by J Rose
“Wow. This is something. You guys have progressed.” My cheeks flamed, and I found myself wanting to sink to the bottom of the ocean with Brad’s words.
“Do you need something?” Parker asked calmly, his hold on my waist steady. If anything I wished for him to let go of me. Instead, he seemed to ease into conversation with Brad as my heart raced from not only Parker but a feeling of embarrassment.
“It’s our shift Parker,” Brad explained to Parker who finally loosened his hold on me and allowed me to move away from him.
“Sorry Lyric I-”
“It's fine. Really,” I found myself saying, mostly trying to decrease my embarrassment. Even if Brad noticed my embarrassment he did not say a word and simply stood there waiting for Parker.
“Alright then,” Parker whispered a soft smile on his face. Reaching to caress my cheek it was hard not to close my eyes at his touch, or for my heart not to race once again.
“Today,” Brad spoke impatiently, if not playfully by the smile on his face. With a last kiss to my lips, Parker was gone, leaving me breathless.
#
Dear mom,
I’m sorry for not writing in so long. I realize that I promised to write every single day but have failed to write at least one letter. I don’t plan to make excuses but at the most, I want to calm your nerves. I suppose you’re worried about me because of everything that’s happened. I know that King Thomas has kept you up with everything and so has Andrew’s father. I don’t want you to worry so much about me anymore. I am doing alright. Every day, I learn a little more about myself and the things I want. I do think of you from time to time and I feel guilty for the way I behaved at the beginning of our new life. However, I am fine now and I can only thank you for what you’ve done for me. I’m happy mom and I think it’s time you should do the same.
Worrying about me shouldn’t be a priority anymore. You’ve taken such good care of me for the longest of times and I feel a little selfish and like a spoiled child because of it. I’ve always felt so alone but now thinking back to those horrible days I realize I always had you. These past few years away from Archer you have dedicated your time to me only but I want you to start anew. You also deserve a fresh start.
It’s funny, isn’t it? How my life seemed to freeze with everything that happened in Archer and I was so afraid to face it all but here I am now. I left behind friends who I never thought cared and someone I had not known cared for me as much as they do. I know you worry about me because of what’s happened with Parker and Maxwell. But mother… I am alright. My friends take care of me and Parker never leaves me without someone to keep me safe. He’s great mom... Parker is a good man. He’s different from the Parker I met before and I like the man that he has become. I’m not afraid to be with him anymore, I’m not afraid to let him in or let him love me. I haven’t quite spoken my heart out to him yet but I feel you should know first. I love him. These past few months here have allowed me to close certain chapters of my life. My own insecurities have slowly started to fade, and it’s all thanks to him. There are many things I would like to share with you but for now, I think I’ll leave it here. I hope to see you soon mom. Crystal says she’s invited you to her wedding and I really do want to see you.
All my love,
Lyric
P.S. We should come to see the ocean together. The ocean is quite beautiful and it will bring you some peace.
Sighing after reading the letter once again, I found it hard to close the small journal I had in my lap. The truth of the matter was I had been too afraid to talk to my mother. She had not called since my arrival to Archer and I realized it was because of the way I was. Ever since the fire, and after leaving Archer. my mother seemed to wait for me to give her a response. I knew it was mainly out of fear that I would suddenly relapse into a frenzy of pain. Most of the time she kept her distance, and I knew it caused her pain to this day. She was never able to take care of me or deal with my grievances but she still did the best she could. For that, I was very thankful.
Looking down at the notebook in my lap I smiled at the soft rocking motion that swayed me with the waves as I sat at the front of the boat. Everyone seemed to be so busy here but I enjoyed the peace and quiet. Parker, Spencer, King Thomas, Brad, and Oliver all seemed to spend their time below deck, steering the boat, or keeping guard. Crystal herself preferred to spend her time divided between Spencer and reading magazines while sunbathing.
“Summer is almost over I need to make the best of it,” Crystal had said. Then, of course, was my other friends. I was surprised with Jane coming along with us but I supposed it was due to Andrew tagging along. Though Andrew offered smiles and gave me a hello each morning, Jane did not. She avoided speaking to me or acknowledging me for that matter, and I found myself feeling like an outsider in their friendship.
Most of the time Jane and Andrew were together talking and laughing but excluding everyone else. From the few times I was around them I noted the look of pain Brad always wore. It was the first time I had ever seen such a cheerful guy not smile. Most of the day he would spend smiling, joking, being himself, but at night his smile crumbled and a look of despair was on his face.
“Let him learn,” Parker had told me one night.
“I did.” His words only made my heart elevate and for Brad and Jane’s sake, I hoped everything sorted itself out.
“Princess.”
“Lyric.” With a smile I found myself looking up at Oliver who now stood next to me before sitting down quietly. These past few days at sea I’d noted the way he struggled to say my name comfortably. Though the occasional “Princess” still left his lips, Oliver was starting to see me as a friend.
“Prince Parker sent me to look after you,” Oliver spoke.
“I’m alright,” I whispered, feeling a bit like a child.
“I know.”
