Astrana's POV:
"Estrella?" My brows furrowed as I follow her gaze towards the purple-haired woman chatting with my brother in the hallway. Who is that… wait, she looks familiar somehow…
My friend waves a hand in front of her face. "Hello? Anyone in there?"
"Zach, she's still frozen."
"Hold on," He takes out a whip as my eyes widened. "This will do it."
"No way! Give it to me!" I snatch it from his hands with a glare.
"What?"
Seriously?
I give him an expectant stare as he pouts. "How else are we going to get her to wake up?"
"Have you thought that scaring her into submission will do more harm than good?" My hazel eyed friend gives him an eye roll.
"She's right," A feminine voice rings through the air as my white haired friend walks towards us. "That might not be the wisest considering her past."
"Aw come on!" He crosses his arms. "It's three against one. Brandon and Derek picked the worst days to leave." My friend mutters as I hold back a laugh.
"Star, are you feeling alright?" I direct my gaze to my friend. "You awoke awfully late."
A yawn escapes her lips. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just couldn't sleep that's all."
Hm…
"Did you remember something?"
"Something like that." She responded vaguely glancing at my brother. Huh?
"Oh, I've got this great herbal tea to help combat this problem." My hazel eyed friend digs into her large purse only to take out a box of tea. "This is Chamomile tea. It has many benefits including relaxing of the body and mind, soothing aches, inducing sleep, improving the quality of rest, and many more."
She hands all of us a box as I blink. "Uh… how did you fit so many in that purse of yours?"
"Yeah," My friend sticks his nose in there. "How do you fit so much in this little purse? Is it a black hole or something?"
She smacks him away with a smirk. "I have great organization skills mind you. Anyway," Her eyes drifts towards her green's. "If you're having trouble sleeping, give this a try."
"Stella, you're not dead!"
My friend blinks as he hugs her tightly. "What's going on with him today?"
I shrug. "Beats me."
"You do have a point." My hazel eyed friend places her hand under her chin. "He's acting stranger than usual."
Perhaps it's the guy's absence. Is that it?
"Of course I'm not dead, Zachy." Her hands struggle to push him off. "Can you get off me?"
How cute! They have nicknames for each other. Reminds me of my brother and Lily. Speaking of which… what are they talking about?
"Girls, do you know who he's talking to?"
"That's Lady Katherine." My brown haired friend sighs. "She was engaged to him at a young age."
"Engaged?!" My brother was engaged?!
"Yup, but in a cruel twist of fate, the engagement was cancelled when she moved."
Oh… so then… why is she here now? My eyes widen as a gasp escapes my lips. Could she be planning to sabotage my brother's relationship?!
"Astrana," A masculine voice calls out as I snap my head towards my brother. "Who's engaged?"
Whoops… A giggle escapes my lips as I cover my mouth. "You heard that?"
"How could I not?" He rolls his eyes as he looks at the lady next to him.
"Everyone, this is Lady Katherine."
A sigh escapes her lips. "Astral, we've been friends since we were little, take the title out of my name."
"Ok, ok, my bad." My brother clears his throat. "This is Katherine."
"Katie, this is Astrana, Star, Maria, Estrella, and Zach."
She curtesy. "A pleasure to finally meet all of you."
"You may rise." I said as my brother helps her up.
"And," He gestures towards his wife who is giving him a cold glare. "You've met my lovely wife."
"It's an honor to meet you Princess Consort. I have heard so many great things about you."
"Oh really?" My sister raises an eyebrow as my friends look at each other. Stuff is gonna happen. "Well, I've heard that you were engaged to my husband. Can you clarify those rumors?"
My brother lets out an awkward laugh. "Lily, don't be so rude." He whispers as she turns away crossing her arms.
"I apologize about that," His mismatched eyes look towards his friend. "My wife has been… moody recently because of her pregnancy."
She waves an arm dismissively. "No need to worry, Astral. I get it." A grin crosses her face. "And to answer your question, yes. Your husband and I were engaged at a young age."
"But," His wife turns back to him with a dangerous glare. "But that was a thing of the past."
"Yes, that was a thing of the past." She leans towards him batting her eyelashes. "But," Her hand strokes his chest in a flirtatious manner with a seductive smile. "I'll happily be your mistress if you allow me to, Astral."
I rub my eyes blinking in disbelief. She… what the… this is a married man you're trying to flirt with! Has she no shame? And to think his wife is right next to him!
A stunned expression crosses his face as a chuckle surfaces. He gently pushes her away and straightens his shirt. "Um… haha,"
"Look at you getting so flustered." Her fingers pinches his cheeks letting out a laugh. "Relax, I'm only joking."
"You'd better be." My sister-in-law mutters as she subtly gives her a death stare.
