Derek's POV:
"Let go of me!" A woman with blonde hair struggles with her shackles as my friend pulls her along. "Do you know who I am? I demand to be let go this instant!"
"Lady," My eyes roll as we make it to the palace grounds. "You killed a man. You committed a crime and should be held responsible-"
"He was wrong first-"
"I don't care if he was right or wrong." I interrupt her sentence glaring into her blue eyes. "You took a being's life. You killed a guy and that is not okay."
Thankfully we caught her. Who knows who she might kill next?
"But I-"
"Stop talking." The woman beside me shove a rag inside her mouth with a huff. "I don't understand how you can murder someone on a whim like that."
"Hey," I place a hand on her shoulder with a frown. "Are you alright?"
She was trembling five minutes ago.
"I'm fine."
Right.
"Astrana,"
"Derek," Gold eyes meet mine. "I'm fine. I was taken off guard a bit that's all."
"You were shaking and looked like you were about to-"
"Stop." She hold a hand up letting out a shaky breath. "I said I'm fine."
"But you-"
"I'm fine! What else do you want me to say after witnessing a murder huh?" A shout radiates from her lips as tears roll down her cheeks. "I said that I am fine, Derek. Please, don't question me again."
My friend sniffles looking away from me as I let out a sigh. But you're obviously not okay. Why are you pretending to be fine when you're not?
(Flash):
"Does he have a pulse?"
A shaky hand places a finger on his bloody neck. "N-No."
(Flash)
Dammit! Slit his throat and stabbed in the stomach as well? How evil can a woman be?
Liliana's POV:
"Mommy," Her forehead wrinkles as she sits up from the bed. "Where's daddy?"
"Oh he's-"
(Creek)
"I'm here."
"Daddy!" A girl bolts from my arms and tackles him with a huge smile. "Uppie, please."
He laughs picking her up. "Did you miss me?"
"Mhm!"
Of course her father is her favorite.
"Can I sleep here tonight?"
Gold and silver eyes widen as he glances at me. Why is he looking at me? It's a simple yes or no question.
I blink at him as he stares at me with a neutral expression. Am I supposed to be saying something? I raise a brow as his gaze shifts to the girl in his arms once more.
"Of course you can."
"Yay!"
He looks at the wall clock poking her nose. "Wow, look how late it is. You should be sleeping right about now."
"But I'm not tired."
"Really?"
"Yes! I can stay awake for hours!"
My husband's lips curve a bit. "That long? Impressive but do you know what happens when you stay up late?"
Her head tilts to the side sporting a confused look.
"You will not have enough energy tomorrow to participate in our competition."
Competition? What competition?
"What are you-"
A gasp rings from her mouth. "Does that mean you will win?"
"I don't know. I could win if you don't get enough rest."
She frowns. "Does that mean you won't buy me a new toy?"
He places a hand under his chin. "Well…"
"Daddy!"
"Hey, we had a deal remember? If you win our drawing competition, I'll buy you a new toy."
She folds her arms across her chest furrowing her brows. "I want the toy."
"Then you have to sleep and win the competition tomorrow to get it." He shrugs as she pouts.
"Can you sleep with me?" A voice rings from her lips after a couple of minutes as he grins with a chuckle.
"Of course."
He waves a hand to turn on the orange lava lamp as he flickers the light off. And here I was thinking we could talk about everything. Oh well. There's always tomorrow.
Ten minutes later:
An arm wraps around my waist as I awake with a start, swinging my hand behind me. What the…
"Woah honey, calm down."
My heart rate slows a bit as I let out a breath. Seriously? I roll over to face my husband as he smirks.
"Sorry."
"What's with the strong reaction?"
"I was asleep." I mutter as he frowns. "Also, I wasn't expecting you to hug me."
"Can't a husband hug his wife?"
Yes but… with everything that has been going on these last couple of weeks, what even are we?
"I guess so."
"Darling,"
"I'm tired." My eyes shut as I can feel his eyes looking at my face. "It's been a long day."
…
"We finally get a chance to talk in private though. I thought you would-"
"What's there to talk about?"
"Don't you have any questions?"
