12 An Afternoon chat with Aunt Viktoria

After talking with her grandmother, she assisted the old Queen to her room for her to rest and then proceeded to go to the pavilion located at the East Garden where her beloved Aunt was.

She clearly remembered how her Aunt Viktoria always visited her together with Ethan back when she was still young. She had become like her mother.

She met Ethan who was just dismounting from his horse when she passed by the Entrance hall.

"Cousin! My, I haven't such a long time and you've matured so beautifully," Ethan said as he admired his beautiful cousin.

"Well, I've also heard from Grandmother that you are currently engaged to Stela. I've heard she's quite a charming, young lady. Both of you will be the perfect couple, more perfect that Eddie and I," Elizabeth teased.

They have known Stela since they were kids. Stela was very different from them. If vanity is depicted into a person, Stela would perfectly fit the description. She always praises herself and never even felt ashamed for it. And Elizabeth knows that her cousin absolutely hates Stela to the bones.

"Ha ha, can you stop that cousin?" Ethan said.

As they fully submerged themselves in their conversation, Edward approached them. To be honest, he was jealous of him. He never gets Elizabeth to talk to him like that.

"Oh, your Highness. We haven't seen each other in ages so I pardon for our loudness," Ethan said as he bowed to Edward.

"Ahh, yes," Edward said, not knowing what to say because he forgot who Ethan was.

"Eddie, remember Ethan. Aunt Viktoria's eldest son. He came here to assist Aunt and Grandmother and of course, to see me. Do you know he's engaged to Stela?" Elizabeth said as Edward put his hand on Elizabeth's waist.

"Oh, yes. I remember you. But, you're engaged to Stela? The Crown Princess of Peavell?" Edward said as he offered his hand which Ethan gladly shooked.

"Nice to see again, Eddie. I've only seen you on your last day of stay in Carleston," Ethan said as he pulled Edward to a manly hug which Edward accepted.

"Man, I didn't recognize you. Sorry about that. Anyways, are both of you on your way to see Queen Viktoria?" Edward asked as he led the way to the pavilion.

"Yep. I missed her. I haven't seen her in ages," Elizabeth smiled since she can't hide her excitement.

When they arrived, Queen Viktoria was with Empress Natasha, they were talking about all the times they have been separated.

"Oh, the kids are here already," the Empress said as soon as she saw the three enter the pavilion.

They all bowed down to the two Queens.

"Mother, aren't you tired from all the traveling?" Ethan asked.

"No, silly. I wanted to see my little Elizabeth before I retire to my room. My, you have grown up so beautifully, don't you think so, Natasha," Viktoria said as she pulled Elizabeth into a hug.

"I missed you, Aunt Viktoria," Elizabeth said as she hugged back her aunt.

"I hope she isn't making any troubles for you, Natasha. She had been such a naughty girl growing up," Viktoria said to Natasha.

"No, not at all. She actually made solutions in different simple problems my husband and I can't go over. She is actually assisting Edward in various events. I must say, she will be a good Empress when the time comes," Natasha said.

"Well, of course. I've given Fredrick the best of the best tutors in Taskia to teach my little darling niece," Viktoria said as she sat down.

"Mother, why don't I show Ethan the palace. I can assume the three of you ladies needed catching up to do," Edward said as he took Ethan out of the pavilion.

"I heard Ethan's engaged to that horrible girl, Stela. Why did you say yes to that kind of arrangement? It's not like you, you know," Natasha said as she gently sipped her tea.

"Well, it wasn't me. It was my husband. To seal a peace treaty between the Peavell Empire and the Taskia Kingdom, an arranged marriage is the best way to do it, and even my mother thinks that was for the best," Viktoria said as she gently stroked Elizabeth's hair.

"Ahh, a peace treaty. Peace treaties are a problem. The Ifrits even offered their only prince for a peace treaty. They said they're already done with all the war that is going on and yet they still terrorize the farmers on the borders," Natasha said as she gently sipped her tea.

As the three talked more about politics and life, the two men also have their own set of conversation.

"Hey, I know my little cousin loves you but let me set this straight, make her cry, you and your kingdom will go down," Ethan said. He was serious. He had adored his little cousin like his own little sister ever since they were young and he became very protective of her when he knew how her other aunt treated her when she was still 6 years old.

"Are you threatening me?" Edward said, carefree and hands in the pockets.

"Yes. I'm always serious when it comes to Elizabeth. Can I trust you to put her first before anything else?" Ethan asked.

"Well, as of now, yes. I can and I will. But Liz and I have agreed that when both of us becomes Emperor and Empress, it will be Vetrai that will be put first before anything else," Edward said as he continued walking ahead of Ethan.

Ethan remained silent for a while.

"Well, I don't mind that. But, if you and your people try and betray her, Taskia will be your greatest enemy," Ethan said as he walked, catching up with Edward.

"Of course. I will never betray her. I love your cousin, with all my heart," Edward said as he raised his right hand and made a vow.

"Make sure you will, Ed. Make sure you will. Now, show me those Griffins you were saying earlier," Ethan said as he gently patted Edward's shoulder.