Zach's POV:
Oh dear…
The black haired man glares at the being across from him. "I still cannot believe you slapped him." His arms cross with a head shake. "I expected more from you."
"Hey, I said I was sorry, didn't I?"
"To me but not to him." Red eyes lock on to green and red eyes. "Honestly Eliphas, would it kill you to let go of your pride for once and apologize-"
"You didn't even know what it was about. How can you say I was the one at fault?"
"True but I'm pretty sure after all these years of knowing you, it's your fault somehow."
The King's eyes widen. "Excuse me? It was not my fault. He started it."
"Argh." He groans sliding a hand down his face. "Regardless of who's at fault, you should be the bigger being and apologize."
"What? Why should I be the one to apologize when he-"
"Because you're his father and he's your son. You're supposed to apologize when you do something wrong like hitting a child-"
"Child?" He raises a brow with a laugh. "Luca, he's 19 and married. I hardly count that to be a child."
"But you slapped your own son!" A voice shouts as the king's eyes widen. "Seriously, do you not see anything wrong with that?"
"Ok. I may have slapped him but he threatened me. What kind of a son does that to his own father?"
A fist clench at his side as he grits his teeth. "Nevertheless, you raised your hand against him. That is called assault regardless if he's your child or not."
"He threatened me and tried to kill me!"
"You were the one who was wrong first! You're his father for goodness sakes. You knew what he had been through as a child. You knew all of the trauma that incident has caused for him yet you dare to raise a hand against him?!"
"I-"
"Let me finish." A growl radiates through the room as my friends inch back towards the door. "I still cannot fathom or believe the idea that you slapped him. Why would you go do that especially after everything he has been through as a kid? Do you think physically abusing him will be good for his mentality? If anything, it will cause him to be more distant from you." I can hear his knuckles pop as I gulp at his icy glare towards the king. "I swear, Eliphas, if my son somehow relapses because of you, I'll-"
"Wait," Green and red eyes narrow. "Your son? He's my biological son. You're just his father-in-law."
"Puh-lease," A scoff rings out from his mouth. "You might be his biological father but you and I both know who he views as a father and who he views as a dad. I still have yet to forget all the pressure you placed on him in his childhood. To think you would go do such a thing is simply-"
"That was the right thing to do! I will not have my son growing up to be a spoiled little brat who gets handed everything."
…
My friends and I look at each other then back at the king. What on earth…
"Am I… hearing things correctly?"
She nods tucking a strand of her white hair behind her ear. "Yes, Derek. You're hearing correctly unless I'm hearing things as well."
"Unbelievable…"
Got that right. You took the words right from my mouth.
The Count's fists ball up as his eyes fill with rage. "A spoiled brat? Eliphas! Because of you, he didn't have a normal childhood. Because of you, he grew up without fatherly affection. Because of you being a workaholic, your son-"
"Dad," My ears perk up as our eyes turn onto a 19 year old with gold and silver eyes. His lips curve into a miniature smirk. "Step aside. I'll handle him."
Dad? I look between the General and my friend who lock gazes with him. Is he referring to the Count?
"Mother, do you have the crystal?"
The Queen opens a decorative box as a luminous blue crystal shines. "Are you sure about this?"
"Don't you see his aura? He's in his demonic state."
Demonic state?!
"Yes but," Her lips purse as her hand touches his arm. "Isn't there any other way?"
"He'll be fine. He will just need some rest and-"
"I'm talking about you." His eyes slightly widen as she looks at the crystal then back to her son. "Whenever you touch it, it burns and cause you great pain. I just don't want you to-"
Great pain? Burning? But… isn't that crystal only supposed to cause harm for beings with dark energies or in their demon-like state? The Prince is a being of light… he doesn't have any dark energy in him… right?
"Is there any other way?"
"I'm the only one who has enough power to rival the King, mother." His eyes narrow at his father. "I'll be fine. Don't worry."
Ten minutes later:
(Smash)
(Clang)
"Anything?"
My head shakes as we all let out a breath. He told us to leave it to him but judging by the noises…
"Hey Enna," The Count leans closer to the Queen. "Are you sure you don't want me to take hold of the situation?"
"Why? Are you scared that something might happen?" Her eyebrow raises as he waves a hand dismissively.