A lot.
…
"Lily," A hand touches mine as I reopen my eyes. The man in front of me displays a neutral expression. "Let's talk."
"About what?" It's not like he'll give me answers about his whereabouts.
"Anything. We can talk about anything you want. If you have a question, I'll do my best to answer it."
Anything huh?
"Where were you these last few weeks?"
He blinks as his eyes shift left and right. "Honey,"
"No. Answer my question. Where were you?"
"I was occupied."
"You're the one who said I can ask whatever I want." My eyes narrow. "Tell me the truth, where were you?"
"I-"
"Did you know during that time, I almost drowned? Did you know our daughter locked herself in a room and cried? Did you know how your sister and I took all of your workload because you were gone? Did you know I had to attend the meetings you scheduled because I'm your wife and that is my duty?" I grit my teeth. Why am I exploding at him like this? I shouldn't be doing this but… "Did you know all the sleepless nights I endured? Lying in bed thinking about you. Not knowing when you were going to return. Not knowing if you were okay or not." I blink rapidly as my vision wavers. "I'm pregnant, Astral. I'm not supposed to be worried about these things but for some odd reason, I am. I…" Breathe, Liliana. Why are you crying? Why am I so mad at him? "What are we doing? I honestly don't understand what we're doing anymore."
"Okay, okay," A pair of arms wrap around my shoulders as I bury my head in his neck. "I'm so sorry I left. You have every right to be angry with me."
"I don't need you to be sorry." I sniffle as a hiccup escapes my lips. "I just need to know where you were."
"You think I was with another woman?" He voices as my lips purse. "Baby-"
"No." My eyes look into his. "At first yes but now no." Can he blame me for thinking in that direction though? The divorce papers… his disappearance…
"Astral, I…" I cup the sides of his face looking downwards. "I… just don't know what we're doing anymore. It's like," Should I be saying this? "I trust you. I really do but when you say something, I have a hard time believing it to be true." Is that just me though? He blinks at me. "It hurts to love you." Was that too harsh? It's not his fault he lies. I know that but… can we honestly have a stable relationship without trust?
"Are you…" His eyes widen as I can feel his left hand curl up. "Ending this?"
"Can we really have a long term relationship without trust?" I gulp as a lump tickles my throat. "I keep suspecting you and you won't tell me where you were or who you were with."
"I can-"
"I get it. You have secrets and I am not forcing you to share them with me but at the very least tell me when something important comes up. Like with Katherine. You told me the first half but kept the second half to yourself." I let out a breath through my nose as I blink quickly. "Maybe it's just me. Perhaps I can't tolerate secrets. There's a possibility I have trust issues as well."
I most likely do looking back at my track record. I'm also insecure as well. Yay. Isn't that perfect? Two beings with trust issues in a relationship. Wow.
"I thought you said you loved me." A whisper rings through the room as my heart aches. "Do you not love me anymore?"
"I do love you." I bring my face closer to his rubbing our noses together. "I love you so much, Astral but how can love exist without trust?"
"So you are breaking up with me."
"I want you to be more honest with me that's all." Can I really not tolerate a lie? If not then why does the thought of him lying to me hurts so much? "Just like you were yesterday."
"You want me to tell you about my trauma?"
"If you want. I'm not forcing you to tell me anything but I do want you to try and tell the truth." Even if it's a little bit. "Can you try this?"
"For how long?"
"As long as you want."
My husband lets out a laugh. "As long as I want? You're leaving it up to me?"
Good point.
"Hm, how about a week?"
"Starting tomorrow?"
"Mhm. Try to tell nothing but the truth for one week."
"What do I get as a reward?"
My face defaults to its neutral expression. "Really?"
"What? You should know me by now. What do I get as the prize?"
Hm…
"Candy?"
"Do you think I'm a kid or something?"
I giggle at his words as I place a hand under my chin. He's the Prince. No one will dare withhold anything from him so material items of off the list. My eyes widen as a thought emerges deep from my brain. I wonder…
"Me."
"Pardon?"
"If you can go one week without lying," My face heats up as I avoid his eyes. "You get me as your prize." What am I thinking?! I must be insane!