Was she just joking? No… that look… it was too perfect to fake. Katherine…
(Flash):
A gasp escapes my lips as I cover my mouth. "Don't tell me that she's your mistress!"
(Flash)
Oh… I thought she look familiar. My eyes narrow. I got to keep a close watch on her.
Estrella's POV:
What is she doing here?
"Katherine."
"That's Lady Katherine to you, Estrella."
My feet approach her closing the door behind us. Same old same old. "And I didn't know you were going to be at the palace." She sips her tea gracefully not sparing me a glance.
"I didn't know that you would be arriving as well."
My arms fold over my chest as I shoot an expectant stare at her. "Tell me, what's your motive in coming to this palace?"
The woman in front of me snickers placing her cup down with a clink. "As if I would tell you about my motive. I see you are still naïve when it comes to these things."
Even if you don't tell me, based on what you did earlier, I could guess.
"It's Astral." My eyes narrow. "You want him for yourself, correct?"
"My, my, when did you get so smart, sis?" She claps with an eye roll.
"Katherine,"
"How many times do I have to tell you? It's Lady Katherine, Duchess Estrella."
Is she still mad at me for… A sigh escapes my lips as I rub my temples. I feel a headache coming on. "Fine do whatever you want but don't forget, he's married with a wife and daughter." I stress as my sister yawns. "I highly doubt that you would accomplish anything."
"That is where you are wrong, my dear sister." Her purple eyes stare at her hands flipping them over a couple times with a smirk. "You see, unlike you who is utterly useless and is illegitimate, I have the family's blood running through my veins."
My stomach knots as my heart clenches. Illegitimate…
"I don't care what you're up to but stay out of my way." The person in front of me whispers lowly glaring at me.
"Katherine, must you do this? You know that he doesn't love-"
(Slam)
What am I going to do with her? I bite the inside of my cheek. Is she going to harm him? Or perhaps… My eyes widen as a thought flickers in my brain. That does it!
In Astral's office:
"So," He pours each of us a cup of tea. "What do you wish to speak about?"
"Katherine."
My friend freezes for a moment gesturing the maids to exit the room leaving the two of us. He continues pouring my cup with a smile. "What about her do you want to speak about?"
I narrow my eyes at him as he leans back into the couch with a head tilt. Does he not know about her plan?
"She is planning to-"
(Creek)
"Hey Astral, wanna go to the…" A cheerful voice stops mid-sentence as my body tense. Please don't be who I think it is.
"Am I interrupting something?" Her voice switches to a curious tone as the guy in front of me shakes his head.
"Of course not. We were just talking about some things."
My sister sits besides him with a head tilt. "Was it something important? If it was then-"
"It was nothing. Don't worry about it." He clasps his hands together. "Did you need something?"
"Oh, I was wondering if you were free enough to go to the fair today."
There's a fair?
"Let's see…"
"Daddy, daddy, daddy," A high pitched voice rings through the room as a girl with blue and black hair runs up to her father. "I heard from the maids there will be a fair! Can you take me to it?"
He carries her to his lap. "Oh? You want to go to the fair?"
"Mhm!"
"Well, I guess I could push that meeting back till next week…" My friend ponders then direct his gaze to the woman next to him. "Katherine, you don't mind if my daughter joins us, do you?"
Her frown flips upside down with a grin. "Of course not. I adore children."
Lies. Tell that to the ten year old you found wandering the streets. You didn't even bat an eyelash at the fact he was starving!
"Is your mother joining us?"
His daughter shakes her head. "Nope. She said that she's too tired to go."
"That makes sense…" He looks up at me. "Estrella, was there something you wanted to say to me before?"
There's no way that he can't see through her acting. No way. So then why is he-
"Oh?" My sister's eyes narrow as she directs her attention onto me. "You were saying something?"
I gulp at her piercing gaze. If I say it now, she would no doubt deny it and… My head turns towards my friend who is tickling his daughter. And since he doesn't know about her plan… I would get pinned as the villain in this situation which means that she will get the upper hand.
I guess I have to find another time. My lips curve upwards. "Oh no," I wave a hand dismissively with a chuckle. "It was nothing important."
Astral's POV:
"Astral, you coming?"
"Yeah, yeah," I wave to her as I walk towards my room. "Be right out. I got to grab something."
I close the door to my room as my wife approaches me with a cup of water. "Be careful at the fair."
"Thanks." I gulp down the liquid. "And I'm assuming that you were the one who told our daughter about it?"
"Was it that obvious?"
My hands rub her shoulders as her eyes closes. "Perhaps it's because I'm your husband but it was terribly obvious."
A giggle rings throughout the room. "Well, I couldn't let you go alone with her. It would look too much like a date."
"You know she will probably dislike you, right?"
