Astrana's POV:
"Where's my brother?"
"I told you, he's unavailable at the moment."
"But where is he?"
"I can't tell you."
"You better tell me,"
"Or what?"
Our eyes lock as a sigh cuts through the room. "Can you two go somewhere else?" My sister-in-law yawns as she sits up on the bed. "I'm trying to get some rest and you're making it sleep."
Whoops…
"Sorry," I let out a giggle. "We'll let ourselves-"
"Do you have a headache again?" A voice interrupts me. "Does it hurt anywhere? Should I call in a physician?"
I blink at his concerned tone as he strolls over to a cabinet. "Here, take some Tylenol pills for now."
Huh… why is he suddenly being so nice?
My sister blinks blankly. "Uh… I'm fine, Raizel but thank you."
"Are you sure?"
"Hey, what's your intention?" I chime in as I yank his arm standing at the edge of the bed. "If you dare try something on her, you will most certainly regret it."
The being in front of me lets out a breath. "As if I will harm her. Your brother would kill me if something happens to her."
"So? What is it to you?"
"Hello. Didn't you hear me? Astral would kill me if I don't take care of her in his leave of absence." His arms fold over his chest. "So either way, I'm stuck."
"Hah," A laugh rings out from the being on the bed. "My husband who is supposed to be caring for me sent someone else to care for me while he's off who knows where." Purple eyes roll with a scoff. "Amazing."
When he gets back, I'll let him have it. How dare he send a stranger to take care of his wife?! I mean that's just low.
"It's not like he wanted to go." He mutters beneath his breath. "There were unforeseen circumstances-"
"So?" My sister clenches her fist tightly. "I understand there were unforeseen circumstances but to go without telling anyone and send a stranger to impersonate him? Really?"
"Yeah," My eyes meet his. "The least he could do is say something to his wife before he left."How could he just leave like that? How is he so careless and cold towards his wife?
"Worst of all, I don't even know when he's coming back or where he is." She winces as her hand grips the side of her head. "Rai, can't you disclose anything?"
He shakes his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Why?" I groan as he frowns. "Can't you see she's worried about him? It's just a location right?"
"I still can't tell you where he is." He reverts back to his neutral facade. "It's best if you stop asking me."
Liliana's POV:
Why can't he just tell me where he is?
I stare at myself in the mirror. What was so important that he had to leave without telling anyone. Without telling me? My hand waves to change into a v-neck white lace nightgown. Hm… it's sheer but it's not like anyone's going to see it. Plus, it's comfortable.
(Flash):
"Sign these," He slides a bunch of papers to me as my tears drip onto them. "I will take care of the rest."
(Flash)
My grip tightens on the restroom sink as my heart clenches. Am I that bad of a wife that he would consider the last resort? Can't we just… work things out like normal couples? Who am I kidding? He's anything but normal.
"Lily," I look into the mirror once more drying my tears with the back of my hand. "You're pathetic." I sniffle as I bite my lip. "Crying over a man? Look how far you've fallen."
I shouldn't be sad about this. If he wants a divorce, then let him get a divorce. Who am I to resist the command of His Royal Highness? It's not all bad… right?
"Yeah," My thumbs wipe my cheeks blinking rapidly. "At least I had fun. It's not all bad."
I shouldn't be so sad but why… why do I feel like this? This isn't the first time I ended a relationship with a guy. Why? I don't understand what makes him so special. I honestly don't get it.
I sniffle as my hands turn on the sink. "Stop crying." My fingers splash my face with cold water. "I have to pull myself together." I grip the knobs, turning the water off. I am The Princess Consort. If he wants a divorce that bad, I should just let him. I cannot sacrifice my self worth and beg for his attention any longer.
(Flash):
"You are The Princess Consort. Act like one."
(Flash)
"Astral," My reflection tenses up as my eyes narrow. "You want me to act like a princess consort?" A laugh rings out in the restroom. "Well, I'll abide by your words, my beloved."
(Creek)
"Finally out huh?" A figure casually leans on the door frame with a neutral expression. "I could hear you crying all the way out here."
Ah great… what is he doing here? Shouldn't he be elsewhere?
"Is there something I can assist you with this late?" I walk to the bed sitting on it with a breath.
"Not really."
Then why are you here?
"Alright then," My hands undo the canopy curtains. "Would you mind seeing yourself out? I have to rest."
