Astral's POV:
The sun shines as my eyes wince. Did someone forget to close the curtains? I roll to the side feeling something warm and soft against my body. Huh… this is such a warm pillow.
"Are you awake?"
Hm?
I pull the pillow closer letting out a breath. "Let me sleep for a few more minutes." I mutter as fingers run through my hair gently.
Because of a certain someone, I haven't managed to get a good nights rest in awhile. I have to work on that.
…
…
…
Wait a minute… My eyes widen as a thought flashes into my head. Pillows don't speak. And if they were to talk, why would it sound so feminine? Don't tell me…
"Oh? You're up? I thought you said you were going to rest for a few more minutes."
Her voice rings through my ears as my face drains of all color. Oh no… that voice… don't tell me that I…
My feet shoots up like a rocket and out from her embrace. A pounding sensation rams into my head as I hiss clutching the bed frame. What is with this splitting headache?
"Careful." A hand stabilizes me as I wince. She pours me a cup of water. "Here, drink up."
"Where are we? What were we sleeping on the same bed?" And what is with this headache? The last time I felt like this was when I got hungover at… no…
She blinks placing the water down on the table with a frown. "You honestly don't remember anything from last night?"
My heart stops dead in its tracks as I grip the table tightly. What did I do? Did I drink alcohol? Did I do something I wasn't supposed to? Oh no… A pit of dread builds in my stomach. The fact that she's standing with her undergarments on… did I really… damn it!
I slowly lower myself into a chair with a groan. My hands cover my face shutting my eyes. No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! This cannot be happening right now! There's no possible way that I could've slept with her. No way…
"Katherine," My throat tightens as I gulp. "Last night… did we…"
Please say no. Please say no!
"You regretted it, right?"
That means…
A sniffle comes from the woman standing in front of me. "I knew it. D-Don't worry. I'll leave if that's what you want."
"No!" My head snaps from my hands as I grip her wrist. "Don't go."
If she leaves and word gets out about this, my entire life will be ruined. Not to mention I won't be able to coax any information from her.
My eyes meet hers. "Don't leave."
"Astral?"
I bite the inside of my cheek. Since it has come to this…
"Does this mean you don't…" Purple eyes stare into mine hopefully as I let out a breath.
"You must know I have a wife," I said after a few minutes as she looks towards the floor. "If word gets out, I think you'll know what will happen."
"I know," Her lips curve into a frown. "And I promise, this will stay between the two of us. A third person will not know about this."
She blinks as tears prickle the corner of her eyes. "I…" She sniffles wiping her cheeks as tears continue to drip onto the floor. "I-I'm sorry. I-I (hic) I…"
Well, this is also my fault.
I rise from the chair and pull her body into mine. A gasp escapes her lips as her arms wrap around my neck. "I'm sorry."
My hands pat her back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-Mph!"
Pink lips slams into mine making my eyes widen. What? The woman in front of me parts as I blink at her. "Katherine… I…"
"Astral," Her hands begin roaming my chest as I clench my fist.
"Stop." My hands hold hers. "I have a wife."
"It could be our little secret." A smirk crosses her lips as my lips purse.
"Katie," I stop her from kissing me once more. "I'm very sorry this happened but-"
"You should be sorry." A mutter escapes her mouth. "What am I supposed to do now? Huh? Tell me!"
There's no other way.
"I'll make it up to you." Her head lays on my chest. "I will definitely take responsibility."
The only question is how? How can I? It's not like I can… Lily would kill me for sure if she ever finds out about this. Argh! Why did I drink anyway? I can't seem to remember anything from last night.
(Pulse)
I wince as a throbbing pain hits my temples. Ow! I don't remember being in this much pain the last time I drunk. Ow…
Derek's POV:
"And where on earth have you two been all night?"
A voice booms throughout the room as my friend winces covering his ears a bit. "Must you be so loud?"
The woman next to him bites her lip looking down towards the floor. "Your Majesty, I-"
"Where we were is none of your business." He cuts her off holding her hand tightly.
