Aelira
"Why are you so gloomy today?" I finally blurt out after a long and hard time of waiting.
I'm sitting in the garden, having breakfast with Alaric. It's not a daily routine but also not a rare occasion. But Alaric is the kns being strange today.
"Uh? Oh, it-it's nothing." He says and takes the kettle to pour tea in his cup.
Glug-gll-sshh…
"Brother," I call him. He doesn't respond.
"Brother." I call again but he's still staring into nothing.
"Alaric!" This time I shout out his name. His body jerks up and he looks at me. "The cup is full already!"
"Ah..yes.." He slowly puts down the kettle, paying less than little attention to the overflowed tea now spread onto the tablecloth.
"Brother, look at me." I give him a hard stare. "What have happened?"
"...Nothing?" He tries to be nonchalant.
Urgh! Seriously? You think I don't know you?
"There's probably something. You don't look good."
Alaric doesn't reply for a minute. He looks agitated for some reason. And it worries me.
"Well— maybe I'm not in my right mind today."
"Then tell me why."
Despite hearing the seriousness in my voice, he chuckles.
Oh please!
"You're being quite commanding. When did my little sister grow up to act like a parent!"
"Don't you try to fool me now." I say, annoyed. "I can sense something isn't good... Is it about the alliance?"
Alaric's smile fades. The previous shadow of anxiety coats his face again. Deeper this time.
God, I'm scared now.
"Aelira, how do you think about that prince?"
"...."
What?
I stare at him in utter confusion. Why is he joking with that serious face?
"Give me an answer, Aelira." His commanding voice tells me that he's unfortunately not joking.
"Why.. do you.. ask?"
Shit. Did I simp too hard for Kael that even Alaric noticed it?
"Just tell me."
Oh crap
"Well you see… We haven't had a chance to talk that much. But… I don't think he's a bad person..?"
"Is that so?" He arches a brow.
Ahh why are you being a 15th century British judge bro!? (Crying emoji)
"Yeah, I mean—he's gentle with his words, noble with his actions and.. and.. is smart! Haha."
Alaric stares at me with narrowed eyes. Then sighs.
"As expected."
"Hmm?" I play his 'cute little sister' role again.
"You're too soft hearted to be suspicious of anyone. My bad—I asked your opinion on that brat."
Eh?
"But why did you ask anyway?"
He goes silent again.
FINE!
I get annoyed with him and start drinking the tea.
"A marriage proposal has come this morning from King Zarvok Vornhal."
Pfkk—Keugh—Keugh!
I choke on my tea and start to cough hard.
"Hey! Are you okay!?" Alaric panics.
"WHAT!" I shouted in shock. That psychopath Zarvok! He has sent a marriage proposal?!
"He wants to marry you!?" I hold my cheeks in shock.
"...."
Alaric seems to have not been able to catch up on what I said. And then—
"Are you out of your mind, Aelira!?" He snaps. "Here I'm being serious and you're joking with me!"
"Oh.." I sigh. "So it's not for you. Then why are you so seri— Fuck!" Realisation hits me like a train.
"Language!" He snaps again. "Haa.. Aelira be serious!"
"I-I am! I am being serious! And this is fucking crazy!" I lose my mind.
That man who hunts down people like animals wants to marry me? No way!
"There's no from me! A clear no!'
"Neither are we agreeing to that." He says. "But what if… it were a proposal from Velmora?"
"Then…" I don't utter the next words. What'll I even say? Then I'll marry him as you say? Bullshit. That's not even close to the original novel plot.
"Then what?"
"I don't know. That's not the issue here. It's Drakmore not Velmora we're talking about!"
"... Father has proposed a marriage too."
I look at him.
"To Velmora. They'll most likely accept it."
Clank—
The spoon falls down on the floor from my grasp. What is this? This wasn't in the original novel. Sylvaris proposing marriage to Velmora? That's a counter-attack to Drakmore. But why?
"Aelira." Alaric's voice comes out softer this time, almost vulnerable. "In my life, I've never considered anything else more precious to me than you. The crown, the throne—none of it matters to me. It wasn't even a year ago that we almost lost you. Gracious to God, you're safe and sound…"
"Don't take father for wrong, Aelira. It may look like you're being used as a political tool to ensure this kingdom's safety; but in fact, it is for your safety.. Aelira we.. don't think us wrong dear. Specifically me.. I'm ashamed I couldn't be a good brother and keep you away from this mess.. I—"
"Hey, hey!" I get up from my seat and run to his side. He looks like he might cry any moment!
"Don't say things like that!" I hug him tightly. No way I'm gonna let you blame yourself for me, man! "You're the best brother to me!"
He wraps his arms around me too. He's fallen silent. But his tight grip is so reassuring, I wanna cry right here.
"It's a yes from me. And don't you dare blame yourself anymore! Nothing will happen to me."
He nods slightly.
Well fine.
If the plot is coming for me to be changed— why don't give it a try?