Star's POV:

What am I?

I stare at the moon through the open window of my room. The bright white light shines across the lake giving it a peaceful vibe. Am I an Astral being or am I…

"Am I a Barian?"

A sigh rings out my lips as a throbbing headache courses through my brain. This is driving me insane. None of my memories fit together. It's as if… there is something missing. A hidden link I have yet to discover. If I am indeed from Barian World… what am I doing here? Why was I found at the bottom of a cliff?

(Flash):

"Revenge."

(Flash)

Revenge…? My hair flutters as the cold breeze away the curtains side to side. A black crow with beady red eyes lands on the ledge of the as it looks at me through the mesh netting. What if I didn't fall like I originally believed? What if… someone tried to harm me?

"Can you tell me who I am?" A finger gently pokes at the netting making the crow tilt its head to the side. "Huh? Am I a Barian or am I an Astral being? What exactly am I forgetting?" Crimson eyes stare into mine as silence flows in the room. "Can you answer my questions, little crow?"

Who am I kidding? An animal can't give me answers. And the only being I remember being apart of my childhood is him but he… My lips purse as I walk to my bed, plopping myself in the middle of it. The only thing I am sure of right now is we met when I was around 7 at a house. Probably my father's house which was either in Barian or Astral World. I had an older brother named Dekis as well as loving parental figures. However… these memories don't match up. Why am I only remembering what happened during childhood? What happened to my teenage years? Will those come later and I'm just being overly paranoid?

But then again…

Why did I feel something horrible happened? My stomach lurches as it tightens. I gulp breathing inward deeply for a few minutes then out. Funny. My chest… I lay a hand on the left side of my chest as it beats faster than normal. Why when I try to dive deeper and remember… the more nervous? Is that the word for it? Anxious. Why when I try to remember what happened after beings dragged me away…

(Pulse)

"Argh," I wince as I immediately clutch the side of my head. Why does this keep happening? When I desperately try to connect the dots and remember something, there seems to be something blocking me from obtaining the information.

But what?

Maria's POV:

"Uh…" My eyes blink as a guy lays on my bed letting out a sigh. What on earth is he doing here in the middle of the night?! "Derek… hi."

He blows a raspberry staring at the ceiling. Okay… I walk across the room towards the foot of the bed placing my hands on my hips. "Mind telling me what you're doing?"

"I'm bored."

Bored? Did he just say he's bored?!

"But… why are you here?" At night? In my bedroom?

"Couldn't sleep."

How does that answer my question?

"So out of all the places you could've gone to, you picked here?"

"Mhm." He places his arms behind his head then pulls up the blanket to his chest letting out another breath. "Too much on my mind."

Couldn't you think in your room? Why go to mine?

"Oh?"

"Hypothetically, if I were a rapist," My eyes widen at his words. Huh?! "What would you do?"

"Uh," Has he lost it?

My friend turns his head so his bright green eyes pierce mine. "If I were a rapist and tried something on you, would you kill me?"

Um… where is he getting this from…? I blink as I glance around the room. Should I be concerned right now? "Derek… is everything okay?" Come on, Maria. A friend is talking about non consensual intimacy and murder in the middle of the night. That's a sign for help if any.

"Just answer the question, Maria, if I were a rapist, would you do everything in your power to get any from me?"

"I… uh…" Might as well answer. "Of course I would."

"What if I put you in a situation where you couldn't escape? Would you still try to run?"

"Yes."

"Even if you were to go as far as to kill me? To commit murder? To break the law?"

Why is he… "Why are you-"

"Answer the question, Maria." His eyes narrow as his tone suddenly lowers. "Would you kill me to avoid being defiled?" Defiled? That's a bit…

"Yes. If you were in fact a rapist, I would do everything to get away from you."

"Even killing me?"

"Yes." It's breaking the law but I have to put myself first. If not… I would never be able to face myself.

"But you'll be-"

"I know murdering someone is a crime but I don't care. If I kill you, I'll avoid being tortured and save other women from suffering like me."

"So you would kill me to save a bunch of people you don't know from me?"

"Mhm."

"You do realize the crime of murder can be punishable by immediate death or life imprisonment, right?"

"I do," My arms fold in front of my chest shifting my weight to one of my legs. "Regardless of that fact, I would rather die than let you forcefully take it." I cross my ankles as he blinks. "If I happen to save others from it, so be it but to answer your question, Derek, yes. I would kill you to save myself if that situation ever occurred."

Seriously, why is he asking me this? Is he a rapist?'

Green eyes blink at me as he lets out a laugh. "No need to worry. I'm not secretly a racist or anything. I was raised better than that."

"Then… what's with the question?" Surely he didn't ask it for fun.

His shoulders shrug. "I was wondering is all."

Who on earth wonders these kinds of things?! My brows furrow as my lips part. Is he normal? "Are you sure nothing's going on?"

A grin appears on his lips. "Yup. Everything's perfectly fine. I was just wondering what your reaction was going to be that's all."

Huh… alright then.

(Creek)

"Hey," The doors creek open as I turn around to see a guy hunching over walking towards the bed. "How are you doing?"

I blink as he slowly plops himself on my bed with a yawn. A hand swats my friend's face as he furrows his brows. "Move over a bit."

"I was here first!"

"There's enough room on the bed. Move over." He groans as his legs wrap on his waist.

"What are you doing?" He shouts trying to get his leg off him. "Get off me!"

"Mmm, don't be like that, Astral."

"Did he just…"

Green eyes meet mine as his face pales of all color. "Did he just mistake me for Astral?!" They look absolutely nothing alike though. "Dude," A hand shakes his shoulder as he whines clinging on his shirt. "Let go of me. This is really weird and you're freaking me out!"

"Not so loud," I glance around the room. "People are sleeping."

"Yea. The only beings in this wing is you, me, this guy, Star, and Zach. The rest are in the main palace and the servants won't interfere with what's going on in the rooms so is there any point in being quiet?"

"When you put it that way, no but it's still nighttime."

My eyes land on the guy who is hugging my friend. What's his problem? "Brandon," I whisper as I approach him. "Hey, wake up."

