Estrella's POV:
"Your plan's a total flop."
The door slams as she glares at me. "Who allowed you into my room?"
"I'm your sister whether you like it or not."
"Half-sister." She scoffs plopping herself on the bed. "Are you here to mock me again?"
Why must she always think bad about me?
I shake my head as I sit down on the bed next to her. "I don't understand what you see in him." Her purple eyes widen as she sits up to meet my gaze. Actually…
(Flash):
"This can protect you."
"How so?"
"I transferred some of my powers onto this hairpin so if he does do you damage, hopefully, it can block some of it."
"Really?"
"Yep, but it only works if it's touching you so keep it close by at all times, got it?"
"Mhm!" My arms wrap around him as he stiffens. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Your Highness!"
(Flash)
"Ok," My sister stares at me with a neutral expression. "I take it back. He's intelligent, handsome, and kind but he has a wife, Katherine."
"So?"
"You just can't go around messing with marriages like this."
It's immoral and says something about your personality.
A hand waves dismissively across my face. "It's not like it's a set law or anything. Besides, she's not worthy of him."
She?
My eyes widen as a thought clicks in my head. "Are you talking about-"
"Yup." A smirk curves upwards. "A lowly daughter of a general doesn't even compare to the high and mighty prince."
She did not just say that…
"Ha, I bet she blackmailed him to marry her. Ooo," Purple eyes light up. "Maybe she's just using his affection and doesn't truly love him. If I can find evidence-"
"Shut your mouth." A pit of anger boils in my stomach as I grit my teeth. How dare she? "You don't know anything about her. How dare you say that about my friend?"
The woman in front of me blinks as my eyes narrow. "I won't sit here and let you trash my friend like this." My hand clench into a fist. "Never in my life have I seen such devotion and love to someone before. True, she's a daughter of a general but compared to the ladies who just like his appearance, who just want to be The Princess Consort, she's a trillion times better because she truly loves him for who he is not for his rank or status."
A shocked expression crosses her face as an eye roll follows. "Huh… I never expected you to stand up for someone like her. Honestly, sis, does it look like I care?"
"You-"
"Ah, ah, ah," A little smirk curves on her lips. "I wasn't done talking. You know it's rude to interrupt, don't you?"
I shoot her a look as she lets out a dramatic sigh. "All I care about is him."
"Why?" I raise a brow as purple eyes meet mine. "Why him of all people?"
"Haven't you listened to anything I said a few seconds ago?"
I stay silent as a groan escapes her lips. "I already said it. He's the epitome of perfection. Strong, kind, intelligent," A flicker shines in her eyes. "Not to mention beautiful."
Oh if only you knew the truth. He's perfect? No. He is not this perfect being. My gaze drifts to my sister who is rambling on about him with a dreamy smile. Should I break it to her? Will that make her snap to her senses?
Derek's POV:
"What did you do with your hand?!" I shout as I cautiously examine it. My friend brings me the first aid kit as a whimper escapes her mouth.
They're going to kill me! Last time, we lost her. This time, she got hurt. Why do these things always happen on my watch?
Bright purple eyes look at me biting her lip. "I'm sorry."
A sigh escapes from the woman next to me. "There's nothing for you to be apologizing about." She crouches down to her level with a head tilt. "What's done is done."
Crimson drips onto my pants as she hisses. "How did you even manage to get this injury?"
The girl blinks. "What's an injury?"
Um… hm…
"How did you get this boo boo?" The being next to me chimes.
Her purple eyes drift to her lap hanging her head. "I feel that mommy and daddy are getting further and further apart." She whispers as I look at my friend. I should've expected this. Kids are very observant after all.
"Oh honey," Her hazel eyes soften. "I'm certain that's not the case."
"Then why haven't they talk to each other like they normally do?"
Er… how do we get out of this one?
"Melody, your father is a busy man and-"
"Lord Derek, stop lying to me." Tears start to form in her eyes. "That's what mommy said the last time. I know daddy isn't busy but mommy and daddy are arguing, right?"
My eyes meet with hazel eyes as she shrugs not knowing what to do. A kid shouldn't be exposed to this.
"Oh sweetie," A pair of arms pick her up. "Was that what you were thinking all this time?"
She nods as the woman next to me sighs. "It's true. Your mother and father are having a little argument but it's all apart of the plan."
Huh? My eyes drift towards her hazel eyes, blinking as she winks at me. What plan?
"Plan?" She sniffles drying her tears with her fingers. "What plan?"
"It's a secret." She giggles as the child in her arms pout looking away.
