#bmp2 aslan

“We can bring our movies and stuff in case there’s not good TV right?”

“Of course Celina. We would have to leave some things behind but some things will come with us. We’ll be here at least a year, possibly two.”

“Then I say yes.”

Alicia spread her arms wide. “Alright, I believe this needs a group hug. Come on.”

Celina bounded straight for her and Isabel went a little bit slower. They remained that way for a few moments till Nousha came back.

“Alright then, I will go tell the Dean.” Alicia stood up and smiled. “Thank you Nousha for your kind help, I hope you don’t mind staying a little longer.”

“It is my pleasure, no trouble at all. Now that the happy event has come to pass that you will be working in our country I would like to work for you, your girls are delightful.” Nousha smiled.

“It will be about two to three months before I come back, I wouldn’t want you to wait until then for me.”

“Do not worry about me, you have my number, please give me a call when you are back in the country.”

“Thank you. Alright girls, I’ll be back.” She smiled and waved as she left, a bounce in her step.

“Nousha, I hope you get to watch us.” Celina hugged her tightly.

“I hope so as well Celina-Joon.” Nousha patted her back gently.

“I like that idea too. What else is there to do here?” Isabel sat back down on the couch and waited.

**

Isabel looked at the two people her mom had just introduced them too. The boy, Lavi, was her age and was cute but seemed serious. Celina had taken off with him to blow bubbles and his confusion had been kind of adorable. It was the grown up, Dr. Aslan Mafdir, that interested Isabel. Not just because he was handsome, but because she wondered why he had wanted to take them sightseeing.

When her mom came back with tea Isabel realized she had been talking the Dr.’s ear off about Pokemon and she was slightly embarrassed. She could tell he was being honest when he said he enjoyed it because he had been paying close attention when she talked. His announcement he had set up special tours made her even more curious about him.

The museum tour was amazing. Aslan knew everything there was to know in the Natural History section and even corrected the information at one of the displays. He looked like a little boy when he showed them the display that was based on some of the research he had done.

“Would you like to see the Egypt Wing next?” Aslan looked at the girls.

“Yes, I love Egyptian Mythology.” Isabel could barely contain her excitement.

“It is right through this arch. Give me a moment.” Aslan pointed then turned to their private tour guide and spoke rapidly.

They were in front of the first exhibit when Aslan came to join them. “I don’t know much about this but someone who does is joining us soon.”

“We know a lot about this. Mom taught us and Isabel read me stories about it.” Celina pointed at a statue. “I know that’s Bast.”

Aslan smiled and nodded. “It seems like you have things to teach me. I will leave myself in your hands.”

“Dr. Mafdir, thank you for asking me to join you. Are these the young girls who like Egypt?” An older gentleman walked up to them and peered at the girls over the thin rims of his glasses.

Aslan introduced everyone and the man who joined them proved to be a top expert in the field. Not only did they get a chance to get in depth knowledge of the displays, they were also given a behind the scenes tour that left Isabel in awe. Another thing that impressed her was the fact that Aslan would say when he didn’t know something, instead of trying to pretend like he did, something that in her experience most grown-ups, except her mom, didn’t really do. She was almost embarrassed about being seen with the group since both her Mom and Aslan acted as enthusiastic as Celina did about the whole thing.

The gift shop provided a new source of amusement. They had picked out souvenirs for a few people while Aslan was conferring with one of the curators. He approached them as they were looking through the last section.

“You didn’t seem to get a whole lot.” Aslan looked at each of them in turn with a frown. “Are you sure you don’t want more? We can take more time.”

“Oh we did some shopping the first day we were here and we don’t want to carry too much while we’re still sightseeing. The girls picked one thing each and a couple of souvenirs.”

“We can have them deliver anything you purchase to your hotel room if you would like to get more.” Lavi piped up beside Celina.

“Thank you Lavi but I also have to consider the fact I need to get all this stuff home. It wouldn’t make sense to get a lot when I’m going to be packing it to come right back. We can always get it later.” Alicia smiled at the young man.

“Yeah I don’t want to pack a lot either, that’s a pain. This I can just take anywhere with me.” Isabel held up a keychain with an Eye of Horus on it.

“That’s a very practical way of looking at it. Even so, there’s no rush.” Aslan smiled broadly.

“I’m done, I found what I want.” Celina came up to them and held up her stuffed animal. “Can we go soon? I’m hungry.”

“If you girls are done then we can go checkout.” Alicia headed to the counter with Aslan right next to her.

Isabel looked at the two as she walked behind them and noticed how close the man was to her mom, even going to far as to steer her with a hand at her back when they went through a narrow aisle. She narrowed her eyes a little as she watched them and decided to pay more attention to him during the rest of the day.

“Will that be all? Is there anything else I can help you with?” The clerk gathered the items as she began to scan them.

“Yes that’s it thank you. Celina, you have to put your stuffie up here so it can be scanned, she’ll give it right back.”

Aslan had been looking at the jewelry on display by the register and lifted a necklace crafted with yellow stones from the stand. “I think this would suit you.” He held it up to Alicia and his eyes shifted from that to her eyes and back. “It seems to match the color of your eyes. I’ll take this too please.” He put it on the counter along with the rest of the merchandise.

“It’s very pretty but I don’t need a new necklace. I’m not sure when I would wear it either.” Alicia flipped over the price tag and read. “I can’t even afford it anyway.”

“You can wear it at work or one of the University parties we will inevitably be invited to. As far as affording it, that’s nonsense, there’s no way I would let you pay for all of this while in my company.” He pulled out his wallet and looked at the clerk. “Please let me know the total.”

Alicia turned to face Aslan. “I couldn’t possibly let you pay for this. The souvenirs are for my friends and family, you don’t have any obligation to do this. As a matter of fact, I owe you for arranging this and being our guide. Miss, I will be paying for our items.” She picked up the necklace and hung it back on the display. “This is indeed lovely and I appreciate the gesture very much. Maybe I will get it when I come back if it’s still here.”

“I insist. It’s only proper that a gentleman take care of his companions in such a manner. Isn’t that right Lavi?”

“Yes, that is what we are taught. I should have thought of that earlier.” Lavi’s shoulders slumped.

“If I follow that logic then you have been taking care of us with this tour, as I said before, so this isn’t needed.” Alicia had a look that Isabel recognized as her ‘I’m not changing my mind and I dare you to try’ face.

The clerk was looking back and forth between the two adults as they argued in front of her.

Isabel was amused by the whole thing. Her mom was definitely stubborn and not used to asking for or accepting things easily. However, the man beside her seemed just as stubborn in getting his own way. Usually people who were faced with the walls that her mom threw up would back down but this man seemed determined to scale or batter them down. Personally she thought the necklace would suit her mom and she should at least say yes to that but knew there was no use in trying to convince her of that.

“You’re a guest of this country and myself, I am bound to ensure you are happy and comfortable by the rules of hospitality. Not only that, my own personal rules also say I should do this. Please let me pay for these things.”

Ooh Aslan made a good point. I wonder what mom will do now?

“Well, it would make me feel uncomfortable if you paid for these things for us. I couldn’t possibly take advantage of your generosity and it would make me unhappy to think I had. I would be thinking about that all day rather than enjoying the tour.” Alicia crossed her arms as she stared up at Aslan.

Game, set, and match. I almost feel sorry for him. Oh no, he turned on puppy dog eyes.

“Unfortunately, I can’t think of a counterargument to that so I will unhappily concede to you. I can see I’m going to have to sharpen my skills before I get into further debates with you.”

“Thank you for listening to my wishes.” Alicia gave him a small smile.

“Of course.” Aslan inclined his head slightly.

“I do truly appreciate this outing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this.”

“It is my pleasure, after all, I want to make sure you don’t change your mind about coming back to teach.”

“I’m sure I won’t.” Alicia paid for the items and took the bag. “Thank you very much miss.”

“Girls, as I told your mother, the café is only a few block away. Would you prefer to walk or ride there?” Aslan turned to them with a smile.

“Either is fine with me.” Isabel shrugged.

“Walking is good.” Celina seized her mom’s hand. “Let’s go.”

At the café Isabel noticed that Aslan pulled out her chair then rushed to help her mom with hers and Lavi pulled out Celina’s chair for her before taking his own seat. This was something she had only read about in books and she wondered if it was something they did in this country or just them.

She felt she was going to die from suppressing her laughter when Aslan thought he had insulted her mom. Her laughter died down when she saw how her mom suddenly looked down at the table. The look on Aslan’s face as he continued to talk to her mom planted the seed of suspicion that he liked her as more than a coworker. When her mom snatched her hand away from Aslan, she wondered what had caused it and if her mom liked him too.

