Questions of the Heart

Based on an RP I did on Discord with a friend. Can things stay happy for this long?

Months had gone by since lady Nova had come to stay at the palace of Stolas. The owl prince feels a growing connection to her, something that he hasn't felt with his ex-wife, not even with Blitz despite the arrangement they had for his book. He doesn't know how to react to handle this, these new waves of emotion keep getting bigger to him. He talked with his best friend, a Hell-hound, Arnora who came by to see how things were with him since Stella left.

Arnora arrived in the kitchen to find the owl prince there finishing making some tea for himself, while she leaned against a counter.

“So what's up? Haven't seen you this confused in a long time.” Arnora asked her friend before she took a swig of the liquor from the bottle and leaned against the counter. Stolas sipped some nightshade tea he had made for himself.

“I suppose I'm still adjusting to the new living arrangements. Not saying that any of it is bad, just quiet different than it was before.” Stolas answered her.

“You mean no screaming and verbal abuse from the Queen of Helheim?” Arnora joked, the name was more a nickname for Stella. Stolas held back trying not to laugh.

I've dealt with it for so long I half expect to hear it first thing in the morning. I don't miss it at all but it feels odd not to hear it anymore.” Stolas answered as he nodded.

“But I've found myself not taking as many of those depression pills anymore so that's good.” he added as he poured himself another cup. Arnora smiled and was proud in his success at him moving on from what he had gone through.

“That's more than good, you've been doing much better since she left, don't know if I give credit to Blitz or someone else.” Arnora told her friend. Stolas turned his gaze to the window that looked out into the garden.

“Some to Blitz. A good deal to Via.....and some to....someone else.” Stolas answered as he looked out the in the garden before him he watch two lovely beings in his life gathering moon blossoms to shape them into crowns, his teenage daughter Octavia and his consort Nova. Arnora gives a smile.

“I think I know who, but....does your dad know about all of...this? Because once he finds out, you know what might happen.” Arnora told him as she looked at the liquor bottle she held. “He'll find someone else for you, and they might be worst than Stel.” she added.

Stolas looked back to her. "I don't care what he thinks anymore. I doubt he would even care now that Octavia is almost grown up. He was never loyal to my own mother nor cared for what I ever had to say." he swirled the teacup in his hand so the tiny loose leaves swirled about in an ominous vortex. "If he were to be caught by the Exterminators I doubt i would cry a single tear over him."

He sighed heavily. "I made a vow long ago that I would never be like him. That I would be a better father to Octavia than he ever was for me. Although I have stumbled, especially in recent years, I have kept that promise. At least I know my child's name, unlike him."

The hound knew his father far to well and grew up helping him through a lot of things King Piamon had put him through.

“And you still are better than him, Odin knows he wasn't father of the year by a LONG shot.” said Arnora, then, a thought came into her mind.

“But this might be the chance to show him otherwise, that who you want to remarry is your own choice now, not his, it's never been his, and tell him you don't give two s***s anymore.” she added before she took another gulp from the bottle.

“But....have you given any thoughts to remarriage?” she asked him.

"I have more or less washed my hands of him years ago. The only member of my family I care about is my daughter." he looked back to see her smiling as she talked with Nova in some secret conversation of theirs.

"As of remarriage... I don't really know.." he added. He felt Arnora's hand on his shoulder.

“Take whatever time you need, but, if and when word reaches your dad about this, I hope you plan on fighting like Tyr is at your side.” She told him.

“But you know I'm with you on this,if I have to, I'll bite your dad's hand off.” added Arnora. Stolas knew how protective his hound friend was of both him and his family.

“Thank you, but I would not want you to risk your life. Your moral support is greatly appreciated.” Stolas gave a small hoot of laughter. Arnora also gave a small laugh as she followed her friends gaze out the window to see Nova with her goddaughter Octavia along with her own daughter Lyssa, she turned back to her friend.

“But things with you and Blitz are still alright? I know you have your full moon deal and all.” said Arnora, she knew of things between them.

“They are, but I had to cancel our last full moon visit. I wasn't exactly in the mood, he didn't seem to mind at all.” Stolas answered. Arnora nearly spat out her drink, she had very rarely known him to cancel on the imp since the arraignment they had made for Stolas's book. She raised her brow and looked at him.

“You canceling on Blitzy? Okay, something is off with you, you rarely cancel on that guy.” Arnora told him.

“I know, usually I'd be counting down the days till our next meeting but at that time.....I couldn't be pulled away.” he replied with a nod.

“Pulled away from what? A meeting you couldn't get out of?” Arnora asked her friend as she placed the bottle down. Stolas shook his head to say no.

