by J Rose
at the time. The only way she allowed me to do. Giving her hand a light squeeze.
The hall was large there was nothing but empty space around it. Except for large podium like stands at the back where the twelve council members stood tall. Though we were Kings, and Prince’s I knew the council needed to be respected much like they needed to respect us. Everything was about being equal and fair to the people. Something that the Nova council had to always oversee. Because this was a “peaceful event” they were all in their human form in order to be diplomatic. Had they wanted to use force and show their power they would have no doubt been in their Nova form.
“Thank you for coming,” Councilmen Green spoke once we were standing a few feet below them. He was the most powerful of the council, the most outspoken, the fairest, the strongest, the bravest, and the wisest.
“I know this situation is uncommon almost unheard of. It certainly did take us off guard. However, we did some investigating and Councilmen Jacobs has indeed heard of this situation.” Councilmen Green continued and at his words, I grew confused.
How was that possible? More mating’s like this happened?
“I’m sure you’re all wondering why it is that no one has heard about it. There have only been four other cases. They’re rare maybe every five hundred if not one thousand years. We’ve been around for quite some time. Centuries, millenniums. Some of the old council members before us found the double mating. Disgraceful,” Councilmen Green answered though I knew he was trying not to offend us I could tell it had upset both my father and Crays.
“However they never thought this would happen in both Kingdoms at the same time,” Councilmen Green spoke trying to appease both kings for his words.
“Then how do you suggest we resolve this Councilmen? They cannot share her. And I will not allow my son to share anything let alone his mate with an Archer,” King Charles snapped angrily.
“They will not share her,” Councilmen Green assured.
“Councilmen. How was the situation resolved?” My father asked finally asking the question we had all been wondering about, hoping that the outcome would favor us.
“From what we gathered there were two solutions used. One of you Prince Parker or Prince Maxwell can retreat. Allow the other to take her. Give her up.” Councilmen Green spoke looking between Cray and I. Councilmen Green didn’t have to ask either of us to know what both our answers would be. Still, he spoke.
“Do either of you chose to retreat?” Councilmen Green asked.
Give up Lyric?... Did I deserve her? No. But I was selfish enough to admit that I still wanted her, needed her. She was like the air. I needed her to breathe, to live.
“No.” Cray and I both answered.
“That is out of the question. They are both unwilling. So what is the other option?” My father quickly asked knowing things would surely escalate if a proper decision and a fair one was not made soon.
“The other way things were handled was a fight. To the death. The winner keeps the woman being fought over.” I could see Lyric tense at my side as well as both Kings. I knew that if there was no other way to protect her and keep her by my side, I would do it. I would fight Cray for Lyric or die trying.
“However. Because they are both Prince’s we realize that is a drastic measure that will only cause chaos between both kingdoms. From the four double mating’s we were able to learn that none of the matings were successful when these strategies were used. The female did not have a happy mating nor did the two males,” Councilmen Green explained.
“Then what do you suggest councilmen?” My father asked.
“We can’t have them stay like this!” King Charles snapped angrily and I could tell they were both losing their patience now. Both Kings wanted to end this situation as soon as possible.
“Would the girl please step forward,” Councilmen Green spoke up.
Lyric. I could feel her hand shake in mine. Her eyes expressed fear. Even though I didn’t want to let go of her hand, afraid I would no longer have her at my side I knew I had to comply. Letting go of her hand, she stood beside me for what felt like hours before moving forward slowly in order to stand in front of the council on her own. More silence ensued and then Councilmen Green turned to look at her staring down at her. I could almost feel her fear as I watched her shrink away. She looked so small in front of all of us. She looked so vulnerable. I wanted nothing more than to pull her to my side again but knew I couldn’t do that.
“This is a very odd situation to be in isn’t it?” Councilmen Green spoke though his tone was firm there was an added softness to it that I suppose was the effect Lyric had on people with her innocence and gentleness.
“Yes,” She squeaked out her voice barely audible reminding me of a fearful mouse.
“How do you feel?” He asked her calmly.
“I can’t breathe,” Lyric answered the full stress of the situation flickering on her face.
For a second I thought of pulling her away from everyone so she could breathe again. Though I doubted she could have been able to breathe easy since coming back to Archer.
“Are you afraid?” Councilmen Green asked her, though there was no need to, everything was clearly written on her face.
“Yes,” She whispered quietly clutching her hands tightly in front of her while Councilmen Green replied back with a nod before.
“This situation is uncommon and by the council’s past mistake and because of the shaky treaty between both Kingdoms we’ve decided on this… The choice is yours Lyric. Do you choose Prince Parker or Prince Maxwell?” Councilmen Green asked.
For a second I felt like his words had rung for miles in my head. Part of me was glad that she would get to choose, the other part... The other part felt like sinking. Had the council chosen maybe then I couldn’t blame myself. I could blame them if they chose Cray for her. But now, now I knew that if she chose him I couldn’t push the blame on anyone but myself.
“You’re just a joke. The world would be a lot better if you weren’t in it.”