"Scared? No way. Eliphas deserves what he's getting in there." Red eyes narrow as his tongue clicks. "Slapping his own son. Deplorable."
…
I… can he just insult His Majesty like that?
The woman next to him places her hands on her hips. "You do realize you're talking about my husband who is the King of this world, right?"
He shrugs letting out a soft chuckle. "Indeed but I'm entitled to my opinions, am I not?"Well yea but there are better ways to say that than use the word deplorable! If it were anyone else who said it, they would be on the chopping block. A hand pokes her shoulder as my eyes widen. Why is he touching Her Majesty so casually? Does he really have a death wish?
"Yes, you are but-"
"Besides," A smirk grows on his lips. "You wouldn't have the heart to execute your best friend." He bats his eyelashes as my friends and I lock eyes. Best… friend…?
"Oh yea? Try me."
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait," Gold eyes widen as her hands rises above her head. "Mom, you never told me Count Luca was your best friend."
The Queen blinks at her daughter then looks back at the man next to her. "I thought it was obvious."
"What? No! How was it obvious?"
"Then what were you assuming?"
"I always thought dad was your best friend."
The being next to the Queen cackles shaking his head. "Him being your mother's best friend? Hahaha!" His red eyes shift towards Her Majesty. "Let me tell you something, Astrana. She hated him from the very first moment she saw him."
She what?!
"You hated dad?!" My friend screeches as we cover our ears. Gosh, she's loud.
"Yea, I couldn't believe she married him of all beings." He lets out a sigh. "And to think she could've had me."
…
…
…
What the heck?!
"Luca," Her weight shifts to her other leg as she folds her arms. "I thought we weren't going to talk about this anymore."
"But it's true," He crosses his arms over his chest. "You hated him. I remember the times you complained about him being so arrogant and demanding. Not to mention rude and spoiled."
"Luca-"
"I always thought you liked me but he was the last being I thought you were going to end up with." Red eyes meet her golden eyes. "It just so proves that opposites attract."
"You always liked to talk a lot."
"Yup!"
"So…" My friend stands in shock for the a couple of minutes looking between the two of them. "Mom, you hated dad?"
"Well hate is a strong-"
"Oh she outright detested him."
"Hey!"
"What? It's true." He shrugs his shoulders with an innocent smile. "If I hadn't stopped you that time, you would've been beheaded for sure."
"What did she do?"
"Oh, haha. Trust me, Star, you don't want to know what she had planned."
Huh…
"Why are you bringing this up after all these years?" A hand covers her face with a small groan as he laughs.
"Why? Because I like watching you embarrassed that's why and," A slight glint forms in his eyes as her eyes suddenly widen with a gasp.
"Luca no! Don't you dare-"
"You broke up with me for him-"
"That wasn't even a real relationship! It was a ruse to throw off your parents-"
"Yes but it didn't change the fact you got together with the one you loathed so much." His body turns away pursing his lips. "Some best friend you are."
"I set you up with Carissa, remember?" A hand pokes his temple. "If it wasn't for me, she would probably be the Queen right about now."
"Why you-"
The Queen and Count argue back and forth as my friend blinks holding onto my arm. "Someone please tell me I'm not the only one finding this to be disturbing."
"I wouldn't necessarily say disturbing," A hand rests under his chin. "Maybe to you it's disturbing knowing your mother and the General had a past but who hasn't?"
My white-haired friend nods. "I agree with Derek on this one. It's a bit weird but it's life. Just be glad things between your mother and father worked out in the end."
"That's not… I…" A hand slips down the Queen face. "I swear you are so-"
"So what?" He flutters his eyelashes at her. "To think of our fake relationship turned real, I could've had Astral be my biological son instead of son-in-law and Astrana as a daughter."
I lean towards my friends. "Derek, Star, you know I would normally agree with you but after he said that," My head shakes as I glance at my friend with golden eyes. Her body stands unmoving as her mother and the Count continue their discussion. "It's just too strange to think about."
