Liliana's POV:

Hm…

"Your Highness, what are you thinking so deeply about?"

(Flash):

A pair of arms envelopes me protectively. "Don't you worry, honey. Waltari will be by your side 24/7 as well as the guards so if anything happens, they'll be there."

(Flash)

Is there really nothing I can do for him at this time?

"She has returned to the palace, correct?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Duchess Estrella and Lady Katherine has returned this morning."

That's probably why he is no where to be seen. Probably gauging out information.

A sigh escapes my lips as the breeze sways my blue dress. I can't believe I had to put on this dress because the doctor advised me to wear 'loose fitting' clothes. Are sweaters and pants not loose fitting enough?

"Is there anything I can do for him at the moment?"

His brown eyes turn to me with a nod. "Yes. His Highness wants you to take good care of yourself."

"I know that but…" My eyes drift towards the tree in the distance. "I just want to do more for him." Especially after last night…

The guy who is following me stays quiet for a moment. "Your Highness, I know how you feel but your safety is at the utmost importance right now. His Highness would be devastated if something were to happen not to only you but your unborn children as well."

My unborn children…

I gently rub my bump. That's right. I'm not alone anymore. I can't do whatever I want without thinking of the lives in my body.

But still… I really want to help him with this…

"Lily?"

A guy steps into my field of vision. His brown hair flutters as the expression of disbelief hits me square in the chest. That is…

My eyes lock onto his cerulean eyes as he approaches me. I thought he left… why is he…

A sword appears in front of me as I look to my right. My husband's butler takes a protective stance while narrowing his eyes. "How dare you refer to Her Highness's name so causally?"

He blinks with a perplexed look on his face. "Her... Highness...?"

"Waltari," I touch his arm as he glances back at me. "He's someone I know. Stand down please."

"But he could be-"

"He would never harm me." My eyes drift to his blues who still holds the look of shock. "I know that for a fact."

Star's POV:

"Say Astral?"

"Hm?"

"This is just hypothetical but what would you do if your significant other liked someone else?"

His gold and silver eyes meet mine with a perplexed expression. "It depends on what you mean by like."

"Um… what if she likes another guy romantically?"

"Well, if that's the case," A minuscule smirk crosses his lips. "She'll be missing out on me, a handsome and attractive guy who is also attentive and loyal."

Oh boy.

A giggle escapes my lips as I roll my eyes. "While that's all true, you wouldn't feel anything if she cheated on you?"

"Not at all."

Huh…

I fold my arms over my chest crossing my legs. "I don't believe it."

"What's there not to believe?"

"So if your wife had an affair-"

"Wait, wait, wait," His eyes widened as a laugh rings throughout my ears. "You're talking about my wife?"

"I remembered saying significant other."

My friend blinks at me stifling another laugh. "Star, don't you know her by now? There's no way she would have an affair."

True but…

"That's why it's a hypothetical situation, my friend." I let out a soft sigh as I shake my head. "What would you do if she's in love with another guy?"

"I doubt it."

"If. I'm saying if."

A hand lays under his chin. "Hm, that's a tough one… I would… do nothing."

…

…

…

What the…

"You're not serious, are you?" I blink as I touch his forehead. "Are you ill? Let me check your temperature."

"I'm fine and think about it, if she chose to be in an affair, she must know the consequences if I found out but still cheated on me regardless. If worst comes to worse, I'll divorce her."

"What?!"

(Clap)(Clap)(Clap)

"Why would you stay with someone who doesn't respect you or love you?" A feminine voice rings out as claps fill my ears.

"You took the words right from my mouth, Katherine."

She stifles a giggle sitting beside him. "Honestly, have you always been this harsh?"

He shrugs. "As you said, if she loved me, she wouldn't cheat. Simple as that."

What on earth…?

"Yes…" I bite my lip as the woman next to him moves closer to him. "But you wouldn't feel anything?"

My friend raises an eyebrow with a questioning expression. "I already answered this, didn't I?"

You have got to be kidding me!

"But she's bearing your kids! How could you-"

"Star," A sly smirk crosses her face. "If she cheats, that means he doesn't love him. Why would he exhaust his energy on a woman such as her?"

"You-"

"Don't you agree?" She seductively bats her eyelashes at him as his lips curve into a smile.

