<Back at the Banquet...>

King Arthur: "Prince Elio."

Scanning everyone's faces, Moon knew that this was a really sensitive topic. Her gaze fixed on Aiden as she watched his eyes slowly blackened.

King Arthur: "Well, the past can never be dwelled on forever. We had to move on."

Duke: "I agree with King Arthur. They will always been remembered in Dawnville. The late prince was such a striking resemblance to the late queen but took after your energetic spirit, your Majesty."

King Arthur: "*Chuckles* He surely did..."

Hawk: "Thank you for sharing this personal information with us. The Clarines family will always be here to lead a hand whenever you need it."

Arthur: "King Hawk, you are such a kind soul."

As the talks went on, Moon couldn't help but wander off in her thoughts.

Moon: So Aiden's brother name was Prince Elio...from all I could remember, he sailed on a boat and went missing...how old was he then? He couldn't possibly be the only one on the boat...

Clare: "You alright, Aiden? You can talk to me if you want to."

Clare comforted Aiden by taking him by his hand. Aiden looked up at Clare and smiled.

Aiden: "Thank you, Clare. But, like what my father said, the past is the past..."

Moon: There he goes again, covering his feelings with a smile. Clare seems to be a person Aiden can open up to. But why do I still feel so guilty...?

Moon gripped her dress tightly. She then mustered up the courage to speak up at last.

Moon: "Aiden."

The prince turned his head towards Moon.

Moon: "I'm sorry..."

Aiden: "What?"

Moon: "I never meant to add on to your sufferings. I ignored your feelings that could have cause us our friendship. But now I realised, I was being selfish and I didn't even consider your feelings to begin with. So, I'm terribly sorry..."

Moon slightly bowed her head. Aiden was taken aback by her sudden apology.

Aiden: "Moon, wait, you didn't have to..."

Clare: "Moon, why are you apologising to Aiden. Did something happened between you two?"

The both of them immediately turned their heads to Clare.

Aiden: "No! It's not what you think it is-"

Moon: "—After hearing King Arthur's story, I just wanted to express my condolences to Aiden. I never knew about his situation nor did I gave him my sympathy."

Moon lied to save herself and Aiden from the curious Clare. Once again, she hid a truth with a lie.

Clare: "Is that so?"

Clare stared at Moon then to Aiden then back at Moon. She smiled kindly.

Clare: "I thought something happened between you two that I missed out on. I apologise for misunderstanding..."

Clare's eyes never left Moon. Despite her kind smile, Moon noticed a glare in those eyes that was hidden beneath her expression.

Moon: Huh...

Aiden: "It's fine, mistakes happen. Right, Moon?"

Moon: "...Oh...right."

Aiden let out a small smile of gratitude to Moon, which made her heart flutter a little.

Hawk: "Moon and Prince Aiden."

Moon: "Yes, Father?"

Aiden: "Your Majesty?"

Hawk: "Due to the current atmosphere, we adults are unsure if it's the right time to share with both of you about a topic that has long passed. However, we agree that it's best to get it off our chests."

Moon: "I'm not sure if I understand..."

Rose: "It's alright, dear. Your father will explain."

Moon nodded but had a bad feeling of what's to come.

Hawk: "You maybe wondering why King Arthur have been visiting Clarines quite so often with Prince Aiden. Well...that's because...we did planned to merge a bond between both Moon and Aiden."

Aiden: "Merge a bond?"

Moon: "Hold on, father. Don't tell me you were planning to arrange a-!"

Moon paused and couldn't bear to finish her sentence.

Hawk: "No, it's not like that, Moon! I have never been fond of those unions, coming from experiences many years back. We just wanted a forge a friendship between you two."

Arthur: "We apologise for not telling both of you sooner."

Rose: "I don't like the idea of those unions too."

Rose shot a glance at Hawk which made him flinched.

Moon: "Father-"

All of a sudden, the sound of the wooden chair creaked loudly. All heads turned to Clare who stood up with her two hands on the table.

Duchess: "Clare, what's gotten into you? Please sit back down at once."

Clare: "I apologise, your majesties. Mother, Father, I'm not feeling too well. Please excuse me for a while."

Clare explained, with her gaze glued to the floor. She turned away and walked out of the banquet in a hurry.

Duke: "Clare!! *Sighs* What's with her attitude..."

Duchess: "We sincerely apologise for our daughter's sudden behaviour, your majesties."

Rose: "It's alright but is she feeling sick?"'

King Arthur: "Aiden, would you please go check on Clare?"

Aiden: "Yes, father."

Aiden immediately got up and rushed towards the exit. Moon watched as he left hurriedly to find Clare.

Moon: Something's not right...why would Clare just stormed out like that?