"Mm, not so loud."

Loud?

"I think he's drunk."

"What?!"

Brandon drinks?! No way… this guy drinks? He's like the puppy of our friend group aside from Lily and at times Star and Astrana. Well, now it's only Star and Astrana since Lily's married to the Prince. But hm, if I base it off of innocence and a child-like quality… I would have to say Brandon and Astrana takes the lead. Star… I mean, I wouldn't say her mannerisms are of a child. At least not in the way she acts when I'm around. Then again, I don't know what her past self was like so…

"You're kidding, right?" I ask snapping from my thoughts as he shakes his head.

"Nope. I recognize these symptoms anywhere." A sniffle rings through the room. "Yea. He had alcohol."

"Who would give him alcohol?"

He shrugs his shoulders raising his brows. Great. Just great. Perfect. Now there are two in my bed. Plus, it's almost one o'clock! At this rate, I'm never going to be able to sleep.

"Mm," My friend smacks his lips together with a groan. "Why don't you like me?"

Huh?

"Does he… have a crush?"

I shrug blinking at his figure. "He never said anything of a crush before so…"

"Aside from Lily of course but that's not going to happen."

A laugh escapes my lips as I shake my head. "Of course not. She's married after all but…" My lips purse. "I feel bad for him though."

"Yeah. Loving someone who you can't be with hurts." Green eyes stare into mine. "It's even more painful knowing that the woman you love is afraid of being in a relationship because of what happened in the past."

My eyes widen at his words. I… huh? What is he… implying? He can't possibly be hinting at…

"Derek,"

"I'm just saying that's all." He shoots me an innocent little grin. "Don't read too much into it."

Right. Like I would believe you. If you were just saying, why did you have that look on your face?

(Creek)

"Maria, can I…" A woman walks in as she blinks. Green eyes shift towards me then to the bed with my two friends. "Uh…"

"Star," What is she doing here? "Did you need something?"

She blinks with a nervous giggle. "I couldn't sleep so I thought of coming to your room after seeing the light was still on."

Oh.

"If you're busy then-"

"No no," I wave my hands in front of my chest. "Those two," I point back to the bed. "Decided to infiltrate my room suddenly. I did not invite them here whatsoever."

What if she got the wrong idea? It's late at night and two guys are in my bed while I'm in my nightgown. Of course she would get the wrong idea!

"Infiltrate?" He rolls his eyes with a scoff. "Yea right. Like I would do such a thing."

"You did."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have left your door unlocked?"

"I was ready to go to bed yet you two decided to stay here."

He pouts patting the guy who is hugging him on the back to lull him back to dreamland. "I wasn't going to stay here forever. I was just bored and needed some stimulation for a change."

"And you picked me?"

"Yup."

"Why me? You could've gone to Astral. Isn't he the first one you go to if you need something?"

"Yes but I'm too lazy to walk all the way to his room." He whines as my eye twitches. Seriously?! "Plus, he's with Lily and I don't want to interrupt anything they might be doing."

"Fantastic. You don't want to interrupt them but you decide to interrupt me?"

"Yup! You're my go to person when bored!" The guy on the bed shuts his eyes sporting a huge smile. "You can brighten up my day by being near me!"

W-What? My face heats up as I scowl at him. "I give you ten seconds to get off my bed."

"Sorry but," His eyes drifts down at my friend's leg wrapping across his waist. "I don't think I'm getting out anytime soon." He smirks trailing his eyes up and down my body as I cover my chest. "You could lay next to me if you want."

"In your dreams!" This guy is just so… infuriating. And what's with the sudden teasing? Hold on, why am I getting so worked up?

A giggle escapes my friend's lips as she stares at me. "You two act so much like a couple."

My jaw dangles downward as his eyes light up. "Really? You really think we act like a couple?"

"Mhm."

"Star!"

"What?" She blinks all innocently sporting a smile. "I'm only saying the truth."

"That's your opinion!"

"I don't know, Maria. If she says we act like a couple, shouldn't we be one?"

"Derek, you stop talking." I glare at him as he gives me one of those love struck goofy smiles.

"Yes, honey. Whatever you say."

What is the matter with him today? I rub my temples letting out a sigh. This was not how I envisioned my evening.

"Can I sleep here tonight?"

My eyes widen at her words. "What?"

"Haha," A hand rubs her neck. "View it as a sleepover of sorts?"

"Yeah! Let's have a sleepover!" The guy on the bed chimes in. "It's been forever since we had one."

"I've been meaning to ask. What's the matter with him?" A finger points to the guy resting on the bed hugging him tightly.

"Believe it or not, he's drunk."

"He's drunk?!"

"I know, right? I couldn't believe it either."

"Wow." She shakes her head as her lips pout. "Maria," A hand grabs mine swinging it back and forth. "Can I sleep here for tonight?"

I glance at the guy on my bed as he puts on his best sad face. "Please? It's been forever since we had a sleepover."

My eyes drift to the woman beside me then to the guy on my bed once more. These two are going to be the death of me. "Do whatever you want."

"Yes!"

"Thank you!"

"Oh! Want to invite Astral and Lily too?"

"Nah," She waves a hand. "Let them be. They should deserve some privacy considering they're married and all."

"Hm, you have a point." Green eyes light up. "How about Zach?"

"He's asleep, you two."

"Not if I wake him up to join us." Her hands open the doors to the room. "I'm pretty sure he'll want in as well."

"You go do that and see how he responses. Oh and be careful, he gets a little cranky if woken up suddenly."

A giggle rings through the air as she winks. "No worries. I'll be right back."

"Star, don't-" I facepalm letting out a groan. Why are these three doing this to my sanctuary?

"What?"

"Hm?"

"You're staring at me." I place my hands on my hips raising a brow. "What is it? Something on my face?"

"You're beautiful." He whispers looking away as I blink at him. What the…

"Are you sure you're not the one who is drunk?"

"Heyyyy!"

I stifle a laugh with the back of my hand. "I'm joking. Seriously, what has gotten into you?"

My friend tilts his head a little. "Why would you say that?"

