Liliana's POV:
I toss off the covers and flicks on the lamp near my bed. "Why can't I sleep?" It's been hours! Ugh… at this rate, I probably won't be able to rest at all!
(Flash):
"Amber?" My fiancé raises a brow as she stares at her reflection without blinking.
"I love you!" She tackles him and plants kisses on his face as he struggles to push her away.
(Flash)
A sting in my chest makes me clench my jaw. How dare she kiss him so many times?! Who does she think she is? The nerve of this woman! My hand grip the bed sheets tightly. Man, I hate-
My eyes widen. What was I…!
No… no… I can't behave on my emotions for this. This is the mere jealousy talking. She's forced into this as well. I let out a breath to calm myself. Good thoughts. Good thoughts only.
Hmm… but considering how close they are and he met her before… could they… I glance towards the door and shake my head. No. I don't even want to think of that.
"He said that he loves me." I cross my arms with a smile. "I should believe him. After all, trust is a huge component in a relationship."
…
…
…
But… My eyes shift to the door once again. It couldn't hurt to check right?
I'm doing this to satisfy my curiosity, not that I don't trust him. Right!
I glide towards my door and opened it, stepping out into the darkness as I walk across the hallway. My hand touches the cold gold doorknob. What am I doing? Isn't this an invasion of privacy? My hand swiftly returned to my body. But… the door is so close and I'm right here. It's a shame to leave now.
Carefully, I turned the doorknob and creek it open. My eyes widen and narrow glaring at the two figures on the bed. How. Dare. They?!
My fiancé and his partner lay on the bed fast asleep with a curtain between them separating the bed in half each getting one half of the bed. They're sleeping on the same bed?! Well… it is separated by a curtain but still!
There's a couch a few feet away. Why can't one of them rest on the couch? Why the bed of all places?
It's not all bad right? At least there's a divider and they're keeping their hands to themselves.
"Yeah," I let out a breath that I held in. "It could be worse."
The female figure on the bed shifts a bit placing her arm on his chest. What the?
My fist clenches as I take steady deep breaths. She's asleep. This isn't her fault. Calm yourself.
At this rate… who knows what might happen. Plus, the curtain is preventing her from touching him physically so that's good.
"I knew it was a good idea to keep an eye on her," I mutter to no one as I blink a bit.
Star's POV:
I'm getting back most of my memories through dreams but why? Why can't I seem to shake the feeling that my brother died because of me? I roam the hallways thinking things through.
(Flash):
"Star," He summons a box of tissues, takes one tissue, and dab my tears. "I'm sure that it's not your fault."
"Even if it is your fault, you shouldn't be blaming yourself."
"What? If it's my fault then I only have myself to blame."
"Yes, but what's done is done. You can't keep blaming yourself for past events."
(Flash)
Even though I know that but… A sigh escapes my lips. I can't shake that feeling. Just what happened before I lost my memories? A yawn escapes as I turn the corner. What greeted me there left me dumbfounded.
Hm…! My eyes widen as my friend stares into his room with a critical gaze. What on earth is she doing?
"Lily?"
She jumps holding in a scream as she breaths heavily clearly startled at my presence. "Star," Her eyes shift towards the room shutting it a bit. "Are you trying to kill me?"
I cover my mouth suppressing a giggle. "You might want to lower your voice."
She sighs peeking into the room once again. I raise a brow. "What are you looking at?"
"Not what. Who." I peek into the crack to see my friends sleeping with a curtain dividing the bed. Ohhhhh… so this is it.
"Don't say that you're spying on them because you don't trust him." I stare deadpan at her as her eyes widen.
"What? No, of course, I trust him. It's her that I don't like."
I slide my hand down my face. Seriously? "Liliana, he said he sees her as a younger sister."
"Yeah, but they're sleeping on the same bed!" She whispers looking through the crack again. "A man and a woman sleeping on the same bed. Something is bound to happen." You do have a point.
"You sacrificed sleep to spy on them?"
"I wouldn't use the word 'spy' per se."
Wouldn't use the word spy? My lips curve upwards. "But what you're doing is spying though."
"I would say carefully examining them."
"That's the same thing."
"Also, he's sharing a bed with her not sleeping with her."
"That's the same thing!"
Oh my god. I gently shut the door and drag her back to her room turning on the lights. "Hey, what are you doing?"
I forced her to sit as I place both hands on her shoulders. "Liliana, you are sacrificing sleep over this-"
"If I didn't, who knows what they would've done!"
"But you trust him right?" I sit on the bed.
"Of course I trust him."
"There. If you trust him, then there's no reason to spy."
"But-"
"No buts." I interrupted sternly. "After all, he and Maria shared a bed before."
"That's different. They're friends. She's-"
"Didn't he say that he views her as a sister?"
"Yea, he did but…"
Oh, jealousy is really something. "You have got to get it together, Liliana." I gently hold her hands as her eyes meet mine. "I know that you're not comfortable with him being so close to her and that's understandable,"
"But, you should trust him. If he said that he only likes her as a sister, you should take his word for it."
She chews her lip. "I… I know. I know that I should trust him and I do… it's just…"
"Just this irrational fear that something might happen to cause him to lose interest in you?"
"Exactly."
I shake my head with a smile. "I can say it now, that will not happen."
"You're his fiancée. Why would he propose if he doesn't see a life with you? If he doesn't love you?" I ask as her reality dawns on her.
A smile appears on her lips. "You're right… I'm his fiancée."
There we go. "It's normal to be jealous but don't let it consume you."
"Thank you, Star." Her arms wrap around my shoulders tightly as I pat her back.
"No problem."
Hopefully, she listens.
My eyes drift towards the clock. "Half of the night is already gone," I stated as she sighs. I notice an open drawer with a bottle of pills. Eh? Is that…!
My eyes widen as my hands immediately snatch the bottle away. "Hey! Give it back!"
I grip the bottle as I read the label. Melatonin. "Why are you taking this?"
"Give it back!" My friend shouts as I block her hands and body. "I'm serious, give it back, Star!"
"No way," I struggle against her arms. "Tell me, why are you taking this kind of medication?"
"I can't sleep. I need it. Now," She reaches for the pills as I swat her hand away. "Give it!"
"How much have you taken?"
"It's none of your business! Just give it to me!" Considering the bottle is still full, she hasn't taken much. The strength of this is 10 mg. Why is it so much?
"Liliana!" I shake her shoulders firmly glaring into her eyes. "Snap out of it!"
Her eyes widen as tears glisten threatening to fall as she sits down on the bed lifelessly staring at the wall. I clutch my head and open the pill bottle. "How many of these have you taken?"
"20 mg."
My heart stops as I stare at her in disbelief. "20 mg?!" My index finger points to her. "You… the maximum dosage is 10 mg yet you took 20 mg?" That's double the maximum limit! What was she thinking?!
I clench my jaw and steady my breath as I sit down beside her. Yelling won't do any good. I need to stay calm. "Liliana, you're going over the dose limit."
"What else am I supposed to do?" My friend utters weakly not meeting my gaze. "I can't sleep and this can help me."
"Yes, but still this isn't a good way to deal with insomnia," I explain softly. "Besides, you're going over the maximum dosage. That means you can easily overdose and when that happens…"
My friend gulps as I pull her closer by the shoulder. "B-But I can't sleep… what else am I supposed to do?" Indeed. What am I supposed to do in this situation?
I pat her shoulder softly as a sigh escape my lips. "I'm all ears if you want to say something." She's just like him. Those two are made for each other.
A whimper escapes my friend as she hugs me tightly. "C-Can you stay with me? I'm so cold." Cold? How is it cold?
