Brandon's POV:
(Cough)(Cough)(Cough)
"Lily!" I walk through the door rushing to her side. "Are you insane? What are you doing up? You have a fever!"
My friend's breathing labors as I guide her back to the bed. Sweat drips down her face as she shivers violently against my chest. And here I thought Astrana was exaggerating. I move the blanket to cover more of her body as teeth clatter against one another.
"How did you catch this fever anyway?"
A weak shrug comes from my friend as she hunched over coughing yet again. It's worse than I thought. She's practically a ghost at this point!
"Have you taken any medications?"
My hands rub her hands together as she nods. "Y-Yes."
"Which ones?"
"T-Tylenol."
Tylenol? Why not Motrin? Isn't that more effective in reducing a fever?
"Why not Motrin?"
"N-Not s-safe."
Not safe? How could it be not… oh.
"It's not safe for the baby right?"
My friend lets out a shaky nod once more as I lower her down onto the bed gripping her hand tightly. That figures. I glance around the room raising an eyebrow. Why is she all alone? Where are the maids?
"Why is no one taking care of you?" My hands readjust the blanket to cover her body as she sneezes violently.
"I-I," (Cough). She sniffles reaching for the tissue box on the bed. "I don't want them to get sick as well."
"You," A breath escapes my lips. "Worry about yourself! You honestly look as if you're going to pass out."
Seriously? She's in this condition yet she's concerned about other people?
(Cough)
The woman in front of me hunches over coughing into her elbow as I pat her back biting the inside of my cheek. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You can l-leave."
My eyes widen at her words. "No way!"
Her eyes start to shut. "I don't want to get you-"
"I'm staying." My arms fold over my chest. "There's nothing you can do about it."
"Why do you insist on-"
"Because we're friends and friends care for one another." I walk to the table to pour her a glass of water. "That's more than what I can say for Astral."
I bet he didn't even visit her today. He's too preoccupied with Katherine. Not to say I don't understand what he's doing but seriously? His wife is sick! At least spare some time to see her.
Her lips curve into a frown as her hands hold the glass cup. "I appreciate it, Brandon. I really do but you know he's busy," Busy?! She lets out a sigh of defeat. "He shouldn't be bothered with something so trivial."
"Trivial?!" I stare at her in disbelief. "You're his wife! No matter how busy he may be, he should still make time to see you."
Purple eyes stare through the window. "Can we stop talking about him?"
There's something going on with them. Should I say that this is apart of his plan? Should I reveal it?
(Flash):
"Brandon, if you dare expose everything right now, she will be in more danger than she is now."
(Flash)
Choices, choices, choices… what should I do?
"Lily," My lips purse into a thin line. "I know he doesn't show it but he really loves-"
"Brandon," Purple eyes pierce mine. "I said not to speak about him."
Huh… alright then. If she doesn't want to know then… it is for her safety after all.
Liliana's POV:
This is the worst.
(Cough)
My lungs ache as a distaste lingers in my mouth. Sweat drips off my body as I shudder burrowing myself under the blankets. Why is it so hot but so cold all at the same time? Make up your mind, body! It's either hot or cold. Stop making me suffer like this!
I stare at the ceiling as light breathing radiates from the corner. I thought I told him to leave an hour ago. Why is he still here? My head shakes as my eyes snap shut. S-So c-cold…
My body trembles as I can feel myself getting warmer. A pair of arms wrap around me as my eyes shut tightly. What happened? Why am I suddenly so warm? "Mmm," Such a warm blanket.
Why don't I feel cold anymore? It's like a warm fire is embracing me. It's so… warm… My fingers clutch onto the being tightly as I can. Wait, is this even a being? A pulsing headache rams into my skull as a cough escapes my lips. Whatever. As long as this doesn't fade then I'm fine.
A warm hand touches my forehead gently as I groan, breathing heavily. Despite the warmth, I'm somewhat still cold.
My eyes shut tighter as something touches my lips. What is… "Come on," A gentle voice rings through my ears. "Take the pill."
Pill? What is this person… is this being trying to poison me?! I turn to head to the side as a sigh comes from the heater beside me. There's no way I'm taking unidentified drugs from a stranger.
"Be good and take the medicine." This being speaks again with a whisper. "It'll help with your illness."
