Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 2

Too warm.

It was Signy's first thought as she gradually wakes up. She could feel a pleasant weight pressing against her and remembered the events of last night.

Flushed and in a moment of panic, she opened her eyes and peeked out the window only to find it still dark. She sighed in relief.

No one can know I spent the night here.

Glancing down, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Audwin sound asleep and wrapped around her. With his head on her chest, he looked a lot more peaceful than when she found him yesterday. She could feel his rhythmic breathing against her as she absentmindedly stroke his hair. It seemed like only yesterday when she couldn't stand him.

Yet here they were.

What an irony.

She looked at his beautiful face and kissed his forehead. She hated to wake him but she had to leave while the palace sleeps.

"Audwin--," she whispered and tapped his shoulder but he gave no response.

"Audwin, I need to leave. We can't be seen like this," she peered at their tangled mess and shook him again.

Instead of freeing her from his embrace, Audwin burrowed his face on her neck and pulled her tighter to him. "Not yet--," he grumbled as he nuzzled her.

Signy smiled at the gesture inspite of herself, "If they see us, they'd send you away."

He scoffed and clutched her closer, "Then I'll take you with me."

"Audwin."

He paused at her tone then sighed when he realized she meant business. Reluctantly and with great regret, he released her. Signy sat up and glaced at him. He's already sulking.

Sulky Audwin is kinda cute.

"I promise I'll come back as soon as I can," she leaned in and gave him a soft chaste kiss when she felt his hand hold the back of her head and deepened it instead. Signy let it go for a few moments then gently backed away. She missed him already.

Audwin stroked her nape. "I'll wait for you," he kissed her neck and let her go.

***

The next few weeks had been hectic for all of them. Aside from strengthening the relations with other kingdoms due to the recent incidents, her coming-of-age ceremony was looming and she was being pressed for marriage.

She requested Audwin that their relationship be kept a secret for now, at least until they figure out how to avoid being the next in line for the throne. He conceded on the condition that Aldous must know what's going on between them. She narrowed her eyes at him, suspicious, but agreed since it was only fair to do so. Although she insisted to be the one to tell Aldous.

Signy looked back at Audwin through the mirror. He was quietly lurking behind her with his arms crossed as her maids fix her hair.

She signaled them to step out after they're done. She turned to Audwin, "We talked about this."

"I know," he pulled Signy to him. "Doesn't mean I have to like that you're talking to my brother alone. Who, we both know, has feelings for you."

She hugged him back, "I'm yours now." Her head on his chest, she could hear his heart beating steadily.

"That you are," she could feel the smugness in his voice.

She playfully tapped his chest, "Behave."

***

Signy found Aldous in the study assigned to him, poring over paperwork. He had been assisting her in managing the kingdom since everything settled down. He came a long way from being Snowy to whom she vented her frustrations to.

One thing remained the same though, I can always count on him. Always.

She couldn't help but feel guilty on what she's about to do.

"Aldous, can I talk to you?" she approached him

Seeing her serious expression, he put down the documents and squarely faced her. "Of course."

Telling her best friend that she loved the twin brother who cursed him was no easy task. Especially when she saw his heart on his eyes everytime he looked at her.

But lying about it would be worse.

"Do you remember the first night I saw you transform back into a prince," Signy smiled fondly at the memory. "I couldn't quite believe what's happening."

He chuckled, "And I couldn't believe you didn't ran away from me! I often wondered how you would react if you knew the truth," he looked down, lost in thought. "I was always half-afraid."

"I was too. But I trust you." Signy took a deep breath and blurted awkwardly, "I love him."

Aldous sharply turned to her, his eyes wide, his nails reflexively digging on his lap. He remained silent while he sort his thoughts out.

Signy waited anxiously, watching a myriad of emotions pass his face. Coming to a conclusion, Aldous took a shaky breath and sent her a sad smile, "I'm glad for you two. If anyone can love him, it's you."

His kindness made her heart clench, "I'm sorry."

"You deserve happiness, Signy."

"You deserve it too. More than anyone," she bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry.

"Just not with you, I guess," Aldous whispered.

Signy flinched, "Aldous--"

"Tell my brother congratulations," he got up and offered an awkward hand.

She ignored it and hugged him instead, "Know that I dearly cherish you."

He embraced her tightly for the last time, "I know."