"I don't care." She shrugs. "I don't need her to like me. If it makes you feel any better, I don't like her as well. To think she has the nerve to flirt with you in front of me makes my anger boil!"
I figured that was the case.
"Baby, no matter how mad you are, remember the plan. In order for this to work, you need to control yourself."
"A little to the left." My fingers massage her shoulders as she sighs. "And yes, I know. I will try not to do anything out of spite as long as you don't do anything out of line."
"Don't worry, honey. I have zero interest in her."
A silence flows through us as my wife rubs her temples with a soft hiss. My eyes widen as I sit next to her on the couch.
"Headache?"
"Just a bit. Yeah."
"Here," I rub her temples as her head leans on my chest. "Better?"
She nods shutting her eyes. "Thanks, babe."
My lips curve upwards. "No need to mention it."
"Oh, where's Olivia?"
"My mother's maid is watching her for the entire duration that Katherine is here." I explain softly. "I figured it's for the best."
I doubt that she would harm a baby but who knows what she might do. Better safe than sorry.
"As I expected, you got this all planned out." A yawn escapes her lips.
(Flash):
"Is your mother joining us?"
"Nope. She said that she's too tired to go."
(Flash)
She did stay up pretty late yesterday…
I hoisted her up in my arms as a gasp comes from her lips. "A-Astral?"
My arms lay her down on the pillow pulling the blanket to her chest. "You're tired. Get some rest."
"When will you be back?"
"Possibly by nightfall. It depends on our daughter and Katherine." My eyes glance at the wall clock. Oh wow.
"Unfortunately," My hand lays on hers gently. "I can't stick around for too long without her getting suspicious."
The woman on the bed nods in understanding. "Of course, you do you."
I peck her lip as a pink tint dusted her cheeks. "Be back later, my sweet wife."
Her hands promptly pull the covers over her head as I shake my head. What did I say? Adorable.
My lips linger on her head for a moment. "I love you."
She peeks from underneath the covers shyly. "I love you too." A whisper escapes her lips as I pat her head.
So unpredictable. Maybe it's because of the mood swings and unpredictability but for some reason, she seems more attractive today. Is it the pregnancy glow? Is that what they call it?
At the fair:
"Daddy," A girl tugs my hand as I hold back a yawn.
My eyes drift downwards as large purple eyes stare into mine. "Yes?"
"My feet hurts." A hand swings mine back and forth. True. We've been walking for quite a bit now.
"Why don't we go on the Ferris Wheel?" The woman next to me voices as my daughter's eyes light up.
"Is that the one that goes up in the sky?"
I nod as she grins. "Then let's go!"
"Woah, slow down a bit, sweetie." A laugh escapes my lips as she drags my hand along.
Didn't she say her feet hurt?
We arrive in front of the ride as the ticket guard lets us in with a smile.
"My my, what a cute family! Sir, you have such a beautiful wife and daughter."
Did he just say wife? I glance at my 'friend' who is sporting a blush.
"You must be mistaken," I said as I let the woman next to me enter the ride after my daughter. "This woman is-"
"Family?" Her ears perk up then snaps her head at the man. "She's not my mommy."
His eyes widen. "Ah, I'm terribly sorry, sir. Looks like I misjudged."
"Don't worry about it." I wave a hand then enter the booth as the ride goes up. Come to think of it, this looks more like a family outing. I could see why he was mistaken.
My daughter runs to the window. A gasp escapes her lips as her large purple eyes widen staring at the colorful lights.
"He's right though." A feminine voice rings through my ears as I turn to the woman next to me. "Your daughter is adorable."
"Thanks." I look back at her to find her face pressed up against the window. "She takes after her mother."
I wonder how Lily's doing right now? Probably resting.
"Oh, that reminds me," Her hands open up her white purse and takes out a piece of chocolate. "Melody, can you come here for a second?"
"Hm?"
"Want some?"
Her eyes light up like a Christmas tree as she was about to grab it then stops and looks at her in suspicion. "Mommy and daddy said to not accept candies from strangers."
A giggle passes through her lips. "Oh? Then they have taught you well but I'm not a stranger, am I?"
My daughter glances at me as I nod then turns back to her with a toothy grin. "Nope but you're not going to be my mommy." She nonchalantly said as our eyes widen.
Does she know something? Are children that observant?
"Melody!" I scold as she blinks. "That is highly disrespectful. Apologize to her right now."
Sorry my daughter but I have to keep up appearances.
Her lips start to quiver as the woman next to me sighs. "Astral, she's only a kid. No need to yell at her like this."
Was I too harsh? Her little head hangs down as my chest clenches. Yup. Way to go.
"My little angel, come here," Her feet shuffles to me as I carry her into my lap. "I'm sorry for raising my voice."