"Normally, you wouldn't flatter me this much."

"Flatter?" A gasp rings from his lips as his eyes widen. "My word. I did not flatter you. Everything I say to you is the utmost truth."

"The truth huh?" Really?

"Mhm. I wasn't lying or exaggerating when I said that you're beautiful." His eyes shifts left and right away from mine. "I… you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met."

H-Huh?! My heart beats quickens as I can feel my face heats up. Ay! Stop beating so fast! It's not like it's the first time I heard those words before so why am I reacting like this?

I pick up a small pillow and chuck it towards him hitting his head. "Ow!"

"Go to sleep. It's past one."

"But I'm not sleepy and-"

(Slam)

"Yeah! We're finally having a sleepover!" I jump at the loud noise as a hand high fives me. "I'll admit, it was getting a tad boring."

"Zach, hop in," He chuckles as my friend yawns climbing in the bed. "There's plenty of room."

Why is he so cheerful?! What happened to his crankiness? The woman beside me pokes my shoulder with a giggle. "They're a rowdy bunch, aren't they?"

"Yup."

Honestly, The guys begin to argue over which spot is the best on the bed. Is there ever a quiet moment with these three?

Liliana's POV:

"Astrana?" My brows furrow as she motions for me to come out of my room. What is she planning?

"I need to speak to you." She whispers as I point to myself. Me? She wants to talk to me? Why?

The weight on the bed shifts as a warm hand touches mine. My lips curve into a smile looking at his serene face. Rhythmic breathing fills my ears as I glance towards the door to where my sister is standing then back towards my husband. I shouldn't wake him so soon. He was up most of the night finalizing the perverted noble case anyway. It astounds me how a noble can do something so atrocious in the first place.

I slowly lean down to peck his lips as I cautiously remove my hand. My mouth lets out a yawn as I make my way towards the door opening it as gently as the weight on the bed shifts yet again making me freeze. Why is this guy such a light sleeper? I mean come on. He wakes up at the slightest sound.

I shut the doors behind me with a click letting out a soft yawn. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you as well." Gold eyes look up and down my figure as I blink. What is she looking at? "I need to ask you something."

"Sure. What is it?"

Her lips purse into a thin line. "Do you happen to know anything about the case my brother is working on?"

"The perverted noble case?" I raise a brow as she nods. "Yeah. Why do you ask?"

The woman in front of me shrugs. "I want to be more involved in politics. Anywho, did he get any leads?"

"Yup. Unfortunately he was recently killed. The guards found him on the streets a few days ago." I shake my head closing my eyes. It's always sad when a being dies. Even though he deserved it.

"Have they found out the killer?"

"That I am unsure about but most likely not. If they have, he would've said something." Not to mention His Majesty will definitely do something. Possibly execute them for breaking the law.

She nods placing a hand under her chin. "Ah, okay. Nice to know. Are there any other cases he's working on?"

"Mhm. There's another case where…" I trail off blinking at her. "Why are you so interested in this?"

"Can't I be curious about the cases my brother has been working on?"

"Well yes," I cross my arms over my chest. "You can but it's a bit unusual."

She gulps shifting her eyes to avoid mine. Hm… "Astrana, no need to worry about these horrid cases."

"But I'm a-"

"Astral can handle it just fine." I place a hand on her shoulders. "You don't need to submerge yourself in politics if you don't want to."

"It's my duty as a princess to know about these things. I can't go without knowing the ins and outs of this event."

"Even so, you shouldn't force yourself into this. Especially not to appease others." Her eyes widen. "If you really want to know about these cases, I would be more than happy to share them but if you don't, then who cares? Who cares if you're a princess and you know the bare minimum about this world."

"The citizens will care. They may think I'm incompetent or something."

"No." I shake my head. "This is not your jurisdiction. You don't need to know this. Sure, it would benefit you if you know how this world operates but that isn't a requirement."

Her head tilts to the side as golden eyes blink. "It's… not?"

"Nope. Dealing with all of these cases, helping with the decision makings, signing off the appeals, attending court, conferences, meetings… are all the things expected of the Crown Prince."

"Then what am I supposed to do?" Her arms wave in the air as she lets out a frustrated sigh. "I don't get a specific role and-"

"That's the beauty of it. Nothing is expected from you so you don't have all this pressure on you." My sister opens her mouth and then closes it. "You can do anything you want and personally, you're not incompetent. Remember when you reviewed the appeals? Even I have trouble understanding them at times and don't know if I should sign them off or not but you got them right away."

"Not right away. It took like ten tries for me to understand one of them."

A laugh escapes my lips. "Regardless of that, you did wonderful for your first time."

"I slept for the majority of it while you did them."

Oh yeah.

"These things take time."

"I don't get how you can do something so boring." She groans swinging an arm over my shoulder. "Do you actually like looking those over?"

"Ha, you wish." I roll my eyes with a scoff. "The only reason I look them over is to make sure everything's correct. With the amount of appeals he has to review, a mistake here or there isn't out of the ordinary."

"Why is it that the nobles have so many complaints? Can't they directly take it up to dad?"

"Nope. There are protocols regarding this matter. They look over the complaints and discuss them the following meeting until a compromise has been reached."

"Why?"

"It's to preserve the peace between the nobles and The Royal Family."

"You have got to be kidding me." A hand facepalms her forehead. "Why bother sucking up to those nobles when we have more authority?"

"Because that's how we maintain peace."

"But-"

"Think about it, The Royal Family is mostly made up of high ranking nobles, right? What happens if we upset those nobles? Considering how much power they have, they might do quite a bit of damage against the lower ranks or in the worse case scenario, us."

A small gasp radiates from her lips. "So that's why…"

"Yea. Some of the complaints are just plain ridiculous but even if I don't like it, it's a way to maintain the peace His Majesty has longed for."

My sister nods slowly as her eyes meet mine. "You still didn't answer my question. What can I do? Like what is expected of me?"

"As I said, you can do anything you wish."

"Lily," A hand swings my hand side to side. "Give me a straight answer."