Lunch was better than she expected but she braced herself for another battle of wills when it was time for the check.

“What’s our part of the check?” Alicia took her purse from where it hung on the back of the chair.

“Lunch is part of everything I set up today and you agreed to let me handle it all last night so there will be no need for you to pay.”

Oh man, that was slick. Mom’s face is kind of priceless right now.

“I appreciate your generosity.” Alicia’s mouth twisted a little as if she couldn’t decide between frowning and smiling. Isabel saw that look when either she or Celina did something wrong but in such a way that it was funny. “I truly mean it, thank you very much for today.”

“I am at your service, although the day isn’t done yet.”

Isabel read the sign that said the ruins were closed to the public so was surprised when they were able to enter. Not only were they allowed in, they were able to talk to the archeologists in charge and touch some of the objects that had been found. Her attention, however, kept straying to their host. Every time she looked at him he seemed to be staring at her mom with the same kind of expression her mom had when looking at the ancient objects on display. What really intrigued her was the way her mom would look at Aslan then look away suddenly with an almost smile on her face.

By the time they got to the hotel room Isabel was too tired to talk much and ate her dinner as the conversation flowed around her. How those two still had any energy was beyond her but she was happy to see her mom so lively.

When Aslan had hugged her mom, Isabel could see that her eyes had gone wide as if surprised.

“Alright, let’s get packed up and then go to sleep, we have a long flight tomorrow.”

“It was a really fun day wasn’t it? Aslan and Lavi are really nice.” Isabel looked at her mom’s face carefully as she waited for her reply.

“It was a lot of fun and they are very nice indeed. I liked their company.” Alicia smiled as she tucked things into the suitcase.

“I think you should have said yes to the necklace, he really wanted to do that for you. He even pulled out the puppy eyes. I don’t know how you resisted.” Isabel tilted her head so her mom wouldn’t realize she was watching her.

“Puppy eyes don’t work on me, remember? I’m a mom.” Alicia bit her lip as she closed the suitcase. “I’m sure it was just him trying to be hospitable as he said.”

“Maybe.” Isabel closed her own suitcase and sat down on the bed. “I still think you should have taken the necklace.”

“Yeah, it was really pretty and you need nice things.” Celina looked up from folding her clothes.

“I can’t take gifts from people I’ve just met.”

“Does this mean we have to give back the flower Lavi gave me at the old castle?” Celina’s eyes filled with tears.

“That’s fine, you don’t have to give that back. Gifts are just more complicated between grownups, especially jewelry. Alright, brush your teeth and get ready for bed, I’ll finish the packing.”

**

Isabel snuck glances at the monitor in front of her mom as she spoke with Aslan. She’d never say so, but one of the reasons she had chosen that particular spot to place her own computer, besides ensuring no one was looking over her shoulder, was to keep an eye on things since she worried over her mom.

It was kind of funny watching the two of them interact on Skype because they both seemed oblivious to some things about the other one, her mom in particular. Isabel might not have much experience with a lot of grownups but even she could tell when Aslan was being flirty. Her mom had told her that the people in Shaharazal tended to speak in very flowery and extravagant terms, which was true, she had seen that for herself with the people she had met, but she was pretty sure Aslan was being serious. It was obvious from the way he looked at her mom to the fact that she had not heard him talking like that to anyone else during their outing.

It’s not like her mom wasn’t guilty of it herself, she did flirt with Aslan then would back off and make jokes. All in all, Isabel thought people should be more like the Sims, flirt, joke, go on dates, get married and leave the complicated stuff out of it.

“Hi Isabel, you look like you’re having fun back there, are you enjoying the latest expansion pack?” Aslan’s voice startled her and she looked up.

“Yeah I am, thanks to the present you gave me for my birthday I still have plenty of credit to buy them.”

“It’s been a while, you still have some? I can send another gift card if you need.”

“I’m fine, really, thank you.” Isabel’s eyes shifted as she tried to think of something to say. It had been awesome to get that card but she was vaguely uncomfortable he had spent so much so had tried to only purchase what she really wanted to make it last. “I made a whole new house this morning so now I’m trying to figure out my Sims.”

“You know, I can’t seem to get mine to look as good as yours, maybe you can teach me your secrets when you’re here.”

“I don’t think there’s any big secret, I just like making them but I can show you how I do it.” One thing she liked about him was that he had made an effort to get to know her and Celina and seemed to genuinely like talking to them.

Isabel smiled then ducked her head back to her computer. She was relieved when he took the hint and started talking to Celina instead. He wasn’t pushy about talking to her beyond her comfort levels, another point in his favor. Wonder what mom would say if I suggest she date him. Probably tell me he’s not interested, even though I think he is, then a no since she doesn’t seem to want to date anyone lately. That’s a shame, he’s awesome and they’d be good together.

**

They looked around their hotel room one last time before they checked out.  

“We are off to a whole new life, it’s kind of exciting isn’t it?” Her mom’s eyes sparkled as she made sure everything was clean and they hadn’t forgotten anything.

“I miss our stuff.” Celina picked at frill on her dress.

“Mom said our stuff would be coming in a few weeks and there is furniture in the new place, remember the pictures? And we’ll be able to visit Zen in the quarantine as much as we can till they allow her to come home within a few days after we land, mom said so.”

“Yes we will, I know we all miss her. Alright, looks like we have everything. Before we head out, I have something I need to tell the two of you, sit down please.”

As soon as they sat down their mom faced them and began to speak.

“You two know we have become friends with Aslan right? Well I found out two things last night that might make a slight difference.”

Isabel wondered what it could possibly be. She didn’t think it was bad news because her mom didn’t look upset but at the same time it seemed like whatever it was could be a very big deal.

“Well the first thing is that he is the second in line for the throne. His brother is going to become the King of the country so the guy we know as Aslan is actually Prince Aslan, though he has asked us not to call him by title, and Lavi is his butler.”

“He’s what?” Isabel tried to process that information.

“Does he live in a castle? Can we see it? Does he have a crown? Do you think he’d let me see it?” Celina started racing around the room in her excitement then threw herself around on the bed.

“Celina, calm down please. He does live in the palace and we saw it from the outside, I don’t know if we could see the inside, I’m sure they have tours though. You would probably have to ask him if he has a crown, I have no idea on that one.”

“That’s really shocking, now I’m wondering what the second thing was that you found out. Does he secretly perform experiments to try to cross breed camels and scorpions or something?”

“No, though that would either be really cool or really terrifying, maybe both.” Alicia sat down and looked shy all of a sudden. “The second thing is that apparently he has feelings for me and he asked me out. I said yes because I like him like that too but only if the two of you approve.”

“Of course I approve. I’ve been wondering what was taking you so long, glad he finally asked you out.” Isabel tried not to roll her eyes at her mom’s words.

“Does this mean you’ll be a princess? That’s awesome. Would we be princesses?”

“Wait a moment, I’m not marrying the guy, I’m only dating him a bit. Princes can’t marry commoners, they have to marry people who also have titles but nothing says we can’t spend time together.”

Isabel frowned at those words. “As long as you’re happy and don’t let it make you unhappy I’m fine with it.”

“Me too mommy. We just like seeing you smile.” Celina hugged Alicia then kissed her cheek. “I know you’d be a good princess though.”

“Well, now that we got that settled, I think it’s time to go. Group hug.” Alicia stood up and gathered them to her.

**

Isabel lay in bed thinking over the day as she tried to sleep. It had been a very long flight and she was exhausted but she was also kind of wired.

It had been really nice of Aslan to make the place comfortable for them, she was really happy with the way her room was decorated. She wasn’t sure how he had known just what to pick but it had been perfect. Celina’s room was also perfect for her though Isabel was pretty sure she wouldn’t be spending much time in that room, there was way too much pink for her tastes.

The other things, like having food for them, had been really helpful too. When she found one of her favorite meals labeled with her name she almost cried at having that familiar comfort. Prince Aslan was a really nice guy who liked to take care of people, it reminded her of her own mom. She wondered how them dating would go since both liked to be generous. At least her mom had accepted the phone from him without arguing too much although she had to wonder how tired her mom was to give in so easily.

It will be very interesting to see what happens at dinner tomorrow.

**

“Mommy, Aslan and Lavi seem to be arguing in the driveway.” Celina turned from the window.

Isabel looked out the other window. “I don’t think they’re arguing but Aslan definitely looks intense.”

“I’ll see what’s going on. Maybe Aslan changed his mind?”