My eyes widen. Unless…! She means… Tears glisten in my field of vision as I rub her back. To see your fiancé married to another woman and have to put up a mask every single day… there's only so much she can take. No wonder she resorted to sleeping pills. "Of course, I will stay."
Her arms pull me closer as a shaky breath escapes along with tears dripping on the side of my neck. "Thank you."
Liliana… "No need to thank me. Just… sleep." I sniffle stroking her hair a bit. "I'll be here."
The next morning:
Astrana's POV:
Ah great…
I walk a few steps behind my 'husband' who is rubbing his stomach with a hiss. Why do I keep doing thing that might get me beheaded? Am I insane or something?! Do I secretly have a death wish?
"For the record," My body stiffens as the man in front of me suddenly pipes up. "I just wanted to say that I didn't touch you at all throughout the night."
My face flushes as I look down. That's actually true. When I woke up, his hands were nowhere near my body… mine on the other hand… Ahhhhhh! Why do I have a habit of hugging during while sleeping?!
"Y-Your Highness, I… uh…"
"If it's an apology about kicking me off the bed this morning," I flinch as he glances back. "I don't need it."
He… He doesn't?
"However, you owe me a favor from now on."
And there it is. I knew it was too good to be true. Still, it's better than getting my head chopped off.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Why so formal?" The guy in front of me stops walking as he glance back at me. "It's not like you one bit."
"Excuse me?"
Is he trying to imply I lack class and elegance? As if everyone can be as regal as him. So full of himself.
Gold and silver eyes blink as a hand touches my forehead. "You haven't insulted me in the last 15 minutes." He tilts his head raising a brow. "Are you coming down with something?"
Oh. So he wants me to insult him huh?
I slap his hand off my forehead as my lips curve into a small smile. "Aw, is my husband worried about me?" My lips peck his cheek cupping his cheeks with both hands. "Well, I'm perfectly healthy so no need to concern yourself with my health." Gold and silver eyes meet mine blinking. "Hm, now that I look at you, you're quite pale. Is that just your face? Are you sure you're not the one who needs to see a physician?"
He rolls his eyes as a smirk crosses his lips. "Where have you been, Amber?"
A scoff escape my lips as I remove my hands from his cheeks. "You act like I can't be nice or polite or something."
"You can't though." He mutters as I shoot him a glare.
Really? Is he really that gentleman who saved me a few days ago? Why is it like two different beings? Was this his true personality all along or did my fantasy just break?
"Oh, and why are you walking behind me?"
"Because it's the protocol." I state as he blinks. "I have to walk a few steps behind you while you lead. Do you really not know the palace rules?"
He laughs grabbing my sleeve tugging me by his side. "Of course I know the rules but we're not in the palace, are we?"
My head turns so my eyes meet the blue roaring waves of the water. The scent of salt fills my nostrils as a slight wind blows in the distance. Why did we go to a beach of all places?
"I guess not." I respond after a moment of silence as he lets out a breath. "Quick question, why did you drag me out here so early in the morning?"
"Don't you find it peaceful?"
"Huh?"
"The crashing waves along with the tide." The man next to me explains gently with a serene smile on his lips. "The cool breeze that lulls you into a trance, salty air, and bright blue sky," Gold and silver eyes meet mine. "Isn't it just a great place to escape from everyday life?"
I blink as my face grows warm. I… uh… what do I say to this? Moreover, My head turns to the horizon. Since the day I met him, this is the most content look I've ever saw on his neutral face.
"Do you… go here often?"
Stupid! Of course he goes here often. What kind of a silly question is that?!
"Yes," His gaze focuses on the horizon. "I find it quite helpful."
"Helpful?" On calming the mind or...?
The man next to me doesn't respond. His feet starts walking along the shoreline as I follow a few steps behind him. That... look... His unique eyes radiate an emotion I haven't seen on him. Hm... why does his eyes look so tired all of a sudden? Like he's been alive for such a long time despite his age?
"Have you ever felt... constricted within the palace walls?" A hand cautiously touch the shimmering water as my eyes widen. "Even though you have it all, there's still a part of you that feels missing? Empty?"
Is he...
My hand clenches in a fist as I gulp. "Yes." Living in the palace might seem glamorous. All the servants abiding to your wish but... everything you do is constantly monitored. All the pressure no to mess up and get beheaded is enough to make a being go crazy!
Wait a minute... A thought clicks in my head as my eyes drift towards my 'husband' who is currently staring up at the birds chirping. If he's saying this then...
"Astral," The soft breeze flows between us as my eyes lock with his. "You don't want to be The Prince, do you?"
Gold and silver eyes blink as he raises a hand. Was my guess wrong? Is he going to hit me? I flinch as I feel a hand on my head patting it ever so softly. What... is he doing?
"How bold of you to assume that," A minuscule smile flashes on his lips as my face grows warm. "But your assumption is correct, Amber."
I knew it! That look says it all.
He removes his hand from my head with a sigh staring back at the horizon. "I know I shouldn't be the one to complain especially when there are many who would die to be in my position but," My 'husband' pauses a bit contemplating his words. "I feel so empty."
Empty...
(Flash):
"If I don't know who I am," My eyes prickle with tears. "If I don't figure that out, then what exactly am I doing here? What is my purpose in life? Why am I here?"
(Flash)
"Hah," A laugh escapes his lips as he clasps his hands behind his back. "It's not like a princess like you can understand what I'm feeling."
"Don't underestimate me so much, Your Highness. True, I might not know how you feel but being a princess isn't such an easy job either you know?"
"It's certainly easier than a prince."
I guess it is but…
"They both have their challenges. One isn't more difficult than the other."
"You do have a point."
"I mean," My hand gestures between the two of us. "We have to marry for political purposes."
"Yup." His eyes have a far away gaze to them. "A Prince has to be groomed to be the next King while a Princess has to get married in order to secure power for her world. Neither of us has a say in the matter."
"I do everything for the sake of this world but who's going to help me?" My eyes widen as he lets out another breath. "Who's going to understand what I'm going through and finally realize I'm not happy?"
True… being royalty sucks and I'm not even the real princess! My eyes drift to his figure who is now closing his eyes with a small smile. Who knows how much pressure he's been under all these years of being The Crown Prince.
"We're like pawns in a game of chess." I speak after a moment as I can feel his eyes on my figure. "Our parents say what we have to do and we do it for the sake of the world but who's going to save us?"
The roaring waves splash beneath my feet. "Let's face it, being a member of royalty means you have to put everyone before yourself. The world before yourself." I think I finally understand why Princess Starlight threw herself off a cliff. It wasn't because she sought death. It was because she had no freedom. She didn't have a choice in the matter and was backed in a corner.
"Astral," My hands touch his as his eyes widen. I interlock his hand with mine. "I may not understand exactly what you're going through being The Prince of this world but," My lips curve into a smile. "I'll do my best to support you. Even if you one day push me away, I'll stay and never leave you alone."
"Starlight…" A whisper escapes his lips as my lips frown. That name… how long until I can tell him my real name? I feel like a manipulator right now.
The waves crash into our feet as our eyes lock with each other. "Hey, if you're about to kiss me-"
"Kiss?" He raises a brow letting out a laugh. "Puh-lease, how many times do I have to say it? You're not my type."
My face heats up as I smack his arm. "W-Well you were staring at me. W-What was I supposed to think when it's only the two of us on a beach?"
The man next to me shakes his head. "This beach is a restricted area. No one but me can enter."
I blink then glance back at the entrance. "But everyone can see it though… surely people can enter if they wanted to. There's not even a guard."