A pout forms on her lips as she furrows her brows at the woman next to me. "I don't like you."
"Melody!"
"A-Astral, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
"Who taught you to be so rude huh?" I look at the girl on my lap. "You don't say that to people."
Her little arms crosses as she turns away from me. My fingers rub my eyes. Where on earth have she learned this atrocious behavior from?
"Katherine, I apologize for-"
"Don't worry about it." She lets out a laugh. "She's just a kid."
Huh… My eyes narrow as a flicker of anger lights up in her purple eyes. She glares at the girl sitting on my lap. I knew it. My left hand clenches as I grit my teeth. How dare she glare at my child!
Calm down, Astral. Don't blow your cover. If you blow this, you'll never figure out what her family's motive is.
My lips curve upwards. "You're too kind, you know that?"
"Aww," A pink tint dusted her cheeks as she avoids my gaze. "You're making me blush."
Maria's POV:
(Flash):
"What?!"
"You heard me," My friend let's out a sigh as she sits up. "They're at the fair."
"And you just let them go like that?" I utter in disbelief as she nods.
Seriously? I cautiously sit on the bed next to her. "Um… did you see her flirt with your husband?"
"I saw."
"Then why would you allow them to-"
A minuscule smile forms on her lips. "That's why Melody joined them."
"And that's supposed to make things better?"
"With a child there, it won't look like a date."
"Are you for real?" I groan smacking my face. "With the way the you're acting, I'm assuming you are still angry?"
"Is it obvious?"
"Yup."
(Flash)
"I'm telling you, Derek, it just doesn't make any sense!"
My friend walks next to me carrying a bunch of bags. "Hm… now that you mention it, it does raise some suspicions."
"I know right?"
"Perhaps she's still mad at him."
"Yeah, that's what I'm thinking as well but can't she see what Katherine is doing?"
As long as they are mad at each other, she will slip in and destroy what they have built!
"You're right, we got to stop whatever her plan is before it's too late."
"Here," A hand hands me a bottled water. "Drink up."
"Thanks." I sit down on a bench opening the bottle as he places the bags down. "Thanks for coming out here with me by the way."
He waves a hand with a small smile. "Don't mention it. I'm always here if you need something."
An awkward silence passes between us. Ah… great… remind me again, why did I call him to accompany me? Oh yeah, it was because of those friends of mine. They were too busy to go. Honestly, really? As if they have something better to do.
"Do you see them?" A voice asks snapping me from my thoughts as I rapidly shake my head.
"No but they must be around here somewhere…"
"Well," The guy next to me stretches his arms with a smile. "No use waiting around for them."
"But aren't we supposed to-"
"I know our objective is to spy on them but," He winks offering his hand. "No one said that we can't have fun while looking."
"Shall we?"
My lips curve into as smile as I accept his proposal. "Alright, I guess it wouldn't hurt to have fun while we're here." My hand grabs his as a grin surfaces on his lips.
"See? Now you're getting it." My friend picks up the bags as he walks next to me. "Where should we go?"
Hm… My eyes drift towards the game booths. More specifically, the cute giant panda as one of the prizes. A panda…
(Flash):
"Anwir, you didn't have to-"
A finger connects with my lips. "You wanted it, right?"
"Y-Yes, but how much did you spend to get me this?"
"Oh," A laugh escapes his lips as he pecks mine. "I should've known you were concerned about the money aspect. Don't worry, I got it in one go."
"Wow… I never knew you were so great at basketball."
(Flash)
Oh come on! Why am I remembering him at a time like this? That's not even the same panda.
"Ok, you know the rules, right?" A man in his forties said as he hands three basketballs to my friend. "There are three hoops and you have to make it into each one."
"Got it."
What on earth?
"Derek," I approach him raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"
"I'm playing a game."
"I can see that but why this game in particular?"
He turns back to me with a perplexed expression. "Do you have a problem with this game?"
I bite the inside of my cheek. That's right… that was the past. No reason to let that hold me back.
"Of course not. Play as much as you desire."
5 minutes later:
Wow…
"Hit me with another one." The guy in front of me slams a $5 bill on the counter as I facepalm.
How many tries has this been? I think in the 20s. No way it's fewer than that.
"Derek, we should go."
"Why?" His eyes narrow at the hoops. "I have a feeling about this one."
"That's what you said five minutes ago." A sigh escapes my lips. "Come me on, let's go."
"Not until I win something."
(Clang)
"Yes!"
"Finally!"
"See? I told you I had a feeling this was going to be it."
"Two more to go." The man said as my friend holds the ball.
Just how many fives did he spend on this game? Let's see… five for one and this is probably attempt number 20… 100 dollars?!
(Clang)
"Yeah!" He turns to me with a cheerful look. "Maria, did you see that? I got it in again!"
