Chapter eight

Aster was dressed in one of her nicer gowns, it had been set out for her by Kurcy, it was the same style like all the other ones except in a pale aqua dress, with silk and chiffon. 

They were going to have an evening meal with the emperor and empress that evening. It had been nerve racking, considering the emperor gave them little choice but to attend. Clover was all smiles, though she fussed emasively with her gown, she loved having parents, she took tea with the empress whenever she were available, Clover seemed to idolise the woman. 

Heading to the dinning hall, it was quiet, too quiet. Entering they were welcomed to a long rectangular dining table, the emperor and empress both sat opposite the children, there were only three empty chairs available for the three, sitting down the quiet seemed to grow even worse. You could drop a pin and it would be the loudest thing in the room.  

The emperor and empress didn’t look happy, as if something had irritated them. Basil and Aster shared a look with one another, silently contemplating if they should speak up or not. 

Thankfully neither did, as the empress taking a sip from her goblet addressed the three. “I heard you met your unicorns today.” 

“We did,” basil answered neutrally. 

“I hope they were not difficult, they’ve been nothing a menace on our stable hands for years.”

“Mine was nothing but perfectly behaved,” Clover bragged, 

Aster rolled her eyes, “did i see it nearly trapple a boy because he dared to stare at it,”

“It’s she, and that never happened,”

“I do recall seeing a boy with a broken arm when returning Dilrian back to the stables,” Basil commented, “was it him?”

“Brown cap, blonde hair?”

“Yes,”

“That's the one,” Aster nodded, 

Clover huffed, “can we pl;ease stop ganging up on me,”

“If you mean recalling the distarter you leave in your every wake,”

Clover went red, “I DON’T-”

“Children,” the empress pressed calmly, “can we leave disputes off the table please?” 

“Sure..” both Aster and Clover grumbled. 

“So you are pleased with your unicorns?” the emperor asked, if Aster didn’t know better she would have thought he was curious. 

“Of course,” Clover grinned, “they’re beautiful,” 

“I’m glad someone had a good day,” the empress muttered, 

“We are thinking of dining as a family once a week from now on,” 

“Every week?” Aster questioned, she didn’t like that, 

“Yes, we are a family, we should act like it,” he frowned at Aster as if daring her to say anything in protest. She kept quiet not wanting his rage directed at her. 

“I have also announced your existence to the continent. I have sent envoys with the proclamation, as well as an invitation to a festival we will be holding in your honour. All the kingdoms are invited.” 

The empress's frown deepened at her husband's words. 

“It will be held in two weeks' time, by then you will have done the basics of magic, and will be able to demonstrate something during the festival.” 

“What!?” all three said at once. 

“It will show the kingdoms our power.” 

“And tell them to fuck off,” the emprees murmered quietly beside her husband, yet all heard. 

“Has Spendia been invited?” 

The empresses look darken completely at Clover's question, she was anxious to know. 

“Yes,” the emperor spoke with restraint. 

Clover was silent for a moment, seemingly trying to build up courage, Aster had a bad feeling growing in gut, “I was wondering, if I could perhaps write a letter to King Cyrus? I want him to know i am doing well,” she bit her lower lip waiting for the emperor's answer. 

“No,” his word boomed, 

Clover gazed in shock, “w-what-why?” 

“I forbid it, he had neglected you in Spendia, as your soulmate he was supposed to care and protect you. He did neither.” 

“He was kind till-” 

“His prejudice of magic got in the way,” 

Clover gulped, “you don’t understand, i-i decieved him, he had every right to-” 

“Toss you aside like you were nothing. Even if he did not know, it was an insult to our empire, to this family, to the goddess herself. Her blood flows through, to spurn you is to spurn the goddess.” 

“He didn’t know, none of us knew-” 

“Even so, I stand with my decision. They’re will be no contact between the two of you. Neither any of you will leave the place grounds” 

“But,” Clover was on the brink of tears, “please i-” 

“It’s not up for discussion,” the empress joined, “he had his chance and lost it, now he must live with the consequences of never having you.” 

The food was served moments later, Clover had eaten with a vengeance, finishing before everyone and quickly excusing herself away from the table. 

Aster knew it was the right thing, yet seeing Clover try had not seemed worth it. But not leaving the palace grounds, this place really was a prison.  

✶✶✶

Clover sobbed into her pillow, Aster tenderly combed through her hair, with her fingers, it was late into the night, and Clover wasn’t going to go to sleep any time soon, and with the loud weeping neither was Basil or Aster. 

“Is she okay?” a voice asked, all turned startled about seeing Kurcy and Beau behind. 

“Oh, she’s up set that empress and emperor isn’t much a fan of her soulmate,” Kurcy whispered to her friend, “i’m not surprised, with his promising war on us,”

“It would be over before a week was up,” 

“Still to be bold enough to-” 

“What do you mean war?” Clover sniffed, sitting up. 

“Oh, um,” Kurcy grew very quiet, “i think it’s best i don’t say,” she giggled, “unless i want my tongue ripped out,” 

“Why are you here?” Basil asked curt and straight. 

Kurcy grinned, “lovergirl here, wanted to sneak Aster out for a few hours,” 

Beau blushed, bashfully, hitting her friends arm, “Kurcy-” 

“Why don’t we all go!” he exclaimed, cutting Beaus' warning off. 

“It would sure help cheering you up princess,” 

“Outwhere?” 

“The city, you ninny,” she laughed. 

The triplets looked at one another mirroring their expressions, they could hardly say no to such a kind offer. They grinned in understanding. 

✶✶✶