"No fair."
"Psst," I lean closer to her ear. "Um… plan?"
She shakes her head with a breath. "Derek," Her hazel eyes meet mine. "Don't you remember?"
Uh…
A blank look forms on her face. "The plan."
…
I don't remember any… A thought clicks in my brain as my eyes widen. Ohhhhh…
"That plan." My lips force a laugh as I rub the back of my neck. "Of course I remember. How could I possibly forget?"
Purple eyes meet mine with a curious gaze. "What plan?"
My lips curve into a slight smile. "You'll find out later."
Her brows furrow. "But, I'll give you a hint." My friend chimes in as the child's expression changes into a happy one.
"What is it?"
A finger pokes her forehead with a giggle. "It's a surprise for your mother."
"You mean…" Gears turn in her head as a bright smile shines on her face. "Daddy is planning to surprise mommy?"
I guess?
"Yes, in someway or another." I said after a moment. "But we're supposed to keep this a secret so don't tell your mother or father, alright?"
Her head nods. "I'll try but I don't like keeping things from them."
That's understandable…
"Ah, how about this," My friend whispers something in her ear as she nods vigorously. "That way, your mother wouldn't be too sad."
"Yay! Thank you, Lady Maria!" Tiny arms wrap around her chest as I blink.
"What did you say to her?" I whisper as she she winks.
"It's a secret."
Seriously?!
And what is this plan?
Astrana's POV:
"Lucky?" I raise a brow at my parents as I glance around the room. "Why are you asking me his location?"
"We're just wondering." Gold eyes meet mine with a sigh. "It's just… I have a bad feeling."
A bad feeling?
I stay silent as my dad materializes a bright orange stone. Is that a crystal? An orange glowing crystal… huh…
"Honey, remember when you asked us what a fated calamity is?"
I blink as my eyes widen. "You're finally going to tell me? It's about time! I've been looking through the scrolls yet I couldn't find anything about it."
And believe me. I was very looking. I even dug up the world's history yet nothing. Nothing came up.
My parents nod as they rise from their thrones. "Astrana," They walk up to me with serious faces. "You must promise us that the things we tell you today will not leave this room under any circumstances."
Huh?
My mom waves an arm to place a barrier around the room as our gold eyes meet. A hand touch mine with a nod. "Honey, the things we tell you today. You must never share with your friends or anyone outside of the royal family, alright?"
I blink at them. "Why?"
"If this information gets leaked to the public," He shakes his head letting out a breath. "Let's just say it will be bad for us."
Its that serious? My eyes drift between my parents. Is it someone's death? A taboo subject? A weapon that can annihilate all beings in this world? The secret to ending Barian World?
An orange glow catches my gaze once again as I bite my lip. "Does Astral already know about this?"
"Yes. Him and his wife already know."
No wonder…
(Flash):
"Your test of life stone is in effect." My father's voice rings throughout the room as I raise a brow.
(Flash)
"What can be so serious that I can't tell my friends?" I ask after a few minutes. "Surely it's not so bad to-"
"Astrana," A tingle goes down my spine. "We're being serious. If you tell anyone outside of the royal family, Maria, Derek, Brandon, Star, Estrella, Katherine, Zach, or anyone else, we'll be in deep trouble."
Woah… so it's major seriousness.
I glance at the crystal once more then to my parents. Well… "Okay, I promise not to tell anyone about what goes on in this room today." If it's that important then there must be a reason why it can't be public.
Liliana's POV:
"Oh come on!" I throw my hands up in the air looking into his brown eyes. "At least tell me that he's okay!"
He kneels in front of me with his head to the ground. "Your Highness, please don't put me in a difficult position." His fingers interlock in front of him. "I cannot utter a word about His Highness's medical status."
"I know you took an oath but please," My voice catches in my throat. "Is he okay at least?"
"Princess Consort, I can't-"
"That's all I want to know." My eyes meet his. "Please Nistro." I take hold of his hands as his eyes widen. "He's my husband."
…
…
…
A sigh rings throughout the room as he shuts his eyes. "Your Highness, I…"
"I beg you." I drop down to his level. "You know about his mental state the best. Tell me, is he okay? Is he better? What can I do to help him?"
"His Highness's mental state is fine-"
"I know about the pills you gave him."
"Y-Your Highness-"
"Tell me Nistro," I grip his hands tighter. "Please."
A conflicted expression flashes on his face. "I… Your Highness, please forgive me."
I grit my teeth as a surge of anger builds from my stomach. Can he not disclose anything?! The nerve of this guy is unbelievable!
