Chapter 58: Fathers, Brothers and a Wedding

Princess Aria sits beside her best friend Jo amazed by the busy scene. This fairy wedding is really fascinating for them. Seeing a lot of fairies dressed formally in real life is like a dream come true. This is one of the fairy tale scenes from the books that these two girls read over and over again when they were young. They adored the lovely dresses of Cinderella, Aurora and all the other princesses in fairy tales.
"Look at that Anna...I mean Princess Aria. I like that blue one your aunt is wearing. It is classy and not too feminine."
Jo points shamelessly towards Princess Ava's direction. Her aunt is sitting beside King Oberon and Queen Meridian who are both in dark blue ensemble, which complements the pair.
"She looks very elegant like a Queen."
She adds appreciatively.
Princess Aria could see how much Jo is enjoying herself. She smiles at her best friend. She is so much happier that Jo is with her here. An occasion like this is best shared with your closest friend.
The Princess is very thankful that the bride and groom decided to have their wedding here at the valley. If not, Jo would not be able to come for sure in the fairy realm. With that thought in mind, Princess Aria glances at Aldar and Melandra standing up front.
Both rangers are glowing with so much love in their aura. The pair wears unconventional mint green.
Her father, King Merlion stands beside Aldar while het mother, Queen Alina is right beside Melandra. Her fairy parents wear forest green garments.
Her attention is caught by Caspian sitting right beside Aramir. He looks so handsome in his dark green attire.
Caspian suddenly turns his head and stares back at Princess Aria. He smiles at her. This made the Princess' heartbeat quicken. She returns his smile shyly as if guilty that he could hear her excited heart.
Caspian pays attention once more to Queen Aine, who is presides the ceremony. The Queen is wearing a silvery dress accented by white gleaming pearls.
Princess Aria stares at her Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose, both invited by the bride and groom. They sit beside Princess Ava, with similar fascinated look on their faces. Her human parents are also amazed by this event involving so many fairies.
Her aunt keeps smiling as she glances at Popsie Reed once in a while.
"The fairy realms witness the union of Aldar and Melandra. Their love shall nurture our land now and always."
Queen Aine solemnly utters.
The audience claps loudly in pure happiness for the bride and groom.
Young fairies plays flute-like instruments as the newly weds approach the crowd of fairies waiting to congratulate them and wish them well.
The ceremony moves to the open plain where various food and drinks are waiting. The guests partake in the fair-like event. The atmosphere is of a merry kind.
Fairies are chatting everywhere Jo stares. She beams in delight like she is dreaming while awake. Bran keeps her entertained with his funny antics.
The Princess could see her fathers, King Merlion and Popsie Reed sitting together having a conversation. She smiles at this scene.
"Hey Princess! You are radiant with such beauty."
Caspian appears from nowhere with a single green rose for her. He places it on her hair near her ear.
"Thank you Sir ranger. You look handsome yourself."
Princess Aria replies politely.
"I thought I could not have my chance with you. You seem preoccupied with Jo. It's a good thing Bran kept her entertained."
Caspian says teasingly.
"Well, I am here now..."
The Princess exclaims.
"Let's dance..."
Caspian suggests as he take Princess Aria by the hand and slowly lead her to the other young fairies dancing.
Aldar and Melandra are in the center of the dance area. Both seem to be ignoring everyone as they stare at each other lovingly while dancing slow.
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"I am glad that you and Rose came. I hope you are enjoying your time here."
King Merlion says to Reed.
"It was kind of Aldar and Melandra to have invited us to share this important milestone in their lives. The fairy wedding is pretty interesting."
Reed replies enthusiastically.
"My Rose there is enjoying her chat with your Queen."
Reed stares in the direction of his wife talking to Queen Alina. Reed gazes at Rose with adoring eyes.
"You and Rose are very special."
King Merlion states as if wanting to say some other point.
"Um, Reed, have you ever wondered about the tale your mother tells you when you were young? You know...about the Water Prince?"
Reed looks at King Merlion a bit confused.
"You see, we lost a water prince before. This prince we never thought is a brother of mine."
Reed's reaction is indecipherable.
"Whenever my mother tells me about it, it sounds so sad and I feel so sad too."
Reed recalls his conversation with King Merlion about it.
"Have you found this water prince?"
Reed asks, very concerned.
"We did. He is sitting with me now..."
King Merlion confesses carefully.
Reed stares at the King once more to check if he is being serious.
"Yes brother, it is you. You are the lost water prince. Your mother's story is hers and yours. The locket of Arianna brought her to you. You are after all our kin."
King Merlion explains to Reed.
"I am...a water fairy?"
Reed asks in bewilderment.
King Merlion merely nods.
"Maybe that's why I settled here. I feel Bellmont is the best home for me!"
Reed exclaims in realization.
"Rose, honey, I have something to tell you!"
Reed hollers suddenly. And that is it for him. No more questions and no more fuss.
Both Rose and Queen Alina join King Merlion and Reed.
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Princess Aria squeals in delight when Princess Ava tells her about Popsie Reed. She runs to her parents still sitting together. She embraces her Popsie Reed and Marmee Rose first then her King Father and Queen Mother.
"We are truly one family!"
Princess Aria utters proudly.
"You are not just brothers but both my fathers!"
The Princess declares with content in her heart.
King Merlion and Popsie Reed smiles at each other as recognition to the bond they now share.