It… will?
(Cough)(Cough)(Cough)(Cough)
Oh man! My breathing labors as my throat locks up. A radiating burning sensation spreads in my throat. Ow!
"Lily, come now." I feel a cold tablet press against the crease of my lips as I reluctantly open them. "I'm not going to harm you."
You better not.
(Clink)
My eyes shut tighter as my hands cover my ears letting out a groan. Everything is too loud. What is wrong with me? Why is the sickness worse than the other times?
"Ah," Something press against my lips once more. "This is water. It's good for you."
I lip my dry lips as a I slowly open my mouth carefully sipping the warm water. Oh my gosh… who knew water can taste so good! "Mmm,"
Who is this person? It's a guy judging by the tone of voice… A crack of light shines through my field of vision as I immediately close them again. Great. On top of this, I feel a migraine happening. Just my luck.
The weight of the bed shifts as my heart rate increases. No! "D-Don't l-leave!" My fingers grab his body as he stays silent. "Please don't leave."
"I'm not." I can feel a pair of arms laying me on the bed pulling the blanket to my shoulders. "I'll stay for as long as you wish."
Thank goodness.
My hand trembles as I grip his hand. "D-Don't go."
His hand pats mine. "Just rest," A soothing voice relaxes my body. "I'll be here."
Who are you? A jackhammer courses through my skull as I shut my eyes even tighter. No… I have to know who this person is. A click rings throughout the room as I slowly open my eyes blinking with blurry vision. Darn it! Why is my line of sight so blurry? Is this what I get for sleeping all day?
A blurry figure of a person makes it into my eyesight. I squint at the guy holding my hand. It's too dark to make anything out.
"W-Who… are… you?" I ask him in a whisper as another cough escapes my lips.
The guy doesn't respond and continues patting the back of my hand. "You need to sleep."
My eyes grow heavier by the second as he said that phrase. What the… My body relaxes as my breathing slows. This is…
A hand brush against my forehead as something leans against it. My nose perk up at the familiar scent as I try to open my eyes again. Come on! Why isn't my body obeying me? Open up, eyes!
"Sweet dreams,"
No…
No! I don't want to sleep. Just who is this being? His scent… it's so familiar yet I can't remember where I smelt it before…
Star's POV:
"I knew you would be here at this hour." My arms cross as I enter his office. He sits flipping through the pages in his book near the window.
"May I be of assistance?"
Really?
I walk closer to my friend as my hand pulls the book from his hands. Gold and silver eyes blink blankly staring into mine.
"You know it's considered rude to take other people's things, right?"
The moonlight shines through the window illuminating the side of his face making it glow a silvery tint. If it really is him…
The being in front of me lets out a soft breath. "Hey, did you need something?"
(Flash):
A young girl around the age of 7 comes face to face with a young boy with pale blue hair. His eyes sparkle with curiosity as his gaze wanders through the garden then setting on the girl before him.
"Who are you?" The girl ask as she cautiously approach him.
The boy's reaction suddenly switches. His eyes no longer sparkle but reverts to a serious demeanor. "I could ask you the same thing."
They look at each other blinking at a loss for words. A screeching noise echos within the girl's ears as she jumps stumbling toward a bit.
"Why Starley," A woman calls from the house as her emerald green eyes lands on the kid. "Who's your friend?"
"Friend?" She raises a brow and turns to him again. Gold and silver eyes pierce into her greens as her eyes widen.
(Flash)
I have to confirm my suspicions once and for all. This is driving me insane!
"Are those your real eyes?" I ask after a moment of staring.
The guy in front of me scoffs folding his legs elegantly over another. "Was that all you wished to ask me about?"
"Just answer the question. Are they your real eyes or are they just colored contacts?"
"After all this time," His head shakes a bit. "You don't know me?"
"Just answer the question!"
"Geez," His eyes slightly widen at my tone. "Yes. They are my real eyes. 100% real." He glances to the side. "No need to get so worked up."
That boy also had the same eyes… the same pale blue hair and eyes… is there such a coincidence?
My chest thumps within my rib cage as I bite the inside of my cheek. "Have you… ever been to Barian World?"
Barian World? I'm crazy. There's no way… but… that doesn't change the fact I saw that memory…
Once again he stares at me like I have two heads. "If you're interested about that, may I suggest my little sister. She spent her childhood in Barian World so she'll be able to provide you with that."
