Wolfrum.

19| Sea of glowing petals.

19| Sea of glowing petals.

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   Kiana had imagined her next meeting with Astor a million times, perhaps he would scoop her in his arms and hug her till her legs weaken, perhaps he would claim not to know her and he would have his people drive her away, that perhaps he would be indifferent to her, unlike he was in Volva, nonchalant, mischievous-- warm, yet cold, however--she had not expected a marriage edict on meeting him. Her lashes fluttered as she peered at his broad back, their footsteps echoing on the sparkling tile of the castle.

He wasn't the same yet he was still the same, his steps were still unhurried, his back still straight with arrogance yet-- something she couldn't pinpoint overshadowed his indifference. Her eyes raked over his clothing, white mixed with purple, as his silk jacket embroidered with gold dragon fluttered on the tile. Her heart ached and raced yet a distant feeling of anger and dread, one to small to grasp fluttered through her heart. They walked for more than five minutes without a word.

Astor neither spoke to her-- neither acted like she walked with him-- servants bowed after him every where he went, they passed through a fake mountain and a sea of bright, crimson flower before he suddenly stopped and whirled to face her, Kiara's heart raced at the sight of his blue orbs, the same ones that had pleagued her dreams for weeks, his hair was braided back in cornrows-- a look only Waylen royalties could wear.

"Why are you here?" Only after hearing his voice did she notice his tight and taunt jaw. Her heart squeeze in her chest-- was he unhappy to see her? Before she could reply, he grabbed her shoulders. "Why are you here?" His question brought her out of her daze.

"I- I came to deliver medicine." Her voice was as light as a whisper, only then did she realize how he must have felt when she held a dagger to his heart.

"You shouldn't have come." Though low, his deep voice held a tremor to them, no longer filled with anger as Astor's heart softened. "You should never have come here-- leave! Go! Go as far away from here as you can!" He suddenly pushed her away, his voice loud as thought of what his brother could be planning. Her heart squeezed hard at his reaction. Did he really hate her that much.

"I-"

"No! You don't get to say a words-- leave! I do not want to see you. Go as for as you can and never return!" He stepped away from her as the wind picked up, throwing his jacket and hair in all directions. Red stands filled Kiara's vision as her hair blew with the wind, fresh smell of soft petals leaving her breathless. She took a step forward. Vision blurred with unshed tears.

"I-i am sorry." She whispered, now realizing how much she had hurt him.

"You don't understand!" Astor suddenly bellowed, his usual grin gone, replaced with fear? Just what did he fear? "You are putting yourself in danger by remaining here. I will speak to my brother, the marriage shall not hold!" His chest hurt, gaze filled with pain-- how he wished to scoop her in his arms, hug her and never let go, but he couldn't have her, not when his brother had his life in his hand. He couldn't let her go through the pain of the red rim either.

Kiana moved closer to him-- could she leave? After learning what it would do to him If she left him-- she couldn't imagine seeing the man who had a lot to give loose himself because of her. " I don't want to leave." She stated, voice hard yet soft.

"No!" Astor grabbed her hand and began dragging her down the path. "You will leave and never return. I will severe the bond when I find a way but you? I can't have you near me."