A Dreaded Arrangement

"I believe you, my sweet Zel. I'm confident enough to know where your heart lies." She smiled at him before rising up and looking at herself in the mirror. "Alright...one more thing i forgot to mention...so you'll be sitting beside Ailuin...and I simce it is common knowledge you are his half-brother now. I know its not ideal but i will be beside him looking over you...he may speak to you or he may not. Either way you two need to be nice. I will say the same to Ailuin. Promise me you two will behave? If the people of Avinora see you fighting it will spread like wildfire which could ruin Ailuin's reputation not to mention Callum's." Her eyes widened like sad puppy dog eyes as she hoped he would listen to her.

Zelious stood up as well and looked at her, wondering what else she had to tell him. He frowned at the mention of having to sit next to his half-brother. That was going to be awkward as all hell. "Do I have to sit next to him?" He asked, pouting like a child but then sighed. "Fine, I get it. I'll behave...or at least try to. No promises but you do have the promise of me trying. Speaking of Ailuin, where is he? Back in the cottage you two are staying in?"

"Yes, which we should go there now but through teleportation. We should avoid being seen alone..." Elayne said as she pulled out a device. She then activated it as a portal to the cottage opened. She wrapped her arm around his and led him into the portal. Elayne then let go of Zel to find Ailuin. "Ailuin? I'm here with Zelious." She warned him and hoped Ailuin will be kind.

Zelious nodded, knowing that it would be bad for both Elayne and Ailuin's reputations for Elayne to be seen alone with him. It stung a little, but that was just how life was. A part of him was a little jealous of Ailuin. It should be him on the throne, not Ailuin. Zelious was born first but Taeral had thrown him away and replaced him. Even though he had wanted to kill his father, a part of him still loved the man and felt betrayed at being replaced so easily.

He followed her into the portal and looked around the cottage now that he had a better chance to. When he had been here before, he had been more worried about Elayne than admiring the decoration. Ailuin came out from the bedroom, dressed and ready to go. He paused at the sight of his half-brother, unsure of what to say and just settling with a simple hello. "Hello, Zelious." As Zelious gave him a nod, he turned to his wife. "Are you ready?" He asked, wanting to get this over with.

"Yes but before i do....you two just have to pretend to like each other tonight. You both can go back to disliking each other tomorrow when we go home. Just...do some small talk. Show the people despite what happened you two are brothers. You may run into nosey guests who want to...inquire whether or not you two are close so they can plan an attack on your weaknesses. You show them nothing...humans are more cunning than you think. I say this because i care for you both. So please protect yourselves and each othet. Human politics is very cutthroat." She said as she walked over to Ailuin and touched his face lovingly and looked back at Zel. "I want you two to shake hands and promisr you'll act like brothers. Just for tonight."

Zelious and Ailuin shared a look, neither one enjoying the idea of having to play pretend and act like actual brothers. How could they do that when they hadn't been around each other long? Not to mention, this awkward situation with Elayne and them. Still, Zelious was willing to try, if only for Elayne. Ailuin also didn't want to disappoint his wife or cause anyone to get attacked. Ailuin sighed and stepped forward, towards Zelious and extended a hand.

"I agree if you do," He said, green eyes meeting his brother's blue eyes. Ailuin was dressed nicely in a green and gold outfit with a circlet on his head and his hair braided. He looked every part the king. Zelious glanced at Elayne before stepping forward and grasping Ailuin's hand in a strong, firm grip. "I agree."

"I'm proud of both of you..." She smiled at them before taking Ailuin's arm to masquerade as a doting wife. "Come on before we are late." She lead Ailuin away as she assumed Zel would follow. Ailuin's family was there waiting for them. Liam was fortunate for a healer to finally mend his body completely with magic so he could wear the device to help him walk. He was happy to feel strong again. He held Vaeri to him as he noticed Elayne walk with Ailuin and Zelious trailing behind them.

Liam felt sorry for Zelious, knowing he probably felt like an outcast like his own brother. Liam walked up to Zel with a welcoming smile. "I never got to thank the man who saved my sister, her children, and my wife with our child who shall come any day now. I also hear you helped power my device with your magic... I owe you a great deal..." He smiled and shook Zel's hand.

