At Ardentor's border Kealan slowly removed his mask, his handsome face exposed with a sharp jawline and full lips.
The warriors swallowed hard,eyes fixed on the purple gem he held.Recognition dawn,and they bowed deeply clearing the way for him.
The exotic, ornately decorated carriages contained gifts,jewels,rare herbs,and precious treasures.
Lord Varek and Dorian exchanged glances surprised to see him remove his mask,but neither spoke.
As he walked through Ardentor streets, the townspeople gasped at the sight of the handsome prince, Kealan's indifferent gaze only added to his allure
Stopping in front of a magnificent fortress , this must be Ardentor's fortress. Lord Varek was astonished at the gigantic building in front of him; it was nothing compared to Florindal, where he came from, but for a small town, they did a lot of work.
Entering the fortress, every arrangement for his arrival was made. He read a little about their tradition, and the purple decorations with a touch of blue were their sign of welcoming him into the family as a groom.
Master Thalen Elowen, Matron Maerina, and the elders waited for his arrival; seeing him, Master Thalen smiled.
Kealan wore a crown of purple flowers on his head as a sign he accepts Liora with all his heart.
"Welcome to Ardentor, Prince Kealan. It's an honor to have you here." Master Thalen said warmly.
The maids gasped at his beauty, some at his masculinity and fearless look.
"It's an honor to be here. I have come to get to know my princess better before marriage. Thank you for accepting me into your home. I promise to take good care of my wife and always make sure the smile never ceases from her face".
"She's not your wife yet,"Master Thalen interjected.
The maids giggled at the way he addressed their lady, while the elders showed a knowing smile at the young love on display.
"From a distance, Liora smiled as she watched his interaction with her father."
Kealan's eyes searched the crowd until he spotted Liora ;he saw her tucked away by a pillar. He let out an unexpected smile.
His heart drummed loudly seeing her. Shaking his head at his foolishness, but he loved every bit of it.
Lord varek and Dorian's mouth dropped open in awe. Did this frowning prince just smile?
The smile didn't get pass the maids and everyone present knowing who his smile were directed to,the maid wishing they have such a love story .
The rumors soon changed as they all envied their relationship,prince kealan wasn't ashamed to show public affection towards liora.
Entering the chamber prepared for him,it was to his liking he wanted to see liora but he knew he had to be patient.
Staring at a beautiful flowerpot which reminded him of Liora: beautiful, delicate, yet ferocious when it wanted to be. Lost in his thoughts on how he fell in love with Liora, hearing a knock on the door, he regained himself.
Liora walked in his chambers with Celestial far away to give them privacy to talk. Liora bowed.
"Welcome to Ardentor Fortress, Prince Kealan. I hope the journey wasn't too much of a stress."
Kealan disliked the space she put between them; she always does this. Sometimes close, sometimes distance .He couldn't read her and it left him uneasy.
"It wasn't too stressful, but why the distance, princess?" he asked worriedly.
"I don't know what you mean, Your Highness. I will take my leave for you to rest."
Kealan's eyebrows twitched in annoyance and confusion; nodding his head, he decided it was best not to push further.
Coming out of his chambers, she felt terrible. " I panicked, Celestial. I didn't know what to say or do or act."
Celestial was surprised to see Liora in this state; she was always composed and knew what to say.
"Love sure was a confusing thing, Celestial murmured."
The maids bowed as Kealan, Dorian, and Lord Varek passed.
"Why the blank expression again, Kealan? Lord Varek groaned".
Kealan paid no attention to him.
Do you want a relationship advice lord varek chirped in.
Kealan sighed rolling his eyes
"You have been single since I have known you Lord varek,I don't think your advice will help my situation it would only make it worse."
Dorian burst into laughter but was shut up from a glare by lord varek.
"Brat," Lord varek murmured.
Entering the dining hall, he was met with unfamiliar faces. Arius glared at him, which made Kealan chuckle.
"Now who is this bug and why is he glaring?" he thought. He smirked, exuding a little of his aura towards Arius, who shivered in fear.
Liora not knowing his favorite wanted to make it up to him,she knew he loved blue flowers with a touch of white, so she decorated the table with them.
Maetron Marina welcomed him wholeheartedly.
"You must be hungry, Prince Kealan. Let's dive in.
Sitting, his eyes crossed with Liora's, who gave him a little smile, Kealan didn't know what to make of her behavior, he looked away like he didn't see it.
Liora felt a pinch in her heart. She knew she deserved it, but why did it still hurt?
"I must have messed up." Liora tightened her fingers on the wooden spoon.
Kealan noticed she wasn't eating; he cut a beefsteak into smaller pieces, putting it on her plate, which brought her back to reality.
She blushed at the public display of affection.
Arius held tightly onto his fork in jealousy.
"So, Prince Kealan, why did you accept to get married to Liora? You guys haven't met before, so why?"
Liora eyes widen alittle at the direct question Arius asked in public; she didn't feel confident of what Kealan would say because she also doesn't know".
The maid's eyebrow twitched, also wanting to know.
Kealan looked at Liora with affection. Remember, princess, when you bumped into me? I could have stepped aside, but I let you fall just so I could catch you, he said with a playful wink.
Liora coughed slightly, with her cheeks turning red, she tried concentrating on her food. While Celestial giggled loudly from afar, she was shot a look from Master Thalen, but it didn't stop her from still smiling .
You were beautiful, and don't get me wrong, I wasn't attracted by your beauty at first but by your personality.
"It was love at first sight when you came visiting the castle after healing Father. You wore a blue patterned flower dress, and you trespassed in my garden. No one was allowed in there, so I was surprised to see you."
You even took the flowers, he chuckled.
Lord Varek and Dorian couldn't believe how cheesy Kealan was they couldn't help but smile also.
It's only fair I get married to you in exchange for my flowers. He let out a seductive smile.
Liora's face was as red as a tomato; she remembered that day and how she didn't want to leave the beautiful garden.
"I could always pay you, Kealan."
They both smiled at each other, oblivious of the stares they were getting. Kealan got happy she called him by his name.
"I get to decide the pay, wifey, it's marriage."