"Yes, why would I waste my time on a woman such as her?"

What the heck is wrong with him today? I mean… I get it. He's not going to like it but… for him to be this cold?! Really?

Estrella's POV:

"No way…"

"He said that?"

"What is wrong with him?"

"She's pregnant with twins!"

My friends all sigh as I lean against a ledge. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. To think he would actually say that when she's bearing his children. Wow.

"I knew something was up with that wicked witch Katherine!" Her eyes narrow. "To think she had the nerve to seduce a married man."

"I know right?" My hazel eyed friend said. "I'm going to make her pay!"

"Wicked witch?" She raises a brow. "Astrana, don't you think that's a bit harsh?"

"Star, you-"

"I agree," Got to defend my sister even through they are correct. "I mean, it's sort of his fault as well."

Gold eyes snap towards me. "What? How is it his fault? She's the one who-"

"If he doesn't desire her, do you think she would succeed?"

A gasp escapes her lips as her fist clenches. "You take that back. I know my brother. He isn't that type of guy!"

"Then explain why he said that?"

"Estrella, you-"

"I what?"

"Come on girls," A pair of arms pull me away from her. "Calm down."

"Yeah," My hazel eyed friend interjects. "Rather than arguing among ourselves, shouldn't we be thinking of a plan?"

"But she-"

"Astrana, Astrana, I know how you feel but now's not the time for arguing."

"Hmph!" She crosses her arms wrinkling her nose at me. "I still can't believe you said that."

Why is she always like this?

"Facts are facts." I stare at my friend. "Think about it, if he doesn't like her, why would he not see through her advances? Why would he let her flirt with him and not say anything?"

"Maybe… um…"

See? There's no way he can't see through her acting. With his level of intellect it's a given. But what's his motive if he's not exposing her?

"Oh, have you seen Lily anywhere?"

"Is she not in her room?"

My white haired friend shakes her head. "She wasn't in her room when I checked."

"That's odd… where else could she be?"

Does he really love my sister of all people? No way… it's just not possible. I mean, it is possible but highly unlikely. But if not that, then why is he being like this?

Astral's POV:

"Daddy," A small figure walk up to me with a frown. Her arms raise as I pick her up.

"What's wrong, my little Angel?" Why does she look so distraught? Did something happen?

"I can't find mommy anywhere."

Oh…

"Are you sure?" My eyes drift around the garden as I look back at her. "Maybe she's around the palace somewhere."

"No. She's not here."

Huh… then where can she be? Isn't Waltari supposed to be with her? I saw him awhile ago… did he just abandon her and go against my orders?!

"Then," I poke her cheek. "Shall we look for her?"

"Yuppie!" Her eyes light up hugging me close as my lips curve upwards. It's funny how a child can be so adorable.

"Where did you see her last?" I start walking towards the exit as my daughter places a hand on her chin.

"Um, I haven't seen her all morning but I saw mommy heading outside."

Outside? Hm…

"Do you happen to know where she went outside?"

The girl in my arms shakes her head as I glance at the woman next to me. That's strange. Why isn't she saying anything? It's quite peculiar for her to be this quiet…

"Katherine,"

"Y-Yes?"

"You're not normally this quiet." My eyes lock with her purples. "Is something the matter?"

Her eyes widened. So I was correct. She stays silent.

"Do you know where my wife is?" I ask after a moment of silence passes.

She stiffens with a gulp as my eyes narrow. The fact that she's reacting like that…

"Tell me the truth."

"A-Astral," Her fingers fidget with the hem of her skirt. "Do you really want to know?"

"Why wouldn't I want to know where my wife is?"

"I'm afraid you won't like it…"

Won't like it? My eyebrow raises as she bites her lip. Where could she possibly be that I won't like? Also, if she's reacting like this… she must be dying to tell me.

"Try me."

A sigh escapes her lips as she digs into her purse to pull out three photos. "Don't get too mad."

"Why would I get…!"

My eyes widened as she hands them to me. What on earth… who is… why are they… My heart beats rapidly as I bite the inside of my cheek.

"I didn't want to show you those but…"

"Where did you get these photos?" My grip tightens on them wrinkling it in the process.