“He knows that as well. Though in all honesty, I think Parker feels like you’re bored on your own with everyone so busy,” Oliver admitted. Hearing him say that I found myself chuckling softly and shaking my head as I gazed back out at the sparkling ocean water.
“I prefer the quiet. It allows me to see what's inside my heart,” I admitted.
“That's. A very good notion. I prefer the quiet myself. Loneliness seems to be a factor for misunderstood people,” Oliver spoke, a quiet smile playing on his lips. The quiet seemed to linger between us peacefully for a few moments letting the whisper of the ocean breeze speak for us.
In due time I'd come to see Oliver as a brother. Whereas Jane, Crystal, and Andrew were my best friends, and Parker himself was far more special to me than I could express, Oliver felt like family. He was like an old soul trapped inside today's youth, much like myself. He understood certain things that none of the people I had in my life did.
“Pain can bring people together.”
“That journal is special to you isn't it?” Oliver asked, breaking the silence between us. Finding myself looking down at the old journal in my hands I offered a smile to Oliver. There was nothing special about the plain leather book on the outside. Still, it contained most of my thoughts and inner feelings.
“Andrew gave me this. It has a few of his songs. Poems. He thought it would be a good idea for me to express myself. I carry it with me always. I wrote a few things before but. This journal has everything.” Turning the page, I smiled at the folded letter inside. Reaching for the dry flower I smiled at its soft scent which still remained.
“It has a lot of pain, struggle, and... just an ounce of kindness.”
“Kindness?” Oliver questioned, but I found myself unable to answer not wanting to give this special secret away. Whoever that person had been I was thankful because if not for them I would not have had the courage to give myself a chance to leave. If not for that person, I would not have had the courage to give Parker and I a chance. Because of him… I can love Parker.
#
(Parker)
The days at sea felt calm, time here
seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, and moments between Lyric and I seemed endless. The soft rocking of the boat felt inviting. It seemed to call sleep back out to me, dragging me in like the ocean itself. A soft moan, however, pulled me out of my drowsy trance and seconds later, Lyric brought her body closer to mine. Her chocolate brown hair partially fell across her sleeping face and I reached my hand to move it away, my hand caressed her cheek gently. There was a soft sigh from her as she unconsciously leaned into my touch and I found myself smiling.
So much had changed. Three months had passed and for the progress we’d made I was grateful. She was all and more than I could have hoped for. Everything about her was beautiful, innocent, lovable. Her essence was purer than anything, and anyone I had ever come across and her inner beauty seemed to glow out of her body and for the world to view. She was my soulmate, my Lyric. Bringing her closer to myself I let time pass just like that. Having her in my arms was something I would have never dreamed of years ago, much less three months ago when I feared she hated me. However, things had changed.
#
The first day at sea had been very easygoing. Everyone explored every inch of the boat which consisted of a bar, a library, and the cabin rooms. Everyone had simultaneously decided that the largest of the cabins would be given to the future Bride and Groom. Crystal was more than happy to abide by the vote.
“Everything here is so beautiful,” Lyric had spoken rather breathlessly every single time we explored a new part of the boat. But the truth was Father, Spencer, Oliver, and I were here on more than just on a vacation. We had duties to the people and intended to complete them. For part of the first day, Spencer spent it with Crystal, letting her pull him around the boat to wherever she seemed to want to go. Brad, who had tagged along with us for the adventure complied with replacing Spencer in his duties. However, if anyone asked why he was so willing to help, Brad wouldn’t answer. I realized, Green’s closeness to Jane was indeed affecting him more than he would like anyone to know. Then, of course, there was Lyric.
As much as I would have liked to spend my time with her, I had things to take care of. I was aware of the fact that her friends had iced her out. Although Green did acknowledge her, he stuck to Jane deeming her for the moment, as the one who needed him most. However, I was glad for that, If Green was spending time with Jane it meant less time trying to steal Lyric away from me. Not wanting to leave her alone, especially after knowing where we were headed I left Oliver to keep her company. However, Lyric ended up spending most of the day in the library surrounded by books and by the time the day was over Lyric was usually in bed. But not on the first day.
We’d arrived at our small cabin which consisted of a small bed, not much furniture, just a small bedside lamp and a small nightstand. There was a small window which allowed you to look up on deck just where the ocean and the sky seemed to meet. It was something that seemed to call to Lyric as she seemed to drift towards it like a moth to a flame. She was in a soft green colored cardigan and an even softer frilly skirt. Although Crystal had bought Lyric a new wardrobe, it wasn’t that different from what she had been wearing the past five years. Her closet was full of soft pastel colors consisting of skirts, dresses and tons of white. It seemed to fit her very soft and rather delicate way of carrying herself.
“Everything here is so beautiful,” Lyric spoke. Her voice carried a tone of amazement and wonder that it was impossible not to smile at her. Walking towards her I sat beside her, reaching to caress her cheek. A soft blush appeared on her cheeks, the softest of pinks while she smiled.
“I have to take care of a few things.”
“Where are we going?” She asked. Her question though not unwarranted, was still complicated to answer.
