No One Likes A Weak Leader...

Celestia's POV: 

I was shocked and surprised at the same time. What are they doing here? If my father knows about this, it is not going to end well for them. 

I wasn't able to utter a word. I kept on glaring at them blankly. That is when Daviana stepped closer to me and gave me a warm hug. Her embrace had the effect of healing my mind. 

" The whole realm misses you, Celestia," Daviana whispered in my ear. " We are so lost without you."

I tried hard to hold back my tears. I don't want to get vulnerable in front of my friends. Ember was the next one to hug me. I always adored this fierce Mage girl. 

Ember blinked at me with her dark eyelashes. "We are here to support you, Celestia. We know that you are on the side of the dark now. But our allegiance still lies to you. So, please give us a chance to serve you." 

I couldn't believe what she said. "But if you support me, you are betraying King Oberon. Do all of you have to do this?"

" Yes, we are with you," Edwin interrupted. " You are the one who trained us to be warriors. And we still have faith in you and your principles."

Is this really the loyal Fathomless Warrior Edwin? The rest of them were not this much dedicated to their deeds. But Edwin is highly devoted to fulfilling King Oberon's needs. 

Then it flashed me! Are they here to separate me from Theo? That could be a possibility. But my father banished me, and I don't think he wants me back. So my friends are here just to support me. 

I invited them all inside the hut. Even though the hut seemed to be small from the outside, it was spacious enough to accommodate us. Daviana gripped my hand, took me to the corner of the room. I had a feeling that she was about to warn me about something. 

But instead, she was questioning me. " Celestia, tell me what is going on with you and Silver Shadow. How is he treating you?" 

" He is treating me well," I replied without a second thought. "Theo is my lover, and he is the reason why I am still able to smile after what my father did to me."

Daviana's gaze softened a little in pity. It has been a while since someone gave me this look. Theo is the only person I see every day now, and he always looks at me as if I am a Peonilla flower. 

While Daviana and I were having our little private talk, the rest of them were having a serious discussion about Vampires. 

Daviana patted my arm and used her healing energy a little to soothe me. My muscles were instantly feeling relaxed by her touch. 

" What King Oberon did to you was not fair," Daviana mumbled in a low tone. " He was your father, and a father always forgives his children no matter what mistake they make. You don't deserve this, Celestia. That's the reason why we are here for you."

Her kind words meant so much to me. I thought I lost my people's love forever. But it is reassuring to know my friends are still there for me. 

" Celestia, you have no idea what people are going through. They are all depressed that their Dawn has left them. Some Mage and Fae Lords are about to cause a rebellion against King Oberon to bring you back," Daviana stated. 

For a moment, I was confused how she knew about my thoughts. Then I realized that Daviana's hand was still on my arm. The wizards and witches could read people's minds when they physically touch someone. 

"So the people still love me?" I asked her.

Daviana flashed a pleasant smile. "They all want their Golden Dawn back. And do you know something? Many of them are willing to accept the Silver Shadow as the King just because of you. The celestial realm is in complete chaos right now."

It was not easy for me to hold back my tears of joy. I always thought that when I got back to my Kingdom, no one would acknowledge me. But now, people love me so much that they are willing to accept Theo as their King. 

Daviana's expression got bleak again. " King Oberon is having a hard time regulating his Kingdom. Apparently, his crown is stolen, so he cannot sit on his throne or visit his subjects anymore. His son Darius is handling everything on behalf of the King. That made even more people side with the Silver Shadow because no one likes to follow a weak leader."

I started to feel guilty as I thought about my father. He is facing all this because of me! But it's also entirely not my fault. If my father had approved of Theo and me, then none of this would have happened. 

Daviana took away her hand from my shoulder. I thanked her for helping me calm down. It took me a while to comprehend the part Theo played in this. He made me steal the Crown and assured me that it is for the greater good. 

He was absolutely right! Now, Father Oberon is facing criticism, and he is unable to do his duties as King because he lost his Crown. Theo does have a plan for everything! He is even wiser than I thought him to be. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

No one felt sleepy that night. Laris and Vivian were going on and on about Vampires' characteristics. They both were telling us very peculiar stories about the Vampland. Laris was telling us sensational stories while Vivian was portraying Vampires as unfit. 

Laris had the potential to make anyone laugh with his cheerful personality. He takes everything lightly, and he enjoys every moment of his life.

" You have to believe me, Celestia," Laris said. " Vampires can quench their thirst when they eat or drink anything red. Even if they eat Ruby-berries or red stones, their craving can be satisfied."

I began to giggle at the joke he made. But Vivian got annoyed. " For the last time, Vampires can't eat anything. They can only drink," Vivian corrected Laris. 

Laris smirked at him. " Vampires have teeth, and they can chew food."

Vivian sighed at his statement. It was entertaining to see them both arguing over a ridiculous issue. 

" This is the lamest debate I have ever seen," said a familiar voice from outside the hut. It was Theo, and he didn't seem very happy.