The Princess & The Lord

Part 4

2 Months Earlier

Elena opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She pushed her hair back as she came to the surface of the lake. She treaded carefully near the edge of the water as she took in the scene before her. Her favorite spot in the entire world was this lake. She could see the light shining through the trees of the Oakwald forest. The leaves danced through the trees on a light breeze. The end of summer was nearing.

She could hear the footsteps approaching. "You're not supposed to be here," she could almost hear the smirk on his lips.

"Neither are you," she teased. She turned towards him and swam closer to the edge of the lake.

Aster Havilliard slipped off his boots, pulled his shirt above his head, and removed his pants. He made running start before he jumped into the lake.

While Elena was a nearly identical match to her mother, Aster was a blend of his parents. His eyes were a deep sapphire that seemed to never end. His pale skin blended into his short moon white hair. Aster was barely an inch taller than Elena, however Elena herself was considered quite tall for a female, standing almost 4 inches above her mother.

Elena smiled at him as Aster swam towards her. He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her close.

Elena and Aster had been close all their lives. He was barley a year older than her. They spent every summer together since they could walk. The connection they had was instant and intense. Elena and Aster had been each other's firsts- first kiss, first love, and first heartbreak.

As the heirs to their respective kingdoms, it became clear to them that their relationship could never work. They could not rule both Terrasen and Adarlan together. Their duty was to their kingdoms, to their people. It would not be fair to their kingdoms to split their time nor would it be fair for their relationship to weather the distance. And while it was a hard decision, they both made it for the good of the realm. While they knew they couldn't be together, that didn't stop them from having fun.

"We're supposed to be ready in an hour," Elena said running her fingers through his hair.

"That's more than enough time." Aster leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.
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Elena smoothed out her dress as she walked down the stairs. She felt stuffy and uncomfortable. Dresses were not her preferred choice.

The guards opened the door and she swore under her breath as she saw every chair at the table filled. She was late and she wouldn't hear the end of it.

"Look who decided to join us," Fenrys grinned.

"I'm sorry," Elena took her seat next to her father.

"Care to explain?" Her mother asked with flames in her eyes. Elena resisted the urge to look down the table towards Aster.

"Give her a break. I'm sure she had a good reason." Aedion nudged her shoulder with his own and gave her a wink.

Everyone had traveled to Terrasen for Elena's upcoming celebration. She was turning 20 tomorrow and her mother and father had organized a ball in her honor.

At her end of the table, her mother and father seemed deep in a silent conversation. Fenrys sat across from her conversing with Lorcan and Elide. Their son, Cal, named for Elide's late father, sat to his mother's right talking with Aster.  Next to Elena sat her Uncle Aedion and her Aunt Lysandra. Their youngest, Gavriel was jumping into Aster & Cal's conversation. At the other end of the table sat Manon and Dorian who were deep in political discussion with Yrene and Chaol. Their daughter, Josefin, was gossping side by side with Evangeline.