The king narrows his eyes. "Oh really? You left your wife and daughter at home and spent the night out with another girl." Green and red eyes shift to the purpled-haired woman next to his son as she flinches. "I think that's reasonable enough for me to suspect something is up."
Hm… I lean closer to the guy next to me. "Brandon, where did you think they went?"
He shrugs. "Beats me but after this, I'm going to give him a lecture. I can't believe he spent the night out and with another lady of all things! Did he forget he's married?"
Hm… My friend rolls his eyes at his father. "I'm an adult. I don't have to tell you where I went."
Oh… this isn't good. If the king is anything like my father… I gulp as I pull my friend back a few steps. It was nice knowing you, Astral.
"Excuse me?" His left eye twitches. Here it comes. "You're an adult now huh? Well, why are you still living under my roof? Why am I the one still paying and handling your necessities? Why are the royal cooks feeding you using my money? Huh? Answer me." He snaps at him as gold and silver eyes blink.
Still better than my father. If I speak to him like he did, I probably wouldn't be able to see the light of day or even worse… the slipper would come into play!
"Because I'm The Prince."
"Exactly. You are The Prince. You are my son so I have authority over you no matter how old you get."
Green and red eyes bore into gold and silvers. "Answer my question son. Where were you two. Did you forget you have a wife and daughter? What would the people think if they found out you spent the night outside with-"
"With all due respect father," My friend interrupts him with an emotionless expression. "I know that I'm married." He holds up his left hand showing his ring. "You don't have to remind me of that fact. Also," His eyes drift to the woman next to him. "Katherine and I had some things to discuss. It was too late to return to the palace so we rented a space to rest. Isn't that correct?"
A head nods rapidly. "Y-Yes, Your Majesty. Nothing happened between us."
They had something to discuss? Why go outside? Couldn't they just discuss it in private somewhere in the palace? And… it was too late? The palace guards are on duty 24/7 so there's always someone to let them in. Also, he's The Prince. He can just walk in. Something doesn't add up here…
"Daddy!" A high pitched voice yells out from the top of the stairs. "You're back!"
The young princess slams into her father's legs with a smile. "I missed you very much."
My friend blinks as his lips curve upwards a bit. "What have you been up to?"
"Looking after mommy." Her purple eyes look up at his gold and silvers. "She's sick."
My eyes widen as I look at the guy next to me. "Lily's ill?"
He shrugs. "Apparently."
"But she was just fine yesterday."
My friend shrugs yet again as my eyes drift towards the king. "See? While you were away, your wife is ill and you had no idea."
When he puts it that way… I glance at my friend who stares at his daughter raising a brow. "But wasn't she just fine yesterday? How can she get sick so fast?"
"Seriously?" The guy next to me chimes in. "You're her husband and you ask that?"
"Daddy," A hand tugs his as she holds a tiny pout. "Mommy is sick."
Her father lets out a breath. "Alight. Take me to her."
What's with him? I expect more concern.
The guy next to me let's out a scoff waving a hand. "Some husband he is."
"Brandon," My lips curve downwards. "You shouldn't say that. He's not really himself right now. I'm pretty sure if we give him some time, he'll-"
"Ow!"
A yelp rings throughout the room as the purpled haired woman hisses holding her arm. My friend's expression immediately switches to concern as he stares at her.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm fine." She winced a bit with a smile. "Don't worry about it."
His eyes narrow as she gulps with a sigh. "Fine. I accidentally twisted my arm yesterday and now it hurts. Happy?"
"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" He shakes his head gently holding her arm. "I think there's ice in the-"
"Daddy," His child tugs on his pant leg again.
"Not now." His eyes meet hers once more. "Anyway, the most important thing is to ice this to help it heal quicker. Here, let me-"
"Astral," The King interrupts his sentence clearly annoyed. "Didn't you hear your daughter? Your wife is ill."
"So?"
He's joking, right?
