A/N: The chapter ahead is raw, which means not been proofread yet nor edited.
***
"Celia, get me food," Skadi Eira shamelessly ordered while lying on Moon's bed, watching the seamless movements of Celia who's busy organizing Moon's things.
Celia stopped and bowed, "May I know if there's anything specific you'd like to eat?"
"Whatever's edible is fine. But lots of that glazed chicken. And that sweet thing with bits of something in it. Fruit salad? Also, that juicy meat I ate earlier. You know what, just bring everything here."
The servant smiled, "I shall return with your request."
Skadi Eira picked her nose. Azarese came in as a consciousness. Her face immediately screw up upon seeing the disgusting thing Skadi Eira did---she wiped her booger on the bed.
"You're fucking nasty."
Skadi Eira was smug about it, "Celia changes the sheets every day."
Azarese rolled her eyes and walked around the room. Though it is spacious, there's nothing grand in sight except for the gifts she just received from her man. The furnitures are old and they won't even be classified as antique. The decorations are plain with hints of wearing.
"Your place is trash. At least my mountain have shining stones in them. And lots of valuable and priceless things," Skadi Eira mocked before rolling on the bed and bounced.
"But this bed is nice. This is mine."
Azarese rolled her eyes on her and went to the new vanity table. She brought her hand to his polaroid on it.
"You kept your promise," she softly mumbled, tracing his figure with her finger.
"What are you going to do next?"
The Deity asked, still bouncing on the bed.
"Nothing. Let them move in circles for now. I am more curious about your relationship with the Matriarch and Daro than my circumstances."
Finally, the Deity stopped from bouncing and stared at the ceiling of the bed's canopy.
"My White Phoenix is out there, gathering memory fragments of mine."
She took her memory fragment out from her chest and showed it to Azarese. That's when she approached the Deity to see the fragment herself.
"How do you take it back? I mean, put it back in your cracked head?"
"Maybe once they're complete. We don't know how many memory fragments I have lost. Maybe they were scattered everywhere. I dunno."
Azarese crossed her arms, thinking.
"I got an idea, but I'll tell it to you soon."
The Deity rolled on the bed again and bounced, "Why not now?"
"One step at a time. Since we're here, why don't we look around the Palace? Let's look into the Matriarch's business first before yours. Anything about her might lead to you."
Skadi Eira stopped again from rolling.
"I'm afraid to know the unknown," she said. Azarese stared at her for a moment before looking away.
"It's often scary. But it's scarier to live your life believing the lies were the truth. The people around you are trustworthy. Daddy Liorei, Watts Xirquit...they'll never let you down."
She stood by the table to see him. A smirk formed on her lips. Only for it to fade into a frown when Skadi Eira said,
"Meh. Cringe. I'm so lazy to go around, so suit yourself. I don't want to leave this nice, bouncy bed at all. Bye."
She wrapped herself in the blanket and rolled around until she looks like a hotdog.
"Tsk. You're useless."
Azarese went back to her domain where her other personalities are waiting for her return. Golden Azarese was the most excited.
"Don't worry about a thing. Everything's under control," the knight told Sun.
She's dressed to kill, wearing her Princess crown and waiting to be summoned, but not overly extravagant. Just enough to tell people who she is and what she owns. Her hair is tidied up in a bun with hair tendrils on the sides of her face. Her tight gown is flaring in every hues of blue with the details in gold and studded with blue sapphires, diamonds, and topaz.
"I'm not worried. And shut up."
When they heard the knocks on the door followed by a summon, Sun heave a deep breath and wear the smile she's been practicing all her life. In a split second, her ominous aura sink and was replaced by a bubbly mood.
"Let's go."
Meanwhile, everyone is waiting in the living room. The ladies are sitting on the couch and the gentlemen are standing as they have a conversation. The Empress is not with them but in the throne room, waiting, as Prince Izaac assist his best man in organizing the materials he will need in the same place.
Duchess Seraphim sat beside her best friend, Grand Duchess Xerene. Her eyes were puffy and red. She was accompanied by her eldest son and left the other two at home. Bringing Lady Elektra would make things awry since she's very difficult to deal with. He even made up an excuse why the Grand Duke is not with them.
"Beshie," the Duchess called and hugged the Grand Duchess's arm, "We'll be alright. Your eyes are so puffy. Why did you cry so much?"
Like a trigger, the Grand Duchess cried again.
"Hey, hey, hey! Why is that thing crying again! Come here, Bansot! Come here!" Lord Paris said and opened his arms.
The Grand Duchess left her best friend and went to him. Emperor Maxism joined their hug.
"Don't cry! Watts will talk to you soon. Who knows, maybe he will today. Hush!"