Moon had this uneasy feeling stirring up inside of her.

Moon: "Father, if you allow, can I go check on Clare too?"

Hawk: "That's kind of you, Moon. You may go. But please return as soon as everything is fine."

Moon: "Yes."

Duchess: "Thank you so much, Princess Moon. My daughter is lucky to have such a caring friend like you!"

Moon: Friend...

Moon smiled in response. She rose from her seat and walked out of the banquet.

<In the hallway...>

Moon: "Where could they be?"

Aiden left not too long after Clare so Moon guessed he would have found her by now. She strolled down the empty hallway, still searching for them.

Moon: "Urg...these shoes are going to be the death of me..."

After walking for quite some time, Moon felt stinging pains in her feet. She carefully removed her heels and noticed she had bruises.

Moon: "Not again...good thing I have that herb cream in my room. One use and they will be healed in a flash."

All of a sudden, mumbles could be heard in a room right beside Moon. The door was slightly left ajar.

Moon: There's definitely people inside...

Moon cautiously widened the gap of the door so she could get a better view.

Moon: *Gasps* It's them.

Aiden: "-that's what's concerning you?"

Clare: "Of course! How can it not?!"

The drama lingered in that isolated room. Two individuals as tensed as ever, with Moon listening in unnoticed.

Clare rub her watery eyes with her palms as her back faced the ever so confused Aiden. She faced him with sorrowful eyes.

Clare: "You think I'm that clueless?! I see the way you looked at Moon! But you've only know her for...nearly two months!"

Aiden grabbed Clare by her shoulders.

Aiden: "Clare, calm down. What's going on with you?"

Clare brushed off his hands.

Clare: "I know you like her, Aiden."

Aiden's eyes showed how stunned he was.

Clare: "However, part of me already know the reason. Moon is beautiful, strong and intelligent... a perfect role model. Despite the gossips of her being a shut-in, many people still admire her. I admit looking up to her as well. However, I'm just a shadow under her brilliance."

As Moon listened in, she never knew how Clare really felt about her. She felt sorry for making her think that way.

The irony was Moon was jealous of Clare's strong friendship with Aiden. Something she longed for as a child.

Aiden: "Clare, don't ever compare yourself to others. You're admirable just the way you are..."

Clare let out a short laugh.

Clare: "You're too good, Aiden. Your kindness and compassion never fail to bring a smile to my face. A radiant prince of our Kingdom."

Aiden: "You're praising me too much. You're  just as praiseworthy. You're funny, adorable and a great friend to me."

Clare lowered her head and muttered under her breath.

Clare: "A great friend?"

Aiden raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Clare: "Am I not more than just a friend?"

Aiden: "What are you talking about? You're my best friend. Our years together were memorable-"

Clare: "That's not what I meant!! Don't you get it?! I love you, Aiden!!"

Moon gasped at Clare's confession. She had no idea this was going to happen.

Aiden: "Clare...you don't mean that..."

Clare: "I do?! Alright??"

Clare bit her lips in frustration.

Clare: "It's frustrating. I tried my hardest to ignore my feelings whenever I'm around you. Do you know how much it hurt me when I see you with another woman? 'A perfect couple' everyone said. How can I not compare...?"

Streams of tears flooded Clare's cheeks unknowingly. She shut her eyes but let them fall. Aiden returned with a pitiful look.

He wrapped his arms around Clare in his soft embrace.

Moon could do nothing but watch.

Aiden: "I'm sorry...for not considering your feelings at all..."

Their hug was full of solace. They supported each other throughout their years together. A bond Moon could not break.

Aiden and Clare pulled away from their hug. On the spur of the moment, Clare slipped her hand on Aiden's cheek and leaned in.

Pausing for a second, her lips connected with his.

Moon: What...?

Aiden was so shocked that he couldn't even move. Moon stared in utter silence. Her mouth that was agape at first, just closed, showing an expressionless face.

Moon: No...I shouldn't care...

She told herself, but it was a shattering sight, like glass exploding into a million pieces.

Aiden: "Clare, stop! This is wrong!"

Aiden withdrew from the kiss, awakening into reality.

Clare: "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it..."

Moon: "*Sighs* My feet hurt..."

Moon stood up only to feel burning pains. This time, her scars had gotten worse. Without hesitation, she pushed the door open. The two inside turned and looked at Moon.

Aiden: "Moon?!"

Clare: "Princess Moon.."

Moon: "I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation but the adults are worried so you two probably should get back."

Keeping her straight face, Moon directed herself towards the door when Aiden reached out his hand and said.

Aiden: "Moon! Wait! ...Your feet..."

Moon turned her head and looked down at her bare feet covered with bruises.