"It sure looks like it but this whole area has a forcefield." A shield? Where?
I place my hand up slowly in front of my face as I try to feel the shield. Hm…
"It's invisible and you can't feel the magnitude."
O-Oh..
A cough comes from my throat as my face grows warm. "I-I knew that! Who do you think I am?"
"Uh-huh…" He rolls his eyes with a smirk. "Then why were you feeling around to see if there was a-"
"I-I knew that all along! S-Stop talking!"
Why? Why? Why do I always make a fool out of myself in front of him?
"Wait, if only you can get through it, how can I enter?"
He blinks placing a hand under his chin. "I'm still figuring that out as well. Only beings with royal blood can enter. Of course, I made it so only I can enter freely at any time and my parents have to use an amulet that I provide them to enter but…" His lips pursed as his eyes narrow. "I'm not exactly sure how you can enter this place without either of those."
Huh… intriguing.
"Maybe I'm just special."
"Nah," He waves a hand. "There was probably a malfunction. I guess I have to redo the whole thing."
I step on his feet with a glare as he hisses. "Stop stepping on my feet!"
A giggle leaves my lips as my mouth curves into a smile. "That's what you get for saying that I'm not special."
My foot slowly eases up on his as he glares at me crossing his arms. "I miss the nice Amber. Where did she go?"
"She went into hiding." I poke his nose pecking his forehead. "Just like the nice Astral a few minutes ago."
My eyes widen as I meet his eyes. "But wait… why are you telling me this? Aren't you afraid I'm going to use this against you to help Barian World?"
He waves an arm with a sigh. "Puh-lease, what are you going to do with that tiny bit of information huh? Use it against me? I doubt it." A smirk flashes on his lips as he leans closer. "And even if you were to use it against me, I doubt with your level of intellect it would go very far."
What did he just say?!
A scowl escapes my mouth as my eyes narrow into his. "Arrogant little prince."
I'm starting to really think this guy is Bipolar. He switches from nice and considerate to mean and cocky the next.
Eliphas' POV:
"Where did you go?"
"I took The Princess out for a little walk."
"Why?"
"Why couldn't I?"
How many times do I have to say this?
"She's the enemy." My arms cross. "She hails from Barian and could very much be a spy yet you take her on a walk?" Is that his way of gathering information? Or has he gotten attached already?
My son shrugs carelessly. "You seem to be forgetting she's in a whole new place. She seemed nervous so I took a walk with her to calm the mind a bit. It would be beneficial if she trusts me."
True… but…
"All I'm saying is don't get too close to her. She's The Princess of Barian World."
My son sighs clutching his forehead as he sits with his legs crossed on a chair not far from my throne.
"But she's not The Princess."
"Still, be on your guard. You never know what kind of sinister plans hide behind that innocent facade of hers."
It's always the cute and happy ones you have to be on guard about. You'll never know what they have planned since they smile all the time.
"Of course," A smirk grows on his lips. "No need to worry. I got her all under control."
Under control? Yea right.
"Must I remind you yesterday? You two were arguing like dogs and cats throughout the night." I rub my ears with a head shake. "Even now my ears are still ringing." If it wasn't for my wife who entered the room and demanded them to rest, I'm pretty sure they would've still argued the rest of the night.
"She started it." He mutters as I stifle a laugh. Goodness. Now I'm wondering what they were fighting about. "Hitting me with that pillow was a mistake."
"Son," His heterochromatic eyes meet mine. "I'm a bit curious but what about her makes you so…" Hm… "Different?"
"What do you mean?"
"Ever since you met her," I place my hand under my chin. "You seem more… happy…"
My son freezes as I say that. I mean, he would usually let things roll off his back as long as they don't violate his morals but lately… he's actually been arguing and by the look of things, he's not looking to win the argument.
(Flash):
"Your Majesty," The doctor kneels with his head down to the ground. "Please don't put too much pressure on His Highness. I'm afraid if you do, he won't be able to handle it. At the rate he's going, I fear that…"
(Flash)
Why did I remember that memory? Anywho… I look at my son who is staring out the window at the bright blue sky. Is it because of her? It's been such a long time I've seen such a carefree expression on his face.
"Are you saying I'm not happy?" He voices after a moment as my eyes widen.
"Not that you're unhappy but rather," What's the word? "Take last night for example. Since when do you ever have a pillow fight with someone? You haven't done that since you were very little."
"So… you're saying I act differently as in more like I did before?"
"Yes."
…
"Perhaps its because she reminds me of someone a long time ago."
She... reminds him of someone else? My eyes widen. Has the seal worn off that quickly? There's no way he can remember-
(Crash)
A loud noise radiates from outside as our eyes meet blinking. What on earth is going on out there?
"Your Highness!" A woman shouts clearly in a panic as the guy next to me rushes towards the door at lightning speed. Oh wow…
"Whats wrong? Are you injured? Hurt?" My daughter-in-law holds her wrist with a pained expression. Her eyes squeezes shut with a gulp as a maid kneels.
"I… I'm fine." Her golden eyes open to meet my son's worried gaze. She then directs them to the maid kneeling in front of her. "No need to kneel. It was my fault to begin with."
"Your Highness," She lowers her head to the ground. "I deserve death!"
A laugh escapes her lips with a smile. "No need to be so dramatic. I was the one who wasn't careful."
"But-"
"For the last time," She rises from her chair holding her wrist with a wince. "It wasn't your fault. Just be more careful next time and watch your surroundings."
Her blue eyes tear up as she sniffles. "Your Highness, you are too kind."
I blink at the scene as my wife arrives right next to me. Huh… and here I thought she was about to condemn everyone to death because of an injury. What exactly is her motive here? Playing the victim to win my son's affection? Or is she just a harmless being?
"You've got that look on you again." My wife sighs shaking her head. "Honestly, would you stop suspecting our daughter-in-law?"
I blink as I look towards her then back at my wife. "How do you expect me not to? She came from Barian World."
"True," Gold eyes drift towards the scene in front of me as my son stares at her with a concerned gaze. "But not everyone in Barian World is a bad person."
"Are you sure you're okay?" He asks as gold eyes blink a bit.
"I'm alright." She winced as he gently touches her wrist. "No need to be alarmed."
"No need to be alarmed?" His voice raises a couple notches as her eyes widen. "How can I not be alarmed when you're injured?"
A shocked look flashes on her face following by a grateful smile as she pecks his cheek. "I'm honestly fine, Astral. I sometimes get dizzy spells and wasn't watching where I was going. Before I knew it, I rammed into someone and caused my wrist to get sprained."
Oh… so that was what happened…
He lets out a sigh shutting his eyes. "Do you know how worried I was?! I swear, you were about to give me a heart attack!"
"A heart attack?" An eyebrow raises as she scoffs. "Isn't that a bit much? I never knew you cared so much, my dear husband."
"Of course I care. Why wouldn't I?" He rolls his eyes. "If you get injured, what would that reflect on me?
Their eyes lock with each other as she winces using her good hand to hold her forehead. "Should I call a physician?"
"No," She responds after a moment shutting her eyes a bit. "This happens time to time. It'll go away eventually."
My wife turns to me with a smile. "Isn't it nice to see the two of them getting along so well?"
I roll my eyes. "She's up to something. I can feel it."
A finger pokes at my cheek as the woman next to me frowns. "Honey, must you be that way? So what if she's from Barian World? As long as she doesn't do anything to harm our son-"
"Exactly. By then, it will be too late." My eyes narrow at my daughter-in-law. "I must stop whatever she's planning at all costs."