"See myself out?" He raises an eyebrow. "Correct me if I'm wrong but this is my room, is it not?"
…
"It is not." I blink as I sit on the edge of the bed facing him. "It's my husband's room. Are you my husband?"
"Well no but-"
"Exactly. So you should leave."
He lets out a little huff crossing his arms. "I don't know if you heard or not but the maids are quite the gossip." A look of annoyance flashes on his face. "Just now as I was roaming the halls, I overheard them talking how your husband hasn't visited your room in weeks and has been resting in his study. If this keeps up, I'm afraid it will affect not only my reputation but yours as well."
"So?" What does any of that supposed to do with me? "I don't care about my reputation. Besides, it's not like I can force him to stay with me against his will." Unfortunately.
"You seem to forget, I'm currently pretending to be The Prince right now and-"
"Not a good imposter at that."
"Hey!" The man in front of me furrows his brows. "You try to not have any expressions in public. It's harder than you think."
I roll my eyes. "That just proves you're trying too hard. You don't know him at all, do you. The trick is to not make too many expressions all at once. For example, he smiles but he does it very subtly to the point where it doesn't even look like a smile."
"Then what's the point of smiling?"
"That doesn't matter. The point is he can smile but he does it discreetly. You on the other hand," I glance at him as he shifts his weight onto his other leg. "Remember at the trial when you kept a straight face without a twitch of a muscle? My husband rarely does that."
Black and gold eyes widen. "You lie! I seen him stand in front of a crowd talking without making any expressions on his face before."
"On occasion, yes but now he doesn't do that anymore."
"I don't believe you."
Hm…
I place a hand under my chin. "I guess you really don't know him as well you thought."
His eyes narrow into mine. "Excuse me? I don't know him? Ha, I knew him practically all my life yet you dare say I don't know him?"
"It's obvious you don't." My arms fold across my stomach. "How else would you fail so miserably at pretending to be him?"
"Oh like you understand his wishes and desires," A laugh radiates from his lips. "If you did then why does he want to separate from you?"
My chest aches at his words as my blood boils within my being. Oh he's going there, is he? "Whether you like it or not, I'm his wife. I am the Princess Consort." I narrow my gaze at him. "I will not tolerate any disrespect from a being. Especially not from an imposter like you."
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Yes," My hand gestures to the door behind him. "Now leave. It's getting late."
"I don't think so, honey." His feet strolls over to the other side of the bed plopping his body down on the other pillow. "This is my room as well."
What the…
"Are you planning on sleeping on this bed?" My eyes widen as he slowly shuts his eyes with a hum. "You little pervert!"
"Feel free to call me whatever you want but I have your husband's permission to do whatever I think is the most suitable."
Do whatever he think is suitable my head. There's no way he said that!
"Like I would believe the likes of you," I roll my eyes as he shrugs with a yawn. "Now get out of my room."
"Believe whatever you want, Princess but I'm staying so deal with it. Also, may I suggest something?"
"And that is?"
He opens one of his eyes turning towards me a bit. "Don't get offended by what I'm about to say but you might want to cover yourself up a bit."
Huh?
I raise a brow at him as crimson dust his cheeks. "Don't get me wrong," He gulps as his ears turn bright red. "You have a very stunning body but something tells me Astral isn't going to be very happy if he finds out…"
Wait… All the color drains from my face as my eyes widen. He… I grab the nearest pillow and chuck it at him while covering myself with a blanket. He saw everything!
"You pervert! Why didn't you say anything sooner?!"
"Ow!" He hisses as he rubs the side of his head. "Be grateful I actually said something. I mean I could've not said anything and got to view your body all night-"
"Say one more word and I will kill you!" My face burns as I summon up a sword pointing it at him.
"If I could die in the hands of a beauty like you then kill away, darling."
How annoying. Now I can confirm it. This is definitely not Astral.
"Don't call me that," I let out a breath making the sword disappear. "And has anyone told you you're annoying?"
The man in front of me blinks with a laugh. "Why yes. Astral tells me that all the time."
Hm…
"I guess I can be pretty annoying at times,"
"Try all the time."
"Hey!"
"It's true."
"Basically," He plops himself up on an elbow smirking at me. "You just called Astral annoying."
"What? When did I say that?"
"Right now," His fingers run through his pale blue hair. "I look identical to him so in theory, you just called him annoying as well."
