As the sun began its ascent, the first rays emerged gently from the horizon, spilling a soft, golden light on Astra's little face, who was sleeping on the side of the window. She frowned in her sleep while trying to cover eyes, but the sudden light was shadowed by something, or rather someone. She slowly opened her eyes only to see a Theron in her view. He was standing in front of the window blocking light.
"Goodmorning Theron," she greeted then sat up, while rubbing away the drowsiness.
"Goodmorning too, beautiful wife," Theron replied biting his lower lip to stop a grin from escaping his lips.
Having gotten up earlier, he had started his day perfectly by watching his beautiful wife sleeping. The thought of her staying with him all the time elated him to the core that he did not want to ever stay a single minute away from her. He wanted to watch her every morning before she woke and evening before going to sleep.
"Did I oversleep?" Astra asked but Theron was in a world of his own to hear her question. "Why are you silent? I guess I really did oversleep. I should break this tendency of sleeping too much as soon as possible. Especially now that am in a new place."
Astra kept reprimanding herself in whispers until a sound of soft chuckles resonated in her ears. She looked up at Theron only to see him smiling widely while tapping his fingers against each other as if he was thinking something funny. She narrowed her eyes at him then looked around to find what was making him so joyous. Not able to find anything, Astra got off the bed slowly and stood before him, but he was so engrossed in his thoughts to notice her. She waved her hand on his face, but it did not work.
"Theron," she called a voice low, but what she got was another chuckle. Her mouth opened up a little, bewildered by his actions. She was now getting more curious to know what was up with him.
Astra raised her hand and placed it on Theron's shoulder and this time he snapped out from his trance. He blinked his eyes twice in surprise then faced down feeling a bit shy.
"What were you thinking so deeply while smiling and chuckling?" she asked suppressing a smile while watching his cheeks that were turning redder with every passing second.
"Nothing. I wasn't thinking anything," Theron denied frankly.
"It's not good to lie."
Theron thought about it for a moment then nodded, and in almost inaudible voice he said, "I was just excited because now I have you with me. You will stay with me forever."
Astra went quiet as an indescribable feeling crossed her heart making it miss a beat. She went silent but then thinking of it, living with Theron was not that bad, but the problem was that her fate was hanging on a thin string not knowing when she would fall. It was unpredictable if she would be able to survive for long.
"Is that all?" she asked brushing off those thoughts and decided to live the moment until she could not anymore. It was better than to live with regret.
Theron nodded then managed to look into Astra's eyes despite feeling shy.
"There's nothing else. And I promise I won't lie to you anymore," he said determined to keep his promise to her. Whatever she said, Theron would do willingly.
"That's more like it," she raised her hand to his hair rubbing it gently, both of them smiling at each other, conversing with their eyes.
Their moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of the bedroom door unlocking.
"Mother!" Theron exclaimed as he run and hugged his mother, the queen, tightly.
Astra remained in place unable to think what to do next. She had almost forgotten about the other people after meeting Theron. But it seemed the time was not far for her to get entangled with the other people from the royal family. She had only met the queen and was eagerly waiting to see the king and the other brothers who Theron was telling her about. She wanted to understand her foes as soon as possible.
"Did she do anything to hurt you?" the queen asked casting Astra a lethal gaze.
"No, mother. She's very nice. I like her so don't bring any other bride for me. I already like my beautiful wife a lot."
The queen was amazed by his son's words but her dislike towards Astra did not lessen. She was about to walk towards Astra but then something caught her eye.
"What happened to your lip, Theron?" she asked in a cold tone, after noticing a bruise there.
Astra felt as if cold water had been poured on her when she remembered she had punched Theron the previous night. Due to the queen's cold aura, her entire being shuddered as fear gripped her heart thinking of what the queen might do to her, especially when she had already been warned not to harm Theron. She closed her eyes tightly and held her breath waiting for the worst.
"It's just a small wound. I bit myself last night while having food," Theron lied with a straight face knowing for sure his mother would scold Astra or worse take away his beautiful wife once she came to know what truly happened. He did not want that at all. And moreover, he had only promised Astra not to lie to her, but he did not say he would not lie to anyone else. So, his promise was not broken, and he was also able to protect his wife.
The queen, though not fully satisfied, she let the matter pass and asked Theron a few questions before walking towards Astra.
Astra was still in shock but also relieved when she heard Theron's reply. Even though his mind was that of child, his intelligent was far greater. She just wanted to show her gratitude for his help. He saved her from a disaster.
Astra bowed in respect when the queen stood in front of her, then greeted, "Good morning, your majesty."
The queen acknowledged her, her demeanor colder than before. She stared sharply at Astra without blinking trying to intimidate her. Astra knew better than to challenge the queen of this unknown kingdom, so she lowered her gaze to the ground, waiting to hear what she had to say.
"Whatever happens in the palace, remains the palace. Do you understand?"
Astra was taken aback but then she realized that the queen was talking about Theron's situation. She had also said that the previous night and she just repeated it again. Astra took it as a warning and nodded in agreement.
"Yes, your majesty," she replied. She was not intending to do anything soon. Even if she was to retaliate against Ardenia Kingdom, she would never use Theron as a pawn for her revenge. He was a part of her she had grown to get adapted to in just one night.
"Get yourself ready. Both of you are coming to the royal dining table for breakfast."
Astra wanted to ask why but the queen was already on her way out. Two maidens entered carrying clothes for both of them. It seemed there was no other choice.