“No, Nova and I had been studying magic together all that week.” answered Stolas. Nova had a gift for something called Celestial Fire, something that wasn't seen in nearly centuries, a fire that could burn high demons and overlords, but also could burn angelic beings, but the one part of the power she kept hidden was the power to heal wounds that had been hurt by heavenly blessed weapons, blades or bullets. She very rarely used it though, only herself, Stolas and Octavia knew about this power and kept it's secret well. No one outside of them knew about it.

Arnora seemed to be thinking, she had never known her friend to spend this much time with someone aside from Blitz before.

“How, how much time are you spending with Nova anyway? Cause I'm feeling something different about you.” Arnora pointed out.

“I don't really know, sometimes the hours just fly by without either of us noticing.” he confessed. Arnora gave this even more thought, she pressed for a bit more.

“And....do you feel strange when you're around her? Like the good kind of strange, like you do with Blitz?” asked Arnora. Stolas gave this is a bit of thought.

“I feel....” he hesitated a bit before answering his friend.

“Oddly safe with her.... like I don't have to pretend or put on an airs to sustain an image.” Stolas continued. The hound gave a sly smirk, she had seen this before.

“You feel you can be yourself around her? And you feel she doesn't use for you status or to gain anything.” she told him.

He starred into his tea, "That thought had crossed my mind before. I am not an idiot. But she... doesn't give off that sort of aura. No smell of greed or ambition for status, the only ambition I feel from her is when she practices her magic and works on whatever song she need to do and when she wants to help Via with something..I truly believe she only wants to help....a saint in hell.”

“Maybe because you both have been through so much, and.....she might see things in you that Stella always put you down for. I mean when was the last time you felt that way at all? She actually wants to help you, doesn't care about things with Blitz.” Arnora told him.

Stolas ran a hand through his feather atop his head, "I don't really recall Arnora. I honestly don't."

“My point right there, Stella never made you feel like Nova does! Stol I think....I think you might be falling for her.” Arnora said. A faint blush rose in his pale cheeks. She gave a light laugh, she had seen this with him before.

“I know that blush anywhere.” she added.

“I- I don't understand.” Stolas felt the blush deepen.

“It doesn't take the entire gods of Asgard to see it.” she told her friend. His feathers fluffed upwards around his neck.

“But what if....she doesn't feel the same way?” Stolas asked his hound friend. Arnora placed a hand on his shoulder and looked at him with a smile.

“Stol, the only way to know is to ask, but if you're too nervous about it, hold back a bit to see how she is around you, take this at a slow pace until you know for sure.” Arnora told him. The advice seemed sound as Stolas ran his hand over the ruffled up feathers to smooth them over.

“Of course. The last thing we need is another forced relationship.” said Stolas.

“And think back to the times she sang for you, she wasn't singing for any other guy.” Arnora told him.

He smiled softly at the memories. “I think it was the first time anyone truly serenaded me.” Stolas pointed out.

“Then that time you defended her from those nobles at that party Stella tried to embarrass her at, when have you done that for anyone?” Arnora asked him.

“She is a strong woman.” said Stolas as he nodded in thought. He then felt an arm around his shoulder.

“Because she also learned from an even stronger man. But, I think you might surprise yourself when you find out she has feelings for you.” said Arnora as they sat back at the table.

“A good way to find out without being too invasive, ask Via, they hang around each other and she might know something.” added Arnora.

“I suppose Via would know her in a different way than I do.” Stolas told her as he shifted in his seat a little. Arnora leaned against the table next to him

“There you go, we might not find anything right away, but it's a start, Stolas you've been my best friend for years and I want you happy again, with someone who wants to see you happy.” Arnora told him.

“Thank you.” He smiled warmly at her. She smiled back at him.

“Hey, what are best friends for?” she asked.

Stolas smiled and raised the bottle from the table. “Another refill my friend?” Arnora laughed when he said that and picked up her cup.

“Damn, you know me too well, only if you join me, even if it's one drink.” said Arnora as she brought the glass over. Stolas shrugged.

“Oh why not.” he said pouring half a cup into her own, Arnora took the bottle and poured some into his own cup. She raised it into the air.

“Skol, as we say in the Great Hall, to new changes and friendships standing as long as they have.” said Arnora. Stolas raised his own cup.

“To long healthy friendships.” added Stolas as his cup met hers.

“And then some, and may you stand beside me in the times of Ragnarok.” said Arnora. Stolas gave a nod to tell her he would be there with her. “And may a bright future await afterwards for our children.” he added before they took a drink.