“I really doubt that. I’ll go check on the stew.” Isabel headed to the kitchen while her mom sorted things out.

Over dinner, she couldn’t decide what was funnier, Lavi’s expressions as he tried to keep up with Celina’s conversation or the way Aslan would stare at her mom then try to hide he was doing that when she looked up.

She encouraged them to go ahead to the living room without them to give them some time alone, she’d seen enough movies and TV to know grownups would need that. Unfortunately, Lavi was really good at doing dishes so they finished quickly.

At the door when they said goodbye Aslan kept staring at her mom’s face so she had tried to get Celina and Lavi to go back to the kitchen but both had stubbornly hung on as they tried to be part of the conversation. It’s really hard being the responsible one. Geez you’d think at least Lavi would take the hint.

Finally, Aslan and Lavi left and her mom flopped on the couch. “Celina go get ready for bed.”

“Okay.” Celina scampered out of the room.

“Well that went well I think.” Isabel sat down next to her mom.

“Yes it did. They’re just as nice as I remembered. Lavi seems to have a little crush on Celina.” Alicia smiled.

“I totally ship it.”

“Just don’t push it, let them be kids.” Her mom reached over and messed with her hair.

“Stop.” She batted her mom’s hand away then smoothed her hair down. “Aslan really likes you, I totally ship that, too.”

“We’ll see. We’re going out on Friday but I don’t think he’ll keep asking me out. Don’t get too attached to him.”

“If you say so mom.”

**

Isabel sighed as her mom fixed the collar on Aslan’s official uniform.

“Are you okay?” Aslan looked her way over the top of her mom’s head.

“I’m fine, it’s just that it hit me that you’re really a prince seeing you in your uniform and knowing they’re doing all these things for your birthday including a parade.”

Aslan walked over and knelt so they’d be on the same eye level. “You, your sister, and your mom help me forget I’m a prince all the time so thank you for that. Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to go through all of this, I’d rather be doing something else, anything else. At least you have good seats for the parade and the other things.”

“Celina and I have presents for you, can we give them to you now since we won’t attend the ball later?”

“You didn’t have to do that, your mom gave me a wonderful present last night.”

“We know, but we wanted to do something too. Here.” Celina shoved a box at Aslan and he took it from her with a smile.

“Here’s mine too.” Isabel picked up the package that was behind her back and gave it to him.

“Thank you both so much, let me open them.” Aslan reached for the ribbon on the first one.

“Prince Aslan, you have to go to the car that will take you to the parade now or you’ll be late.” A secretary came into the room and tapped his watch.

“I will as soon as I’m done with this. Opening gifts from two of my favorite people is way more important. You may wait outside.” He sat on the couch between Isabel and Celina then slid his finger under the edge of the paper to loosen the tape.

“Do you like it? Nousha helped me make it.” Celina bounced with enthusiasm.

“I love it, I’ll use it right now.” Aslan hugged Celina then took the keychain out of the box. “Oh, wait, I don’t have any keys on me right now. It doesn’t matter, I’ll put it in my pocket for good luck all day.” He opened the next one and smiled when he looked inside the box.

“This is great, it looks just like the ocean. What kind of stone is it?” Aslan lifted it out of the box and held it up to the light.

“It’s an Ethiopian Opal called Welo.”

“Thank you Isabel. I won’t hug you but at least shake hands?” He stuck his hand out and Isabel shook it.

“Just for today since it’s your birthday.” Isabel gave him a quick, one-armed hug then withdrew. “Are you sure you like it?”

“I love it, I’ll put it on display right now.” Aslan went to the shelf that held the pirate ship Alicia had given him and placed the stone beside it. “It gives it just the right touch. I’m really happy, this is really the best birthday ever. I wish the four of you could be with me all day to celebrate but you will be with me in spirit at least. Lavi, would you do me a favor and escort the three lovely ladies today in my stead?”

Lavi bowed. “Of course Aslan. It will be my honor.”

Isabel tried not to smile at his solemn expression. She knew Lavi would take his duties very seriously but she had no doubt Celina would be able to cajole him into loosening up a bit. It was funny how much Aslan and Lavi seemed to have changed since they met them but she liked the changes. As she looked around the room she realized that they had fit in so well with them that she thought of them as family.

**

Isabel had been in the Shaharazal palace a few times but had to admit the castle at Nobel Michel was just as impressive. Aslan was giving them a brief tour when they ran across two men who were wearing elaborate uniforms.

“Who’s this Aslan? Does Shaharazal also have girl butlers?” The man in the red coat smiled at them and she felt her heart flutter.

Aslan introduced them but when Oliver knelt and kissed her hand Isabel was stunned into silence. She was grateful that Aslan had stepped in front of them since she was sure her blush had turned her face redder than the Prince’s coat. On the other hand, it meant she couldn’t really see Oliver anymore.

She was still giggling about Lavi getting jealous because Celina was looking at Kuon when the situation took an unexpected twist. Somehow, the three of them had ended up in Oliver’s company on their way to the portrait hall without Aslan. Her steps slowed down as she tried to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, hoping Oliver would concentrate on the other two.

“Isabel, why are you lagging behind? We can’t get this tour done properly without you.” Oliver had turned to her and flashed a grin at her.

Panic set in and she tried to think of something to say.

“Isabel really likes to learn all she can about everything since she’s so smart so if she gets quiet it’s because she’s thinking.” Lavi stepped up to Oliver and bowed slightly. “I’ll watch and make sure she doesn’t get lost.”

“I see. My apologies Isabel.” Oliver bowed to her and smiled. “I won’t press you with many questions.”

“It’s okay.” Isabel managed a half smile.

“Here, look, this is our mom.” Celina shoved Lavi’s phone at Oliver. “She teaches with Aslan and likes to tell us stories.”

“She’s very pretty. You two do look like her, especially you Isabel, although you do have your own charm and I believe you will outshine her when you’re old enough.” Oliver smiled briefly at her then looked at Celina. “Your mom seems very nice.”

“She is nice.” Isabel spoke up without thinking then shut her mouth almost immediately.

Celina had no problem with talking to Oliver so launched into a few stories about their mom.

“Sounds like your mom is a good person, I should meet her.”

“Miss Alicia is very good, she’s perfect for Prince Aslan, and she makes him happy.” Lavi looked up at Oliver with a fierce expression on his face.

“You’re a good man Lavi, you defend both yours and Aslan’s territory admirably. However, I think you need a little advice. Come here.” Oliver talked with Lavi in a quiet voice a bit away from the girls as they walked.

Oliver stopped in front of a portrait of a gorgeous silver haired man. “This is the former King Edward of Charles, he is quite the poetic soul. If you ever met him he’d call you a flower fairy, a very fitting description for you my dear.”

Isabel giggled and blushed when she heard that but was saved from having to respond by the arrival of a frazzled looking Aslan.

It was easy to see Aslan was jealous of Oliver which seemed plain out silly to Isabel. She knew Oliver was teasing him and she also knew her mom wasn’t likely to look twice at Oliver. Isabel wasn’t sure what had happened while she, Lavi, and Celina had been at camp but they had come back to find the couple being even more sickeningly sweet than before. Not only were they still hugging, touching, and kissing each other as often as possible, they had added saying I love you to each other at what seemed to be increasingly frequent intervals. Still, she was secretly pleased to see her mom happy even if it embarrassed her to see the grownups acting like teenagers.

A few days later, Isabel and Celina were taking dance lessons from Gigi in the ballroom.

“You’re both marvelous dancers, I’m impressed with how fast you’ve picked it up.”  Isabel looked at the door and saw Oliver had come in with the rest of the princes behind him.

“Of course they did, they’re both very smart and talented.” Aslan smiled at them and Isabel rolled her eyes a little as she smiled back.

“You have to say that, you’re our.” Isabel trailed off not sure what she was going to say.

“They’re very quick learners and charming young ladies, it’s been a pleasure teaching them.” Gigi spoke from the side where he had been watching over them. “This is a perfect opportunity, why don’t some of you dance with them so they can get used to different partners?”

“That’s a great idea. Kuon, you should partner with Celina.” Oliver gave the man in question a little push, a mischievous smile on his face.

Kuon sighed. “Why? There’s plenty of other guys here, I don’t like dancing.”

Celina looked down at the floor, sadness written all over her face. Lavi was beside her looking very conflicted, alternating between looking pleased and shooting daggers at Kuon.

Hayden approached Celina.

“My lady, would you honor me with a dance?” Hayden bowed before her and held out his hand.

“Of course.” Celina gave him a huge smile and placed her hand in his.

