Light and Darkness mingled

Chapter 2: Getting older

About 10 years had passed. Ardyn, Aera and Somnus were now adults practically and for a while Aera started to feel different, weird.. when she was close to Ardyn. She didn't know why that had happened but she sook aid from The Six in order to calm her heart and follow on her Oracle path.

" It is destined, littleling. You and your oldest friend shall bring joy and peace to thine kingdom. But warn you, it will not be so simple. You both should pass a myriad of trials in order to ascend. In the meantime, increase your faith and continue to praise us, that we may light thine path.
You 'ave our blessing to commune with him and create a family, if you so desire.
May the light of the Crystal guide you both, Oracle."

Aera never forgot that day.
She realized what she was truly feeling. Love. Definately it was love because she started to see Ardyn as someone to care and be with. Not to mention he, too, became to act differently towards her. His devotion to her was unquestionable but she thought it was because of her position in the realm.
She needed to clear things out.
And she runned after him as soon as realization came.

Not half a hour later she found him in the castle backyard. He was tending to some flowers and she approached him with a lump in her throat and her knees were weak. Even so, she proceeded.

"Good afternoon Ardyn-sama. There is something I need to discuss with you. It is about my future and duties as Oracle.." she lied.

Ardyn, sensing it was her, stood up at once and gave her his most beautiful smile; one that comprised of pure admiration. He kissed her hand.

"Of course, milady. In what matter could I aid you?"

"I sook the Six about my future. I.. feel.. I feel weird somehow. It seems that I don't know what to do exactly to help people, as you do. I would.. like some advice. I feel lost.." she sighed.

"If you permit my intrusion, why do you feel that way? Did someone mistreated you or made you doubt your path..?"

"Actually, yes..
And I.. I think it has to do with you." She admitted.

Ardyn froze in fear. Did he treat her in a bad way? He didn't understand.
Aera on the other hand, stepped close and hugged him tight, while letting her tears flow abundantly

"Princess..why are you crying? Tell me. You know you can tell me anything, since we were children. You trust me, do you not?"

"I'm crying because I love you !
The Six sensed the unease inside my heart and they.. they blessed us if we were to be together and create a family..
I'm not queen yet, neither you are king so we have a lot of time to think about it. Thing is.. I don't think you feel the same way about me. That's why I'm crying..
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Ardyn stood frozen for a moment before retributing her hug. Aera hid her head in his chest, inhaling his scent. Not a minute later, he lifted her chin with his palm, and with a serene look replied:

"Princess Aera. Why would you think that I don't cherish you the same way? I tried to kill this feeling inside me, but I can't.. you're perfect in every way possible and there's no way I could stop loving you. Sorry I didn't say sooner. I was waiting for an appropriate time since we are passing through turbulent times. Let me show you how much you mean to me"

Ardyn took her face with both his hands and cleaned her tears with his thumbs. He gave a good look at her and glued his forehead to hers. Aera was still crying but happy with his affection towards her and to their proximity.
Ardyn caressed her cheek with one hand and slowly, but surely, leant closer and closer until their lips finally met for a first chaste kiss. Aera sighed as the feelings overcrashed her and putted her hands around his neck to deepen the kiss. Ardyn, in response, putted his hands on her waist to carress and support her.
After some minutes, they stopped and just held each other close.

"I love you, my princess. Pray be with me always"

Aera nodded.