I mean, if Astral is his biological son and Astrana is his biological daughter… then who would be the Prince? Who would be the Queen? Actually… Countess Carissa would be the Queen according to Her Majesty's words so that would leave Lily to be the Crown Princess. My eyes widen as a thought flies through my head. Only if I don't factor in genetics. If I do… then who knows what it might scramble up. Perhaps the Astral, Lily, and Astrana I know today will be gone and replaced with alternate versions of them.
"Guys," I snap from my thoughts as my friend shakes her head. She takes her arm from mine letting out a sigh. "This is a weird day."
"Definitely."
"Strangest out of the bunch."
Estrella's POV:
"Now," Purple eyes stare into mine. "After all I said, do you have any questions?"
Do I have any questions? Gee, what do you think?! I just found out you have been lying to me all this time of course I have questions!
"I…" My hands clench into a fist a I let out a breath. How should I… "I guess I have one question."
"And that is?"
"Was everything a lie from the beginning?" She blinks as I gulp. "The things you told me… about you liking him… was everything a fabrication?" Come on, Estrella. I grit my teeth as my chest pounds. Why are you behaving like this? So what if everything she said was a lie? You act like you haven't been deceived before. Everyone puts up an act to hide their true self. That's just the way the world is. Yet why…
The woman across from me lifts up the teapot pouring me another cup of tea. "If you are wondering if I lied when I said I liked him," Purple eyes meet mine. "That's a no."
"So you do have a thing for him?"
"Yes."
"But he's married…"
"So?" Her shoulders shrug. "I can still like him, can't I?"
I suppose but…
"Hey, I know he's married, Estrella." She lets out a sigh. "I know that but he's more than just a friend in my eyes. Astral is my mentor." Her tone dips to a whisper as my eyes widen. "He taught me all I needed to know about acting. He'd seen me during my worse and best times. He was there. Coaching me, telling me how to become a better actress… how to become a better being."
Woah…
"Without him, I wouldn't be where I am currently."
He did all of that? I raise a brow. I really should give him more credit than I do now. I mean… the fact he could change my vain sister into someone so… unlike her is an achievement of its own.
"Don't look at me like that."
"Look at you like what?"
"That."
I stifle a laugh with the back of my hand. "Remind me to thank him."
"Hey!" My sister's brows furrow as she folds her arms. "It's not like he did all the work or anything."
"Oh yeah, I forgot you're too headstrong and arrogant to listen to anyone."
Her eyes widen as she scowls at me. "Why you-"
"It's true." My lips curve into a little smirk. "I'm your sister yet you don't seem to ever listen to me."
She rolls her eyes as she sips her tea. The clock ticks as my lips purse into a thin line. If she wasn't lying about liking him… surely she won't lie about-
"And no. I wasn't lying or acting when I was with you."
Can she read my thoughts?!
A little giggle escapes her lips. "I can see what you're thinking and it's a bit embarrassing."
Of course she knows what I'm thinking. I'm just too transparent.
"No need to be embarrassed, sis," She shakes her head sporting a smile. "I knew this question was going to come sooner or later. Just so you know, I wasn't acting or lying all those years. Even if I could pull that off, it would have been too tiring for me anyway."
Huh… she makes a great point.
"So," Her hands clasp in front of her knees. "Anymore questions?"
(Flash):
Her father stays silent as she clenches her fist. "I just learned recently that you didn't even want me. Essentially, I was a mistake. You forced yourself onto mom. How could you do such an outrageous thing? Do you have no conscience?!"
(Flash)
"Just one."
Brandon's POV:
"Nistro,"
"I apologize."
"All we want to know is his mental status."
"And as a doctor, I have a right to not disclose anything."
"Surely you can-"
"Maria," I tug on her arm as she shoots me a glare. "That's enough."
"I thought you wanted to know. Why the sudden change?"
"He's a physician. He took an oath. Even if he wanted to reveal it to us, he can't."
"Sure he could. He could just-"
I shake my head as I glance at him. "I apologize for all of this, Nistro. You're dismissed."
"Lord Brandon, Lady Maria," His fingers interlock in front of his chest. "Please excuse me."
"Hey! At least give me something!" My friend shouts as I hold her left arm. "Come back here!"
"Let him go."
Hazel eyes snap towards mine. "Why should I?" Her arms fold across her chest. "You heard what he said to his wife in that room, didn't you? He couldn't feel-"
"That doesn't have anything to do with us."