"Shouldn't you go see her?" He questions after a minute of staring at him in utter disbelief.
"The physician is there, right? Besides, what can I do to help?" My friend states as he turns to the woman next to him. "Katie twisted her arm and she needs someone by her side."
"How could you-Mph!"
My hand slams his mouth shut with a breath. "Brandon, calm down. I wouldn't interfere with this if I were you."
He tosses my hand off with a grunt. "Why? Have you seen the way he's been acting these last few days? It's like he's becoming an entirely different being!"
"Still," My eyes drift between the king and his son. "This is a family matter. We shouldn't interfere."
But what he says is true… even if he is not in a good state… this is too drastic of a change. He's acting as if he doesn't care for her anymore.
Zach's POV:
"Will she be okay?" I ask the physician as the being on the bed sighs. Her eyes roll with a head shake.
"Oh would you all quit worrying? I just fainted that's all." My friend's arm crosses over her chest. "It's not like I'm diagnosed with a life the disease or anything."
"Hey!" A voice shouts next to me as her gold eyes narrow. "How many times do I have to say it? Stop saying unlucky things!"
"She's right, Lily. In pregnancy, the littlest of illnesses can have a huge impact on your overall health." The Queen states as her daughter nods. "I remembered when I was carrying Astral and Astrana, I had a cold that lasted approximately a month."
That long? I guess bearing a child takes a lot from a woman.
"Speaking of which," Her golden eyes drift towards her daughter. "Where's your brother?"
"Oh, he's probably-"
(Creek)
"He's with Katherine." My friend with green eyes and white hair enters the room as she curtesy to the queen. "I just passed him and His Majesty arguing with each other in the halls."
Sighs ring throughout the room as his mother gently smacks her forehead. "This son of mine,"
"Does he know she fainted?" Hazel eyes meet mine as I shrug.
"Probably." After all, why else would he be arguing with his father?
"Don't you worry Lily, I'lll drag him to this room if I have to."
My friend on the bed giggles a bit sipping a cup of water. "That's very kind of you, Astrana but if he doesn't want to it's no use in dragging him here."
"But he's your husband." My eyes widen as she looks towards her lap. "What kind husband doesn't want to see his ill wife?"
Purple eyes blink as her fingers grip the glass cup tightly. What's with that reaction? She mutters something beneath her breath as my friend and I look at each other. Huh…
"Honey," The Queen clears her throat after a few minutes of silence as purple eyes meet hers. "Tell me the truth, what has been going on between the two of you lately?"
"It's nothing, mother."
"Nothing?" She raises an eyebrow with a smile. "Sure doesn't seem like it. Are you two still hung up about that argument?"
"No. That's resolved." My friend whispers turning her head to face a window. If that's resolved then what's the issue? Is it about Astraea?
(Flash):
"It sucks. All this time, I've been faking everything! My emotions, the smiles so they think I'm getting better, the teasing, the laughs, they were all fake." Tears stream uncontrollably down his face as my arms pull him into a tight hug.
(Flash)
A tear drips from her luminous eyes to the hand resting on her lap. We all glance at each other with concern as our eyes land on the woman on the bed. Just what is he trying to do? Are you trying to destroy this relationship as well, Astral?
Astrana's POV:
This brother of mine. My fist clenches as I briskly walk down the hall. What is he thinking prioritizing Katherine over his wife huh? Is he trying to destroy what he has built? Are the divorce rumors true?
"Ow,"
"It'll only be a second."
Wait… isn't that…
My ears perk up as I walk closer to a room. Huh… could they be in here?
"You know," A feminine voice speaks up after a brief moment of silence. "You should really visit your wife."
Do my ears deceive me? There's no way she actually said…
"Eh, I'll see her later. Right now, you're the one who's injured."
"Yes, but imagine what the others might think?" I slowly open the door a tiny bit to see my brother icing her arm as she sits on his lap. W-What the… "They might get the wrong idea."
"And what is this idea?"
"That you no longer care for her anymore."
