as he nods.
"Quick question," He leans towards my ear. "Do you have a high tolerance for it?"
"I don't know. I never tried it before."
He blinks as grabs the glass from my hand. "I'll drink her glass in her stead."
The woman giggles. "That's highly sweet of you, Your Highness but I'm afraid you can't do that."
"Aren't there any exemptions?"
"Unless there are any underlying medical conditions or you're pregnant."
I sigh. Why is it alcohol of all things? "Do we have to?" He asks as they nod.
"Yes, Your Highnesses. We will stay here all night if we must."
"Pss, that's not such a good idea."
"Why?"
"Oh my god." She groans looking at us with a smile. "It's their wedding night."
Her eyes light up. "Oh! Then we mustn't take too much of their precious time."
Did they forget they can hear them? I lean closer to him. "Um… what am I supposed to do?"
"It's only a bit," My 'husband' looks at the glass. "If you drink it slowly, you should be fine."
"Hopefully that's the case,"
He clears his throat as the maids stood to attention. "So, let me get this straight, if we drink this, you will leave and won't bother us for the rest of the evening?"
They nod suppressing giggles as I sigh and take a sip of the wine. Huh… not that bad.
I gulp down the wine as he finishes his handing them the glass. "Happy now?"
They stifle a laugh backing away. "Enjoy your evening, Your Highnesses!"
He turns to me with a concerned gaze. "Are you okay?"
I nod with a smile. "I feel fine."
He raises a brow. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Mhm!"
My friend eyes me critically. "Alright then, since we are now deemed 'husband' and 'wife'," He made air quotes with his fingers. "We've got some things we have to do."
He's not saying what I think he's saying… right?
(Flash):
"Dad?" I open the door as he enters.
"What are you doing here?"
He stares at me with a soft gaze. "Are you sure about this?"
I nod as we sat on the bed. "I have to do this to find my family."
He sighs deeply and materializes a knife. "Use this in case of danger."
"Danger?" I raise a brow. "What danger is there? I'm getting married not robbing a bank or anything."
He brings me into a hug. "Oh you innocent child, you will know soon enough."
(Flash)
My eyes widen. Was this the danger my dad was speaking of?
I inch back on the bed ever so slowly. "What do you mean?"
"You know what happens on a wedding night, right?"
My face grows even paler. No way… he's not suggesting…
"Uh…" I trail off inching back on the bed. "No…?"
My 'husband' raises an eyebrow. "Did your parents not inform you about this?"
They did not! Dad! Come and save me! Why didn't you warn me about this sooner?!
I gulp inching back until I got to the bedpost. Uh-oh…
Astral's POV:
Huh… why does she look so nervous? "Amber, are you alright?"
"I-I'm fine," She stutters hastily with her face bright red. "S-Stay where you are."
How strange… why is her face red? "Hm…" I tilt my head to the side staring in concern. What is making her react like this? This is out of the norm for her.
Hesitantly, I carefully move towards her as she gulps. "Y-Your Highness, stay right where you are."
Why does she keep referring to me as my title?
"You're stuttering." I point out inching closer. "Are you sure you're alright?" Perhaps she has a fever?
She summons up a knife trembling within her grasps and points it at me. Hm…
"Don't come any closer or I will be forced to use this."
I blink in confusion. Um…
"Why are you resorting to a knife?"
She gulps. "We're friends right?"
"Of course we are."
"And as friends, there are certain boundaries that we can't cross."
Where on Astral World is this conversation going?
"Even if we are deemed 'husband' and 'wife' by law, we are still friends and have been forced into this marriage for our worlds." Why is she restating…!
My eyes widen as a thought clicks. Does she think that we are going to…
"I think that wine is getting to you." I chuckle after a moment as she slowly lowers her knife.
"Meaning?"
"Didn't I say I wasn't going to do anything out of line with you?"
She blinks lowering the knife and placing it on the bed. "So, you don't have any intentions on…" Her face turns red again as I burst out laughing.
"Why on earth would you think that we would-hahahahahaha!"
"This is a wedding night and you asked if I know what goes on during it. What was I supposed to think?"
My hand wipes a tear from my eyes as I take steady breaths. "You misunderstand. First of all, I was going to discuss some things with you regarding this marriage and secondly, I see you as a younger sister/friend."
She exhales in utter relief as she sits next to me once again. "Thank goodness."
A chuckle escapes my lips as she rolls her eyes. "Just so you know, I have no romantic interest in you whatsoever."
She giggles. "I don't see you that way either."
"So, the arrangements for this marriage." I started a she looks at me. "I had this whole contract planned where my partner would sign it but since it's you, I don't think it's necessary."
"A contract? What is this, a business?"
I nod. "Precisely. Since this marriage is for political reasons, it's like a business."
Her eyes widen. "You cannot be serious."
"I'm serious."
She smacks her hand on her forehead with an exasperated sigh. "Of course,"
"Anyway,"
"Wait, I wanna see the contract."
"Why?"
"I want to see the conditions you laid out."