"Excuse me? How on earth does that have nothing to do with me? I'm his friend. You are also his friend and-"
"Yes but there are some things we can't interfere with!"
Hazel eyes narrow into mine as I pull her into a room and close the door.
"Did you just yell at me?"
"I-"
"Did you just yell at me?!" Her fists clench as my lips purse into a thin line. "Brandon, all I wanted to do was to confirm everything he said was true yet you dare raise your voice at me?"
What to do to get her to calm down? Hm…
"I'm sorry for yelling but asking the doctor won't make a difference-"
"Sure it will! At the very least we will know how to help him in this matter so he can be normal-"
"Normal?" I raise my eyebrows. "You think he is not normal now?"
"No. That's not what I'm saying." A huff escapes her mouth as she turns away from me. "I just want to… if we know more more about his condition, about what happened when he was younger, we could help him in someway."
"Yes but we don't."
"That's why I suggested we ask-"
"He will not reveal anything regarding the Prince and you know that." I walk towards the bed plopping myself on it. "You know there's a limit in what we can do, right?"
"I do." The weight shifts as a woman lays on her back next to me. "I know there's only so much we can do as his friends but he helped me through so much as it is." The woman beside me lets out a sigh placing her hands on the back of her head. "The fact that he's going through this without anyone's knowledge…" Her eyes meet mine with a frown. "Don't you think we should be doing something to help him?"
(Flash):
"After that happened, I found myself unable to relate to anyone. I found myself unable to connect with beings emotionally. I… what he said about me was correct. There are some days in which I'm unable to feel anything."
(Flash)
"Believe me, I would love to but what can we possibly do at this point?" To think he was faking his interactions… are we even friends according to him and his views? It's not like we can force him to say anything to us."
A silence flows through the room as I bite the inside of my cheek. So he can't feel. Big deal, Brandon. It's not the end of the world, right? He's still the Astral you know. It's just his feelings are muted and he's a liar… this doesn't change anything about our friendship… right…? My chest tightens as I place one of my hands on my heart. But then again… why do I feel so… stuffy?
"Can I ask you a question?"
"What about?"
"Hypothetically speaking," I let out a sigh as she turns in my direction. "If he was lying to us this whole time…"
"You're not saying what I think you're saying… are you?"
"I…" I slide a hand over my face shutting my eyes. "Maria, don't act like this hasn't crossed your mind because I know it has. In fact, when he confessed those things, everyone had that thought." The look on their faces…
"You're thinking he lied about us being friends?"
I guess that's one way to put it.
"Yeah, I mean-"
"You're an idiot."
My eyes widen as she lets out a laugh. "Don't look at me like that. The fact you are mulling about this for so long makes me certain that you are."
"I am not an idiot!"
"Oh? Would you rather be called stupid?"
"No! I'm just saying he might be lying to us!"
My friend stays quiet as I hold a pillow above my face. "After all, he said it himself. He's a pathological liar and his feelings are muted. It could be that he's been lying to us all this time."
"Brandon," The woman next to me lets out a deep breath. "Do you really want to believe that? That there was a possibility he became friends with us because of some motive?"
"Of course not but-"
"Can't you tell by his actions?" What? "Ok. He may be a liar in some cases but he has always been there when I needed him. He was there when I dealt with my ex. He was there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. He was there with me on his wedding night of all nights because I told him to stay." She blinks looking up at the ceiling. "I don't know about you but if he didn't care about us, why would he bother to do all of that?"
True… but that could be apart of his plan.
"He could be manipulating you and-"
"Remembered that time when you sought out advice about that girl?" Oh yeah… "He knew from the start she didn't have any interest in you but he didn't say that. He could've told you to give up on her but did you remember what he did?"
"Yeah." I gulp as my throat tightens. "Of course I remembered." That was the day he sat with me for an hour straight just talking about random things. When I found out that my crush didn't have an interest in me, I'll admit, it hurt.
"And I remember that day clearly because that was the day when he had meetings scheduled back to back without breaks." A laugh radiates through the room as she shifts so her body faces mine. "Lily and I told him to spend the time in between to take a nap and eat something but he said he had to file appeals."
"He has always been a workaholic."
