Avara’s description of Oria's possible husband had put Vi in a daze.

With her mind thrown to complete confusion, and the slight regret for ever asking that question, she and two of her handmaidens descended the long spiral stairwell, on their way to meet this Lord Klaur of Southern Arimel.

Halfway to the grand lounge hall, a young man passed by, going the opposite direction. He paused upon noticing them and stood before Vi, a gentle smile on his face. He was as tall as Avara, with hair as white as hers packed up in a messy tail and tattoos gleaming a bright blue and gold on his bare arms.

The young skyman bowed lightly, "Good morning, sister. You look wonderful as always today…" he paused and regarded her again. "No. You look radiant today." His face brightened with that easy smile he seemed to always carry.

So he was her brother. Or Oria's, rather. Vi smiled and returned his greeting with a nod, "It is good to see you… brother," she searched Oria's mind for his name. Was she deliberately hiding it from her?

Then she noticed that he was dressed rather oddly. A plain vest with dirt stains on them, a sheen of sweat glistened his forehead and he looked messy too, for a royal. Her eyes widened, "Were you out with the labourers? Again?" It was shocking enough that someone of high social standing would be engaging himself in any sort of work, much less hard labour. It seemed Oria was used to this, but this was news to Vi.

Her brother raised an eyebrow at her, "It seems I am still able to shock you with this matter, sister." I will always be shocked by this absurdity, Vi thought. He nodded his head, "Yes I was out with the men. They had loads of work today, so I thought I should help them. I shall not take up your time, sister. Your suitor awaits." He bowed again and turned to leave.

Vi expanded her mind, forcefully taking the information from Oria. "Soru," She called. Her brother faced her again. "Are you coming down to join us?" It would be nice to have some company while she made her decision. Soru looked like a nice person.

He seemed to contemplate his answer. "I don't think I'll be needed there." But he gave her an assuring smile, "But if you want me to be there, sister, then I'll come down once I'm freshened up." And he bowed a third time, then left them alone.

She sighed. It was bad enough that Oria was undecided on this matter. Now, the subconscious push inside her seemed to be asking for her help. But what did she even know about the man? I'd say you're enjoying the fact that you won't be the one making this decision eh, Oria?

Not much could be done, so she might as well see for herself.

***

Vi was welcomed rather warmly by the suitor's family. They seemed as awestruck by her appearance as Arivan Klaur was. She was made to sit beside him while the parents discussed among themselves. More about alliances and future partnerships between the families. It almost made Vi wonder if that was the reason for the marriage in the first place.

But Arivan's face said otherwise. He would glance over at her from time to time, seeming to be at a loss for words. That was okay. Vi had nothing to say, either. But she took this liberty to get a good look at her supposed future husband.

His white hair was streaked with a pale blue, giving a unique beauty to his slender and pale face. His eyes gleamed a vibrant blue, his smile shy and honest, but also a little mischievous, as if he'd just thought of something daring and unruly. And his lips, they looked soft and beautiful, as if they were carefully crafted by the Great himself and if she could just–

Vi patted her cheek immediately. These thoughts were not hers. Her hands had actually begun to reach towards his lips, and she retracted it before he could notice. So you do like him, after all, she thought. Then why are you undecided? Of course, Oria couldn't hear her, since every reaction not from Vi was a subconscious act of the body itself. But she might try to be of help.

It sounded crazy that she wanted to help, if she had to admit. This family looked very peaceful for her to not try and do something for them. Somehow, she found comfort in the tranquil air of the palace.

But the Watcher was still here. She had to get him off her back in any way possib

Prime Ruler of Arimel, Skylord Reival–Oria's father–turned to Vi and Klaur, taking position to speak on the behalf of the other parents. His long hair dropped down his back like a gentle waterfall, his smiling eyes regarding them with kindness. He seemed like an easy man. Vi was sure most Skylords were not easy men. At this point, everything about this royal family was just too, surreal.

Kindness has no place in this world. The words brushed her mind at that moment. An old netherwoman had told her once when she'd been in the body of a street urchin. How long ago was that?

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"Now," the Skylord began, "Oria, this wonderful young man has finally mustered up the courage to ask for your hand in marriage. I can't really say I was as brave as he back in my days. Luckily, your mother was patient. And stubborn too, if I must add," he said, which got a few laughs from the others. Oria's mother softly placed her hand on her husband's.

"So the rest is up to you now, dear." He continued, "What is your choice? Do you accept him, or not?”

It was her cue now. She looked between the expectant faces of both families and the suitor himself. Then she said the first thing that came to mind.

