The Royal Spare (COMPLETED)

57- Of Brothers' Love

It was morning on my side of the world when the grand Reidonian celebration was live streamed to the entire world. I had no intention of watching but every television set and mobile device I walked by on my way home from my morning jog was tuned in to it. 

At last, I had no choice but to look at the screen in the lobby of the hotel we were staying in. 

My eyes were inevitably drawn to Maiena and her ethereal presence as she stood in the middle of the stage in a light pink diamond-studded gown that flowed to the floor. Her hair was decorated with tiny white flowers. There was a serene glow around her and a soft smile on her lips. She looked like a fairy in a sea of flowers. I forgot how many times I have dreamed of how she would look walking down the aisle on our wedding day. I imagined her to look exactly as she did at that moment. Only, my dream would never happen and reality was glaring right in my face. The man who stood in front of her was not me. It was my brother.

All I could do was clench my fists, grit my teeth and inhale sharply to suppress the crushing heartbreak I felt when they kissed. I couldn't do anything although my chest felt like it was pierced by a thousand arrows and I could barely breathe. I couldn't even be angry because I couldn't claim that my brother does not deserve to have her. Gali is the kindest and most honorable man I know. He loved me unconditionally and I love him just as much. He is virtuous and committed. I know he would do all that he can to protect the Princess and give her happiness everyday. He has always been good to her and always put her first. If anything, he was a hundred times more qualified than me to be Maiena's husband.

I used to be so arrogant to think that I had any hope to be with Maiena. I may not be a king or a prince but I had nobility and knighthood. I, at least, had some sort of a chance to challenge anyone to stand beside Her Royal Highness. I was a fool. I didn't have any right at all to do that. I didn't even know where I came from. 

I have never been more helpless and desperate than that moment but I had to hide everything in my heart. Mother could never see me that way. She has already sacrificed so much for me. We only had each other now. 

"Amore?" I heard her soft voice from behind me.

I immediately composed myself and turned to face her calmly. "Mama! What are you doing down here so early?" 

She didn't answer for a while. She quietly stared at me as if checking to see how I was. 

"I'm okay, Mama." I told her. It was a lie. 

She sighed and nodded but I knew she was unconvinced. She then looked at me sullenly and said, "Go upstairs and  change. We have to meet someone."

"Who?" I frowned. I heard the masked tension in my mother's tone. 

"Your father."

Those two words thundered in my head and my heart clenched. Who is this "father" that my mom spoke of? All my life I only knew one father. He raised me and gave me everything I have. I never lacked anything. I was living a good life. I had the love of my father, my mother, my brother and my beloved one second. The next, everything was gone when I overheard my parents' arguing because my mother insisted on going to the Orient and I found out that the father and brother I have looked up to and loved were not related to me by blood. Dad didn't agree to her leaving but Mama was adamant for some reason. I had no choice but to follow her.

"I only have one father, Mama. He is thousands of miles away across the sea. Excuse me." I slightly bowed my head in respect and was ready to leave when my mother caught my arm in her frail hands. 

"Aidan, please. I beg you." Her gentle voice cracked and my heart ached. I sighed as I turned towards her. Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"Ai, Mama! Don't cry. I will go with you but I am not going to recognize that man as my father. Your tears can't convince me otherwise." I had no choice but to compromise. She is my mother after all. I could never bear to break her heart.