"Oh, my gods," Rena whispered.
Lyrah giggled at her friend while Natali rolled her eyes. The three of them joined Adellia and Mylene back to the castle to prepare for the banquet that would occur later. Right now, they were fitting a beautiful white dress onto Rena that accentuated her hips and bust. It was reminiscent of a wedding dress in design with long, lacey finger loop sleeves.
"He's alive... he wants to marry me." Rena continued to mutter the same handful of phrases and was almost unaware of the world moving around her.
"I've never seen her like this," Natali said with a twinge of jealousy.
Lyrah gave her a sly smile but made sure it was not seen by the girl, lest Natali hit her again like she did in the arena. At the moment, Natali was working on the makeup for Rena while Mylene was working on the hair.
Lyrah, for the most part, was sitting beside her mother since she was utterly useless at putting together makeup and a dress. Getting dolled up and ready was Natali's thing, not hers, and whenever she had to, she was not the one to do it.
"Lyrah..." Adellia asked softly, so the others could not hear. "How long have you known about your brother?"
"Since I was about four."
A flash of concern crossed her mother's face. "What have you seen?" She asked cautiously.
"A lot. How about you? What have you seen?"
"More than I care to..."
Lyrah sighed and took her mother's hands into her own. When Adellia's silver eyes met hers, she spoke, "Mother... the son you thought dead may finally walk back into your life. For once, maybe focus on the present and not worry about the future. You know better than I do that living for the future means ignoring the present, and he is here. Right now."
Adellia's concern faded, and her expression softened until she flashed a kind, gentle smile. "You are so right, my love."
"I don't think anyone understood quite how lonely my life was. The only people who spent time with me were adults. I had no friends. My cousins were taught from birth to want to murder me. My father was an emotionless prick, I had no mother to speak of...
"Lucius came into my life and became my first friend. He was there under obligation of his own father's dying wish at first, but in private, we became such close and fast friends.
We would secretly train together after his training was over...we would stay up and talk and play... Lady Adellia, I've known and loved him for most of my life; it is not sudden; if anything, it has been a long time coming." Rena finished.
Lyrah looked at her friend in a new light. Her resolve was stronger than the barrier that was shattered in the arena. She could not keep the smile off her face realizing the loyalty and desire behind Rena's passionate declaration. Giving in to her emotions, Lyrah wrapped the redhead in a massive hug.
"Things may get tough at times, but know that he is always with you, and you are always with him. Though times may come when you may part, your souls are one," She whispered into Rena's ears.
"Thank you, Lyrah." Rena returned her smile. "You were like a sister to me and now you will actually become one! I cannot wait. Natali...I..."
"Rena?"
The girl took a deep breath. "I know you love Lucius as well."
Mylene began to choke on her own spit and Adellia's eyes opened wide with shock. All Lyrah did was giggle at the announcement.
Rena continued, "I know you love Lucius and... I don't know what to do about that yet. However, I will think of something. You were as devastated as I was. I've seen the depths of your feelings for him, it honestly seemed like you had known him for longer than I have.
"Gods, knowing Lyrah and how she likes to gossip, its no wonder you fell for him after the fantastical stories she no doubt shared. All I ask is that you give me time to enjoy my happiness..."
Natali shook her head. "Rena, do not fret over me. Honestly, for now, I am content knowing he is alive.
Mylene spoke up for a moment and asked, "For now?" However, no one chose to clarify what Natali might have meant by that statement.