The familiar scent of lavender wafted into the room, Isao's energetic steps quickened, her infectious laughter filling the space. Lord Lavender, preceded by the soft rustle of fabric, emerged with his family in tow, their collective smiles illuminating the area. Isao launched herself at her parents, the trio engulfed in a heartfelt embrace that spoke volumes of their unwavering love. Tears pricked at Lord Lavender's eyes as he held his daughter close, the emotional reunion a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere of their previous meeting.
Ms. Lavender, her own eyes glistening, stroked Isao's hair tenderly, a soothing gesture meant to calm the tempest of emotions swirling within her. Kite and Ali, standing nearby, watched the intimate scene with soft grins, their protective instincts humming in the background. As the initial tidal wave of sentimentality subsided, Lord Lavender pulled back, his expression a blend of pride and relief.
In the tranquil garden, the warm sun cast dappled shadows across the lush greenery as the Lavender family enjoyed a rare moment of togetherness. Sylveria, mindful of Isao's need for quality time with her relatives, discreetly arranged for Sebastian to prepare a sumptuous feast and set the tables with elegance. The butler's diligence ensured the Lavenders' every comfort was met, allowing them to focus solely on their beloved daughter's recovery.
"Dad, Mom, look! My hair has violet spots now! Fufu~ I'm officially a Lavender girl!" Isao's proud announcement about her hair's violet hue drew delighted laughter from her siblings, their faces aglow with happiness. Ali playfully ruffled her hair, while Kite's gesture, a gentle pat on her head, conveyed his deep affection.
"Indeed, little sis, we're just thrilled to see you back to your old self," Kite said, his smile warm and reassuring.
"Kite, by the way, didn't you invite your fiancée? Where is she?" Lord Lavender asked. Isao's eyes widened in shock—she had never heard about Kite having a fiancée. "Haha, what's with that look, Isao?" Kite chuckled. "Well, to be honest, we only got engaged after I proposed a few days ago. We became a couple while you were in a coma." He then turned to his father and reassured him, "She'll be here soon, Father."
Isao is still coping from the revelation, the mention of a fiancée has sent a ripple of shock through her mind, she was in disbelief.
"Congratulations, son! We're thrilled for you both." Ms. Lavender, equally pleased, wrapped an arm around Kite pulling him into a warm embrace. Isao, still reeling from the news, managed a strained smile. "F-Felicitations, Kite... Congratulations," she stammered, struggling to process the revelation.
Just then, Veldina arrived, sending a wave of whispers through Isao's parents—they couldn't believe that Kite's fiancée was none other than the Second Princess. As she stepped into the sunlight, her fiery hair gleamed in the golden rays, and a soft blush colored her cheeks. Dressed in a stunning red and white ensemble, she radiated an ethereal beauty that commanded attention.
Isao's eyes widened in shock as she stared at the princess. "Don't tell me Princess Veldina is your fiancée, Brother?! We... uh, weren’t exactly friends," she admitted, memories of Veldina’s intimidating reputation still fresh in her mind.
From the sidelines, Sylveria and Isla, equally stunned, rushed to Isao’s side and nodded in agreement. Their gazes narrowed as they studied the seemingly composed Veldina. Her bold, striking presence clashed with everything they had expected, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Isao, Sylveria, and Isla huddled together, their youthful voices carrying a mix of awe and incredulity as they processed the unexpected turn of events. The idea of the fearsome Princess Veldina, infamous for her strict adherence to traditional princessly conduct, marrying Kite was nothing short of astonishing.
"Gorilla Girl is gonna marry your brother, Isao?" Isla asked her tone a blend of fascination and disbelief. "She's always so uptight and bossy! Remember how she used to scold Sylve for being too rough or not ladylike enough?"