"You're correct. I once saw him go to the homeless shelter after a full day of meetings. Let me tell you, I sat in those court meetings before and it gets really boring after the first five minutes. He gets to sit through them for hours and hours a day not to mention the amount of appeals he had to deal with. Seriously, where do all the appeals come from?"
I shrug as my eyes widen. "I don't know but wait." My eyes narrow at hers. "You sat in on a meeting before?"
"Yeah."
"But…" Isn't that confidential information? Why would he deliberately let her know-
"This is Astral, I'm talking about." My friend winks at me with a small smile. "He knows he can trust me."
"What were the officials talking about?"
Hazel eyes blink blankly at me. "It was a long time ago. You expect me to remember?"
Oh come on!
"Anyway," She clears her throat directing her gaze towards the ceiling once more. "Do you think he's lying and manipulating us after all he did?"
Hm… I don't know anymore…
"Maybe he's doing that to gain our trust so that in the future, he can get something in return."
"Seriously?" She groans shaking her head. "Whatever. Think whatever you want but I am going to say it now, Brandon, he is not lying or manipulating us."
"How do you know that to be true?"
"It's simple." My friend pokes my shoulder as I stare at her. "Because I trust him."
Trust? He's a liar though… how can you trust someone so manipulative?
Astral's POV:
"Hey wait up!"
A hand pulls me back as a woman gasps for air placing her hands on her knees. "Wow, you're a fast walker."
"Estrella?" I raise a brow as her sister waves at me with a smile. "Did you need something?"
"Yes." Green eyes lock onto mine narrowing a bit. "What are you planning to do with Duke Edward?"
Hm, the best thing I can do as of currently is-
"Daddy!"
A force tackles my legs as I stumble back a few inches. She's gotten stronger. "You're back!"
I carry her in my arms letting out a soft breath. "Why yes I am, my little snowflake." Bright purple eyes with flecks of gold and silver stare up into mine. Gold and silver flecks? I could've sworn her eyes were a rich shade of purple… when did the gold and silver flakes come in? "How have you been?"
Tiny arms wrap around my neck as she curls herself into my body letting out a whimper. "You promised you wouldn't leave me."
Oh.
"I didn't leave you, Melody." I pat her back as my friends and family all show up. Great. Don't they have anything better to do? "I came back, did I not?"
"But I don't like it when you leave me." Her lips frown as she meets my gaze. "Especially not with that bad guy!"
Bad guy? Is she perhaps talking about…
"You mean Dark?"
"Yea him! I don't like him one bit." Her cheeks fill with air as I blink. Huh…
"Why is that? Did he do something mean?" Did he bully her while I was recuperating? I knew I shouldn't have let him out.
"He is really mean, daddy! He ate all of my favorite cookies."
Cookies? I stifle my laugh with a cough while the beings around me laughs quietly. She doesn't like him because he ate her cookies?
"Oh?"
"And he told me you were never going to come back."
I raise a brow as my wife sighs. "Honey, what did I say about lying?"
"That lying is bad and I should not lie." Purple eyes look at her then to me. "But daddy lies all the time."
My body freezes as she utters that sentence. How on earth does she know that? Was she near my room when I confessed everything? No… I didn't sense her aura. She wasn't anywhere near my room yet how does she know…
"I lie?" A chuckle escapes my lips as she nods. "Since when do I ever lie?"
"All the time."
"To you?"
"Yea."
I lie to her?
"When did I do that, sweetie?" Maybe she picked up on it? Am I that good that I don't even realize I'm lying when I am?
"When you say you love me the most."
My eyes widen at her bright purple eyes. What? "Hey, I meant it when I said I love you." I really do.
"But you don't love me the most."
"I-"
"You love mommy the most." She folds her arms sporting a cute pout on her lips. "So I'm just your second choice."
Hm, what should I do in this situation? Will sweet talking work?
"Honey, you know I love you and your mother the most." My daughter turns back to me. "You're never the second choice."
"Really?"
I nod as I plant a kiss on the top of her forehead. "Really. I love you and your mother equally."
Still having a hard time deciphering what love is but if it's a warm feeling then I guess that's it.
"But," I glance towards my wife then back at the girl in my arms. "No more lying, okay?"