"Eliphas, don't you think if she has a motive, he wouldn't see through it already?"
My eyes turn back to my wife's as she places her hands on her hips. "I… she's obviously playing the victim to win his affection so he wouldn't be suspicious of her."
"Don't underestimate him so much. If she's playing that card, don't you think he would've noticed by now?"
Well…
"Regardless, I refuse to believe she's just an ordinary girl with no incentive."
It's Don Thousand we are talking about here. Surely there's no way he would place a harmless girl in this position… right?
"Besides," Her golden eyes meet with our daughter-in-law's golden eyes as she smiles brightly. "Don't you think she remind you of someone?"
I blink at her words as I raise a brow. She also reminds her of someone? Who? "Who does she remind you of?" I ask after a moment of silence as her eyes meet mine.
"Our daughter." A whisper escapes her lips as my heart stops.
(Flash):
"Daddy!" A kid in two pig tails and a dress runs up to me as I immediately scoop her up from the ground. "You're back!"
"How are you doing my precious little ray of sunshine?" A smile graces my face as all my worries disappear.
"I'm doing good." Her tiny hands hold up a piece of paper. On it are four stick figures who are holding hands. "Do you like my drawing?"
Well… I glance towards the picture frame housing the picture of the full moon that my son drew and back at the paper in her hands. Now I know who the artist of the family really is.
"Yes," I said after a minute pecking her forehead. "But who are they?"
Her gold eyes blink with a head tilt. "You can't tell? That's mommy, you, me, and Lucky!"
I still don't know why she refers to him as 'Lucky' of all things.
A laugh comes from my mouth. "Really? And why are we holding hands?"
"Because we're one big happy family!"
(Flash)
My heart drops as my stomach larches at the sudden memory. Because we're one big happy family…
"The way she looks, her mannerisms, everything about her reminds me of-"
"She's dead." My fist clenches as a lump forms in my throat.
The woman next to me blinks looking towards the ceiling. "I know but… every time I look at her… she-"
"Stop." I grit my teeth as I bite my lip. "She's not our daughter. She's Princess Starlight's replacement and hails from Barian World." How can we be one big happy family when you're gone?
Stop it, Eliphas. Why are you thinking about this? Stop it. She's gone. Stop thinking about her.
A hand gently touch mine as my wife's lips purse. "Love,"
"I'm fine."
"But…" A breath escapes her as our eyes stare back at our daughter-in-law who is now arguing with our son. What happened to all the concern a few minutes ago?
(Flash):
"Perhaps its because she reminds me of someone a long time ago."
(Flash)
Is that why he seems more happy than usual? Because she reminds him of his sister as well?
Maria's POV:
"Why would you ask that?"
"Shhh! Lower your voice."
A sigh escapes my lips as we sit on the couch. Why would he request such a thing?
"So, you want me to investigate her past?"
He nods. "Yup."
"Why? Is there something out of the ordinary?"
"First of all, I want to know the woman that I married. Secondly, I want to confirm something." He states sipping his tea.
What is that 'something'?
"Why are you asking me to do this?"
"Isn't it obvious? You can track and find out the identity of anyone. It's one of your powers."
He's right. "You must know that I don't work for free," I threw a smirk at him as he sighs.
"I anticipated this from you," He places his cup down. "Alright, I will owe you a favor."
Hmmm… "I will make it easy. If you give me a back massage, I will investigate her past."
His eyes light up. "Really?"
My lips curve upwards. "Yes, really. I want to know her past as well considering she's a replacement."
He hops to my side of the couch. "Are you sure? It's rarely this easy with you."
I giggle. "You make it sound like I'm really mean or something."
"Well…"
I shoot him a look and poke his shoulder. "Hey! Remember that I'm doing this for you. So I think you giving me a back massage is a deal."
"Alright,"
After all, I have to get some compensation for my work. What better way than having The Prince give me a back massage?
My friend sits on the bed with me laying on my stomach. "Whenever you're ready."
"Do I have to?"
"If you want me to investigate for you then yes,"
His hands start to massage my back softly from my shoulders to my middle back as shiver courses down my spine. Oh wow…
"Out of curiosity, is there another reason why you want me to investigate her past?"
"Nope." His hands firmly stroke circles along my back as my eyes shut.
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Why do I feel you're hiding something?"
"What am I hiding?"
"I don't know but I think that you're not telling me something."
"Think whatever you want."
My friend's hands rub my back firmly as I breathe deeply. So… relaxing…
(Knock)(Knock)
"Yes?"
"Maria, it's us."
"Enter."
The opens reveal my friends. They take one look at us and glance at each other. Why do they look so…
"A little to the left."
"Seriously?"
"You're my Masseur for today. Stop complaining."
"I haven't even complained once." His hands move a little to the left as he mutters something under his breath. His massages are fantastic!
"You know, if you're not The Prince, you should go work at a spa massaging others."
"Right," His hands glide over my back in strokes. "Like that's going to happen."
I giggle a bit as he rubs my shoulders. "Your hands are really something."
"Um… should we even bother asking?" My friend stares at us blinking.
"He's asking me a favor"
"So… he's massaging you for the day?"
"Yup or until I say enough, he's going to give me back massages the entire day."
"The entire day?! That's not what we agreed upon."
I turn my head to look at him. "I'm the one doing you the favor here so I get to make the demands."
"All I did was ask you a favor yet you're having me give you a massage." He huffs as a finger pokes his cheek.
"Do you want me to-"
"Ok, ok," My friend strokes my back firmly. "
"What favor was it?" His partner asks in curiosity.
"It's between the two of us." My friend gestures to him and me.
"Astral, focus."
"So demanding."
I stifle a laugh. "Fine. After I'm done, I will give you a back massage too ok?"
He chuckles ruffling my hair a bit. "That's more like it."
I roll my eyes as he gets back to massaging my shoulders. This is pure bliss. Who knew he was so good at giving massages?
In the mind link:
"Maria," Eh?
"Star? Is something the matter?" Why is she using this tactic of communication?
"I probably shouldn't tell you this but we have to keep a closer eye on her."
"Oh god, what happened now?"
"Last night, I found out that she's taking Melatonin." Melatonin? As in…!
"You mean she's-"
"Yes, and not only that. She's taking 20 mg of it!" 20 mg?
"20 mg?"
"The normal dose of it is for an adult is between 1 to 10 mg." So that means… if she's taking 20 mg of it then…!
Outside the mind link:
"Are you crazy?!" I snap my gaze towards my friend who flinches as everyone's eyes widen.
"Ahem, Maria," He clears his throat as I blink. Uh-oh… "Is something the matter?"
My eyes drift towards my friend as she facepalms with a soft groan. Oops. "Hahaha… sorry, I was thinking of something."
His partner raises a brow. "What were you thinking?"
"You know, just random things that's all."
I suck at lying so much!
Inside the mind link:
"Maria, seriously?"
"Whoops, my bad but what did you expect my reaction was going to be? I mean she took twice the maximum healthy dosage!"
"Yes, but you shouldn't have reacted like we that. She's already got it tough as it is." True.
"So, tell me, will there be any harmful effects?"
"Well, considering that it was only one time… I don't think there would be any long-lasting effects but she's experiencing headaches these days. I would assume that has to be related to her melatonin use."
So it's not that bad. Thank goodness! Liliana, seriously? I can't believe that she would do such a thing! "Did you take the bottle away?"
"Don't worry, I took it away last night when I found out."
"That's a relief."
"We should still keep an eye on her just in case she attempts to do something even more reckless."
"Mhm. I agree." I started as a thought flies into my mind. "Do you think we should let him in on this piece of information?"
