"Anna, why are you crying?" Edward asked sensitively. He noticed a clear liquid running down a small part of Anna's cheek.
Anna felt very grateful at this time. She couldn't express it, only tears were able to express her heart.
"It's okay. I just feel so lucky. Thank you for making me, Princess Annalise." Anna's light ended with a chuckle at the end of her sentence.
"But if I'm being honest, I feel embarrassed because I look so childish now." Anna continued.
"Not at all, please don't mess around. Just follow the plan we've laid out for you, Princess Annalise." Edward said.
"All right, I'll comply. So what should I do now?" Anna asked excitedly.
"Now you have to walk this red carpet, you will find a surprise there," Axel said.
"OK." Anna complied.
She began to stomp her feet with heels on the red carpet. On the sides of the red carpet were floral arrangements that made the place more lively. Don't forget the candles are neatly arranged as lights.
"Did you arrange all this, Axel?" Anna asked. Even though she knew the answer would be yes. Because this afternoon Edward went to risk his life right?
"Yes, do you like it?"
"I like it."
"Then don't you mean to express your gratitude?" Axel asked again.
Anna smiled amused by the behavior of Axel who was forcing her to thank him.
"Thank you," Anna said curtly.
"Only that?" Axel urged continuously.
"Hey, never mind. You should also thank me for getting rid of your enemy." Edward exclaimed as he spoke up.
"Very well, thank you. Are you satisfied now?" Axel said.
"Only that?" Edward asked imitating Axel's speech earlier.
"All right. How long are you two arguing?" Anna intervened.
"Ah yes, right. This is your happy day, Anna. We don't deserve to spoil it." Edward said quickly.
Suddenly Anna stopped walking. His eyes were sharp but teary because of the tears that didn't want to be compromised.
"Castle," Anna muttered.
"I couldn't build this castle by myself, so I had someone help me. But I was here when the castle was built, I also stepped in. I hope I don't disappoint you too much." Axel quickly explained.
Anna cried and laughed at the same time. Wiping the tears that fell, then Anna rushed to hug Axel tightly.
"I like it, I really like it, Axel." Anna sobbed.
She was really touched. One of his childhood wishes has come true despite having to wait for Anna to grow up. Become a princess who lives in the castle.
Hahaha… it's ridiculous to do it now, but Anna still feels countless happy feelings. It's not a real castle, just a small decoration for princess Annalise's birthday party. It was done to realize one little dream of Annalise.
Axel gently rubbed the skin on Anna's back which was not covered with cloth, returning the tight hug that Anna gave.
"Glad you liked it. But this idea was Edward who came up with it." Anna nodded in the embrace.
Then after that, she released her arms on Axel and turned to hug Ed.
"You're the best, Ed. You're the best. Thank you." Anna's voice was a little unclear because it was accompanied by sobs.
Edward gently pushed Anna's body, releasing their embrace. Then his hand moved to wipe away the traces of Anna's tears.
"Don't cry, you should be happy, right?" Edward's words stung because of his gentleness.
"I'm not sad, I'm crying tears of joy. I'm grateful that God brought me to you two. I love you, Guys." Anna said sincerely from the bottom of her heart.
"We are lucky because God has sent an angel as beautiful as you to us." Axel and Edward said in unison as if it had been planned. Even though it was truly an expression from the deepest of their hearts without any fabrication.
Now Axel touched Anna's cheek, wiping the remaining tears from Anna's cheeks.
"Let's blow out the candles, otherwise they will run out soon," Axel said.
Anna nodded in agreement.
"Make a wish," Edward said. Anna cupped her hands together, closed her eyes, and then she made a wish.
'Don't let them leave me, Lord. If anyone has to leave, I'm willing to leave early. Thank you for all Your grace and Your love.'
Anna blew out the candles. The candle has died but life continues. It could even be the beginning of a new life.
***
Tonight they spent time in the castle. At first, Anna thought that tonight would end cleanly, but unfortunately, Edward brought wine to accompany their night.
As a result, Anna had to suffer from a heavy hangover. Anna isn't that bad with alcohol but tonight she's just being unlucky. Anna always loses in the games they play together so Anna has to drink a lot to reward her defeat.
Edward returned to driving his car, although he was half drunk Edward still drove.
Axel just let it be because at most he would hit the pavement. Luckily Axel only drank a little alcohol, so his consciousness was better than Edward let alone Anna. So let Axel drive Anna home.
Oh, wait a minute! Dropping Anna home? But Axel doesn't have an access card to go there.
Anna's apartment was heavily guarded, not just anyone could enter easily. So at this time, Axel was attacked by doubts. Axel had seated Anna beside the driver's seat. Axel looked at Anna very closely.
"Anna, come home with me tonight, okay?" Axel said as Anna could hear. Anna was already asleep in his place.
But Axel didn't mind it, he still brought Anna back to his house.
***
Axel carried Anna's body bridal style. Anna's body fits perfectly in Axel's arms, which is athletic.
Axel opened the door, he led Anna into his room. Axel put Anna to sleep on his big bed then he took off the shoes that Anna was wearing and took off the crown and all the accessories attached to Anna's body.
Axel looked at Anna. Her long eyelashes are also curly, her nose is sharp, and her lips are full. Ah, Axel was fooled when he saw Anna's lips.
Axel chuckled to himself. "What am I thinking?" Axel muttered to himself.
Then Axel ran his fingers to touch the skin of Anna's face, brushing away the hair that had fallen covering part of Anna's face while enjoying moments like this.
The moment when Anna could only be silent didn't say much, didn't argue much. Anna's intelligence sometimes makes Axel troublesome on several occasions, but Axel can feel happiness with Anna's presence in the Elard family, by his side.
"Anna… what kind of woman do you think is suitable for me when only you can understand me." Axel suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Anna a few days ago.
Axel quickly shook his head, trying to get rid of his wild thoughts. He should not think about the impossible.
Axel stood up, getting closer to Anna. He bent down to whisper in Anna's ear.
"You should always be happy, Anna," Axel said then he kissed Anna's forehead, like he always did when they were kids, kissed Anna's forehead who was about to sleep or had fallen asleep.
"I love you, little Anna," Axel whispered again. Anna suddenly squirmed, did she hear Axel's whisper?
Axel chuckled because he thought Anna was so cute when she was sleeping. Axel pulled the blanket to cover Anna's body.
"Good night, Anna," Axel concluded then he left his room.
The last time Anna had warned Axel never to think about sleeping together again, then Axel wouldn't break his promise. Yes, even though he didn't promise, he didn't want to make Edward misunderstand a second time.
Edward's gaze was still vivid in Axel's memory. Axel chose to go to his study. He will sleep there. After all, he also often fell asleep in his study because he forgot the time when he was finishing his work. No problem.
***