RECOMMENDED SONG: Call It What You Want By Taylor Swift ~🖤

The obvious question had brought a moment of weeping silence inside the giant master bedroom. Ethan's hand paused over the mark abruptly as the light in his eyes started changing color. His stubborn heart which vowed to forget the woman suddenly clenched into a fist as if every breath was a suffering for his poor soul. Paying more attention to the mark that was still burning lightly, Ethan pondered in his deep thoughts. This mark had started burning since afternoon and caused his heart feeling so much pain for no reason.

Is it because Athena was getting engaged tonight?

Ethan's expression sullened as soon as this thought came across his mind. No matter how much grudges he held for Athena, it was inveitable to accept her engagement normally in his heart. His breathing hitched as he murmured to his younger brother lowly,

" Here! Your assumptions are right, Evan."

Evan gasped widening his eyes apart as he mumbled incoherently,

" Then.. what.. what will you do brother? What if this pain starts burning more? I am afraid that your powers can be affected because of this burn. How will you fight against Ester or the dragon king?"

Ethan swallowed after giving it a deep thought as his gaze turned cold, pale. Even he knew that this pain would increase ten folds more once that man claimed Athena officially in front of everyone.

But what could he do?

Deep down, his subconscious wished that Athena would stop the ceremony after sensing that he was in severe pain. But his brain was giving him another comment that he shouldn't be bothered by Athena's issues anymore.

After all, they chose to depart, wasn't it?

Evan could see through the complicated expression on Ethan's face as he felt pity for Ethan inside. Evan knew his brother's characteristic so well. Perhaps he pretended to be cold in outside but deep inside, he was drowning in pain. After all, the chole siblings had one common thing which was loving his partner unconditionally same like their mother. Even though Queen Melinda had deep hatred towards their father, Evan knew that his mother still waited for his return which was only a impulsive wish.

Evan suddenly tapped on Ethan's shoulder and comforted slowly,

" Don't be so harsh on yourself, Brother. I don't know that what has happened between you two but please don't play with your feelings. I don't want you getting hurt everyday. We have already lost our senior brother, remember that. Think about it yourself. Don't regret it later. How about I inform Princess Athena to postpone the ceremony today? You will have to fight a huge battle today. How will you concentrate with so much pain? No, I am going to notify her."

Ethan immediately reacted and blocked Evan's path hastily. Squeezing his eyes shut, he pleaded sincerely,

" Since we have decided to stay apart, Don't bother her with my matters anymore Evan. She also has her own life and I have promised her that I will let her visit Ayra after my coronation. I will have to win this fight any cost and bring justice to my elder brother. Only if I can be the king, all of us will be happy together again."

Evan kept staring at his sullen face which struggled hard to hide the pain and emotions in his eyes. Shoving his hands off, Evan asked narrowing his gaze,

" What about your happiness, brother? "

Ethan smiled back faintly and replied with deeper meaning,

" My happiness has long been stolen away from me, Evan. Now it is finding a new way."

Evan couldn't find a word to console his brother anymore and watched him heading outside quietly.

Ethan wandered as he walked out to head for the courtyard slowly..

Athena, are you really going to break off our mate bond today? Is that how much you hate me now?

_BACK TO MOONSHINE CASTLE_

Athena's grand appearance definitely siezed the limelight and immediately everyone's gaze were stuck on her. Some of them admired her beauty sincerely whilst others envied on her blessed luck for being born in Richards Family who ruled over their world for a good few thousand of years.

Esme smiled widely at her lovely appearance and wanted to approach her but someone else took the opportunity fast. Zave who went blind for a while after looking at her beauty calmly walked over to Athena who then reached on the last stairs calmly.

Like a man with rightful manner, Zave bowed his head slightly and stretched out his hand to reach for her hand. The crowd grinned after finding that Zave was too sweet to his soon to be wife.

Athena bit down her lower lip tightly and placed her palm on his hand hesitantly. Zave smiled contentedly at her obedient imposter and led her at the centre of crowd carefully.

Esme frowned harder once she inspected Athena's forceful smiling. Even though she suspected that something was going on between her brother and Athena, she didn't interfere much when Athena agreed to marry Zave. She took it as a momentary infatuation when his brother didn't take any vital step to continue this relationship with Athena. Esme still remembered the way Vanessa and Zave interrogated earlier but the secret was still buried inside her heart. She really decided to tell Athena once this ceremony was done fast.

Queen Mother immediately revealed a broaden smile and went on their side quickly. She instructed Athena and Zave to seek blessing from the elder whilst she went upstairs to pick up the rings.

At the time, suddenly the crowd gasped in fear as soon as their eyes shifted on the doorway where five muscular man just stepped in. The crowd immediately lowered their eyes before making a pathway for their walk.

Even Esme watched them from distant in extreme curiousity. Each of them had a terrifying aura that could frighten anyone just by a single glance. They all dressed same as long a long light pitch darkened coat was hanging from their shoulders towards the floor. Apart from their terrible appearence, Esme found that their skin was oddly more white than Aaron and their eyeballs were particularly more red darker than other Vampires here.

She didn't know why her body stiffened in nervousness as soon as they made their appearance. She tilted her head up to see Aaron's expression which had turned white sheet like paper. His grip on her waist tightened subconsciously as if he was trying to merge herself into him.

The old lord who didn't look pleased all the while suddenly smiled excitedly while making his way towards them impatiently. Stretching out his hands broadeningly, he spoke anxiously,

" What a pleasant surprise! All of our council members are here. Please come in everyone. Our Royal Family is really blessed to have you all."

The man in front who had white hairs didn't feel flattered over his exaggerating welcome. Instead his eyes searched for a certain person around to welcome them inside.

As their eyes met, Aaron suddenly came back to reality and knew his mistake. Patting on Esme's back gently, he whispered before making his way towards them,

" I will be back. Don't wander around."

Esme hummed softly but her eyes could see the uneasiness in Aaron's eyes.

Was he afraid of them? Why did he look so pale after watching their arrival?

Esme wandered in his mind but soon after Viviana's voice came from her back. Viviana stood beside her holding a tray of juice and offered her politely,

" My Lady, have some juice. Lord has repeatedly instructed me to take care of your health well."

Esme sighed helplessly before reaching out for the glass absentmindedly. Meanwhile Vanessa clutched the glass in her fist tightly as her eyes glowed in excitement staring at Esme's way.

Just one more moment..then..Bam..!!