“Would you honor me with a dance little fairy?” Max bowed to Isabel, a small smile on his face.

Isabel tried to nod calmly as she placed her hand in Max’s.

As they danced, Isabel kept an eye on the ballroom as she talked with him about movies. Aslan was watching over them proudly, Oliver was patting Lavi on the shoulder and the rest were talking amongst themselves. She could see that Kent was gesturing as he talked to Kuon and wondered what that was about.

When the dance was over Lavi moved towards Celina but Kuon arrived a second before him. “Miss Celina, would you honor me with a dance?”  Kuon bowed to Celina, his face slightly red.

“Yes!” Celina grabbed his hand and beamed up at him as they got in position.

Lavi’s face was like a thundercloud and Isabel was on her way to check on him when she was stopped by an elegant older gentleman she recognized as Prince Kevin’s butler, Luke.

“May I have the honor of this dance Miss Isabel?”

“Of course.” Isabel smiled and they began a sedate pace. As they danced she could see Celina happily chatting while she danced with Kuon and Aslan talking to an upset looking Lavi.

“I’m glad I have a chance to speak with you miss, after all, I have experience in helping commoners transition to royalty. Even Prince Kevin had some difficulties along the way. If you ever need advice or even a sympathetic ear as you make your own transition, I would be happy to help you.” Luke smiled briefly at her.

“What transition? I’m not becoming a royal.” Isabel frowned up at him.

“Did I misread the situation? Prince Aslan has acted more like a father to you than anything else and the way he talks about your mother gave me the impression he has marriage in mind.”

Isabel knew it was rude to stare but she couldn’t help it as she thought about what Luke had said. Her gaze drifted towards Aslan then back up to Luke. “I don’t know. Until this moment I hadn’t really thought about what Aslan might do but I have felt like we’re family.”

“Please keep my offer in mind miss, I have lived a long time and seen many things. I have a feeling that you will have an answer before the end of the summit.”

“Thank you.” She smiled up at him and they chatted about the summit as their dance continued.

Two nights later Aslan asked them to talk to him in the suite’s living room after dinner.

Isabel sat curled up on the couch with Celina and Lavi beside her as she watched Aslan pace around the room.

He finally sat down and faced them. “Isabel, Celina, Lavi. I’ve been thinking about this for a while and I have made a decision but I want to talk about it with you first since you’re part of it. You all know how much I love Alicia and I love her more with each day. I want to ask her to marry me but I won’t do that unless I have your approval.” Aslan held up a hand when they started talking. “There is more. I have come to think of you girls as my own as well. What I’m saying is that I know it’s not just about marrying your mom, it’s about becoming a family officially since I already feel like we are one. What do you think?”

Luke was right!

Celina jumped up and went to hug Aslan. “I’m okay with it, does this mean you’ll be our dad?”

Aslan hugged her back. “I won’t push it but I’d like to be your dad. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“I like the sound of dad.” Celina smiled.

“Don’t call me that yet though, I want to plan a surprise proposal for your mom, that is, if Isabel and Lavi are also alright with it.” Aslan looked at them.

“Miss Alicia is good for you. It would be nice to be a family and have everyone together.” Lavi smiled shyly as he shot a glance at Celina.

“Isabel, if you’re not sure about it, I can wait until you are. There is no rush.” Aslan looked at her with a gentle expression.

“I say yes. I’d also like to be a family. I just don’t know what mom will say about the whole thing.” Isabel smiled as she thought about it. “When did you want to propose and can we help pick out the ring?”

“I thought about doing it during the birthday trip we planned for her. Yes, you can help with that. As a matter of fact, I’d like your help in getting to know Freda and some of your mom’s friends a bit better before that as well. Can you do that for me Isabel?”

“No problem.” She pulled her phone out and started looking through her contacts list.

**

Isabel looked at Celina and Lavi after Aslan ran out the front door. “Well, that could have gone better.”

“Do you think mom will be okay?” Celina’s eyes were wet with tears.

“Aslan will make sure she’s safe, don’t worry.” Lavi patted Celina and smiled at her.

“She will be okay. What I worry about is her being stubborn and saying no to marrying Aslan.”

“Doesn’t she love him? Why wouldn’t she want to marry him so he can be our new dad?”

“Mom sometimes thinks she doesn’t deserve to be happy. She’ll work hard to make sure everyone else is but for herself, she has a hard time.” Isabel reached out and hugged Celina for a moment before she remembered herself and let go.

Lavi frowned. “But Aslan is happy with her and sad without her so her saying no would make him sad.”

“Knowing mom she probably thinks he’d be happier without her or something. Oh, I think the maid is here so let’s be quiet for now.” Isabel grabbed the ring box and stuffed it in her pocket.

They waited for a while but Isabel finally lost her patience. “Miss, would you please make us some tea?”

The maid nodded and went to the kitchen. Isabel put her finger to her lips and waved the other two over to the door. They slipped out as quietly as they could and made their way to the beach. When Isabel spotted them they walked over to them as quickly as they could. What she could hear of their conversation made her heart sink and she knew she had to step in and say something.

It may not have been fair for them all to gang up on her mom like that but it was for her own good. She did think Aslan was pushing it a little by telling her all the messages from other people but it seemed to go well anyway. Isabel did wonder why he hadn’t seen it coming that her mom would say no at first since so many others had figured that would happen. Her eye roll hurt her head but she couldn’t help it, her parents could be very dense about each other sometimes.

Her mom’s proposal to Aslan shocked her a bit but she was really proud of her for it since it was about time she saw what everyone else saw. Isabel was happy to give Aslan the ring and she joined in the group hug without a second thought.

**

Isabel watched as Lavi danced with Celina and smiled at how proud he had been of himself when Celina had opted to dance with him instead of making a beeline for Kuon.

“May I have the honor of this dance my lady?” Isabel looked at Oliver as he bowed slightly.

“You may.” Isabel grinned and let him lead her onto the dance floor.

“You’ve come a long way since we first met, you’re not as shy as you used to be.” Oliver smiled at her as they danced.

“Princess training will do that to a person I guess.”

“How’s that going?”

“Pretty well though mom had to fit it in around work and wedding preparation. I’m kind of glad she made it to today in one piece.” She looked over at her mom and smiled. “She looks great though.”

Oliver followed her gaze. “She does look beautiful. Your father was a bit sneaky not letting any of us meet her till after the ceremony earlier but it sure made an impact on us seeing her for the first time in her wedding gown.”

“Aslan never listened when I told him he didn’t need to be jealous. I knew you just liked teasing him and mom wouldn’t really pay any attention to you.”

“Isabel, you wound me.” Oliver put on a sad face. “Although you’re right, I never had any real intention on trying to steal your mom. However, when you’re old enough, you should consider joining my harem.”

Isabel stopped dancing and looked Oliver in the eye. “Thank you for the offer but I will have to decline. I am worth so much more than just being one girl out of many in some guy’s harem. I am worthy of being someone’s one and only.”

“Seems like I didn’t need to step in after all. I’m proud of you Isabel.” Aslan smiled at her fondly as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

“So am I actually. I will have to keep an eye on you as you grow up.” Oliver smiled. “Aslan, you have a wonderful family, congratulations.”

“I do, don’t I? Two great daughters, a wonderful wife, my awesome ward, my step-daughter, I’m a lucky man, thank you. Isabel, would you do me the honor of a father daughter dance?”

“I’d be happy to.”

Two weeks after the conference started all the princes had noticed that Prince Ivan and Princess Alicia started talking to each other more and more when they were all gathered together.

It drew their curiosity since Ivan and Alicia were both newlyweds and still seemingly very much in love with their spouses. However, it couldn’t be denied that they were frequently spotted together, heads close to each other as they talked. Alicia was prone to talking with her hands and she would gesture wildly and even Ivan would get animated during those conversations. At one point, eyebrows were raised when Ivan grabbed one of Alicia’s hands and seemed to write on it with Alicia smiling and nodding.

The princes would look towards Aslan or Mandy whenever they saw these things but it seemed they were both oblivious to what was going on.

Oliver’s curiosity finally got the better of him and he approached Sieg, Kuon, and Hayden at breakfast one morning. “I think you have all noticed that something strange is going on with Ivan and Alicia. I thought about talking to Aslan but he seems so oblivious to the whole thing, I don’t want to say anything without concrete proof. After all, there may be a perfectly reasonable explanation even if it doesn’t seem that way, what do you think?”

Hayden spoke up. “While I admit it does seem strange I don’t really think either is the type to have an affair if that’s what you are thinking. Although maybe you want there to be problems since you still have a crush on Alicia?”