Her head tilts to the left furrowing her brows. "Why?"
"Because it's bad."
"But you lie-"
"Who told you that? I don't lie."
Coughs ring out from the observers as I shoot them a look. Really now?
A hand lays on my cheek. "You're lying right now."
"You dare accuse your father of lying?"
"But you are!"
"Well, I'm not."
Can this girl see through my lies?
"Daddy," Big eyes pierce my being. "You lie a lot."
Are two year olds this smart nowadays? I know beings on this world have a more advanced developmental speed than humans but seriously.
"Alright," My lips curve into a tiny smile. "You caught me. Good job."
"Yay! I did good!"
"Mhm but no more lying from here on out."
Her joyful demeanor suddenly changes into a pouty one as a whimper radiates from her lips. "But lying is fun."
I've been gone for a few weeks and she starts lying. What has Dark been teaching her?
"It's fun but it's also bad."
"It's bad?" Her nose wrinkle. "How is it bad?"
"Well," It could get you in huge trouble if you don't have the ability to place one lie after another in a way for it to make sense. "It could get you in trouble."
"Oh."
"And if you start lying," You'll be more prone to lie even more to cover your tracks. It's a never ending web of deception. "Then your mother and I won't like it."
A gasp rings throughout my ears as her eyes widen. "You and mommy will not love me anymore?"
Not the direction I was going but might as well.
"Of course, we love you but that still doesn't change the fact that lying is bad. Now, you can still choose to lie but know that we do not advise-"
"Daddy," Tiny arms wrap around my neck. "I promise not to lie anymore."
This always works.
"Really?"
Her head nods. "I promise."
"Good girl." I rub her back as my wife's jaw hangs open. Her feet shifts closer to mine.
"Psst," She leans closer towards my ear. "How did you manage to to that so fast? It took me weeks of trying yet she couldn't break that habit but as soon as you show up she starts to let go."
"Simple. I gave her a choice to pick between two options."
Purple eyes stare at me as if I have two heads as I shake my head slightly. "Giving a child a choice decreases the rebellious in them. It makes them think they have power when in reality, the parents have the ultimate say."
The woman beside me sports a neutral expression. "Please don't tell me you're manipulating our daughter."
"Hey, I am not manipulating her." I whisper as arms wrap tighter around my neck. "I gave her two choices."
"Which you used her feelings for us to make the right decision."
"But that just goes to prove how much she loves is, right?" It's not all bad. "Plus, she has to learn to make decisions herself. It's important for her growth and development."
She stays silent as a hand lays under her chin. "Yes but that still doesn't change the fact you manipulated her-"
"Not all manipulation is bad, darling."
"But-"
"Daddy," A head turns towards me blinking. "What are you and mommy whispering about?"
"This conversation is not over." Her eyes narrow as I put on a smile.
"Oh just a thing you don't need to know about." I pat her back as my eyes drift to the woman with brown hair looking at me intently.
"Estrella, you needed something?"
"What will you be doing with Duke Edward?"
Considering he basically unmasked me in front of everyone… "Why do you ask?"
Her fist clenches at her sides. "He's a monster. A freak of nature that should have never existed and I would like to kill-"
"Estrella," A voice interrupts her as her sister places an arm around her. "We have a child here." Her eyes shift to the girl in my arms. "I get that you're angry but pick your words carefully."
Monster huh? She's right though. He is a monster. A terrible being to be exact.
"Don't worry about him." I said tightening my grip on my daughter's body. "I'll personally deal with him myself."
"But I want to-"
"Do you really?"
"I do! I want to do this for my mother." Her eyes narrow into mine. "He forced himself onto her. H… He assaulted-"
"Love, cover her ears." The individual beside me places her hands over the girl's ears as I stare into her green eyes.
"If I give you a knife would you be able to kill him?"
"Yes." She purses her lips into a thin line. "I would be able to kill him."
"No."
"Astral," Her teeth clenches as she locks eyes with me. "Believe me when I say I can kill him."
"Of course I believe you can kill. Anyone can kill another being if they want to."
"Then why are you stopping me from-"
I hold up a hand to stop her. "You'll feel guilty."
Green eyes widen at my words. "I…"
"That guilt will most likely haunt you for the rest of your life. You will be responsible for another being's death."