"You honestly can't tell me?" My voice cracks as he places his head on the ground.
"I apologize."
I knew it was a long shot. Even without the medical oath, he'll probably wouldn't reveal anything to me. My heart clenches as I look at the carpet. But…
"Your Highness," A hand reaches in front of me. "Don't worry, although I can't tell you about his condition," I take his hand to rise to his level. "He'll be fine."
Hope blooms in my chest as I grip his hands tightly. "Really? He's okay?"
Was I overthinking again? Maybe it's not that serious to begin with.
A smile smile curves on his lips. "Yes. Even if he's not at his best at the moment, he'll bounce back like he always has."
(Creek)
"Am I… interrupting something?" A figure walks in the door as his mismatched eyes meet mine. Shouldn't he be hanging with Katherine? Why bother to come here at all?
The guy holding my hand immediately bows. "Greetings, Your Highness,"
He waves an arm as the physician nods and slowly shuts the door leaving us in silence. The clock ticks as we lock gazes with each other.
"Why are you in my office?"
I fold my arms across my chest. "Why would you ask that? Am I not allowed in here?"
"You know very well that my office is off limits." He responds as he walks to his drawer opening it and taking a folder out.
"Even to your wife?"
"Yes." He shuts the drawer with a slam. "From now on, you're not allowed in here without my permission."
"Ha," I roll my eyes. "Since when do I follow your rules?"
"It's my office. I make the rules and you have to abide by them." My husband glances at me as my eyes narrow.
Excuse me?! He did not just say that.
"Who do you think I am?" I place my hands on my hips with a glare.
"My Princess Consort."
"Yeah and that means we are equal in status." I state as he flip through his files not paying attention to me. "You have no power over me so I can come in your office whenever I like."
"Mhm, sure." His index and thumb rubs his eyes as he places the file back in the drawer.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He looks up at me blinking. "I'm just agreeing with you."
"Sure doesn't sound like it."
"There you go with your overthinking again." A mutter rings through my ears as he lets out a breathe shaking his head. "Honestly I don't know what you have against me."
I should be asking you that question!
"What do you have against me?" I raise a brow as the guy across from me defaults to his neutral expression. "Seriously, did I do something wrong?"
He stays quiet as I bite the inside of my cheek. Did I do something to upset him or is he just in one of his moods again? "If I did, tell me. I'll gladly change whatever I'm doing."
"You overreacted."
"You dare-" I take a breath to steady myself shutting my eyes for a moment. Calm down, Lily. Keep it together. He isn't at his best right now. No point in provoking him further. It's time to end this meaningless argument.
"I apologize for my behavior." Argh! Why do I sound so robotic?! Am I turning into my husband now? "I shouldn't have kicked you out of the room like that." Ay ya! What is the matter with me? Why am I like this? Stop speaking so formally!
The guy in front of me blinks with a nod. "Ok."
Ok? I just gave a heartfelt apology... no. Scratch that. That was anything but heartfelt. That was the most generic apology yet. I was lucky he didn't get angry.
"If you excuse me," He walks to the door. "I have somewhere to be."
That's it? All he said was ok.
"Wait."
He halts glancing back at me. "Is something the matter?"
"That's all you're going to say?"
"Was there something wrong with what I said?" He counters staring at the door as my eyes blink at his figure.
Huh… I guess not but I was expecting something more than ok.
"You still didn't answer my question," A voice rings out a moment later. "Why were you in here in the first place?"
My lips purse into a thin line. Hm… "Do I need to tell you everything?" Sorry.
"I just find it odd that's all." Gold and silver eyes meet mine. "Usually by this time of day, you would be hanging out with your friend."
"It just so happens that he's busy today." I cross my arms staring at him. "And I had something I wanted to do."
"What can you possibly do in my office?" His eyes roll with a scoff.
"Don't underestimate me so much," My eyes narrow as he sports an impassive expression. "Shouldn't you be with Katherine? Why are you here of all places?"
The one in front of me shrugs. "I don't have to tell you everything."
"Those are my words. You can't use them against me."
"Oh yeah?" A smirk crosses his lips. "Says who?"
Is he trying to provoke me again?! No… calm yourself. Take deep breaths. In and out.
"Says me." I respond after a minute as I let out a long sigh. Time to end this farce. "Astral, can we talk?"
My husband raises an eyebrow while crossing his arms yet again. "We're talking right now."
Very funny.
"No. What I mean is," My hands gesture to the couch. "Let's sit and talk things through."
