'Disgusting'

"Celena," her brother's voice resonated through the air, cutting through the tension like a chilling breeze on a wintry eve. His piercing gaze, was cold and unyielding, locked with Celena's resolute and defiant pink orbs. A hushed silence descended upon the gathering, an invisible shroud of judgmental gazes encircling them, Elaina, draped in a cloak of triumphant satisfaction, arched a smug smile, relishing in what she deemed her victory.

"Pray tell, young lady, for I have heard whispers from this fair maiden beside me, that you, in an audacious display, did, indeed, launch yourself at her, causing her delicate attire to be disheveled and untidy, and with a twist of fate, a cascade of tea spilled upon her person. Is this account, in its entirety, veritably accurate?" His voice held a stern authority.

"Yes, brother," she replied, her voice resonating with a mix of determination.

Her brother's countenance tightened with a flicker of disappointment, his brows furrowing ever so slightly, betraying his inner turmoil. The murmurs of the onlookers grew softer.

"Celena!" he exclaimed, his voice laced with a blend of concern and admonishment.

"Listen to me first!" Celena's voice pierced through the air, carrying a blend of desperation and conviction. Her words reverberated with a resolute determination, seeking to break through the wall of doubt that had clouded her brother's perception. 

"Brother! Our family's sacred legacy has been tarnished! Our precious name is being dragged through the mud by this despicable creature! And if that's not enough, she dared to mistreat a guest who was invited by the esteemed host of this gathering!"

Her words echoed through the crowd, a symphony of accusation and defense, as they eagerly awaited her brother's response. Elaina, reveling in her presumed triumph, grinned with malicious satisfaction.

"And you expect me to trust you?" Kale looked at her in disbelief, he knew Celena was not right in the head. the tumultuous clash of blue and pink eyes waged a silent battle of trust within the recesses of their minds.

"I am not one to make enemies of anyone brother" Celena Colly replied.

In a swift and unexpected turn of events, Kale's hand connected with Elaina's cheek in a resounding slap. The force of the blow sent her stumbling backward, hands instinctively reaching out to steady herself against the unforgiving ground. she looked up, eyes met Kale's unyielding gaze, a simmering anger burning in his blue irises.

"My lord! how can you be so blind? That Bitch is crazy!" Elaina's voice trembled, a mixture of shock and disbelief coloring her words. hand involuntarily flew to cover her mouth.

"I was prepared to extend leniency, but it is evident that you do not comprehend the gravity of your actions," Kale spoke with an air of finality, his voice resonating with authority. 

"Expect whatever title you hold, beneath the power of a duke, to be immediately revoked." Kale's words fell upon Elaina with an irrevocable decree, Celena, overcome with a surge of relief and gratitude, rushed forward to embrace her brother tightly. He reciprocated the gesture.

Having someone take her side was an exhilarating sensation, a rare moment of validation that ignited a spark of joy within Celena's heart, despite the occasional disagreements and squabbles that marked their daily lives.

Elaina, now reduced to a pitiful figure kneeling before them, pleaded for mercy with a desperation born out of her impending downfall. Her voice quivered with remorse as she begged for forgiveness, her head bowed low, her palms pressed firmly against the ground in a display of submission. The snickers that emanated from the crowd only served to amplify further the humiliation she faced.

Celena and Kale united in their resolve, paid no heed to the jeering onlookers. Their steps were resolute and their heads held high.

 Celena and Kale climbed aboard, leaving behind the spectacle of Elaina's downfall. The doors closed, sealing off the outside world, and the carriage began its steady journey, its wheels rolling over the cobblestones. Celena glanced out of the window, catching a final glimpse of Elaina, now being escorted away by guards, her cries of frustration and anger carried away by the wind.

 As they arrived, Kale wasted no time and hurried to their father's office, eager to explain the entire situation in great detail. Unbeknownst to him, Celena discreetly eavesdropped on their conversation curious about her father's reaction. Pressing her right ear against the ornate oak doors, she strained to hear and within their confines, she heard her father's frantic and concerned voice for her, followed by an outburst regarding Elaina. It was clear that her father intended to ruin Elaina's family textile business and exile her as punishment. Fill, their father, also noted Kale's childish behavior, particularly when he slapped the girl in front of numerous onlookers. It was evident that Kale still had much to learn about handling his emotions and conducting himself discreetly.

Once the conversation had concluded, Celena quickly retreated, her heart pounding, as the double oak doors swung open to reveal Kale, his face worn and weary. Their eyes met, locking in a moment of unspoken understanding. Kale arched an eyebrow, his expression questioning, while Celena responded with a crooked smile. After a brief silence, it was Kale who broke the gaze, turning to walk toward his room.

 "Wait!" Celena's voice echoed through the corridor as she frantically chased after him, her pink eyes piercing into Kale's back. She clutched the fabric of her dress with both hands, hastening her pace, the sound of her heels clicking against the cream-tiled floors adding to her frustration. Damn, her brother and his long legs.

Navigating the lavishly furnished walls adorned with exquisite artwork, Celena's heavy breathing and desperate pleas for Kale's attention fell on deaf ears. When Kale neared the entrance to his chamber, he finally turned to face Celena, who collided with his chest.

'Bruh' Celena whined, surprised kale stopped in front of her. 