Sieg smirked at those words “You don’t know when to give up Oliver.”

“You’re no better with your crush on Mandy.” Kuon spoke up quietly.

Oliver and Sieg both blushed at these words then Sieg spoke up angrily. “I don’t have a crush. I am just concerned for Mandy’s sake.”

Hayden shrugged. “We’ll all keep an eye on the situation but I think you two are blowing it out of proportion. Kuon I wanted to discuss a point in the environmental report that just came in. Shall we go to my office?”

Oliver and Sieg finished their breakfast in silence after the other two had left then decided to go join them. As they passed Ivan’s office they heard Alicia’s laugh through the slightly open door and stopped to listen.

“Tonight I’m going to beat your ass so soundly you won’t be able to sit for a week. Just wait.” Alicia’s voice reached the two princes who had gotten as close as possible to the door to listen.

“No way princess, I always come out on top.”

“I don’t know about that, it’s high time someone put you in your place and I am just the woman to do it. I have to be going, my appointment starts in ten minutes, same time tonight right?”

“Yes, looking forward to it.”

Oliver and Sieg exchanged startled glances then scurried down the hall so they wouldn’t be caught right outside the door.

Alicia passed by and waved cheerfully at them as she went towards the Shaharazal offices.

“I don’t even know what to think of what we just heard.” Oliver said slightly stunned.

“Neither do I. I think we need to investigate further. Think we should let the other two know?”

“Not yet, Hayden and Kuon didn’t seem to take it all that seriously and they’d probably just accuse us of stirring trouble without more evidence.”

The two of them tried to get close whenever Ivan and Alicia were together but found it difficult to do so without being obvious.

At one reception Oliver decided to try broaching the subject with Aslan.

“So, Aslan, what is the deal with Ivan and your wife?” Oliver realized after he said it that he may have been a bit too blunt but it was too late.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, care to elaborate?” Aslan looked at Oliver over the rim of his wineglass as he took a drink.

“Well, they just seem to spend a lot of time together.” Oliver grew uncomfortable under Aslan’s steady gaze and didn’t notice the glimmer of amusement crossing the other man’s face.

“Really? I hadn’t noticed anything unusual. Alicia represents Shaharazal just as much as I do and we are all here to strengthen the bonds between nations.”

Oliver decided to back off at that moment since he was unsure what to say to that and he really didn’t want to cause trouble if there was nothing going on.

He informed Sieg of what had happened and they were talking things over when they spotted Alicia making her way towards Ivan. They decided to try and hear their conversation so they headed towards Ivan as well. Oliver and Sieg managed to get there slightly before she did and hid themselves behind a pillar to listen.

“Hey wonderboy! Next time watch what you are doing. I just found out your carelessness last night is going to cost me a ton in repairs to my robes.” Alicia said as she reached Ivan.

Ivan grinned in response. “Well princess if you were stealthier and your coordination was better we wouldn’t have been in such a tight position now would we? You really need to learn better tactics so we can get by unseen.”

“Hey, you were the one who dragged us to that room. We could have been done so much earlier if you hadn’t decided you just had to have some fun there first.”

“Complain all you want, we both know you like it when we play well into the night, it’s too much fun to just go at it for a short time, especially since we mesh so well.”

“Fair point but we might want to tone it down a bit, I feel like I’ve been neglecting Aslan too much and I don’t want him to get upset with me.”

“We can always work out a schedule so everyone is satisfied. The music is about to start so I will go dance with Mandy but reserve a dance for me so we can talk.”

Ivan and Alicia left to find their respective spouses leaving behind two very shocked princes.

“Did we just hear what I think we heard?” Oliver asked Sieg slowly.

“If you think we heard that they seemed to be talking about sneaking around the castle, clothes being damaged, and having fun into the night, then yes.” Sieg replied.

“I think we need a little more evidence but I am definitely concerned at this point.”

“Same here.”

They went off to find Hayden and Kuon and explained what they had been up to that evening.

“I know for a fact you two are making a big deal out of nothing and you should just talk to them directly. If you will excuse me.” Kuon walked away from them to find a drink.

Hayden looked at them thoughtfully. “I agree with Kuon but I will talk to Ivan tomorrow if it will set your minds at ease.”

Oliver and Sieg could only nod at those words and hope for the best.

The next day Hayden stopped to talk to them “I had a talk with Ivan and everything is fine. Stop worrying about it and find something else to entertain you.”

The two princes had been relieved to hear this but that relief was cut short when they were in the garden a few days later and overheard Ivan and Alicia talking behind a hedge. They got as close as possible and peeked between the bushes at them.

“You are being too stubborn about this name business. The one I picked out is perfectly fine.” Ivan sounded irritated as he looked at the tablet in front of them.

“Either we compromise on a name that incorporates both our countries or we pick one in a different language. This is our baby so this is not just about you and what you want. Besides, we both know that you are going to make me responsible for most of this.”

Ivan and Alicia walked out of earshot then and Sieg and Oliver sat down heavily on the bench.

“I think we can’t deny it now. We have to find a way to keep this from becoming an international incident. I can’t believe it. I would maybe expect this from you Oliver but not someone like Ivan.” Sieg said with a sigh.

“What is that supposed to mean? I’m not that bad! If I were I would have gone for Alicia long before this. I respect my friends marriages. Still, this is hard to believe. Alicia does not strike me as the type to cheat, especially not with her friends husband.” Oliver replied

“I think you have rose colored glasses on as far as she is concerned. I am going to go find Mandy and see how she is. She’s bound to have noticed something at this point and probably doesn’t know what to do.”

“And you think I’m bad, there you are swooping in on your crush at her moment of need.” Oliver smirked at Sieg with those words.

Sieg flushed angrily. “That is not what this is about. She’s a friend who is in need. That is all.” He turned and stalked out of the garden leaving Oliver alone to think.

Oliver really didn’t want to think badly of Alicia, that was true. The whole thing just didn’t make sense to him, Alicia was too kind, open, and honest to do this kind of thing. It was possible Ivan had some kind of hold over her and was forcing her into this, after all, that man could be very scary. Oliver had convinced himself this was the case and he resolved to go talk to her after dinner since he knew Aslan was going to be at a business meeting.

As he was about to tap on her door he heard Alicia yelling from inside “Goddamit wonderboy, what the hell do you think you are doing? Stop that this instant!”

Oliver rushed in without a second thought eyes widening as he surveyed the scene before him.

The next day Sieg walked into the dining hall to see Alicia settling herself down next to Oliver. He got close enough to overhear anything if they talked but made sure to hide himself so they wouldn’t notice.

Alicia spoke first “Did you enjoy yourself last night Oliver?”

“I’m not sure. I had no idea you became such a different person at night. Who knew under that sweet exterior lay such a bossy sadist. I’m still smarting over the punishing pace you set last night.” Oliver complained to Alicia even as he smiled.

Alicia patted Oliver’s shoulder. “You will learn how to do it properly eventually and you’ll end up loving it, you’ll see.”

“I don’t know about that. I performed that nature’s kiss move over and over again and ended up using all my stamina and exhausted myself too early.”

“That was your problem. You have to learn other moves and pace yourself a bit, find the right combination for maximum effectiveness. Once you do, it will be easy and you will find you can go much longer. The rewards are worth it.”

Oliver nodded. “You’re right. Watching you and Ivan go at it was certainly stimulating.”

Alicia smiled again. “Well, we will teach you the ropes. I have to get going, try to rest ok? You will be stiff for a few days till you get used to the whole thing.

Alicia left the dining hall and Sieg came out of hiding and dropped himself in the chair next to Oliver.

“What the hell are you doing with Alicia? I thought you were going to resolve the issue and instead I find you two getting all chummy.’

Oliver looked at Sieg with red-rimmed sleepless eyes. “Oh there you are, did you talk to Mandy last night?”

“I tried to but I didn’t know what to say and she seemed to be amused by something so I let it be. That’s beside the point though. What happened last night?”

“Well I found out that Ivan and Alicia are into some interesting games and they invited me to join them. The moves take some getting used to and the outfits are definitely interesting. Alicia was in this tight fitting short thing that left little to the imagination. My eyes almost bugged out when I saw it. The bad part is that I’m in a bit of pain today. There was a lot of stuff I’m not used to and on top of that holding one position for so long killed my upper body. All in all though, it was a lot of fun.” Oliver grinned at Sieg who had been turning different shades of red as he listened.

Sieg spluttered for a bit “What the hell? I don’t get it? How can you be so calm about this, this…” he stopped at a loss for words.

“Relax, Hayden and Kuon know too and they are ok with it even if they aren’t into it. It’s no big deal.”

