The Royal Family II
After Ramiel left, silence enveloped the room as the two just stared at each other. After contemplating a lot, Astra felt guilty for not thinking about Theron's feelings. She was overwhelmed by the idea of meeting the other royal family members. So far she had only seen Theron and the queen. Coming to think of it, she did not even know the queen's name.
"I think..."
"Why did..."
They spoke simultaneously causing embarrassment between them.
"You say it first," Theron said instantly and Astra nodded her head.
"Theron, I know you don't like facing your brothers and I... am sorry for earlier. I should have..."
Theron held Astra's hand as he dragged himself closer to her.
"As long as you are there I won't mind." He would not mind at all. Everywhere his beautiful wife wanted to go, he would accompany her all the time.
"Are you sure about it? I was selfish earlier for not thinking about how you would feel. You don't have to go if you don't want to. I'll talk to your mother," Astra meant every word she meant. It was not worth it put Theron under another emotional turmoil. She had seen a bit of how crazy he could go once he got angry.
"Theron wants to be with his beautiful wife always. I'll go with you," he blushed a little as his cheeks turned pinkish. He withdrew his hand which was still on Astra's.
Astra felt her heart warm watching his little actions. "Alright. Let's get ready before your mother sends someone again."
Theron nodded and was about to get off from the bed when Astra held his hand.
"Can you do me one more favour please?" she asked her gaze turning a bit worried.
"Just tell me. I'll do anything for my beautiful wife." His words sounded like a husband who was under his wife's command or rather a slave to his wife.
Astra smiled the strange feeling filling her heart making it accelerate rapidly especially when she saw Theron's bright eyes twinkling like the stars of the night. It was as if they were casting a spell on her and she could not help but want to get trapped in it. She shook her heart head to stop herself from drowning further.
"I just want you to promise me that you won't get angry after we go to the royal table. Will you do that, please?"
"I will. Since you asked me to do it then I will." Theron answered instantly.
"Thank you," Astra ruffled his hair as they both smiled at each other.
****************
The duo were now heading downstairs with Ramiel behind them. He actually watching as they walked hand in hand with Theron acting clingy towards her. Ramiel felt a mix of emotion because after a long time, his highness was in high spirits but on the other side, he could not help be wary of the reason for his happiness. Could she be trusted? And as always the answer was, only time could tell.
"You look beautiful in this blue dress," Theron whispered to Astra making her blush.
"Thank you. And you look too cute and handsome with that black royal robe," Astra pinched his cheek lightly then caressed the same place. Theron could not help biting his lower lip to stop himself from grinning. He even forgot the anxiety he was feeling earlier due to the fear of meeting his brothers.
They walked silently and finally, they entered inside the dining room but Ramiel remained outside. Astra could feel Theron tighten his hold on her hand while his eyes were glued on two people sitting on the dining table.
"Theron," Astra called him in a whisper detecting his change of attitude. Theron snapped and turned his gaze to Astra. His anger as well as fear disappeared instantly when she gave him a reassuring gaze.
Theron led Astra to the table and held out a chair far away from the twins. Soon after settling, two young ladies followed by a young man joined them. The ladies sat beside each other while the man sat near the twins. Astra could feel several gazes on her but she just stared at her hands that were resting on her lap.
"Is she Theron's wife?" a feminine voice asked to no one in particular.
A moment of silent followed and at last Theron was first to speak up.
"She's my beautiful wife, sister Ariadne," he replied to his sister, Princess Ariadne, with a smile while his eyes shone like never before.
"She's indeed beautiful," the other girl complimented. She was Theron's half sister, Princess Elena.
"What's your name, sister-in-law?" Ariadne asked looking at Astra with a genuine smile.
Astra raised her head and looked at her. "Astra. That's my name," she replied almost in a whisper due to nervousness. She had. thought she was ready to face everyone but it seemed that was not the case. Astra had never felt this out of place before. Everything felt awkward especially when she was facing such a lovely girl and not an arrogant princess like she had imagined.
"Astra... beautiful name just like you," Ariadne smile grew wider mainly after noticing how her brother was looking at Astra. He seemed to adore a lot.
"Thank you," Astra eased a little though she still felt uncomfortable.
"Am Ariadne and beside me is our beautiful Princess Elena," Ariadne was excited to converse more with Astra. It was great to have another princess in the palace. "The other three are Vance, Lance and Maverick. As you can see, Vance and Lance are twins. Their resemblance to each other has always been a problem to me and Elena. Sometimes we can't tell who is who. Don't get deceived by their innocent looks, they are actually big bullies. And..."
"Ariadne!" she went quiet hearing Maverick's voice which sounded more like a warning.
"You talk too much for a princess," Elena who was quiet listening to Ariadne blubbering said holding her laughter, watching her recoil in fear.
"It's fine. I would also like to more about you," Astra said all attention turning to her.
"See! Even sister-in-law supports me," Ariadne said almost bursting with excitement.
"Calm down, girl. You might scare sister-in-law with your euphoric character," Elena laughed lightly. "Don't mind her, Princess Astra. She's just like that to everyone."
Astra nodded understandingly. "I also have a younger sister who's just like her so it's fine. I like her," those words came from her heart. Ariadne did remind Astra of her little sister.
"And me?" Theron was quiet the entire time finally asked making everyone look at him in confusion. "Do you like me?"
There was a bit of silence before Ariadne and Elena's laughter broke it. Astra on the other hand was blushing furiously as she lowered her head her face flushed.
"Finally, the green-eyed monster likes someone."
All attention turned to Vance who was acting nonchalant of what he had just said.
"I was thinking the same. A green-eyed monster in love," Lance said seconding Vance's words.
"Vance! Lance! Behave yourselves," Maverick cold warning shut the duo up.
"Is that how you speak to your brothers, Prince Maverick?" a feminine voice rang across the hall as she walked gracefully to the table.