Walking towards his father, Sky pressed his palms against his uniform to dry the sweat. He had ridden to Eraklyon immediately upon hearing Bloom's plan.
Stella was his friend, and he couldn't bear to look at her any differently, especially knowing that Bloom had entangled his heart in her fingers. As he entered the great hall, his father raised his head from the papers he was reading and immediately smiled at his son, gesturing for him to come closer. With a gulp, Sky approached and kneeled before the king, showing respect. Rising from his throne, the king embraced Sky warmly, his pride evident in his smile.
"I must say," the king began, studying Sky after they stepped back from the hug, "I wasn't expecting you to make the right choice, given your past." Sky cleared his throat, daring to interject. Looking up, he spoke with as much respect as he could muster. "I realized I'm wasting her time. The decision I made is purely business. I still love Bloom." Erendor frowned, but chose not to reprimand his son. Instead, he attempted to offer comfort. "It's alright, son," he said, placing a hand on Sky's shoulder and smiling warmly. "Stella is a beautiful princess. You may find solace in her one day."
Sky held his breath, fighting the urge to react harshly. He knew little, but he was certain Stella was also in an unwanted position with this plan. They were both trying to escape marriages they didn't desire, while Bloom promised to find a solution that would keep them both safe.
"May I take my leave?" Sky's question was intended to sound softer than he felt, though he struggled to contain his emotions. But the king didn't seem to notice, proudly patting his son's back. "Go rest. Stella and Radius will be here tomorrow, and you'll likely need your rest," he said with a wink and a laugh. With his stomach churning, Sky rose and, with a brief farewell, hurried towards the exit.
Walking as fast as he could, Sky rushed through the corridors, his mind racing. Ignoring every distraction, he made his way to the furthest room in the palace. Without bothering to knock, he pushed open the door and closed it firmly behind him. Brandon, his best friend, glanced up from his workout, alarm evident in his expression as he saw Sky's flushed face.
"What's wrong?" Brandon asked, noting Sky's agitation. Taking a deep breath, Sky released the tension he had been holding since his conversation with his father. Brandon frowned, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.
"I'm getting married."
The flight from Solaria to Eraklyon wasn't particularly long, but for Stella, it felt like an eternity. As she counted the moments in her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that this plan had been unsatisfactory from the start. She knew Sky wouldn't touch her, not with the danger Bloom posed. Even if Sky dared to touch her, as a fairy, she could easily show him where his grave was.
Taking a deep breath, she conceded that killing wouldn't be easy for her heart, but Bloom could do it without hesitation. Her words echoed in Stella's mind, "And if he tries anything, don't dirty your hands. I'll take care of him,"
Stella sighed, unable to hold back the tears welling in her eyes. She was flying to Eraklyon to marry someone she didn't love. According to Bloom, it was best if the marriage happened immediately, before Diaspro and Renoux could interfere. Dealing with Diaspro might have been manageable, but Renoux was another matter entirely. He was a princely bastard obsessed with Stella, and she couldn't shake the feeling of dread.
"Stella, baby," Radius began, trying to offer comfort. "Don't worry, there will be guards from Solaria at the palace. If you ever feel unsafe, just run to them." Stella shook her head, "No, dad," she interjected, her voice trembling. "King Erendor doesn't know about the plan. He wouldn't understand the presence of Solarian guards, and it could lead to complications. I've asked Sky. Someone he trusts implicitly will always be with me."
As Radius listened to his daughter, he felt a pang of guilt. He had thrown her into the fire without any real protection. What kind of father was he? If it weren't for Bloom's intervention, Edden Renoux would have likely forced Stella into marriage already. There was no denying the anxiety building inside him, the situation growing more unbearable by the minute.
"Stella, I'm..." His voice faltered, as if he had suddenly lost the ability to speak. "I'm so sorry, baby. I'm a terrible father..." Stella shook her head, reaching out to grasp her father's hands tenderly. "No, don't say that," she said softly, her voice filled with love and reassurance. "You saved me, Dad. You could have accepted Edden's offer, but you chose to save me instead. I'm so thankful that you're my father."
Tears welled up in his eyes, and he didn't care if his guards witnessed his vulnerability, even though they were alone in the compartment. He let his tears flow freely as he hugged Stella close, a fierce determination building within him. In that moment, he made a silent promise to himself: Stella would live with the man she loved, no matter what it took.
Stella kept her gaze fixed on her hands, feeling the weight of vulnerability settle upon her. She knew Sky was likely feeling the same way. Her heart ached, hands trembled, and her stomach churned with stress. As they followed behind their fathers, Sky glanced at Stella and whispered, "We need to talk." Stella nodded without looking up, not feeling embarrassed but rather consumed by the weight of the situation. She knew Bloom was in a vulnerable position, too, despite not being there to support them. The truth of her best friend and boyfriend getting married was undoubtedly a heavy reality. Even if that was her plan all along.