Hm… not a bad idea but…
My friend starts to get up from his chair as I place a hand on his shoulder pushing him down firmly. "We're not done talking."
"What's up with you today?" A chuckle escapes his lips. "You're usually not the aggressive type."
"I have a very important question to ask you."
He shrugs crossing his arms leaning back in the chair. "Go ahead."
How should I word this?
"You have never been to Barian World, right?"
"Never."
"You sure?" My eyes narrow into his. "What about when you were a kid? You've never crossed the border out of curiosity?"
His eyebrow raises. "Even if I did cross the border, why is it of relevance to you? Besides, I think I would be able to remember if that happened."
Right. He has photographic memory. And… should I tell him about my suspicions? That I hail from Barian? No no no no no. What am I thinking? This isn't like me. There's no way I'm from Barian. There's absolutely no way…
"Are you feeling alright?" A voice snaps me from my thoughts as his gaze softens into a one of concern. "You're asking very… peculiar questions…"
"Have you ever…" Should I be asking him this? I… "In your memories," My hand slowly clenches. "Have you ever stumbled into a garden?"
"Why on earth would I-"
"Have you ever met a young emerald eyed girl wearing a lilac dress?"
…
…
…
The guy in front of me stares into my eyes as he blinks every so often. "A young girl you say?" He mutters as he shuts his eyes. "Emerald green eyes? Stumbled into a garden?"
"Yes," I gulp at he looks downwards. "Does that resonate with you?"
"No," My heart sinks as he meets my gaze after a few minutes of silence. "I can't say those descriptions resonated with my experiences… but is there a reason why you are asking me this?"
So he's not… but… how can he bare such a resemblance to that kid? If only I knew that kid's name. Perhaps then I could see if he's in any relation to him.
"No," My eyes drift to the starry sky. "I just… felt like asking you that's all."
My friend mutters something under his breath as a yawn escapes his lips.
(Flash):
"Hey," The girl sits beside the boy on the grass staring at the sky filled with clouds. "What's your name?"
He blinks at her question. "Why?"
"Well, my parents are starting to wonder about you and where you came from." Her head turns to his. "Besides, I want to know. After all this time, you still haven't said what your name is."
"Call me as you desire."
Her green eyes blink with a frown. "Do you… not have a name?"
A silence flows through them as the kid stares at the clouds. "Think whatever you want."
"You're weird." The girl wrinkles her nose as she pats the kid's shoulder. His body flinches a bit but doesn't make any attempt to reject it. "Luckily, I like weird. It makes them interesting."
He doesn't respond as her eyes widen suddenly. "That's it! I shall name you weirdy!"
The being next to her turns his head to look at her. "Why?"
"Because you're weird!"
He raises an eyebrow as he blinks again. The girl places a hand under her chin in deep thought. "Hmm, on second thought… perhaps that wouldn't be such a good name…"
"I got it! Goldie!"
"That sounds like a dog's name."
"So?"
"I don't like it."
She sticks her tongue out with a huff. "You're the one who said I can call you whatever I want." She mutters as the boy looks at the sky once again.
"Hm," Green eyes narrow at the one next to her as a bright smile crosses her face. "Sky!"
"Yeah," A finger points to his chest. "From now onwards, I'll call you Sky!"
(Flash)
Sky…
Astrana's POV:
Morning:
"Brother," All eyes at the table turn to me. "What would be considered cheating in your book?"
He stares at me for a brief moment raising an eyebrow. "What would be considered as cheating according to me?"
I nod as I glance at the purpled-haired woman calmly enjoying her food. "Yeah. Like what would you not want your significant other do while in a relationship?"
"Is there a specific reason why you're asking?"
"I'm curious." My shoulders shrug. "Apparently, there are different answers on what men consider infidelity."
"Huh," He places his knife down with a breath. "And… why would you want to ask me?"
"You're the only one out of our friend group who is married," I glance at my dad. "And I already asked mom and dad."
"Makes sense," His hand rests under his chin. "What I consider as infidelity you say? Hm, the obvious one is kissing someone else."
"Ah," My head shakes as my eyes drift towards the woman who is calmly listening with a small smirk.
