The carriage was on its way as they left Aurora's villa, he wanted to look back at Aurora but he knew if he did, he would end up getting out of the carriage and staying with her.
"Is something bothering you?"
"Sorry Nadia, what did you say?"
"Is something bothering you? You seem to be really deep in thought."
"Just work that I have to do."
"Don't be anxious Caspian, my family does not bite."
"I hope not."
Nadia had just called her by his name but he did not feel anything whatsoever when Aurora did, he felt sensations and it made him happy.
"I have wanted us to go on a trip as just the two of us, and it seems as if my prayers have been answered."
"Yes this trip is great, and I'm sure you are excited to see your parents."
Nadia nodded, "I am excited to see them all and more so that they get to see the love of my life."
Caspian just nodded once more, he felt bad that Nadia thought of him as the love of her life but he had Aurora in his heart and he wondered if he should come out to her so they could discuss this. His actions were more than enough to show how much he cared for Aurora, but Nadia never said anything which surprised him.
They finally arrived at Gloucester and he could see Nadia's excitement, and he put on his fake happy face so that Nadia's mood would not be spoiled.
The carriage stopped, and he climbed out the carriage and held out his hand for Nadia to take, which she did gladly.
Nadia let go of his hand, "Mother! Father."
They embraced as he just stood there and watched the interaction. Finally, Nadia pulled back, "I can't wait to tell you everything."
"Of course darling but first we have to greet your husband." Nadia's mother replied.
Caspian took that as his cue to go up to Nadia's parents, "A pleasure to see you both once more."
"You can drop the formalities we are family after all." Her father replied.
"I would love that."
"Why don't you two go freshen up and we will see you during dinner." Her mother replied.
"That would be great." Nadia chimed in enthusiastically.
They were escorted to the chambers that they would be occupying.
Dinner time came, Caspian and Nadia had refreshed themselves, and they went to the dining hall, and he was surprised that Nadia's parents were already seated.
"How are you two feeling?" his mother asked.
"Well rested."
"Me too," Nadia added.
Platters of food were bought in, and sat down in front of them.
"How do you two get along?"
Caspian stiffened at her mother's question as he did not know what to say or if Nadia would air out everything.
"We get along very, Caspian is by my side."
"Is that so?" her father replied.
"Yes," Nadia replied.
"How do you think you fare?" her father directed the question to him.
"Just as Nadia said we get along very well."
They dug into the food,
"Rumors spread like a wildfire." Her mother stated.
"What rumors?" Nadia asked.
"That the prince has his eyes set on another." Her mother replied.
"They are just rumors mom, and preposterous at that," Nadia replied.
Nadia's mom looked him square in the face, "What do you think Caspian."
"I will always be there for Nadia, she is a great companion and I will make sure to meet any needs that she might be facing."
"It's quite peculiar the way you answered, no once did you proclaim your love for Nadia, but it seems as if it is a business relationship."
"Mom stop!"
"I just don't want you to live a lonely life, I am just trying to help you."
"Nadia your mother is coming from a place of wanting what's best for you."
"And Caspian is what's best for me."
"So you would rather have him by name as he gives another love, love that should be yours." Her mother responded coldly.
Caspian tried to not let panic show but he started to think how much did Nadia's parents know? If he lied and they knew the truth it would not be a good look on him.
"Caspian do you love Nadia."
Caspian just nodded to her mother's question, he started to realize why they were invited here.
"Why can't you say it?" her mother replied.
"Mom stop, I want a peaceful dinner, I have dreamt about this. Having all the people that matter the most in my life."
"Fine, we will drop it, for now." Her mother replied.
Caspian ate his dinner quietly and barely said anything as he was deep in thought when he looked up he found Nadia's mother's eyes as if he was studying him. He looked away, he was not in the mood for another interrogation tonight.
Why could he just not tell the truth that he wanted to be with Aurora, why is falling in love a crime? He never understood the social norms until now when he could not be with his lover.
He would have loved it if Aurora became his wife but that would not happen, and now he wished these social norms were gone.
Judging someone on their status, as if they have control over the life they got and they didn't decide to be born into a poor family.
"You are barely talking Caspian, don't you like the food?" Nadia's mother asked.
"I love it that's why I'm just shoveling it without stopping."
"For a second I thought you were thinking about something concerning clearly." Nadia's mother replied.
If this got to his parents that the dinner was not going as planned he would get a very harsh punishment, his parents would not hesitate to cut off Aurora if they felt as if he would be way better without her.
"Are we going to have any grandchildren soon?" Nadia's mother asked.
Caspian had never met someone so nosy, her mother just did not have a filter in her mouth and wondered how anyone has never told her that.
"We are trying mother, but it should be soon."
"I'm happy to hear that, motherhood is a blessing."
Caspian's mind swirled as he was hearing all these responses, he only wanted children with Aurora. He could not believe that he was feeling trapped as a prince.
He wanted to please Aurora and Nadia at the same time as Aurora understood what he has to do to succeed the throne, but the problem now lies with him as he did not want to touch another girl except Aurora.
Did she do something to him?
"Let's call it an evening I see that you are tired, we will see you tomorrow." Said Nadia's father.
As they were walking back to their chambers, he started to wonder how long they would be staying here there was no given timeframe and he did not want to be gone for a long time.
"The night, isn't it beautiful?" Nadia asked as she took his hand and intertwined it with hers. He held her hand back as he did not know who was watching or spying on them.
"The moon and sky are lovely, what do you think Caspian?"
Nadia's words reminded him of the night when he told Aurora that he would be going with Nader, even if they were apart as long as they were under the same sky.
"It is," Caspian replied.
"My parents I know they crossed a line but they are just worried about me."
"I get that, your parents are coming from a good place and I'm sure they adore their daughter."
"What happened to us Caspian?"
"What do you mean?"
"The night of the banquet, you and I had an amazing time and the passion was undeniable. I chose you because I liked you and vice versa, but now I just feel lonely. You don't see me anymore but you were the one that chose me."
Caspian felt guilty that he had placed her feelings in hindsight and she was right that he was the one who chose her and now she was making her live a life of misery.
They got to their chambers and Nadia turned to him and pulled his neck down for a kiss, he reciprocated the kiss.