Zelious and Ailuin both looked away out of embarrassment, though Ailuin was the only one to actually flush at her praise. He cleared his throat and patted his wife's arm. "Let us get this over with." He allowed her to lead them out of the cottage, Zelious trailing behind them while resisting the urge to glower at Ailuin. He wanted to be the one with her on his arm, but he knew that they still had to keep appearances. It was just hard for him.

As they came out of the cottage, the family were gathered around. Ilayana glanced over at Zelious, feeling conflicted by his presence. She didn't necessarily hate him, but she was still unhappy that he was part to blame for the complications with her son's marriage with Elayne. Still, she would be civil. Vaeri trailed after her husband, happy to see Zelious. She was much more open to embracing him as a brother, even if they had different mothers.

She gave a short wave as Zelious focused on them. "Liam, right? It was really no problem. It was just the right thing to do. I couldn't do what Gregory wanted me to do. It wasn't right. I've done a lot of bad things, but I have never harmed a woman and her children. And I don't plan to. As for the device, I'm glad my magic was able to help. It seems to be working perfectly. Your brother really is a genius."

"Both our fathers...were monsters. You are lucky you never had to kill women and children. My father...he made orders once...i fell through with them...took me and my brother Leon ages to remind us we were forced to do it. I'm glad someone was able to say no to his madness." Liam admitted with a sigh. "Quinton is a genius...he makes this family proud." He smiled as he rubbed Vaeri's back. "Come find us if you need some sanity." Liam said quietly before walking away. As the carriages came to pick them up Elayne got in with Ailuin, Vaeri, and Liam. Elayne gestured for Zel to follow them as the others would ride another carriage.

"My father used to make me kill humans. Women and children. But after my wife and kids, I couldn't do it anymore. I didn't want to participate in the war that my grandfather started. Gregory and my father were indeed both monsters. My father wasn't always like that but after the death of my mother, he changed." He then smiled slightly at the offer. "Thank you. I appreciate it." Vaeri lingered, turning to look at Zelious.

"I wanted to thank you as well. I never really got a chance. So thanks for saving us and helping finish this machine. It means a lot to Liam to be able to walk again." Zelious nodded as Vaeri turned and scurried off after her husband, one hand on her belly.

He then turned to look at Ailuin and Elayne, keeping his expression neutral. When the carriages arrived and Elayne gestured for him to follow, he did. However, once he got in the carriage he wasn't quite sure where he was supposed to sit.

Elayne scooted over for Zel to sit in the middle and pulled Zel to sit down. "You're doing fine." She rubbed his arm gently before the carriage started moving. She the turned to Ailuin, knowing he was hurting inside and hugged his arm and laiad her head on his shoulder. She knrw he was upset because the woman he liked left before he could admit his feelings. "You look handsome by the way." She played with Ailuin's blond hair lovingly. She tried to at leadt give him light affection for him to know she still cared as his wife.

Zel sat down in between Elayne and Ailuin, forcing his body to relax. He didn't enjoy feeling awkward, but it was a bit awkward being around his half-sister and half-brother. At least Vaeri was easier to get along with because she didn't feel all that awkward like Ailuin did. Ailuin seemed out of it, gazing out the window and trying not to think about the fact that Ros had left.

He glanced over at Elayne as she touched him, relaxing in her grasp. "Thank you, Elayne. You look quite beautiful as well." Vaeri eyed the trio, sensing the awkwardness in the air. She glanced at Liam and nudged him, wondering if he could lighten the mood.

Liam then turned to look at Vaeri and nodded as he looked to Zel to distract him. "Ever go to a human wedding? We tend to party hard afterwards. Pretty sure Leon's going to make the after party burst with energy. I know he planned the reception. No one makes a celebration like my brother." Liam chuckled and thought of something unusual. "You know of our traditions? There is the dancing Avinora grapes ceremony. We are famous for our wine in the country to honor the vineyards hard at work the king and queen dance while smashing grapes. Its rather ridiculous but entertaining." Liam chuckled as Elayne leaned over to Ailuin and whispered in his ear while Liam was keeping Zelious entertained. "Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" She gently pulled Ailuin into a small kiss as they entered the city and were being watched.

