The Prince’s Bride

Royal courtesies.

Green eyes.

Eyes which hold embroidery of love, war, and power in them, as anyone who locks gaze with such eyes, is bound to shudder by their characteristics.

Lucien’s gaze remains on his reflecting self, trying to understand just what it is that stirs Adon his wolf to be this excited, while so, putting a smile on his own lips.

In truth, Lucien may have an idea of what it could be, yet, he chooses not to surface the thought, as he picks up his long black coat, and exiting the room to meet a certain someone.

As Lucien walk the hallways of the magnificent palace down to meet Dalia, in order to prepare her for the events they have ahead, he comes across his siblings, rather, one of them.

“Good morning, your highness.” Lucien can’t help but let a chuckle escape his lips, hearing Aridos greet him formally.

“I should feel honored, the great Aridos greets with courtesy.” Lucien with humor speaks, looking down at the ten year old whom do not reach higher than his waistline.

“Because it is your title, especially when I do hear rumors of you finding someone for the competition.” Aridos tell Lucien, as the more he hears Aridos words, the more he is mesmerized by the little one.

“Ouch, and why do I feel such is the reason for courtesy? ” Lucien pretends, taking a hand to his heart, feigning hurt, whereas Aridos giggles. 

“Is it true? Is it really not princess Jelevene?” Aridos questions with excitement and curiosity present in his eyes, earning another chuckle from Lucien, as when he does try to give his curious brother an answer, he catches the sight of his two other siblings.

“Aridos the great sly!” At such words, it can not be neglected as of whom that is, as Zeniela comes with Usupus behind her with hands on her waist.  “We were supposed to come together to get the information, but you’re here without us.” Zeniela complains.

“Manners Zeniela.” Lucien refers to his little sister upon hearing her words to Aridos.

“Sorry Lucy.” Zeniela bows her face apologetically, as Lucien smiles lightly at her apologetic demeanor, that not even his mother can get out of Zeniela, whereas, he is the only one that can get these three to behave on most days, considering the varsity of authority that blares off him.

Just like his father.

“But Aridos was supposed to wait for us, that was the plan.” Usupus is now the next to speak, defending his sister.

“And may I ask what plan you three minions had?” Lucien inquires intrigued, as after his words the three go silent, staring at Lucien slyly. “Now look who is being sly.” Lucien adds, as the three all erupt with laughters.

“I’ll tell you.” Usupus starts.

“No Usupus, I’ll tell him.” Zeniela counters her brother.

“No, I said it first.” Usupus not wanting to accept defeat says.

“No...”

“And here they go again.” Aridos being the nature of the two mutters, rolling his eyes at them.

“Okay. That’s enough,” Lucien cuts in on their bickering. “I believe I need not ask you two anymore what it is your plan was, as Aridos might have given me a hint.” Lucien tells them, as three stay silent. “You want to know if I have found someone for the competition, isn’t that it?” Lucien gets straight to the point, with his gaze matching each of them.

“Yes.” They all reply in unison, making Lucien chuckle.

“Well, the answer is...yes. I have.” Lucien admits, whereas the three Yelp in excitement, as they soon begin their bickering again.

“See I told you two. I’m always right you know.” Zeniela speaks proudly.

“No you’re not. You’re only right this time.” Aridos counters Zeniela this time, as a face off begins between the two.

“Seems I have answered your questions. Can I go now?” Lucien breaks their bickering, already tired of them.

“Can we see her? We heard it’s not princess Jelevene.” Usupus says with a bright excitement in him.

“And who exactly told you it’s not princess Jelevene? Seems we have a lot of spies in the palace.” Lucien acts dumbfounded.

“If it’s princess baked face then, I wish not to see.” Zeniela speaks, resuming her hands on her waist.

“Well, it is not princess Jelevene.” Lucien finally admits. “And, it’s seems I am spending a valuable amount of time talking to you three, while matters await my presence.” Lucien cuts whatever it is any of them have to say next, as when he decides to take his leave, so do the three follow behind him.