“It is a big deal! Aslan and Mandy should know about this!”

“Oh they know as well. They sometimes take part but most of the time Ivan and Alicia are just a little too intense for them. Hey, pass me those eggs will you? I’m starving.”

Sieg handed Oliver the eggs wordlessly brain still trying to process what he had just heard. Who the hell was this woman Aslan had married and how had she managed to convince all the princes to join in her perverted games? He could see Ivan being into them, him being such a hard ass, but Alicia had seemed so sweet. Mandy’s face floated before him and he shuddered to think that such an innocent girl had been exposed to such things. He quietly ate his breakfast as he continued thinking, not noticing the little amused glances Oliver kept throwing his way.

As the day turned to evening Sieg was coming out of the library when he bumped into Alicia.

“Sieg! I was just looking for you! I want to talk to you about something. Do you have a minute?” Alicia didn’t wait for Sieg to answer as she propelled him back into the library.

“Anyway, Sieg, I know from things people have said and the way you cook that you are really good with your hands and are a good multi-tasker so I was wondering if you’d like to join our little group. It’s a lot of fun and we meet twice a week. One night is for more casual fun and another is for the hardcore ones. Tonight it’s a small informal group so it would be an excellent way to introduce you to the whole thing and let you decide if you like it. Here. I brought something that should explain things better and help you prepare. Oh, you don’t have to bring anything, we have extra equipment. We start in two hours in Ivan’s living room so hopefully we’ll see you then!” Alicia left before Sieg could get a word in edgewise.

He sat down heavily on one of the chairs, stunned at this sudden turn of events. Part of him was intrigued even as he was repulsed. Sieg kept drawing the bag towards himself then pushing it away as he thought things over. Finally, close to the time Alicia had told him to meet, he opened the bag and withdrew what was inside.

The whole group was gathered and setting things up when the door burst open as Sieg flew in waving a book in his hand.

“A video game??? All this secrecy, the weird behavior, everything… it was all about a video game?”

He looked around the room and met Alicia and Ivan’s shocked faces then noticed Aslan, Mandy, and Oliver laughing themselves silly.

“Yes? Well more than one video game actually. What did you think it was about?” Alicia asked puzzled.

“What are you talking about Sieg? What do you mean by secrecy and everything?” Ivan asked with a frown.

“You and Alicia were always talking by yourselves and looking suspicious, you two had a conversation about some damaged clothes and the need for secrecy, you even talked about baby names! What was I supposed to think?”

Ivan’s frown grew deeper. “Well at first I didn’t want anyone to know I was playing video games but I didn’t go out of my way to hide it. I don’t recall you being near us for any of those conversations though. Were you spying on us Sieg?”

“He was too! He thought same thing as I did, that you and Alicia were having an affair.” Sieg pointed at Oliver and Oliver stopped laughing.

Alicia turned to Oliver “Is this true? You thought I was cheating on Aslan with Ivan?”

“Yes, we both did, it’s why I came to your room last night after we heard you discussing baby names.”

Ivan and Alicia looked at each other, disgust etched on their faces.

“Ewwwwwwww!” they both said in unison.

“He’s like a brother to me, as if!!!”

“What, me have an affair with this brat? Especially when I have an exquisite woman like Mandy? Ludicrous! Alicia’s like my baby sister, disgusting.”

“Ick ick ick, Oh lord I think I’m going to be sick, yuck!!! Just the thought of it!” Alicia started making exaggerated gagging motions and flailing. “This is both the most disgusting and funniest thing I have heard ALL month. Oh my God.” she was laughing so hard she ended up sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

Ivan was laughing as well but then turned to Oliver. “Oliver, you knew what was going on last night, why didn’t you tell him the truth?”

Oliver shrugged. “I did, I told him you two were into interesting games. Not my fault he misinterpreted it. I even told him everyone else knew and were ok with it.”

“You know you made it sound dirty! Especially after everything else we heard. You are not innocent in this.”

He pointed a finger at Mandy and Aslan “And you two! You knew we all suspected something, we even tried saying something to you both and you all acted so innocent.”

Alicia looked at her husband from where she was still sitting on the floor. “Is that true? You knew everyone was suspicious and didn’t bother correcting them? ”

Aslan went over to his wife and sat beside her and hugged her “I’m sorry hansar-am, Mandy and I were having a bit of fun with them. We knew the truth so we didn’t worry.”

They all talked into the night and it was explained to Sieg that Alicia had introduced Ivan to video games when he was trying to court Mandy and they had both become fierce competitors and teammates. While their spouses played with them, they didn’t have the same level of enthusiasm and intensity that Ivan and Alicia did for the game they liked best.

Aslan and Mandy had discovered that the other two would get competitive and start trash talking when they played against each other so would make bets on who would score more points, who would insult the other the best, etc. The bets would range from having to do menial chores, to making the other pull a prank, and future babysitting services when children came along.

For some odd reason, Ivan and Alicia also worked very well together, usually placing at the very top of the leader boards in PvP games as a duo. They had decided to form their own guild in the MMO they played so they could have a way to play with their spouses that wouldn’t be so intense. That game and guild was what they had invited the princes to play since they figured it might be a good way to relieve stress, bond, and learn better ways of communicating and cooperating.

They showed Sieg the game and he had to admit it was a lot of fun even if he was still angry at Oliver for deceiving him and a bit at Hayden and Kuon for not just telling them the truth. He vowed he would practice and play on his own as well cause there was no way he was going to let Prince Pompous and Princess Giggles be better at something than he was.

After everyone had left Ivan gathered Mandy up in his arms and took her to their bed where he settled down with her. “Did they really think I would cheat on you?”

“Apparently so. They’re stupid though.”

“You don’t think I would though, do you lyubov moya?”

“Of course not, why would I?”

“If you want me to spend less time playing and more time with you I will, you know that right?”

“I know that my dear husband but really, it’s fine. You spend more than enough time with me and I think it’s hilarious when you and Alicia fight.”

“Have you really been placing bets on me?”

Mandy nodded “Of course. You are my husband, I have to cheer you on and I believe in you.”

“Well, it is a sure bet on your part.”

“No comment on that one dear.“

Ivan looked at Mandy “Oh? Are you saying I lose a lot?”

“Let’s just say that Cia is way more creative with her insults than you are and as far as points, well it depends on the game you’re playing. Let’s just leave it at that ok?”

“Enough talk.” Ivan kissed Mandy deeply.

Meanwhile, Aslan and Alicia were also talking while snuggled down in their own bed.

“You know, I understand that you were having fun but I’m kind of hurt you would let the others think I’m the kind of woman who would cheat on you. Especially since Sieg apparently thought I was into some really kinky group things and seducing all the men in the castle!”

“I am really sorry. I should have thought about how it would make you feel. We didn’t think they would actually think either of you would cheat. If they hadn’t been spying they wouldn’t have gotten as suspicious as they did. They could have also just asked us directly like Hayden and Kuon did. Still, I should have known better. Can you forgive me?”

“Maybe, but I should make you come to the dragon caverns and grind for a bit tomorrow, I hate it but gotta be done, you’ll need to break out your healer corazon.”

Aslan groaned “Grinding is boring. Isn’t that why you play with Ivan?”

“You don’t get jealous anymore then?”

“Who said I was ever jealous?”

Alicia gave him a steady look saying nothing.

“Alright, I admit, I did get jealous at first but I know now that it’s just an outlet for you and that I am first in your heart. Plus, I like watching you take Mr Arrogant down a peg or two. Now, about my making things up to you.” Aslan moved so he was on top of Alicia and started kissing her neck.

a/n part two

OK so I figure Shaharazal’s closest equivalent is Persia (I RESEARCHED AND WILL GLADLY MAKE A POST ABOUT MY REASONS IF ASKED) so he speaks Farsi.

When he calls Alicia Hansar-am he is literally calling her “my other head” which means equal partner/better half according to this link

When Ivan calls Mandy lyubov moya it means my love in Russian according to this link

Alicia calls Aslan corazon which is Spanish for heart and I don’t need to link you because I speak Spanish.

It drew their curiosity since Ivan and Alicia were both newlyweds and still seemingly very much in love with their spouses. However, it couldn't be denied that they were frequently spotted together, heads close to each other as they talked. Alicia was prone to talking with her hands and she would gesture wildly and even Ivan would get animated during those conversations. At one point, eyebrows were raised when Ivan grabbed one of Alicia's hands and seemed to write on it with Alicia smiling and nodding.

The princes would look towards Aslan or Mandy whenever they saw these things but it seemed they were both oblivious to what was going on.