Later that evening, Stolas saw Octavia in the living room, sitting on the sofa doing something on her phone, he was slightly nervous to talk to her about this, he fidgeted with a part of his clothing as he looked at his daughter, the teen owl looked up from her phone feeling her dad's four eyes on her, it was starting to get annoying.

“I can feel you looking at me dad.” Octavia said, not looking up from her phone.

“I umm, didn't want to interrupt your conversation or whatever it is you're do on your phone.” said Stolas as he stepped closer to her.

“Just scrolling through things, is something bothering you?” Octavia asked him. The owl prince rubbed the back of his head.

“Not really, just wondering if you had a good evening with Nova tonight?” Stolas inquired. Octavia set her phone down.

“Yeah, hung out in the garden a bit, picked some flowers for the kitchen, she had to go run an errand and will be back soon she said, but we talked a bit.” Octavia told him. He knew the two got along like sisters from time to time, Nova held no ill-will to his daughter, she never did, and was glad about that, she did her best to treat Via like the growing lady she was while at the same time was more of a friend to her.

“Do you like her? Cause I think she might like you.” Octavia added. Stolas felt his face flush once more. “Really?” he asked.

“She brought you up when she and I were talking.” Octavia told him. He felt his throat tighten up a bit and starting to become dry

“Like eh what? Dare I asked?” Stolas asked his daughter.

“Well, like how good you are at helping her with her powers, how nice you've been to her, and you're funny.” answered Octavia. Stolas felt his blush deepen hearing all this, he knew Nova saw him as nice and how he'd been helping her, but funny? He was never known for that before.

“Funny? Well there's a first. I'm glad to meet her approval. But how do YOU like her, my owlet?” Stolas asked her, Octavia gave it some thought, and a smile started to form on her face.

“She's nice, I do like her like an older sister of sorts, she doesn't force me to do things with her that I don't want, like go to certain parties, and she has great taste in outfits, she said I could even borrow some of hers if I wanted. And she got me this cool dress that I don't feel embarrassed about. She actually helps me with my studies when you're busy and knows when I need a break from them, she's great.” Octavia told him.

Stolas smiled hearing his daughter talk about the young consort like this, she truly did have a friend in Nova, not even Stella did half of the things Nova did with Via and never treated her like a child.

“So if she were to become a...permanent member of the family, you wouldn't mind it all, right?” asked Stolas as he sat next to his daughter. She turned to face him.

“Are you kidding? I'd love it, but.....I think she's slightly nervous to tell you how she feels about you dad.” answered Octavia.

“She's not the only one.” he murmured.

“When I suggested that she talk to you, she got so nervous and said she couldn't do it, guess she's never had strong feelings like that for anyone before.” said Octavia.

“But....maybe a poem might help, figure out what you want to say.” she added. Stolas shivered a little when he heard this.

“You know words aren't exactly my strong suit Via.” Stolas told his daughter.

“Even with all those books you have, not a one of them about love poems?” Octavia asked with her brow raised. He quickly straighten himself up.

“Some, but none you're old enough to read.” said Stolas.

“I'll sneak into your room when I turn 18 to read them.” laughed Octavia. The prince knew she had gotten sense of humor from him.

“I'll be sure they're under lock and key.” Stolas smirked, Octavia laughed once again, had she been laughing and smiling more since all this?

“But really dad, maybe you can get some ideas from those books, without all the....you know.” said Octavia, he gave that idea some thought.

“Yes, yes I know, I want this done right, she is a lady after all.” Stolas said with a nod.

“At least until you know she's ready for that kind of stuff.” said Octavia.

“Yes, I don't want to make her uncomfortable and scare her away.” he replied.

“I think plenty of stuff shirts made her uncomfortable just because, but does she talk to you about her time before coming here? She doesn't...bring it up much with me.” Octavia said to him. He bit his beak for a moment, he didn't know if he should tell her or not, it was something he thought Nova should tell her when she felt she was ready.

“Briefly. Fortunately she's never had to go 'all the way' in her previous houses.” Stolas told her.

“Oh....guess that's why she hates talking about her time in other houses, those guys must have been jerks to her.” said Octavia.

“There's a other word for it but yes, they were, they didn't know her like we do.” replied Stolas as he pulled his daughter close to hug her.

Late night was now upon the pride ring, everyone had gone to sleep save for one owl prince doing some late night research on something. He scribbled through several sheets of paper that seem to deteriorate in he hands the longer he worked, all the while muttering under his breath with growing frustration. Not wanting to sit at the desk anymore, Stolas stood up and tried walking around the halls, thinking that could help him clear his head.

