Chapter XIV

It was two days already and time for Miguel to return to Norla. Arian helped him adjust the neckerchief he had decided to put on.

"Now you be good okay and don't skip meals..." Arian said.

"I don't think I can, Esmarelda's cooking is almost as good as yours," Miguel said.

"Really now?" Arian said poking him on the arm lightly.

"Yes, only that it isn't," Miguel teased.

"Hahaha okay fine, send regards to Francis and everyone else." Arian said.

"I will." Miguel said after which he gave her a tight hug.

When he reached the lounge, Liam ran to hug him goodbye.

"Liam won't you come with Papa?" Miguel asked with a smile.

"I want to stay with grandma and aunt Maya. But don't worry Papa we'll be home soon," Liam said.

"Right mummy?" He asked cutely.

"Right. My Liam is such a smart boy isn't he?" Arian said and stroked his hair.

Maya and Queen Ara watched the three of them with so much adore.

"Mother I'll be on my way now. Maya please take good care of yourself, okay?" Miguel said.

"Alright dear, have a safe trip." Queen Ara returned.

"I will, you take care too okay..." Maya said.

They all escorted Miguel to the carriage parked at the courtyard. A guard helped him with the door. Miguel waved as his carriage rode out of the palace.

"Goodbye father," he shouted waving continuously.

"Goodbye," said Arian, Maya and Queen Ara as they waved too.

"Liam waved Papa like a big boy ay," Arian teased.

"I am," he returned.

"Hahaha Alright," Arian said.

Liam enjoyed being in the palace with his aunt and grandma. He rode a bike, improved his teleportation skills at training and played with the other kids around. Queen Ara grew more flowers in her garden, Maya made beautiful paintings together with Liam and Arian practiced her archery in the court.

Queen Ara and Maya watched Arian from the balcony on one of the evenings. Queen Ara couldn't help but shake her head and smile.

"Watching Arian reminds me of how she fired arrows in her room and Arden would run up to see what was happening," Queen Ara said.

"Hahaha oh Arian," Maya said.

"She was so headstrong sometimes it almost drove me crazy," Queen Ara added laughingly.

"And she is one amazing woman thanks to you," Maya said and they both smiled.

Time passed by very quickly and after a month Arian and Liam returned to Norla. Their departure was bittersweet for Maya. Queen Ara made sure she didn't worry since  getting sad or depressed was bad for her health.

Priya visited Maya very often. She bought fruits and cooked Maya's favorite dishes. Arjun stayed in the palace for a while and kept Maya company. They played games and walked round the palace. Queen Ara did everything possible to keep Maya happy.

Days became weeks and even months and the King still wasn't home. With each passing day, Maya hoped King Arden would be home in time for their child's birth.