15 15. Saw someone like Vesta

"Your high... I.. Asterion, were you forced to marry me? I mean you wanted to marry Vesta but because of all this, you had to marry me. Do you.. regret it?" Ether asked after a lot of hesitation.

The way Asterion had been asking her about Vesta's whereabouts was making her a little uncomfortable.

"No, no, no. You are getting me wrong. I wasn't forced and neither do I regret it, Ether." Asterion placed his hands on Ether's shoulder.

"Don't assume things. Now listen, do you remember I left for the Royal Palace with Nerine? Father asked me about yesterday's incident.

After explaining, I went to see my mother. While entering, I felt like I saw someone similar to Princess Vesta leave the room. Hence I was reminded of her. Of course it won't be her, because why would she quit the marriage and then come to my mother?

But I was suddenly curious as to what happened to her and why she left suddenly." Asterion explained briefly, not wanting to be misunderstood by his wife.

"I don't know if I should be telling this to you but-" Ether paused, not knowing whether she wanted to explain everything and trust Asterion, or keep things to herself.

"You don't have to force yourself, Princess. When you feel like telling, you can." Asterion said in an understanding tone.

"Me and Vesta, we don't get along well." Ether said rapidly in one breath.

Asterion just looked at her, not giving any weird expressions the way Ether had imagined.

She took a deep breath, before resuming her tragic story.

"As you know, I was born powerless." She was about to continue when she saw something in his eyes. Something changed suddenly before he was back to his earlier expression.

Ether was sure that she saw something, but she just couldn't understand what that was. And before she could question any further, he was back to normal.

"So people hated me and mocked me. But as I grew up, people for once started noticing me for who I was. They even requested my father and made me give the examination meant for scholars when I was barely 4.

I was the first girl to give that exam in our country, not to mention my age was another surprising factor. But the results were shocking as I passed the exam.

People started cheering on me and ignored the fact about me being powerless completely. I was loved by everyone, though only for a short span.

I wasn't even five when Vesta was born. It didn't take long for the news of Vesta being full of fire power since birth.

But nonetheless I loved her to no ends. I would carry her everywhere and mother and father adored both of us together.

But as Vesta grew up, she started showing off her powers. She would leave no chance to embarass me for being powerless.

It was still bearable till the time she was young. But as she started growing up, she started plotting against me. And soon I was a subject of mockery again.

For all the past years, we have been amicable sisters outside but in our rooms, Vesta and I were always at war. Though I didn't go against her because of her powers.

You know, there was a time when I thought I could fight her and I did. I was maybe ten at that time. I pushed Vesta and she stabilised herself without any effort.

But the next moment she punched me in the stomach, hard. I was bedridden for several days and couldn't eat anything. Vesta cried in front of everyone, including mother and father. She said we were playing and she mistakenly punched me that hard. Vesta, a barely five year old girl, was of course forgiven for her negligent mistake.

It was I who would wake up with severe pain, feel hungry but couldn't do anything. Thankfully mother and father did everything in their care and would stay up with me whenever needed. That was the only thing that kept me alive all these years.

Vesta had said that if I was to anger her again, it wouldn't be a simple punch. And that day marked the beginning of my miserable life. She would purposely embarrass me in public, mock me for being useless yet show how much she loved me." Ether looked so lost, as if she was reliving every single moment she had suffered through.

Asterion pulled her close, enveloping her in a warm hug before patting her head.

Ether hadn't seen this coming. She had tried to explain these things to her parents as well, but nothing was of use in front of Vesta. Thankfully her parents loved her, maybe a little more than Vesta which made her forget all her sufferings and put on a happy face for her parents.

"Nobody is allowed to bully my wife anymore. You are the Crown princess of Nero. I am glad that I married you and not Princess Vesta." Asterion gently patted her head.

"Also, nobody could have forced me into this marriage ever. If I didn't want to marry you, neither my parents, nor any royal decree could have made me do it.

Marrying you was my choice and I will never regret that. So Ether, stop underestimating yourself every single time. You are smart and brave, I can see that. Just put them to perfect use." Asterion finally pulled away from the hug.

"Asterion, I wanted to request something." Ether said, thinking this would be the best time to ask for it.

"Command, my lady." Asterion said with a smile to which Ether blushed before speaking.

"I wanted to take defence lessons. Please don't misunderstand, I was planning to discuss this with you since morning. If I had been more powerful yesterday, I might have saved myself and that guard wouldn't have died in my place.

I know I lack elemental powers, but I can still work on my body. I can in no way go against those powerful people but at least I can save myself from such deathly situations." Ether explained.

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- Kizy