Aetheria: Silvannia

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

The heavy doors inlaid with sapphire and turquoise gems slowly creaked open until a dull bang echoed around the large and spacious audience hall.

"Announcing the arrival of their highness- Grand General of the Celestial Army, the Goddess of Realms, Princess Silvannia of Freinch along with Grand General of the Celestial Fleet and the God of Dragons, Grand Duke Alouence of Malhia."

Hearing the familiar names of family members, the king and queen of Malhia stood up, disregarding etiquette. It was obvious though that the queen was the one who stood up first, with the king following suit, worrying for his now pregnant wife.

I smiled as soon as I saw the delighted face of my aunt who had an uncanny resemblance to my mother.

Alouence and I bowed in salute. "We greet the illustrious rulers of Malhia, may the empire grow in prosperity so long as there are waves in the deep." After both of us did our salutations, both the king and queen gestured for us both to follow then until we reached an indoor garden, where water did not enter.

As soon as we set foot in the expansive room, the moisture in our bodies evaporated.

I sighed and immediately caressed my hair that was undoubtedly now a mess. Having curly hair was sometimes a huge hindrance in times like these. I then proceeded to braid my hair to my side as all of us headed towards the round table in the middle of the garden, not too far away.

"Although I've already received notice that you'll be visiting, seeing the both of you is still a pleasant surprise." My aunt said just as the servants served tea. Her red eyes sparkled and she then gently clasped my hands in hers.

"I'm also happy to be able to visit you. I've received news that I'll be having a new cousin soon so I decided to come visit, bringing along the regards my family has for you." I replied with a smile.

She then beamed in happiness and nodded. "Then please tell my sister, brother in law and your siblings that we're doing great! Please send our regards for them also. Truly, if it weren't for our busy schedules, we would love to have a reunion of sorts within the family like the old days."

I slightly looked down, hiding a slightly pained emotion beneath my eyelashes. "I'm sure it'll happen eventually in the future." I replied. I then immediately noticed that Alouence held my palm and looked at me comfortingly.

Uncle Neptune looked at us warmly and said, "I'm afraid your cousin might be a naughty one when she grows up. We'll then rely on you to take care of her from time to time in the future."

I laughed this time. I guessed it was about how Phoenix's face became constipated as he foresaw the fate of the child.

"Don't worry aunt. A little mischievousness isn't so bad. At the least it would add a bit of color in our monotonous lives."

"So, you mean our lives lack excitement?"

At the sound of a different voice, all of us turned towards Delmar leaning against the marble frame.

I shrugged at him. "If that's what you think, then maybe?"

Delmar laughed. "Cousin, you really know how to joke."

I smiled at that. He then walked towards us and took a seat, by which I then noticed Alouence pouring tea for the newly seated man and in turn filled my cup with the same pot of tea with a slight grin.

I returned the smile and took a sip as a reply of gratitude. Then, I glanced back to my aunt and uncle. "Speaking of my unborn cousin, I have prepared a gift in advance for her full moon celebration."