After avoiding Celeste for days on end I think Celeste finally did give up on trying to talk... or at least that's what I thought. Right now, I'm being cornered by her!!!
Which Lady of which house would corner a Prince in the Royal Palace!!??? Okay calm down, You're the Prince of Alius. "Lady Celeste", I calmly said, "This is highly improper for a lady of your stan-"
"Sirius", she cut me off, "Why are you avoiding me? "
"I certainly am doing nothing of the sort!" I replied trying to sound indignant, she narrowed her eyes and made sure to keep her arms on both sides of me blocking my escape. "I believe Lark has informed you that due to the increase in my workload, I've requested Captain Falme to continue with your training."
With that she finally eased off saying, "You're lying Sirius." she turned on her heels and walked away before I could let another sound out. The rest of the day and the days that followed everything went back to when Celeste wasn't around, and Raven made a fuss that Celeste wasn't visiting her anymore and that it was probably because of me, I have yet to understand why though. And suggesting that she should visit Celeste then was my worst mistake! I got the silent treatment from not only Raven but also Ares!!! My cute little siblings would ignore me, Ares because Raven told him too.
And right now, five days later I'm inside of the Luminosa Manor, a cup of tea in hand and an awkward atmosphere hanging between both Celeste and me. I cleared my throat to gain her attention, "Lady Celeste, Raven and everyone back at the palace were wondering why you aren't visiting us anymore." I flashed the most charming, princely smile I could.
Click!
The sound of Celeste's teacup sounded, she looked at me and said, "Oh my! Is that so Your Royal Highness? I do apologize, but my work has piled up recently. Suddenly things have become quite hectic. I'm sure you would understand." I sigh internally, she was using my excuse against me. "I see, such a pity. Mother was looking forwarded to another tea party with you as well." her expressions shifted for a split second, good, now i just need to bribe her, "I too miss our mock fights." this time she shifted a bit in her seat, I've almost got her! "Ares..." this will be the final shot "he has also missed your visits. Such a pity that you are busy." I looked at her and I knew it was enough, I drank the last of my tea and stood up saying, "I do apologize for taking up your precious time, I'll be taking my leave first." I gave a respectful bow, thanked her and went away. The moment I walked past the front entrance Raven and Ares both ambushed me and glared at me. In the past few days, I've learned to understand what they wanted without saying it.
"Am I no longer your big brother now? You both haven't even welcomed me first instead..." I stopped not completing my sentence when their glares hardened. "Alright alright, step back first only then I will talk about what happened." Immediately they stepped back. I sighed at this open bias-ness. I looked at them and said, "Lady Celeste will probably come tomorrow or the next day. She just had some things she needed to take care of before so don't worry too much alright?" The two nodded their heads, "So will you two talk now?" I asked further. They both looked at each other for a minute and then turned to me and shook their heads simultaneously saying no. I groaned and whined asking why but, instead of answering they just walked away, unbelievable! But they're cute so I'll forgive them.
I felt a smile pull at the corners of my lips as I made my way back to my room. I'm sure Lark has a pot of my favorite lavender tea ready for me.
Since then it has been two days but Celeste has not appeared at all, with it being evening already there is very little possibility of her coming and so the glares have worsened. I think 'll have to pay another visit soon. Right then Lark came and whispered into my ear that Lady Celeste is here. I nearly jumped in joy and relief but then remembered my position and ordered Lark to lead her here, I looked at my siblings in front of me and said, "Lady Celeste is here." at first the two seemed suspicious as to whether the news was true but then they heard her voice and immediately smiled and ran to the door welcoming her in and telling her that they missed her visits. One look on her face told me how happy she was, probably Ares being the main reason- something I have mixed feeling about but I obviously didn't say anything and kept a smile on my face and invited her to have some tea together to which I received a small teasing grin.
On the inside though I felt my nerves running amok, hoping for a hopeless miracle to take place and that Celeste would only see Ares as a brother or friend. But, as I said, a hopeless miracle. This time Raven sat beside me and Ares and Celeste opposite. Lark served some tea for Celeste and brought some more snacks, he then came to me and whispered, "Are you alright Si?" I was confused why he would ask that out of nowhere, I just hummed saying that I was fine, he gave me a hesitant nod back and said, "If you need to go let me now."
Get away from here? Why would he think like that... but I do want too. No! I can't keep running away, I'll force myself to learn to stay calm. I have to!
And so, the rest of the day went on as peacefully as it could, without too much of a hassle, embarrassing moments of bouts of panic.