Moon: "Oh, don't worry about it. I'm going back to my room to apply some medicine. Tell my parents I won't be returning so soon, please apologise on my behalf."

Aiden: "Let me come with you."

Moon: "There's no need."

Aiden: "I insist."

Aiden grabbed the heels Moon were holding.

Moon: "Hey! Those are mine!!"

Moon tried to retrieve them but the prince held the shoes high up so that she wouldn't be able to reach them.

Aiden: "I'm coming with you. You are hurt. Clare, I hope you don't mind."

Clare gripped onto her dress and replied with a slight smile.

Clare: "You can go ahead."

Aiden nodded. Moon left the room first in annoyance with Aiden chasing after her. With both of them gone, Clare remained with a defeated heart.

<At Moon's Bedroom...>

It was a quiet walk to her bedroom. Although Aiden did made a few attempts at conversing, Moon only replied with straightforward answers.

She opened the door to her room and stood in between the entrance and Aiden.

Moon: "Why did you insist on following me? You could have gone back with Clare."

Aiden: "I'm worried about you."

Moon scoffed.

Moon: "I'm a grown woman, I can take care of myself."

Just then, Aiden forcefully placed his hand on the door. He was so close that Moon had to look at him in the eye.

Aiden: "Are you upset with me?"

Moon choked on her words. She didn't know the proper answer to that sudden question.

Moon: "N-No, I'm not!"

Aiden: "You're lying."

Aiden's face inched closer to Moon's. She could hear the sound of his calm breath, blushed face and sharp emerald eyes. Her face reddened as she panicked.

Moon: "Are you insane?!"

Moon grabbed onto Aiden's suit and tugged him into her room. She locked the door.

Moon: "There's eyes lurking everywhere! Who knows what kind of rumours will spread!"

Aiden, who almost lost his balance, glances back up at Moon.

Aiden: "Come."

Aiden walked passed Moon and stood beside her bed.

Aiden: "Sit down. I will help you with your injury."

Moon wanted to retaliate. However, she knew it will be useless. She reluctantly went up to her bed and sat down.

Aiden: "Where is the medicine  you mentioned earlier?"

Moon crossed her arms.

Moon: "It is on the vanity. The small container in green."

Aiden walked to the dresser and searched for the medicine. He finally picked out the container that matched Moon's description.

He returned and kneeled down, like a prince in a fairytale.

Aiden: "Did you really have to walk all the way here barefooted? You should have accepted my help."

Moon: "I'm fine on my own."

He gently held onto one of Moon's feet and began spreading the cream. She winced.

Aiden: "Does it hurt?"

Moon: "Yeah...but I've experienced worse."

Aiden: "Don't worry, I will be gentle."

Aiden's princely and soft touch sent tingling sensations from her feet to her whole body. Moon unknowingly stared at Aiden's handsome features and observe his every movements.

Moon: "Do you ever do this to Clare?"

Those words just slipped out of Moon's mouth before she knew it.

Aiden: "Clare? Umm...not really. But it does remind me of the times when we were kids. Whenever one of us get injured, we would help by treating each other's wounds. Clare was a tough cookie. The amount of injuries I had from her as a kid is uncountable."

Upon hearing it, Moon couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Moon: "*Laughs* That must have been rough for you."

Aiden chuckled in return and smiled.

Aiden: "You have no idea."

Aiden moved onto Moon's other feet and applied the same amount of cream on her scars.

As he was doing so, Moon recalled the scene of how Aiden opposed to the kiss with Clare. They were alone in her room which made her blushed due to the intimidating setting. She couldn't keep it in any longer.

Moon: "Why did you pushed Clare away?"

Aiden paused and looked up at Moon.

Aiden: "Did you see what happened?"

Moon: "I saw everything."

Aiden had an immediate frightened expression.

Aiden: "Moon...I'm so sorry, I should have stop it sooner but I was too shocked to even react..."

Moon: "Stop. I don't want an apology. Answer to my question."

Moon competed with a determined stare and waited for his answer, with her heart beating loudly in her chest.

Aiden: "I pushed her back because she's not you."

Moon's eyes became twice it's size in response.

Aiden: "Moon, you are so unique from other girls. There's something about you that draws me in. Most girls I've met would stick to me and try their hardest to please me with their beauty and talents...

...However, you weren't like that. You challenged me instead and it made me keen to know more about you. I was even surprised you outdid me in that sword match. It honestly made me feel bad knowing that I'm a man."

Moon laughed at that last comment, which made Aiden smile. He took her by both of her hands.

Aiden: "You're the only one who I'm interested in."

Moon blushed and stumbled on her words.

