24. Dear Vesta

"Your majesty, I am in trouble." Vesta said, before finally lifting her head and looking at the beautiful lady occupying the edge of bed, the lady being none other than Lady Krystal, country Nero's queen.

"Oh dear, you can call me mother. Also, I heard about your father visiting our country tomorrow. I was informed late in the evening. Asterion and his majesty made the decision without notifying me." Lady Krystal said, looking no less stunning even when she was already in her middle age now.

"His highness wants me to return with my father tomorrow. But, they would never believe that Ether was plotting against me, and once I have returned, it would be even more difficult to gain his highness's trust." Vesta looked desperate to change her situation, or more properly to get together with the Crown Prince.

"Don't worry. I would try to convince his majesty King Ignis to let you stay with us for a few more days." Lady Krystal answered.

"But they only know that I left the palace on my own. Nobody forced me, nor did I have some unavoidable situation to leave the marriage. Father won't agree to this arrangement." Vesta said, fearing that her father would definitely take her away.

"How was your conversation with Asterion? Did you manage to convince him, dear Vesta?" Lady Krystal asked, her fondness for Vesta visible in through her words.

"No mother. Though he only spent half a day with that witch, he was taking her side. He said it was impossible for her to do all the planning since she was powerless. After much convincing, he said he will look into the matter. I.. I can not… not live without his highness, mother!" Vesta started weakly before finally crying, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Vesta, dear stop crying!" Lady Krystal stood up and walked towards her.

"What are you worried about? I am there to support you, so stop crying. You are a strong girl, Vesta, exactly how I wanted my daughter-in-law to be. Now that half of our plan is already achieved, I won't let you suffer, child." Lady Krystal said while holding her by shoulder.

"Thank.. thank you mother. It would have been impossible without you." Vesta wiped her tears away.

"Silly child, where-" Lady Krystal was still speaking when there was the sound of footsteps approaching.

Lady Krystal instantly looked alertly towards the sound before facing Vesta.

"I will leave, mother. Take care of yourself!" Vesta said, understanding the situation, before hurriedly turning and leaving.

'Such an understanding child, a perfect match for my Asterion. Unfortunately destiny had some other plans for him. But I would only let the best of things happen for my son.' Lady Krystal thought before reverting her gaze back to the sound of footsteps, only to find King Adrian walk inside.

"Your Majesty, why are you still awake? The Royal physician has already warned that you are exhausting your body too much. You need to take care of your health." Lady Krystal said with a sincere heart.

"Was there someone else with you?" King Adrian questioned.

"It was my maid. I wanted some water." Lady Krystal answered.

King Adrian didn't say anything but turned around. He had felt that fire power moments ago. And it came from a level four cultivator.

He had observed that Lady Krystal had been behaving abnormally since Asterion's wedding. He had asked her on multiple occasions about the same, as he was concerned about her. But day by day, Lady Krystal was spouting more lies, the ones which were easily seen by King Adrian.

"I will make the herbal tea that the royal physician suggested for you. It will help you have a peaceful sleep." Lady Krystal said before walking behind King Adrian.

On the other hand, there was a knock on Asterion's door.

The couple who had been sleeping peacefully, instantly woke up, completely alert.

"I'll check." Asterion said while lighting the candle.

He walked towards the door, only to find Titan standing outside his door. Asterion turned back to Ether.

"Everything is alright. You should go back to sleep. I have some urgent matters to attend to." Asterion informed to which Ether simply nodded, before Asterion left the chamber.

'Something is disturbing Asterion. He has been a little abnormal today. Is this because of the poison?' Ether thought while sitting on the bed alone.

Outside, Asterion and Titan silently walked inside his study, before closing the door behind them.

"Her highness Princess Vesta visited Her majesty Lady Krystal." Titan directly went to the main point.

'This means I might have seen Vesta that day.' Asterion thought, his mind wandering back to the day where he had asked Ether about Vesta's whereabouts.

"What happened there?" Asterion asked.

"Princess Vesta climbed the walls of the Water palace as if she had been there multiple times. She effortlessly reached Her majesty Lady Krystal's Chamber. The surroundings were quiet hence I was able to hear their conversation." Titan said before narrating the entire incident between Vesta and Lady Krystal, without omitting even a single word.

"I think we will need a change of plans." Asterion said, his expression unfathomable.

"Your highness, what should I do now?" Titan asked.

"I will let you know about them tomorrow morning. You did a great job. Go have some rest and meet me here tomorrow morning." Asterion said.

"Yes, your highness." Titan said and greeted before turning and walking away.

"Bring Hades tomorrow." Asterion said, to which Titan agreed before leaving.

Asterion kept standing there for some more time, a lot of things going through his mind. After some thinking, he returned back to his chamber.

As soon as he opened the door to the chamber, Ether jumped straight in front of him, surprising him.

"Are you alright, Ether? Did something happen?" The surprise quickly morphed into worry.

"Something did happen." Ether said before she brought her right hand in front of him, bleeding visible next to a silvery white bead bracelet.

Asterion held her left hand, gently pulling her to the bedside before making her sit and passing her water. He patiently waited for her to gulp it down before speaking.

"Don't panic. Now slowly explain what exactly happened?" Asterion said.

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- Kizy