Morning found Astrid in the stables with his uncle's horse winter,he was planning on going for a ride before the maids call him for the preparations. "Winter, do you think what their oracle said is true?" He asked petting the horse " I don't think they lied" Winter neighed and trotted around the garden, Astrid smiled and enjoyed the morning sunSince he was a child he could communicate with animals it's something he inherited from his mother.
Astrid just let the horse take him wherever it wanted cause he didn't have any where in mind and that's how they came upon the crown prince giving orders to the palace soldiers."Good morning cousin" Astrid said red with embarrassment because when he realized what he walked upon he tried turning back but his cousin already turned to him."Morning,did you sleep well" Lucian asked with a smile ." Yes I did "He answered getting down" Winter thanks for the ride you can go back to the stable "He said to horse "This might be the last time we see each other right?!"winter neighed pressing her face at him " Don't worry girl I'll come visit you ok"Astrid said and winter trotted away sadly " It seemed like you could understand her"Lucian commented after dismissing the solders" She's just sad because am going "Astrid said with a smile,*it's seems my luck with people is so down that only a horse feels sad about me going*
"You should go get ready,the wedding starts at midday"
"I thought it would be at night since it's just signing a contract and the groom is not there"
"It's still a wedding,we have to follow all the necessary ceremonies "
"Well am doing none of that and that's it"
"I'll tell his majesty then"Lucian said and watched his cousin walking towards the maze*I guess he needs some time alone*He thought and returned to the palace.Two hours later as he and his father were talking a knockout sounded at the door.
"Come in"His majesty said and the head maid entered "your majesty, we've encountered a slight problem"She said masking her trembling voice "What is it?Did Astrid refuse to wear the bridal robes?"He asked with a smile.
"No it's just we can't find him any where "Laura conveyed and the two Royals stood up shocked"Have you tried looking for him because I met him moments ago "Lucian asked his voice cold "We have looked everywhere even in the maze"Laura repliedthey looked everywhere for the past 2hrs every available person helped the search because the future of their kingdom depended on that red haired noble but still they couldn't find him,they were starting to wonder if he ran away."Tell everyone to go look for only those incharge of preparations should remain "The Emperor said and went out to join the search.
The person the whole palace was searching for hadn't ran away no he was napping on a tree. After Astrid left his cousin he walked around the maze for a bit and decided to rest a little then return, but as we all know once you close your eyes for a minute it turns into
hours and that's what Lucian went directly to the maze with two guards thinking maybe his cousin got lost inside but after searching the whole thing they didn't find even his shadow.
"Dad did you find him?"He asked after
returning "No we didn't,do you think he could have ran away?" Emperor George sighed thinking of a way to stall the groom's side since they were already arriving "Who ran away?"a sleepy voice asked and when they turned to the speaker Astrid was up the tree yawning but to George an image of a brown haired woman curled under a table appeared."You are truly your mother's son "He said with a chuckle.
"Why did you sleep up there?"Lucian asked curiously if he was tired he could have just returned to his room."It's comfortable and peaceful" Astrid shrugged well he could literally sleep anywhere as long as he felt safe,"Aster you should go get ready our guests are arriving"George said and went to greet them. Astrid was escorted to his room where he found some women lined up.
"Uhm, What are you all doing here?"
"You finally decided to grace us with your presence, strip and get in the tub we don't have all day"One replied with an air of arrogance,she looked at Astrid like he was some dirt.
Astrid raised his brows and looked at her "I asked what are you doing in my room?" and they all looked at him as if he was dumb or something "We were instructed by the Empress to help you get ready"answered a meek voice from a girl who looked 14-15yrs .
"Xiong did I tell you to open your mouth and you bastard stop wasting our time we have work to do okay? Girls just ripe his clothes and place him in the tub"The first woman ordered she was obviously their superior. "Just because you're the Emperor's nephew you act snobbish its actually good you're being married off to those savages"She added.
"All of you get out of here,I can dress myself"Astrid said with a smile but his eyes were filled with rage, what was the empress thinking sending female servants to help him. "Who do you think you are to order us "a blonde said her hands crossed over her chest her eyes full of disdain "I said get out"He answered softy ice appearing in the room and his eyes full of coldness "Are you leaving or you want to be ice statues"He said his voice devoided of any emotion.Tge women were already shivering expect Xiong who was at the door in a matter of seconds they all ran out while cursing him.
Astrid sighed and took a bath,when he looked at the clothes that were prepared he sneered all of them were female wear and very revealing. From his belongings he took a red and black robe and wore it then styled his hair with a black Jade hair pin, when he was done he nodded at his appearance the robe made his already fair skin more noticeable ad the colours made his hair look perfect.As he was about to leave he glanced at his wrist and looked at the flower drawing on it 🌸.
His mother once told his it is a blessing by the goddess Aphrodite and he should keep it hidden because humans are greddy, though he never knew why he always covered it with a ribbon. Astrid walked out of the room with a small smile on his face then covered his face with a veil,the guards tasked with taking him to the banquet hall were stunned for a moment when they saw his face but quickly got it together. They led his to the hall quietly. "Thank you for escorting me"Astrid bowed and turned to the door nodding for the guard to announce his arrival.
"The bride has arrived"