That smile…
My lips unconsciously curve upwards. "Yeah, I saw. Great job."
Darn it. I wanted to lecture him about what a waste of money this is but that smile… ugh!
"One more to go and you get to pick any prize on this wall."
"I got this." His green eyes zero into the hoop. "I must make this at all costs."
Why does he even want a prize anyway? Does he sleep with a stuffed animal? I hold back a laugh. That would be so cute.
(Clang)
A buzz went off as he shoots the ball in. A stream of confetti blows towards us as the man rings the bell. "Congratulations, we have a winner!"
"Yes! Whooo!"
"Now," He gestures to the wall behind him. "Your choice, sir."
"Hm…" My friend places a hand under his chin. "How about… that one?"
A finger points to the giant panda with green eyes as I freeze. What? Why that one? Why a panda? Couldn't he just picked a teddy bear or an octopus?
"Ah, great choice." A hand takes the panda down and hands it to him. "Your girlfriend would be happy to see you so invested in a game only to get her this prize."
Girlfriend? I blink at him. He has a girlfriend? Since when?
A laugh escapes his lips as he turns to me. "Here." He hands me the stuffed animal as I blink.
"Why are you giving it to me?"
"Didn't you hear what the man said, my lovely girlfriend?"
D-Did he just… girlfriend?!
My eyes widened. "W-Who's your girlfriend?"
His lips form a pout. "Come on, my dear. I know that you're mad with me but are you just going to reject this gift?"
What on earth…? His green eyes bore into mine with a look of desperation. That look… I gulp. What is the matter with me today? Why can't I get angry with him?
"If you don't like it," He sighs. "I'll-"
"Who said that I don't like it?"
The guy in front of me blinks as I grab it from his hands holding it close to my chest. "You won this for me so it's mine… honey."
A blush surfaces as he coughs looking away. "Don't mention it."
Hahahahaha!
"Aw," I poke his cheek. "Are you blushing?"
"Of course not!"
My eyes drift to the panda in my arms. So similar yet so different.
Astral's POV:
After the fair:
A sigh escapes my lips as I carry a little girl resting in my arms. I should've figured that she was tired. After all, we went at this all day and now it's dark.
"Astral?"
"Yes?"
I direct my gaze to her purple eyes as she fights with her dress. "Thank you."
Thank you?
"For what?"
"For going out with me today," A smile appears on her lips. "I'm really glad that we get to spend time together like the olden days."
The past… hah. If only your family wasn't plotting something against my family. Perhaps… I look at her again. Perhaps things could go back to the way they were.
"Yes," A small smile curves on my lips. "I enjoyed spending time with you as well."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
I nod. "Yes."
A peaceful silence passes between us as I stand on the palace balcony. A soft breeze passes through making her hair flutter.
"I have a question."
"And I have an answer."
"Why did you marry your wife?"
I blink and slowly direct my gaze onto the woman standing next to me. Did she just seriously ask me that question?
"Because I love her." I replied after a moment as her lips curve into a frown.
"You know, the more I look at you, the more different you seem."
Different?
I raise an eyebrow. "How?"
She tosses her hair back with a hair flip. "Remember that kid who said marrying and dating will only be an obstacle in one's life? It would only hinder success make you go soft?" Her lips curve upwards as I roll my eyes.
Oh that.
A scoff rings from my lips as I wave a hand dismissively. "You shouldn't take what I say too seriously. After all, I was just a kid and," My eyes drift down to the sleeping figure in my arms. "Beings change." Though I got a part right. Family does make you soft. A slight smile crosses my lips as my daughter clings onto my shirt, shifting a bit. But compared to being lonely, it's a thousand times better.
"Mhm." She eyes the kid in my arms. "I can clearly see that."
My daughter shifts in my arms as I pat her back gently. "It's getting awfully late."
"You're right." A hand twirls her hair as she turns to me with a smile. "It's very dark."
"Yes… which is why we should return to our respective bedrooms.
"You sure you wanna do that?" She pulls me by my arm making me look back at her.
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is," A hand casually touch my arm with a coy smile. "You sure you wanna return to your room?"
"Where else would I go?" I raise a brow as she leans closer to my face. "I mean, it is my room."
"Hm… what about you stay in my room for the night?"
Her room? Wow, she's bold. Got to give her that.
"I don't think that's very wise." I said after a moment as she blinks.
"Why not? Am I not your friend?"
Friend. I would use that word sparingly.
"It wouldn't be too good if rumors started to fly."
The woman in front of me smirks. "Oh, are you afraid how she would react? Well, if she trusts you enough, she would have no reason to suspect you right?"
Huh… you do have a point…
"What is going on here?"
A voice comes between the two of us as I stiffen. Why is he here?