"Stell, hey..." Started Sky, but King Erendor's voice interrupted him, saying, "Why don't you show Stella the greenhouses that her friend help us build?" Stella lifted her head as he mentioned the greenhouses that Flora enthusiastically had worked for. While it might not have seemed significant, Stella found solace in the thought of being somewhere connected to her friends. She nodded in agreement, grateful for any distraction from the stress and fear.
"Yes, father," Sky murmured while watching the both kings walk ahead, reaching for Stella's elbow. But she flinched and instinctively backed away, her back pressing against the uncharacteristically wall, weirdly warm even though Eraklyon wasn't a warm planet and Stella felt the chill run over her skin through her white dress.
As Stella looked behind her, her heart pounded as she felt an emerald gaze on her, his eyes melting her resolve. She struggled to remain composed, apologizing quietly as she met his gaze.
Frowning, his eyes searched hers, confusion evident in his expression. Stella cleared her throat, feeling the tension dissipate and warmth replace it. "Stella?" Sky's surprise drew the attention of both Brandon and Stella. Unaware of the moment they had shared, Sky's inquiry caught Stella off guard. "Are you scared of me or something? Why did you flinch?"
"No, of course not," Stella murmured, her gaze dropping once more. "It's just… not easy for me, Sky." Despite the proximity of the man in a knight's uniform, she found herself strangely at ease.
Taking a deep breath, Sky reached for Stella's arm again, guiding her to a secluded bench beneath a tree. He knelt before her, his sigh causing her to flinch once more. "It's hard for me too, Stell, trust me," he confessed. Feeling her eyes fill with tears she raised her head and looked up, only to meet the emeralds again. His eyes already finding hers with a warmth that stirred something within her.
"Let's call her," she suggested, prompting Sky's hesitation. But Stella was resolute. "Sky, are you stupid? This is her plan! Ignoring her and leaving her to worry is the last thing we should do."
Pressing on Bloom's number, Stella shot a glance at Sky, who was now pacing in front of her. The silence of the emerald-eyed knight was unnerving, yet strangely comforting. "Stella!" Bloom's voice broke through, drawing their attention. As Sky sat next to Stella to see his girlfriend, Stella's heart ached at the sight of her friend's tears.
"I'm so sorry, Bloom," Stella whispered, barely holding back her own tears. But Bloom shook her head, reassuring them that it was a okay. "I trust you with all my heart, I need you two to trust me too. Everything will be okay." Both nodded in understanding but there was a big part of them that guilt was spreading all over.
Unable to stem the flow of her tears, Stella turned away, hoping to shield her vulnerability from Bloom's concern. She felt a soft fabric placed in her hand, her cheeks flushing as she met the gaze of the knight covered in black armor. Grateful for his silent support, she murmured her thanks, feeling the weight of Sky and Bloom's curious gazes upon her.
Stella remained silent as she used the soft fabric to dab at her tears. Its scent, a unique blend of wooden essence and fresh cologne, enveloped her senses, drawing her deeper into its allure. She marveled at how effortlessly the knight carried such a heavy fragrance, a testament to his exceptional presence. A sense of injustice stirred within her as she realized that such a captivating scent should belong solely to him. It would be unfair for anyone else to attempt to emulate it. With delicate fingers, she toyed with the fabric's hem, reluctant to return it in its stained state. Her impeccable manners dictated that she couldn't simply hand it back, even if her tears were the only blemish upon it. Thus, she resolved to clean it meticulously, ensuring that its pristine condition was preserved.
"I'll be right back," As Sky excused himself to confer with Bloom in private, Stella's gaze drifted to the surrounding trees, her thoughts consumed by the chill of Eraklyon's artificial sun. While Solaria's gift provided light for growth, it lacked the warmth her body craved. Despite her pale complexion, her latent moon powers struggled to sustain her in this unfamiliar environment. Aware of her prolonged stay, Stella yearned for the nourishing embrace of a genuine sun.
She harbored a flicker of hope that her father had already anticipated her need and made provisions accordingly. The rustle of the knight clearing his throat drew her attention, sparking a curiosity to hear his voice for the first time.
"I didn't get the chance to introduce myself; My name is Brandon Ward," his voice resonated with a commanding yet reassuring tone, introducing himself as the Commander of the Eraklyon Knights and Prince Sky's closest friend. Stella blinked, his words sending a shiver down her spine as she found herself inexplicably drawn to his presence. His rugged charm, imposing physique, and confident voice stirred a flutter of emotions within her, leaving her flushed and uncertain.
She attempted to conceal her embarrassment behind a veil of composure as she inquired, "You know everything?"
"Yes, Sky told me." Brandon's affirmation only deepened her curiosity, prompting further contemplation of the bond between him and Sky. They were best friends, he did say that. But even so, a knight calling the prince by his first name was something that never happens in big kingdoms. "Thank you, Brandon," she murmured, rising to her feet with a newfound sense of respect for him.
He remained silent at first, his discomfort palpable as Stella rose to her feet. Sensing his unease, "What?" she pressed him for an explanation, her own insecurity bubbling to the surface. "You seem pale, maybe sitting down a little more is a better idea." His concern for her well-being was evident, prompting her to confide in him about her struggle to thrive under Eraklyon's artificial sun. "The sun here is not enough for me to gain energy."