“We’re going to see her right? Yes!” Zeniela is the first to speak as she stays by Lucien’s left, while Usupus and Aridos stay by his right.

“I believe I did not say such. Now can you three go and practice for the evening event, before mother calls...” 

“Please brother, don’t say his name. We promise we’ll listen to your orders. All we want is to see her and we’ll go practice for the event.” Usupus with great intolerance for his teacher, even at the slightest mention of his name, pleads to Lucien greatly, as that halts him in his tracks, taking his full attention to the kids.

“Listen you three,” Lucien squats down to meet their height, taking Zeniela to his right to meet the other two. “I know how intolerable it must feel, having to take lessons and classes, but let me tell you three something. These classes that you take now, would not suffice of advantage now, but as of when you get older. Which is why, you see, I am able to take care of  everything around the palace, because I was well taught and listened.” Lucien preps the three, as each of the stay silent listening to his word of advice.

“Whatever Mr wensbow may be teaching you now, I advise you take heed to it. Or don’t you want to handle activities more than I do today?” Lucien asks them with a smile across his lip.

“Yes we do.” They triplets answer in Unison.

“Good. Now, I have listened to you and it’s time you also listen to me.” Lucien begins. “I will take you to her, only if, you promise to stop bickering all the time and focus on your lessons.” Lucien lays down a deal with them, as before each of them can lay a word, they begin nodding their head in acceptance.

“If that is settled, shall we?” Lucien leads the way, with the triplets each with excitement oozing out from them.

———————-

The knock on the silver steel door gets Dalia up from the chair she sits on while feeding Sebastian, in which a maid had brought breakfast for she and Sebastian, prepared a bath for her, and even given her a proper clothing to wear, which consist of a satin cream flay gown, that hangs around her body perfectly, revealing each and every of those curves of hers  hidden underneath those baggy and vintage clothes she wore.

Not too long ago the maid left, with Dalia giving her permission to leave, despite her trails of assuring the maid, she could well handle anything else on her own. 

With the kindness the maid showed her, Dalia couldn’t help but want further relationship with here, therefore asking for her name, to which she told her she bears the name, Yenefer.

Dalia, drops Sebastian back into his cradle, seeing he is beginning to fall asleep, as she proceeds to open the door to whom that may be. 

Her gaze is first to go wide, seeing Sebastian stand before her in all his glory, as his green eyes shines brightly, along with a gentle gesture he has as his expression. “Hello Dalia.” Lucien greets her first, as she is still unable to decipher why Lucien of all people gets her mesmerized.

Could it be because of his eyes?

 His wealth?

Prestige?

Power?

Demeanor?

Any of each, she can not decipher.

“Oh my...she is so beautiful!” Dalia’s gaze instantly moving lower to see three adorable little kids, as she would put it, hearing the female speak.

“She looks so much like an angel.” Another speak, whom is Usupus, as Dalia smiles brightly, almost chuckling at the compliment she is getting from the little ones.

Dalia giggles before she can even say anything. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.” Dalia eventually responds to them, as each of them have adoring eyes towards Dalia.

“What’s...”

“I think I’m in love.” Dalia gets interrupted upon hearing Aridos speak, as Lucien’s gaze along with Usupus and Zeniela all snaps to Aridos with his words.

Dalia can’t help but let out a loud giggle, recalling Aridos words, as with the sound of her giggle, Lucien turns back with gaze of adoration in his eyes, hearing such reactions from her, as he finds himself staring more than usual, and even if no one is to tell him, he knows, there is something special about Dalia.

“She is magnificent.” Aridos says again, as this time Lucien can not take a blind eye anymore.

“Okay, that’s enough you three. It’s time for those lessons.” Lucien cuts in chasing away the triplets, while none of them listen, all while still having gazes on Dalia.