"Can I talk to Lord Klaur first? Alone," She said carefully, looking at each of their parents. They were a little surprised by this, but the Skylord was understanding. He nodded in approval, which also brought about the nods of the others. A big convenience, with him having the final say.

Arivan stood up first, extending his hand to her in a gentleman's manner, an eyebrow raised curiously at her. Vi took the hand and together, they walked out to the balcony facing the parlour. The lord waved the guards present away and soon, they were left alone, with the view of Arimel's capital spread out beneath them in a breathtaking magnificence.

Vi looked over the balcony at the capital, the wind blowing at her dress, cooling her face. She closed her eyes and breathed out, but was forced to open them again as ugly memories tainted her mind. The blood, the look on his face. The voices, the pleas. Help her!!! She shook them off, but they were still there, lingering at the back of her mind. She tried to enjoy the view before her, instead. The Sky was beautiful. To think she truly might not be from this world...

"I didn't say this while we were inside but…" Arivan came beside her. She looked at him, his handsome delicate features. "You look exceptionally gorgeous today, Lady Oria." He flashed another smile at her.

Oria's heart caught, and Vi had to stop herself from shaking her head. You lovestruck twit. This only made her more sure of what to do. She returned his smile and nodded her thanks.

"You said you wanted to talk to me?" He turned his gaze to the city, his hair dancing gracefully with the wind.

"Yes, about this marriage." Vi followed his gaze to the birds soaring high in the clouds. The sun was up, but there was hardly any heat. A normal weather in this Realm, like their lack of rainfall. "Well, I feel I am ready to get married but," she turned to face him, to get her message across, "I can't help but be… wary. Uncertain. Maybe I am just doubtful."

"May I ask why? Do you not trust me, my lady?" He turned to her, leaning on the railings. "Have you forgotten the promise I made you?"

She raised a well clipped brow. "A promise?"

"When we were little," Vi was quite surprised to know they were childhood friends. Oria's reactions to him seemed to prove otherwise. "I said I would protect you, when I swore to marry you. It was quite childish, yes," Arivan chuckled softly, "but I was very serious, you know?"

"Well, you don't seem the type to lie," what with that aura of honesty emanating from him.

"Besides," he came closer, his voice a gentle touch to her ears. He stood before her now, close enough that their faces were only inches apart. She only just noticed how tall he was, and how loud Oria's heart pounded in her chest. He used his delicate fingers to lift her chin up, blue eyes gazing alluringly at hers. "What is there to doubt in me?" He whispered.

Vi flicked her eyes to the side, dying to keep some distance between them. "So long as you promise to take care of her–er, I mean me–forever, then I have no doubts again," she said quickly.

Despite the look in his eyes, he was close enough to break her defences. She could have a knife in her throat now, or he could push her off the railings. Anything to get her out of Oria's body, assuming he could see Vi herself. But he just let go and stepped back, his smile back on his face. "That is wonderful to hear, Oria. Why, you have made me the happiest atedan in the Sky."

Her nerves eased. What is this feeling? That anyone could be after her life? "I am also happy," she said without much thought. He raised a brow. She panicked. Was that not something Oria would say? "Ahem, shall we go back?”

Arivan gave her his hand again, and she hesitantly took it. Greatness above, this skyman gave her the shivers. But Oria's heart leapt with joy. Her chest felt lighter, and she sighed in relief. She had made the right decision, then. It seemed all Oria wanted was to be sure he was being honest.

“You're an odd one,” she confessed.

“Oh?”

“But I'm no different. I have some questions I'd like to ask, about some… bizarre things.”

They made their way back to their waiting families. “There's a ball coming up at House Mitran and we've been invited. No doubt your mother would like to take you there, no? We can talk all we want then.”

She'd been planning to run away for most part of the week, to try and find answers anywhere she could get them. She'd forgotten the part about the exhausting preparations when it came to weddings. She'd gotten married once, or rather she'd witnessed a marriage in the body of the bride. In a human’s body. It had been quick and simple, with not much done in preparation. A friend of the bride's had told her she was lucky they weren't nobles, or they'd spend a whole week or two just preparing for their grand wedding.

Unfortunately, Vi was now caught up in that noble whirlwind of extended grandeur.

With the news of her decision spread, joy and merriment spread throughout the palace with it. While their families congratulated each other, she leaned in and whispered to her husband-to-be.

“Even if it's about death and entrapment?”

“And why would a lady sheltered in peace and a life of tranquil be concerned with matters such as that?” He whispered back, clearly intrigued.

She shrugged. “Let's just say I'm curious.” And I have firsthand experience with it.