Enchanted Rivalry

5. Beneath the surface

Aria

As I watched Kael dismiss my concern for Adrian with his characteristic arrogance, I felt a surge of frustration rise within me. Who did he think he was, brushing off my attempts to help his brother as if they were nothing more than trivial annoyances?

I was only trying to help his brother, to offer him comfort in his time of need. But instead of gratitude, all I received was scorn.

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into the flesh of my palms as I fought to contain the anger bubbling beneath the surface. 

As I made my way back to the palace, my thoughts lingered on Kael and his brother. I couldn't give a fuck about Kael and his petty grievances. 

But Adrian. He is just a young boy caught in the midst of a family torn apart by dark secrets and bitter rivalries. He is just a child, innocent and vulnerable in a world fraught with danger and deceit.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him, a desire to shield him from the turmoil that surrounded him. He was just a pawn in his family's game, a pawn that I refused to see sacrificed on the altar of their feud.

My thoughts drifted back to the encounter by the riverbank. 

Adrian... It had been years since I last saw him, a mere toddler at the time, innocent and oblivious to the feud that divided our realms. I remembered the Shadowlands ceremony vividly, the solemnity of the occasion contrasting sharply with the carefree laughter of the children playing nearby.

When I first caught sight of him near the banks, I couldn't be sure if it was truly Adrian. He had grown so much since the last time I saw him, his features no longer those of a child but of a young man on the cusp of adulthood. Yet, something in my gut told me that it was him, that familiar spark of mischief in his eyes that mirrored the boy I once knew.

It was only when Kael entered the court that I realized the truth, the pieces falling into place with a sudden clarity. Adrian... My heart ached at the thought of him, aching to reach out and offer him the comfort and protection he so desperately needed.

But Kael... That insufferable brother of his, with his cold demeanor and arrogant attitude. He stood between us like a barrier, his mere presence a constant reminder of the divide that separated our realms. I couldn't help but bristle at his interference, his attempts to shield Adrian from the outside world only serving to stifle his growth and independence.

Protecting someone was one thing, but keeping them hidden away from the world was another entirely. And I couldn't condone such behavior, not when it meant denying Adrian the chance to forge his own path, to discover who he truly was beyond the confines of his brother's shadow.

As I stood lost in my thoughts, contemplating the events of the day, a familiar presence approached. I turned to find my father, the King, standing beside me, his expression unreadable.

"Aria," he said, his voice soft yet firm, "may I have a word?"

I nodded, sensing the gravity in his tone. "Of course, Father," I replied, turning to face him fully.

He regarded me with a mixture of concern and caution before speaking again. "I couldn't help but notice your... involvement today," he began, choosing his words carefully. "While I understand that your intentions were noble, I must caution you against interfering in matters that do not concern us."

I furrowed my brow in confusion, unsure of what he meant. "But Father," I protested, "surely it is our duty to help those in need, regardless of their allegiance. Adrian was injured, and I couldn't simply stand by and do nothing."

My father's expression softened slightly at my words, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I know, my dear," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "And I admire your compassion. But you must understand that not everyone is as accepting of kindness as you are. Especially not those across the river."

Then, with a slight sigh, he continued, "You know how defensive they get when it comes to their family. You helping Adrian was a good thing, but next time, let the other healers do it. We mustn't unnecessarily involve ourselves in their affairs."

I nodded in understanding, grateful for his guidance and support. "I will remember, Father," I said, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over me. "Thank you for looking out for me."

My father smiled, his eyes sparkling with pride as he pulled me into a gentle embrace. "That's my girl," he said, his voice filled with love and affection. "Just remember, Aria, I only want what's best for you. And sometimes, that means letting go of the things we cannot change."

As I nestled into his embrace, a sense of comfort washed over me, knowing that no matter what trials lay ahead, my father would always be there to guide me with his wisdom and love. 

As the weight of our conversation began to lift, I found the courage to broach a topic that had been weighing heavily on my mind. 

"Father," I began tentatively, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "When is Mother coming back?"

My father's expression softened at the mention of my mother, a fond smile gracing his lips as he regarded me with a mixture of affection and amusement. "Ah, your mother," he chuckled, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "You know her, Aria. Once she goes to her maiden home, we practically have to drag her back kicking and screaming."

I couldn't help but laugh at his jest, a warmth spreading through me at the familiarity of our banter. "Indeed," I replied, a playful twinkle in my eye. "She always did have a stubborn streak."

My father nodded in agreement, a twinkle of amusement dancing in his eyes as he leaned in closer, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, she said they must be here before the full moon," he confided, a mischievous glint in his gaze. "But between you and me, I wouldn't be surprised if she finds some excuse to extend her stay."

I couldn't help but chuckle at his words, a sense of warmth flooding my chest. "That sounds like Mother, all right," I replied, a small smile playing at my lips. "But I miss her too much now, Father."

My father nodded in understanding, his gaze softening as he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from my face. "I miss her too, Aria," he admitted, his voice tinged with longing. "But you know your mother. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and we wouldn't have it any other way."

He continued as he glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall. "Let's see," he mused, his brow furrowing in concentration. "She should be here day after tomorrow, if all goes according to plan."

I felt a surge of excitement at his words, a grin spreading across my face as I imagined Mother's joyful reunion with us. "That's wonderful, Father," I exclaimed, my voice filled with delight. "I can't wait to see her."