Sylveria nodded, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Yeah, and we'd always manage to slip away before she could catch us. It was hilarious watching her get all flustered and angry!" The trio erupted into giggles, their playful banter a welcome distraction from the complex relationships unfolding around them
Veldina's eyes narrowed as she listened to the children's mocking remarks, her cheeks flushing with indignation. "Those impudent whelps..." she muttered under her breath, clenching her fists at the derisive nicknames directed at her. But before she could retort, Kite's gentle laughter and comforting touch on her head caught her off guard. Veldina's gaze snapped to meet his, her irises widening as a becoming blush painted her porcelain skin.
"They certainly are amusing, aren't they?" Kite remarked, his tone warm and understanding. "Perhaps your sternness was necessary to keep them in line. Just remember to show Isao and her friends the same kindness and patience you've shown me." The princess's jaw clenched, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. Despite her irritation, Kite's words struck a chord, reminding her of her duties as a future wife and potential mother figure to his siblings.
Veldina's shoulders sagged, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she relented, her resolve crumbling beneath Kite's gentle influence. "Y-yes," she conceded, her voice barely above a whisper. The princess knew she couldn't maintain her usual stern facade around him; he was the sole exception, the one individual capable of coaxing out her softer, more vulnerable side. In that moment, Veldina's thoughts drifted to her mother, Valleria, and the queen's loving relationship with her father King Edric. The princess yearned for a similar connection, a partner who could bring out her feminine nature and appreciate her for who she was. And as she gazed into Kite's compassionate eyes, Veldina felt a spark of hope ignite within her heart. "I love you Vel, I just want to keep telling you how much I love you... How much I have always loved you... and how I will always love you."
Kite's heartfelt declaration left Veldina trembling, her knees nearly buckling under the weight of his intense devotion. His words, imbued with decades of suppressed longing, struck a resonant chord within her soul. "I love you, Vel..." he repeated in a gentler tone, his voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. And then, with unbridled passion, Kite pressed his lips to hers, sealing their lifelong bond in a kiss that stole the very breath from Veldina's lungs. For a blissful moment, the rest of the world melted away, leaving only the two lovers lost in the depths of their own private universe.
Isao, her face a mask of discomfort, stumbled backward as if burned. "Ugh, I can't believe that lioness will be my sister-in-law,"
"Well, at least your brother Kite told Veldina to go easy on us. Let's go play now, Isao!" Isla said as they ran off happily.
"Dad, Mom, my friends and I are going to play!" Isao called out as she followed Sylveria and Isla.
Her parents laughed in amusement.
Meanwhile, Kite smiled, seeing it as her sister’s way of being considerate—giving Veldina space to feel more at ease by leaving with her friends. Gently, Kite held Veldina’s hand and she felt a deep longing stir within her. She wanted Kite to claim her, already imagining the children they would have together. Without a word, Kite drew Veldina closer, his arms wrapping around her slender form as he captured her lips in a searing kiss.As they lost themselves in each other's embrace, Veldina's heart swelled with joy, her spirit soaring on the wings of possibility.
"Ahem, ahem!" Lord Lavender cleared his throat, attempting to regain some semblance of propriety amidst the budding romance. "Ah, yes, well, we should discuss practical matters," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Ms. Lavender, ever the nurturing presence, probed gently, her inquiry aimed directly at the lovesick couple. "Dearest children, when did you intend to tie the knot? And has our beloved king been apprised of your... developing relationship?"
Ali, who had been observing the scene with wide-eyed wonder, looked on with a smug expression, as if he held some secret knowledge. The young boy seemed to enjoy the spectacle, his attention riveted on the interaction between his big brother and the fiery princess. "Truth be told, Mother, 1st Princess Marybelle and 2nd Queen Valleria are already aware of their relationship," he explained gently. "So, informing the king shouldn't pose a significant challenge, in my opinion." his revelation brought a wave of relief to the gathering, his insight demonstrating the maturity and awareness expected of a future monarch.
Amidst the love and merriment, Veldina found herself swept up in a whirlwind of affection, her earlier anxieties dissipating like morning mist.