"No," I cross my arms over my stomach. "You may look like him but your personalities are completely different."
"I take pride in not being a block of wood."
I stifle a laughter as my lips curve upwards a bit. "What nonsense are you talking about?" A block of wood? Hahahaha! "How can a being be a block of wood?"
"For that to happen you need to use a transformation skill and why would an individual want to be a block of wood? Hahaha!" A block of wood hahaha!
The man in front of me lets out a chuckle. "Yea. Which is why I take pride in not being one."
Dark's POV:
You have got to be kidding me.
My eyes glance next to me as a woman snuggles close to my body with a peaceful expression. Her rhythmic breathing fills the room as I cautiously remove her arm from my chest. Are Astral beings usually this clingy when resting or is it just her in particular? A small whine escapes her lips as I tip toe away from the bed. Hm… My hand places a pillow close to her as she immediately latches on to the pillow pulling it close with a smile.
"Astral… stay with me…"
I blink at her as I shake my head slowly. Wow. Obsessive much? She even dreams about him? Creepy… on another note, My lips curve slightly as I pull the blanket to cover her chest. If only I had someone to care for me like she does for him.
"For a married woman, you really are naive." A sigh escapes my lips. "To think you can fall asleep like this when a stranger is in the room." If I was like any other, I would have jumped at this opportunity. To be resting in the same room to such a beautiful woman like her… not to mention the Princess Consort…
I shake my head rapidly. "Unfortunately, I promised him I wouldn't do anything to you. He'll maim me if I dare lay so much as a finger on your body. But… he didn't say that I couldn't admire your beauty.
"And I'll make sure it stays that way." The bookcase suddenly slides open revealing a secret passageway as I jump two feet in the air. Holy cow! What on Astral World is this?!
A gray-haired teen walks out of the passage crossing his arms with a look of disapproval. Who is he again? Walter? Walking? Tori?
"Ah," I saw him somewhere before… "What are you doing here? Did you need me for something, Waltari?" Oh yes. I remember now. He's the one that always follows Astral around. His butler/servant.
"I don't know who you are or what you're planning but if you think you can just swoop in while His Highness is away and cause chaos," Brown eyes narrow as his hands emit a dark purple energy. "You're dead wrong."
What is that peculiar aura? And didn't Astral explain anything to him?! Why is everyone seeing me as an evil guy? It doesn't make any sense.
"Waltari," My eyes lock onto his. "Can't you sense his energy?"
His eyes slowly widen as his power dissipates. "You… why do you…"
"Didn't he tell you anything?"
"What did you do to Master?" His fist clenches raising them in front of his chest. "Tell me!"
The individual on the bed stirs a bit and starts to shift in her sleep. "Keep it down whoever you are." She mumbles as I glance at the teen.
Such an overwhelming aura. My head throbs as I hiss. Ow. What the… this power… why does it feel familiar somehow? Like I felt it before…
(Flash):
"Hey," I blink as my brother walks into his room. "Whose the human?"
A gray-haired individual narrows his eyes at me. "And who are you to come into my Master's chambers unannounced?"
"Oh?" I raise a brow as I glance at my brother who is sitting in a chair sipping tea. "I could ask you the same thing? My eyes narrow into his as I approach him. "What is a mere human doing here of all places?"
"I asked you first."
"And I asked you a question back so we're even."
His left eye twitches as he flares at me in annoyance. The human then turns to the one reading a book, bowing. "Master, is this being bothering you? If so, I can get rid of him."
I let out a laugh. "Get rid of me?" Ha, a human like you is going to get rid of me?" My eyes drift to my brother who is sporting a neutral expression while flipping through his book. "Endymion, he said he wants to get rid of me!"
Brown eyes widen as he runs in front of me taking a protective stance in front of my brother. "How dare you use Master's name you-"
"Frankenstein," A calm voice rings throughout the room as he places the cup down onto the table. "That's enough."
"But-"
"He's not a threat." Gold and white eyes open to meet mine. "He is my twin brother."
(Flash)
Frankenstein?
I blink shaking my head rapidly. Not possible. Definitely not possible but who else can have this murderous energy about them?
"You come with me." A voice snaps me from my thoughts.
"Why should I?" I roll my eyes crossing my ankles. "You expect me to go inside of a bookcase? Who knows where that will lead to." It could very well lead to my death.
"You don't have a choice."
What the…
5 minutes later:
"Can I take the blindfold off?"