He blinks at her letting out a chuckle. "Katie, you worry too much. They will not think that."
Oh?
"What makes you say that?"
"Firstly," His hand places the ice pack down on the table. "If physical affection determines how much a being cares for another, that wouldn't make any sense. A person could care for another without having any physical affection towards them. That includes me seeing her. If the amount of times I see her correlates to my affection towards her, these days it would be in the negatives."
Huh… he does have a point…
The woman on his lap nods slowly. "But still, shouldn't you see how she's doing? I mean, she fainted after all…"
"How many times do I have to say it?" A finger pokes her nose as her eyes widen. "You're my top priority."
"But-"
"She has everyone else and is being taken care of by the best physician in this world. That's more than I could ever do for her at the moment."
Brother… you… My eyes narrow as I clench the doorknob. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. To think such words can come from his mouth makes me so sick!
"Astral…" A smile curves on her lips as he returns it.
"Why look so surprised? You think I don't care about you?"
She shrugs. "Well…"
Gold and silver eyes narrow as he tickles her body causing a high pitched laugh echo within the room. "Hahahahaha!"
"H-Hey… hahahaha… stop i-it!"
Tears form within her eye sockets as he stops. His lips peck her cheek with a smirk. "That's what you get for thinking that."
"Mhm," A whine escapes her lips as her arms wrap around his neck. "It's not like I could tell from your stoic expression."
"Eh, true." My brother places a hand on her thigh as my eyes widen. "But you should already know how much I love you."
W-What?!
Their lips are inches apart as my heart races. This is not happening. This is definitely not happening! I… what can I do? I must do something at once!
He freezes glancing towards the door for a minute as I cover my mouth. Did I get found out? Am I going to die? This is usually what happens in movies. The accidental witness witnesses something she wasn't meant to see then she dies painfully!
"Astral?"
"Ah," He glances back at her rubbing his eyes a bit. "My bad. I thought I sensed someone at the door."
Oh thank heavens! Oh my god. I dodged a bullet. Whew!
My fingers shut the door with a squeak as my legs collapse on the ground below me. Please tell me I didn't just see that. I slide my hand down my face with a sigh. What do I do? Should I tell my sister-in-law or should I keep this to myself and act as if I never saw this?
Astral's POV:
Evening:
"Waltari," I look up from the stacks of papers on my desk as he shuts the door to my office.
"Yes?"
"How's everything on your end?"
"I managed to locate a witness that can help prove his innocence or in this case, lighten the punishment." His fingers interlock with a bow. "I have made arrangements with her and she agreed to testify during his trial."
"Perfect and did you find the note?"
He nods and takes out a plastic bag with a slip of paper in it. "Yes. I didn't want to contaminate it with my fingerprints in case the lab needs to analyze this. Hopefully you won't mind."
My eyes scan over the letter with a smile. "No need to apologize. That's exactly what I would've done. Good job."
Even if her father denies writing this, fingerprints don't lie. And considering he hand wrote this, his DNA will be all over this.
"Oh, and have you figured anything about Katherine's plan?"
He blinks and looks down towards the ground. "I… please forgive me, Master."
I knew it was a long shot.
"No need to worry." I stick the bag in a safe. "Edward is a cunning man. There's no way it'll be easy to find out his weakness. Don't be too hard on yourself."
The guy in front of me nods as my eyes drift back to my file. Hm… but this can't go on forever. I need to find some way to know something about him. Anything would do.
"Master, if I may be so bold?"
"Go ahead."
"I think you should visit Mistress."
I knew he was going to propose that sooner or later.
"It's just I-"
"My relationship with her is none of your concern."
He bows yet again. "I know but I heard Her Highness fainted today. I'm a bit concerned so if I may," His lips purse as he takes a breath. "May I see her?"
This late? I glance at the clock as the big hand strikes nine. Actually… it's not as late as I thought.
"Of course," I wave a hand as he beams. "From now on, visit her as much as you like. No need to ask for my permission."