Vaeri was glad that Liam decided to humor her and distract Zelious. She couldn't help but tense at the mention of Leon and it was something that Zelious didn't miss. That was intriguing but perhaps none of his business. Instead, he focused on Liam. "I know of some of the traditions. I did have a human wife. She was a commoner, though and didn't know everything."

Ailuin, meanwhile, was staring out the window again. He turned his head as Elayne whispered in his ear. "I will be fine. Stay with Zelious," He said softly, not wanting to take her away from her lover. He didn't mind the kiss, knowing that it was for show.

Elayne sighed as she nuzzled into Ailuin's neck and whispered. "That kiss was out of love..." She whispered to him and played with his hair knowing he would think she was only pretending. Elayne couldn't deny she loved Zel more but she couldn't deny her bond with Ailuin. Liam continued to entertain Zel with stories as they were let into the city where people were cheering and waving.

Ailuin didn't exactly know what to say to that so he didn't try, instead nodding his head and averting his gaze back to the window. A part of him was worried about Ros. She had left on her own, even though he knew she could take care of herself, he still couldn't shake that worry. He had grown rather fond of her in their short time and he wanted to say that maybe he had even fallen in love with her.

She had made all of his problems go away with just a kiss and made him feel wanted. He knew it was his own fault that his marriage had failed and he was still trying to come to term with that but Ros had made it so much easier on him. He wished that she had stayed.

Elayne's head perked as she saw the royal temple come to view into the distance. Elayne waved to the common people who were excited to see the King and new Queen marry. As the carriages stopped Elayne arose from her seat and took the footman's hand to steady herself out of the carriage. People roared and chanted her name as she gleamed at their attention. Elayne waited for Ailuin and took his arm as she eaved to the people with a smile. She walk with him into the temple. Liam gently helped Vaeri out and steadied her before escorting her in. Elayne walk in and smiled at the familiar faces whom were waiting for the crowning of the king to start.

Elayne found the Lionhearts and mingled with them shortly before finding tje front of where the ceremony took place. Delia and Celia were dressed in the same house colors as they both went to hug Elayne and giggle. Elayne then turned to Leon and hugged him tight. Then everyone was instructed to sit down. Elayne sat in front with Ailuin besise her. Zelious was sat between Ailuin and Liam whom was accompanied by Vaeri by his side. Delia and Celia were sitting by Leon whom looked uncomfortable by Vaeri's presence

Ailuin followed her out of the carriage and offered his arm to her once they were outside of the carriage. He smiled at the people, even though he didn't want to. He couldn't let anyone besides Elayne know that he was troubled right now. Zelious waited until Liam and Vaeri got out of the carriage, trailing behind them. Zelious had never been to a human ceremony such as this and was looking forward to seeing how it happened. It got his mind over the awkwardness of the situation.

Vaeri spotted Leon but tried to ignore him, even though she was dying to talk to him. She felt guilty for slapping him like she did and she had tried to seek him out and apologize, but he seemed to be avoiding her. She leaned her head against Liam's shoulder and sighed quietly to herself.

Liam could sense his wife was tense because of Leon so he held her and kissed her temple. Delphineas was sitting with Aurelius and his children. She had told Bjorn to sit with his family and their children. Delphineas also told Idris to sit with his family and reunite with them with Oberon by his side. Their children sat behind them as Oberon sat nervously with an arm around Idris and his brow furrowing at Zelious for he wasnt expecting him to be here.

