After a short while, Ariadne laughter quieted down but the burning atmosphere between Astra and Queen Cora intensified greatly.
"How dare you call our mother a liar?"
"Don't forget your place, little princess. This is Ardenia not Galdeira."
Vance and Lance said one after the other, turning all attention to them.
"Enough! We didn't come here to argue!" King Griffin authoritative voice roared staring daggers at Vance and Lance.
"Father, I can't let go of this matter lightly. How dare a nobody insult our mother that too in front of everyone. She has no shame to even open her dirty mouth in... Aaah!"
Vance let out a painful groan and stood up holding his forehead. He looked at the glass made cup that jad hit him before averting his eyes to the person who threw it.
"You are the one with the dirty mouth!" Theron was standing there glaring at Vance and was about to throw a hot bowl of soup at him before Astra caught his hand.
"Theron!" King Griffin also stood up angrily. "Control yourself!"
Theron turned to his father but his words did not seem to make his anger lower but rather the opposite.
"Why didn't you stop him when he was insulting my wife? I won't keep quiet if anyone..."
"Theron! Is this the way to speak to your father?"
"You are not my father! You are not my father!" Theron shouted pointing his finger towards the king. "You are always unfair to me!"
"You..." King Griffin was about to match towards him but Queen Sienna held his hand.
"Please don't act in a fit of anger, Your Majesty. Am sure didn't mean what he said. He's just angry and you know how he behaves when he is triggered," her words seemed to work as King Griffin stopped his advances.
Queen Sienna turned her gaze but this time in a different way. As if talking telepathically, Astra understood her.
"I'll take Prince Theron back. Excuse me," she said and walked out of the hall with Theron.
Queen Cora clenched her fist watching Astra's disappearing figure. This was just the beginning and the girl was not one to be truffled with easily. She had to think of something before she became a threat to her and her sons.
Vance and Lance were no different except that they had their eyes on Theron. They were shocked by his guts today. The one who would shiver at their sight actually hit Vance. They vowed inwardly to get back at him before he got out of line or recovered.
****************
After being escorted back to the room by Ramiel, Astra and Theron remained quiet. Theron was sitting on a wooden chair and so was Astra, opposite each other.
Theron stared at the ground guilt flooding his conscience. Not because of his behaviour towards his father but because he broke the promise he made to his beautiful wife earlier. He got angry when he had said he won't and not only that, he ended up throwing a glass on his brother. At that moment, he could not control himself. He felt his insides burning as and his hands were shaking to hit something or rather someone. Thus, he threw whatever his hand caught first in order to shut Vance or else, Theron would have done much worse that throwing a glass. Though he regretted breaking his promises, he did not feel bad for hitting Vance. The only thing he wanted now was his beautiful wife to talk to him or even shout at him. He would just listen obediently. But to his worry, she was not saying anything or even looking at him and this was making him very anxious.
Astra on the other hand was unaware of Theron's fears. She had seen her was feeling guilty and thought maybe the fight with his family was the reason. She decided to stay silent and let him have a moment to himself. She had been in the same situation also with her father and so she understood him. The day she was told about her marriage, there was a conflict between them till date. She never spoke to him again as a daughter but rather a princess who only obeyed his orders until the previous day she left her home and kingdom. She did not want the same situation to happen to Theron. She at least cared for him this much to not let him experience that sadness and hurt.
Theron watched as Astra's expressions change from sadness, to hurt, to determination then back to sadness. The waiting was already killing him and now seeing her lost in thoughts intensified his worry. What if she decided to leave because he was disobedient? He would rather she scolds him or even beat him than go away from him. He would be very hurt if his beautiful wife left. He could even feel pain in his heart at that thought.
Theron gathered courage in order to apologize when Astra stood up about to leave. Theron felt his body turn cold and before he could think of anything, he already stood up and pulled Astra into his arms.
"Don't leave me, wife. Theron will be a good boy from now. Please don't go," he pleaded his eyes tearing up.
Astra stood frozen surprised by the sudden hug. She listened to his words which only left her confused. Why would he think she was going to leave him?
"Am not going anywhere, Theron," she assured him feeling his shivering body and soft sobs.
Theron held her tighter unable to believe her words. He was sure she was angry at him and would leave the moment he let.
"Please forgive me. I won't get angry anymore. I also won't throw things again. You can scold or even hit me. Just...just... don't go... wife."
It was then astra realized what he meant. He was thinking she was mad at him for what he did earlier. Astra wrapped her arms around him rubbing his back.
"Am not angry with you, Theron," she whispered near his ear making him stop whimpering.
"Really? You are not angry with me?" He let go of her but held her hand. His charming eyes were looking at her unsure of her words.
Astra nodded flashing him a smile, clearing the worry that was filled in his heart. He almost jumped in joy but rather he lifted Astra up taking her by surprise.
"Theron, let me down," Astra supported herself on his shoulders her cheeks turning pink.
Theron swirled her around then finally put her down. Astra thought he was done. Before she could let out a sigh of relief, she felt Theron's plans on her cheeks and his cold lips landed on hers placing a quick peck on them.
"I love you the most wife!"