BOTH OF them stared at each other, surprised to even meet this way as none of them ever thought about seeing each other again after seven years of no contact. For Ich, he thought that Alesteria might've forgotten all about him since she is a noble, and that promise was made by a five-year-old girl who just got lost. On the other hand, Alesteria thought that Ich has forgotten the girl he helped and carried on with his life. She did plan on contacting Nadia someday but it seems that it will be earlier than expected. "Are you alright?" Was what Ich said after calling her name, kneeling in front of her as he inspected her. Alesteria snapped out of her daze and felt Ich wiped off the mud on her face, closing one eye as she felt a sharp pain on cheek. "You're hurt." He said as he clicked his tongue. "What are you even doing outside in the dead of the night?!" He blurted out, annoyed and worried for her. Alesteria only saw his annoyed expression and she immediately frowned at him, glar
NADIA AND NEO stared at Alesteria like she is a lost treasure that was accidentally found. They couldn't stop not staring at her because she has grown more beautiful over the years, with her honey blonde hair and ocean blue eyes that seem to twinkle when the light hits it. They couldn't just stop themselves from admiring her more. "You are so pretty, Alesteria!" Nadia complimented her for the nth time as she smiled widely. Neo nodded in agreement to Nadia's words. "Indeed. You have grown so much from the last time I saw you." He said as he smiled at her. Alesteria smiled at their praises while Ich just avoided their eyes, still annoyed at them for interrupting their talk and for barging into the room without knocking. 'I told Nadia to knock and not rip the door of its hinges.' He said to himself as he mentally clicked his tongue. Nadia then went towards Alesteria, she stood on her side and leaned on the wall, failing to notice that Alesteria some bandages on her since it was cov
ALESTERIA STARED at Ich as he said that, in her mind, she wanted to stay too but if she stayed any longer, something might happen once again that will cause a mess in the palace, like what happened twelve years ago. 'Aldrich and my father barely even made up since then, even now when Aldrich is crowned as the crown prince.' She said to herself as she sighs. 'Who knows what will happen if I stayed longer?' "I can't stay, Ich." Alesteria said as she shakes her head at him. 'I can't stay here for tonight.' She added in her mind as she looked at him, smiling slightly. "I have to go home." After saying that, Alesteria fell into deep thought about her brothers and if they are not fighting again; wishing that her father stopped the two from searching her in the capital. 'That would create rumors for the nobles.' On the other hand, Ich misunderstood Alesteria's words as he stared at her, who was in deep thought. In his mind, what Alesteria meant to say was that she doesn't want to sta
"BROTHER THEO...?" Alesteria looked at Aldrich then her eyes travelled to Aimilios, both have the same dark expression on their faces as they stare at Alesteria; they are already in their sleepwear and looked like they were getting ready for bed. Aldrich stared hard at Alesteria as the latter gently rubbed her sleepy eyes, her adorableness radiating as Aldrich's slight anger slowly melts away. Aimilios felt the same but he knew that this is not the first time Alesteria has done something like this. He is sure of that base from his father's expression and Bastian's carefree attitude. "What are you..." Before Alesteria could ask, Aimilios walked over to the side of her bed and crossed his arms, staring at her with a hardened expression. "You left again, didn't you?" Alesteria was silent for a moment, trying to read if Aimilios is angry or just sulking that she went out without him, but... "Answer me, Alesteria Elsi Alaric." 'He is pissed! Alesteria kept her mouth shut, her eye
ALESTERIA FELT guilty. She woke up unexpectedly that morning, a shiver run down her spine as she felt her gut twisting, seemingly from her conscience biting her after what happened. She recalled the conversation last night with her brothers and how she pointed the blame on the third prince for her escape to the capital. "I have made a bad decision." Was what Alesteria said as soon as she opened her eyes and realized this mistake. She knew that the prince did nothing and her actions are unjustifiable; she has to make it up to the prince at some point, she owe him that. However, she did say she will try to stay away with the prince, just until Parie returns with her news, but by the looks of it, it will not happen anytime soon. At least, not at this moment seeing that she did place the blame on him, further involving the prince to her. She couldn't even help being bothered by such actions as she knew she is at fault; she is the only one to blame for this mess. Though, she knew so
EARLIER THAT day, when the sun has barely risen, Enzo was invited to the drawing room located in the princes’ castle; which is near the princess castle. Enzo and Carlo followed Ozul, which they were greeted with Cethin the moment they stepped in the princes' palace. From the moment they stepped inside, Carlo could feel the gazes of the people inside the palace look at them with such hostility that he unconsciously moved towards Enzo, who seemed calm. "Your highness, are you sure you didn't offend them in any way?" Carlo whispered as he looked around him warily. Enzo nodded at him. "I'm sure. I also don't know why, but we have to find out." Enzo replied as they walk the quiet hallway. A few minutes passed and they finally reached the door to the drawing room, which looks ominous as everything is silent and the sun has not even risen yet, so the hallways are a bit dim due to the lights. "Your highnesses." Cethin called as he knocked on the door, glancing at the two. "They are her
"WHO THOUGHT this is a good plan?!" Morgaine's voice rang loud inside Xerxes' office, her expression different from the calmness she always displayed as Aimilios and Aldrich avoided her gaze, Alesteria and Xerxes were watching her scold the two princes. Tristan and Bastian are also present, but they chose to stay away from the former empress to avoid being caught up in her anger, while she looked at them in disbelief. "And this is all because of a marriage proposal?!" Morgaine was at her duchy, arranging paper works as usual, and thinking of scouting the village in the afternoon to see the progress of Aimilios' project; one that will help their farmers prosper and give their wives jobs to add to their income. Of course, it was a well thought out plan that Aimilios can leave these matters to her, but when Tristan sent a letter informing her about the declaration Aldrich and Aimilios gave to the third prince of Hydrexion, Enzo... She has no choice but to drop that and leave the duc
EVERYONE STARED at Alesteria with a surprised expression on their faces, even Xerxes' eyes widened, as Alesteria kept a rather confident aura while staring back at them. Alesteria thought that Bastian made a fair point and it will help her in knowing what Enzo's intentions are, whether it was the kingdom or something with her mana. 'Parie still haven't return yet.' Alesteria thought, remembering Parie's existence then. 'I have to buy time until we know what being mana less is, and if it is something we should avoid.' "No!" Aldrich's and Aimilios' voice echoed, snapping everyone back to reality, as they both reacted to what Alesteria said. "You can't meet them, nor are we giving you this responsibility!" Aldrich stated firmly, both referring to the third prince and diplomatic role. "We won't allow you to carry such a heavy burden, Ales." Aimilios commented as he stared at her blue eyes with such resolution. "It is not yours to owe." Alesteria's face frowned upon hearing such wo