"I…"

My daughter blinks and points to the guy in the photo. "Daddy, why is mommy kissing that guy?"

A sense of dread fills my being as I shut my eyes. Why on earth is happening right now? Why is my wife locking lips with another guy?!

"Daddy?"

"A-Astral," The woman in front of me shivers a bit. "I'm pretty sure there's a reasonable explanation why she-"

"Reasonable?" My voice lowers to a whisper as I snap my head towards her. "How is kissing another guy a reasonable act?"

(Flash):

"Say Astral?"

"Hm?"

"This is just hypothetical but what would you do if your significant other liked someone else?"

"It depends on what you mean by like."

"Um… what if she likes another guy romantically?"

(Flash)

Was that why she asked that question? My eyes drift back to the photos in my hands as I grip them tighter, causing little wrinkles to form. How long have you been keeping this from me?

Later:

"Waltari," The door slams shut as the 17 year old flinches. "You dare disobey my orders?"

"M-Master," He slowly kneels lowering his head to the ground. "I-I was just following Her Highness's orders-"

"So you listen to my wife now?" I snap at him as he cowers.

"O-Of course not. I-I only follow your orders-"

"If that's the case, why did you leave her and go back yourself?"

"I swear on my life I didn't leave her." He grips his hands together. "She told me to go back to the palace herself."

I clutch my head walking towards my chair. What can I do now? There's no point in getting angry at him. He hasn't done anything wrong. A sigh escapes my lips as I rub my temples.

"Lift your head and stand up."

My butler lifts his head as I can see tears in his eyes. Darn it! I never raised my voice at him before. What is wrong with me today?

I stand up from my chair and kneel to his level. His body flinches as I place a hand on his shoulder. "Look at me, Waltari."

Brown eyes meet mine as I bite the inside of my cheek. I feel like a bully right now. "M-Master, I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

"No," I shake my head. "You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should be the one to say sorry."

He blinks blankly. "I… Your Highness… what do you mean? You didn't-"

"I shouldn't have raised my voice at you. I lost my temper when I shouldn't have."

"What?" His eyes widened as his mouth opens. "No. You're not at fault. I'm the one who-"

"But I shouldn't have yelled at you for it." A sigh escapes my lips as I help him to rise. "That was my fault. I should have never snapped at you for following orders." He was stuck between a rock and a hard place after all.

Just because I'm in a bad mood doesn't mean I should take it out on other people.

Liliana's POV:

He is just too kind! My hands carry a bouquet of red roses as a smile crosses my lips. To think he would buy this for me… should I get him something in return?

"Wah, mommy!" A child tackles my legs as her eyes beam at me. "You got me flowers!"

"Huh?" Does she think that these are…

I stifle a laugh with a head shake. "I'm afraid these are not for you, sweetie."

Her bright eyes blink in confusion. "Not for me?" She places a hand under her chin. "If not for me… it must be for daddy!"

As if he would like roses. Does he though? I never asked…

"Your Highness," A woman walks up to me. "Where did you get such beautiful flowers from?"

Out of all the people, why is it her?

"Oh, these?" I cover my mouth with a giggle. "It's a gift from a…" Friend? Is he a friend? But… "From a person I've known for awhile now." I can't call him a friend after what happened a couple years ago.

"Really?" Her eyebrows raise in shock. "What a generous friend you've got there."

Why is she… "What are you trying to imply?" My eyes narrow as her eyes widened.

"Your Highness," Her hand covers her chest with a shocked look. "I'm just worried your husband will get the wrong idea."

My eyes drift down to the beautiful roses in my arms. When she puts it like that… would he get the wrong message though? After all, they are red roses of all things…

"Don't worry" My lips force a smile. "I doubt that would happen but I appreciate your concern."

A giggle escapes her mouth. "You never know."

What?

Astral's POV:

"Your Highness,"

"Ok, let's get go-"

"Daddy!" The door bursts open as my daughter drags my wife by the hand into my office. "Look, I found mommy!"

Huh… but where did she get flowers from?

"Looks like you did," I stand up after a moment of silence carrying her into my arms. "Good job, honey."

"I'm the best!"

I poke her cheek as she giggles. "Indeed you are."