"Hnnngh! My Wattsy babycakes hates me! I don't want to live anymore!"
"Shh! Hey, Volt is here. Volt! Come get your wife! Where have you been!?"
Duke Paris and Emperor Maxism carried the Grand Duchess to him, leaving her to his care. Now, she's back to her first human handkerchief.
Grand Duke Voltage carried her into a bridal style. Lord Paris is crossing his arms while the Emperor put his hands on his waist.
"So? Where have you been?" they asked haughtily, like a wife interrogating her husband who's been out all night without notice.
"Emergency. Fixed something," he briefly said.
"Princess Holy Azarese Elyzena, the Sun, is entering!" The Imperial Knight announced.
Their noises tuned down right on the mark and looked back to see her. Their eyes hurt from the gleam of the gemstones attached on her dress. The Grand Duke hold his wife stronger when she tried to get down with the motive to erase Sun for good.
Sun stopped by their side and flashed a soft, angelic smile to them. Not quite the reaction and personality they're expecting to see today from her.
"Good morning, Your Grace. Is the Grand Duchess not well? That's understandable, last night was long and many have happened---"
"Fuck you! You pretentious little bitch---asdfghjkl!!!"
Emperor Maxism and Duke Paris forced a laugh while covering the Grand Duchess's mouth and whole face.
"Yes, she is unwell. How about you? I'm glad your face is fully healed," Emperor Maxism said playfully and cracked a real laugh.
Sun smiled even wider and laughed with him, "Thank you, Uncle. Sister Aurora is truly a very good healer. I can't wait to see the Lady again. I hope the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess wouldn't mind if I will pay her a visit sometime. She's so strong," her eyes was then filled with malice and murderous intent, "It happened that I'm very clumsy and tend to break things, no matter how strong they are."
The couple didn't liked what they have heard. Grand Duke Voltage looked down at her with his serious, hooded eyes.
Lord Ohms dropped the glass he's holding intentionally to the floor, filling their ears with its shattering noise. The wine in it spilled.
"Do you want to make that happen right now? Break Elektra. I want to see who will come out alive. Ah, my wine. How about your knight come here and clean this?"
Emperor Maxism and Duke Paris looked at each other then chuckled.
"Why not? Dryllivan, humor his Lordship. He's as clumsy as I am."
The knight bowed, "Yes, Your Highness. I shall return with a wipe." Then he left. When he returned, their silence was so deafening that the only thing they could hear were the knight's footsteps, dragging House Xirquit's banner to and used it to wipe the floor.
The Lord in front of him stomp his foot on his protected head, crushing the knight's helmet.
Sun faked a gasp and covered her mouth. But in truth, she's smiling viciously. She didn't expect that he will return with the House's banner. It was a surprise and she liked it.
"Nice try. But your face would be better. There, there. Lick the wine like a dog that you are. At least your buds tasted something you will never afford."
"Ohms, stop that!" The Grand Duchess reprimanded and went down from her husband's arms.
But the Lord persisted and wiped the knight's face on the floor harder. They don't like what they're seeing, but the knight brought himself in that place. They won't even try to step in. Only the Grand Duchess can stop her son.
"I don't want to. He made a big mistake and that's his punishment. Stupid, stupid boy. Anyway," he lift his foot and stopped.
"I'm a bigger person and understanding. You don't have a family to teach you values. Are they dead? Were they murdered by Veils, so you went here to become a knight to help slay them? How tragic. Really."
"Ohms Tesla Xirquit!" The Grand Duchess called as she go to him.
The knight glared at him from that with fury, only to see the Lord smirking down on him.
"Did I hit a nerve? Sorry, not sorry. Don't do stupid things again in my presence. My parents would've let it pass, but I won't."
Grand Duchess Xerene hit him by the shoulder as soon as she got to her son.
"Ouch, Mom," he nonchalantly ached.
"You're going overboard! It's just a banner!" She hit him again.
"Help him," Sun ordered the waiting servants. The Imperial Knights picked up her knight to bring him to the infirmary.
"Princess Holy Azarese Elyzena is entering with Lord Watts Xirquit!"
The Grand Duchess tilted her head back before her body the moment she heard her son's name.
Moon entered the doors of the Heart Palace with the Young Lord. Unlike Sun, her fashion is simple yet elegant, wearing a high-neck and long sleeved dress. Its floor-length skirt is flowy and bounces smoothly every step. Her hair has returned to its original wavy form and was kept in a messy fish tail. The Young Lord helped in braiding her hair. Celia paid her an apology for coming late since her time was poured on assisting the Deity. Had King Liorei not come to check them, she won't be able to come to the Young Lord's villa.
Now, King Liorei is the one suffering. They're in the Heart Palace's kitchen and he's baking her and his lovely daughter an apple pie.