Meanwhile, Nova tossed and turned in her bed, then shooting up in a cold sweat, her breathing was heavy from the dream she had awakened from but it was more like a nightmare. Unable to calm herself in her room, she stepped into the hallway, walking always seemed to settle her mind after dreams like that, she could hear another voice talking further down the hall, she knew the voice talking was Stolas's own, but he sounded frustrated about something. He was so focused on the paper as he walked still talking to himself.

"If I profane with mine unworthiest hand, the gentle sin is this, my lips, two pilgrims ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a gentle kiss...” Stolas told himself Nova had stopped in front of a large stained-glass window when she heard him speaking, he stopped for a moment and scratched his head as if he was thinking about something but it wasn't coming to him.

“And so with that wish....damn! That's not it at all!” He almost shouted at himself. He then looked up from his papers to see Nova standing in the moonlight of the window, the light catching her hair/feathers to where he could see the shades of violet and making her floor length nightgown an icy pearl color, he stopped walking when he saw her, dropping his papers on the floor.

“Oh! Nova! Did I wake you?” asked Stolas as he felt his cheeks flush. Startled, she turned towards him.

“Who are you?! That duke!? Stella's brother?!” Nova gasped, her dream had left her rattled. Stolas looked at her with confusion, she thought he was someone else.

“Nova? What's the matter?” Stolas asked as he stepped closer to her, once he came into the light, she could at last see who called for her.

“S- Stolas?” Nova asked when he came closer. He nodded.

“Did you have a nightmare miss?” asked Stolas in a worried manner. She felt herself calming down when she saw him.

“I'm- I'm sorry yes.....god's I hate it when they do this to me. It's never shaken me this bad, why do they haunt me? Because of my bloodline?” Nova answered still shaken.

“I feel as if I'm dreaming, even when I'm awake.” she added as she brushed some hair from her eyes. Stolas hurried closer to her and wrapped her in his arms, she felt much more calmer when she felt him holding her like this.

“You're here now, safe and sound.” Stolas assured her, Nova buried her face in his chest, welcoming the warmth.

“I've only met Andrealphus briefly but yet he frightened me so, as if there will be something that will happen and he will be there.” Nova told him as she pulled back some. Stolas smiled softly and caressed her face in his hand.

“As someone who studies prophecies through the stars, I can assure you, your future will not be in his grasp.” Stolas told her he then began to preen her tenderly along her face, the click of his beak was soft against her ears.

“Drown out my dreams until I forget that cold peacock, until I forget my nightmares with your voice.” Nova spoke, to her words he held her closer to himself once more. He shifted so he was sitting upon the floor with her in his lap.

"I've had time to write a book about, the way you act and look, but I haven't got a paragraph." sang Stolas as he motioned to the scattered papers with scribbled notes that lay haphazardly across the floor.

"Words are always getting in my way, anyway, I love you, that's I have to tell you. That's all I've got to say." he kept singing, his smile widened then like an obedient dog a book floated close to the avian pair.

"And now I'd like to make a speech about the love that touches each, but stumbling, I would make you laugh." he kept singing as Stolas braced her firmly with one hand and in the other waved a spell from the book to the floor beneath them. Her eyes widened at what she saw under her wasn't the floor anymore.

"I feel as though my tongue were made of clay, anyway I love you, that's all I have to tell you." his voice soothed her fears as he sang. The pair slipped through the portal to the bright starry cosmos beneath them. Their dressing gowns fluttered about around them.

"I'm not a man of poetry, music isn't one with me, it runs from me. It runs from me" He sang as stars shot across the forever midnight sky, Stolas looked back to the maiden in his arms.

"And I tried to write a symphony, but I lost the melody.”

He found to his surprise her voice joining his own with the song.

“Once, when I was searching. Somewhere out of reach.”

“Alas I only finished (far away) half.”

“And finish I suppose I never may.”

“In a place I could not find, or heart obey.”

"Anyway I love you, that's all I have to tell you.”

“Now that I'm a woman.”

“That's all I've got to say.”

“Now I know the way.”

“That's all I've got to say.”

“Now I know the way.”

“That's all I've got to say." they both sang the last few notes. Stolas drew her close more and set his beak upon her own in a tender kiss. She had never felt anything like this within her before, the warmth of what she was starting to feel inside her, he saw more in her than others have in the past. Nova broke the kiss briefly.

“Do you honestly have feelings for me? Not fake ones to hurt my heart?” asked Nova. He stared deeply into her gaze.

“I have spent many hours wondering how to tell you how I felt, yet none would come clearly to my mind, until now.” answered Stolas. Nova gave a small smile.

“I think you said perfectly, but I don't want to come between you and Blitz, and I know about your deal and-” she tried to tell him but he silenced her with another kiss. He then remembered Arnora's words from earlier.

