Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 10

Signy was dying of curiosity.

Audwin said he's giving her a gift but he looked like he's walking to his own guillotine.

"Hey, what's wrong?" pulling him to a fairly secluded area, she gave him her full attention.

"Nothing. I'm just not sure how you'd react," he chuckled under his breath, trying to hide his nervousness.

She held his face in her hands and stared resolutely in his eyes, "If it's something you made with your best effort while thinking of me, I will like it."

Audwin released a breath, "Let's go meet them then."

Signy tilted her head, "Meet them?"

Instead of answering, he kissed her head. Puzzled, she decided to just follow his lead. Placing her hand on his arm, they went back to the banquet hall. The first thing she saw was Aldous laughing surrounded by a crowd.

Why is he taking me there?

Signy looked around but couldn't see any wrapped gifts near their destination.

She glanced at Audwin, question in her eyes, but instead found a dark look on his face.

What is happening?

Facing ahead, Aldous noticed them approaching.

"Signy! Audwin. Congratulations," he greeted them with genuine happiness.

Signy was glad that Aldous didn't seem hurt by her wedding that much. It brought a smile on her face seeing him happy for them.

Briefly leaving Audwin's side, she gave him a hug, "Thank you."

He chuckled and patted he back, "If you're happy, that's all I can ask for."

Releasing him, she went back to Audwin and held his hand. Signy looked at Aldous expectantly, waiting for him to introduce the people around him. They didn't seem to be from this kingdom.

"Oh. These are my people," Aldous gestured behind him, joy evident on his face. "Audwin lifted their curse after he ended mine," he beamed at his twin.

Signy's eyes widen, finally realizing what Audwin's gift was. Delighted to see her swan friends, she beamed proudly and was about thank Audwin when she stopped. He was wearing the face that says he didn't care one bit.

Unsure of the situation and what's going on in that owl head of his, she squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Princess! Princess!" a child tugged gently at her gown, catching her attention.

Signy bent down and smiled at the little boy who seemed to be about six years of age. "Yes? What is it?"

"Don't princesses marry princes?" he blinked at her innocently.

She paused, "What?"

"Nathan!" a plump woman hurried and knelt by the boy's side. "You shouldn't say that to the princess!"

"But our prince is good!" Nathan argued, referring to Aldous. "Why marry the bad man? He cursed us, momma--" confused and scared, he glanced at Audwin.

Signy inhaled sharply and glanced at Audwin, pain in her eyes. Contrary to her, he remained unfazed.

She crouched in front of the boy and said gently, "Nathan, have you always been the good boy momma wants you to be?"

The kid stopped to think. "No, I--" he looked at his mother who nodded encouragingly, "I once pushed Evan in the river for stealing my momma."

Signy nodded acceptingly, "How did he steal your momma?"