I summon up the contract as she reads it thoroughly. "What the?"
"You can't be serious about these conditions!"
I tilt my head. "What's wrong with it?"
"What's wrong?" She shoves the contract in my face. "Read this line."
"Under no circumstances will you touch me in any way, shape, or form. A violation of this rule will lead to a fee of $50. This goes both ways."
"See what's wrong with it?" She questioned as I gave her a blank stare.
"Oh my god," She holds my hands and stares at me. "Look, a contract rarely works in marriages."
"Why would you say that? A contract will preserve the other person's rights and boundaries."
"Yes, but a fee? Seriously?"
I raise a brow. "Is there something wrong with that?"
She groans and slides her hand down her face. "So, if I touch your shoulder, then I have to pay $50?"
Well… "No, because you haven't signed the contract yet."
"That's not the point!"
I hold in a laugh. "Oh?"
"You know what? Forget it," She plops herself on the bed with a yawn. "I'm tired and it's been a long day."
I plop my body next to her covering my mouth. "You're right," My hand loosen my tie and flung it on the bed. Who knew a wedding is so tiring.
She shakes off her high heels. "Are we sleeping on the same bed?"
"No, I will give you the bed," I mutter shutting my eyes a bit with another yawn. So tired…
Astrana's POV:
Wow… He lays on the bed all sprawled out lazily taking off his black suit and dress shoes. Huh… who knew a prince can be so disheveled.
"Your Highness," I shake him a bit as he swats my hand away.
"Hey," I shake him even more. "I thought you said I would get the bed."
"Your Highness!" He groans rolling to his side.
Oh, come on! "Change out of your wedding dress first."
He's got a point. A sigh escapes my lips as I hop off the bed.
I lock the restroom door and undid the zipper of my dress. Finally, I'm free!
I used my powers to change into a gray spaghetti-strapped tang top and white leggings. Much better. Not that I don't like dresses but wearing a dress to find out that you're getting married to your friend? That's too much.
Getting married to my friend. I unlock the door and walk out. This is going to be highly interesting, to say the least.
"Hey, move over." I climb in bed to shake him awake. He responds with a groan.
"Let me sleep."
"You said I would get the bed."
A period of silence passes through as I gently shake him again. "Are you that tired?"
Rhythmic breathing fills my ears as I pout. Am I going to have to sleep on the couch?
But the couch is uncomfortable… unless…! My eyes drift to him sleeping peacefully. He did say that I get to sleep on the bed.
I close the canopy curtains and lay down beside him. Let's see… what if he's a roller? Eh, who cares. It's not like he's going to do anything right?
"Goodnight, Adri-er I mean… Your Highness." I shouldn't refer to him so causally.
"Goodnight, my beloved." He mutters rolling to face me. My beloved?
Did I hear that right? Did he just call me 'my beloved'? Was that a slip of the tongue?
(Flash):
"That ring…"
(Flash)
My eyes drift towards his ring now on his right ring finger. His ring looks like a wedding ring…
(Flash):
"Someone very close and important to me,"
(Flash)
I wonder… was she the person who gave him that ring?
If she was the person who gave him that ring…
(Flash):
"Oops, my bad."
(Flash)
If that's the case then no wonder it was on his left ring finger. Did something happen to her?
My eyes drift to him again pulling up the blanket that he ruffled out of a few moments ago. He's like a child when he sleeps. I stifle a laugh. It's kind of funny.
Out of curiosity, my fingers touch his hair as my eyes widen. How does he get it so soft? He has to tell me his secrets. This is utterly unacceptable.
My friend or should I say 'husband' pulls the blanket up closer to cover his head as an exasperated sigh escape my lips once more. Seriously?
My fingers gently pry the blanket from his head as he whines and latch onto my arm. Eh?
"Hey," I wiggle my arm free. "Let go."
"Don't leave me." He pulls me closer as my face buries in his chest with his arms wrapped around my body. W-What?
"Y-Your Highness," I struggle to get free while my face heats up.
At my words, he pulls me closer enveloping my body. Come on, how am I supposed to sleep like this?
"Come on, I need to sleep."
"I don't care." He mutters. "You're not leaving me again."
Huh? Again? "Who are you talking about?"
Of course, he's asleep. If I were to assume, he was talking about her.
"I love you."
My eyes widen for a second as a small grace appears on my lips. What is this warmth? Why do I always feel so warm when he says that? "I love you too."
His lips curve upwards as I pat his head. I still can't get over how soft his hair is and how good-looking he is.
My face heats up with a gulp. Why does it feel so hot all of a sudden? No no no, what am I thinking?
But he really is handsome though… My hand carefully touches his cheek.
(Flash):
"Lucky!"
A 5-year-old girl pats a boy's cheek with a gasp. "Your skin is so soft!"
He chuckles. "Seriously?"
He returns my gesture poking my cheek playfully. "Your skin is plenty soft as it is."
"Yes but nowhere near as you."
(Flash)
That memory again. Who is this 'Lucky' person?