"Well, you can always help me look over the-"

"Ew. No way!" She sticks her tongue out in disgust. "Count me out. I did those once and swore I would never look at them again unless I have to."

Hahaha! I don't blame her.

"Let's see, I'm assuming you don't want to do anything political?"

She rapidly shakes her head. "Nope. My brother can handle that realm. I'm more of a hands on sort of girl."

Hands… on… My eyes widen as a thought pops into my head. "How about you go to the homeless shelter with me this weekend?"

"There's a homeless shelter?"

"Yeah. I hadn't had the opportunity to visit it in a few months since," I gesture to my protruding belly. "You know."

"What do we do there?"

"Oh the usual. Setting up stations so the poor can get food and water, tending to the sick, playing with the children, listening to their complaints… standard procedure."

"I can do that! I love playing with kids!"

My lips curve as I pat her shoulder. "Is that a yes?"

"Definitely!" Her eyes then trail downward to my stomach. "But are you sure you can handle it? Considering you're pregnant and all…"

"No need to worry. I know my own body better than anyone. Plus, Nistro's going with us. If any complications arises, he'll know what to do."

"I don't know… you're pretty far along…"

I wave a hand. "I'm fine. The twins were fine the last time I saw them on the ultrasound. Don't worry too much."

"I just don't want to be the reason my brother yells at when something happens to his pregnant wife."

"Haha," I poke her shoulder. "The doctor said the ultrasound was all good and the babies are developing normally to my relief. So unless something unexpected happens, I doubt there will be an issue."

"Oh, how far along are you? Is everything okay? You're not still suffering from morning sickness, are you?"

"No, no. Luckily that died down during the second trimester. And I'm about 21 weeks along."

"So… 5 months?"

"Mhm."

A hand softly lays on my belly as she beams. "I read somewhere that the baby starts to move around at this stage." Her ear presses against my stomach closing her eyes. "Have you felt anything yet?"

"Nuh-uh." How cute. My hands lays on top of her head. "I haven't really felt any movement. Perhaps it's because I'm preoccupied with other things."

"Don't worry. All babies develop at their own rates. I'm sure you'll feel something soon." She lifts her head from my belly sporting a huge smile. "I still cannot believe you're pregnant. Being an aunt at 19 is really something."

"Oh really? Then you try being a mother at 18 and see how you like it."

We laugh letting out a breather. I place a hand on my stomach. I can't believe I'm bearing kids. Most importantly… his children… the Crown Prince's children are inside me.

"Can I hug you?"

I blink as she opens her arms. Why is she asking that? "Of course you can…"

"I wasn't sure if hugging can affect the babies in a certain way or not." Her arms wrap around my shoulders loosely as I pat her back.

Does she think I'm fragile just because I'm carrying babies?

"You can hug me all you want. The babies won't be affected by it since the amniotic sack is protecting them."

"Have I ever told you that you are the best sister-in-law I have ever had?" A voice whispers as my heart soars holding her tighter.

"I'm the only sister-in-law you ever had and thank you."

"Right." She suddenly pulls away gazing on the door. "And I will make sure it stays that way."

Huh?

A hand swings open the doors forcefully as I raise a brow. "Astrana, what are you-"

"He's still asleep?" A mutter rings through the room as I stare at my husband's figure on the bed hugging a pillow. "Whatever. Listen here, Astral." His sister points at him. "You better not think to divorce this woman because if you do, I'll never ever forgive you. I will annoy you until you explode so don't you even think about breaking her heart."

My eyes widen as my chest flutters. Astrana…

"Also, any affairs you have with other women, I don't care who it's with but shut it down. You have a loving wife who is bearing your children, who has been with you since forever and deserve all of your love and commitment. So if you are in any affairs, I expect you to end it quickly and quietly. Do not forget that you are a married man who has a family!"

I wrap my arms around her shoulders as gold eyes glance back at me. "Do you really like me that much?"

"Yup! Like I said, you're the sister I never had."

"Oh?" I tilt my head. "Don't you like your brother as well?"

"Hm, of course I do but like all brothers, he can get a bit annoying," I hold in a laugh filling my cheeks with air. "Especially when he's bossy and tells me not to do things."

Hahaha!

Bright golden eyes pierces mine as her body spins around placing her hands on my shoulders. "Don't worry, Lily. If my brother someday abandons you, I can take his place."

Huh…?

"I won't let them grow up without a fatherly figure." A smile beams from her lips. "I'll even marry you to make things official."

"W-What?!" D-Did she just say…

The Princess laughs wiping a tear from her eyes. "Oh my gosh. You should've seen the look on your face just now. Hahaha!" What is going on… here…

"Astrana… are you…"

"Nope! I like guys in case you were wondering."

"O-Oh."

"And no worries, sis," She glances at the man resting on the bed then towards me. "Even if he leaves you one day, I'll be the coolest aunt ever."

Coolest aunt ever huh?

"I'll believe it when I see it."

I stifle an incoming giggle as she whines. "I'm serious. I'll be so cool they will like me more than you."

"Hah, want to bet?" As if they will like their aunt better.

"$50. Once they are old enough, they will voice their opinions. Whoever they like more will get $50."

"Deal."

I'm pretty sure I'll win this bet.

My stomach rumbles as my face heats up. Oh come on!

"Yikes, you must be starving." Her eyes drift to the wall clock. "Come on, let's get you some food."

"I could use some meat right about now." I lick my lips as my mouth waters. I can almost taste it in my mouth! The tender and juicy piece of beef.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

My brows furrow as her eyes blink. "Huh?"

"You're going outside in that?" A finger points to my nightgown as I gasp in horror. I completely forgot I was wearing this! I immediately cover my chest with a gulp. How will I explain this to her?

"A-Astrana, I-"

"I don't wanna hear it."

"It's not what you think. I wasn't-"

She raises a hand to stop me as her face turns pink. "I seriously do not want to hear about it. What you do with my brother is none of my business or concern."

"No! It's not that. We didn't do anything yesterday-"

"Lalalalalala!" Her hands cover her ears. "I cannot hear you."

Ay-ya! Note to self: remember to change before seeing someone who is not my husband.