"Why?"
Is he really asking me that? Why do I get the feeling that he doesn't want to end this meaningless argument?
"Don't you think this has been going on for too long?" I tilt my head a bit sideways. "It's been two weeks."
The man in front of me blinks blankly. "So?"
What's with that reaction?! I'm trying my best to resolve this situation but he's not even making the effort! What kind of husband is that?
"I know you're busy." I try again as my feet approach him. "But give me ten minutes of your time."
"I really have to leave-"
"Please," My hand grasp his. "I just want ten minutes of your time."
He glances at the clock then back to me. "Now really isn't a good time for this," A hand takes my hand off his.
"I just want a few minutes of your time." My teeth clenches as I bite the inside of my cheek. "Is that too much of an offer?"
"I promise we'll talk later but," The door swings open with a wave of a hand. "I've got to go."
Seriously?! What's so important anyway? I'm his wife but he doesn't pay any attention to me. Is this how being a wife supposed to be? I highly doubt it.
"I only want a few minutes!" I shout as he approaches the doorway. "Can you not even spare me that much?"
My husband stops as I stare at his figure. My vision wavers a bit as a piercing headache courses through my brain. Ow! Why am I getting so many headaches today? Am I coming down with something? A cold maybe?
"You always do this." I gulp as my mouth goes dry. "Communication is key, Astral. In order to understand one another we have to talk."
"And I will," He responds after a moment of silence. "Just not now."
My fists clench. "Then when? What is so important that you can't give me ten minutes of your time for?" Is he just avoiding me or does he really have an event he has to get to?
The man in front of me stays quiet as my arms wrap around his waist leaning my head against his back. "Honey," I lower my voice as I shut my eyes. "Why have you been so distant lately?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"It's not because of that meaningless argument, right?" I ask with a gulp. "If that's the case, I'm sorry. It was my fault for overreacting and kicking you out the room."
These pregnancy hormones are going haywire. If only I could control them… perhaps then I wouldn't be so sensitive it get angry at the slightest jest. Or… My eyes widen. He's being distant because of her… haha… of course. Why didn't I recognize it sooner? She's still on his mind.
A pair of hands remove mine from his waist. "This has nothing to do with you." He gently loosens my grip with a whisper.
"Then what is it?" I ask tightening my arms. "Tell me."
"Just leave me alone for the time being."
Fingers pry my arms from his waist as he slams the door shut.
Leave him alone? Isn't that what I have been doing for the last 14 days? The endless ticking from the clock irks me to no end as my chest pounds against my rib cage. No way is that happening again. Why won't you just talk to me like you used to? What changed?
Zach's POV:
"Excuse me but may I speak to the physician real quick?"
A boy around the age of 16 looks up at me then looks at the computer in front of him. "Do you have an appointment?"
"Uh no but I just have a few questions to ask the doctor." I respond after a moment as he raises a brow.
"Sir," His arms fold across his chest giving me a look. "You do know our physician is very busy, right?"
"Of course but I'm-"
"Zachary?" A masculine voice rings out as my eyes turn to him. A guy in his 20s wearing a white coat walks into the room blinking. "Why isn't this a pleasant surprise."
"Jacob." My eyes lock with his. "Long time no see."
He pulls out a chair from a table gesturing me to sit. "Indeed." A sigh radiates from his lips as he sits across from me. "The last time we met, we ended our session with a sour note."
Oh yeah… I bite my lip. Well I'm out of options. He's the only physician/therapist who doesn't work for the royal family.
"Tell me," His legs cross as he sips his water. "What brings you to my office?"
"I have a question."
"Go on."
"Do you know what Ativan is?"
The guy in front of me blinks leaning forward clasping his hands together. "Why do you ask?"
What should I say? I can't say the Prince is taking them.
"I'm…" My lips purse as his eyes narrow. "I'm just curious."
"You're a horrible liar." He rolls his eyes. "Tell me the real reason why you're asking about that medicine."
Darn my lying abilities! Um…
"Fine." Here goes nothing. Sorry Astral but after seeing you like that… "I have a friend who has been on it." I start as he takes out a notepad with a nod. "And…"
"And?"
Forgive me, my friend.
"Is that medication addictive?"
"What made you think that?" A voice rings out after a few minutes as his face turns serious. "Has your friend displayed any symptoms?"
"Well…" Should I be sharing this though? After all, it's his medical history and-
"What are their symptoms?" He asks again snapping me from my thoughts. "If you have reason to believe your friend is addicted to that medication, it's important for me to know what the symptoms are."
