Delirious Fate : The Castieldor Secrets

chapter 3

"Winter six years ago... Is the reason why the coronation is happening soon, is it not?"

Nyota felt her throat dry up at Seren's sudden question- how could he have known such? 

"I'm sorry, what was that...?" Nyota let out a soft, nervous laugh. There was no way someone she barely met actually knew about that, right?

"What was what, your highness?" Seren asks, looking at Nyota, his tone nonchalant. 

"I- did you not say anything?" 

Seren raised his eyebrow and shook his head. "I did not, your highness."

"Oh." Nyota blushed in slight embarrassment, yet she was confused- was she hearing things?

"My apologies, I believe I've been all over the place lately." Nyota bows her head, clearing her throat, and Seren nods to acknowledge her remark. 

Nyota could feel the awkwardness between them, especially as he sat down next to her on the stone bench. Once again, it was silent between the two royals.

Moments later, a gentle breeze of wind blew– flowers, plants, and a few sections of the princess's hair getting caught in the wind. Nyota adored this place, and she couldn't help but wonder...

"Does Seraphelm have places like this?" Nyota turned her head to meet the eyes of the Duke, curious about his own kingdom... She hasn't travelled outside in years, and wasn't familiar with the Duchy at all.

Seren was silent again, though she could feel a slight shift in his demeanor- streaks of blue eerily glowing. "I will be honest, Your Highness. I do not stay in my kingdom most of the time, for I am sent abroad to study in the farther kingdoms... and it's been a year since I last visited."

"Is that so? Do you not at least visit during the holidays?" Nyota was surprised, not expecting that from the archduke- who shook his head in response to her question. 

"I think it's a hassle to travel back home only for a few days and to be going back after that short time." the young man spoke gently, looking down at the ground.

Nyota then too began to look down at the grass that was carpeted below her feet. Unlike Seren, she couldn't possibly imagine not being away from the castle- let alone her kingdom. "Do you not miss your home at least?"

"Do not get me wrong Your Highness. Of course, I miss my home. I write letters every month to them, telling about my learnings..." 

"Do you at least remember what your kingdom looks like?"

There was then a silence, making the princess look at Seren, who suddenly closed his eyes. Worried about the other's action, she bit her lip. "I'm sorry, did I do something wrong-?" 

"I remember the last time I visited Seraphelm, it was not as lively as it used to be..." Seren then interrupted, though the princess didn't mind- as it relieved her of her thoughts. 

Seren paused, as he was trying to depict his own home. "It's now rather a solemn, sacred place of peace. An ivory city shrouded in the chilly clouds and mist that balance the bright golden sky." 

"Really? So it seems to be more of a temple in how you describe it..." Nyota says softly. Seren's words were soft and composed, but Nyota somehow felt mesmerized by the words that Seren spoke, it was as if he was speaking about a finely painted masterpiece, describing all the details.

Seren let out a soft chuckle. "I do think so too. I guess that's why I prefer not to visit often, but I string along that part of me by being quite the wallflower." 

"Is that so? I think we are alike in some way then, young sir." Nyota chuckles too. "My dear sister is the chatterbox between us, and I believe I am the silent one," Nyota says, looking up at the branches and leaves of the willow that shaded them from the bright sun.

"Ada is the one who is most diligent when it comes to matters of the throne. That's why I do not oppose it when she is the one to be coronated as Empress." 

"I can see that from just how Her Highness acts," Seren acknowledged the princess. "I do admire you however Your Highness- for not acting as competition." 

Nyota felt her cheeks heat up slightly from the remark of the Archduke. "Oh, I just believe it's the most reasonable action. Competition is quite immature."

Seren merely chuckled. "is that right?" he asked in a soft tone, but Nyota didn't seem to catch that. 

Just as Nyota was about to speak again, a maid and Claire entered the garden. "I apologize young royals, but it's noontime, and we request to have your presence at the banquet hall." 

"Oh, right away then Claire. I shall get going now." Nyota says, standing up from the bench and so did Seren, following them out of the gardens.