"You misunderstand-"

"Lalalala! I do not want you to explain anything. Lalala, get changed and go downstairs to eat."

"Wait-" And she's gone. Darn it! Great job, Lily. Fantastic.

I place my hands on my hips walking to the bed. "Wake up." A groan fills the room as he rolls to the other side lazily. "Come on, baby. I can tell you're awake."

The guy on the bed lays there motionless as a thought rings through my head. Hm… "Alright then. Lay in bed for the rest of the day." My legs carry me to the closet opening up the doors with my hands. "Hm, what should I wear?" So many choices yet none of my jeans fit anymore. I'm definitely going to buy some new clothes later this week. After all, I can't wear dresses all the time. It still isn't my go to style.

My eyes widen as I lay a hand on my belly. What the… I could have sworn I felt something. Huh, I blink letting out a sigh. Must've been my imagination.

"Love," Tired gold and silver look into mine shutting a bit then reopening his red eyes. Wait… red eyes? "My eyes burn." A sleepy voice murmurs as he flops his body against mine.

"Hey," I shake him awake. "Are you okay? Why do you look so fatigued?" He has gotten nine hours of rest yet that still isn't enough?

"Hm?"

"Are you alright?"

"Didn't you hear me, my eyes hurt."

His eyes? I sit him down on the bed furrowing my brows. "Alright. Open your eyes for me."

"Mmm, can you get the bottle of eye drops? It's on my desk." Eye drops? He uses eye drops? I pass the little bottle to him as he nods. "Thank you."

"You never told me you used eye drops before."

"You know how I wear contacts right?" Colored contacts. I nod as tears rolls down his cheeks. "Well, sometimes with the use of contacts, I can develop dry eyes as a result." My husband hisses as he hands me the bottle while frantically fanning his eyes. "Though in this case, I suspect this to be a corneal abrasion."

"You scratched your cornea?!"

"Yes."

"I'll get the doctor."

A hand pulls me back as his eyes shut. "No need to bother him for this. It'll heal in a few days."

"But what if-"

"I'll get him to prescribe some antibiotics in the form of eye drops to decrease the risk of infection." His hand pats mine. "Until this has settled, I'm afraid I can't see-"

"You're blinded?!" Can a scratched cornea be that severe?!

He chuckles. "I'm not blinded, Lily. I just can't see with all the tears in my eyes."

Oh. I let out a breath patting my chest. Thank goodness! "Don't worry about a thing today." My hands slowly lay his head on the pillow. "I'll handle it."

"Can't. I have to attend court."

"No." I push him down on the bed. "What do you think you can do in your condition? You said you can't see properly. If so, how do you expect to-"

"Simple," He raises his arms to make a white fabric appear around his eyes. "This will mute all surrounding lights making it easier on my eyes. As for the burning, the amount of tears I'm producing will probably be enough to lubricate them for now."

There's a light blocking fabric?! Woah…

"Of course, this won't make it so I can see clear but it will have to do for now." His hand waves over his eyes making the fabric disappear. It can disappear as well?!

"Oooo!" I grab his arm. "Can I get one too?"

"Why?"

"To try it on myself of course." A fun cloth like this… imagine all the uses for it! For example, I can see if it is strong enough to block out the sun. "Baby, can I have one?"

The one beside me lets out a chuckle. "Is there something wrong with your eyes?"

"No but-"

"Then no."

"Baby!" My lips pout as he slowly opens his eyes blinking a few times. "I want to try it though."

"It's not a toy you can play with, love." A smile crosses his lips as his fingers touch my cheeks. "I apologize but there's only one."

"Aw," I thought that was the case.

"How about when I get better, you can try this out?"

"Yes!" Light blocking fabric. That sounds so cool!

Fingers trace my cheeks as my face heats up. What is he… "Judging by my eyes currently, I most likely won't be able to see clearly for a day or two."

"But you can see me, right?" I wave a hand in front of his face as he grips it. "You're not totally blinded with that cloth, right?"

"Yes, beautiful. I can still see you just not clearly as before."

"Not as clearly?"

"Yes," His hands cup my face tenderly leaning closer. "But don't worry. I'll regain full vision in at least a few days."

I grin pecking his lips. "I know. Until then, I'll be your eyes."

A minuscule smile flashes on his handsome face. "I thought you said you weren't going to kiss me this week. Did you forget?"

Oh yeah. I did say that.

"You're exempt today because of your eyes." My voice lowers into a whisper looking away. "But tomorrow, the rule goes back into effect."

"Oh? If that's the case, I would rather my eyes stay as they are today."

What?!

"Why would you want that? I don't want a blind husband!" I whine as he sits me down on his lap wrapping an arm around my waist. My eyes widen as I struggle to get off. "Haha, very funny. Now let go of me."

"Because then," I shiver as his hot breath lands on my ear traveling down my neck. "I get to kiss you everyday as opposed to waiting for a week."

Flatterer! Hm, let's tease him for a bit.

A finger poke his nose as I lean closer to his lips. "Am I that seductive that you can't resist going a few days without kissing me?"

My husband smirks as a hand touches the inner portion of my thigh, rubbing it making me bite my lip. "Why are you asking me that, my stunning wife? Shouldn't you already know the answer by now?"

Do I dare go further?

"I don't." I place a hand on his chest. "Care to remind me?"

"You drive me crazy, baby." The guy on the bed whispers as he pecks along my neck making me moan softly.

"Good or bad?" My breathing picks up as a hand slips up my back.

"The good kind." He murmurs as he covers my lips. "The kind where I don't have any control over my body and my first instinct is to hold you close."

"Mmm," I move my hair to reveal more of my neck as his stare switches into a lusty one. "What if I don't want you to hold me? Would you be upset?"

"Of course not, sexy."

"Why not?"

I shudder as his lips trail down the side of my neck, nicking a piece gently. "H-Hey, no hickeys. They'll see."