My eyes drifts to my wife's light blue dress. How strange. Usually she would never put on a dress unless being forced to. So why now?

"I-I'm sorry," Her eyes drifts down not meeting mine. "I tried to stop her from entering but…"

Why is she always stuttering when speaking to me?

"Raphael, Athena, we'll continue this meeting-"

"N-No. I'm sorry for intruding. I'll-"

"This meeting will continue at a later date." My voice raises. My eyes lock onto my wife's figure as she gulps biting her lip.

The two look at each other then look at me as I nod. "Yes, Your Highness."

The door shuts as I place my daughter down on the ground. "Melody, would you mind finding my sister?"

Her head tilts to the the right with a confused expression. "Why?"

"There is something I wish to speak to her about." My lips curve upwards patting her on the head. "Would you do that for me, sweetheart?"

"Just leave it to me." She beams and walk out the door leaving the two of us in silence.

"You know," My wife flinches at the sound of my voice. "If you keep stuttering when speaking to me, people will start to wonder why and start to spread untrue rumors."

"I-I'm sorry."

Is that really a habit of hers? Why on earth would she stutter to her husband?

A breath escapes my lips pinching the bridge of my nose. This is going nowhere. "Anyway, where have you been all morning?" I walk towards my chair as she fidgets with her hands.

"I-I was on a walk."

On a walk?

"For…" I glance at the wall clock. "5 hours?"

The woman in front of me stays quiet not looking at me as my eyes soften. "Baby," Her eyes carefully meet mine. "Is there a reason why you keep stuttering when talking to me?"

"N-No."

Lies!

"Talk to me," I get up from my seat approaching her as she backs away. "What's the matter?"

"S-Stay there."

What? I blink as I notice her hands trembling clutching the flowers tightly. Why are her hands trembling?

"Darling-"

"D-Don't move." Her eyes radiate a sense of fear as her breathing labors. "J-Just don't come any closer."

What is the matter with her today? Did something happen?

"Did something happen?"

"D-Don't hurt me." Her voice cracks as she crouches down, placing the flowers next to her and hugging her knees. "D-Don't h-hurt me."

Don't… hurt… me…? What the…

"What… why would I ever hurt you?"

"D-Don't hit me."

"I… what?" The woman in front of me brings her knees closer to her chest rocking back and forth. "Since when did I ever lay a hand on you?"

Did I do something in my sleep? My face pales. Did I accidentally hit her while I was asleep a few days ago?

"D-Don't hurt me anymore. I-I'll be good. J-Just please don't hit me."

Anymore…! Did someone raise their hand against her?! My hand clenches as my eyes narrow. Someone dares to raise their hand against my princess consort?! Wait, wait, wait… let's not jump to conclusions.

"Honey," She flinches, shivering as I purse my lips. "Did someone do something to you?"

"D-Don't hurt me." Her hands flail in front of her face frantically. "P-Please don't hurt me."

That confirms it. But who would dare to lay a hand on her?

(Flash):

My daughter blinks and points to the guy in the photo. "Daddy, why is mommy kissing that guy?"

(Flash)

Could it be him? But no… that doesn't make any sense unless… My eyes widened as a thought flashes in my brain. Did he blackmail her? Does he have something against her? Threatened her?

My wife shudders as I cautiously pull her into an embrace. What did he do to make you so scared?

"D-Don't hurt m-me."

"I would never hurt you." A whisper escapes my lips as her breathing becomes a bit more steady. "I'm your husband. Why would I ever lay a hand against you?"

"Hic… y-you… hic… you won't h-hurt me?"

Lily…

"I promise, I would never ever lay a hand against you or even think about hurting you."

She sniffles as I wrap my arms around her tighter. "You're safe." I rub her back gently as she whimpers. "You're safe."

A brief moment of silence passes between us as a nagging question keeps entering my mind. "My love, can you tell me who hurt you?"

Another whimper escapes her lips as she shakes her head. "Don't wanna."

"Ok, ok," Her fingers grip my shirt as I can feel tears dripping. No use forcing her. "That's fine. You don't need to say who."

But who is it? My fist clench. Who would dare hurt my lover? If I ever find out who, I'll decapitate them with my sword then stick their head on a stick so everyone can see it!