…
Why isn't he saying anything? Does he think I'm not worthy enough to be the prize? Is that it?
He stifles a laugh to avoid waking our daughter as I gasp. My eyes widen as our lips touch. "No offense but you're my wife." A hand rests on my thigh as a smirk graces his handsome face. "I can have you whenever I desire."
My heart thumps in my rib cage as a hand starts making its way towards my inner thigh. I have to brush his hand off! I touch his hand as my toes curl. Calm down. Calm down. Calm yourself , Lily. It was just a simple touch. Darn it. The twins are making me so sensitive.
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Stop making those eyes at me."
He blinks innocently as I rub my legs together. "What eyes?"
"Those eyes!" The eyes in which a predator looks at its prey. That dangerous yet lusty expression.
"I have no idea what you're talking about, gorgeous."
I roll my eyes as I take his hand in mine. "If you don't lie for seven days," My lips peck his with a smirk. "You get to do whatever you want with me."
"Why would I do that?"
Huh?
"Am I not worthy enough as a prize?" I ask a bit irked at his response. Seriously? Ok hm, time to think for another thing because apparently I'm not enough for him. "Then what do you-Woah!"
My eyes widen as a yelp rings through the room. Beautiful gold and silver eyes gaze into mine as he pins me down on the bed. Calm down. Calm down, Lily. Don't let him get you all worked up. A shiver trails down me spine as his hot breath lands on my lips. Calm down!
"Haha, what are you doing, honey? It's late and-"
"I meant why would I wait a full seven days when I can have my way with you right now?"
He whispers lowly as I gulp. I have to stop him or else… "W-Wait!" My heart beats faster as I chew my lip. "Are you declining a challenge right now?" That's right. I got to ignite his competitiveness!
"Eh, not really."
"Then why won't you accept this?" A brow raises. "Don't tell me you're afraid to lose."
The man hovering over me blinks as my eyes widen. Don't tell me… "You're afraid you'll-"
"I am not afraid of-"
I break away from his hand and cup his cheeks. "Aw, there's nothing to be ashamed of, baby. We're all scared of something. You just happen to fear you can't win that's all."
My husband lets out a breath shaking his head. "You really think you can use reverse psychology on me?"
"What's reverse psychology?"
His eyes stare into mine for a few minutes. So close… it would be so easy to just pull him in for a kiss-No! No, first it's a kiss then it will escalate from there. I have to stay strong! Resist those urges, Lily!
"Fine. I know you're using reverse psychology but just to prove I can do this," He lets out a sigh. "Ok. I will try not to lie for a week."
Mission Success!
"Really? You're not lying, are you?"
He gasps feigning a shocked look. "Woah, you caught me. Good job! How did you know I was lying?" I blink at him as he cracks a smile. "Nah, I'm just messing with you, my love."
"I mean this in the most loving way as possible, baby but I just realized you can be a tiny bit, just a tiny bit annoying."
"Annoying?" A scoff rings from his kissable lips. "What less than stellar things are you thinking about me?"
Why is he asking?
"Are you going to get angry?"
"Nope. I just want to know what you really think that's all." My husband lays himself gently between my breasts turning his head to the side as my face heats up.
"D-Do you really want to know?"
"Mhm."
How should I phrase it?
"Well, you can be a bit arrogant at times…" The guy laying on my chest hums. I think it's safe. "I also think you might be a control freak… a little though. Only a little bit."
He lifts his head to look at me. "Any more?"
"That's all."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive."
"Ok. You say I'm arrogant? I guess I am."
"You… agree…?"
He agrees?!
"It's not my fault I'm usually right about things and their outcomes. If that makes me arrogant so be it." There it is. I let out a breath. Perhaps I should've said narcissistic as well. "Control freak? Eh… I can see why you would think that. I like to things to be done the way I want for efficiency. So yes, I agree with that one as well. Hm, as for annoying…" He furrows his brows. "It's all about subjective perceptions so I will say I'm 50/50."
"How on earth do you manage to turn everything bad thing about you positive?" How on earth does he do that?