"I'll be as gentle as possible." A gasp radiates from my mouth as I rub my legs together. Keep it together, Lily. It's just a bite but why am I so turned on? It's literally just a nibble! "I will be honest, my dear." My eyes roll to the back of my head as his member rises directly on my clit. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down. Breathe. But… the only thing separating us is my underwear and his-no! No no no no no! Wait a minute, did he sleep without pants and only boxers last night? Think pure thoughts! "My first thought is to hold you close but that's not all."

"T-Then what are you-"

"More than anything," His member grows once again as I feel his fingers shifting my underwear to the side. "I want to ravish you."

I grit my teeth as my breathing labors. "A-Astral, not now." Control yourself. It's all about self control, Lily. Think pure thoughts. Clean thoughts. "It's not that I don't want you or anything but ahh…" A hand rubs my erect nipple making my core heat up even more.

"Just what?"

We'll be in here forever. The embarrassment when my friends ask why we were taking so long. I'll never be able to live it down!

"Our friends and family are expecting us."

"Let them wait." Soft lips cover mine as a tongue intrudes the depths of my mouth breathing heavily as my arms wrap themselves around his neck involuntarily. No… I shouldn't be kissing him like this. My head tilts to the right while I switch my position so my legs straddle his private area. "You're my top priority."

My face flushes as I glance at his lower half. "D-Did you sleep in your boxers?"

"Mhm. I find it quite comfortable. Plus, I was too lazy to change into pajamas."

Of course he was.

"Why?" He smirks pulling the string of my nightgown so it hangs off my body. "Do you prefer less clothes when we go to bed?"

"I… I-uh…" Stop stuttering!

"Because," My body shivers as he slowly pulls to reveal my left shoulder. "I would gladly wear nothing to bed," He pecks my shoulder as I gasp. Heat increases within my body as I gulp. I have to stop this now!

"Astral, not now."

"When?" A low voice rings through my ears as a hand squeezes my bottom softly. I inhale sharply through my nose slowly exhaling.

"Six days." Clean thoughts. Clean thoughts. Clean thoughts. Clean thoughts. Clean thoughts.

"I thought I was exempt today."

"That was only for kissing! Not this."

"Not what?" My husband tilts his head innocently as I gently hit his chest.

"This."

"But baby," I stiffen as I feel his member shoot up once more. "How can I possibly control myself when you look so cute and sexy in this nightgown?"

"Two words," I wink pecking his lips. "Self control."

The guy beneath me sighs wrapping his arms around my waist. "Fine but let me place my head in your chest."

A giggle escapes my lips as he nuzzles his face in my chest. "You really like my chest huh?"

"Mhm. It makes me feel safe."

Does that mean he usually doesn't feel safe?!

"Safe?"

"Yea. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside."

Warm and fuzzy…

I stroke his short hair as he hums. "Compared to other forms of intimacy, do you like laying in my chest more or less?"

"That's a tough one," He pauses for a moment looking up at me. "Well, with other forms of intimacy, it starts with lust. Not to say intercourse isn't good because it's amazing and-"

"Ahem!" I clear my throat forcing down a blush. "Get to the point." How can he say something so…

He shakes his head sporting a loving smile. "I find it to evoke different emotions. Laying on your chest makes me feel… peaceful as you would call it. I can forget all my worries and troubles when listening to your heartbeat which I don't quite comprehend how that works but," He shrugs his shoulders. "It works."

His lips peck mine as I giggle. How can a guy look so handsome? His flawless skin that shimmers light moonlight, his pale blue hair, his pink lips… most of all… My fingers lay close to his eyes. These stunning gold and silver beauties. His eyes can lure anyone in let alone make anyone fall for him.

"Are you daydreaming?"

My eyes widen as I snap from my thoughts. "Just thinking how is it that you're so ethereal that's all."

"Huh… so I'm a woman?"

"What?" Why would he think that?

"Maybe it's just me but isn't that word used to describe women and their beauty?"

"You're not wrong but," I pinch his cheeks as he purses his lips. "You look so out of this world handsome!" My legs wrap around his waist tightly as he stiffens. "Ah, how did I get so lucky to be your wife?" He could've picked any other woman but he chose me. Yahoo!

"Lily,"

"I love you, you know that?" I peck his lips as my fingers play with his hair. "Forever and ever!" I can't believe I just said that. Was that too cheesy? Whatever.

"What about you, baby?" I bat my eyelashes at him as he clutches my body tighter. "How much do you-Mph!"

My eyes widen as a pair of lips slam onto mine. Huh? A tongue enters my mouth as my heat flows up and down my being. What is he… I gasp as a hand throws off my nightgown revealing my bare body for him to admire. I thought we weren't…

"Astral," I let out a soft groan as my breathing quickens. "I-"

"How can I resist you when you're being so endearing?" My husband mutters kissing my neck as I gulp trying to push him away. "If you want me to stop, stop being so cute, my love."

How on earth am I supposed to stop being cute when everything I do is cute to you?

"Babyyyy!" I whine as he descends to my collar bone. "I'm serious. We can't-"

"Why not?" His teeth grazes my nipples as a hot liquid flow down my panties. Oh gosh. My body pushes against his as he sucks on my right breast. Calm down. Calm down. Calm down! Electricity courses through my veins as I dig my fingernails into his back holding back a cry. "You're enjoying this."

"I… ahhh," I cannot make a sound. No. I can't make any noises!

I let out a yelp as he suddenly pushes me on the bed ripping off my underwear. "A-Astral,"

"I don't think I can control myself anymore." Hot breaths touch my lips as his member pokes my upper thigh. "Say stop. Say no if you don't want to."

"They're expecting us." I gulp as I force my head to turn to the right. "What are they going to think when we don't-"

"Say the word stop." A hand touches my thigh as my breathing labors. "Honey, say it and I will stop immediately."

"I…" I should be stopping him. We have no time for this yet… I grip the sheets beneath me. "You have a meeting to-"

"Say the word stop, baby." The man above me rubs our noses together. "You have to say it. Excuses won't work." I bite my lips as his warm tongue flicks my areola. Keep calm, Lily. Don't you dare-

"Mmmmm!"

I lift up my hips as his fingers penetrate my nether region. Massive amounts of pressure builds within my being as my insides burn, welcoming his long fingers. My gosh! Ok. Just breathe. Breathe, Lily.