'Show your dad who you truly want to marry, show him he has little power over who your heart truly wants.' Arnora's words echoed in his head.

He held her so close he could feel their hearts beating together as one. Nova felt his heartbeat along with her own, has she ever felt like this before? He seemed to truly care and dare she say it out-loud, he might actually love her.

“Many may have tried to play with my heart, and were cruel to it, you were the first to never shatter it.” Nova told him. Stolas pressed her forehead to hers.

“You have made my long shattered heart whole.” said Stolas, she looked back up at him.

“I have? I.....I didn't I could have done such a thing.” said Nova.

“Needless to say you have, and I love you.” Stolas confessed. She felt her face turning bright red hearing this.

“What? No- no one has ever told me that, and meant it.” Nova said to him.

“I do sweet Nova. My lady Nova, I want you to stay with us forever.” Stolas told her with a smile as a soft trilling sound escaped his throat causing her to giggle at the sound. “Sorry about that.” he hooted with a laugh. She was trying her best to stop.

“No, it's alright, it's really kind of cute when you get like that.” said Nova as she stopped laughing.

“But do you really mean it, you want me to stay with you both forever?” added Nova.

“I do.” he answered with a nod. Even though there was nothing around them but the light of the stars, he managed to shift himself upon one knee. Her heart started to race when she could see what he was doing, was he actually going to ask her.

“Lady Nova, will you take me as your mate?” asked Stolas.

Nova could hardly believe it! Not a one had asked her to become their mate, after years of being passed from house to house, this was her first chance of happiness, to have....the kind of life she dreamed of no matter who asked her, but one more question burned in her mind. She knew not be able to give an addition to the Goetia name had been the main reason she had been passed from home to home, when those she had been staying with found out, she was gone from that home the following day. She just had to know if this wasn't going to be like past ones.

“You...you don't care if I can't give you another heir?” asked Nova as she held back tears of joy. His warm smile only softened in her eyes.

“Octavia will be our child. So long as we're together.” answered Stolas. She could feel tears of joy escaping her eyes. What she always hoped for and wanted more than anything in the 7 rings, someone to love her and not care about if she could give a child or not, and a family that actually cared for her.

“Then....yes! A thousand times yes!” Nova answered as Stolas smiled happily and pulled her into his arms, she cried a little on his shoulder she felt so overwhelmed with emotion.

“But...your deal with with Blitz......and when Stella finds out....and your father...” Nova started to tell him.

“We will deal with them in due time. Together.” Stolas replied as he nuzzled her.

The portal to the starry skies closed and they were back in the palace, not much time had passed as it was still dark outside. Octavia peaked her head out from behind a wall when she saw they were back, she was so curious about what happened between the two of them.

“How did go?” Octavia asked. Her father responded with another happy trilling noise as he nuzzled Nova lovingly causing her to giggle at the sound once again.

“You asked her dad?! And she's-” Octavia was being excited as she could see how happy he was and could see a smile on Nova's face as she stepped closer to both of them.

“I hope....you're ready to have me as step-mom Via.” Nova told her. Octavia covered her mouth and looked like she was going to cry from joy hearing what Nova had just told her.

“You and dad are getting-?!” Octavia couldn't finish what she wanted to say, Stolas reached an arm out to his daughter and pulled her close to himself and Nova.

“Now we can be a real family.” said Stolas, Octavia hugged her father back.

“I always thought we were dad, even when it was just the two of us, but now, it's a thousand times better, because I get a mom who really cares about me, and most of all, she cares about you, and you're happy again after so long.” Octavia told them.

“Oh Via.” Nova said as she hugged her new daughter. The three of them were unaware that a pair of icy blue eyes were watching them, the cold figure smirked.

“Oh my, my, my Stella is not going to be happy about this, seems you've made your choice ex- brother in- law. First an imp, now a low blood, you just keep falling further and further. I wonder how your father will react to this, because he's about to find out rather quickly.” the figure left without anyone seeing them.

The following morning everyone had gotten into their morning routine in the palace. Arnora was in the kitchen dropping something off, as she walked into the hallway the front doors of the palace were thrown open and in rushed a tall imposing figure.

“STOALS!! WHERE ARE YOU?!” the figure shouted, Arnora saw who it was, the high demon himself, King Piamon, Stolas's father was in the foyer of his palace and he looked mad, a sinking feeling sat in her gut about why he was here.

“Oh no, but how did he?!” Arnora started to ask. The prince had heard his father's voice boom through the palace and quickly dressed in his every day regalia, the voice startled everyone else as well.