"Mhm. Another one is being in an affair when you are married."
"Really?" My eyes widen at his answer. "What do you mean by that?"
"Like… being with someone else other than your significant other…" He explains slowly as I stifle a giggle.
"No. I get it but in what way? Physically? Emotionally? Both?"
"It depends on the individual." A feminine voice chimes in. "But I would say both." Purple eyes meet my brother's with a minuscule smile. "Isn't that right?"
"Correct."
My eyes narrow. "Excuse me but who gave you the right to speak?"
Her eyes widen at my glare. "I was just-"
"Just what?" I raise an eyebrow at her. "Oh," My hand covers my mouth. "I apologize but are you my brother now?"
"N-No," Her hands wave in front of her chest. "I didn't mean to-"
"Is your name Astral?" My eyes blink innocently with a head tilt. "Or do you think because my brother pays attention to you that you get to interrupt our conversation?"
"Your Highness, I didn't mean to interrupt but I was just answering for him and-"
Answering for him?
(Flash):
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."
(Flash)
My blood boils as a specific memory pops into my head. It's just not fair! "Answering for him?" What does he see in her? Why would he ever want to in a million years choose her over Lily? "Hah, who do you think you are?"
"Astrana," I can sense my brother's gaze pierce my body as I clench my fist. "Stop it."
"I…" The woman I am speaking to purses her lips. "I…"
"You're his what?" A laugh escapes my lips with an eye roll. "Just because he pays extra attention to you. You think you can interrupt him whenever you want? You think you're his wife or something?"
"That's enough."
"W-What?" A blush appears on her cheeks as she gulps. "I-I don't-"
"Let me tell you something," My voice dips into a whisper. "You're just a guest in this palace. Don't go sticking your nose into other people's conversations and relationships."
A screech radiates throughout the room as a hand drags my body upwards. My eyes meet his emotionless glare. "Apologize."
What?
I blink as a hand grips my wrist tighter. "Apologize to her this instant."
"You can't be serious!"
"Apologize yourself before I make you."
Unbelievable…
"Why should I?" My eyes narrow into his. "She blatantly interrupted our conversation and-"
"So what?" His eyes meet hers. "She was answering for me. I don't see anything wrong with that behavior." Gold and silver eyes meet mine once again. "Yours on the other hand… insulting a guest, accusing her of something untrue, blaming her… really Astrana?"
Accusing? Hah!
"Accusing her?" I laugh at his words. "Oh my dearest brother, you think I don't know anything?"
He blinks as my eyes drift towards my friends and parents who blinks blankly at my sudden outburst. Should I just reveal it? It's not like I have anything to lose, right?
"Know what?"
His grip tightens on my wrist as my eyes drift back and forth between him and the woman sitting crossed legged in the chair looking down at the table. "You and her are in a-"
"Daddy," My eyes widen a I bite my tongue to stop myself. What is she doing here?! A little girl blinks at me then turns to my brother. "You called?"
He… darn it! He used telepathy to call her?! Just to stop me from revealing his secret?
A small smile appears on his lips. "Yes, sweetie. I was just wondering how your mother's doing that's all."
"Oh," Her cheerful expression morphs into a frown. "She's still sick and won't be able to play with me." A hand grabs his swinging back and forth. "Daddy, can you play with me today?"
"Of course my little Angel." A hand pats her head as she giggles. "But it'll be after my meeting with the council alright?"
"Mhm!"
My brother's eyes drift towards mine with a little smirk. "So, what were you going to say, little sis?"
"You dare use your child as a shield?" I seethe as he blinks in disbelief.
"A shield? Why would you think of me in such a way?"
Argh! To think he can do such a thing as this makes me so-
"Alright," My dad claps clearing his throat. "Astral," Green and red eyes meet my brother's. "Let go of your sister."
"Of course, father."
"Astrana," His eyes focuses on me with a sigh. "Let's have a talk after this."
"And Katherine," My mom speaks up. "I apologize for our daughter's words. If she said anything to upset you, my deepest apologies."
Her purple eyes widen as her feet shoot's up. "Y-Your Majesty, don't apologize. It's my fault not Her Highness's."
"What?! Mom, why are you apologizing to-"
"Astrana," Her head shakes subtly as her tone rises a bit. "Not a single word from you."
