When the Stars Align

Chapter 3.2

(AUTHOR's NOTE: I'll be narrating flashbacks using a third person's pov)

"You're spacing out again, my Prince."

The beautiful maiden laughed, like music to the prince's ears. A sleepy smile plastered on the Prince's face, as he watched the goddess in front of him. Picking flowers at the Heaven's Garden, he loved peaceful moments like these, away from his responsibilities and away from his thoughts. He had always find the goddess' company soothing. It made him forget he was a prince, like he was an ordinary man, a human just enjoying the quiet moments of his beloved.

He stared at her again, taking in her features. Everyone in the heavens were heavenly beings, but the goddess surpassed that definition. Every part of her glowed, and everyone was drawn to her. Her gorgeous long maple brown tresses cascading down to her shoulders until her waist. She loved to sing, and her voice always melted his heart, her warm smile, and laugh that filled everyone's heart with joy.

"Did the King give you another lecture?" She asks her focus on the flowers she's weaving into a crown.

The King had given him another earful, for not acting swiftly on the Kingdom's dire situations. The world was starting to dive into darkness, and meeting up with the other Twelve Gods, gave him a headache.

He might be the crowned prince, but he knows everyone in the heavens, admired his older brother. But for some reason, his brother never wanted the crown, so it befall on him. The burden of the heavens.

"Yes. It can't be helped, I'm the crowned prince and I can not even so much help the Kingdom when I am needed." He clenches his fists as he punches the ground, his brows furrow as he hangs his head low.

The goddess, gracefully stands and sits beside the Prince, he looks up at her smiling as she beckons him to lower his head, which he obliged. She carefully puts the crown made of flowers upon his head and kissed him on the temple. 

"You worry too much. All will be well, my love, my Aris."

Aris woke up, gasping for air. Gods never sleep, but because they were here on earth, it takes a lot of their celestial power. Aris hated dreams, especially if those dreams were memories. He couldn't help but let out a cry of grief. He still regretted that day, wished he would've stayed by her side, then she would have still be alive today.

A knock on the door broke Aris thoughts, "What?!" He said too rudely.

The door opened, and his brother leaned on the door frame, "Having nightmares are we, little brother?" He hated that smug look on his face. Aris stood, not answering him. He motioned for the door but his brother blocked the way. "Still mourning for that Goddess? It'll only make you weak."

"Shut up." Aris says, between clenched teeth. He hated his brother for reminding him of her death. He hated himself more for being the cause of it. He walked past his brother, roughly brushing him by the shoulders as he hear him chuckle.

"Suit yourself, little brother. But be careful, you wouldn't want for that same thing to happen again." His brother reminded him, which made him even more furious.

***

Ichthus carried me into the God's Mansion, I was shocked to find out the arrival of the other eleven Gods, I looked up to see Ichthus, his jaw clenched like was bracing himself for a lecture. I reluctantly signalled Ichthus to put me down, but he only held me tighter. The room was quiet, all the eleven gods stared at  us, the two figures entering the doorstep.