My friend stays silent as I continue. "I mean, he's her fiancé and her best friend. To me, it feels kind of weird to not inform him."
"I… don't know. On one hand, he's dealing with his own issues with his illness not to mention his marriage so I don't want to bother him but on the other," She sighs softly. "I don't know, Maria."
It poses quite a dilemma. Which to choose? "How about this," I said after a moment of thought. "We're going to keep an eye on her and when it gets too serious, we'll tell him."
"Hm… ok that could work but I still feel strange not telling him though…" That's understandable.
"Don't worry, as long as we keep a closer eye on her, she'll be fine." Hopefully, that's the case.
Outside the mind link:
A sigh escapes my lips. Liliana… there is a better way to go about this.
Time skip to afternoon:
Ah… if he can massage me like this every day then that would be amazing. "Maria, can I stop now?"
"What? It's only been 30 minutes."
"No! It's been hours!" He exclaims taking his hands off my back and plopping on the bed. Hours?
I glance at the clock and my eyes widen. Holy cow! It's 5 pm?!
"Ugh… my hands feel like they're about to fall off." My friend groans as he lays on his stomach.
"Whoops," A giggle escapes my lips. "Lost track of time."
He glares at me as I inch away slowly. Why are his glares so frightening? "It's my turn."
"Fine," A sigh escapes my lips as I sit on the bed massaging his back with strokes. Should I tell him?
"By the way," My eyes notice the empty room except for the two of us. "Where's-"
"They're at the training area." He replies cutting me off.
"Why?" It's not like Star and Amber can fight right?
"Well, Amber wanted to learn to use a sword so my fiancée is teaching her." What?
"Hold on," My hands rub his shoulders. "Liliana, your fiancée, is teaching Amberline, your wife, how to fight?" I ask in disbelief. He's kidding, right?
"She's not my wife and a little a bit to the right."
I move my hands a bit. "But still, your fiancée is teaching her to sword fight?"
He turns his head in my direction. "Yes."
"Seriously?!" It's going to be a blood bath!
"Do you not see anything wrong with that?"
He stays silent for a moment thinking things through. "Oh. Are you worried about her?"
My friend waves a hand dismissively. "She wouldn't do such a thing."
"Maybe not on a normal day but you know how jealousy is."
My hands stroke his back firmly in circles. "Hm… I guess you do have a point."
"Don't I always?"
A hand pokes my shoulder. "Right…"
"Let's go see how they're doing," I state. "It would be for the best."
"After this," He mutters. "A little up. There you go."
"You are enjoying this way too much," I said with a sigh as he chuckles.
"What's not to like?"
"How much longer do I have to do this?"
"Until I say enough is enough." You have got to be kidding me…
"Astral!" A whine escapes my lips as I hold his hand tightly.
My friend sighs and sits up. "What?"
"How are you not worried?"
He runs his fingers through his hair and gets off the bed. "Fine. We can visit them."
Thank goodness. "Why are you so worried anyway?"
"Have you seen her get jealous? It's not good." I grab his hand and drag him towards the training area.
"She wouldn't do such a thing." Right now, I'm not so sure.
Astral's POV:
She wouldn't harm her right? Nah, she's overthinking. "Maria," I trail behind her with our hands intertwined. "Stop dragging me."
"She's teaching her to sword fight."
"It doesn't mean she will-"
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"Council member Raphael," My friend said as my eyes widen. Oh, yea…
"Lady Maria, a pleasure to meet you here."
"Likewise."
His reddish-brown eyes drift onto mine. "Your Highness, permission to speak?"
"Granted."
His eyes glance at my friend. She laughs. "You two talk. I will go and-"
"You're not going anywhere." I tighten my grip on her hand as her eyes widen.
"What?"
"But, Your Highness…"
She struggles to get free as I held my grip on her hand. "She's not a stranger."
"Yea, but it might private."
A sigh escapes my lips as I wrap my arm around her waist pulling her closer to prevent her from escaping. "You're my friend.
My eyes drift back to him. "What did you want to say?"
He blinks and shakes his head to snap from his shock. "Ah, yes, um…"
"Your Highness, I wanted to say congratulations on your marriage with Princess Starlight." Congratulations?
My lips strain a smile. "Thank you."
"Of course." He returns my smile. "Oh, I haven't met The Princess Consort in a while. May I perhaps…"
I nod. "Maria,"
"Alright."
We walk down to the training area as my heart stops in its tracks. Wait… that scent…
"Stop," I place my arm out in front of them to prevent her from opening the door.
"Is something wrong?"
Why is there the scent of blood? It doesn't make sense… why is there…
(Flash):
"Well, Amber wanted to learn to use a sword so my fiancée is teaching her."
(Flash)
No way… she would never do that!
"Your Highness?"
No way…
No way!
A hand shakes me. "Astral, are you alright?"
I push the door open to find my partner on the ground with blood dripping from her legs. She hisses in pain with her hands clutching her head, wincing.
No… please don't tell me that…
My eyes drift to my fiancée who is holding a sword dripping in crimson blood with her hand slightly trembling.
Is this… My fist clenches as my chest tightens. "What is going on here?"
I glance at the woman holding the sword tightly. Her eyes widen in fear as she drops it with a clang. Did you really?
My feet rush to my partner on the ground. "Amberline, are you okay?"
"Astral?" She winces as her face pales.
Oh no… "Yes, it's me." Her eyes start to droop as I gently shake her.
"Hey, you got to stay awake!"
"I'm lightheaded…"
My gaze snaps to my fiancée. "Liliana, you better have a good explanation for this."
She stares at me with her hand trembling. "I…"
"It's not her fault." The person in my arms said weakly as I look back at her.
"I was the one who wasn't careful."
"You expect me to believe that you did this to yourself? No way am I believing that!"
She grips my arm with a tired expression. "It's not her fault…"
"But-"
My eyes widen. "Amber. Amberline. Starlight." I shake her continuously as her eyes shut. No no no no no no no no no!
"Wake up!"
(Pulse):
I hiss as a bolt of lightning flashes into my skull causing me to wince with a hand clutching the side of my face. What the?
(Flash):
Every bone in my body shakes violently. The scent of blood fills the air as my breathing labors. A blue hared 16-year-old female lays limply in my arms. "A-Astral," A blood-stained hand cups my cheek weakly as her shining pink eyes open. "I... love you..."
(Flash)
My heart pounds as I turn my head to the girl in my arms. Every sense in me screams as I shake her awake with tears streaming down my face. "W-Wake up. Wake up and look at me, please!" I hold her closer rocking myself as footsteps approach me. "A-Astraea, don't leave me."
A being kneels to my level looking at me with tears glistening from her hazel eyes. "Astral, she's not her."
I whimper not letting go of her frail body as my friend closes her eyes with a sigh as she places a hand on my shoulder. "Look at me, she's not Astraea. She's your wife and her name is Amberline."
My eyes descend to my arms as they slowly widen. T-That's right... but why did I say that name?
I scoop her up in my arms. "Maria, notify the doctor immediately."
She nods and left while I carry my partner back to my room. "Raphael, not a single word about this to anyone, got it?"
"Got it, Your Highness."
"Astral, it's not what you-"
I steady myself inhaling deeply as my eyes drift to the person laying in my arms. Why? Why did you do such a thing? "Liliana," I stand with my back to her. "As I said before, you better give me a good explanation for harming my partner."
My hands tighten on her body as I walk upstairs leaving her standing there. Lily… why?
Liliana's POV:
This wasn't supposed to happen. I stand outside his room as the doctor rushes in and shut the door.
