The week seemed to fly by. Before they knew it, the ladies were seeing the princes off. The two of them waved until they were no longer in sight. Demina smiled as Avelyn glanced towards the road once more.
"I can't wait until you and Jaxon are married," Demina said, "You two make the cutest couple."
Avelyn smiled, a slight blush gracing her cheeks and making her look all the more beautiful. Demina hooked her arm through her friend's as they walked back to the palace.
"And what about you and Prince Castiel?" Avelyn teased, eyes sparkling, "You two seemed to get along pretty well this week."
Demina frowned and rolled her eyes.
"Mmhmm, if you don't count on all the fighting and the pranking and the quips that were thrown around, then we did. Although, I still say he's a butt. He was able to prove my statement that boys are stupid, though."
Avelyn's face fell and Demina almost, almost, felt bad.
"Oh, Demi," she sighed.
"Avelyn, I've told you. As soon as you and Jaxon marry, I am joining a convent. I'm sure Sister Hilde would be glad to have me. I am never getting married. Not after Chase," she added softly. Ava's hands were gentle as she turned Demina to face her.
"You can't grieve forever, Demi. Healing has to start at some point or you'll never live. You'll be as dead as Chase."
Unable to meet her friend's gaze and knowing that she was right, Demina looked at her hands. Plastering on a smile, she tore away from Avelyn's grasp and took off running.
"Race you back!" she called over her shoulder. She could hear Avelyn's quiet sigh but she ignored it. Avelyn would give her the space she needed. She ignored the fresh wave of pain and guilt, once again pushing the memories down urging herself to run faster. Maybe this time she could outrun the pain and anger swirling inside of her. Maybe this time.
Jaxon kept glancing over at Castiel, a knowing smile on his face. Cas was unusually quiet this trip and Jax knew it had to do with a certain lady they (he) had left behind in Impreza. It had been 12 hours into their trip and Jaxon had let him be quiet and moody, but he could take it no longer.
"I'll give you a penny for your thoughts, Castiel."
Castiel grinned but it didn't reach his eyes and quickly died. He remained silent. Jaxon sighed, irritated.
"Only a penny, Jax? They are worth much more than that. I am the great Castiel Tema after all," Jaxon said, mimicking Cas's voice.
He smirked and went on in his own voice, "Oh, of course, Castiel. How foolish of me to forget. But pray tell. Are your thoughts more valuable because of how amazing you are? Or..." he added with a sly smirk, "because they are about a beautifully stubborn lady-in-waiting back in Impreza."
Castiel blushed then cursed when he saw Jaxon's grin.
"Jax, you are a pain," he said, "Just like every woman on the planet."
And just like Demina Mikios. Beautiful, mischievous, stubborn Demina. Jaxon laughed. Castiel was sunk.
[V1]