I could see myself in that hall again. Speaking all those untrue cruelties to her once more. Then the fire. Her eyes. The fear. The hospital. Her room. Everything came flooding back all at once. Not that I had ever forgotten, and I knew that she’d never forgotten either. I was preparing for it, hearing her say Cray’s name. Everything was lost for me that much I knew. But if, No, when she chose him. I knew I had to live with it.
“You made your bed. Now lay in it Archer,” I thought to myself
“Lyric. Your decision?” Councilmen Green asked her snapping me back to reality.
I could feel my chest tighten and I clenched my fist realizing this was it. I was going to lose her. I could have had her all this time. All these years. I wasted so much time being stupid. Choosing to ignore my instincts. Being careless, and now this was it. This was-
“Lyric your-”
“Parker.” She spoke out quietly silencing the room and for a second I too went blank. Unsure if my mind was playing tricks on me or if this was real. Had she really called my name?
“Parker.” She repeats once more though she’s looking down away from everyone's eyes as she says my name. I don’t have time to smile or to rejoice in what I’ve heard because Cray screams out in fury at what he too has just heard. She has chosen me and not him. I can see it in his eyes. The rage just before he shifts ready to attack me and her, ready to kill both of us.
Cray runs toward us in his Nova form ready to take her, to kill her, but I don’t give him time. My own instincts kick in and somehow I feel stronger today. Her words, her voice speaking my name still rings in my ears. I tackled Cray away from her both of us get thrown to the side though I land standing, he falls. He struggles up his large red hyena eyes glare at us but I don’t care. Right now I feel stronger.
"I'll kill you! She's mine Archer!" Cray growls and I can hear Lyric gasp in horror while she cowers, covering her ears. I know she can hear him. But at the moment it doesn
’t matter all that matters is that I protect her.
"She chose me Cray! Back off! Or I'll kill you!" I threatened him, standing in front of Lyric trying to shield her away from his eyes. Every single part of me is screaming to protect her while my heart, mind, and soul all scream the same thing.
“She’s mine!”
"Lyric, stay behind me," I tell her.
I can see the fear in her eyes. Whether that’s for the situation or for me I don’t know and I don’t have time to assess things further because Cray is already coming at me. It’s like my instincts go into overdrive and I growl out concentrating only on my enemy. Knowing that if I lose. If I die, he’ll take her away. Hurt her… Kill her…
“She’s mine,” I think to myself and I know Cray thinks the same because he attacks with just as much anger as I do.
“I won’t let you have her Archer!” Cray hisses out as we engage in battle. Throwing our paws around biting trying to inflict as much injury on each other as possible. He manages to grab on to my right shoulder biting off a large amount of flesh and fur. Howling in pain I keep fighting ignoring everything else around me and managing to pin him down once again.
"Enough!" Councilmen Green shouts his voice firm and breaking both Cray and I from our murderous trance.
Before long Nova Guards have shown up hissing and circling around Cray and I, ready to attack if we do not retreat. I can see Lyric out of the corner of my eye. My father standing behind her, a hand on her shoulder, both of them are concerned. I could see the fear in her eyes while she looks at the chaos in front of her.
“Retreat. Now. Both of you or I will be forced to use our power,” Councilmen Green threatened his voice firm and on edge. I knew any stupid sudden movement would no doubt get me killed by either the guards or Cray. Keeping my eyes on him I slowly retreated toward my father and Lyric. My instincts were still high, I realized part of me needed to make sure I claimed her in front of everyone. I wanted them to know who she had chosen and that she truly belonged to me. Moving toward Lyric, knowing that if I shifted back Cray would no doubt kill me I settled for nudging my head toward her. It was the only way in which I could offer comfort to her at the moment without putting her in danger. When she clung on to me part of me felt elated as did my ego. The rage in Cray’s eyes was visible. Though Lyric had chosen me I knew Cray would never accept it.
"You cannot choose him! I will not let you go with him!" Cray spoke angrily confirming what I already knew.
"She's made her choice Cray," I growled back.
"She has no choice!" Cray hissed out and hearing him say that made me want to fight him once more.
"She has a choice, and she's made it!" I yell firmly tough I knew it was no use.
"I will not stand for this!" King Charles spoke his voice angry.
"The girl is coming with us," He hissed out.
This was why Maxwell was like this. Just like his father both of them believed their mates to be objects to possess not people to love and care for.
"She's made her choice Charles. And that choice was not your son, but mine." My father spoke up. I could tell that he was on edge as well. Any sudden movement would no doubt not only cause a fight today but a war soon after if this continued to escalate.
“Enough!” Councilmen Green spoke out having realized this himself. His eyes were calm though the edge in his voice was noticeable. Trying to keep his composure and the peace between both kingdoms he spoke,
"The girl has made her choice. And we will respect it. King Thomas, Prince Parker. You may leave with her now," he says. Although I should feel relieved at his words I don’t, because the tension is still there, as are both Crays.
“Though I hope this is a choice you can live with,” Councilmen Green says to Lyric. For a second her eyes meet his before she settles her sight back on the ground.
“You are going to regret this" Maxwell says causing Lyric to look back up at him their gazes lingering on one another.
