Aria "he secretly followed you because he knew that you were coming to meet me, maybe he was afraid that something bad was going to happen to you." 'I doubt that was the reason he was here.' Aria looked at Prince Zane from the side of her eyes. he probably wanted to know everything that Elqenna was going to tell her. Aria sort of wished that Prince Zane didn't know how to save his father. 'was he going to do the same awful things King Kaida did?' she thought. she wanted to believe that he wouldn't, but Prince Zane was desperate and he was willing to do anything to get what he wanted."tell me." Prince Zane's voice was full of hatred and anger. "How did my marriage with Aria make my father feel like it was okay if he died." "it is because of the pendant." Elqenna said without beating around the bush. "you boldly remove the pendant, revealing Aria's true identity in front of the inner court, it made King Kaida realize that his son was old enough to take care of himself." Aria frown
Aria 'he probably never wants to see my face ever again.' Aria breathed in a heavy breath, forgetting that Prince Zane couldn't see. ever since Elqenna had been seen in the palace her thoughts moved in a circular motion of King Kaida, Prince Zane, and Elqenna. nothing could help her feel at ease. Training until she was tired barely helped.Axel punches Aria straight in the face."Are you okay?" he asked, "I thought you were going to block that attack.""I'm fine, let's continue," Aria said pushing herself. even though Axel's fist had been in front of her eyes she wasn't focused. 'do I still want to save King Kaida, did Zane still want to save his father?' Aria thought as she continued training with Axel. the only way to save King Kaida was by committing a crime, it was disgusting. 'how long is the peace treaty between Esterial and Dreamstake pack going to last, what was Prince Zane going to do? how was he feeling, do I still have a right to know how he was feeling? what are we now?'
Aria "I have spoken to King Kaida. he's willing to talk to you. this time he's going to tell you the truth about who you are?" Elqenna said to Prince Zane. Aria didn't like the way she sounded, she sounded as though Prince Zane wasn't King Kaida's biological son. but that was impossible. "I suggest you don't waste much time to see him." Elqenna mysteriously vanished the same way she came in. 'don't waste time.' Aria thought of Elqenna's words, 'King Kaida don't have must time left.' 'I guess he doesn't care that she escapes prison.' Aria thought as she saw a little bit of excitement on Prince Zane's face even though he tried to mask it. she didn't blame him for the happiness he felt. he had been trying hard for years to find out what his father was hiding from him. although Prince Zane's happiness was quickly swallowed up by a dark look on his face. his father was dying. the truth he had always wanted to know was now bitter, Aria hoped that it wouldn't be too hard for him to swal
Aria "Zane, you weren't born blind." King Kaida said in a tired voice. Aria could see how much he was struggling to continue talking. the slight pain that reflected on his face now and then told her how much having a conversation must have hurt King Kaida. but that didn't take away what he said. His words felt like bombs explored in Aria's ear. She couldn't imagine how Prince Zane felt, he had always known that his blindsight wasn't normal. but he had lived his whole life believing that something was wrong with him because he was born with strange eyes that couldn't see.Prince Zane remained silent as he listened to his father. As though he wanted his father to keep talking regardless of what he said, hearing his voice was enough for him because it proved that King Kaida was still alive. "I and your mother, we are both the reason you are blind. the spell we cast on you with Elqenna's help took your mother's life, and now." King Kaida coughs out again. "it slowly drains mine away. t
Aria King Kaida gave a weak smile to Aria, "Yes, he's strong now." confirming Aria's words. "I'm sorry Zane. please forgive me for everything I did. I thought it was going to help but in the end, I realized that it was all because of my selfish interest. the elders didn't like you because you couldn't see. you face a hard time growing up with other noble kids who mock you because of your sight. most times I had thought that perhaps the true reason I agreed to the spell and coaxed your mother into it was because I wanted to hide my crimes, I didn't want anyone to know that I got married to someone who wasn't human." 'lies.' Aria thought. She knew how much King Kaida loved Zane. his guilt for making Prince Zane go years without his sight was making him twist things. "most times I wonder what would have happened if I never let Elqenna cast that sealing spell, your mother would have still been alive." 'guilt.' "she died because of me." 'guilt.' Aria thought again. "I shouldn't have
Aria "How are the arrangements coming along?" Aria asked Erika who was helping her with all the things that were needed for the late King Kaida's burial."the burial is about to start, my Queen, the elders are already there waiting for you to start the ceremony." Aria gave out a heavy sigh. she wasn't used to hearing anyone call her 'queen'. even though it had been her fate when she decided to marry Zane. "remember everything I taught you." lady Brunhilda said. just like Aria and Erika, she was putting on a black gown. the whole kingdom was mourning the death of King Kaida. Aria nodded. "you two can go without me, I'm going to wait for my father and my brother." "we will wait with you dear." lady Brunhilda gave Aria a reassuring smile. Aria's father no longer bothers her about leaving the kingdom or her husband. it wasn't because he started having some likeness for the man she was married to, it was because he had finally accepted that Aria had no intention to leave. "We are re
Aria "what is all this about?" Aria complains, "Don't they know that I'm still mourning." Erika gave a little laugh, "My Queen, your husband is still alive so it's not understandable that you are mourning for so long." Aria walks in as Erika opens the door to the meeting room. the inner court elders sat down with a grim expression. Aria could tell that they still didn't like her. but she didn't care. she had no intention to please them. "Queen Aria." Elder Svend said. "it has been almost a week since the burial of our late King, and there is still no sign of Prince Zane.""We have been talking among ourselves." Elder Leif said, "Until Prince Zane shows up we shall be in charge of every activity the king is meant to do." "And that also includes you," Elder Svend said, "you are not allowed to make decisions without our permission." Aria gave out a loud laugh. 'they think I'm going to let them control me?' the thought made her laugh again. the elders had an angry expression on the
Aria "I pledge my allegiance to you, my queen, and the new king of Esterial." Aria smiled. the fake smile on her face was starting to make her cheeks hurt. she ordered the guards to give out the documents of alliance to the prince in front of her. Or was he a king? Aria didn't know anymore. all she knew was that there were so many. the brown-headed man looked at her for a word, something she needed to say to show that she appreciated his loyalty. Aria's fingers were starting to feel numb because of the amount of documents she had been signing. her eyes went over the crowd that was still waiting for her to attend to them so that they could pledge their loyalty again to Esterial because a new king was in control.'This is not supposed to be my Job.' Aria thought as she tiredly waved the brown-headed man away so that she could attend to the next person in need of her attention. 'this is supposed to be Zane's job, but he heartlessly ran away and left everything for me to deal with. I