He shrugs. "Probably because I'm awesome."
"I should've add narcissistic." I mumble as he pokes my cheek.
"Your turn."
"What?" My eyes widen as a hand lays under his chin. "What do you-"
"Impulsive, reckless, violent, emotional, insecure, clingy, jealous, impatient, argumentative, and many more but those are just the first ones that came to mind."
My jaw drops a little as he rambles on about my bad traits. Wow… do I really have that many?
"Hey! Since when did I say you get to reveal your bad thoughts about me?"
Gold and silver eyes blink blankly. "You didn't but I assumed that since you were doing it to me, it's only fair for me to do it back."
I facepalm with a groan. This guy. "Do you see me that poorly?"
"Yup."
(Smack)
"Ow!"
I turn away from him with a huff. "Try again."
"You didn't let me finish." A hiss rings through my ears as he rubs his hand. "It's true you have bad qualities and flaws but so does everyone else. I mean even I have some things to work on which is saying something." I roll my eyes. He is definitely arrogant. I'm sure of it. "But regardless of your flaws," His warm hands cup my cheeks pecking my forehead. "In my eyes, you're still a perfect woman that any man would kill to marry."
My heart thumps as his fingers stroke my cheeks ever so gently. "I am very fortunate to have you as my Princess Consort and wife, Liliana."
Aw come on! How do you expect me to compete with that?! How can I stay mad when he says that of all things? This is driving me nuts.
"Have you always been this good with words?"
He shrugs. "I don't know. Have I always been good with words?"
Wait…
"You're not lying, are you?" My lips curve downwards into a pout as he blinks. "Because I swear, if you are indeed lying about this, you'll-Mph!"
Our lips touch as my heart beats erratically in my chest. I clench my teeth to force my mouth from opening as his brows furrow in confusion. If I kiss him now, who knows what I might do. I may not be able to control myself! Long eyelashes flutter against my skin as a tongue presses on the crease of my lips. Not today, my dear. A noise of annoyance rings through the air as he presses harder on my lips. Keep them closed. Got to keep them closed. His eyes suddenly narrow dangerously as a gasp rings from my mouth at the sudden hand caressing my forbidden area. H-He dare to… The man on top of me plunges into my mouth exploring the depths within as a shiver travels down my spine. The internal heat in my body rises as a hand slips under my nightgown snaking its way to my breasts. No! I have to stop this now!
"Stop," A groan escapes my lips as he gently rubs my right breast. O-Oh lord. "Wait a minute."
A soft pair of lips travel down my neck as I arch my back heaving. Oh come on! My body tenses as his fingers begin to slowly enter my panties.
"Mmm…" Sweat drips from my forehead as I clench my legs, closing them against his hand. Breathe, Lily. You have to breathe to live.
"Honey-"
"You sure you want me to stop?" He murmurs as his teeth grazes against my collar bone. A moan leaves my lips as I feel a warm liquid flowing from my legs. Why is my body not listening to me?
"S… ahhhh…" Darn it!
"Hm? I didn't quite get that, baby. Would you mind repeating?"
Considering the circumstances… looks like drastic measures are to be implemented.
I use all my strength to pin him down onto the bed as pretty eyes blink at me. "What are you doing, love?"
"I told you to stop, remember?"
"You did?" He wrinkles his nose. "I didn't hear you."
Why this man!
(Swoosh)
"What are you-"
(Rip)
"Ah-"
"That's better."
My face heats up as I immediately cover my chest. "Y-You dare-"
"Before you say anything," A finger touches my lips as his head buries into my neck. "This isn't the first time I saw you without your clothes."
B-But still!
My heart skyrockets as I bite the inside of my cheek. Doesn't he know the meaning of embarrassment?! "So you ripped my nightgown off?!"
"Mhm."
"Pervert."
He lifts his head sporting a frown. "Now baby, don't go around using that word. I'm your husband, am I not?"
"Yes but tearing off my clothes?" I giggle as an arm wraps around my bare waist. "Isn't that a bit…"
"Your nightgown left nothing to imagination anyway. It's basically transparent."
"But-"
"I made it so it's better for the eyes."