"L-Love," My arms push his head closer as he nibbles on my breasts. "I… mmm… ahh!" My toes curl as he continues. Darn it! "We shouldn't… oh gosh, Astral!"

Sweat drips from my body as my fingers pierce his back drawing blood. If this keeps up, I will lose all control. His fingers pump in and out rapidly as my breathing picks up yet again. Must… not… scream… I spread my legs out as a smirk crosses his lips. "You were saying?"

"I… ahhh! M-More…" I utter out a groan as a whine escapes my mouth.

The man above me licks my hard pink nipples, grazing his teeth on them as I let out a cry. Adrenaline courses through my veins as I shudder. He curls into me with a grunt, sucking my breast, twirling his moist tongue all over it.

"D-Don't you dare stop." Why does this feel so good? Astral…

My being feels as if it is on fire as I immediately shut my eyes and pull his lips on mine, biting them as hard as I can.

"Mph!" My eyes roll in the back of my head as warm fluid suddenly rushes out of me at lightning speed. His lips disconnect from mine as I pant shutting my eyes. Breath. I have to breath.

The heat in my body dissipates as my loving husband pecks my lips. "You enjoyed it as well."

I open my eyes furrowing my brows. "Ok. First of all, what happened to all of your self control? Who told you that you can do that? Secondly-"

"You did, my dear." A head lays in my chest letting out a sigh. "I clearly remember saying if you wanted me to stop, say the word stop."

"B-But-"

"If I heard the word stop, believe me, I would have stopped no matter how much I wanted you."

My face heats up as I turn away from him. Oh yeah… "But… how will we explain this to…" I'm never ever going to be able to live this down! I can already hear the laughs radiating from them as we speak! "This is all your fault!"

"My fault?" An eyebrow raises as he tilts his head like a cute puppy. "How is it my fault?"

"You-"

"How is it my fault if we participated in it?"

How is it his fault if we… I grip his shoulders narrowing my eyes at him. "You. Fix this. I don't care who's at fault but fix this now!"

"Love, I'm pretty sure they are old and mature enough to know we have needs and desires-"

"Astral, don't you know the meaning of embarrassment?" My fingers tighten on his shoulder shaking his body a bit. "I will never hear the end of it. So you fix it. I don't care how you manage to convince them but you must or else I will never forgive you! Do you understand?"

Gold and silver eyes stares at me for a moment. "Did you just threaten me?" His gaze turns dark as I gulp. Uh-oh… "You dare threaten me, my lovely wife?"

Too late to back down now. My heart races as I bite the inside of my cheek. "Yes. Do you have a problem with it?" I just threatened the Prince. Am I nuts?! Hold on, I'm the Princess Consort. Why am I nervous? I hold equal power as him. I shouldn't be nervous but his gaze… it's so dark.

A hand touch my cheek as his lips curve into a small smirk. I'm dead. "B-Baby, I didn't m-mean to-"

"I think I've fallen for you even more." My eyes widen as he whispers sporting a pink blush. Huh?! His body curls into mine wrapping his arms around my neck.

"What?" Am I missing something here? Did he just say… I blink a few times patting his hair. "Astral,"

"Yes?"

"We really need to go now."

A silence rings through the air as his head shifts over to the other side of my neck. "Darling, I have a plan but it requires the both of us for it to work."

"Really?"

"Yes. Just follow my lead."

Astrana's POV:

"You five had a sleepover and didn't invite me?!" I shout as they look among themselves. Seriously?

"It wasn't a sleepover." My hazel eyed friend huffs crossing her arms. "These two," She glares at the two guys who is calmly sipping their water. "Decided to infiltrate my room without my consent."

"Hey, blame it on Derek." His arms rises above his head. "I didn't know which room I was in."

Huh?

"No one told you to drink in the first place."

"What the?" My eyes widen as I stare at him. His face turns red looking away. "Brandon… you drink? As in alcohol?!"

"Yea. I know right? We couldn't believe it either." A hand swings around his neck pulling him closer. "Hey, since we know you can drink, let's go out to a bar. You can drink all you want."

Blue eyes blink at his green eyes. "No thank you. I have no interest in repeating last night's event."

"What? You mean hugging me like your life depended on it?" His face reddens once more. "Man, you have an iron grip, you know that?"

Hahahahaha! I can picture them cuddling right now. Oh how I wish I was there to see it.

"I'm so sorry. I-I didn't realize it was you…"

"Oh? Who did you think I was then?"

"N-No one."

"Come on, Brandon," He teases as he gulps. "Who did you think I was? Your crush?"

"C-Crush?" His hands cup his cheeks. "Derek, I don't-"

"Ha, we all know who your crush is by now." A guy chimes in with a smirk. "It's Lily, isn't it?"

"No!" My friend shouts standing up. "I do not like her!

"You don't like me?" He freezes as a voice rings out near the stairs. Purple eyes widen at his statement. "Was it something I did?"

This is going to be good! I rub my hands together in anticipation as my brother sits down next to my mom at the table. His hands touch the chair slowly while sitting down.

"Mother,"

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"It's about time you two." She picks up a cup of water sipping it. "Honestly, I know you're the Prince and Princess Consort but that's no excuse to have everyone waiting at the table."

"I apologize but I was preoccupied with something."

Preoccupied with something? I scoff under my breath. More like someone.

"And Lily, what did I say about referring to my title?"

Her eyes widen. "Ah yes. I'm sorry, mother. Force of habit." Purple eyes then drifts to my friend who gulps slowly sitting down. "So, you don't like me?"

"L-Lily, I…" Blue eyes dart around the room. "Of course I like you. Please, don't misunderstand."

"I'm glad." She lets out a bright smile. "I like you as well!"

My jaw drops as I blink at her. Uh… does she realize he likes her in a romantic way? How can she say that phrase so… casually? My friends all shrug with clueless faces as I glance at my brother who is picking up his knife. Oh yeah. That reminds me of something.

"Mom, where's dad?" I ask as my sister-in-law takes the knife from my brother's hands and starts cutting his meat into chewable pieces. Uh… I get they love each other but can't he cut his own steak?