Sun smiled at Moon, who immediately looked away from her. The Young Lord felt her grip on his arm tightened. He didn't even graced Sun with a glance and walked past her. They stopped in front of his teary eyes mothered.
He sighed, then reached out to her with his free hand to pull her close. He kissed her cheek.
"Good morning, Mom."
The Grand Duchess's knees became weak.
"O-Oh, my Wattsycakes. You're talking to Mommy?" Her shaking hand cupped his face.
Emperor Maxism and Duke Paris nudged Grand Duke Voltage to his waist with a grin plastered on their faces. The Grand Duke only rolled his eyes to them and went to his family. They followed, leaving the fuming Sun alone behind them.
The threads she put around their necks have been severed. They were free. And she's very unhappy about it.
The exhausted King Liorei arrived. Though he's looking formal, he's still wearing an apron on him.
"Everything's ready. Let's go," he called with his shoulders dropping.
"DADDDD!!! I WANT MORE PIE!!!" The Princess shouted from the throne room. They head straight there after baking.
King Liorei walked back to them like a zombie.
The happy Grand Duchess wiped her tears away.
"Let's go. Let's have fun later, hmm? Is my baby hungry. Mommy... Mommy will cook for my Wattsy babycakes!"
The Young Lord smiled and nodded.
"I think I want a pie right now, too."
Then, he found his eldest brother. He's already standing behind their mother with his hands spread apart. He chuckled.
"Hello, Dad," he greeted his brother before hugging him. The Lord smirked at their father and tapped his brother's back.
"Yes, yes. I will still scold you later, though. And prepare for your Ate. Comfort Spike later. He's the one handling her."
The Young Lord is already feeling bad for his Kuya Spike.
When Moon tried to let him go so he can be with his family, he caught her slipping hand and looked at her.
"Don't let go. Come,"
He pulled her closer and flaunt her to his family. Moon looked down with a smile on her face.
Sun entered the throne room first with a straight face. Empress Siofra gave her a warm smile, so she smiled to her mother before bowing to pay her respects. She joined the Empress and sat on the throne beside her. The throne made for her. Not for Moon, but for her.
"Shall we begin?" Lord Celestial Avenger said and wore surgical gloves.
First, he took the samples from the Empress and King. King LIFE is standing beside the Empress. Usually, he's between her and Sun. But now, he's on the Empress's left. After them, it was Sun's turn.
"She's very confident about this," Prince Maxigaufeas said, watching alongside the others.
"Moon," the Lord called when it's her turn.
Watts Xirquit smiled on Moon, assuring her that everything will be fine. The Lord approached her with a syringe on his hand and a sterilized swab.
"O-Okay..."
The Young Lord helped her pull up her sleeves. Lord Celestial stared at the markings on her skin. It still fascinates him.
He cleared his throat and did what must be done. After getting some of her blood, he proceed to throat swabbing. He went back to his table to begin the maternity and paternity test.
"What if... What if you were wrong, My Lord?" Moon whispered shakily, as fear is taking over her system.
She know who she is, but she can't help but falter knowing that Sun is very confident right now. She's not bothered at all like she knows that she won. The thought of the Lord and King Liorei getting punished for taking her side scares her. She doesn't want any of them get hurt.
"I will never be wrong," he told her, intertwining their hands together.
Skadi Eira burped loudly, getting everyone's attention.
She tap her belly, "Ah, that's good. I want another pie. Chicken pie."
"There's no such thing!"
"Make one then."
King Liorei held his dizzy head. Princess Lorreign clapped her hands while dancing, "Me too, Daddy~ I want a smoothie and lasagna. Please? A baked Mac would be nice."
"I am not paid for this!"
Skadi Eira burped again. She nodded at Princess Lorreign and she get it. She brought her glass to her and suck the drink using the straw.
"I'll pay you. No, I'll buy you. How much is your worth?" she bragged, shocking them.
"Oh, you can buy me as your daughter! No, you can have me for free!" The Princess volunteer.
"Nah, I can't use you for anything. I want your Dad," the Deity slammed lazily, but the Princess liked it better.
"Yes! My Dad is all yours! Hihihi!"
"I feel like I've been sold," the King mumbled while watching the ladies in front of him.
Skadi Eira shifted her stares to Moon who's happily watching them with her kind smile. She hissed, the stretched her body.
"Ah, I'm finally satisfied. I feel like destroying the world now---"
King Liorei put an entire slice of pie in her mouth, "I think you're still hungry. Good thing I baked extra. I glazed that with poison---I mean, syrup. Eat well, Your Divine Almighty."
