The Royal Engagement

Chapter 13

Hestia sat, poised and elegant with an impeccable posture in front of her mirror. She stayed frozen and content as her hair-stylist beautifully braided her red hair into a small and neat bun on the top of a head. A few feet away was her bed, currently occupied by her 'half-brother'. But, they both knew that that was a twisted lie which not many knew of.

They shared quick but meaningful conversations that drifted into a peaceful and necessary silence that was usually present whenever they interacted. He laid sprawled, with his arms supporting his head despite there being a pillow. A weary maid kneeled next to him; a plate of fresh grapes given as a gift from the Cicesia Islands, lay in her hands.

With a hesitant and quivering voice, she mustered the courage to ask her Prince,

"Are the grapes to you liking, Your Royal Highness?"

Pyro munched on the grapes for a few more moments; encasing his tongue in its juices until he finally sighed and closed his eyes.

"It's almost as off-putting as your presence here. Get out."

With her head held low, she stood and bowed one last time before hurriedly dismissing herself from the room in relief. Hestia, who had been observing the scene through the reflections of her mirror, chuckled softly at Pyro.

"My, my, Pyro. It appears that there is something bothering you. Is there not?"

Pyro exhaled and rolled over to his side to face her. His head rested on top of his palm as he lazily stared back at her.

"And, what makes you say that? Aren't I as nasty as I always am?"

Hestia smiled to herself and closed her eyes. She had always been the one relative of Pyro that could pin his character to the absolute centre of a bull's eye.

"Yes, that's true. But, usually there's the presence of your arrogance and ego when you're being horrible to someone. It appears to have gone today. Did something perhaps happen? More specifically on your visit to Amy's infirmary quarters?"

Pyro's solemn expression didn't move; instead he simply averted his gaze to elsewhere before soon turning back onto his back to stare thoughtfully back at the hanging duvet in royal silk.

And, then returned their familiar silence, until a few minutes passed and Pyro finally piped up.

"Hestia, what should one do if the person they like, rejects them for another person?"

Her eyes snapped open, a very momentary countenance of surprise before she relaxed into her normal state of mind. Only Hestia could be relied on by Pyro for these unexpected things. She had paid him attention for all his problems when no one else had as a child. She had developed a special affection for the young boy and acted as a guiding figure for whenever he needed one. Clearing her throat, she shifted in her seat before responding,

"Well, I suppose if the other person is truly smitten by another, that person should let go – no matter how much it breaks their heart. The best method is to be given solid and unrefusable evidence that the person does not love them, and that they should move on. Leading on or misinterpretation might affect them in a much more potent way than heartbreak..."

Her eyes drifted to the muted Pyro who laid on her bed. His eyes glazed with sorrow, and a sad but mysterious smile lifting to his face.

"I see... If it's for the best, then..."

A knock came from the door, interrupting their sentimental moment. A voice resounded from outside,

"Your Highness'? I hope that you are ready. The Queen and Princess of the CottonCloud Federation have already arrived, and your presences have been requested immediately."