Taking a step back and releasing her grip on her dress, Celena covered her nose and gazed at her brother with disbelief, then narrowed her eyes, while Kale appeared amused by her reaction.

"Could you, like, give me a heads up when you decide to stop running?" she half-shouted, clearly annoyed by his little act.

"Running? I don't know what you're talking about, Celena. I was merely walking. If you were closer to my height, you'd understand what it feels like when someone other than you is nearby," Kale said, stepping back and playfully touching her forehead as he anticipated her mock punch.

'oh, now it's my fault?' Celena continued to swing her fists through the air, futilely attempting to hit Kale's chest. Her efforts added to his amusement.

"So, what is it that you want from me, exactly? What made you chase after me like this?" Kale inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.  calm after Celena's air-punching ceased.

"Couldn't you have stopped the moment you heard me calling for you?"Celena crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him, and Kale reciprocated, their pink and blue eyes locked in a clash.

"And let the maids feast on juicy rumors?" Kale spoke back, crossing his arm back. 

Celena widened her eyes, looking to her sides for prying eyes. finding none she sighed and looked back at him putting her arms on her sides. 

"oh...well, I wanted to ask a question from you...actually."  she began, her voice softer now.

"Go ahead."

"Well, back at the party... When we had our little misunderstanding, why did you believe me so easily? After all, we're not that close... We always fight over trivial matters... It made me think you'd side with Elaina," Celena admitted, her gaze shifting downward as she fidgeted with her fingers.

"In this household, Celena, her name shall not pass our lips, for it holds a weight of unspeakable dread. And to address your query, my dear, I understand you more than anyone. Having shared years of sisterhood, I have witnessed your nature firsthand. You are not one to instigate conflicts, but rather a soul who seeks fairness. I am well aware that your actions were merely a just response, a repayment for the pain inflicted upon you by her, am I not correct?" Kale looked at her with understanding, a smile forming as he patted her shoulder.

Celena blushed faintly, still looking down. she felt bad, he didn't know that her sister already passed and another soul had taken over her body but Kale didn't need to know that, She felt a rush of emotions—happiness, gratitude, and the warmth of being supported and understood, he had been patient with her,  listened to her..she didn't get to experience such attention before which made her like a fool who didn't know how to act in front of him but she knew what to do. 

Taking a step back, Celena lowered her upper body slightly, hiding her hands behind her back. Glancing up at Kale, she met his skeptical gaze, her pink eyes seemingly glowing with warmth. With a gentle and playful smile, she mustered the courage to speak.

"Thank you, Kale," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude, before swiftly wiping the smile off her face.

''what no thank you kiss on the cheek?'' Kale playfully put a hand on his chest, his expression seemingly filled with mock pain. "While I was in Father's office, being roasted by him, you were outside... I bet you were enjoying me getting scolded. I even left out the juicy detail of you accidentally spilling the tea on Elaina's dress and ripping it. Quite the scandal," he said, side-eyeing her with a mischievous smile.which instantly made Celena feel uncomfortable, regretting her words of praise.

'This unlovable f*cker' she grumbled internally, gathering her courage. In a swift move, she tiptoed and planted a hasty peck on her brother's cheek before swiftly retreating.

''Awe, no need to be shy'' Kale called after her, his voice filled with amusement. Celena halted for a moment, her cheeks slightly flushed, before boldly extending her middle finger in his direction and darting away, leaving a confused Kale in her wake.

Arriving at her room, Celena was instantly greeted by the sight of Silfie's small form sprawled on her velvety and comfy bed. The fairy seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the plush soft fabrics, rolling around and giggling. Amused, Celena cleared her throat, unable to contain her amusement at Silfie's surprise, causing Silfie to sit upright, her legs neatly folded and her hands resting on her thighs.

"Celena! I didn't see you there!" Silfie exclaimed, surprised.

"Getting comfy, I see," Celena replied with a smile. She found Silfie's actions adorable she walked around the bed and reached under the furniture to retrieve a green fairy costume and a sewing kit. Sitting down on the bed, Celena began adding fine details to the costume, carefully crafting swirls on the pale wings to imitate an original design. Silfie watched her curiously, raising an eyebrow in question. Sensing Silfie's gaze, Celena paused and looked at her with a mischievous smile.

"I know you're curious, Silfie, but please let me finish this first. I understand why you're wondering why I haven't sent you home yet, but I promise we'll have fun tonight!" Celena's eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued her work. Silfie nodded, occasionally looking around the room and tinkering with objects while engaging in small talk.

It didn't take Celena too long to add the final details to the fabric. Proudly holding up the costume for Silfie to see, Silfie flew towards it, feeling the smooth texture of the fabric and catching a whiff of the flower-scented perfume. She flew back, commenting with a smile,

  "That's pretty nice."

"Thanks! Meet me tonight near the forest where we first met. I'll be there at 8 pm sharp," Celena announced, sensing that dinner would be announced by her brother any minute. She carefully hid the dress back under the furniture, then opened the window.

"Okay." With a wave, Silfie flew onto the open window, and Celena watched her figure until she became nothing more than a small flickering dot in the distance.

"Celena, dinner is served," her brother called from the closed chamber door.

"I'll be right there! Just give me a second." Celena closed the window, went to the dresser, and felt a surge of excitement about her plans with the fairy. Hearing Kale's faint "Okay," she changed into some comfortable clothes and headed to the door.