“We have certain duties. This isn’t completely a vacation.”
“Oh.” Her response was confused but at the same time, she seemed to let go of her question.
“I need to head to the lower chambers of the boat. You can explore if you like Oliver will look after you.”
“I know.” She spoke reassuringly. With a soft kiss to her lips, something I couldn’t seem to get enough of but could definitely get used to, I left the room.
Heading to the lowest part of the yacht I could see a few of the Nova officers finish arranging sacks of rice, grain and various other essentials for our trip.
“We shouldn’t have to do this.” I thought to myself.
“How much is all this?” Brad questioned my father.
“Not enough,” Spencer and I both answered.
Every few months or so father would have troops send rations of food to Cray. By air or water, it didn’t matter. The people at Cray were very open to receiving food. The fact that the people in Cray hated the tyrannic rule of the Cray’s was the worst kept secret in both Kingdoms.
"Is this really necessary?” Brad questioned.
“Does the council approve?” My father answered with a smile. It wasn’t surprising for Brad to think this way. Brad was completely biased when it came to certain things relating to this Kingdom. However, that did not mean he couldn’t see things the way a future Nova Councilmen should.
“Your father doesn’t oppose this if that’s what you’re asking.” My father responded to Brad.
“Are the Cray’s alright with this?” Brad questioned.
“They have to be. Their rule is rather oppressive and they hardly give their people food to eat.”
“I thought everyone had jobs and.”
“It’s different. There are higher ups you know and people with jobs but most people in their kingdom are just getting by.” Spencer spoke.
“What is this medieval times?” Brad questioned trying to lighten the mood.
The truth was things were a lot worse than they appeared. Charles Cray only favored those who were with him and gave his people little to nothing to survive on. His people were starving and oppressed and for Charles Cray; that meant he was powerful. When the division of the world happened the first king of Archer, though heartbroken about this, could not help them. Too much bloodshed had occurred, and this was the only way to avoid the death of more people.
Unfortunately, it meant leaving people behind to be doomed.
The years had certainly changed, but while Archer had improved and became a moderate world. The Cray Kingdom still remained under the same oppressive rule from the moment the first Cray king ruled.
“Parker.”
“Have you made sure Lyric is safe?”
“Yes, father.”
“It’s essential that she as a future queen is there for the delivery.”
“Is that safe?” Brad questioned.
“I mean. Cray is after her.”
“We’re keeping guards with her at all times. There shouldn’t be a problem.” I spoke, though I more than anyone was feeling anxious about this entire ordeal. While I realized my father’s intentions were good and for Lyric to be seen in good light, it was also dangerous.
“For now all we really need to do is make sure we’re not being followed by Cray’s army,” Father spoke. The strain in his voice more than a little audible.
It was no secret that the Cray’s were not only craving power but blood. This was more than proven throughout the years when the Cray’s would cause chaos in Archer. The worst case was when Oliver’s father died a few years ago. The council had intervened and taken away old weapons from years ago but it was clear that hadn’t done much since there was word of Cray still having bombs. As for father. Father still felt in debt to Oliver’s father and I knew he had reservations about placing Oliver in the same position his father had been in. Guilt was a very twisted thing, something I had come to learn from experience.
The first night on the boat was spent above deck. The night sky quiet, the stars shining a path in the sky that guided us to Cray. The moon’s glow was a soft comfort which watched over the sea, keeping it calm and serene.
“You can go to bed Parker. I’ll have a guard keep watch.�
� Oliver spoke, once midnight came. The exhaustion in his eyes was visible. I supposed he himself was exhausted from the passing days and keeping watch over Lyric each night himself.
“You should do the same.” With a tired nod of acknowledgment, Oliver headed further out deck. The weight of the day began to hit me the moment I began to head to my own room. The rocking motion of the boat hardly helped to keep exhaustion away. Not wanting to wake Lyric up, I tried my best to keep the door from creaking,
“You're back.” Came a tired voice.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“I was waiting for you.” Lyric whispered, her eyes fighting to stay awake, while she held the notebook I’d seen with her so many times before. The pen she held, hung loosely in her hand and she offered a tired smile.
“You didn’t have to wait for me I,"
“I didn’t think you’d want to sleep on the floor Parker.”
Her voice was so soft it was hard to hear. Her eyes refused to meet my own while the softest of pink hues lingered on her cheeks. I felt my own heart race, and I fought back my own flush.
“You don’t have to I can sleep on the floor like I do at home.”
“I don’t mind Parker,” She spoke, finally looking up at me. Though her eyes were tired she seemed sincere, the way she was looking at me.
“Are you sure?” I found myself asking, only to be met with a quiet nod. No other words were spoken, and I felt nerves prickle my palms as I readied myself for bed. It was ridiculous. There were several occasions that came to mind where I did more than sleep beside another person. But as I lay beside Lyric our backs pressed against one another, it felt different. This wasn’t just any girl. Lyric wasn’t just any woman. She was my soulmate. A girl that I’d known so little of five years ago, but that had changed my world for the better.