"We should go," My father says to us before turning to the council and thanking them. Though we turn to leave Lyric seems to be stuck to the floor and only moves when I gently push her forward.
She clings to me while we exit and I feel at ease about this. I know she means nothing by it but it's a way for me to protect her, something I need to do at the moment. When Lyric goes into the car there is a look of fear that can’t seem to leave her eyes. My father notices this as well but doesn’t say a word. Instead, he hands me clothes after I’ve shifted back to change into before going inside the car. The ride back is silent. Lyric doesn’t speak and there’s such a lost look in her eyes that I can feel her sadness radiating from her and it makes my chest tighten. She chose me but I realize it’s also something she did not want
“Son,” My father spoke quietly.
“Maybe it’s best if you two talk when we reach the castle. Try to calm her down,” My father suggests. Looking at Lyric, I could see hurt in her eyes, pain. Maybe it was because she was stuck with me now. Maybe she did want to choose Cray. So many thoughts ran through my head but there was nothing I could do at the moment other than speculate and worry about her.
#
The ride back home felt more worrisome than the ride before. Lyric remained robotic for lack of a better word. This was something I had only seen once in her. I felt as though I was back in those horrible last days five years ago. She had digressed to that shell of a girl. Her movements were robotic and looked physically tiresome; while the void in her eyes remained. Father himself had kept a worried eye on Lyric and he himself was starting to fidget. By the time we arrived back home, Lyric had still not moved on her own will or consciously at all.
“Lyric” I call out to her causing her to jump in fear.
“We’re back at the castle,” I tell her and for a second she looks around disoriented realizing that the car has stopped. She doesn’t say anything instead she remains quiet and without a word, exit’s the car.
When we walk into the castle both Crystal and Spencer are there waiting. The relief in their eyes is obvious and so is the curiosity but I don’t have time for that. For now, I need to be with her alone. I needed to talk to her. Before either Spencer or Crystal have a chance to speak I interrupt them.
"Father can explain. I'd like to speak with Lyric alone," I tell them and I can feel Lyric tense at my side. Begrudgingly Crystal agrees and lets us go; though her eyes tell me she wants to talk to Lyric to. For now, all I can do, all I really need to do, is talk to Lyric. As confused as I was at the moment feeling like this was not real, having her there certainly confirmed this was the reality.
Lyric had chosen me. Part of me did hope that she at least felt some sort of pull toward me other than hate. Taking hold of her hand I lead her upstairs to our room to talk closing the door behind us for some privacy. It’s a bit disheartening but like opposite energy’s - and + we drift away both of us to opposite sides of the room. Lyric towards the bed and I towards the window. Thinking back to all those times I’ve been in here with her I realize it has always been the same. Neither of us has been comfortable enough to talk so close to the other, so we drift apart in order to do it. Too lost in my own thoughts I let silence take us.
“I’m sorry,” She spoke first, her voice cutting the mist of silence that had surrounded us.
Her words catch me off guard. What was she apologizing for?
"You didn't have to fight for me," She continued her eyes downcast. Her words confused me even more and I could not understand what she was saying. Why would she think I didn’t need to? Making my way to her I reached for her hand first. Reaching to raise her head gently I lifted her chin up so our eyes could meet again. But she refuses to look up.
“Lyric. Look at me,” I say to her, but before I could speak again she’d cut me off once more.
“Why?” She questioned, and I was unsure now once again of what it was she was asking.
"You don't care about me. So why help me," She asked, tears rimming her beautif
ul chocolate orbs.
“Why save me when you could have just let me die or let me be taken by Maxwell?" She finishes crying and making guilt overcome me. I couldn’t look at her after hearing her say that, her words dug into my chest giving me a feeling of agony.
Was this what she thought? That I didn’t care about her? That I could just walk away and let her get hurt?
“You’re just a joke. The world would be a lot better if you weren’t in it.” There it was again. The past coming back to haunt me. This is what I did. What I’ve been making her feel for the past five years. I’d made her feel unworthy and scared.
“I’m sorry,” I tell feeling my throat tighten as if I was being choked.
“I’m so sorry,” I say again. Part of me wants to break down in tears pathetically but I know I have to finally tell her everything I feel and make things right.
"What I did. What I said to you all those years ago. I was wrong. If I could take it back, I would. Because I didn't mean what I said back then. I never did." I try to explain to her. She looks at me in tears, a mixture of both pain and confusion is in her eyes as she gazes back at me.
Even if I want to turn back now, I know I have to tell her how I feel about her. How I’ve always felt since the first day we met five years ago.
"I. I was an idiot who didn't know how to react to what you made me feel and when I realized who you were the damage had been done. I. I know I can't take it back," I tell her feeling my throat tighten again. I'm afraid of what she'll say to me, part of me wants me to stop talking, but I can't. I need to tell her everything today because it might be the only chance I have to tell her how I feel.
"But I want to make it up to you," I say and I hope that she can see and feel my sincerity. My heart races faster with each second that flickers by and I can’t help but finally say what I’ve always wanted to tell her.