"So," His father starts. "Can you explain what happened?"
"I…" My eyes trail downwards. "I didn't harm her."
"We know you didn't," His mother said softly laying her hand on my shoulder. "But you need to explain what happened."
I need to? "I… I swear, I didn't harm her intentionally."
"If I had to guess," My friend chimes in looking at me with an expectant gaze. "Although you didn't harm her intentionally, you still wanted to, am I correct?"
I… My hands fidget with the hem of my skirt. I…
All of them sigh with groans. "Lily,"
"I know," I said in a dejected tone. "I know what you're all going to say but… do you know what it's like to see your fiancé with another woman?"
Tears blur my vision as I rapidly blink them away. "Do you know what that feeling is?
"I understand." His mother replied gently dabbing my tears with a tissue. "It's unpleasant to see the guy you love always around another woman, paying attention to her, resting on the same bed, showering her with all the attention,"
"I know, but still that doesn't excuse you to-"
"Your Majesties, it was an accident."
They nod. "We believe you."
Thank goodness!
"But it doesn't really matter what we think."
"What do you mean by that, Maria?" My friend asks in confusion.
"Didn't you see his reaction?"
(Flash):
"Liliana, as I said before, you better give me a good explanation for harming my partner."
(Flash)
His… partner… My fist clenches. I didn't harm her.
"Well, he seemed highly worried, and his tone when speaking to you…" She trails off as they nod. "And another thing, Your Majesties," My hazel-eyed friend looks at us with a serious expression. "I think the seal is beginning to wear off." The seal...!
My heart stops dead in its tracks. If that happens then... "Y-You... mean he's starting to remember what happened two years ago?" I ask as a dizzy spell course through me making my hand, grip the wall tightly. I-If he remembers then...
"Huh? What happened two years ago?" My green-eyed friend asks cluelessly as she pinches her.
"Ow!" A hand rubs it softly. "Why'd you do that for?"
(Flash):
I glare at the door with my sword in hand. "I swear if you don't open this door, I'm going to burst in."
(Thrash)(Clang)(Crash)
The sound of glass and porcelain hits the ground as our eyes widen. "Son, open up!" The king bangs on the door violently.
"What did I say?" A growl comes from within. "I told you to leave me alone!"
"You've been in there for days now."
"At least let us see you." His mother begs as tears start to glisten.
A dark chuckle resonates from within. "Why should I go out?"
My fist clenches as something in me snaps. I gulp pounding on the door as hard as I can. "Get this into your head," I said menacingly with a breath glaring at the door. "You cannot isolate yourself like this!"
"And why can't I?" He snaps. "Why can't I live in my room and never come out again. Why can't you just leave me ALONE?!"
I let out a yelp taking my hands off the knob. "Lily, are you..." Her eyes widen as I stare blankly at my hands. They are red as I wince at the stinging sensation. His mother looks up towards his room. "Astral, you burned her hands!"
"So what?"
My eyes widen at his cold tone. "I told you, Liliana, to leave me alone, right?" He's never used that tone with me before. A stab in my chest makes tears glisten in my eyes as I blink them away.
"How is he…" My friend walks up to me with a gasp. "Liliana, who… what happened?!"
"He burned me."
Her eyes narrow. "Astral, come out here this instant!"
"What part of leave me alone do you girls not understand?" He snarls as I bite my lip.
"You haven't eaten for days. If this keeps up and you keep isolating yourself from the world, you will-"
"Let me guess, die?" A chuckles resonates from within. "How interesting." Interesting? A gasp escape my lips. Is he…!
The king bangs on the door yet again using his powers on the force field but it repels him back a few steps. "Son, let us in!" Darn. Even his father's powers is no match for him.
"Don't you dare do anything reckless, you hear me?" His mother yells with tears dripping on the floor as my friend grips her arm.
"Your Majesty, don't worry. He's not the impulsive type." She said gently. It's hard to say. In his state right now… I have to find a way to snap him out of it!
A tingling sensation in my hands make me wince as she holds them gently. "Come on, let's get this situated." She pulls my wrist as I stare at my palm.
"Lily?" Her hazel eyes glance at me. It hurts…
"You… selfish… entitled… prince," I choke out as tears run down my cheeks. My friend pulls my arm as she shakes her head in disbelief.
"What on earth are you doing?"
"Do you think we feel happy that she's gone? Do you think that you're the only one who is sad about this?" I take a breath to stabilize myself with a gulp. "She was my friend. Do you think I'm not upset that happened?" I yank my arm from my friend approaching the door breathing heavily.
"I might not have known her like you do but she wouldn't want you to harm yourself like this." I blink away the tears with a sniffle as the door opens.
His hair and clothes disheveled as he lifts his head with dull gold and silver eyes. My heart stops as drops of crimson drips from his wrist onto the ground. H-His eyes. Why are they so… My friend's lifeless eyes bore into mine. "Who do you think you are?" His voice, horse and dry rings through my ears.
"Y-Your voice…" My friend trails off as he coughs into his palm.
"Son-"
He holds up a hand to silence his mother and looks at me with dead eyes that pierces my chest. "Who do you think you are to say those things? You have absolutely no right to say those words."
"I was her friend." My eyes blink rapidly as they examine his weak figure. It looks like a gust of wind will knock him over.
"Do you know what I'm going through right now?" He hunches over coughing violently. "She died, Liliana. Died!"
His hand trembles as he points an index finger at me. "She died right in front of me and I couldn't do anything to stop it." Tears start to form as he blinks them away rapidly.
"It's not your fault."
"It so is my fault!" He snaps glaring at me. "If I-"
"You were injured." I stress interrupting his sentence. "There was no way you could've-"
"But still, it's my fault!"
"When will you get it into your thick head? It is not your fault!" I shout as his eyes direct onto his parents.
My best friend's breathing labors as he gulps. "You're right. It's not my fault." His hand trembles. "If it weren't for you two, she wouldn't have died."
Tears stream down his face as his body shakes violently. "You two," His finger points at his parents as they look down. "You two are the main culprits to her death!"
"We…"
"Why?" His voice cracks with more tears cascading down his face. "Why must you say that to her?"
"Tell me, why did you two do such a thing?!" He screams across the hall as echos can be heard within the palace. "Do you enjoy watching me suffer? Is that it?! Is my life not hard enough as it is? Why must you two, my own parents, eliminate the only person that I need in my life?"
(Slap)
My eyes narrow. "Watch your tone. No matter how angry you are, you will not speak to your parents that way."
(Flash)
That cannot happen again. "I-Is there any way to put the seal back in place again?"
"I wish there was," His father said with a sigh. "But if we replace that seal with a different one, it will do more harm than good."
"But… if he remembers…" My friend trails off as his parents stare out the widow.
"This time has to come sooner or later." His mother grips her husband's hand. "It was my fault that-"
"Enna, it's not your fault."
"How is it not my fault? If I didn't-"
"Look at me," He cups her face making her gold eyes stare into his green and red eyes. "You only did what was best for this world."
"But was it the right thing to do? Eliphas, I single handed destroyed his life!"
"No," He pulls her into a hug. "You didn't. You didn't do anything wrong, my love."
Astral's POV:
"How is she?"
"Not to worry. Her Highness's wounds are not that deep."
I let out a breath that I was unconsciously holding in. That's a relief.
"But…"
But? My eyes narrow. "But what?"
"For some reason, she's still unconscious."
Amber… why are you not waking up? "Are you sure nothing is going on?"
"Yes, I'm positive."
"But why isn't she waking up?"
