It was Felix.
Aeinshia felt as though her heart was about to leap out of her chest, when she heard the sudden burst of doors open.
When she realised it was her big brother, frustration took over her. Trying to compose herself, she took few deep breaths to calm down. What's wrong with him?
She had an expressionless face as she eyed him. Her tone was laced with indifference, "What? Did the world turned upside down? Or the palace is burning? "
Sarcasm was evident in her tone.
Felix was taken aback when he heard his little sister. Never in his dreams had he dreamed, that one day he will see his sister speak ironically with him.
Aeinshia saw him halt his outburst actions, "If not, are you planning to break my room doors? If that's the case, you should find other room and don't disturb my sleep. I doubt father will let you go without any compensation, though. "
She felt so tired moving here and there all day. Now all she needed was some rest. She deserved a little break, after all. Just when she thought she would bask in the warm embrace of her first love, her soft bed , here came another problem, entering right through her door. Her brother was angry, it was clear on his face but, she didnt want to be bothered by him.
She huffed a bit before settling on her bed, her back facing towards him, she closed her trying to ignore her brother.
Felix understood she wants to get rest. She likes to sleep and when anyone invades her sleeping time she starts getting angry on them. She will not ever forgive someone who took away her sleeping.
Felix didn't utter any word for sometime, seemingly trying to gain his cool. He was calming down so, that he can easily explain rather than confusing both of them when he speaks.
Aeinshia knew he wouldn't leave until he finishes what he has to say. Such stubborn head. Shaking her head helplessly, "what do you want to talk about? ", she spoke calmly, still in her position. Felix remained silent just observing her back. He was not sure, she would listen to him, even though, she asked. Aeinshia sighed heavily and turned around and sat up slowly, deciding to listen to him so, that he could leave and let her sleep in peace.
Seeing that, Aeinshia finally wanted to talk to him, his lips curled up lightly, " I heard Evan bought a dress for you from City Valencia".
He finished the sentence with irritation filled tone. His voice went higher at the end as well.
Oops!!! Who got such a big mouth to spread it . That too, this fast. It even reached Felix's ears. Then, the rumour must really spread throughout the palace. Felix doesnt pay attention to rumours and seeing he heard then, surely, it was bad. If this continues, then the whole capital might know about it sooner or later.
However, Aeinshia didn't quite understand why her brother got irked up over this fact, she weighed all the possibilities for him to get agitated.
Her mouth opened wide in shock when she thought about one certain option. "Please don't tell me you were annoyed because of it.... "
Her thought's stopped in mid sentence, unable to continue as Felix continued.
"That brat, He doesn't know what is gratitude. "
That was it, it is exactly what Aeinshia thought he would say. Wow, she didnt expect this from Felix. Though, she was confused as to what was the reason behind it.
"I had to take care of him when I was studying in Valencia and here, he didn't even bring any gift for me."
Both Evan and Felix are of same age, but they had months difference. So, Felix started his learning in city Valencia one year ahead of Evan. When he was still there and Evan was new therr, he took good care of Evan as a elder brother.
As expected, Felix completed his studies and came back to the capital to accompany his father.
When Evan came he didn't give any gifts to anyone, so, Felix expected he didn't bring anything back for anyone else. But today, he heard Aeinshia got one and felt sad for not receiving one.
"That brat!!!Unfilial fella", Felix exasperated out.
Aeinshia felt like choking on her own saliva when she heard Felix addressing Evan as 'brat'. She began to wonder,how Evan would react if he knew how Felix calls him.
Aeinshia didn't know how to respond. Aeinshia froze for a brief time, after about 30 seconds,she pursed her lips into a thin hard line. Finally finding words, " Are you a kid? Still wanting to receive gifts? ".
Of course, he is not. But isn't Evan showing the clear difference in his attitude towards his brother-in-law and his future wife. He is happy for Aeinshia, but felt sad as Evan to behave this cold towards him. He knows the prince was like that but, still he should have some gratitude.
Just then, Felix seemed to have remembered something, his eyes lowered slightly to meet Aeinshia's.
He wanted to ask her this question from a long time. But didn't find the correct time, now as the opportunity came flocking towards him. So of course, he was no fool to lose it.
His gaze turned serious, "Aeinshia? " he called her name, his tone serious all of a sudden, "Are you really willing to marry Evan? "
Aeinshia got stunned listening to it, 'Are you willing to marry Evan, ' what type of stupid question was that. Does she have to answer it? Wasn't it obvious from her behavior always trying to stick together with him?
Countless times, she dreamed to marry and live happily together with him till her last breath. She thought so many scenarios of her wedding with him, that, even her dreams were of their wedding and happy life together in the beautiful empire. However, fate planned something else for her.
The next moment, Aeinshia burst into a fit of laughter, "Why did you ask that out of nowhere, brother? "
Felix saw her chuckle loudly at his question, in a serious tone, "Are you willing or not?"
Never did he shift his gaze from her for this whole time. He needed to see her eyes, to get a confirmation. Eyes never lie. He doesn't pay any heed about what happens if the Rutz family disobeyed the emperor's decision. Because, for him, all that mattered was Aeinshia's happiness.
He was happy about the fact of her getting married to the prince, because, that way he could go and meet her everyday and didnt have to worry about her. She would always be in front of his eyes.
However, he doesn't want his little sister to marry someone she doesn't like. He need to confirm it by his own. He should listen to her by himself. Because, according to him, marriage cannot be happened without love in it. They need to be bonded by hearts before. Marriage is not about people.
"Of course, brother", Aeinshia spoke airily.
Felix took a seat beside her, turned her towards him, " Aeinshia, I am saying, you don't have to worry about uncle. Father and I will convince him. I know uncle might be disappointed, but he will also choose your happiness over everything. All of us want you to be happy. We don't want to force you in any way. "
He spoke seriously, as he thought she might be saying it because of her uncle.
No one would dare to say a word against the word of an emperor, and here, her brother told he will, for her happiness. And once the degree is accepted,even the emperor can't take back his words even if he wish to, If he took back his words, that only means he is breaking a promise and was literally unfit to rule for unable to keep his word and for not respecting himself. Seazle never accepted unworthy leaders.
Tears brimmed in her eyes as she felt the love of her brother for her. As her eyelids closed, a small drop rolled down on her cheek.
Felix panicked, when he saw her tears roll down. He didn't know how to console and didn't know what had he spoke wrong.
Caressing her cheek lightly, wiping the tear that rolled down "please don't cry.... Don't cry..."
Amidst her cries, "brother Felix, I love you too. Thank you. "
She didn't know why she said thank you but, she felt like saying it.
Maybe it was because, for having a brother like Felix...
Maybe it was because, loving her more than he loved himself....
Maybe it was because, he tried to protect her till his last breath in her previous life.....
Maybe it was because, she was the top priority in his life.....
Maybe it was because, of the affection and care he showered on her....
She didn't know why as the list went on and on. However she knew she wanted to say it and finally said it. And she can proudly say, she was to have such a loving brother. If not like him, she would be better off without one.
He took her into his arms as she confessed those words, with his two hands he hugged her tightly. Yet, he didn't stop to caress her back with one hand.
The love between them was pure and would last till their last breath.