“I'm here father. You may quit your squawking at once.” said Stolas as he stared down his father from atop the grand staircase. Piamon looked up at his son while Arnora looked worried for her friend as she watched the high demon closely in case there was something more going on. Nova followed Stolas but stayed out of sight when she saw who he was talking with, she had been told stories about the prince's father but didn't know if half of them were true.

“I have just heard some very interesting news from someone, you, and the wife I had arranged for you are now divorced, is....any of that true?” Piamon inquired, his voice was surprisingly calm, that was almost never a good sign most of the time.

“Someone told you? Did that news come from a certain icy cold peacock?” asked Arnora with her arms crossed over her chest, she knew who had told him about all of this. Stolas's narrowed upon his father.

“I have made no secret about that father. That marriage was a mistake. One of many you have made for my life. The only good that ever came from that union was my daughter. Now that part of the arrangement had been fulfilled I decided it was better for Stella and myself to part, than spend an eternity in misery together." Stolas replied to him.

"He's right grandpa." Octavia said as she rushed into the hall. "All my life they were always fighting. but since the divorce I've seem them relax, even smile. If you care about our family you will not intervene!"

Piamon was taken aback by the actions of his granddaughter, but letting out a deep sigh as he seem to glide over the foyer floor, his eyes never living Stolas as he slowly started to come down the steps.

“If that's the case then, I will find him a new bride, if not then you will find a husband for my granddaughter-” Piamon started to say but was cut off by Arnora's voice.

“Over my broken dead body Piamon, Via won't be betrothed to anyone yet, not if Stol and I have any say in it, unlike you.” stated Arnora, Piamon turned his head towards the hound.

“Of course the head-strong Helblod is here for this-” Piamon started to say, but a snarl told him to be quiet.

“It would be smart to not tick off a god killer Piamon.” snarled Arnora, she knew he could beat her, but if it was all for her best friend she would fight this demon. Stolas glared down at his father.

“I have already chosen a bride. One that is of superior grace, beauty and power. All that Stella gravely lacked. Octavia is still my heir and she will marry at her own time, not yours." said Stolas. Piamon's eyes became wide when he hears this.

“What?! Then who is she!? Her family?! Her bloodline?! Do you know anything about this woman?!” Piamon started asking his son when he came to the bottom of the steps. Arnora smirked at him.

“A lot more than you, since you pretty much brushed off the Celestine name.” Arnora told him. Piamon feels his eye twitch as he looks at the hound.

“The Celestine name?!” Piamon nearly shouted, he hadn't heard that name in so long it had almost left his mind. Stolas smiled and looked up to the top of the grand staircase.

“My darling.” Stolas said, Nova stepped out from where she had been hiding, she nervously stepped down the stairs, her footsteps falling near silent as she walked down, she lightly trembled when she could see Stolas's hand held out to her, she took his hand and stepped towards him in full view of his father. Piamon had never seen someone like her before.

“This....this creature?” asked Piamon. Arnora narrowed her gaze towards him.

“Hey! Shut it Piamon! For once, it's his choice, not yours and it will never be your choice who you pick for him anymore.” Arnora snapped at the high demon. Stolas narrowed his gaze on his father as he held Nova close to him.

“I was planning on extending an olive branch by inviting you to the wedding, but if that is the attitude you're going to hold towards her consider it revoked.” stated Stolas.

“You want to marry below your rank? What do you see in her at all?!” exclaimed Piamon. Nova gulped and took a grasp at some courage.

'She's a healer for one, so if you get hurt by angelic weapons, don't count on her to come and heal you.' thought Arnora as she looked on.

“It's more of what I see in him sire.” answered Nova.

“I see her and know that there truly is a god.” Stolas said to his father as he protectively held Nova, Piamon came closer to them.

“The fact that you're a prince, and she is from the lowest rank there is of the Goetia, she just wants to bring up her status, I know how women like that work.” Piamon stated. Something in Nova snapped, she broke away from Stolas and stood right in front of the high demon, showing little fear towards him.

“And you would know all about that wouldn't you! Because you were never once loyal to your own wife! Stolas may have messed up from time to time, but he's a greater man than you have ever been in your centuries alive! He has raised a beautiful daughter so she could have a normal life with the abuse Stella has put him through, and he came out of it stronger than anything I've seen in my life, and I am more than thrilled to become his wife, because of the kindness he has shown me, when other men like you have looked away and cast me out! He didn't, and before you call him a shame and embarrassment, I'd say look in the mirror first because that is who the true shame is!” Nova almost shouted at him.

Piamon was about to say something but Nova wasn't giving him a chance to speak, not this time. Octavia, Arnora and Stolas were all a bit surprised at what they had heard, let alone seeing.