Princess Lorreign had her fill of chuckles and giggles. Skadi Eira could barely move her mouth, but she still chew and swallow the food anyway.
With their craziness, the atmosphere in the throne room somehow lightened. Their character became a comedic relief. So, as they wait for the results, they do things to kill time. Some slept, while others played bored games. But most of them flocked around Watts Xirquit, and his mother is doing her best to push them away.
"Stop bugging my favorite child! Come back here in my womb, Wattsycakes. You can hide here. Then I'll run away from them!"
The Young Lord winced, "I-I don't think that's a nice idea, Mom..."
Grand Duchess Xerene's eyes immediately welled with tears.
"Y-You don't want to be my baby anymore? My Wattsycakes is mad at me again! Uwaaah!"
"No! Mom, I---"
He looked at his father, asking for help, but he looked away. Lord Ohms massaged his temples.
His friends stole him from his family but he still didn't let Moon's hand go. She noticed that a pair of eyes were burning her back. So, when she look around to see who it is, she found not just one pair but two glaring at her. The Empress's children were separated from their group of Earthlings. There truly is a rift now between their bond.
The Young Lord noticed her and followed where she's looking. Lord Thirdy and Prince Maxigaufeas looked at them, too. Prince Fiery glared harder while Prince Zephyrus smiled sweetly at Moon as if it meant something to her.
Prince Maxigaufeas blocked their sight of the Princes and clapped his hands.
"As I was saying, let's go out on a date with our lady, Watts. Forget Thirdy, Miss President won't grace us with her limited edition presence."
"Hey!" The Lord pulled his shoulder back, "Watch me! I'll ask the Viscountess right now!"
And he braved the challenge with shaking knees.
The Viscountess flipped her hair then shrugged, "It's fine with me. You're a man of status and background. If you were just some puny Lord, you won't be having this conversation with me. Though I give you permission, you should ask her Dad. The last word when it comes to that won't come from me. Go, ask him. Punch him if he said no. "
'I'd rather die than punch the Viscount!' the Lord screamed internally.
And speak of the devil, the Viscount returned from talking with his friends. When he saw the Lord, his smile turned into a frown.
"What's the matter?"
The Viscountess smirked, playing the poor Lord's feelings.
"He's asking for permission to take Miss President out for a date with Prince Maxi and Lord Watts this weekends. What do you say?"
Right there, the Lord felt like he skipped everything in the game and went straight to the final boss. He's sweating profusely that he looked like a wet chick. Duchess Maxine pulled her husband back and pointed their son.
"Look at that coward. Bet he will faint later,"
The Duke squinted his eyes and laughed, "What's he doing? I like that spirit. That's consistency and effort!"
Prince Maxigaufeas covered his mouth, holding back his laugh in his throat. Lord Thirdy is killing already him in his head.
"To where?"
Lord Thirdy shivered.
"W-We don't k-know yet, S-Sir... B-But it will be a t-triple date..."
Prince Maxigaufeas rolled on the floor, still suppressing his laugh.
The Viscount clicked his tongue, "You dare ask when you're still in the middle of planning? How rude. Go back and write us a letter once everything is settled."
The Lord's eyes welled with tears. Watts Xirquit felt the need to help his pathetic friend, so he left Moon for a second and caught his falling friend.
"Uncle, don't be mean! Though it's their idea and not mine, we promise that we will return the Lady safe and sound, in one piece. How about I secure a slot for your name? You see, I'm also here for business. Won't that be nice?"
He forced a smile when the Viscount's wrinkling forehead did not relax at all despite the Lord's bait.
Until he laughed and shook his hand.
"Of course, Watts. Of course. I wouldn't miss this deal for the world. Hahaha!"
The Lords looked at each other and laughed, too. When the Viscount shook Lord Thirdy's hand, he gripped on his hand so tight that the Lord felt like crying for real.
"My daughter hates bugs. Very much."
"Y-Yes. I-I will kill all the bugs for her, S-Sir."
When the Lords returned, Prince Maxigaufeas let out the laugh he purposely hold so he could release it on his friend's face. Lord Thirdy choked him and he still laughed.
"You're scaring the boy too much. Let the kids date." Moon heard the Viscountess said to her husband.
"My Miss President must never settle for less! She deserve the best man!"
"I should be saying that. Yet, here I am, married to you."
"Honey!"
"I'm joking. Pfft."
Watts Xirquit returned to Moon's side and hold her hand again. They smiled at each other. Lord Ohms emptied his glass of wine while staring at the both of them, especially Moon.
Sun's knight glared at Watts Xirquit between the gaps of his helmet. His grip on his sword's handle tightened, holding back the urge to launch an attack and slice his hand into pieces.
But there will be a time for that. The time to kill Watts Xirquit for the second time.