4 | Family

"Sandra, I've missed you," Nydd, her brother chuckled as he wrapped her into an unexpected hug. He momentarily glanced at her straightened hair and regained his composure.

He was directed to the Royal dining table, which had few more chairs that day because of their guests. She had always dreaded coming here and facing the members she barely talked to. She hated one person the most, Kaydn sister, Azinza. Not that Cassandra hated her for no reason, Azinza had always been cold and rude to her.

"The Eastern Kingdom has always been the best in hospitality," Nydd complimented as he chewed patiently, letting his taste bud explore every morsel. While Cassandra ate it as if everything tasted the same.

"Of course," Ravenna, the Eastern kingdom's retired queen replied. She helped herself with the mulberry salad, which was an important dish in every Eastern kingdom's dinner. Cassandra could never make herself believe that she was a Queen now. Not just any queen, one of the most powerful Kingdom's Queen.

The dinner elapsed within an hour, which had been very silent. Kaydn and Nydd had retired to the wine room to help themselves, whereas the ladies just sat beside each other.

"So, Cassandra, I'm hosting a tea party tomorrow. I'd be immensely pleasured if you consider joining," Azinza announced and Cassandra wondered what she was up to now. She clearly cannot refuse in front of her mother-in-law, not when she knew that she had nothing better to do.

"I'm honoured, I will join your party," Cassandra replied as she nervously fidgeted with the royal ring and her mark covering which had always been there, in her ring finger. Ravenna's power was to talk with trees and plants, and thus, the garden had always been blooming in her presence.

She wasn't sure what Azinza's power was, most people tend to keep it secret forever because it could be seized by the witches or captured by the River nymphs to protect their race. Though they did not bother the royal families, instinct had always existed amongst everyone.

Kadyn could control one of the Earth elements, so she had heard. She wasn't sure what it was, but it was rumoured to be Air. Of course, it was predicted by the elder witches. The mark was not public either, mostly because it would showcase his love for Rylla.

She retired to her room after excusing herself. Tatiana was stacking her shelves with more books from the local library so that she could read them in the comfort of her room. She smiled as she looked at Tatiana, her power was to control elements. In fact, she was hardly touching the book, they seemed to be helping themselves.

.

"I really love you, I really do," Kaydn kissed Rylla on her forehead as she laid her head on his chest. He had ordered the guard to prohibit entrance in this part of the garden, but he knew the guards would allow the queen if she passed by. But he had to be careful since Prince Nydd was in the palace today.

"You promised that you'd marry me," Rylla snuggled into his warm clothing, heating in his embrace. Her cheeks were scarlet as he lifted her up by the chin. He knew this was wrong, and he had to stop this for the sake of his wife. To give her the respect she deserved. But his heart palpitated and ached, it wanted Rylla so badly that he had not given a second thought to cheat his wife.

"I'm sorry, but it's time I start behaving like a king," He said, with tears in his eyes. He hated to see her hurt, her face shifted multiple times before settling to one.

"But I-I, l-love you," she stammered, she could no longer express her feelings through words as the reality came crashing down.

"I promise that I'll take care of you, and I'll never leave you alone Rylla. I love you, with all my heart and soul. But I want you to understand that Cassandra deserves respect too, and she doesn't look like she's okay here. I don't want to make it any worse for her," He remembered her puffy face and sore throat this morning, he had noticed that even though she had tried so hard.

" She did not choose me either, she did nothing to deserve this and I haven't been giving her the respect a King should to his Queen," He added while Rylla sobbrd uncontrollably.

"So this is all about her right? she seduced you, didn't she?" Her face flickered in anger and he witnessed the rage wash over her face.

"She's unhappy, and she has been termed as my wife," He gave her time, for those words to sink in. They had been in love for over a decade, and it was hard to announce something like this to her. It had been his father's last wish to tie bonds with the Western Kingdom, and Azinza wouldn't marry Nydd for their father's sake.

"Don't you love me?" She asked in monotone.

"My darling, there's nothing more I love in this world except you and my family," He was almost in tears now, but he had to do this for the sake of the respect that everyone deserved. He was tired of exposing his parents to answer the unending questions and rumours. He was tired of pretending that he was in love with his wife for the world to shut up. He needed to accept the reality. If he stopped visiting Rylla, it wouldn't matter to people whether he actually loved his wife.

His father can die in peace knowing that he had finally accepted Cassandra as his wife, mentally.

"But you must understand that she is my wife and I cannot treat her any less for the mistake I've done," He instantly regretted after he spoke.

"So I am a mistake?" She asked. Deep inside, he felt that she was the best mistake he had ever done. He had fallen in love with her, over and over again. He had even dreamt of having her as his queen, her head embellished with the crown. He had carelessly let his feelings wander and immensely cherished her more than anything.

"A good one" He responded, and he knew that was not going to make her feel any better. The pressure had been overwhelming, too hard to handle. All the weight was suddenly on his shoulders, forcing him to sacrifice his love.

"I will not disturb you again, King Kaydn" She smiled through her tears as she sarcastically remarked, and that was the most heartbreaking thing he had ever seen.

He knew he will be regretting this decision, to let her go. If Rylla did not leave, he will never be able to forget her. The sacrifices he needed to make for the throne were exhausting.

.

"Rylla, where have you been!" The bartender excitedly chimed as he danced while making the drinks. She just smiled at him.

"Ilyon," She addressed him as she glanced over. She had never imagined that Kaydn would be snatched away from her so soon, though she had expected that to happen.

After all, she was no royalty. It wasn't uncommon for a king to marry a woman who was not in his social standards, but Kaydn's father had been obsessed with tying alliances with the Western kingdom.

She had always imagined living in the huge palace with Kaydn by her side, and now, she wasn't going to let anyone take it away from her. It was no secret that Kaydn was secretly talking to her, but there was one thing that would make her and Kaydn inseparable.