The day began in an eerie silence, the kind that felt heavier than it should. The sunlight slipped through the sky, pale and uncertain, casting long, uneasy shadows. The air was still—too still—as if the world itself was holding its breath. Even the birds were quiet, their usual songs nowhere to be heard. It felt wrong, like something unseen was watching, waiting for the day to truly begin.
Today was the day they are visiting the Nightbane kingdom. Aurelian stretched lazily in bed before getting up. He took his bath and got dressed in a blue royal robe. He goes to the palace main gate where the others were already waiting, king Alaric, queen Amara, princess Elowen, a few servants and guards. Aurelian joins them and enter the carriage. The carriage begins to move which begins their journey towards Nightbane kingdom. Aurelian wasn't sure of what he feels, Fear? Anxiety? Or... excitement?
After a few hours on the road, they crossed the border and reached Nightbane kingdom. Aurelian peeked out of the carriage curtain and watch the scenery pass by, the ride to the palace was fascinating for Aurelian because the people didn't just feel happy, the kingdom felt happy and that brought a small smile on Aurelian's lips. They reached the gate of the Nightbane palace and climb down from the carriage. The royal family was already in waiting. King Malric stepped forward "welcome to Nightbane kingdom" "thanks" king Alaric respond. Aurelian's gaze was locked onto Draven, standing tall beside his mother, queen Calista,who cuts the silence with a smile "the guest chambers has been prepared for your arrival" she looks at her lady in waiting "take them to their chambers and.." she smiles sheepishly and looks between Aurelian and Draven, "you'll both have to share a room, there wasn't enough space, sorry" "what? Please no!" Aurelian wails "besides you'll get married soon, it's best if you get used to this more sooner" she says and starts leading them inside. Draven on the other hand knows that looks on his mother's face, she had planned it because there was more than enough space in the kingdom.
The moonveil guests was given time to rest and adjust to their new environment meanwhile in Draven's chambers, "I'm not sharing the bed with you" Aurelian said matter of fact "then you can take the floor" Draven didn't miss a beat, Aurelian face turns red with anger and something else? "Fine then but don't you dare get to near" he reluctantly agrees "I'm not clingy husband" Draven teases "husband?! Don't you dare call me that!" Aurelian throws a pillow at him which Draven smoothly catches. Aurelian lunges at him making them both fall on the bed with Aurelian on top of Draven. Draven held his hips to stable Aurelian. "Why'd you accept the marriage?" Aurelian asks out of nowhere, "well..to be honest.." he pulls Aurelian closer "so I keep you close and annoy you more" Draven says, Aurelian smacks his chest "bastard!" He gets off Draven and roll to the other side of the bed "you're the villain in my life story" Aurelian mutters "and you're the male lead in mine" Draven responds. Aurelian looks at him "I want to see your kingdom" "I can take you around"
"Really?"
"Only if you behave"
"Fine but that doesn't mean we're on good terms" Aurelian says standing up and walking over to the door "where are you going?" Draven asks "aren't we going out?"
"Wait, you mean now?"
"Yeah"
Draven takes Aurelian around the kingdom but it was more like Aurelian taking Draven around. Aurelian was practically bouncing with excitement, dragging Draven from street stalls to woodcarving to fabric shops. Even the marketplace seemed lively, Draven just watched and followed behind Aurelian. By the time they returned to the palace it was already evening. The evening settled gently over the land, wrapping everything in a warm, golden glow. The sky shifted into shades of orange, pink, and deepening purple as the sun slowly sank below the horizon. A cool breeze drifted through, carrying away the heat of the day. Lights began to flicker on in the distance, and the world seemed to quiet down, easing into a calm and restful mood. They hadn't plan on buying anything but Aurelian insisted Draven buy a carved charm that has 'DA' written on it.
They arrived at the palace just in time for dinner, everyone was already seated so Draven and Aurelian just joined them, "so.. where did you both go?" Elowen questions as soon as they started eating "he wanted to see the kingdom so I took him" Draven answered. "Oh really?" King Alaric raises an eyebrow at Aurelian "what? I was just curious" Aurelian defends himself "and besides it's not like we're on good terms or something" he adds "and the charm?" Elowen asks teasily "it says DA.. I wonder what that means" she adds provocatively. Aurelian ears turns red and he quickly buried himself in eating.
"I wasn't aware there was a feast" a sharp female voice cuts through the silence, everyone's head snaps towards the person who has interrupted their dinner. She strides in confidently and stop right in front of the table. Lady Drusilla, daughter of the grand duke, elegant and graceful, she has long brown hair and matching eyes, she's close to the royal family and obsessed with Draven. She draws out a chair beside Draven and sit like she's entitled to it. King Malric speaks first "you're not supposed to be here Drusilla"
"And why not?"
"This is a family dinner"
"and I'm not family? You hurt me" her gaze falls on Aurelian and a tight smile spreads across her lips "you must be Aurelian" "it's prince Aurelian for you" Aurelian corrects, Drusilla's smile falters for a moment "oh but we're family, there's no need for..." "On second thought address me as your highness" Aurelian cuts her off. She looks at Draven "did you hear what he said?" Draven stands up, "I shall retire to my chambers now, join me when you're ready Aurelian" "what? You're sleeping together?!" Drusilla asks, anger creeping into her voice but Draven wasn't hearing any of it, he turns and exits the dinner room. Elowen chuckles "oops!"