Why are they apologizing? To her of all people? Have she gotten them under some spell? It doesn't make any sense!
Maria's POV:
"Did he really do such a thing?"
"I'm telling you. He's like a totally different person!"
I know Brandon said not to bother her with this but still. How does he expect me to sit still and watch this continue?
A sigh rings through the room as she sips her cup of water. "Where's Astrana?"
"Oh, The King and Queen are speaking with her right now."
The being on the bed stares out the window at the gloomy sky not saying anything. Why is she not saying anything? Shouldn't she be angry about this? Sad? Dejected? Anything other than that neutral look?!
"Ok."
…
…
…
Ok?! Hah… she what?!
"Lily," My lips curve into a smile as my friend turns to me. "Have you been listening to a word I've said these last twenty minutes?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe it." My arms cross over my chest as she raises a brow in confusion. "If you've been listening, why aren't you having any type of reaction?"
"Hm, you know the feeling you get when you know there's nothing you can do to change a situation?"
I blink at her question with a slow nod. "But… what does that have to do with…"
Her lips curve upwards slightly. "Thanks for telling me this but there's nothing I can do anymore."
What?!
"What do you mean there's nothing you can do?" I shout as she covers her ears slightly. "Are you just going to let her take him away like that? You're The Princess Consort, his wife. Surely you're not going to let her steal him from-"
"Steal?" A laugh interrupts my rant as her eyes land on mine once more. "Tell me, how can a being steal what doesn't belong to another in the first place?"
Huh?
My brows furrow as she continues. "Astral. He doesn't belong to me so how can she 'steal' him away from me?"
"I… he's your husband." I said after a few moments of thinking. "If you keep sitting on the sidelines, she'll-"
"I know," A hand runs through her hair with another breath. "But honestly, I don't care."
She what?!
"Hahaha, look at your face right now." A laugh radiates through the room. "Someone said what's not yours will never be yours. What is meant to be yours, will someday be yours." Purple eyes look at the sky once more with a distant gaze. "Perhaps… perhaps it's time for me to let go."
"You idiot!" My fist clenches pointing an index finger at her face. "I'm just going to assume this is your sickness talking. There's no way those words are coming from your mouth right now."
"Maria,"
"No. No," My eyes narrow as I clasp her hand. "Stop it with that face. I don't like it!"
"Please just listen. I-"
"I don't care what your reason is but stop it. When two people decide to get into a relationship, there's going to be ups and downs. When things get tough, you don't just give up like this."
"Maria,"
"Listen to me Lily," I shift my hands onto her shoulders. "I know you. What happened to the girl who was determined to get him to love her? Who was the person who got him to marry her when he didn't remember?"
"I…" Her lips curve downwards into a frown. "But there's nothing more I can do…"
"Nonsense," I shake my head. "Things may look bleak but say the word and I'll drag him back here to you in two shakes of a lambs tail!"
My friend finally cracks a genuine smile as the sounds of melodic laughter fills the room. "What are you, my bodyguard or something?"
Thank goodness. A breath leaves my mouth. I was wondering when she'll snap from her negative thought pattern.
"Duh," I throw one of my arms around her shoulders plopping myself on the bed. "I've always been your bodyguard."
"Say, isn't a bodyguard supposed to know how to fight?" My face pales as a finger pokes my forehead. "If I remember correctly, you don't even know the basics of martial arts."
I scoff waving a hand. "Puh-lease, I don't need to know how to fight to protect you of all beings."
"Is that so?"
A giggle escapes my lips at her tone as I embrace her body. "Yup and besides, it's not like Waltari will let you go anywhere outside without him."
"Isn't that right, Waltari?"
"That's correct, Lady Maria." He bows making himself visible standing at the entrance of the doorway. "Your Highness, your safety is my number one priority other than Master."
"So…" I glance back at my friend. "You'll be my second line of defense?"
"Exactly! If he fails, I'll swoop in with my greatness!"
"And what is this greatness?" The being next to me stifles a laugh with a back of her palm. "You'll defeat them with your superior eating powers?"
Superior eating powers?!
My face flushes as it grows increasingly warm under her laughter. Another chuckle rings from the doorway as he covers his mouth with a palm. Oh great. Now they are both making fun of me.