Star's POV:
"What am I supposed to do?" A mutter rings throughout my ears as my friend walks back and forth in front of me for the last ten minutes. Why is he here?
"Brandon, can you stop pacing?" I rub my temples as my friend looks at me. "It's giving me a headache."
Blue eyes meet mine as he plops on the bed next to me. "How can I possibly not worry about this?"
"It's their problem. Let them handle it."
"Argh!" His hand clutch the sides of his head as he lets out a frustrated growl. "What is with them and arguments all the time? They were never like this before. So why now?"
It does bother me a bit though…
(Flash):
"Yup! And you love mommy too, right daddy?"
My friend seems to be caught off guard with that question as he blinks at his daughter blankly. "What did you say?"
"You love mommy right?"
He sports a neutral expression as his eyes drift over to the lotuses once again and linger there for a few minutes.
"Dada?"
His eyes then shifts to the lilies on their other side of the pond.
"I like lotuses more." A whisper escapes his lips as we blink.
(Flash)
The fact that he said that…
"Perhaps…" I bite the inside of my lip. "It's because of-"
"Katherine." The guy next to me sits up with his eyes narrow. "Since she came into the picture, he's been more… unlike himself."
Not where I was going but alright.
"Brandon, trust me, there is no way he's-"
"I know that." His hand clasp on his lap with a soft sigh. "But why is he acting so odd lately? He's becoming more distant with us."
"Maybe he just need some alone time."
Considering how introverted he is, that's a guarantee.
"I… perhaps but-"
"Hey," My green eyes meet his blue eyes. "I thought I told you to stop worrying about them."
"How can you expect me to-"
"There's a limit to what we can do as friends, Brandon." His eyes widen. "This is between Astral and Lily. Don't get carried away with your emotions."
"I…" He pauses a second. "But how am I supposed to not worry?" His hand runs through his hair. "He's barely making any time for her or his daughter anymore. He spends most of his days with Katherine not to mention his behavior. And this whole thing about the divorce papers-"
(Slam)
We jump at the sudden noise as my dark haired friend enters the room. Uh-oh…
"What's this about divorce papers?"
The room is silent as the being next to me gulps fidgeting his fingers. She heard. I knew I should've locked the door!
Relax. I'll simply play it off.
"Lily," My lips strain a smile. "What are you doing here?"
I nudge my blond haired friend as he snaps from his shock letting out a laugh. "Yea, um, did you curl your hair? It looks nice!"
Really? That's the best he could come up with?
"Why thanks Brandon!" Her fingers touch her loose waves a bit with a smile. "You know I… Hey!" Her happy demeanor changes into an angry one as her purple eyes narrow. "Don't change the subject."
"What subject?" An awkward laugh rings through my ears as I give him a deadpan expression. Why doesn't this guy know how to lie and improvise? I got to teach him some pointers or else he'll never get through this world.
A pair of arms cross over her chest as she shifts the weight of her being onto her right leg. "Brandon, Star, what is this about divorce papers?"
"What?" A chuckle radiates next to me. "D-Divorce papers? W-Who told you that?"
Wow… this is just sad.
Piercing eyes stare at us with an expectant gaze. "You're not fooling anyone. What did you two mean by divorce papers?"
"I… um… d-did we say divorce? No!" He waves a hand while his blue eyes shifts around the room. "You misheard-"
"Give it a rest already will you?" I slowly shake my head. "She heard us so no need to keep embarrassing yourself."
"Now," My eyes drift to hers. "What did you mean by divorce papers?"
Why didn't I lock the door? Ahhhh! What should I do? What can I do? I look to my right as he looks at me with a conflicted expression. "Um…"
"We are under no obligation to tell you." He stares straight into her gaze.
A smirk flashes on her face. "It's meaningless anyway," She looks at her nails with a hint of boredom. "I already know."
She does?
"You do?" We blink as her head nods.
"He's divorcing me, isn't he?"
How does she…
"No!" I shout waving my arms in front. "We were just talking. He's not actually going to-"
"Star," An emotionless expression etched in her face. "No need to make excuses. It's not like I haven't been preparing for this."
The being next to me snaps from his stupor as he shoots up like a rocket grabbing her arm. "No. You misunderstand." His eyes meet hers. "True, he has the divorce papers but he hasn't-"
"Brandon," A twitch of her lips curve upward as a hand lays on top of his. "You're a good friend." Purple eyes meet mine. "You both are."
We got to fix this ASAP! Where's Astral when you need him?!