Royal music begun to play as Callum walked down with a regal armor with a dragon engraved on the chest. As he waled down he smiled to his guests proudly. He was nervous yet excited for his crown and his wife. Callum approached the temple which also had a throne. This was the original Avinorian Throne before the kingdom was built created by priests whom blessed it with longevity and good fortune. Callum stood before it as a high priest approched him with a royal cloak. "With this cloak, I shall sheild my people from my enemies." The priest said as Callum proudly repeated it. The priest the pulled out a sword with an intricate gold sheath glimmering with gems. "With this sword I shall only use with honor." Callum repeated as he turned towards the onlookers. Then the priest chanted a blessing as he grabbed the royal crown from the pillow from the Crown bearer, Quinton with an eye patch. "With this crown, I will govern the people of Avinora with Just." Callum repeated before sitting back in his seat in his throne. "Long may he reign!" The priest said as the guests also cheered in repeat.

Vaeri was grateful for her husband picking up on her discomfort and trying his best to comfort her. She nuzzled her cheek against his shoulder and focused on the ceremony. Idris was glad to see all of his family but was also surprised to see Zelious there as well. He wasn't sure if Zelious had noticed him yet, though. That was fine because he planned on talking to him once everything was done. He leaned against Oberon, also sensing that he was uncomfortable. He kissed his lover's cheek and focused on the ceremony.

Ailuin watched the ceremony, but he had trouble concentrating, causing him to feel guilty. Meanwhile, Zelious was watching with curiosity. He had never seen a human coronation before and it was rather interesting to him with the words spoken and such.

As the ceremony came to an end, Elayne's face was covered in tears of pride for her brother. He looked so fitting as king and this was a beautiful moment. Callum got up from his throne and walked over ti his family. Elayne hugged him tight and begun to weep. "Are you okay Elayne?" Callum laughed as she refused to let him go. "You were so regal and handsome up there...." She whimpered as Callum laughed louder and rubbed her back. She then let go and wiped her face carefully with a handkerchief. Callum then smiled at Ailuin. "Not too boring for your elven folk i hope." He teased as he hugged his brother in law.

Ailuin looked at Callum, offering a smile that wasn't completely fake. "Not boring at all. It was rather nice." He then glanced over at Zelious and noticed how it seemed the older elf wanted to say something. He gave a nod to show it was okay. Zelious cleared his throat. "Well, I thought it was fascinating. Completely different than how elves do it, that's for sure." Vaeri wasn't paying attention, too busy looking over at Leon. Meanwhile, Anja Shadesong was also looking at Leon from where she was with her family.

"Well I'm glad it wasn't dull. Excuse me, i should return to where i stand for when Lyra enters." Callum clapped his hand on Zel's shoulder with a smile before returning to standing up by his throne and waiting for Lyra to walk down the aisle. Elayne had a thought and turned to Ailuin. "Dear, you are the King of Lyra's home...she has no one to give her away. I bet it would mean the world to her if the King she admired gives her to away to the King she loves." Elayne smiled at him a carressed his cheek.

Ailuin glanced over at Elayne, looking mildly surprised at her suggestion. Still, she had a point. Lyra had no one as far as he knew and she had admired him greatly. He thought for a moment before nodding and got up to head over to the door to wait for Lyra to arrive. He wasn't kept waiting long as the doors opened and Lyra appeared. She looked surprised to see Ailuin there. "My king?" She asked, wondering what he was doing there.

"I thought, that if you would have me, I would take the place of your father and give you away to your husband." Lyra was touched by his thoughtfulness and smiled, walking over to take his arm. "I would love that," She said softly before the two began to walk down the aisle towards Callum.

Everyone rises for the bride as she walk down the aisle with Ailuin. Callum had to really hold in his emotions in as he looked upon his beautiful bride. He wanted to cry but he knew he couldn't. He then thanked Ailuin and took Lyra's hand as he led hervto the throne to stand in front of the queens throne beside the kings. The priest walk to them and bound their hands together with ceremony silk and recited the words for them to repeat. After the silk was removed as Holly walked up with the Crown and Quinton with the rings. Callum put the ring on her finger and recited the traditional vows. Once the rings were on the priest then put the small dragon crown on top of Lyra's head Callum then grabbed her hand and sat down in his throne hand in hand. "It is my pleasure to introduce Lyra Drakestone, Queen of Avinora and the human realm." The priest announces.