As Stella received no immediate response from Brandon, she lifted her gaze to meet his, only to find his brows furrowed in deep concentration. His intense scrutiny sent a rush of heat to her cheeks, intensifying her embarrassment. Caught off guard by his scrutiny, Stella shifted uncomfortably under his gaze, her heart racing with uncertainty. She couldn't decipher the meaning behind his scrutiny, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable in his presence.
"I'll see what I can do." When Brandon finally spoke, his tone carried a steely determination that caught Stella off guard. His promise to alleviate her plight stirred a mixture of surprise and curiosity within her.
"What can you do?" she inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"I'm a Nyxorian, princess. I may not be able to bring the real sun to Eraklyon, but I can lessen the darkness and the cold."
Her mouth agape, she now understood why this man was so attractive. Nyxoria was a planet completely opposite to Solaria. Stella believed that opposite poles attract each other, and right now, the attraction she felt was probably because of that, nothing more, nothing serious.
Stella, realizing she hadn't responded to him, cleared her throat and smiled at him, turning the tables to Brandon without realizing. Caught off guard by her bright smile, he felt a warm sensation enveloping him. A strong urge to capture her smile in his palm surrounded him, and he took a step back, just in case.
"Thank you," she spoke, her voice nearly as strong as a whisper. "Why aren't you in Nyxoria though? It's not healthy for you to live in another planet for too long either. Right?"
Brandon licked his lips, feeling the need to moisten them. He nodded his head and watched as Stella curiously waited for an answer. "My parents moved away after my father and uncle had a misunderstanding between each other. But unlike you, it's not such trouble for me, actually. I can easily find darkness and rest."
Yeah, well, thought Stella, he was right. It's not easy to have a sun in your pocket and regain your energy, while darkness was easy to find and create. Maybe that's why it's the strongest source of energy in the universe. It covers everything if it's strong enough. Shuddering, Stella felt a sudden chill envelop her. Brandon frowned, watching her closely, not understanding what had caused the sudden chill. But when he looked up, he saw dark clouds forming in the sky. Sighing, he spoke softly, so Stella wouldn't be startled.
"Maybe you should go inside. It's going to rain soon."
Looking up, she nodded her head and rose to her feet immediately to escape the rain. "This way," said Brandon when a sudden lightning was heard behind her, and she let out a scream, unable to hold it in. Brandon arranged his cloak immediately and got closer to her so he could hide her petite figure next to his, under the cloak. Rushing to him, Stella sought shelter. She wasn't scared of lightning before the war. With Stormy nearly killing her and her friends, she couldn't stand to hear the sound of it. "I don't," she murmured, her hands trembling. Noticing this, she formed fists with both hands to hide her shaking. "I don't like this weather."
Brandon felt a pang in his heart at her tired and scared voice. He had only heard what happened in the war since the King of Eraklyon had ordered to take the prince away from the battlefield and bring him back to the kingdom. Brandon was the one to bring him back, since Sky had insisted on staying and helping. Something Brandon wanted to do as well, but orders were orders. He was a loyal man, and no matter what, he wouldn't disobey orders.
But right now, looking at Stella, a part of him wished he had stayed back to help the Winx win the war. They had won, yes, but the aftermath left behind was way too traumatizing. Especially after seeing your friends dead, that's another level of pain Brandon himself had gone through.
"It's okay," spoke Brandon, trying to calm her. His cloak was covering her fully, serving as a barrier rather than a warmer. Its material already shielded her from the drops of rain. She looked up and saw him already looking at her, enough to make her blush again. Not wasting any more time with the fear she could catch a cold, Brandon moved them as fast as he could until they reached the back door of the palace. Stella had already captivated him; usually, he would immediately seek Sky and make sure he was the one to reach the palace first. But right now, he could care less about Sky. Thinking; He could take care of himself; he's a grown man.
Lowering his cloak, Brandon took a step back and watched as Stella entered the palace. She turned after a second, realizing the knight wasn't following her. "Aren't you coming?" her murmur sent signals for him to run from her immediately, since the pulling effect was way too strong. "I have to make sure Sky is also okay. You can go in, princess." Stella watched him carefully, a strange disappointment growing inside her. "Okay," she responded, not really happy with the situation. "Thank you for hiding me under your cloak," she said, trying to smile despite her disappointment. "Anytime, princess." Stella had to bite down on her lip to stop herself at the last minute. She didn't want him to call her princess, but if he were to ask why, she wouldn't be able to answer, as she wasn't sure herself why. Turning on her heel, she started walking towards the room she knew belonged to her from now on.
Brandon watched her as she left, his eyes not leaving her figure until she turned the corner. He had to shake off the growing feeling inside him, no matter what. This marriage may not be real, and both Sky and Stella may be best friends. However, that didn't hide the fact that she was way out of his league. Sighing in disappointment, he stepped back and straightened his shoulders. He would get through it eventually. His duty was protection, not love.