AFTER MARINA'S DEATH

The enemity between two stepsisters, Casey and Araxie grew to its peak after Marina's death as Casey continuously blamed her sister, Araxie for her mother's death that hadn't she cried so much the other day, her mother wouldn't have committed suicide when everyone else knew that Araxie wasn't responsible for whatever happened.

They all tried explaining to Casey that maybe her mother killed herself out of so much guilt but she was never convinced which forced Neel to relocate and leave everything as well as the king whom he looked at as his father behind.

His once crush on Araxie had by then turned into a very strong and unbreakable friendship between the two so he had to make such a sacrifice for both his wife and his friend. He believed that keeping them far from each other would calm them down - that's why he planned and flew away along with his wife without informing anyone not even his brother, Andie!

Days passed by while they looked for both of them but in vain.

Everyone had lost hope thinking that maybe something bad happened to them till Neel showed up one evening and told them everything.

"I know you were all worried about us. You might've searched everywhere for us and couldn't find us. I'm very sorry that I troubled y'all this much but you don't have to worry about us cos we're doing all right.

The most interesting part is that Casey is happy with her new home and I think it's good for her in that condition of hers.

I just came here to let you know that we're fine and we hold no grudges against anyone here. I know I took a big decision without asking for your opinions but trust me when I say that I did it for all of us especially Araxie and my unborn baby.

Casey's doctor told me it wasn't good for a pregnant woman to stay stressed and in bad mood for a long time and yet it was happening with my wife every day as she always picked up a fight whenever she saw Araxie.

I'm sure you all know how friendly Araxie and I are! As a friend, I always felt bad to see her being blamed for something terrible like that... something that she didn't do. I thought that maybe separating the two would save the day- that's why.

I couldn't sit there and watch my friend getting troubled every day.

But if you feel that I made a mistake, please forgive me."

"Don't apologise Neel because there's nothing here to apologise for. You know I've been worried for you two for the past few days.

To be honest, I was also angry with you for leaving without telling us but after hearing this... I'm so proud of you but don't think that I'm happy about your decision.

It was not a good one but your intentions were pure which makes your decision a wonderful one.

But don't worry because Araxie and I are trying our best to bring everything back to normal."

"Yes brother in-law. You know I can't enjoy anything when my sister is still upset with me.

Everyone here is helping me to fix everything. I can't tell you how much I've missed my sister already."

Seeing how unstable Araxie's words were, Neel could understand her pain.

She was feeling lonely despite having her lover and a wonderful family by her side.

She was missing her sister, Casey.

They may have been stepsisters but they shared something in common and that was blood.

As always, blood is thicker than water! Perhaps that's why Casey reached some point and asked if Araxie could come over and visit her.

She felt like sharing her happy moments of her pregnancy with her.

She wanted her sister to also see how her baby kicked and tossed inside her womb because she had realized that no matter what, she would never get another sister other than Araxie with whom she lived her childhood.

Unto receiving such news that Casey wanted to see her, Araxie was very happy and too excited for the next sunrise. "Wow! Finally.... finally.. I'm going to meet my pregnant sister. I'm sure she looks amazing with the new body and size changes."Araxie would get lost in such thoughts that she never got to fall asleep the whole night and soon the sun rose glittering its amazingly beautiful light on the imperial castle catching up her attention from the deep thoughts.

"The morning is here. Only hours remaining to see my sister again. I wonder how things would go together. I hope her mood swings won't over take her love for me. Oh heavens, let this day go smoothly. I don't want to trouble her in any way."she breathed before jumping out of bed.

She was heading to the bathroom when she heard a knock on the door. On getting the door she realized it was Trion. As usual he had come to say hi to her before anyone else could.

"I'm very fine and I'm sure it's written on my face too."she hurried to say when Trion hadn't said anything at all.

"I see. Meeting your sister is making you crazy that you respond before someone could ask you anything."

"You're right. I might even forget my clothes behind due to this excitement."she chuckled and Trion couldn't bring himself to stop laughing.

"Hmmm. Won't you take me along with you?"

"Would you accept if I asked you to?"

"Why not. Maybe you've forgotten the fact that Casey is my would be sister in-law. I miss her too."

"Come again."she gave him that funny gaze.

"Yes. I do miss her a lot.

It's been long since I saw your troubled face. I'm sure she won't fail to scold you even today despite that she called you herself.

I must accompany you and enjoy the drama."he teased before he realized that Araxie had left him for a shower.

"Huhhh!! How dare you do this with me! I'm here talking alone like a crazy man and you're laughing?"

"I've heard everything you said and I'm not taking you with me anymore.

I think you should go take a shower and sleep. But don't worry, I'll show you everything once I'm back, okay?"

"You can't go back on your words like this especially not with me. You have to take me with you."

"Of course I can't go back on my words. And to be honest here, I don't remember saying a yes to you so stop picking words from my mouth, right future husband?"

"Oh... I know you're calling me that you convince me to stay but for your own information, I'm not convinced!"

"It's okay love. I'll find a way to leave without you noticing me."

"I dare you to leave me behind."

Of course Trion knew very well that Araxie was joking about all this. He knew that she would feel happier taking him with that's why he was too acting stubborn.

Would this visit be helpful or not? Find out in the next chapter.