WAITING

Soon the sky was ablaze with the fire of the setting sun which cast long reflections in the infinite Sea waters, its slanting rays gave a warm orange tinge to the sky and soon the night sky was aglow with bright lights from the nearby beach restaurant.

That gloriously setting sun could've wiped away Araxie's crankiness and restored a sense of peace in everyone's mind but unfortunately it didn't- they were all sick worried about Trion and the baby! Trion who had jumped into the sea hoping to find his son stuck somewhere in the mud, had not returned yet.

Since childhood, Araxie liked watching the sunset with her friends Aurora and Sara. It always erased all the stuff she got irritated with and would refresh her mind instantly but right then,her worries were worth crying and not even a sunset could erase it.

The feeling of living without her son and husband would make her mind go blank whenever she thought about it. She would immediately shake her head to dismiss such a horrible thought from her mind but unfortunately it kept repeating itself in her head.

Was that going to be her reality anyway? She just prayed and hoped it wouldn't turn true.

They began to lose hope when strong wind blew. While the wind was blowing stronger and stronger, the weather was growing colder and colder, and the waves were getting higher and higher which would be a great barrier for Trion if at all he was to show up.

Soon the sky joined the sea to make a whole blue in the horizon while night cold breezes started to blow thus bringing magnificent sand and sea scents.

Before they knew it, the sky had worn its orangery coloured gown, the sun had slept and moon had woken up instead but unfortunately its light was dimmed by some grey moving clouds, leaving a faint radiance around the moon.

It was coming to 10pm when Araxie remembered about Aurora. The groom to be was there with her which meant that the wedding never took place.

"Oh no! My problems shouldn't affect my relationships. I won't allow that.

I wonder what Aurora might've felt when you walked out, leaving her all alone like that. You have to go back to her. Explain everything to her and be with her. She needs you more right now.

We will keep you posted don't worry,huhh."She told Andie who looked surprised to hear her say such things.

Of course he wished to go back and be with Aurora but he knew very well that his return to the palace would cause a lot of heartbreaks and stress to the king and everyone else. What would he tell them... that they found Araxie and then Trion disappeared afterwards?

How was he supposed to go back without the only prince of the palace! It was obvious that he loved Aurora a lot but his duty..., that was something he'd never compromise with. And as far as waiting for Trion was concerned, it was part of his duty.

Meanwhile in the palace after king Beryl had waited for these people to return home but in vain, he thought of summoning his wife Tia and ask about what was going on. Like what was taking them so long to come home. Remember he had made a promise to get Aurora and Andie married that night itself and it seemed like Aurora was still waiting for him to fulfill his promise cos she still hadn't slept and was still in her wedding gown with the marriage rings in her hands.

Would she be ignored just in the name of finding Araxie? What if she was indeed surrounded by misfortunes and Andie was running away from marrying her?

Of course he wouldn't say it to her directly but he'd surely find some excuses. Could it be possible that Andie had also seen the misfortune side of hers? Was it true anyway?- Lots of questions and wonders summoned in Aurora's mind as she couldn't figure out what was really happening.

Did she really mean nothing to Andie?she mumbled softly before she felt a man's hand rubbed off tears from her face.

"Of course you mean the whole world to me.

Don't cry anymore baby. I'm right here with you.

Please would you forgive me for making you cry so much on your special day."the man quickly apologized with his one knee on the floor.

"What are you even doing. Get up please.

And who told you that I cried too much."

"No one told me but your eyes are telling me so.

I'm very sorry and I hope you'll forgive me, will you? And anyways, let's go and get married. I hope the priest didn't leave."

"How could he leave when I was still dressed as a bride and with my make up still on!"Aurora chuckled.

A smile had returned to her cheeks little did she know that, that man wasn't her Andie but her brother in-law Neel who had returned back home on learning that the king was getting more worried.

Yes, being a witch and the king's guard had left Neel with no choice but to magically keep a close eye on the king!

And he would know whenever he was in danger or wants anything that's how he got to know that king Beryl was sick worried after trying to summon Tia but failed.

"Oh no! What if Aurora agrees to get married right away. You'll be trouble. Everyone won't believe you. They'll question your intentions and some will think that you wanted to marry her in the first place. I know what you're doing is right and I trust you completely but I don't think everyone else would find your actions right."Casey had warned Neel because he had told her what he was going to do beforehand.

They both had seen how sad Aurora was. She was walking back and forth in the room waiting for Andie to show up. She had no idea that his stubbornness wouldn't allow him to come over. He never left anything unaccomplished.

And since Neel looked exactly as his brother, he felt like helping this depressed bride.

Wait! What's running in your mind my precious reader 🤔? I know what you're thinking but that's not the case.

Neel didn't want to get close to his brother's would be wife at will but the situation demanded him to.

He had to act like Andie and cheer Aurora up until his brother comes back.

Would it be simple anyway?

What if Aurora wanted them to go romantic! Would Neel give in?

"Yes, let's get married."

Neel's breathe went on hold the very moment Aurora whispered in his ears saying that they should get married.

"This is getting more complicated. I can't tell her that I'm not her Andie and on the other hand I can't just say no to her. What do I do.

Where are you brother!"Neel worriedly breathed.

In order to save himself, he had to do something but what?

"What are you thinking? Don't you want to get married to me?"Aurora asked while placing her hand on his chest to feel his heartbeat.

"W-what are you doing?"

"What are you even asking when it's you who told me to always listen to your heartbeat in order to get answers to my questions."she reminded him. But how was Neel going to know about the things these two always did in secret.

"Oh! I'm sorry. It's just that I'm a little bit disturbed."he lied.

"I know. Let's first get married and then we go back together,ahh?"

"Aurora dear, do you really want to get married right now. I mean, don't you think Araxie would be hurt. Remember all this happened because they were coming on land for our wedding so think about what she'd feel once she gets here and we tell her that we went on with the wedding and got married without her witnessing our happiness.

Do you really want to break her heart. She's going through a lot right now so let's do one good thing for her sake,ahh?"

Yes, all that Neel was saying was true but was he that concerned about Araxie's happiness or he wanted to save himself but whatever it was, he did a great job because Aurora was left feeling loved despite her wedding having put on hold!

"You have to sleep baby. I will go back alone and don't worry so much. We'll get married tomorrow. I want the whole world to witness our union. And those that have said ill about you, I want them to be there too, don't you think?"

"Yes. We have to invite them over and prove them wrong."Aurora was so happy after all her previous thoughts had vanished from her mind.

"I love you Aurora."

Wait! What was the need to kiss her forehead?- Casey who was peeping through ajar sighed on seeing her Neel placing his lips on Aurora's forehead.

And on top of that he was saying ' I love you' to her!