“So what if I can't give him another heir like other men have turned me away for, for once in both our lives, we have happiness, and if you cared about your son for once in his entire life instead of being the horrible father that you have been, you'd see he's amazing.” stated Nova as she took Stolas's hand, then glared up at Piamon.

“And I have a family that feels true. I will marry your son with or without your blessing! If you can't be happy for him about this, then why are you even in his life?!” Nova added. There was dead silence in the foyer after she had spoken. “Whoa.” was the only thing Arnora could say after what was just heard.

Octavia smiled proudly at her new parents and rushed to hug them tightly. Nova might have been the very first person to stand up to Stolas's father.

“Even in hell, we have found heaven.” said Stolas as he smiled in the warmth of his family.

Piamon just stood in the middle of the foyer stunned by what he had just heard, he was a king and no one ever dared to speak up to him in the way he had been just been now. It was clear that Lady Nova was a force to be reckoned with in her own way.

“Not even Stolas spoke up to me in that way, and yet this woman had to courage to say what she did to me.” said Piamon.

“I'd say it was more of a punch with words.” Arnora said.

“And she speaks the truth, from both our heart.” replied Stolas. The king hid a smirk as she came up to the couple, using a shadowy hand hand, he holds something in his hand in front of his son. Stolas held out his hand and his father placed what he held in the owl prince's hand, it was a ring box.

“Never in my life has anyone spoken to me like that, she has earned this, along with some of my respect.” Piamon told his son. Stolas opened the small box, Nova took a peak in the box when it became opened, the prince knew the ring that laid inside.

A silver ring that looked like three ring had been fused, the top had a single tear shaped moonstone, but the center stone was a deep purple tear shaped opal that looked like a small nebula, both the sides were made of diamonds, Tanznite and amethysts along with another moonstone at the bottom of the larger opal stone.

“Is that?” Nova started to ask.

“My mother's ring, not even Stella was given this.” Stolas finished what she wanted to say.

“Because she was not worthy of it. I swore to your mother I'd give this ring to you when the right woman who would be worthy of you came around, this young woman proved me wrong, and earned this. And I think you chose well Stolas, Stella didn't have the nerve to stand up to me the way this young lady did.” Piamon explained to everyone. Stolas was dumbfounded. Never before had he heard his father praise him. Not once had the high demon ever approve of whatever choice he made.

“Are you certain of this sire?” Nova asked the king, thinking it might have been some sort of ploy or way to lower their guard.

“I don't think I've ever heard him complement anyone before.”said Octavia as she looked at Nova.

“I'm just as confused as you are Via.” Nova told her.

“Okay, am I going crazy? Why is Piamon being nice?” Arnora asked. Stolas then looked back at his father.

“You are a puzzle father. Just when I have you figured out, you do something like this.” said Stolas, Piamon then turned to walk out the door.

“Let me know when a date is set.” Piamon told his son as he left, the door closing behind him, everyone seemed confused for a little bit, but quickly brushed it off.

“A bit odd, but now you have a ring dad and you can give her the right kind of proposal.” said Octavia. He nodded with a smile then turned back to his lady fair. “Nova....” Stolas started to tell her. She looked back at him with Arnora and Octavia watching with smiles on their faces. Again he got down on one knee as he held her hand.

“Will you marry me?” asked Stolas.

“My answer has not changed, it's still yes.” Nova answered. Octavia snapped a picture on her phone. Stolas smiled happily as he slid the ring onto her finger, standing back up to kiss her. Outside a slim red figure had seen everything, he had pulled away from the window and slumped down onto the ground beneath the window.

“Even you abandon me Stolas?” the figure asked himself. Nova looked at her future husband and knew one other thing that could make him happy.

“But....you really should talk to Blitz, how things won't change, I don't want to come between you and Via, but I also don't want to come between you and Blitz, not with your arrangement and everything, I can't believe I'm saying this but he's grown on me too and I don't want to see him hurt.” said Nova, she had known about the imp for sometime but didn't say anything about it out fear from she might have to leave.

“You really don't care if he comes over on the full moon to bang your now soon to husband just so the guy can keep his job?” asked Arnora.

“I didn't before, why would I now.” answered Nova. The figure perked up when he heard this, she wasn't going to take Stolas fully away from him, but he was going to have to learn to share for a bit anyway.

“I didn't know you knew Nova.” Stolas said nervously. Nova lightly blushed as she smiled. He had done this best to hide the affair with Blitz from her, but she had found out and didn't care about what was going on? He didn't know if this was just her nature or this is what she wanted for him.

