With great reluctance, Aestir slowly withdrew his hand from Celeste's grasp, his features surly and voice laced with warning. "Fine. We'll work together. But don't expect me to change my ways completely."
Celeste nodded, not deterred by Aestir's stubborn demeanor. "I don't expect you to change completely, Aestir. But I do want us to find a way to make our union work through our differences."
Aestir nodded as well, his skeptical gaze meeting hers in a silent understanding. It was going to be a difficult road ahead, but he was willing to try things Celeste's way for the interest of their kingdoms.
They pair in comfortable silence after that, the tension between them dissipating as they mulled over the logistics of their union. Aestir found himself feeling a strange sense of anticipation at the thought of working with Celeste to create a better future for their kingdoms, still unsettled that he'd agreed to such a thing so easily.
They ended up eating the rest of their meal in silence as well, and after they finished, Celeste spoke, offering her betrothed a demure smile. "May I walk you to your meeting with my father?"
Aestir nodded. "I don't see why not." He stood and walked over to Celeste, helping her out of her chair and offering the princess his arm. He wasn't surprised when she took his hand instead and didn't bristle too much when she intertwined their fingers, now somewhat used to it.
He wondered yet again how the princess felt so comfortable touching him like this when they barely knew each other and theorized it was because this was how all Aephisians were. He hadn't seen many couples together in their travels earlier in the week, so he had no one to compare them to, to validate this.
Celeste led Aestir back through the gardens and inside the palace to her father's office in silence, stopping at the door once they arrived. "Well, I hope you enjoy your day, Aestir. I will see you tomorrow."
The prince was surprised that he wouldn't be expected to spend the day with Celeste and furrowed his brow, wondering what he would do with himself. "Then what shall I do after this meeting?"
"You can explore the kingdom a bit more on your own; I gathered you're the type who enjoys being alone, and I'd hate to impede you further." Explained Celeste, gently squeezing Aestir's hand. "If you want to spend time with me moving forward, please inform your attendants; they will alert me."
Aestir nodded slowly, letting go of the princess' hand. "Alright… well… I will see you tomorrow for the feast."
"Of course," Murmured Celeste, her cerulean eyes shining brightly at the prince. "Goodbye."
The prince watched Celeste turn to walk away, jumping slightly when he heard a strong voice behind him.
"It warms my heart to see her so happy."
The Strexxan turned around, seeing that it was none other than the king. "King Virion."
The king clasped his shoulder before gesturing for Aestir to follow him into his office, closing the door behind them and offering for him to sit. "I'm told you spent the entire day together earlier this week."
"...We did." Agreed Aestir, uncertain if the king viewed this poorly.
"I hope she can remain happy while she lives in Strexxa." Sighed King Virion, guilt on his face as he smiled sadly.
Aestir believed now was the most opportune time to bring up Celeste's plan. "About that; I was hoping we could split our time between Strexxa and Aephis. I struggle to understand how we can run two kingdoms while living primarily in one."
The king raised a confused eyebrow at this. "What do you mean? You won't be taking over Aephis for at least another century."
Now Aestir was confused. "Then… the point of this arranged marriage is null. I agreed under the circumstance that Celeste and I would rule both kingdoms."
"You're that eager to get rid of me, eh?" Snorted King Virion. "The way succession works in Aephis is that the next king does not take over until the current king has passed away. I assume it's different in Strexxa?"
"Yes. When the current ruler decides to step down, the next in line takes on the throne." Aestir explained. "My mother has expressed wanting to step down when I marry."
"Then this was a miscommunication error; I apologize." Murmured King Virion, remorse in his cerulean eyes. "I would still very much like our kingdoms to unite. And I would like you or your heir to take over for me one day upon my passing; I believe our alliance has many benefits that have yet to be revealed. We are in a slow and steady race in this land, and our alliance ensures we remain on top."
Aestir wasn't convinced this was a simple miscommunication error and thought to himself for some time before answering the king. He truly believed there was something off about King Virion and couldn't name what it was. The prince got the sense that there was something larger at play that he wasn't privy to and frowned, trying to determine how he wanted to proceed.
One wrong move, and he could damn his kingdom's progress irreparably.
And that was the last thing he wanted.
Although logic, reason, and fact were the doctrines that ruled Aestir's life, his strongest tenet was his compliance with The Void. When The Void called out to him with stern direction, it had never once led him astray. And now, The Void was pinging in his mind, urging him to listen. So as much as he understood how risky it was to give into the king's proposition, he did.
The prince was determined to unravel every aspect of King Virion's plans and emerge the victor. If the Aephisian truly believed he could sway and manipulate Aestir, he would learn soon enough how misguided and perilous that decision was. "Very well. I'd like to move forward with our alliance and ask for permission to marry your daughter."
King Virion's eyes lit up, and he grinned, professing praises to the sun. "Splendid, dear boy! Wonderful! I am relieved to hear this!"
"And should I receive your permission, I would still like to split our time between Aephis and Strexxa. When I take over for you after your passing, I must understand your people and their land correctly." Continued Aestir, observing the king as the older elf scrutinized him.
"Is that the only reason you want to split your time between the two kingdoms?" Questioned King Virion, raising a skeptical eyebrow at Aestir.
The prince ended up sighing, not knowing the right answer to this. He believed that the king was testing him to see if he valued his daughter's happiness and decided on what he hoped was a safe answer. "Celeste would be miserable in Strexxa if she never saw her people or kingdom again. I would like to ensure that this is avoided at all costs."
To his relief, King Virion grinned. "Splendid; that warms my heart to hear, dear boy." The king walked over to his desk, grabbing a thick, well-worn book and flipping through its aged, yellow pages. "You're to remain in Aephis for three months, yes?"
The book's pages were thick and heavy as they turned, each one creaking like a rusty hinge. Aestir wondered what this book was as he answered the king."That is correct."
"The Midsummer Festival of Hope will take place in three and half weeks, and I'd like it very much if you and your elves participated each day." Continued the king, his eyes crinkling in delight as he found the passage he was looking for. "This festival represents the spark of sun that exists in all of us Aephisians. Of course, your wedding being two months after this festival will only make our people happier and be another call for celebration." As he cryptically regarded the prince, the king met Aestir's wary, arctic gaze, mirth rising in his cerulean depths. "For royal weddings, we celebrate the entire month leading up to the event."
Aestir did his best not to show his disdain and quickly thought of a way to avoid two long, agonizing months of needless celebration. "Would it be acceptable to combine the two events and get married during Lyphen?" He was horrified to see how King Virion's face lit up and quickly realized he must've made some sort of mistake if his response elicited such a reaction. "I-I mean-"
"You would truly do that for my daughter?" Gushed the king, snapping his book shut and pulling Aestir out of his chair to hug him. "Oh, thank the Sun!"