"Your Majesty."
My eyes lock with his red and greens. Have to act normal. If she senses something amiss…
"What brings you here this late at night?" My lips curve into a fake smile. "I know you must have a lot of work going on so if you excuse me-"
"Actually, I'm done for the day."
Darn it!
His gaze flickers to the person next to me. "Katherine, may you excuse us for a moment? There is something we need to discuss."
"Of course, Your Majesty." She retreats to her room closing the door as silence enters the halls.
Great. Just great. The little girl in my arms stirs as I pat her back gently. What am I supposed to say to him?
"What do you want?"
"What on earth is she doing here?"
"Do you have a problem against it?"
"You," He groans facepalming himself with a sigh. "Do you know what you're doing right now?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"If that's all you want to speak to me about," My feet shifts in the other direction. "I'll-"
"You must know that her family is plotting something against us. It could possibly be betrayal and treason yet you welcome their daughter to the palace with open arms?!" He utters in disbelief as I stay quiet. "I know that you're mad with me. I know that but you do not get to risk all of the royal family lives just because of your anger!"
Haha, he really doesn't get it.
"You really don't get it, do you?" A laugh escapes me. "You think I'm doing this out of spite?"
You think that my own father would know me well enough after 19 years of raising me. Wow…
"Aren't you?"
"You're humor delights me. No. I'm not doing this out of spite, Your Majesty."
The man in front of me bites his lips as a hurt expression flashes across his face. "Son… I…"
"Now that that's clarified, please excuse-"
"I'm sorry."
My body freezes at those two words as they rang across the halls. So I wasn't imagining it. He actually said those two words.
I clench my hand into a fist. Hahahaha. "You think two words will be enough?"
I glare at him. "Do you have any idea how much pain I felt when I realized you sealed my memories?" I whisper with ragged breathing. Don't yell. Must not cause a scene. "Do you know that moment of betrayal that you never expected just all of a sudden hits you like a tidal wave. Do you know that feeling of helplessness and agony I had to go through because of that one event?"
"I… I'm sorry." He looks down. "I didn't know she meant that much to you."
Excuse me?! He did not just say that! I feel a boiling anger reach unfathomable heights as I grit my teeth. Calm down. Calm yourself, Astral. I have got to quench this anger before I do something reckless.
"I literally told you how much she meant!" I seethe shooting daggers at him. What's the point? It's not like he's going to get it anyway. "If that's all you have to say, I'll return to my room."
"What do you want me to do?"
I pause mid-step as his hand touch my shoulder. "I know that those words won't cut it but what did you want me to do in that situation?"
"It was either erase your memory or look at you isolate yourself in guilt and regret for the rest of your life."
"You have a child as well. Imagine if she was like that over a guy. She isolated herself, starved herself, living in pain and regret. Would you not do the same?"
I…
My eyes drift down to the girl resting peacefully in my arms. Would I do something like that if it were her?
"I wouldn't." That's right. My grip tightens on her small body. I wouldn't. "Because I know that if she ever found out, she would be devastated that the person who she saw as a father betrayed her in such a way."
"So you would rather see your child live in pain than erase their memories of the individual causing that pain?"
"Yes."
He blinks in disbelief. "How could you be so-"
"Cruel?" A hollow chuckle escapes my lips as I brush his hand off.
"If I chose the latter, she would have to deal with me betraying her. Let me tell you, there is nothing worse than betrayal." I glance back at him as he frowns. "Especially, by your own father whom you trusted."
Liliana's POV:
The door gently opens as my husband places a sleeping child down on the bed tucking her in. He softly sighs rubbing his luminous eyes as a pair of arms wrap around my waist. Huh?
"Love?"
My eyes widen as his arms envelopes my body firmly. His head buried in my shoulder. What is going on? Was going to the fair really that taxing on him?
The door shuts with a click as he shuts his eyes letting out another sigh. How strange…
"Are you okay?" I ask after a moment as the guy hugging me stays silent.
"I'm sorry."
Sorry? He's apologizing?
"What for?" My brow raises. "You haven't done anything wrong."
My husband stays quiet again hugging me tighter. "My beloved, what's wrong?" I pat his back as he clings onto me tightly not wanting to let go.
Did something happen? Something bad? Someone said something to him? No… he wouldn't react like this unless something triggering happened.
"Can we… stay like this for awhile?" A muffled voice rings throughout my ears as I nod.
"Ok, ok, of course," I rub his back softly running my fingers through his pale blue hair. "We can stay like this as long as you like, my dear."
A whimper escapes his lips as my heart clenches. What did I miss? Did something happen at the fair? Did someone say something triggering? I knew I should've gone with him!
"You won't hurt me, right?" An audible whisper escapes his lips as my eyes widen.