Moon: "B-but...you have Clare by your side...who cares deeply for you as well."

Aiden: "That's different."

Not only did Aiden managed to make her smile so freely, Moon felt adored.

She softly caressed the back of his hands with her thumb.

Moon: "Why are you so good to me? I really don't deserve it..."

Aiden: "Moon."

Moon: "No...listen..."

Moon gazed into Aiden's eyes, hoping to get a real reaction out of him.

Moon: Just tell him....tell him you are a mermaid...a creature...

Before she knew it, Moon's hands started to tremble. Fear engulfed her mind as she dreaded that current moment. She could not take the lie anymore. It pained her heart every time she thinks about it.

Aiden noticed her shaking hands and did not break from their hold.

Aiden: "What's wrong?"

The concern in his voice was apparent. Moon could not bear to continue with this lie, especially with the person she felt so secured with.

Moon: "Aiden...would you still want to be with me...if you knew, I was hiding a big secret?"

Aiden: "What do you mean?"

Moon: "I...just want to know if you will run away after knowing...my true identity..."

Aiden tightened his grip on her hands.

Aiden: "Whether or not you change your appearance or otherwise, that doesn't change the way I see you. It doesn't matter. I know you will remain to be this amazing person I fell for."

In shock, tears welled up in her eyes as she fight them back from falling. Aiden has such an importance in her life. An angel that made her feel wanted and worthy. Pulling her out of her lonely hole.

It was a first for Moon, to have met someone with attached sincere intentions.

Aiden: "Don't cry."

Aiden cupped her cheek with his warm hand. He leaned in closer and filled the distance. It was an inviting gesture.

Moon clearly wanted this. She had strong admiration for a prince like Aiden. But, there was a force, holding her off from truly embracing Aiden's feelings for her.

Just as their lips were inches away from being one...

CRASH!!!

Shatters of glass shards flew behind Aiden which gave Moon an immense shock. They were louder than what she imagined. A deafening sound to her ears.

Aiden turned around to witness the commotion and immediately hugged Moon as her shield.

THUD!!!

Moon could not believe it. A body laid lifeless on her bedroom's floor surrounded by millions of glass shards right in front of her eyes.

It was strange. Despite the sharp glass, the body remained untouched and free of cuts. She also could have swore the glass reflected a light blue colour.

Aiden: "What in the name of dawn berries?!"

Aiden got up in his feet and took his sword out of his casing. He pointed it at the body.

Aiden: "An intruder broke in! GUARDS!!"

Aiden shouted with his booming voice. Moon observed the body. It was a man with white hair...and a seaweed wrapped shirt!

Moon: "Aiden, stop! Don't call the guards!!"

Aiden: "What are you talking about?? A stranger just broke in!!"

Moon: "Yes but I know him! Just let me take a look!"

Moon rushed over to the body without waiting for Aiden's reply. She avoided all the glass pieces and carefully pushed them away with her hands.

The princess held onto the body and flipped it over.

Moon: "Orion!"

Sweat covered Orion's face as his whole body tensed up.

Aiden: "Orion? How do you even know this man, Moon??"

Moon: "I promise I will explain. But for now, please help me lift him up, he seems to be unconscious."

Moon wondered what in the world happened to Orion for him to come crashing into her room at this time of the day. What's worst he did it with the presence of another.

Moon: "Orion?? Can you hear me?"

She quickly checked his pulse and breathing. He was still alive thankfully but his body seems frail.

Orion: "M....Mo...on?"

Moon gasped at the raspy but recognisable voice.

Moon: "Thank god! Are you okay?? How many fingers am I holding up?!"

Ignoring her question, Orion reaches out his shaking right hand and took out Moon's barrier crystal necklace by the string from its hiding spot.

The crystal simmered like before which shocked her, especially Aiden.

Aiden: "Moon...what's the meaning of this?"

Moon: "Aiden, I'm sorry...Orion, what are you doing?? You're exposing us!"

Orion: "M-My m-mem...ories..."

With those two fading words, the dim blue light suddenly glared intensely and it filled the entire room.

Moon: "Ahh!"

Aiden: "Woah!"

They were all sucked into a memory which lied in its cold and unwinding past...

To be continued...

Author's Note:

Hey readers, it's Chewy. So, I have returned from my long break. The past few months have been really rough on me and it caused me my time to continue writing and publishing more chapters. I had to juggle my school work and my personal things which was no easy task. I promise the next chapter will be more interesting as we will finally get to peak into Orion's past. We will get to know this playful merman's past life and how he ended up the way he is. I will take some time writing it as I do want to perfect it for you guys. I hope you all like this chapter and I apologise for being gone for so long. I will see you all in the next chapter! Love ya ❤️