It hasn't even been long since Arin and Iria returned to Qalagon but they had to leave for Vialand to attend the gathering again. However, they will have to stay in Vialand for just 3 days. The only problem was that the journey alone took more than a week.
When the couple finally reached the royal palace of Vialand, many guests had already arrived. King Richard Kareno was there to greet the guests with his daughter, Crown Princess Maria.
"I'm really glad that you make it, King Arin," the King of Vialand said with a smile and shifted his gaze to Iria. "You have such a beautiful wife. I missed your wedding, so I'm glad that I finally get to see her."
"Thank you for having us," Arin replied to the Vialand King and briefly looked at Iria.
"It's nice to see you, King Richard," Iria greeted King Richard who nodded at her with a friendly smile.
"My Queen, this is Crown Princess Maria Kareno. It's your first time meeting her, right?"
Iria glanced at the Crown Princess whom Arin was introducing to her. "Yes," she muttered. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Crown Princess Maria. I'm glad that we finally meet."
"Same here, Your Majesty," the Crown Princess said. "I've heard so much about you."
The small chat goes on for a while and by the time Arin and Iria were escorted to the chamber prepared for them, the sun was about to set. The main event was to start the next day but as all the guests were expected to arrive today, there will be a feast at night.
That means Iria will see Zaro Aventine during the feast.
"Are you alright?" Arin asked Iria once they were alone in the huge chamber. The reunion after a year was just a little over an hour away now.
"I'm fine," Iria replied. "Don't worry about me, Arin. I think I'm well prepared for this."
"I'll be with you throughout the feast, so everything will be fine." He gave a brief thought and said, "Will you promise me one thing?"
"What is it?" she asked with a little smile.
"During the feast, I want you to pay all your attention to me. Don't look at him or stare at him. Don't let him think like he still affects you." He paused and murmured, "He doesn't even deserve that."
The Queen finds his words quite amusing. However, she didn't talk about that and instead, flashed an amusing smile. "Alright. Let's do that." She briefly glanced at the window and realized that it was starting to get dark. "Will Andres be here now? It's already time for everyone to arrive."
"I bet he will reach before us," Arin said. "Cedore is the neighbouring empire of Vialand. He only needs a few days to reach here."
*
On one of the hallways of the Vialand royal palace, the Crown Prince in question was walking with his attendant, Zane following him behind. He arrived around two hours before Arin and Iria did and he was now making his way to the couple's chamber but...
He halted when he crossed path with someone.
Standing still, Crown Prince Andres stared at the woman who was right in front of him. An awkward silence fell upon the hallway and the lively Crown Prince who joked around all the time was nowhere to be seen in him!
"Maria," he muttered after what seemed to be forever. He forced a little smile though it was one of the hardest things for him right now.
"Andres," the Crown Princess greeted him. With a little smile, she walked closer to him and gave him a brief hug. "It's been a while."
"It is," Andres said. "How have you been?"
"I'm doing fine," Crown Princess Maria promptly replied. "I was so happy when I heard that you will be coming."
Her words made Andres narrowed his eyes. However, he soon regained his composure and looked at her again. "I heard that you will be getting married soon. I'm happy for you."
There was a slightest change in her expression when she heard him but she still nodded. However, she didn't say anything.
"It's almost time for the feast, so I try to go to my cousin," he said.
"Oh! I see. The Queen arrived with her husband before the sunset. They make such a good couple," Crown Princess Maria remarked.
"We say that in Cedore all the time," Andres muttered, flashing an unconvincing smile once more. "I'll be on my way then. You must be busy."
Maria Kareno nodded and Andres Francia walked past her with Zane. After standing still for a while, the Crown Princess turned around to see Andres's disappearing form.
Once he was out of her sight, she narrowed her eyes with some memories flashing in her mind. Then she shook her head as if she was trying to force herself to stop thinking about it. Finally, she continued walking towards her father's chamber.
* * *
Considering the theme of the gathering which was peace, the feast was very enjoyable. Though it was rare for many royals from all across the continent to gather at one place, the atmosphere was very calm.
Many of the guests could consider each other as arch enemies but there was no problem during the feast. After all, they all agreed to maintain peace in the gathering when they accepted the invitation.
For royals, breaking their promise was a huge shame.
Iria was also doing fine with Arin on her right and her cousin, Andres on her left. The two men were still the same. Arin would maintain his cool while Andres kept on teasing him.
It had been a few minutes since the feast started but... Zaro Aventine was nowhere to be seen. Iria heard that he was here with his new wife, Princess Athena Valen of Nathania.
Did she get it wrong? However...
Her doubt was proven false even before a minute. The door was opened, revealing some guests who ran a bit late and... the newlywed couple were also among them.
She finally saw him again after a year, in flesh. Throughout the past year, she used to think about this day - the day when she would meet him again for the first time since he killed Rion. She always wondered what his life would be like but...
With his new wife beside him, he seemed to be happy.
Happy.
She didn't want this word to be associated with him.
When the pain from a year ago resurfaced in her heart, she clenched her fist, struggling hard to stay calm. However, she felt Arin's touch on her hand that she clenched. She looked at her husband and saw him calmly smiling and assuring her that it will be fine......
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