“It's not that hard to hear you both when I have to be in the hallway for something, I just stayed quiet about in case I had to leave, but where did you learn to speak like 'that?' You want to talk language around Via the things I hear from your room when he's here would turn a sailor green with envy. Plus it's not hard to miss him when he's running out of the palace,” Nova responded.

“Ha! Busted!” Arnora laughed. Stolas felt his blush deepen as he pulled his hat over his eyes. Nova found it a bit adorable seeing him like that and held back from laughing out-loud.

“Aww dad, you don't need to be so shy.” laughed Octavia as she rubbed her father's back trying to help him. Nova stood in front of him and lifted his hat up to where he could see her lavender eyes, and she his four red eyes with a smile.

“Stolas, like I said, if seeing Blitz makes you happy as well as I do, then I won't stop you from seeing him. Nor am I going to stop him from coming here, like I said, he's kind of grown on me a bit as well.” Nova said. The owl prince removed his hat and tossed it to the floor, he knew this woman had such a kind nature but didn't know how deep it went.

“I never expected to hear that from you. As much as I care for him I do not want to hurt you. Even if it meant surrendering him." Stoles said as he held her hands tenderly. She was about to tell him something but became interrupted.

“Hey if she wants she can join us Stolas!” Blitz suddenly exclaimed as he broke through the glass and tumbled out the window inside. Everyone became a bit surprised to see him, Arnora rubbed the sides of her head when she felt a headache coming on, they always flared up with Blitz was around.

“What the- Damn it Blitz! Were you listening outside again?!”exclaimed Arnora.

“The last thing I need to think of is the three of them in bed together. Thanks for that mental image.” said Octavia as she face flushed. Arnora wrapped an arm around her goddaughter.

“When that happens you can spend the night at my place, save your ears.” Arnora told her. Octavia hugged her godmother back. “Thanks Arnora.” Octavia replied.

“Hey what kind of godmother would I be if I didn't give you a place to stay now and then.” Arnora told her.

Nova blushed when she heard what Blitz offered and was trying to wrap her head around it, it didn't cross her mind of joining the two when they had their full moon night.

“B- Blitz let's warm into that idea first. I- I haven't spent the night with Stolas, yet.” Nova told the imp. She noticed Blitz's lude smirk, she always hated when he got that kind of smirk.

“I see you want him to do the popping for ya. Just a heads up he likes it rough so don't be afraid to break out the bear traps on him.” laughed Blitz as Nova's face went bright red before looking at Stolas.

“What do you both do when he's here?” asked Nova. Stolas's face went as bright as his eyes and didn't want to tell her. Arnora looked like she was going ring the imp's neck.

“Blitz I'm going to drop-kick you out of here!” Arnora nearly growled.

“Me? Kick out the best man?” Blitz faked a gasp. The larger hound felt her eye twitch.

“Keep your mouth up, and you'll be lucky to be an usher!” shouted Arnora. Stolas slowly regained his composure to keep the imp and hound from killing each other.

“Now, now ladies clam down. Even you Blitz.” said Stolas. Nova snapped back to reality before she joined Stolas near the two.

“Yes, we're going to need some boundaries Blitz, first off, you still get to keep your full moon deal, and I 'might' consider joining you both. But my wedding night is strictly for myself and Stolas only. But after that, we'll talk.” Nova said to Blitz.

“Indeed, nothing is set in stone until after the honeymoon.” Stolas added. Blitz looked hopeful, maybe he had been a little too quick to judge Nova when Stolas first told him about her. But he thought he might like her too, as a friend with benefits, she wasn't going to stop their deal or come between them, she just wanted Stolas to be happy more than anything.

“Hey I'm one step closer to making a three-way fantasy real! I'll hold off on whatever you need.” said Blitz with a smile.

“Odin help me.” groaned Arnora. Nova let out a smile laugh as she walked over to Blitz with a soft smile to him.

“But, things may be slightly different around me Blitz, but I appreciate you being understanding on this, the best man needs to be.” Nova said before he gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Blitz lightly blushed.

“You sure know how to pick them Stolas.” Blitz said to the prince. Arnora chuckled seeing him like that as Stolas pulled Nova back to him, his forehead touching her own, both were excited about the upcoming plans that were to be made.

Unknown to them a hand- mirror had been left out on a nearby table as another pair of pink eyes glared through the glass, having heard everything, anger came from the mirror.

“Enjoy this while you can Stolas, because I plan making sure you are miserable, because if I can't be happy with you than neither will she!” the peahen spoke softly so no one would hear her.

Author's Note

Nova, Arnora and Lyssa belongs to me.

Stolas, Blitz and Octavia belong to viviziepop