He lets out a sigh and shakes his head. "The reasons are unknown. I think it might be linked to a psychological thing."
Psychological? "When will she awaken?" I ask after a moment as I glide over to the bed and clasp her hand in mine. Please wake up.
"I don't know."
My heart aches a bit as I look at her unconscious figure. "Are you sure there's nothing you can do?"
"I'm sorry, Your Highness, if I could do something, I can but-"
"Don't worry about it. It's not your fault."
After all, he's doing his best.
(Flash):
I glance at the woman holding the sword tightly. Her eyes widen as she drops it with a clang.
(Flash)
The door opens and footsteps step into the room.
"Doctor, may you step outside for a moment."
"Of course, Your Highness."
The door closes as I hold her hand tighter shutting my eyes. Amber…
"Don't you have anything to say to me?"
"Astral… I didn't harm her." Didn't harm her? Didn't harm her?!
"You were holding a sword with blood on it," I said calmly. "Not just any blood. Her blood dripping from it!"
"You dare say you didn't harm her?!"
My head snaps towards her letting go of my partner's hand. She flinches at my ice-cold tone.
"I-I-"
"He said her wounds are not that deep but she's unconscious for who knows how long."
My fingers clutch my head with a frustrated sigh. "Tell me again, why did you do it?"
"I didn't-"
"Do you think I would believe that?"
Her fist clenches tightly. "You… don't believe me?"
"It's not that I don't believe you." My eyes bore into hers. "You were holding a sword. She was on the ground. The evidence all points to you."
"So maybe I accidentally caused her those wounds but-"
"Accidentally?" A chuckle escapes my lips. "You're kidding right?"
Her eyes widen in disbelief. "You think I'm lying?"
A laugh escapes her lips as she glares at the person on the bed. "You would chose to believe a girl you just met a few days ago over your fiancée?"
I…
"You think I don't know anything? The deadly glares you give her. The jealousy radiates off you when she's near."
"That's not the point!" Her arms swipe up in exasperation. "Why do you trust her so much? Why are you so friendly with her? Whatever happened to keeping this professional?"
"What are you-"
"Why do you look at her so lovingly?"
What…?
I blink blankly at the woman in front of me. "When did I do that?"
"Every single time you are with her!"
"What? I didn't-"
"Puh-lease," Her eyes roll with a hand clenched. "You think I don't know that look?"
"You're reading way too much into this."
"Am I? Am I really reading too much or do you have an ulterior motive that you are not telling me?"
What is she saying?
"I don't understand…"
A scoff escapes her lips. "Don't understand? Hah, don't give me that." She folds her arms over her chest. "Judging by the way you look at her, I wouldn't be surprised if this contract marriage turns real."
…
…
…
She's not serious. Is she?
"I already told you that I see her as a sister. Why don't you believe me?" My voice raises a bit as I glare at her.
"Why should I believe you when you don't believe me?" She raises an eyebrow. "Seems kind of hypocritical, don't you think?"
My fist clenches. "You-"
"I don't get it." Her purple eyes drifts to the being on the bed. "You, my fiancé and best friend would chose to believe some girl that you met a few days ago over me, your fiancée and best friend." A laugh escapes her lips as tears leak from the corners of her eyes. "Nice to know she means more to you than me."
"You know that's not true-"
"Oh really? Then why don't you believe me?"
My eyes wander from her eyes. What am I supposed to say?
"I…" I bite the corner of my lip. "It's not that I don't trust you. It's just…"
"Just what?" Her feet approaches me with an expectant gaze. "Huh? Just what?"
Argh! Um…
"Nothing to say, right?" My fiancée bursts out laughing as tears drip from her eyes. "I'll answer it for you then. You like her. I would go as far as to say that you love her."
"I don't-"
"That's why you would chose to believe her over me!"
(Crash)
My friends flinch as a porcelain cup hits the ground, breaking into a million tiny pieces. The woman in front of me blinks rapidly clenching her fist. "What type of drug did she give you? To make your heart change so fast-"
"Liliana, I do not love her!" My eyes lock with hers. "You of all people should know this already. You're my fiancée!"
"You say you don't love her but do you really not?"
"Why must you always assume untrue things?"
"Why?" Her eyes narrow with a gulp. "Just a few days ago you said you would keep this strictly professional yet now what? You dare say to me you don't have an ounce of attraction to her?!"
Calm down. Don't say anything you would regret later. Just… breathe… "I see her as a friend."
"Those eyes are definitely not the eyes you would look at a friend!" The woman in front of me shouts.
"You-"
"That gaze," Her breathing picks up a bit. "The way you look at her… it's the same way you look at me yet you dare say you don't like her?!"
What?!
A groan escape my lips as my hand slides down my face. "You," Seriously?! "Darling, how many times do I have to say it? I only see her as a friend. A younger sister of sorts."
"Lies."
Why won't she believe me?
"Ok, let's think about this." My fingers rub my temples. "Why would I risk everything I have with you, for a woman that I met a few days ago? It would bring me no benefit whatsoever."
She shrugs. "I don't know because you love her?"
"I see her as a sister."
"But she's not-"
"I know she's not." I let out a huff. "It's just… I don't even know how to explain it but point is, I do not like her that way."
"Then why do you look at her so lovingly?"
"Lovingly? What does that even mean? Am I not supposed to look at her? Is that what you're saying?"
"Of course not. It's just when you look at her-"
"Do I not look at everyone like that?"
"No! Ugh! You look at her the same way you look at me."
The same way?
I blink in confusion with a head tilt. "How do I look at you?"
…
My fiancée's face reverts to her neutral form as she pinches her nose bridge. "You're doing this to mess with me, aren't you?"
Duh.
"Why would you say that?"
"You are just…" A sigh escapes her lips once more. "Why did I accept this man's proposal?" She mutters as my eyes widened.
"Pardon?" A smirk crosses my lips. "May you repeat that?"
"Point is," Her eyes stare into mine. "You love her. No doubt about it."
Here we go again.
"Baby, I got on one knee just to present you the 12 carat engagement ring. I physically got on one knee for you and gave you a very and I mean very expensive diamond ring." My fingers run through my hair with a head shake. "After I did all of that, you still doubt my love for you?"
"I…" Her eyes shifts towards her ring then to the bed. "Am I not supposed to be jealous? Am I supposed to feel happy when you're with her 24/7? You're my fiancé."
"I don't like her that way. How many times do I have to say it?"
"Yes, I know but did you account for my feelings?" She wipes her tears. "Do you know what it's like to see you so close to her every single day?"
"You claim you don't like her that way but to see you next to her every single day. Do you have any idea how much it pains me to limit my contact with you? And to see you flirting with her. Seriously, Astral?"
I clench my fist. "I was not flirting with her. I was teasing. There's a difference between them, Liliana."
"Really?" The woman in front of me rolls her eyes. "Sure looked like flirting from where I was sitting."
Calm down, Astral. You got to calm yourself. "How many times do I have to say it? I have absolutely no attraction to her whatsoever."
"Your actions indicate otherwise."
My actions? Seriously?! I throw my hands in the air with an exasperated sigh. "Oh, so now I can't talk to other women in your presence? Is that it?"
"You were flirting not talking!"
"How many times do I have to say it?!" My voice raises a couple notches. "We were teasing!" I glare at her. "Besides, what if I was flirting huh? She's my partner."
Her breathing grows heavy as she gives me an ice cold glare that made my heart clench. Ow… that stings. "She may be your partner but I'm your fiancée. You dare flirt with others in my presence, my beloved?" Her tone rises with a murderous aura as my face pales.
Why on Astral World did I say that?! Am I out of my mind?