I roll my eyes letting out a sigh. "You mean better for your eyes."
"Darling," He pouts as a hand holds mine. "I don't get why you're so mad at me. Isn't it a good thing I'm still attracted to your body?"
"Yes but," My face flushes as my husband leans closer with a head tilt. Stop beating so fast!
"But what?"
"B-But don't you know the meaning of embarrassment?" My hand covers my face with a groan. "At least warn me so I can prepare myself!"
A laugh rings through my ears as a pair of lips press against my forehead. "You're so adorable, you know that?"
I huff as he smiles. "I'm being serious. Warn me next time."
"Alright, my princess." A hand ruffles my hair as he lays on my chest.
"Can you not lay there?"
"Why not?"
Why not? Why? Is he really asking me that question?! I gulp as my core aches. Heat travels within my being as his hot breath tickles my skin making goosebumps appear. Does he not see anything suggestive about this position?!
"Because…" I shut one eye as he peck my lips. A hand caresses my bottom as my breathing grows quicker. "Astral!"
"Hm?"
"Move your h-hand."
"My hand?" He raises a brow as a smirk crosses his lips. "Why should I move it?"
"Y-You!"
"I'm clearly having an effect on you."
Calm down. Calm down. Calm yourself, Lily.
"If you don't like it, I could move it but I've been gone for weeks." A head lays its self in between my breasts. "Surely you're not that cruel to refuse physical contact."
Well, when he puts it that way…
"Fine but no touching anywhere else, got it?"
My beloved smiles brightly as he kisses my lips. "Yes, ma'am!"
"Ma'am?" I raise a brow at him as he giggles nervously.
"I mean… yes, my beautiful wife!"
"Much better." My lips curve into a soft smile as I stroke his soft hair. It's been ages since he slept beside me. Or in this case, on top of me but…
"I have a question."
"And that is?"
He lifts his head to meet my gaze. "You'll love me no matter what I do… right?"
I blink at his words as his eyes shifts downwards. Huh… why would he ask that? He's not the insecure type… not to mention he knows that I will love him no matter what. So why…
"Honey," My hands cup the sides of his face. "I will love you no matter what you do."
"Promise?"
"I promise. No matter what happens, I will always and I mean always love you."
"Come here," I wrap my arms around his neck as he curls his body into the fetal position burying his face his my chest. "Is there any reason why you would ask such a thing?"
"I was curious."
"Curious?" A brow raise. "Aren't you aware of my feelings for you already?"
He shrugs letting out a yawn. "You always ask me that so I figured I should ask it as well."
My face heats up. "Oh come on, I don't ask that all the time."
"I beg to differ."
"Hey!"
"It's the truth, my love."
A sigh escapes my lips as I card through his hair. I got a sense of what happened when he was a child but… I gulp as my arms tighten around his body. For it to still affect him today… I wonder…
Enna's POV:
"Ow…"
I roll my eyes as my husband sits up clutching his head with a hiss. "Honey, can you pass me the-"
"Go get it yourself."
"Enna," A sigh rings throughout the room as his hand touches mine. "Are you still angry?"
"What do you think?"
"I didn't mean to slap him." He whispers after a few minutes. "The last thing I wanted to do was to strike him."
"I know." It's just… "But it doesn't matter now. You slapped our son. That's the truth."
"I…"
(Flash):
"I remember him telling me that no one loves me. Not even my parents or else they would come and rescue me. H-He told me I was unlovable. No one would be able to love a f-freak of nature like me and-"
(Flash)
My chest clenches as a lump forms in my throat. "Eliphas,"
"Hm?"
"What should we do now?"
I mean… he never told me the extent of what happened…
(Flash):
An eight year old blinks blankly at us as the doctor cautiously shines a bright yellow light into his eyes.
"Your Highness, can you please say something?"
I grip my husband's hand as gold and silver eyes stare lifelessly at the wall. It's been over a week since we found him. Yet he refuses to speak.
"Son," My hand touches his as he shifts his gaze to me. "Please, say something."