Oliver's curiosity finally got the better of him and he approached Sieg, Kuon, and Hayden at breakfast one morning. “I think you have all noticed that something strange is going on with Ivan and Alicia. I thought about talking to Aslan but he seems so oblivious to the whole thing, I don't want to say anything without concrete proof. After all, there may be a perfectly reasonable explanation even if it doesn't seem that way, what do you think?”

Hayden spoke up. “While I admit it does seem strange I don't really think either is the type to have an affair if that's what you are thinking. Although maybe you want there to be problems since you still have a crush on Alicia?”

Sieg smirked at those words “You don't know when to give up Oliver.”

“You're no better with your crush on Mandy.” Kuon spoke up quietly.

Oliver and Sieg both blushed at these words then Sieg spoke up angrily. “I don't have a crush. I am just concerned for Mandy's sake.”

Hayden shrugged. “We'll all keep an eye on the situation but I think you two are blowing it out of proportion. Kuon I wanted to discuss a point in the environmental report that just came in. Shall we go to my office?”

Oliver and Sieg finished their breakfast in silence after the other two had left then decided to go join them. As they passed Ivan's office they heard Alicia's laugh through the slightly open door and stopped to listen.

“Tonight I'm going to beat your ass so soundly you won't be able to sit for a week. Just wait.” Alicia's voice reached the two princes who had gotten as close as possible to the door to listen.

“No way princess, I always come out on top.”

“I don't know about that, it's high time someone put you in your place and I am just the woman to do it. I have to be going, my appointment starts in ten minutes, same time tonight right?”

“Yes, looking forward to it.”

Oliver and Sieg exchanged startled glances then scurried down the hall so they wouldn't be caught right outside the door.

Alicia passed by and waved cheerfully at them as she went towards the Shaharazal offices.

“I don't even know what to think of what we just heard.” Oliver said slightly stunned.

“Neither do I. I think we need to investigate further. Think we should let the other two know?”

“Not yet, Hayden and Kuon didn't seem to take it all that seriously and they'd probably just accuse us of stirring trouble without more evidence.”

The two of them tried to get close whenever Ivan and Alicia were together but found it difficult to do so without being obvious.

At one reception Oliver decided to try broaching the subject with Aslan.

“So, Aslan, what is the deal with Ivan and your wife?” Oliver realized after he said it that he may have been a bit too blunt but it was too late.

“I have no idea what you are talking about, care to elaborate?” Aslan looked at Oliver over the rim of his wineglass as he took a drink.

“Well, they just seem to spend a lot of time together.” Oliver grew uncomfortable under Aslan's steady gaze and didn't notice the glimmer of amusement crossing the other man's face.

“Really? I hadn't noticed anything unusual. Alicia represents Shaharazal just as much as I do and we are all here to strengthen the bonds between nations."

Oliver decided to back off at that moment since he was unsure what to say to that and he really didn't want to cause trouble if there was nothing going on.

He informed Sieg of what had happened and they were talking things over when they spotted Alicia making her way towards Ivan. They decided to try and hear their conversation so they headed towards Ivan as well. Oliver and Sieg managed to get there slightly before she did and hid themselves behind a pillar to listen.

“Hey wonderboy! Next time watch what you are doing. I just found out your carelessness last night is going to cost me a ton in repairs to my robes.” Alicia said as she reached Ivan.

Ivan grinned in response. “Well princess if you were stealthier and your coordination was better we wouldn't have been in such a tight position now would we? You really need to learn better tactics so we can get by unseen.”

“Hey, you were the one who dragged us to that room. We could have been done so much earlier if you hadn't decided you just had to have some fun there first.”

“Complain all you want, we both know you like it when we play well into the night, it's too much fun to just go at it for a short time, especially since we mesh so well.”

“Fair point but we might want to tone it down a bit, I feel like I've been neglecting Aslan too much and I don't want him to get upset with me.”

“We can always work out a schedule so everyone is satisfied. The music is about to start so I will go dance with Mandy but reserve a dance for me so we can talk.”

Ivan and Alicia left to find their respective spouses leaving behind two very shocked princes.

“Did we just hear what I think we heard?” Oliver asked Sieg slowly.

“If you think we heard that they seemed to be talking about sneaking around the castle, clothes being damaged, and having fun into the night, then yes.” Sieg replied.

“I think we need a little more evidence but I am definitely concerned at this point.”

“Same here.”

They went off to find Hayden and Kuon and explained what they had been up to that evening.

“I know for a fact you two are making a big deal out of nothing and you should just talk to them directly. If you will excuse me.” Kuon walked away from them to find a drink.

Hayden looked at them thoughtfully. “I agree with Kuon but I will talk to Ivan tomorrow if it will set your minds at ease.”

Oliver and Sieg could only nod at those words and hope for the best.

The next day Hayden stopped to talk to them “I had a talk with Ivan and everything is fine. Stop worrying about it and find something else to entertain you.”

The two princes had been relieved to hear this but that relief was cut short when they were in the garden a few days later and overheard Ivan and Alicia talking behind a hedge. They got as close as possible and peeked between the bushes at them.

“You are being too stubborn about this name business. The one I picked out is perfectly fine.” Ivan sounded irritated as he looked at the tablet in front of them.

“Either we compromise on a name that incorporates both our countries or we pick one in a different language. This is our baby so this is not just about you and what you want. Besides, we both know that you are going to make me responsible for most of this.”

Ivan and Alicia walked out of earshot then and Sieg and Oliver sat down heavily on the bench.

“I think we can't deny it now. We have to find a way to keep this from becoming an international incident. I can't believe it. I would maybe expect this from you Oliver but not someone like Ivan.” Sieg said with a sigh.

“What is that supposed to mean? I'm not that bad! If I were I would have gone for Alicia long before this. I respect my friends marriages. Still, this is hard to believe. Alicia does not strike me as the type to cheat, especially not with her friends husband.” Oliver replied

“I think you have rose colored glasses on as far as she is concerned. I am going to go find Mandy and see how she is. She's bound to have noticed something at this point and probably doesn't know what to do.”

“And you think I'm bad, there you are swooping in on your crush at her moment of need.” Oliver smirked at Sieg with those words.

Sieg flushed angrily. “That is not what this is about. She's a friend who is in need. That is all.” He turned and stalked out of the garden leaving Oliver alone to think.

Oliver really didn't want to think badly of Alicia, that was true. The whole thing just didn't make sense to him, Alicia was too kind, open, and honest to do this kind of thing. It was possible Ivan had some kind of hold over her and was forcing her into this, after all, that man could be very scary. Oliver had convinced himself this was the case and he resolved to go talk to her after dinner since he knew Aslan was going to be at a business meeting.

As he was about to tap on her door he heard Alicia yelling from inside “Goddamit wonderboy, what the hell do you think you are doing? Stop that this instant!”

Oliver rushed in without a second thought eyes widening as he surveyed the scene before him.

The next day Sieg walked into the dining hall to see Alicia settling herself down next to Oliver. He got close enough to overhear anything if they talked but made sure to hide himself so they wouldn't notice.

Alicia spoke first “Did you enjoy yourself last night Oliver?”

“I'm not sure. I had no idea you became such a different person at night. Who knew under that sweet exterior lay such a bossy sadist. I'm still smarting over the punishing pace you set last night.” Oliver complained to Alicia even as he smiled.

Alicia patted Oliver's shoulder. “You will learn how to do it properly eventually and you'll end up loving it, you'll see.”

“I don't know about that. I performed that nature's kiss move over and over again and ended up using all my stamina and exhausted myself too early.”

“That was your problem. You have to learn other moves and pace yourself a bit, find the right combination for maximum effectiveness. Once you do, it will be easy and you will find you can go much longer. The rewards are worth it.”

Oliver nodded. “You're right. Watching you and Ivan go at it was certainly stimulating.”

Alicia smiled again. “Well, we will teach you the ropes. I have to get going, try to rest ok? You will be stiff for a few days till you get used to the whole thing.

Alicia left the dining hall and Sieg came out of hiding and dropped himself in the chair next to Oliver.

“What the hell are you doing with Alicia? I thought you were going to resolve the issue and instead I find you two getting all chummy.'

Oliver looked at Sieg with red-rimmed sleepless eyes. “Oh there you are, did you talk to Mandy last night?”

“I tried to but I didn't know what to say and she seemed to be amused by something so I let it be. That's beside the point though. What happened last night?”