A hand unclenches mine as I look towards the being in my arms. "W-What are you t-thinking about?"

My lips curve upwards as I stroke a lock away from her heart-shaped face. "If I ever catch the person who hit you, I'll personally let him have it."

"Y-You would do t-that for me?"

"Why of course. You're my wife. I won't just stand by and watch a person bully you."

"Now, can you tell me who that person is?" I ask after a moment as she shakes her head.

"I-I can't."

She can't?

"Why's that?"

Am I correct? Is that person threatening her? Who would have the audacity to threaten my princess?!

"B-Because…" Her eyes drifts down fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

"Because of what?"

The being in front of me stays silent as I grow increasingly nervous. My heart races as I gulp awaiting her answer. Because of what? Why is she not telling me? Why is she so hesitant? Wait…! My eyes narrow as I can make out a purple bruise on her neck. A bruise? But that doesn't look like…

"What's on your neck?"

Her eyes widened as her hands fumble to cover it up. "W-What do you mean?"

"There's something on your neck."

"N-No there's nothing-"

My hands takes her hand away as my heart sinks down to my stomach. This is… no way…

"What," My eyes zero in on the mark as I gulp. "What is this?"

This… this mark is… My body feels like it's on autopilot as I let go of her hand. She covers it up frantically scooting away from me. Tears drip from her gorgeous eyes as her breathing labors.

"Is… that…" My throat locks as my wife nods.

She was… A surge of anger flows through my being as I grit my teeth. I'll kill him!

"Who is he?" I steady my breathing biting my lip. Deep breaths. That's it. Take deep breaths.

"I-I'm sorry." A scared voice whispers as I turn back to the person cowering. "I-I'm s-sorry. P-Please d-don't be m-mad."

Why would I…

"Come here," I wrap my arms around her back pulling her body in close. "I'm not mad, silly."

"Y-you're… hic… not?"

"Of course not." Her head lays on my chest as a sniffle escapes her. "Why would I be angry?"

"Y-You looked like y-you were about to k-kill s-someone."

Oh…

"Ok, shhh, shhh," Tears drip from her cheeks as I pat her shoulder. "I'm here, I'm here. You're safe, baby. You're safe."

Whoever this person is, I'll make sure that he will pay. Not with only his life but the life of everyone in his family as well!

"A-Astral?"

"Hm?"

"D-Do you f-find m-me…" Her eyes drifts down as I cup her cheeks.

"Do I find you what?"

"D-D-Disgusting?"

What?!

My jaw hangs open a bit as more tears fall down her face. "I-I'm s-sorry. I'll g-go and-"

I pull her closer to my body with a groan, burying my head in her neck. "How could you possibly think that?"

"L-Let g-go-"

"How could you think I would be disgusted by you, my lovely wife?" My voice muffles in the crook of her neck as she gulps.

"Y-You d-don't find me-"

"Not even a bit, Lily. How could you think that?" I pull back wiping her tears with my thumbs. "You're beautiful, honey. You're my wife. How can I ever think that?"

She bites her lip. "Y-You're not l-lying, are you?"

I shake my head. "I'm not. I swear I am not lying."

"R-Really?"

What can I do to convince her?

"Yes. Really," I carefully touch her hands as she flinches. "You're my wife, honey. I love you."

Her eyes widened as she blinks rapidly. "I… hahahahaha!" Her expression changes into one of laughter as giggles erupt from her lips.

What…? Did the shock get to her?

"Baby?"

"Oh my god, oh my goodness," Her breath steadies as her eyes meet mine again. "Hahahaha! I can't. I just can't."

Huh?

"Are you alright?"

"Your response is too cute hahahahaha!"

I'm… cute? What is going…!

A gasp escapes my mouth as realization hits me like a brick. "You pranked me!"

"Oh my god," A finger wipes a tear from her eye as she calms herself. "Now you realize?"

Why on earth did I fall for it? My arms fold over my chest. "Is this the thanks I get for worrying about you?" I look away from her with an eye roll. "I literally thought something horrible happened."

"Mmm, baby," A pair of arms wrap around my chest. "I'm fine. Nothing of that sort happened."

Wait a minute…

"Then what's on your neck?"

"Oh this?" A giggle erupts from her lips once again. "This morning I burned myself with a curling iron."