"That's not what I'm saying-"
"Then what are you saying?" The woman in front of me shouts narrowing her eyes.
"It's not only that," She glares at me. "You've been sleeping on the same bed as her. At this point, I'm not even surprised if-"
"I wouldn't go there if I were you."
"Considering how friendly you are with her and that you two rested on the same bed for the last few days," Her eyes narrow once more. "Astral, did you do anything out of line with her that I should know about?"
The fact that she would think that I… I grit my teeth as my fists slowly clench. Calm down. Don't say anything you would regret later, Astral.
"You know better than anyone that she and I are innocent so don't even dare accuse me of such an outrageous act, Liliana." I said darkly as my friends back towards the wall with nervousness in their eyes. "In fact, I dare you to repeat your claim."
The woman in front of me gulps with a flustered look. Her eyes widen as the murderous aura from a few seconds ago disappeared. "S-Still, a man and a woman sleeping on the same bed. Can you blame me for thinking in that direction?"
When she puts it that way… "I will repeat," I state calmly looking into her eyes. "I have absolutely no attraction to her and that we are innocent." As if I will let her defile and accuse my partner and friend. No way is that happening on my watch.
I got to calm myself before I say something I will regret.
…
…
…
A soft sigh escapes my lips. "Look, the last thing I want is an argument. All I want to know is why you harmed her in the first place. That's all I wanted to know."
"It was unintentional." My teeth clenched as she utter those words. Unintentional? Yeah right! Like I would believe that. Calm yourself, Astral.
"You should know that there's always a winner and a loser in duels."
"But that doesn't allow you to-"
"I didn't do it! I did not harm her."
That's it!
"Her blood was dripping from your sword!" I snap pointing at her slamming a fist on the table. Everyone gulps as the whole room grows dead silent.
"You tell me," My eyes narrow into her gorgeous purples. "Have you ever had a thought about harming her?"
Her eyes widen as she gulps. I was correct. "I… um…"
"The fact that you're hesitant means that my deductions were correct. You did have thoughts of harming her."
"T-Those were just thoughts," She explains hastily. "I-I wasn't-"
"Admit it," My face defaults to a neutral expression. "This was all a part of your plan, right?"
"W-What?"
"If I can eliminate Amber, then I can get Astral all to myself and things will go back to the way they are before." I state as everyone's eyes widened.
"That is what you were thinking, weren't you?"
The woman in front of me steps back in disbelief. "H-How could you think that?" An audible whisper escapes her lips. "Do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Well, with the way things are looking… yes.
"Son-"
I hold up a hand to stop her from speaking. "Mother, this is between the two of us. Please don't interfere."
My fiancée's hand clench into a fist. "So, you think that I can do something so despicable as that?"
"I don't."
Her eyes slightly widen. "I don't think or even want to imagine that you had such thoughts or are capable of committing such a despicable act like this."
"Then why-"
"Her blood was on your sword. Even if I don't want to believe it," I scoff crossing my arms. "That was the thing I saw."
"Combine that with the jealousy that has been radiating from you these last couple of days… you could most likely commit such an act."
"What would it take for you to believe me?" She sniffles as tears drip onto the carpet. "I told you, I would never harm her. Sure, I thought about it but that does mean that I'm going to do it."
(Flash):
"It's not her fault." The person in my arms said weakly as I look back at her.
"I was the one who wasn't careful."
"You expect me to believe that you did this to yourself? No way am I believing that!"
She grips my arm with a tired expression. "It's not her fault…"
"But-"
(Flash)
An exasperated sigh escapes my lips as I clutch my head. What should I do?
The evidence all points to her but she wouldn't do such a thing. Hmm… actually, with jealousy in the mix, who knows what she's capable of.
"I didn't mean to cause her those wounds, Astral." The back of her hand wipes away the tears again as I exhale deeply. "You trust me, don't you, honey?"
I… the evidence points to her but… I… what is the correct answer here?
"I… believe you," I reply after a moment as my eyes drift to the person on the bed. "But that doesn't change the fact that she's unconscious."
Arguing won't help matters. It will only make things worse as of currently.
"How long until she wakes up?"
"I don't know, Mother."
"Astral…"
My eyes widen as I immediately grasp her hand. "Amberline."
"D-Don't leave me…"
Huh?
"L-Lucky, don't leave me."
W-What did she just…
"Amber," I shake her hand. "Wake up!"
"A-Astral don't leave me… brother…"
(Flash):
"Brother!" A girl tackles my body pushing me to the ground with a giggle. "I love you!"
(Flash)
My heart beats rapidly as I can feel tears rising in my eyes. "W-What…" A lump forms in my throat as I look at her trembling figure in the bed. "What did you just call me?"
…
…
…
Her chest moves up and down as her head moves side to side. "D-Don't leave me!"
Was I wrong? Did I-
"B-Brother, d-don't leave me alone!"
Brother… My chest tightens as I clutch her hand tighter. So I didn't hear wrong. She really said it… but, I bite the inside of my cheek. You're not my sister.
A scared expression etched on her face as a flicker of light causes me to wince. My eyes land on her heart-shaped necklace. That necklace… if I remember correctly… "Forgive me but I must confirm something."
I lean over her body cautiously. "Astral, what are you doing?"
If I remember correctly, there should be an engraving on the back… My fingers flip the necklace over as my eyes widen. This… I rub my eyes blinking rapidly. "T-This is…"
'To Astrana, From Astral'
"Brother…"
My lips trembles as I grip her hands tightly leaning back beside the bed. My heart thumps a hundred miles per second as a wet sensation drips down my cheeks. "I finally found you."
"Um, son," My father speaks up hesitantly. "What do you mean by that?"
"Mom, dad," I sniffle as their eyes widen. "I told you she wasn't dead. I told you she was still alive."
"What… what are you talking about?" My mother voices as her eyes radiates concern. "Nobody said she died."
I shake my head rapidly as I grip my sister's hand tightly with a gulp. "She's Astrana."
My parents faces pale as they breathe deeply. "Astral," A masculine voice rings out after a few minutes of silence. "I think this is getting to you." He walks up placing a hand on my shoulder. "Why don't you let me handle things here and you go-"
"I'm telling the truth! She's-"
"Son, just because she refers to you as 'brother' does not mean she's her." Green and red eyes softens with a head shake. "Listen to me, you need to stop blaming yourself. She's gone and you just need to accept that."
Why won't they believe me?
"But father, I-"
"D-Don't leave me…"
My hand grip hers tighter. "Ok. Ok. I'm right here. I'm not leaving you."
Beads of sweat drip down her forehead as her breathing labors. "D-Don't leave me."
"I'm here. Don't worry. I won't be leaving you anytime soon." I adjust my grip onto her hand with a gulp. "Please, wake up."
"Doctor!" The door creeks open and he came rushing in. "Is she waking up?"
"Astral…" She mutters as I grip her hand tightly.
"Your Highness, I believe she is but I'm not too sure." How can he not be sure? He's a doctor, right?
"The only thing we can do right now is to wait."
I nod. "You're right."
"Careful!" A feminine voice shouts as I swirl my head to find my fiancée leaning on my friend. "Lily, are you okay?"
She winces a bit clutching her head. "I'm fine, Star."
"Are you sure?" My father asks as she nods.
"It's just a dizzy spell. I'll be fine, Your Majesty."
"Even if it's a dizzy spell," I glance at the doctor. "It would be best to let him check."
"No need." She waves a hand dismissively. "I'm fine."
"Alright."
My eyes drift back to her. Why aren't you waking up? I finally found you after all this time yet you do this to me?