He stays silent as my husband motions the doctor outside then shuts the door leaving us. My throat tickles as I bite my lips. Nistro said there's nothing wrong with him physically as far as he could tell but why wouldn't he talk? Is it a psychological reason?
"I beg you," I clasp his hands in mine as I sit beside him. My vision wavers as tears drip down my cheeks. "Say something. Anything, Astral!"
His precious eyes stare at me without a peep as a sob escapes my lips. "I'm sorry. I-I'm so sorry. I-I…" Breathe. I have to breathe. "I shouldn't have neglected you." I should've watched him more carefully! My body trembles as a cough escapes my mouth. Tears stream down my face as I press his hand against my forehead. "Please, say something, Astral. Anything will do. I already lost your s-sister." My voice cracks as I heave heavily. "I c-can't lose you as well. I beg you, son."
(Creek)
"Love," A being purses his lips letting out a sigh. "If he doesn't feel like talking, there's no use in forcing."
"What did-"
"He said it's probably psychological." Green and red eyes drift towards the boy next to me. "He'll speak when he's ready."
"Your Majesty," A man bows before me. "I will do everything within my capabilities to help His Highness."
I wipe my tears away with the back of my hand. "W-When will he talk again?"
"Please forgive me but I am not sure." The blood in my body runs cold at his words. W… What…? "I don't know the full extent of what happened but usually in cases like these," Brown eyes glance at my son who is still staring at the wall. "It might be weeks, months, or even years before-"
"So you're telling me that my son could not talk for the rest of his life?"
"My King," He kneels lowering his head to the ground. "As I said, I don't know the full extent of his condition. If you would allow me to conduct some tests, I could get a better indication on His Highness's mental state."
"What…" My breathing labors as I clutch the post of the bed. "What do you think is wrong with him?"
"It's hard for me to say but based on experience," His eyes shift side to side. "His Highness may have reactive psychosis."
"What do you-"
(Crash)
I jump as my husband quickly pulls me closer towards the door. What on earth…? Little pieces of porcelain shatters on the hard ground as the kid on the bed slowly lays down on his pillow staring at the ceiling. Did he just… throw a vase?
"Your Majesties," A hand opens the door. "Why don't we talk somewhere more private."
(Flash)
"I shouldn't have-"
"It wasn't your fault."
"How isn't it my fault? If I kept an eye on him, if I hadn't been so consumed over-"
"You were grieving over the loss of our child." His eyes lock onto mine as he grips my shoulders. "It makes sense that you weren't-"
"That's not an excuse!" My arms swipe downwards as I clench the edge of the bed. "It was my fault he got kidnapped. If I hadn't took my eyes from him that day," If I hadn't been so busy and neglected him… A wave of nausea flows through my being as I immediately clamp my mouth, panting.
"Enna!" A gasp rings out next to me as his eyes widen. "You-"
"Eliphas," My chest aches as I grip onto his hands tightly. "If I had only paid more attention to him. H-He showed some changes b-but I was t-too blinded to notice! I-I-"
"Love, please, you have to calm down." Green and red eyes stare at me. "It's in the past now. Didn't he say he doesn't blame you for-"
"I can't forgive myself!" I shout as he brings me into an embrace. "I just cannot forgive myself for letting him go through all of that. F-For ruining his childhood. F-For…" I dig my nails into his shoulders as my ears ring. "I… I-"
"Okay, okay," His hand pats my back. "Shh, he doesn't blame you for any of it, my beloved."
"I was the catalyst for him becoming sociopathic. If it wasn't for me-"
"He's not sociopathic."
"Didn't you hear him? He said-"
"Listen to me," A pair of arms hold my shoulders looking intently in my eyes. "You did nothing wrong as a mother. If anyone is to blame," His tone dips into a whisper. "If anyone is to blame, it would be me."
"But I was the one who-"
"I was the one who neglected him. I was too wrap up in this world and it's stability to give our son the affection he needed from his father." His lips purse into a thin line. "If I'm being honest, I prefer our daughter more."
He what?!
My eyes widen. "Eliphas! How could you say such a thing?" You're not supposed to prefer one child over the other. You're supposed to love them equally!
"You have a favorite to, don't you?"