Hurt? Why is he … I wonder…! Ohhhhh… I think I know what might have happened.
(Flash):
"Do you know what the worst pain you can make a being experience is?"
I raise a brow. "Corporal punishment?"
His lips draw into a thin smile. "I wish that was the case but no. I'm talking about psychological warfare."
"Huh?"
"Specifically, betrayal."
My nose scrunches up. "Betrayal? Daddy, how can that hurt? You don't even get an injury from that."
He laughs carrying me to his lap. "That is where you are wrong, my precious daughter. You see, unlike physical injuries that can heal, emotional wounds and injuries might not be prominent to the naked eye but they hurt a hundred times worse."
"How?"
"Because you give your trust to people who turned out not to be worthy of it. And people conspired against you without letting you participate in the decision. This adds a loss of control to that feeling of lost trust."
(Flash)
He trusted his father yet… I grit my teeth. But… I could also see why the king did what he did… is there a right course of action for this?
"Never." My breath hits his ear. "I'm your wife, Astral. I'll never intentionally hurt you."
"That's all I needed to here, Lily."
My hands rub his back blinking a bit.
(Flash):
"Your Highness,"
My eyebrows raise as a guy bows before me. "Waltari? What are you doing here? Aren't you usually with my husband?"
"About that…"
His gaze shifts as I place my cup down. "Is there something you wish to speak about?"
He nods as I wave signaling the two maids outside. "Feel free to speak."
"Your Highness, this may be overstepping but I think it's in your best interest to keep an eye on His Highness for the time being."
I blink at him. "Of course but may I ask the reason why you have such a request?"
He bites his lips with a conflicted expression. "Perhaps I am overthinking things but…"
Hm…
"Did something happen that I'm unaware of?" My feet rises from the chair. "Was he injured?" Was that why he was acting so distant with me?
"No, no," He stutters in a panic as I let out a breath. "His Highness is totally fine. Nothing to worry about."
Thank goodness!
"Then why would you request such a thing?"
"I'm just a bit worried, that's all."
Worried?
A sigh escapes his lips. "Your Highness, you may not remember but," His brown eyes stare into my purples. "Miss Astraea's death day is coming soon."
(Flash)
That's right. Astraea… I wonder…
My eyes shut hugging him tighter. Astraea. How could I ever forget that day? No doubt about it. The day that she died…
A sharp pain shoots through my chest as I wince, clenching one of my fists. What is thing pain? Ow! Why am I experiencing it more often these days? It's like a dagger penetrating my heart.
"Darling,"
Now's not the time to think about that. "Hm?"
"You forgive me, right?"
"Do you even need to ask? I'll forgive you for anything, my dear husband."
"Really?"
My head nods as I pull back cupping the sides of his face with my hands. "Really." My lips meet his with as a red tint surface on his cheeks. "I'm here for anything you need, Astral."
His beautiful eyes widen as I feel his soft lips press against my forehead. "What did I do to ever deserve you?"
I squeak as he carries me to the the bed closing the canopy curtains. "W-What are you-"
My arms wrap tightly around his neck as he places me down gently on the soft bed, waving an arm to turn off the lights leaving on the orange lamp. "H-Honey?"
His body curls in mine with his arms wraps around my chest as his leg wraps around my waist. "Mmm, don't ever leave me." A husky voice rings throughout my ears as I shiver. "Got it?"
My lips curve upwards at his tone as I use my hand to gently cup his face, tracing the corner of his lips. "Even if you push me away, I'll always come back to you."
"Because you're clingy?"
"Hey!" I pout as he chuckles. "I'm not clingy."
"Then why else would you visit me everyday or every other day in the past?"
"Are you saying that you didn't want me to swing by the palace?"
"Of course not but everyday?"
I roll my eyes. "If I didn't go and drag you out of your bedroom, you would probably end up being a socially awkward guy with little experience of the outside world."
"What?!"
"Don't look so shocked, my beloved." My arm waves as I stifle a giggle. "You didn't smile for a whole year."
"That was because-"
"Did you really think I was going to let you go back to your cold self, ice cube?"
His eyes widen as he furrows his brows. "I thought we agreed not to use that nickname anymore."
My head lays closer in his chest. "Oh? Then would you rather be dubbed Ice Prince?"
"I'd rather not be called any of them thank you very much."
Hahahaha!
I poke his cheek as he pouts making me burst out laughing. "But the beings did have a point. You were pretty much expressionless as a kid."
"Yes but they didn't have to come up with those names."
"Then what names do you want them to call you by? Gorgeous? Handsome?" My lips form a slight smirk stroking his chest. "Or perhaps…sexy?"
