Wolfrum.

18| Betrothed

18| Betrothed.

Kiana turned pale at the thought, he.... He didn't remember her, after everything! What had she expected though? Kiana had held a dagger to his heart with a promise of death in her eyes for him, so why would he still want her. Picking up what she thought left of her dignity was all that was left. "I am sorry, I must have mistaken you for someone else, I would like to take my leave now!"

"Wait!" The man she now realized wasn't Astor demanded. "Astor! How do you know that name?" The cape draped over his head covered him well enough that she couldn't see his face, but that voice, it sounded so much like his. "State your relationship with him and I will help you find him."

"I am..." what was she to him? True, they were bonded and she would have to meet with him sooner or later yet, she had no idea what she was to him. Was seeing him the vest choice? Would he even recognize her if they met? Was everything she had been told by Kiki the truth or a lie. "He is a friend, we met on his quest in Volva. I have been informed he lives in the Palace."

The man lifted his gaze, Kiana could feel his burning gaze on her skin. "Very well, walk with me." He commanded, already walking himself. Left with no choice Kiana walked after him, heart thumping in her chest at the thought of seeing Astor again. "How did the both of you meet?"

Eyes narrowed, she tried to think of a way to reply his question without giving out much of her life or anything that could endanger Astor, she couldn't trust anyone. "I had something of his and he something of mine. We had met at the swirl dancer market in Volva and he saved me from death." Was her vague reply, yet she couldn't help the smile that grazed her lips at the thought of her banter with Astor at the Swirl dancer's market.

"I see." The man led her back the way she had come from, hands behind his back as he walked with his head held high. He led her through the Garden of plum blossoms to the royal castle where the king resided, as they walked, Orea couldn't keep in her bewilderment, her eyes took in as much as she could.

From the milky gold walls to the tall ceiling, to the marble black tiles, to the pain paintings as vases placed around each corner of the castle, as they walked, Orea didn't miss the way everyone passing bowed for the man she walked with. Was he a commander? Her lips twitched at the thought of meeting a commander. Was he firece in battle? Could he fight the Ejonahs too? She had heard of the Wolfrims. Was he also a Wolfrim?

Her thoughts kept her occupied enough for her not to realize as she walked into the throne room, only noticing when the man took off his cloak to reveal pure golden strands, and flame! His eyes were the color of a blazing flame. No one was in the room to mock her as she let out a gasp, eyes dazed by the image before her yet what left her the most speechless was that, save for his eyes and hair, he had the same face with Astor.

"Astor? Are you... Him?" The man bellowed a laugh at her question, his laugh wasn't like the rumble of clouds like Astor's had been, instead his laugh was dry and humorless.

"You amuse me." He walked over to the throne and sat on it, majestic as his castle. "What really is your relationship with my brother?"

"He... We are." The only thought in Kiana's head at the moment was the fact that the man that sat before her in that huge throne room, on that majestic throne was the king and a brother to Astor, which meant that Astor was a prince. If her mouth could open wilder than it already did then Kiana's jaw would be on sparkling tile of the room already. "My king." She bowed her head. "It is an honor to met you."

"The honour is yours, now stand child." He drawled. "Get me the Prince." The King commanded no one un particular. "Come." Kiana did as commanded. "Sit before me and tell me why you seek my brother."

Kiana pursed her lips, words escaping her mind. What was she to say?! "I... I seek the prince to offer him my gratitude." The King humed once again, leaving her in more discomfort than she already was in. However, before it could go any further, Kiana's heartbeat spiraled for no reason in particular, her hand rubbed her chest the same moment the throne door opened.

Footsteps echoed, whoever they were, they walked slowly without rush, without caring if they walked before the king. Each steps a echo of confidence, of fearlessness. "Brother." His voice bounced against the wall as he spoke, leaving Kiana frozen in her spot. It was him! It was Astor!

"Hm! Tell me child, what is your name?" It took Orea a while to realize the question had been meant for her.

"Kiana my king."

"Hm, I have found you a wife brother. Kiana will be your wife, she claims to have been saved by you, what other partner could you wish for than one who has been acquainted with you, isn't it?" Astor who had not paid attention to the petite woman standing beside him snapped his gaze to Kiana who also had her gaze on him, his nose flared, fist clenched.

"I do not consent to it, brother." He spat, still looking at Kiana who had her lips parted but kept to herself at the shake of Astor's head. "The royal ball was called in order to find suitable women for me. The position of royalty is crucial, I cannot be married to a random woman."

"You do not know her then!" Castor was silent for a while, his gaze on his brother before he spoke. "Do you know the punishment given to those who lie to the king?"

"Broth-".

"Do you." His booming voice and directed gaze was all it took for Kiana to realize he was speaking to herafterall. "Seize her, I want her head for daring to lie to the king." Kiana had no time to process his words befire shadows flew straight for her and materialized into humans, they grabbed her and began dragging her out of the room .

"Stop, Brother! What crime has she committed for her to deserve death." He tried to lay his voice off as If he didn't care but Castor caught the edge of panick behind his voice.

"She claims to have been saved by you yet you claim she is a random woman. Do you think I will let her live after that lie?"

"She has not lied brother, I indeed saved her."

"Oh! She lives then, but that is not enough, since you saved her, she shall be your bride, that or she does."

"Br-"

"Do not push me brother. It's either you marry her or I make you kill her myself."

Kiana who watched their interaction couldn't keep up with the words the two exchanged. Marriage? "I shall marry her." Astor surrendered, jaw clenched.

"Very well, the wedding will commence in three weeks, you have that long to prepare your bride." His words were accompanied with the wave of his hand, Astor turned his back and walked out, leaving a dazed Kiana to follow him.

~P-Lia~

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~P-Lia~.