A scoff escapes my lips as I cross my arms. "I love them both equally."
"Mhm. Sure."
"There's only the two of us in here. Come on, it's so obvious you favor our son more."
"Lies! I love them equally."
My husband lets out a breath shaking his head. "I mean… I get why you would prefer him more. Ever since he was a kid, he exuded this charisma. This magnetic allure everywhere he goes. I don't know how to explain it but he's a genius. At the age of nine, he mastered the art of sword fighting, learnt multiple languages, read all of the scrolls and books in the Palace Library, and had a vast amount of connections."
When I was nine, if I could've read one of the palace books, my parents would have been so proud. Those books and scrolls were filled with jargon and terminology that a kid could not comprehend. Not to mention there are over 1,000 books in the library. It amazes me how he read every single one of them.
"You're right." My eyes drift towards the wall. On it, hangs a photo of my son sporting a neutral expression. "He really is a genius." The fact that he can put on such a convincing smile, the fact that he can think so many steps ahead of an individual, the fact even I, his mother, couldn't tell if he was faking or not, says something. "I just wish there was some way to undo what was done in the past." Even as a kid, he rarely displayed any emotion… well no. Less emotion than a typical child of his age would display. Now, it gotten better but is it all a facade? A mask that he puts up so brings wouldn't question him?
"Yes, I wish that as well but there's no way to change what has been done." A hand lands on my shoulder. "Our son is very strong. He's the strongest being I know. To be able to turn his life around like that… I'm kind of jealous if I'm being honest."
Huh?
"Jealous?"
He nods pursing his lips. "Mhm. I know that I shouldn't be jealous of my own son but I can't help it." His voice lowers to a whisper. "Ever since he was born, he has always been so perfect."
"He's not though…"
"I know that but he puts on such a convincing performance. He always know how to react in certain situations or how to worm his way out of trouble. The way he carries himself, his demeanor, his strength and abilities," A hand clutches his forehead with a groan. "Believe me, if I can go back, I wouldn't have neglected him all those years but I can't." Warm hands touch mine. "We both can't so there's no point feeling guilty or ashamed for anything."
"But still…"
"But nothing, my love. He said he doesn't blame you for anything so you should believe him." There might be a possibility of him lying though.
"If he needed someone to blame, blame it on me. I deserve it for not paying attention to him all those years. Better yet, blame it on the guy who kidnapped him in the first place." A fist clenches as his eyes narrow. "That damn bastard. If I ever find out who he is, I'll kill him and throw him into a river."
(Flash):
"Son," I knock on his door as it creeks open. "I brought you some food in case you were hungry."
On the bed lays an eight year old boy staring at the ceiling as always. His dull gold and silver eyes stares at the chandelier without blinking.
Its been weeks since we found him yet he just lays here.
I place the tray on the table then cautiously sit on the edge of the bed. "I brought all of your favorite foods." My hand picks up a cookie. "Look, these are your favorite cookies remember? Sugar cookies and oatmeal raisin." I glance at the tray then glance at my son. "There's also tomato soup with grilled cheese if you want some." My lips curve a bit as a specific memory pops into my head. "You used to eat that all the time." And used to fight with Astrana over the 'bigger' piece of grilled cheese when they were completely identical in every way.
He blinks turning his head towards me for a few minutes then turn his head back towards the ceiling. Seriously? Is he really not hungry?
"Astral," I place a hand softly on his arm. "Can you please eat something? You skipped dinner and breakfast. At this rate, your body will collapse." Nistro said not to force him and that he will probably return to normal within a month but… it's been weeks yet he's still like this.
"Here," I pick up a cup of water in my right hand. "At the very least drink some water."
My son just stares as my heart clenches. "Just how long are you going to be like this?" I can feel tears starting to form as I blink rapidly. "How long until you start behaving like a normal kid again? Just how long are you going to keep refusing food and water." My throat tightens as I slam the cup down on the table. I yank his arms upwards, forcing his body to sit up to face mine. "I know you know that without food and water, no matter how advanced we are as beings, our body will shut down in a matter of weeks yet here you are refusing to eat and drink." I gulp as he stares at me with those blank eyes. "Are you trying to die right now? Is that it?"