“Well I found out that Ivan and Alicia are into some interesting games and they invited me to join them. The moves take some getting used to and the outfits are definitely interesting. Alicia was in this tight fitting short thing that left little to the imagination. My eyes almost bugged out when I saw it. The bad part is that I'm in a bit of pain today. There was a lot of stuff I'm not used to and on top of that holding one position for so long killed my upper body. All in all though, it was a lot of fun.” Oliver grinned at Sieg who had been turning different shades of red as he listened.

Sieg spluttered for a bit “What the hell? I don't get it? How can you be so calm about this, this...” he stopped at a loss for words.

“Relax, Hayden and Kuon know too and they are ok with it even if they aren't into it. It's no big deal.”

“It is a big deal! Aslan and Mandy should know about this!”

“Oh they know as well. They sometimes take part but most of the time Ivan and Alicia are just a little too intense for them. Hey, pass me those eggs will you? I'm starving.”

Sieg handed Oliver the eggs wordlessly brain still trying to process what he had just heard. Who the hell was this woman Aslan had married and how had she managed to convince all the princes to join in her perverted games? He could see Ivan being into them, him being such a hard ass, but Alicia had seemed so sweet. Mandy's face floated before him and he shuddered to think that such an innocent girl had been exposed to such things. He quietly ate his breakfast as he continued thinking, not noticing the little amused glances Oliver kept throwing his way.

As the day turned to evening Sieg was coming out of the library when he bumped into Alicia.

“Sieg! I was just looking for you! I want to talk to you about something. Do you have a minute?” Alicia didn't wait for Sieg to answer as she propelled him back into the library.

“Anyway, Sieg, I know from things people have said and the way you cook that you are really good with your hands and are a good multi-tasker so I was wondering if you'd like to join our little group. It's a lot of fun and we meet twice a week. One night is for more casual fun and another is for the hardcore ones. Tonight it's a small informal group so it would be an excellent way to introduce you to the whole thing and let you decide if you like it. Here. I brought something that should explain things better and help you prepare. Oh, you don't have to bring anything, we have extra equipment. We start in two hours in Ivan's living room so hopefully we'll see you then!” Alicia left before Sieg could get a word in edgewise.

He sat down heavily on one of the chairs, stunned at this sudden turn of events. Part of him was intrigued even as he was repulsed. Sieg kept drawing the bag towards himself then pushing it away as he thought things over. Finally, close to the time Alicia had told him to meet, he opened the bag and withdrew what was inside.

The whole group was gathered and setting things up when the door burst open as Sieg flew in waving a book in his hand.

“A video game??? All this secrecy, the weird behavior, everything... it was all about a video game?”

He looked around the room and met Alicia and Ivan's shocked faces then noticed Aslan, Mandy, and Oliver laughing themselves silly.

“Yes? Well more than one video game actually. What did you think it was about?” Alicia asked puzzled.

“What are you talking about Sieg? What do you mean by secrecy and everything?” Ivan asked with a frown.

“You and Alicia were always talking by yourselves and looking suspicious, you two had a conversation about some damaged clothes and the need for secrecy, you even talked about baby names! What was I supposed to think?”

Ivan's frown grew deeper. “Well at first I didn't want anyone to know I was playing video games but I didn't go out of my way to hide it. I don't recall you being near us for any of those conversations though. Were you spying on us Sieg?”

“He was too! He thought same thing as I did, that you and Alicia were having an affair.” Sieg pointed at Oliver and Oliver stopped laughing.

Alicia turned to Oliver “Is this true? You thought I was cheating on Aslan with Ivan?”

“Yes, we both did, it's why I came to your room last night after we heard you discussing baby names.”

Ivan and Alicia looked at each other, disgust etched on their faces.

“Ewwwwwwww!” they both said in unison.

“He's like a brother to me, as if!!!”

“What, me have an affair with this brat? Especially when I have an exquisite woman like Mandy? Ludicrous! Alicia's like my baby sister, disgusting.”

“Ick ick ick, Oh lord I think I'm going to be sick, yuck!!! Just the thought of it!” Alicia started making exaggerated gagging motions and flailing. “This is both the most disgusting and funniest thing I have heard ALL month. Oh my God.” she was laughing so hard she ended up sitting on the floor, tears streaming down her face.

Ivan was laughing as well but then turned to Oliver. “Oliver, you knew what was going on last night, why didn't you tell him the truth?”

Oliver shrugged. “I did, I told him you two were into interesting games. Not my fault he misinterpreted it. I even told him everyone else knew and were ok with it.”

“You know you made it sound dirty! Especially after everything else we heard. You are not innocent in this.”

He pointed a finger at Mandy and Aslan “And you two! You knew we all suspected something, we even tried saying something to you both and you all acted so innocent.”

Alicia looked at her husband from where she was still sitting on the floor. “Is that true? You knew everyone was suspicious and didn't bother correcting them? ”

Aslan went over to his wife and sat beside her and hugged her “I'm sorry hansar-am, Mandy and I were having a bit of fun with them. We knew the truth so we didn't worry.”

They all talked into the night and it was explained to Sieg that Alicia had introduced Ivan to video games when he was trying to court Mandy and they had both become fierce competitors and teammates. While their spouses played with them, they didn't have the same level of enthusiasm and intensity that Ivan and Alicia did for the game they liked best.

Aslan and Mandy had discovered that the other two would get competitive and start trash talking when they played against each other so would make bets on who would score more points, who would insult the other the best, etc. The bets would range from having to do menial chores, to making the other pull a prank, and future babysitting services when children came along.

For some odd reason, Ivan and Alicia also worked very well together, usually placing at the very top of the leader boards in PvP games as a duo. They had decided to form their own guild in the MMO they played so they could have a way to play with their spouses that wouldn't be so intense. That game and guild was what they had invited the princes to play since they figured it might be a good way to relieve stress, bond, and learn better ways of communicating and cooperating.

They showed Sieg the game and he had to admit it was a lot of fun even if he was still angry at Oliver for deceiving him and a bit at Hayden and Kuon for not just telling them the truth. He vowed he would practice and play on his own as well cause there was no way he was going to let Prince Pompous and Princess Giggles be better at something than he was.

After everyone had left Ivan gathered Mandy up in his arms and took her to their bed where he settled down with her. “Did they really think I would cheat on you?”

“Apparently so. They're stupid though.”

“You don't think I would though, do you lyubov moya?”

“Of course not, why would I?”

“If you want me to spend less time playing and more time with you I will, you know that right?”

“I know that my dear husband but really, it's fine. You spend more than enough time with me and I think it's hilarious when you and Alicia fight.”

“Have you really been placing bets on me?”

Mandy nodded “Of course. You are my husband, I have to cheer you on and I believe in you.”

“Well, it is a sure bet on your part.”

“No comment on that one dear.“

Ivan looked at Mandy “Oh? Are you saying I lose a lot?”

“Let's just say that Cia is way more creative with her insults than you are and as far as points, well it depends on the game you're playing. Let's just leave it at that ok?”

“Enough talk.” Ivan kissed Mandy deeply.

Meanwhile, Aslan and Alicia were also talking while snuggled down in their own bed.

“You know, I understand that you were having fun but I'm kind of hurt you would let the others think I'm the kind of woman who would cheat on you. Especially since Sieg apparently thought I was into some really kinky group things and seducing all the men in the castle!”

“I am really sorry. I should have thought about how it would make you feel. We didn't think they would actually think either of you would cheat. If they hadn't been spying they wouldn't have gotten as suspicious as they did. They could have also just asked us directly like Hayden and Kuon did. Still, I should have known better. Can you forgive me?”

“Maybe, but I should make you come to the dragon caverns and grind for a bit tomorrow, I hate it but gotta be done, you'll need to break out your healer corazon.”

Aslan groaned “Grinding is boring. Isn't that why you play with Ivan?”

“You don't get jealous anymore then?”

“Who said I was ever jealous?”

Alicia gave him a steady look saying nothing.

“Alright, I admit, I did get jealous at first but I know now that it's just an outlet for you and that I am first in your heart. Plus, I like watching you take Mr Arrogant down a peg or two. Now, about my making things up to you.” Aslan moved so he was on top of Alicia and started kissing her neck.

a/n part two

OK so I figure Shaharazal's closest equivalent is Persia (I RESEARCHED AND WILL GLADLY MAKE A POST ABOUT MY REASONS IF ASKED) so he speaks Farsi.

When he calls Alicia Hansar-am he is literally calling her "my other head" which means equal partner/better half according to this link

When Ivan calls Mandy lyubov moya it means my love in Russian according to this link

Alicia calls Aslan corazon which is Spanish for heart and I don't need to link you because I speak Spanish.