“Oh no, wait a bit. I didn’t get their names.” Dalia stops them with her gaze on Lucien, while he nods acceptable to her.

“I’m Zeniela, and this is, Usupus and...”  

“Aridos. I’m Aridos, and I am at your service whenever.” Aridos cuts off Zeniela, whom now has a angered reaction.

“Don’t cut me off Aridos, I am very well capable of introducing you two.” Zeniela whom always prefers to be in control of everything, begins her usual with Aridos.

“It is all fine beautiful ones, no need to feel angered, as each of you all have beautiful and serene name which I love.” Dalia interrupting their little argument speaks to them, as the tempered reaction any of them have earlier, seems to vanquish at just her words, while Lucien only watches in observation and adoration.

“I am Dalia and It is my very pleasure to meet you three.” Dalia adds, as the three hold giggles of excitement.

“Seems all the introduction is done. Aridos, Usupus and Zeniela, your lessons await.” Lucien eventually speaking, takes control, as to his bewilderment, the triplets accept at ease of finally leaving.

“Good bye Dalia, see you again.” The three speaking in unison while Dalia giggles the more, as they take that for their leave, leaving the scene for just Lucien and Dalia.

“Your highness,” Dalia speaks first acknowledging his presence.

“How are you Dalia?” Lucien asks gently and intrigued staring at the beautiful woman that stands before him, as he gaze can’t help but roam her appearance lightly. 

“I’m doing fine, all thanks to you.” Dalia answers. “Do you perhaps would like to come in?” Dalia offers, seeing the position the both of them have standing, while people pass them by. As though Lucien reasoning the same thing, he accepts, as he steps into the room, while the door goes shut.

“How is Sebastian?” Lucien inquires the moment Dalia has the door closed.

“Oh he is doing very well, and it seems I can’t thank you enough, your highness.” Dalia expresses her gratitude once more.

“Well if you really do want to show gratitude, then I suggest, you call me by my name.” Lucien speaks, taking Dalia by surprise, as even he is perplexed at his own words.

“Isn’t that... a crime?” Dalia asks skeptically, passing Lucien a smile to his lips.

“And who decides if it is?” Lucien answers her question with his, as at his words Dalia nods in understanding. “As for today, an event would be held this evening.” Lucien begins to inform Dalia.

“An event for what?” Dalia asks.

“It called the introduction ceremony. It’s a ceremony where every participating male Royal for the competition, introduces their partners.” Lucien adds.

“And every Royal would be there?” Dalia asks skeptically.

“Presumably, yes.” Lucien answers, as that takes a gulp down Dalia’s throat. “You need not be afraid, I’ll be with you the whole time, I promise. Also, I know it isn’t our agreement for you to jump into all these without proper training, but seeing as I do not have time in my hands, reasons for haste to you, I have prepared a little advisory for possible outcomes at the event.” Lucien explains to Dalia, as to her she can’t exactly fathom his words, as all her concentration do lie in his moving lips and elegance.

His tall frame, well built body that poke even through his thick coat, and well defined facial structure.

“Advisory? If you could elaborate, your hi...I mean Lucien.” At the dripping of his name from her lips, Lucien stops everything in him, as the only thing he can account for is his gaze on Dalia, with the length at which he finds himself and his wolf stirring uncomfortably, at the sweetness of his name from her mouth, while on the other hand, Dalia, finds her heart beating fast at the mention of such powerful name, without any Royal courtesies to follow.

Lucien let’s out a light cough, of stretching out his esophagus which seems to have gone dry, while he regains his composure.

“Yes, someone who would teach you all you need to know about the event.” Lucien finally answers.

“May I know whom that is?” Dalia furthers inquiring with her gaze still on this handsome prince that stays before her.

“My mother.” As Lucien’s words come, the admiration Dalia has while staring at him instantly falls, only to me replaced by extreme stun.

“Your mother?”