Divine Realizations [ Clarion X Milori ]

Chapter 54

Milori held Clarions' gaze for as long as she would allow, the shock finally wearing off.
He didn't know what to say or do.
She was about 15 seats down the table from him and he realized he had not seen her before as she was one of the few attendees he had instantly dismissed.
Instantly dismissed because she was wearing red, and a lot of it.
In fact, everything about her seemed to be different or changed.
Her hair, normally in a no-frills bun, was partially down this time.
It framed her shoulders beautifully, curling down her back.
The top of it was gracefully pulled back however, showing her flawless skin.
Her dress, while classic gold, had ribbons of ruby red mixed into the fabric design.
She was glowing.
She looked happier than he had ever seen her.
His stomach sank.
All too soon, she broke eye contact, not before sending a surprised look his way.
A Lord next to her then whispered in her ear and she laughed, confirming that it was her musical laughter he had heard.
Beside him, he heard Lord and Lady Alpern whispering, asking questions as well as others.
He bet this was all confusing to them, as it sure was for him.
Here he thought he would catch her eye with his change in appearance but she quite literally took his breath away.
Finally she stood, thanking Lord Adler for the opportunity to speak on her project.
And that was that, for Clarion quite literally did not look Milori's way again that night.
Her speech came and went, quite successfully as the crowd seemed very interested, others spoke and the dinner commenced.
Not once did she she attempt to look his way or even sneak a glance, Milori only knew this because he stared at her the whole night.
Everyone around them had been whispering as to why both rulers were not seated together and why Clarion seemed to ignore him, but he couldn't care less.
Other issues were brought forth in the meeting and several times people attempted to engage him in conversation, but he was done for tonight.
The once delicious food tasted like dirt, Clarion was ignoring him completely and he still had little idea of how to move forward in all of this.  Milori leaned back in his chair and watched as she spoke animatedly with Lord Adler, looking excited and beautiful.
Most of the night her attention had been taken by others as she also seemed to be in demand.
So Milori's whole night was spent calculating how and when he could go to her.
What he really wanted to do was get up, throw her over his shoulder and be done with it but new leaf and all that nonsense.
In all seriousness, Milori knew he could not mess this up by rushing to her and demanding things.
The old Milori would have done that and he wanted her to see his own changes he had made.
So he bid his time, waiting.
All night long.
Eventually, the night drew to a close and attendees started getting up, mingling more or altogether leaving.
As though she could feel his eyes on her, Clarion moved to stand and immediately started to turn away.
But Milori was too fast, too prepared.
With an urgency that belied his outwardly calm appearance, Milori fluidly stood and made his way to her side- not missing a beat.
Before Clarion had fully turned, Milori grasped her arm, trying not to recoil as a spark of electricity seemed to go through him in touching her.
He wanted to savor it, hold onto her longer, but he felt Clarion gently pull out of his grasp and finally turn to face him.
She seemed to look at him then, really look at him for the first time, but all too soon her look shuttered as walls were put into place and she gave him a polite, distant smile.
"I'm sorry, now is not a good time."
Milori instantly responded, "I'm afraid this kind of conversation never will have a good time."
He said it quietly, with no ill intent, just a sad observation.
Clarion nodded, "I never wanted this, you coming here, delaying the inevitable. All of this was not so you would come after me Milori, the letter was not a silent plea for more attention or effort on your part. I truly want to move on, find someone to be happy with. You owe me that."
Milori's heart sank, this couldn't be... this wasn't how it was supposed to be.
They were meant for eachother.
He knew he messed up, a lot, but he could fix this.
It was repairable, it was-
Milori heard someone call out Clarions' name.
Turning to look, he saw Lord Adler up ahead waiting with an outstretched hand towards Clarion.
"Are you coming?"
Fear entered Milori's heart as he looked between the two.
What was happening?
Who was this man to her?
He watched as Clarion nodded but turned back to Milori with a sad smile.
"I want you to be happy, to move on as well. I wish you luck in all your future endeavors."
With that, Clarion began to turn away once more, as terror entered Milori's heart.
This couldn't be it.
He loved her.
Not caring if his desperation was showing now, Milori reached out again, this time grasping her by the shoulders, bringing her to him.
"What can I do to show you I've changed?"
Like a crazy person his eyes moved all over her face, never resting on one spot for too long.
It was as if he was trying to memorize her every feature for the last time.
Clarion sighed, looking at him with a calm yet indifferent gaze.
"Sign the divorce papers. Let me go Milori. I want to be courted properly, pursued properly, and everything that should come before marriage."
At this, Milori let his hands fall to his sides, his head also hanging.
Clarion stepped back, but hesitated before leaving.
"Tell Avalon I love her. I'll leave it up to you to explain things. Know that she can come stay with me whenever she wants, I know I have no rights in regards to her though."
Milori couldn't help the scowl that came over his face at that, "She'll always be our daughter just like you will always be mine."
Clarion said nothing to this, just shook her head sadly and finally went to join hands with the other Lord.
Milori watched she followed him out, knowing his heart was going with her.