Oh… looking at it closely… I guess it looks more like a burn mark rather than… actually, it looks like a cross between a hickey and a burn mark to be exact.

"You're cruel, you know that?" My lips pout. "I honestly thought that you were harassed."

"But I wasn't and that's a good thing." My wife beams as I look away. "And do you think I'm that weak?"

"I-"

"If a guy makes a move on me," A smirk crosses her lips. "I'll kick him in the spot that is the most sensitive."

Ow… note to self: Don't make her mad.

"Why did you decide to prank me anyway? Do you have too much time on your hands or something? If that's the case, I have some documents you can help me with."

"You have your sister to thank for this."

"What?!"

(Creek)

"How did it go?"

She high fives my wife swinging an arm around her shoulder. "You missed it. You should've seen him. He was so concerned."

"Aw, come on!" My sister groans. "You should've captured it on video. That way we can all get a real laugh from it."

Why this sister of mine!

"Don't give her any more ideas, sis." I fold my arms across my chest once again as she shoots me a look.

"Wah, where did you come from?" She feigns the look of shock as I shake my head. "Are you a ghost?"

"Why yes. Yes, I am. I'm the ghost that haunts your dreams."

A giggle escapes her lips as she swings her other arm around my shoulders. "Bro, what's up?"

"Don't give my wife anymore of your ludicrous ideas."

"Ludicrous?" She scoffs with a smirk. "As if they are ludicrous. I just wanted to make sure you're a real gentleman that's all."

I raise a brow. "Why would you assume I'm not? Do you have such a low standard for your older brother?"

"Nowadays, there are a lot of scumbags out there."

"As if I am one of those guys."

"Hm," Her gold eyes narrow. "Perhaps it's because you flirted with Katherine this morning?"

"Flirted?" My hand pushes her forehead back. "As if I would go and flirt with her. You're thinking too much."

"Was I?" My sister glances towards my wife then back towards me. "Because it seemed to me like you didn't reject her advances."

"Just because I didn't do anything doesn't mean I like her."

She shrugs raising her brows. "Could've fooled me."

Ay-yi-yi…

"Oh, by the way, what did you want to speak with me about?"

Oh…

"Well," How am I supposed to say this? "Uh…"

"Hmph!" She punches my shoulder with a frown. "No need to say it. You were using me as an excuse, weren't you?"

"Not exactly…"

"Not exactly?" My sister lets out a sigh. "I beg to differ."

Gold eyes meet purple eyes as her lips form a pout. "You don't love me anymore."

"What? I never said-"

"Then why were you using me as an excuse?"

Uh-oh…

My hand rubs the back of my neck as my sister looks at me expectantly. "I remember when we were little, I was the only girl in your life and you loved me to bits."

Her eyes narrow as I flinch. "But now, you love your wife more than me." Her arms cross once again. "I don't matter anymore."

A breath escapes my lips. Aw… "My little sister," I pull her closer by the shoulder. "You know that's not true."

"Hmph!"

"I still love you the most."

"Then why did you use me as an excuse?"

"You were the first one that came to mind."

I wince as she hits my shoulder. "Why you-"

"Ok, ok, I'm sorry." My hands hold hers. "I love you."

The person in my arms mutters something underneath her breath as I stifle a laugh. Who knows she can be so cute?

"Auntie Astrana, did it work?" A voice interrupts the silence as a small figure walks in.

"Of course it worked."

Wait…!

I snap my head towards my wife who is picking up our daughter with a smile. "She was in on it as well?!"

"Yup!"

My hand facepalms my forehead with a groan. Seriously? How could I not see that coming?

"Darling, seriously?"

"What?" She stifles a giggle with the back of her hand. "That's payback for the last time."

Last time?

"What last time?"

"Remember when you refused to acknowledge me as your wife?"

Oh…

"Wait, wait, wait," My sister interrupts flailing her arms. "Was that why you treated him as your servant for hours?"

"Exactly."

"Come on, Lily," A groan escapes her lips. "You should've told me. I would've videotaped it and watched it on loop."

My wife winks. "Next time I'll be sure to tell you first."

"You'd better."

My eyes drift back and forth between their conversations as I let out another breath. Girls will be girls.