My husband's gaze changes from a playful one to a lusty yet loving one as he grips my waist pulling me closer. "Hm… if we're talking about citizens of this world then no but if we're talking about my beautiful and seductive wife," My spine tingles as a his body rolls on top of mine, his fingers brush up against my lips as they part.
Oh no…
I glance at the wall clock then back at the guy on top of me. I was just teasing him. Seriously?!
"I-It's really late."
"Late?" He scoffs leaning closer. "It's only 10 something."
That's still late!
"How about we reschedule? I've been feeling tired all day and-"
"Surely you're not that tired to be with your husband are you, my precious wife?" His hand lifts up my chin as I shudder.
"I…" My mouth goes dry as I can feel my heart thump faster and faster. Just when I thought I was going to get some rest.
"Brother, may I borrow you for a sec? I need to-Ahhhhh!"
What the?!
A blanket covers my body as he gets off the bed straightening his clothes awkwardly. Why on earth do they always pick these times to interrupt?
"A-Astrana, it's not what you think uh…" My husband desperately tried to gather his thoughts as I avert my gaze.
This is the worst. My sister-in-law of all people caught us… Argh! Ok. Ok. Breathe. Breathe. It's not the end of the world, right? But it's his sister of all people! The precious gem of this world! I'm doomed!
"W-We um…"
"Stop." My sister-in-law puts an arm to stop him, taking deep breathes and covering her eyes in the process. "No need to explain yourselves. It was my fault. I should've knocked."
"I can explain. The thing is-"
"Brother, stop." She interrupts as her face flushes with a deep shade of pink. "You're married. I get it. No need for an explanation."
A silence passes through as my husband coughs into his fist awkwardly. "So… um… did you need something?"
"O-Oh," Her hands uncovers her eyes as she clears her throat. "Mom and dad want to discuss something with you."
This late?
His expression changes from a flustered one to a neutral one as he glances at the clock then back at his sister. "Tell them I'll go tomorrow."
"Why?"
"It's late and I'm tired." He plops on the bed with a yawn.
"But-"
"Go tell them that I'm spending time with my wife." His arm waves lazily shutting his eyes. "They'll understand."
"But they said urgently…"
"So? It's not like I have to comply to every wish."
Her gold eyes shifts towards me with a pleading look. Is it really that important? A sigh escapes my lips as my hands cover myself more with the blanket. Can't let her see me in this nightgown or I'll never hear the end of it.
"Love,"
"No."
"But-"
"I haven't seen you all day. Finally we get some alone time and you're urging me to go to my parents?" He raises a brows as I blink. Huh… when you put it that way…
"Well…" I place a hand under my chin. "But it's urgent though…"
"Who cares." My husband shrugs as an arm pulls me onto his lap. A gasp escapes my lips as my eyes widen. W-What is he?!
"A-Astral-"
"I'm not going anywhere."
"Hey, let go of me." I whisper as I struggle in his grasp. "Your sister is right there!"
"So? That still doesn't change anything, my darling."
"Are you joking?!" My arms try to unwrap his as he tightens them pulling me closer. "Let go of me!"
Why? Why? Why?! Argh! Is he trying to embarrass me in front of her? Wahhhh!
(Click)
Huh?
I turn towards the sound to find a being missing and the door shut. Did we scare her off?
My eyes narrow as my beloved smirks. That smirk… "Look at what you did!"
"What did I do, darling?"
"Not only you managed to scare her off, but you embarrassed me in front of your sister of all people!" I cover my face with a whine. "How am I supposed to face her tomorrow?"
"What's there to be embarrassed about?" He asks cluelessly as I smack his head.
"Ay, you!"
A laugh escapes his lips as he pulls me closer. "All I know is now I don't have to go discuss something political."
"But what if it's important?"
"I could always go tomorrow." His hot breath hits my lips as I gulp. "What's most important is that I finally get some time alone with my darling, beloved wife."
"You-"
"I what?"
A hand strokes my thigh as my heart thumps rapidly in my chest. Uh-oh… "A-Astral…"
"Tomorrow I'm probably going to spend all day with-Mph!"
My lips meet his as a tongue protrudes into my mouth. A hand cups the side of my face. "Did anything happen while you were with her?"
"Not really. She said she was grateful that I accompanied her to the fair."
Grateful huh?
"Are you sure that she was grateful?"
"She said it herself so I would assume that she is… I'm going to try to coax information from her tomorrow."
"Aw, does that mean I have to pretend I'm angry at you again?"
"Yes, until I can get the information."
"How long would that take?"
"It depends."
A sigh escapes my lips. I really don't want to though…
"Darling," His lips peck my neck. "It's just temporary."
"I know but…"
"Waltari will be by your side 24/7 so don't worry."
I shouldn't worry but… why do I feel so uneasy about tomorrow? Like something bad is going to happen?