A hand pushes me down as something hard hits my bottom. This is… "Sit." Is it really necessary to blindfold me though?
Footsteps echo as I feel something sharp against my neck. Don't tell me this is… "Are you trying to kill your Master?"
He scoffs. "Shut it. You are definitely not my master. Tell me, what have you done to him? Where is he?"
Overprotective much?
"Astral sent me to fill his place during his leave of absence."
"Where's the proof?"
Proof? Oh come on! What am I supposed to do? Disturb his rest just so he can resolve this tiny thing?
I remove the blindfold as blinding florescent light assault my vision. Goodness. "You want proof?" I materialize a jade rectangular pendent with an intricate carving of a gold dragon on it. "I'm sure you recognize this, don't you?"
His eyes widen as he drops the sword with a clang. "Y-You… how did you-"
"Seeing this is like seeing The Prince." I rise as he promptly kneels gritting his teeth. "Your master has left me in charge during his leave of absence so I'll intend to do just that." Haha! If I knew this can make beings obey me, I would've whipped this out sooner! Oh the things I could do with this object is immense!
My eyes drift to the office-like room with a flatscreen tv. A tv? Really? He watches tv in his free time? I guess a prince's hobbies are that of a commoner as well. I blink at the stacks of papers on his desk. How did we get here? Wasn't I in his room?
"Huh," I glance at the bookcase then towards his desk. "Secret passageway from the room to his office huh?" Looks like some things never change no matter how many times he has been reborn.
"Say Waltari, I have a question."
Eliphas' POV:
Afternoon:
"Your Majesty, we have reasons to believe Don Thousand will be launching an attack."
"Oh?" I glance over at my wife who is sporting a worried expression. "Tell me, what have you found?"
"Well, we found fragments of chaos energy and unusual seismic activity that is radiating to this world."
Huh…
"Athena just because there has been high amounts of quakes in the area, doesn't mean he is plotting something."
She rolls her eyes at him. "Raphael, no one asked for your input." His eyes widen at her tone as she looks at the being standing not far from me. "Besides, haven't you listened to anything His Highness said during the last meeting?"
What?
"The Prince said it might be possible he's plotting something. He never said definitely."
"But it's the only logical explanation. Why else would we be able to trace fragments of his destructive energy in this world? Not to mention near the border?"
"Yes but-"
"You agree with my theory, right Your Highness?"
…
The being near me lets out a yawn as all eyes land on him. He is definitely not my son. Astral would never behave in such an undignified manner.
The two being look at each other then back at the being near me. "Your Highness, I recalled you said there might be a chance that Don Thousand is planning an attack."
"Uh…" His eyes widen as he shifts his eyes left and right. "Possibly?"
"You heard His Highness, Athena," The being next to her chimes in. "It's not related to him and besides, why would he break the treaty? That's just an impulsive move on his part."
"Yes, but the data doesn't lie. If it's not him then who else a channel such chaotic energy? Who else can destroy everything in an instant? May I remind you the event from two years ago?"
"If I may interrupt," A voice rings out. "I don't think we should place all the blame on Don Thousand."
What?!
My jaw drops as the beings below me blink a few times.
"Uh… I don't know. Maybe he is to blame but don't you think it's unfair?"
"How?"
"Well, didn't your father," A finger points to me. "Try to get rid of the chaos in the first place?"
My eyes widen as he said that. How does he… I never told anyone about my father's doing so how does he… "What?" I blink as I stare into his gold and silver contacts. "So you're telling me that you find it okay to destroy millions of lives?"
He shrugs. "Not really but we shouldn't place all the blame on him."
"Why are you defending a murderer?"
"I'm not." An impassive look crosses his face. "I just think he shouldn't be the only victim here."
Is he nuts?!
The two beings below me blink, looking at each other. "Uh…"
"Athena," His gold and silver eyes cast a look in her direction. "You asked for my input and yes. It's plausible he's plotting something but there needs to be more evidence."
He then turns to me with a slight bow. "Your Majesty, may I be excused?"
"We're not finished here."
"I have a bit of a headache at the moment," Fingers massage his temples. "If I were to stay, I would be no use in my current state. I will ask you again. May I be excused?"
Eyes narrow into mine as I grip the edge of my throne. Is that how he asks for permission?! His tone is clearly a demand. Calm down, Eliphas. Take a breather. This kid thinks he can just do whatever he wants?!