"But-"
"You may not think you feel guilty because he's a bad guy but you most certainly will."
"No, I won't. I will not feel guilt about killing him. I will not-"
"You will because that's who you are." I let out a sigh shaking my head. "Killing him wouldn't bring Duchess Emilia back. It won't bring your mother back." My eyes shift to her sister. "I get that you're mad and you all the right to be but taking a knife and stabbing him just to satisfy your rage does more harm than good."
The woman in front of me stays silent. "I'm not stopping you from doing so. In all honesty, he deserves it for committing such a huge crime."
"Son!"
"Lucky!"
"Before you two say anything, I'm not condoning her taking another's life. That's not what I am saying."
"Then what are you saying? That I shouldn't kill him for doing that to my mother?"
"All I'm saying is it would not be very wise. You're fueling your hatred for him which might lead you into killing him but what do you think happens once all your rage disappears?"
"You'll be left with a corpse and a nagging sense of guilt of taking his life." A voice responds as I turn my head towards his red eyes. "Estrella, he's right."
"General-"
"Even if you can physically kill him, you will not go unaffected by it."
"Now," I shrug my shoulders. "You can do whatever you want but there will be repercussions. If you really can kill him without regretting it, I'll turn a blind eye on this whole thing but based on what I observed so far," My head shakes. "You won't be able to do it."
"Once you take a being's life, you'll be more prone to do it again. Before you know it, it's an addiction." Ruby red eyes glance at me. "Isn't that right, Astral?"
"Yes. The adrenaline rush you get from stabbing someone is-"
"Ok," A female voice interrupts us as she places her hands into the air. "Please stop bonding over these types of things."
"Aw, come on, Enna,"
"Luca," Gold eyes glare at his as he shuts his mouth. "I would appreciate it if you don't talk about murder with my son."
"But it's true, mother. The act of taking someone's life is addicting." Her jaw opens as she stares at me in shock. "Why do you think many criminals commit crimes again? It's because-"
"Zip it, young man." She places her hands over my sister's ears. "I do not need to be hearing this from your mouth and your younger sister does not need to be learning this."
Why am I not surprised?
"Can we please move on from killing?"
"Sure Brandon," My eyes shifts to her purple eyes. "So Katie, what are your plans now this is all over?"
"Well," Her weight shifts to one of her legs as a hand lays under her chin. "I'm going back to my mansion and getting everything settled. Then I'll be back at work."
"Oh yeah you're working on a new project, right?"
"Not really new. I've been putting it off for awhile now so it's finally time for that show to be off of hiatus."
"Alright. Good luck."
"Thanks. I mean I would stay here for a bit longer but you'll be too much of a distraction."
I blink at her words as my eyes roll. "Right."
"No, I'm serious," Her lips curve into a smile. "Oh and I have something very important to tell you."
Important?
"And that is?"
"I'm pregnant and you're the father."
…
"What?!"
"I thought you didn't do anything to her!"
"You little-"
"Don't you dare curse at my son."
"You really slept with her?!"
"I'm going to kill you!"
A neutral expression looks at me as I blink blankly. She's pregnant? How? IVF? Because it's not through intercourse that's for sure.
"Ha, you think that's going to work on me?" I raise a brow as her my friend cracks a smile. "If you are pregnant then I'm sorry but I'm not the father."
"You're no fun." A pout crosses her lips. "You shut it down so fast." I am a married man after all. Can't have anymore rumors about me going on in this palace. "How did you know I was lying?"
"Puh-lease," I wave a hand at her. "I was the one who taught you how to act. You think I wouldn't be able to see through your lie?"
Her eyes roll folding her arms across her chest. "Had to give it a try."
"Hmph!" A tiny hand covers my eyes. Huh? "Daddy, don't look at her."
"Why not?"
"Because she's trying to take you away from me and mommy."
I hear a feminine laugh radiate beside me as a woman scoffs. "No need to worry, little princess, I have no intentions of taking him away from you."
"Really?" I wince at the lights assaulting my vision as she removes her hands. "You won't replace my mommy?"
Replace?
"Honey," Purple eyes turn to me as I frown. "Why would you think she will replace your mother?"