"Hey!" I turn away with a pout. "Is this what I get for defending you?"
She rolls her eyes with a bright smile once again. Well, at least she's finally laughing.
Enna's POV:
"Ok, ok," My arms bounce the baby up and down in my arms. "Your food is coming, sweetheart."
My eyes snap to the man who is lightly strolling in with a bottle of milk in his left hand. "Enna, I know what you're going to say but-"
"What took you so long?" I shout at him as he flinches. "Can't you see we have a baby to feed and you took twenty minutes to fetch milk?!"
That's got to be a world record or something.
A sheepish laugh escapes his lips. "There's a perfectly suitable explanation. You see, I had an audience with Duke Epifanio about the upcoming trial regarding the perpetrator and-"
"Oh my goodness," I hold out a hand with a sigh. "Just give me the milk."
Our hands brush against each other as I immediately plop the bottle into her mouth. She sucks it gleefully letting out a coo of approval. Aw, how cute.
"Finally some peace and quiet around here."
Excuse me? He did not just say that.
I shoot my husband a look as he blinks in confusion. "What?"
"May I remind you how you took twenty minutes to get milk while I had to calm her down? Yet you have the audacity to complain?"
"Aw but love," He decreases the distance between us wrapping an arm around my waist. "I thought I explained everything."
"Yes," I roll my eyes. "But couldn't you speak to him after you gave me the bottle?"
Green and red eyes blink as his lips tug upwards. "True but you know how it is."
Unfortunately.
"Know what? That you prioritize work over me?"
An astonished gasp rings through the room as he furrows his brows. "After all these years of marriage I thought you know me by now. When have I ever prioritize anything over you?"
"Hm, how about just now?"
A sigh escapes his lips. "So I was a few minutes late getting the milk. You're holding that against me now?"
"What do you think?" I stifle a giggle as the girl in my arms babbles, spilling the bottle on her shirt. "Olivia, seriously?" She giggles sucking on her thumb as I place the bottle on the table. This was a new shirt as well.
"Be glad I'm not ruthless as our son." A mutter comes from the man next to me.
My eyes widen at his words. "Eliphas! Don't speak about our son that way."
"It's true though." He shrugs pulling me closer. "What he's doing to Lily is just downright cruel. She's been ill these few days yet he hadn't visit even once."
Well… true but…
"I thought you said this was an act."
"Yes but does he have to be that cold?" He shakes his head. "He's still her husband after all."
"His methods are indeed unorthodox… but you know that he's not ruthless as he seems."
"Yeah," His eyes drift in my arms. The little baby girl stares at my husband with a head tilt. "If he was why would he agree to look after this child?"
Speaking of which…
"Who are her parents?" Why would he be looking after a baby anyway? "I mean, her mother's name is Sapphire but other than that, he refuses to tell me anything else."
"This kid is really something else," He mutters as I place the baby in her bassinet. "I feel like he doesn't tell us anything nowadays."
My husband plops himself on the bed pinching the bridge of the nose. "Maybe I was a bit too strict on him growing up."
"You think?" A frown graces my lips as I sit next to him. "It's partially our fault if you think about it." My eyes meet his. "He was a relatively normal kid growing up. If you hadn't pushed him starting from the age of two…"
"Hey, I only did that because-"
"I know," I hold his hands with a frown. "But hear me out on this one. I know the reason why you were so hard on him. I get it but honey," My heart grows heavy as I shut my eyes. "There were times when you pushed him too much. I remembered there was a time when he couldn't read the scrolls yet. He was two at the time and just wanted to play with his sister like any normal kid would desire." I open my gold eyes to meet his. "But even though he couldn't read the scripts, you forced him to sit in the study for 8 hours everyday."
I bite my lip blinking back he tears in my eyes. "I'm not saying what you did was wrong but later that night, he came to me with tears in his precious eyes blubbering how you didn't love him and all he wanted was to make you happy. But there was only so much a child could take being cooped up in a room."
Green and red eyes widen in disbelief. "I… why didn't you say anything about this?"
"I would've but he begged me not to." In hindsight, I shouldn't have agreed to his request.