"Really? Thank you, Your Highness!"
I raise an eyebrow as I lean back on my chair. "Why do I get the feeling you like my wife more than me?"
His brown eyes widen with a giggle. "Oh Master, no need to be jealous. No one can replace you."
My head shakes letting out a minuscule smile. "Alright alright. Go."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
(Creek)
This Waltari… I let out a chuckle snapping my fingers. "I spoil him too much."
"Daddy," My eyes widen as a young girl stands in the doorway wearing a pink nightgown. Her hands rubs her eyes with a yawn. "May I come in?"
Shouldn't she be asleep? What is she doing up this late?
"Melody," I blink as she yawns again. "Of course you can enter but shouldn't you be asleep?"
Her figure trudges on the carpet as her stuffed dragon trails behind her. "I can't sleep."
She cannot sleep?
A tiny body climbs onto my lap, straddling it, hugging my chest tightly along with her stuffed animal. "Daddy, do you not love me anymore?"
My eyes widen. What? What is this about me not loving her? Why would she think such a thing?
"I know you are busy but yesterday I really wanted you to spend time with me and mommy." A whimper escapes her lips as I can see tears prickling her eyes. "I'm sorry if I made you mad."
Oh…
(Flash):
"You're a liar, daddy! I hate you!"
(Flash)
I deserved it though. And here I was thinking that she hates me.
"Who said I was angry?" I ask after a moment as I dry her tears with my thumbs.
"Y-You're not?"
"I'm not."
In fact, I can't feel much of anything lately besides the occasional annoyance and I guess love and happiness but not to the extent of what it was before.
"S-So you don't h-hate me?" Large eyes look up at me as a hiccup comes from her delicate lips.
"Of course not." My arms pull her in tighter. "How can I hate my own daughter?"
"Daddy," A whimper rings out as she hugs me tighter.
I pat her back with a soft sigh. Perhaps I'm neglecting her too much. It wouldn't hurt to give her attention, right? I mean, she's a toddler after all.
"Ok. Ok." I soothe as my lips touch her head. "I'm sorry about neglecting you." Purple eyes stare into mine. "Can you forgive me?"
My daughter's head nods. "I'l always forgive you, daddy!" Her brows furrow a moment later as a perplexed expression crosses her face. "But I do have a question though."
"What about, my little Angel?"
I reposition her so that she sits sideways on my lap instead of straddling my legs. She blinks as I carefully touch her legs but shrugs. "Do you not love mommy anymore?"
What? Why would she assume that?
"Has she said anything to you?" I ask a minute later as she shakes her head.
"No but she's been sad recently." Her lips curve into a frown. "Do you like Lady Katherine more than mommy?"
"What?" A chuckle escapes my lips. How did she figure it out?! "Snowflake, why would you assume such a thing?"
"Because you and her go outside a lot."
"Just because we go outside a lot doesn't mean-"
"And you are spending more time with her." She interrupts me as I shut my mouth. "Why would you not spend time with mommy and me but rather spend time with her if you don't like her?"
Are kids really this observant? Huh… she reminds me of myself at this age. More importantly, what should I say? I promised Lily that she wouldn't know about the divorce… and it's not like I can say the truth either…
My lips tug upwards. "Melody, your mother and I are totally fine." I respond after a momenta's she frowns. "As for Katherine, she's just a friend."
"But it doesn't look like you and mommy are fine." Purple eyes drift to her dragon as her lips purse. "Do you not love mommy anymore?"
"Honey,"
"Do you love mommy?" Her sparkling eyes lock onto mine as I glance around the room. "That's all I want to know."
Hm… you can never be too cautious… right? I checked this room and it looks like she hasn't placed any wiretaps but…
"Yes, Of course I still love her." Even if there are wiretaps, which I don't think there are or else everything I discussed with Waltari in these last few weeks will be leaked, I could justify my words as a motive to comfort my daughter. I'm pretty sure she understands where I'm coming from. Besides, "How could I not care for her?" It's the truth.
