Chapter-12

Auden was left awestruck by the sudden arrival of Aquilo. The fallen noble had never set foot in the palace, except for when he met with Eve. Once in a while, Auden would overhear the maids gossiping outside of Eve's room about the love story of Aquilo and the princess. To the commoners, their love was a tale of prosperity and blessing. However, not everyone was accepting of a princess falling in love with a fallen noble.

As Aquilo settled comfortably into the plush velvet chaise, Auden graciously dismissed Flora. Flora obliged but not before courteously serving the esteem his tea. Auden swirled the fragrant brew pensively before taking a taste.

The royal could not suppress her natural curiosity about the man who had so completely entranced her sister.

"I have heard about you, Master Aquilo. May I know, what pleasure brings you here?"

Aquilo remained composed and unreactive, his piercing gaze fixed upon the view outside Auden's grand window. His attention was drawn to the vast expanse of greenery and the city filled with lights that lay beyond the palace walls, a testament to the kingdom's bountiful lands. He appeared lost in thought, deep in contemplation as he stared out into the distance.

Despite his humble beginnings, Aquilo exuded a quiet nobility, one that was born of a strong sense of purpose and determination. His regal demeanor was evident in the way he carried himself, with grace and poise that belied his fallen status.

Auden watched him closely, taking note of his composed nature and dignified manner. She knew that there was more to this man than met the eye, and she felt a sense of admiration for his steadfastness.

"The windows in your chamber seem flawless, your highness."

Auden looked at her windows, agreeing with the statement of the other. But she soon shifts her focus.

"I have no doubt in that, but I know that primary isn't the reason for your visit."

"I have come to greet your Highness, your coronation awaits us," Aquilo answered.

"Indeed. Yet what bearing does my coronation have that has brought your grace hither?" Auden seemed wary, vigilantly surveying her surroundings.

"My purpose is to apprise Your Highness of the peril that looms imminently before us." His voice rang out, grave and sonorous, echoing through the chamber.

"Peril?" Auden's eyes locked with Aquilo's in consternation.

"Well, I would term it the peril of the heart, your highness."

Auden was perplexed into silence, waiting expectantly for Aquilo to continue.

"You seem disquieted, your highness. Might I inquire as to what about my existence disquiets you?" Aquilo probed gently.

Auden remained silent for a long moment before responding.

"I am mellow and tranquil. You ask for unease me? I have people pleading for my aid, a kingdom to succeed, and a throne to seize. Who am I, why am I? doesn't matter here. What do you think young master, Aquilo? Shall I live in denial or assess ahead?"

"Does Your Highness not believe you belong here?"

Auden held her silence.

"Does Your Highness truly believe this is not where you belong?" "Whether I belong or not is for me alone to decide. Shall you declare your purpose here, Master Aquilo, for I fear I have little time to indulge you?"

"Have you not glimpsed the abyss gate, your royal highness?" Asked Aquilo, his eyes gleaming with an inscrutable aura.

Auden straightened, lifting her chin defiantly. Aquilo took Auden's shift in demeanor as affirmation and continued.

"There have been whispers amongst the villagers that when they venture into the forest, they see things that confound mortal minds," Aquilo intoned ominously, his words wrapped in elegance yet hinting at menace.

"Well, well, who do we have here?" A familiar voice rang out derisively, emanating from the doorway.

Auden's eyes flew to meet Eve's. To her shock, Eve seemed apoplectic with rage. Her eyes blazed with a fury that could ignite an inferno, hands clenched into talons that dug into her palms.

Auden's eyes widened at this unforeseen spectacle. Eve stormed towards Auden, eyes boring into Aquilo. She halted as her eyes locked with Aquilo's.

"Princess Eve." Aquilo inclined his head in greeting but Eve cut him off sharply.

"My esteemed Aquilo, what brings you here?" her voice cold yet covered with regalness.

"I came to pay my respects to Her Highness," Aquilo replied.

"I'm afraid you'll have to take your leave. I have affairs to discuss with my sister." Eve declaimed.

Aquilo rose as his gaze met Auden's; Auden appeared utterly nonplussed by this turn of events. As Aquilo quit the room, Auden finally spoke.

"I must say, this has proven an amusing diversion," Auden remarked sardonically.

"You seemed quite at leisure to neglect your duties and pass the time in idle chatter." Eve spat, her tone caustic and frigid.

"How have I given offense to the princess?" Auden inquired incredulously.

"The real question is, have you actually done anything at all, your highness?" Eve demanded, rising to her feet.

"I expect to see you on the ground in 10 minutes, don't delay or heaven forbid…!" With that ominous threat, Eve stormed out.

Auden sat dumbstruck upon the divan, struggling to comprehend what had just transpired. At last her face registered emotion as she grimaced, calling out for Flora in distress.

"Flora! Where have you got to?" Auden scream.

Flora came dashing in, hair in disarray and panting breathlessly.

"Yes, your highness?" Flora gasped.

"Bring me garments at once, I seem to have an errand to run."