I shouldn't be like this. My grip tightens on his wrist. I shouldn't yell at him after all he's been through but… why do I feel if I don't do anything, Dull eyes look into mine. That I'm going to lose him forever?
"Astral," I clasp his hand together. "Please, I beg you, say something. At the very least," I take one of my hand off his to pick up a cup of water. "Drink some water." He blinks shifting his gaze to the cup. "It's good for you."
(Clang)
(Shatter)
A yelp escapes my lips as he knocks the cup from my hands onto the floor making it break into a million pieces.
"Why did you do that?" My brows furrow as he stares at me. "If you didn't want to drink it, just say so. Why do you have to keep breaking things?" First it was the vase. Now this. What's next? A cabinet?
The boy in front of me curls his knees to his chest staring at the wall across front him as something in my heart snaps.
"Snap out of it. I know you can hear me so snap out of it!" My voice rises as I grab his shoulders. "Astral, return to me. Why are you like this? Just why? What happened for you to become like this?" Who was that being who made you into a shell of what you once were? "Tell me, who was that being? Tell me!" I start to shake his shoulders as tears blur my vision. "Please, snap out of this state. I'll do whatever you want. I'll buy you whatever you want and need as long as you return to normal. I-I…" My throat locks up as I throw myself at his body. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, honey. I…" A cough rings from my lips as tears drip from my cheeks onto his face. "I-If I was a better mother, I-I wouldn't… t-this would have never happened." If I only kept a better eye on him and his whereabouts… perhaps he would be running about with his friends currently. I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible excuse for a mother.
"Son," I sniffle as I cup his tiny face in the palms of my hands. "Please, snap out of it. I beg you."
If he's in this state any longer, it could be dangerous. He could stay in this catatonic state forever judging how long it's been.
Blank eyes stare into mine without blinking as a sob crawls from the depths of my throat. His eyes are so lifeless. I wrap my arms around his shoulders tighter as my breathing labors. I'm so sorry, son. "I'm sorry. I am so sorry, Astral. I… If you had a better mother, this wouldn't have happened. Please, forgive me, my son."
(Flash)
If only I paid more attention to him. My lips purse into a thin line as my fingers wrap around the edge of the bed. Hah… I'm such a bad parent.
"Love,"
"Eliphas, I'm a bad mother. I couldn't even-"
A pair of arms hold me shoulders. "Enna Callista," My eyes widen as his green and red eyes narrow. Why is he referring to my maiden surname? "You're not a bad mother. Stop doubting yourself. What happened to our son and daughter was not and I mean not your fault in any way, shape, or form."
"But-"
"Stop it. Why do you keep doubting yourself? I've seen everything you've done for them. You just wish for them to live their lives peacefully. What happened to him will never be your fault. He said it himself. What happened to our daughter isn't your fault either. So I beg you, my life," His hands hold mine firmly. "Please stop blaming yourself for this. It is not your fault. None of this is."
None of this is my… fault?
My heart thumps quicker as I grit my teeth. No… if I haven't let him out of my sight… Warm arms wrap around my body pulling me closer. "My beloved, you are an exceptional mother and queen." A whisper causes my vision to blur. "If I could turn back time, I would always pick you to be the one I would spend the rest of my life with."
Eliphas…
A smile slowly spread across my face as I let out a breath. "Thank you but don't you think we're a bit old to be saying things like these?"
"Old?" He scoffs pressing his body closer to mine. "Do you mean you don't like to hear me profusely declaring my love for you?"
I giggle at his words as I can feel his head shake. "Besides, you look so young that you can pass for an older sister of our kids."
You flatterer.
"Right," I roll my eyes. "I'm 37 years old and you're 38. Compared to our children, we're ancient."
"Ancient? Thirty seven isn't old, darling. Not to mention, you have a really cute face that makes you look youthful no matter what age you are."
"Okay, okay," I force down a blush as I feel my cheeks heating up. "Enough with the flattery."
"But it's the truth."
I let out another giggle. This man and his words… what did I do to deserve this happiness?