"I always thought…"
"Well you thought wrong, honey." My lips purse into a thin line. "Didn't you realize during the years he smiled less and less? Whenever he faced you, he didn't smile even when you praised him. The only time I saw his smile was when he was with his sister and on occasions, me but other than that…"
A look of realization and pure horror flashes on his face as he slide a hand down his face. "Enna! Why didn't you tell me about this? How could you-"
"You were overwhelmed with the stability of this world. The corruption, betrayals, the economic and social stability. You think I would add more to your plate?"
"But if you told me about this then-"
"Yes. I get it." My eyes drift towards the window then back to him. "If I told you perhaps he wouldn't have such a grudge but what's done is done. We can't change it."
"Grudge?" He raises a brows with a chuckle. "That's such an understatement."
"You still think he hates you?"
"Think?" My husband shakes his head. "No. I know he hates me."
"Love,"
"I ruined his childhood and inadvertently caused the one he love to die. I'm the number one source of his unhappiness yet I didn't even know it at the time."
"Honey," I grip his hands tighter as his head lands on my shoulder. "You were stressed from leading a world."
"No. I should've noticed it. Even if I was stressed and overwhelmed, I should've noticed my own son's emotional state."
We definitely failed at parenting. Hah… I bet if Psyche was here, she wouldn't have stand for this to happen.
"No wonder he gotten so angry that day." He shuts his eyes with a breath. "The amount of rage in his eyes. It was built up with years of frustration, loneliness, and sadness all wrapped into one."
And some of his power leaked from the seal as well…
"Eliphas," A moment of silence flows through us. "Was it just me or did I sense his full power leaking through the seal that day?"
"It wasn't just you." A muffled voice rings from the guy leaning on my shoulder. "We all senses the change. His eyes… they were crimson. The color of blood."
(Flash):
Ozone dragged down from the upper levels of the sky. Pressure swooped from all directions, forcing their breaths new and crisp all of a sudden. From above, ethereal, atmospheric throes revolved the instant he willed it. His power bled the skies red, and tones of color began to rush around us, spellbinding all. All except the barians who quivered beneath the red sky. Contempt glazed over the slits of his narrowed eyes, and he watched the sky grow redder with a ravenously-growing hatred.
(Flash)
"No!" My eyes meet my husband's. "No… that can't happen again!"
If it happens again…
(Flash):
Blood pooled from the corner of his mouth as he held a girl protectively in his arms. The sky boomed with a flash of thunder as he thrusted his arm towards the crimson, reigning down a pulsing whirlwind of fresh blood funneling towards everyone and everything in its tracks.
"Son! Stop it! You're destroying innocent lives!"
My husband shouted as I froze with fear. My eyes widened as a force threw us back clashing with the debris.
I hissed as a pair of arms wrapped around me. My eyes widened as wailing screams rung throughout my ears. Pieces of flesh and bone swirled into a tornado shooting everywhere. The stench of blood mingled with the atmosphere as a maniacal laughter echoed from above.
"This," A cold growl escaped his lips. "This," He gestured to the masses quivering in fear below him. "Is what happens when you cross me."
His hollow eyes flickered to the barian below him, kneeling. A smirk crossed his lips as he descended to his level. "So how does it feel to be the only one left?"
(Flash)
A shiver runs down my spine as I gulp. My hands tremble as a pair of hands grip mine gently. No. No… no way that will ever happen again. That was a one time thing and he didn't even remember it when it was all over.
"Look at me," I tilt my head upwards a bit. "That will not happen again. The seal was upgraded to withstand his power. I even had another seal in place as a backup."
"Are you sure?" I gulp as my heart rate increases. Every time he uses his power, his life force is affected as well.
He nods. "I'm sure. As long as he doesn't act irrationally or do something to cause his powers to leak out such as removing the seals, it should be fine."
Right. It will be fine but why do I have such an awful feeling?
"But if we keep suppressing it, eventually it will-"
"Then we will figure something else." He pulls me closer with a sigh. "You don't need to worry about such a thing. It only happened once and that time he was still young."
Yeah but… what if it happens again? What if while he's asleep someone accidentally removes his pendent? What if…
"Enna," A pair of lips gently pecks mine. "He has better control of it now. Our son is no longer that impulsive 16 year old."
"But-"
"No buts." Green and red eyes pierce mine. "If it does happen again, we'll resolve it like we did two years ago."
I hope you're right about this.