"Yes," A feminine voice chimes in as I snap my head to my right. What is she… "Of course you may leave. We were just about done anyway."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Oh and Your Highness?" He turns around raising an eyebrow as my wife smiles. "Make sure to rest properly and take good care of yourself."
The 19 year old blinks as his eyes slightly widens. His neutral expression morphs into a very small smile. "I will keep that in mind."
After the meeting:
"Hold it,"
His figure stops as I approach him. I wave a hand to disperse all the servants leaving the hall empty.
"Is there something you want from me, Your Majesty?" He ask with his back against me.
My hand turns into a fist. "What was that back there?"
"I'm afraid I don't understand-"
"Why on Astral World would you say that? Why would you go side with the enemy?" I shout as my voice rings across the halls. It doesn't make any sense. "Out of all the things you could've said, you said that in front of the officials?! I don't understand how you can support such a vile and destructive being! Do you know how many lives he has taken? The innocent lives of children. They were brutally assaulted. Their innocence was taken from them." I glare at him. "How could you go and side with that-"
"I never said he wasn't to blame." He utters out interrupting me. "Yes. He did many despicable things. Yes, he should pay for them." The being in front of me glances back at me. "But how about your father." My eyes widen. "Shouldn't he be punished for his crimes as well?"
What…
"What do you know about my father?" My grip tightens as I grit my teeth. "What crimes are you speaking about?"
A chuckles escapes his lips as he turns his head away from me. "I guess he didn't tell you anything."
Huh?
"Just what are you talking-"
"I refer to you as 'Your Majesty' as a sign of respect and because you're Astral's father." His head shakes as he lets out a breath. "But today's events have shown me otherwise."
"Raizel you-"
"I suggest you look into the history of Barian World and Astral World before opening that mouth of yours again." His feet starts to walk away from me. "Once you get your facts straight, then we can talk, Eliphas."
Star's POV:
(Knock)(Knock)
"Go away."
(Creek)
"Is something the matter?"
A figure lays on the couch staring at the ceiling with lifeless eyes. "What do you want?"
Why does he look like that?
"I was wondering if you wanted to get some fresh air."
"Why would I do that?"
I roll my eyes. Because there's something wrong. "Come on," My hand takes his pulling him up. "I don't know what's the matter with you but you need to cheer up."
He scoffs yanking his hand back putting his on the couch once more. "I don't need to do anything. Just leave me be."
"Right…" I grip his hand again. "Come on, if you don't want to go outside, maybe you can help calm down Melody?"
"And why would I do that?"
"She misses her father and I tried everything to get her to stop being upset but no avail."
"Go get her mother." His eyes shut. "I'm just a stranger. What can I possibly do to help?"
"Funny thing. It seems the only being she wants is her father. Lily and Maria are trying their best to console her but she's locking herself in her room."
"Why should I care?" He asks after a moment as he hums. "Besides, what could I possibly do? She doesn't like me so I'll be the last being she wants to see."
True but…
"You're the last individual that have yet try."
…
He stays silent as I grip his hands. "Dark, she locked herself in her room all day and refused to come out unless Astral's back." My lips curve into a frown. "At this rate, I'm not sure if this will escalate-"
"She's just a 2 year old. Once she gets hungry, she'll request for food. She won't die so what's the worry?"
"Yeah but still, can you try to convince her to unlock the door at least?"
Black and gold eyes meet mine. "Destroy the door."
"What? No! You think we will do that when she can easily get injured?"
"Do you want her out or not?" His tone switches from neutral to a hint of annoyance. "If so then destroy the door. If she gets wounded, The Royal Physician will treat her."
"Isn't there a peaceful way to solve this without violence?" I voice after a few minutes. "She's just a two year old-"
"Exactly. It's because she's a toddler she has to be taught. You can't let this behavior slide or else you risk raising a spoiled brat."
Harsh…
"Well," I place a hand under my chin. "I just don't want him to blame-"
"Tell me," He sits up with a sigh. "Has she acted this way when her father was around?"
I shake my head. "Nope."
A silence passes through us as he rises from the couch. "Fine. I'll give it a try."
My eyes light up as he turns back to me. "Don't get the wrong idea. He will kill me if I leave his daughter like that. Besides, something tells me if I don't help, you won't leave me alone.
Hahahaha!
The back of my hand stifles a laugh. "You're not wrong there."