"Your father's at a meeting, honey." I figured as much.

"Brother,"

"Yes?"

My eyes narrow into his. "You are paying for my therapy."

His eyes blink raising a brow. "Why?"

"Because," My face heats up. "The amount of times I caught you two in an intimate position is enough to traumatize me."

"That was one time." A hand waves with a scoff. "Besides, you should've knocked."

"Well yes but-"

"You're old enough to know we have desires."

"Yeah but I don't want a mental image of you and Lily doing that of all things!"

"No one told you to visualize it." He mutters as a hand passes a plate in front of him. "Thank you, my love."

"No problem."

"Whatever." I cross my arms in front of my chest. "You have to pay for my therapy."

"You can get therapy for free, sis." He stabs a piece of meat with his fork. "There's no need for me to pay."

Oh yeah… royal members can get any services without charge.

"W-Well, you have to at least pay me money."

My twin lets out a breath. "Fine. How much do you want?"

Really? He's agreeing to this? Hm… I have to ramp up the number.

"$1,000."

He chokes on his water as his wife pats his back. "Excuse me? Why do you need $1,000?"

"I saw a thing that I should have never seen. It harmed my mentality, Lucky." I pout as he opens his mouth. "Surely you can spare $1,000, right?"

"It harmed your mentality?" He questions as my sister blushes. "The last time I checked, we're the same age, sis. You are old enough to know about these things and besides, correct me if I'm wrong but we were fully clothed."

Oh no. This is backfiring!

"Yes, but you're loaded. What's a thousand to you?"

"That's not the point. I just don't go around giving away money without a reason."

Without a reason?

"So harming me psychologically isn't a good enough reason to pay?"

"You-"

"By the way, did you forget about this morning?" A gasp escapes from the woman next to him. Yes! "You-"

"Fine," A groan interrupts me. "You can have $1,000."

Wohoo! I'm going to be rich!

Gold and silver eyes turn to the head of the table. "Mother, may I borrow $1,000?"

What?

"Hey wait a minute," My brows furrow as I look between him and my mom. "Do you not have money of your own?" He's the Crown Prince. Surely he would have money.

"I do but I don't have a thousand in cash to give you."

Oh.

"Then give me your card."

"No way!"

"Why not?"

"And risk you taking more than a thousand?"

I roll my eyes. "Lucky,"

"You can't even use it since it requires a pin that only I know."

Come on!

A sigh rings from my mom. "Sweetie, do you really need $1,000?"

I nod. "Yes. It's important."

"How important?"

"Important."

Gold eyes stare into mine as she materializes a stack of cash and hands it to me. "I expect you to put this to good use."

"Don't worry!" I let out a giggle holding the money close to my chest. Yeah! I'm rich! I wonder how many sweets I can buy with this? Probably hundreds! "I will not disappoint you, mommy!"

"And son," A hand touches his arm lightly as my brother directs his gaze onto her. "You don't need to repay me."

"Are you sure? If you want, I have the funds on my card."

She shakes her head letting out a smile. "No. Don't worry about it. I'm your mother. Whoever heard of a mother asking their son to pay her back?"

My eyes shift between them pursing my lips. There is it. The favoritism.

"Thank you."

"Goodness," She waves a hand. "No need to always be so polite towards me. It makes me feel as if I'm a stranger or something." A laugh radiates from her mouth as my brother curves his lips showing his pearly whites then sips his water.

Perhaps it's because she knew him longer. I mean, I was out of the picture for quite some time so maybe that's the reason why… My chest stings as I force down a gulp. Then again, who wouldn't love him? He's the Crown Prince. He was dubbed as a genius at a young age while I was just an ordinary kid. How is it that we are twins yet we are so different? How does that even work?

A hiss snaps me from my thoughts as the being across from me shuts his eyes. What's going on now?

"Love," Her hand holds his as her eyes radiate concern. "Does it hurt again? I told you to call the physician this morning."

"I'm fine." My brother winces as closing his eyes. "It's just a corneal abrasion. It will-"

"A corneal abrasion?!" The woman at the head of the table screeches as gold eyes snap towards him. "Do you know how serious those can be? You can lose your-"

"Mom," A hand feels around as her hand clasps his. "I'm honestly fine. It stings a bit but other than that, I can still see."

"Hold on, what's a corneal abrasion?" My white-haired friend speaks up as I look at her. Cornea. I'm assuming that is related to the eye. Did he injure his eyes?!

"He wears contacts as you know." The dark haired woman next to him explains. "The surface of the contact can sometimes scratch the cornea, resulting in a tear."

"Was that why you two were so late?"

"Yes. What did you think we were doing?" My friends look away as I blink. So I was wrong…"No need to bother Nistro, I'm fine."

"But it could lead to an infection-"

"I got it all under control, Astrana."

My lips curve downwards into a pout. "You always say that. Did you remember what you promised me? You said you'll take care of yourself yet now this happens."

"This is a minor issue. To me, it doesn't even count as an issue." What?!

His wife gently hits his shoulder letting out a sigh shaking her head. "How does that not count as an issue? You can barely see!"

"So?" He shrugs. "I still have my other senses. Do you know if one sense is impaired, the other senses will heighten?" Well yea but we use our sight for the majority of our lives. To have it impaired is a challenge to adapt. A sniffle fills my ears as his nose wrinkles. "Brandon, did you drink champagne?"

Woah…

Blue eyes widen at his question as his mouth opens and closes. "I… uh… yes. I drunk some last night."

"No wonder."

"But how did you know it was champagne?"

"Champagne has a distinct scent to it. Considering you're overflowing with the smell, I'm assuming you had a lot."

Overflowing with the scent?

My brows furrow as my friends lean closer to him to take a whiff. "Huh?"

"Are you sure it wasn't a lucky guess?" My hazel eyed friend ask as she sniffs his clothes again. "I don't smell anything."

"Perhaps it's because I have an incredible sense of smell." Or it could be a lucky coincidence. Or maybe his sense of smell is heightened for the lack of sight.