Love Hate, Hate Love

8.

{Author's Note: I simply adore children. Especially, babies the adorable little things. Anyways, darlings, I present another chapter. 

- SilverFlarePlays <3}

The acceptance letter arrived the very next morning Linterna had successfully managed to convince the king into accepting her proposal in her father's name. She didn't think of the consequences then about potentially marrying the king without her father's proper consent nor knowledge, but what did that matter when the kingdom's future was at stake? She was to leave for the castle by sunrise tomorrow as for the time being Eclius couldn't wait very long for her to arrive. Linterna would arrive at the castle exactly at sunrise. It wasn't good practice being late and keeping those waiting. She also wished to avoid her father as much as she could so he couldn't make her run behind schedule, everything had a schedule in such matters.

The guards were rightfully weary in letting in the unaccompanied woman. However, Linterna knew this would likely be the case. She would've done the exact same if she were a guard. Linterna pulled out the acceptance letter as well as a form of identification to confirm her identity. Hesitantly, the guards let her enter through the castle gates. One of the guards escorted her throughout the castle to what seemed like a meeting room for advisors, elders, and of course the ruling monarch. She was told to take a seat and so she did. She observed the seats around the table and chose the seat opposite from what seemed like the king's seat. As she isn't quite acquainted with King Eclius yet she did not feel it was appropriate to sit closer to him. She took out her notebook and pencil and waited patiently for the king to arrive.

In a half hour Eclius arrived, dismissing the guard who had escorted Linterna through the castle. Before he left, Linterna gave him an appreciative look and smiled warmly. Her attention turned back to the king who sat down in the seat she suspected.

"Good morning, your majesty. As you are likely aware of, I am Elizabeth L. Garcia, daughter of the Earl Christopher Juanaflippa Garcia," Linterna stood giving the king a curtsy before sitting back down. "You accepted... my father's... request for me to wed you, yes?"

Linterna sat up straight talking calmly while not making direct eye contact with the man she spoke to. Her hand was ready to write down everything important the king may say for her role in the future.

"Yes, I am aware of who you are, Elizabeth. Your father stated that our marriage would be purely by contract and to ensure a mother for my two sons. Nothing more, nothing less. Of course, the task of caring for children is rather dire and demanding. Are you willing to start immediately? You are more than welcome to stay within one of the castle's guest rooms until a more permanent room is prepared for you, near the princes' nursery. I will see to it that you are familiar with the general layout of the castle so you don't get lost. If you have any questions or concerns speak now," Eclius moved his hands over the table while he spoke. When he finished his last sentence he locked his hands together, resting them on the table.

"Will I be required to move into the castle permanently...? I would much prefer it if I wasn't away from my home for the entire time. Also, please, I insist you call me Linterna instead of Elizabeth," Linterna fidgeted a little with her pencil while note-taking.

"I suppose once the princes are a bit older you won't be required to stay everyday. However, currently it would be in your best interest to get settled within the castle, Linterna."

"Very well, I will make note of that. May I meet the newborn princes?" she looked up at Eclius once she wrote what he had said. She closed her notebook, placing her pencil on top of it. Linterna glanced up at Eclius' eyes.

"Yes, let us go to the princes. You seem eager to begin with their care. Your father wasn't lying when you only have interest in the twins' well-being," King Eclius stood up and motioned for Linterna to follow along.

The two made their way through the countless hallways and occasionally passed by a few bust servants. Linterna made sure to wave and acknowledge their presence everytime she passed by. Eventually, they reached the nursery where the two twin baby boys were napping. Eclius, keeping his voice down, greeted the guard who was standing watch. Eclius allowed Linterna to walk into the room before following her in. He shut the door silently behind him and walked over to where Linterna was observing the two infants sleep. The small smile on his face was left unnoticed as he looked at his sons.

"What are their names, your majesty?" Linterna whispered, not taking her eye off the two.

"The pale yellow boy is Solun. Meanwhile, the light grayish-blue one is named Lunan," Eclius whispered back glancing down at the ginger haired woman. To Eclius, she seemed at ease around the babies. Much more so than a few minutes ago. Her tensed body was relaxed.

"Those are fitting names for the two," she smiled softly whispering, "Lunan and Solun. You both will grow up to do great things for the kingdom I'm sure."

Eclius crossed his arms silently listening to Linterna direct her whispers to the infants. He could feel the love radiating from her from simply being around his children. He felt the two would be safe in the care of Linterna no matter what were to happen in the future.