"Because you like her and go outside with her a lot."
"So?" I shrug my shoulders as my eyes drift to the guys. "I also happen to like Zach a lot. We sometimes go outside. Does that mean I should stay away from him as well?"
Brown eyes blink at me as the girl in my arms shakes her head. "Why would you stay away from him?"
"You're not afraid he's going to replace your mother?"
She furrows her brows with a head tilt. "You two are friends."
"Yes but what if I like him more than a friend?"
"More than a friend?" A hand lays under her chin. "I don't understand. Do you mean you like him as a brother?"
"Well," A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. "What if I like him in the same way as I like your mother?"
Big eyes blink blankly as she stares at me in silence. "Guys can't love each other romantically, daddy."
…
Alright then. I guess I have to add that in as a thing to teach her. I can't have her go around offending beings.
A cough escapes from my friend. "Actually, guys can like-"
"Brandon," I interrupt him. "I'll teach her about this at a later date."
"Teach me about what?"
"Nothing, sweetheart." I pause as I look at my purple-haired friend. "Sorry Katherine but," A small gasp rings out as my arms wrap around my wife's waist. "No one can replace her."
"That's too bad." A glint shines in her eyes as she smirks. "I can do wonders with my body if you catch my drift."
And here she goes once more.
"Katherine! He's married!"
"Relax Estrella," I let out a chuckle shaking my head. "I'll take your word for it."
"But wouldn't you like to check it out for yourself?"
I glance at the being beside me who is muttering quietly to herself. "As tempting… as that sounds," My arm tightens around her waist. "Your sister is right. I'm married and I have no intention to doom it."
She lets out a breath crossing her arms. "Fine. Care to see me out?"
"Sure." A thought clicks through my head. "You still haven't answered my question."
"Hm?"
"Why did you poison Olivia?"
"Who?"
"The baby."
Purple eyes widen as an expression of recognition flashes on her face. "You didn't realize? She had an autoimmune disorder that could have been fatal if left untreated."
An autoimmune condition?
"So," She poisoned the baby because… "You." My shoulders shake as a laugh ripples throughout my body. I remove my arm from my wife's waist rubbing the bridge of my nose with a smile. "Katherine you sly fox. You tricked me."
"Took you long enough." A minuscule smirk graces her lips. "Is it me or have you been off your game recently?"
I wave a hand. "Yea, yea, I know."
"Wait," Gold eyes look between my friend to me. "Brother, what do you mean she tricked you?"
"This woman here," A finger points at her as she scoffs. "Deliberately poisoned a baby so I can give her a pint of my blood."
A gasp rings out of his lips. "You poisoned a baby so he can heal her?" Brown eyes furrow at her with a disapproving frown. "That's messed up."
"Oh please, a pint of his blood can save lives. He can afford to lose some."
"But you poisoned a baby!"
"Which he ultimately saved and is now healthy." She places her hands on her hips looking at me. "Besides, if I didn't do that, this guy wouldn't give up his blood."
"That's not the point!" His tone raises as his tongue clicks. "You poisoned a little child. Don't you see anything wrong with that?"
"It wasn't as dangerous as it sounds, Zach. The poison I used was non-lethal. At most, it caused some discomfort and mimicked fever like symptoms. Even if she didn't get his blood, she would've been fine after a couple of hours."
"Yes but-"
"So you basically forced me to give blood to a baby."
"It was your choice. I didn't say anything. You were the one who chose to save her."
True but if I knew her life wasn't in mortal danger then I wouldn't have allowed a doctor to stick a needle in my arm! My body shudders as I gulp. Why didn't I see it sooner?
"Oh and I'm messed up by poisoning a baby?" Her brow raises. "Blame your friend for that."
What?!
"What did I do? Just for the record, I did not tell her to poison a child, mother."
"Really? So you're going to deny all responsibility?"
"Exactly when did I-"
"Injuring a life to save it is still is humane way."
"Ok, I-"
"If you have to choose between taking a life or saving one, do what you can to save it by any means necessary." She locks eyes with me as I let out a breath. "Isn't that what you told me?"
"That was years ago!"
"Mhm. Sure. All I know was that at the time, I was doing what was necessary to save her even though I had to poison her."
She's really something.