Finding Stardust

If she hadn't come to the past ... her mother wouldn't have run away with Kaoshin. She would have married Prince Darius and lived happily as queen of Akkadia.

Because of her, Arreya left a life of luxury in Akkadia. From the day she decided to go with Kaoshin, Arreya had been living in suffering as a fugitive.

In fact, after she and Kaoshin were captured and brought back to Akkadia, Arreya had to endure loneliness and raising her son alone because Kaoshin was detained in Akkadia.

For more than 12 years, Arreya had to be separated from the love of her life and was only able to reunite with him after Kaoshin passed away.

Tears rolled down Emma's cheeks. Her face looked so miserable and the tear stains looked more obvious because she had cried so much. Her mother lived a very miserable life, because of her...

"Emma ..." Xion touched Emma's shoulder gently and spoke to her in a very earnest voice. "Before your mother died, she asked us to tell you, that .. for her and your father, you were the best thing that ever happened to them. Your parents loved you very much. If you blame yourself for what happened .. I think they will be sad."

Emma looked down and tried to keep her tears from streaming out, but it was so hard. After a while, she pulled herself together. Emma finally rubbed her eyes and managed to calm down.

Xion was right, she thought. If she blamed herself for what happened ... her parents would be very sad. They sacrificed their lives for her for nothing.

"I will call Atila to take care of you," said Therius gently. "You have to rest so that your wounds can heal soon."

Emma nodded. She took the ring from Therius and studied it again. A relieved smile etched on her face. She was very happy because Haoran's ring was not really missing. All this time, Therius had kept it for her.

Come to think of it, Haoran only wore this ring for a few months, while Therius kept it for over 20 years.

It seemed this ring belonged to Therius more than Haoran.

And ... Emma suddenly remembered that she and Therius had promised to get married as soon as posible so they could visit Arreya in Taeshi.

But now, her parents were gone, and Therius was already king. Did they still have to get married? Emma raised her face and looked at Therius deeply.

Ahh .. didn't Therius already say that he was willing to wait until Emma finished mourning Haoran? He didn't mind waiting a year for them to be husband and wife completely.

When she looked at the handsome face in front of her that looked so much like her own, Emma remembered that her mother had also chosen to marry Darius for their friendship and political stability on the planet Akkadia.

How wonderful it would be if the five colonies could enjoy independence as sovereign kingdoms and the people lived side by side. Peace on the planet Akkadia would be guaranteed.

She stared at Therius for a moment and then asked in an earnest voice. "Do we have to get married soon? Is there any urgency to marry as soon as possible? Are you still willing to wait?"

Therius remembered that Emma had asked him to wait until she finished mourning Haoran, and they agreed to wait for a year.

Emma was willing to marry him as soon as possible to smooth out their plan to trick King Cassius and Queen Ygrit, so that Emma was allowed to return to Taeshi to meet her family. Therius was willing to wait a year after getting married before Emma would become his wife completely and sleep with him.

However, now, they no longer need to have a wedding in a hurry. Therius had become king. He was the supreme ruler in Akkadia. The only reason they would marry right away was if he wanted it. That's why Emma looked at the man and asked earnestly.

Therius smiled and nodded. "I've been waiting for you for 20 years. I don't mind waiting a bit more."

Emma smiled with relief at Therius' soothing answer. She now firmly believed that Therius loved her with all his heart, not just because he wanted to take the throne.

It was evidenced by the fact that now he had become the monarch, but his attitude towards Emma remained unchanged. He also placed importance on Emma's wishes and did not impose his will, even though, as the king, he could do it.

"Thank you," whispered the girl. She kept Haoran's ring and then hugged Therius tightly. She was overwhelmed by what happened in such a short time. She felt sad but relieved at the same time. Even though she had lost her parents, Emma didn't feel alone. 

She had Therius, who loved her very much and was willing to do anything for her.

Xion watched the scene with a tight chest. He felt as if the air around him disappeared, and he could not breathe. He was not only jealous but also angry with Therius. His friend still didn't want to be honest with Emma.

Xion felt sorry for Emma, who would enter into a marriage with Therius without knowing what really happened. He knew and understood that Therius kept things secret from Emma because he didn't want Emma to hate him. However, according to Xion, Therius should have been honest and accepted all the consequences of his actions.

Deep inside, Xion wondered if his frustration with Therius was pure because he didn't want Emma to be lied to ... or because he was jealous to see Therius get the girl.

He didn't know the answer. What was clear, he could not bear to stay there for long.

Xion steeled his heart and turned around. He walked silently away from Emma's room. However, before he could pass through the door, Emma had seen him leave, and the girl immediately broke away from Therius' embrace. 

"Xion, wait!" exclaimed Emma as she ran after Xion. Before the man could react, Emma reached him and hugged Xion's waist from behind. She muttered her gratitude over and over again, "Thank you ... thank you .."

Emma's whisper sounded very melodious in Xion's ears. He closed his eyes and savored Emma's scent, her touch on his skin, and her breath on his back. Slowly his hand raised and touched Emma's hands which were wrapped around his waist. 

He squeezed the girl's hand gently. His chest was pounding hard. He wanted so badly to turn around and hug Emma, ​​kiss her, lift her into the air, and confess his love ...

But with all his strength he held back. He can't confess to Emma now. Xion knew he had lost his chance. For months he had supported Therius in getting Emma and he kept his feelings for himself. 

No ... actually it's not that Xion was hiding his love for Emma, ​​but the truth was ... he just realized he had fallen in love with this girl, only recently.

He wasn't sure before. Thus, he was late in entering the competition. The winner had been decided and he must not force himself to compete at the last minute.

"Emma .. you're still hurt, you better rest," said Xion hoarsely. He finally turned around and grabbed Emma's shoulders gently. His eyes were staring at her lovingly. "I have to go. Therius will take good care of you. Sorry, I can't stay long. The capital doesn't suit me."

He looked up and turned to Therius. His best friend understood that Xion wanted to leave and asked him to look after Emma. The young king swiftly walked over to them and embraced Emma from behind.

"Honey .. you have to rest. Let Xion go," he said in a soft voice.

Emma frowned as she saw Xion look very reluctant to leave, but the man forced a smile.

"Why do you have to go now?" asked Emma in a choked voice.

Xion shrugged. "I told you, right? I'm a mountain guy. I don't belong in the city, especially the capital. I've been away from home for too long. It's time for me to go back now."

At that time Xion was at war with himself. He had to hold back so hard so that his tears did not spill. This was the saddest day of his life.

He had to leave Emma and let go of his love for her. 

Emma was stunned by the sight of Xion's eyes gleaming with tears. Her heart skipped a beat.

She just realized Xion's feelings for her.

Xion ... fell in love with her.