The girl in my lap blinks with a head tilt. "Really?"
My fingers run through her blue and black hair. "Yes,"
"But you like Lady Katherine as well, right?"
"She's just a friend, Melody." If I could even refer to her as a friend at this point. "Lily, your mother, is my wife. Katherine is my friend. I love and care for your mother more than my friend."
"But you still like Lady Katherine." A pout forms on her lips as her arms fold over her chest.
She must really not like her.
"I don't get it," I stare after a moment as she repositions herself so that she is straddling my legs once more. Tiny arms wrap around my stomach. "Katherine has been nothing but nice to you ever since she came here. What do you have against her?"
"I don't like her."
"But why?"
Purple eyes look at mine. "Because she's not nice."
"How?"
"She's taking you away from mommy and me so she's not nice!"
I thought that was the reason.
A laugh escapes my lips as I slowly shake my head. "Was that why you were so concerned these few weeks?" My daughter nods as I pull her closer to me. "Oh sweetheart, this isn't something you need to worry about. I love your mother and that is a fact. That love will never change." Whether she decides to sign the papers or not is up to her but even if we end up divorcing, it doesn't mean I will stop caring and loving her.
A whimper escapes her lips as she presses her head against my body. "But mommy and you are arguing."
"Regardless of that," My hands cup her face as bright eyes stare back at me. "I will always love you. You understand?"
She nods as I wipe away her tears. "I don't care what happens between your mother and me. Whether we end up not living together or talking to each other ever again." Her eyes widen as I say that. "It doesn't matter because whatever happens in the future, I will never and I mean never stop loving you."
A sniffle ring through my ears as she blinks the tears away. "Y-You promise?"
I lay my hand on top of her head with a nod. "Yes. Whatever happens, your mother and I love you very much, Melody."
Her body curls into mine as I pull her closer. Something stirs within my chest as my hands grip onto her back firmly. This warm feeling… Ii haven't felt this in such a long time. Can this child be the key to defeat my numbness? It's not like I can't feel anything. It's more like my feelings are muted.
"Daddy,"
"Hm?"
She stays silent for a moment. Her arms wrap tightly around my body. "Mommy misses you."
Of course she would say that. My heart clenches. But if I see her during this time, I'm afraid. If I see her… my resolve will waver and I might end up never being able to let her go again.
I…
"I know, honey." A curve flashes on my lips. "Don't worry, when I have time, I'll see her."
"Why not now?"
"Well-"
(Knock)(Knock)
"Enter."
A guy with grey hair enters as his eyes widen. "I apologize for the intrusion, Your Highness, Young Princess."
"It's alright." I wave an arm to signal him to rise. "Was there anything you need?"
"Ah yes," He clears his throat as he glances at the girl on my lap then towards me.
"It's fine. Just say it."
He nods. "Master, Mistress currently has a fever."
"What?" My eyes widen as I look down at the girl on my lap then back to him. "Is anyone with her right now?"
"Her Royal Highness was tending to her for quite some time now but…"
Meaning she's suffering with a fever alone. Great.
"Don't worry though," He beams. "Isabella, her maid, is taking care of Her Highness quite well."
That's reassuring but…
"Daddy," A tug on my hand makes me look down into purple eyes. "You're supposed to take care of mommy."
I raise an eyebrow. "Why would you say that?"
"Because in the shows I watched, the man always takes care of the woman when she's sick." Her lips curve downwards. "Are you saying you don't want to take care of mommy?"
…
Well…
A giggle rings throughout my ears as I poke her forehead. "I never said that and it's way past your bedtime."
"I want you to tuck me in!"
"I don't know," Her lips curve into a pout as I glance at the clock. "It's getting really late so-"
"Please daddy?" Cute puppy dog eyes stare into mine with a light swing of my arm. I should've known she mastered the art of cuteness.
A breath escapes my lips as I rise from my chair. My arms hold her body firmly as she lays her head in my chest. "How could I ever say no to you?"
"Yay!"