by Jen L. Grey
He rubs the back of his neck. “Well, seeing you with Dave, I thought maybe you were considering all your options.”
“Nick, I told you he is just a friend. He has been helping out while Logan has been injured. Why are you being like this?”
“You're right. I'm sorry. It's just, watching you eat with him in front of everyone bothered me. I wanted to be him and be able to be like that with you.” He stands, moving toward me, and cups the side of my face with his hand.
I step back out of his reach. “Don't you think it's hard watching you eat with my sister, knowing the king wants you to be with her and not me?”
His hand drops to his side. “That's ridiculous. We both know my father will only let me marry a princess.”
His words are what I’m afraid of, and my heart rips apart. Tears flood my eyes, and my vision blurs. I won’t let him see me like this, so I turn around and walk toward the exit.
“Ari, wait. Please, stop,” he calls out to me, but I just ignore him, trying to get away.
He runs up behind me and grabs my hand, pulling me into his chest. He wraps his arms around me.
I cry, not because he is right, but because I can tell that's what he wants as well.
“Don't be upset. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. Seeing you with him earlier made me upset. Why can’t that be us? And now I'm taking out my insecurities on you. Please, forgive me.” He kisses me on my forehead.
“But you’re right. What are we doing? We have no future together,” I speak in between sobs.
Nick puts his finger under my chin and lifts my face so he can look in my eyes. “Yes, we will make it happen. We just have to figure out a way. Ari, I love you. I have for a long time. You are kind and honest, despite everything you've gone through. No one compares to you, and I want only you.”
I can’t believe what I am hearing. He feels the same way for me as I do for him? I smile, despite my hesitancy, and my tone becomes soft. “I love you, too.”
He wipes my tears from my cheeks. “We will figure this out.”
This is a long shot, but how could I not believe him? Then he kisses me in a way that makes my mind become fuzzy. The kisses feel full of promises, and I surrender myself to them.
Chapter Eleven
I wake up exhausted. Nick and I stayed out way too late last night, but we needed the time with each other. Last night deepened our connection since we hashed out our future together. He is determined to find a way for us to be together, and I can’t wait for it to happen.
I look at the time. It’s almost lunchtime, and the reason I’m up is all the loud noises coming from the kitchen. I can’t remember the last time I slept in like this. I drag myself out of bed and walk straight to the coffee pot.
Logan is cooking eggs on the gas stove and pauses when he looks up. “Whoa. What happened to you last night? You look rough.”
Moments like this reaffirm how much I love my brother. “Shut up and get out of my way.” I reach around him for a cup. If he doesn’t move fast, I might attack him.
He raises his arms in surrender and backs out of the way. “I've learned to never come between you and coffee when you look hungover in the morning. You didn't drink any of the wine at dinner, did you? You did go straight to bed when you got home. However, I'm not getting a sick vibe off you.”
“You know, for someone who just said they know better than to mess with me on mornings like this, you sure sound like you are asking for a death sentence.”
“Noted, and shutting up.” He salutes and pretends to cower. He sure knows how to push my buttons.
I shake my head at him and decide to ignore his antics. “We need to be heading out soon to get your stitches removed today.”
“Yep, and I'm so ready for these itchy things to be gone. As soon as you start feeling human like again, let’s get moving. I thought we would have left before dawn like last time.”
I realize he is ready to walk out the door. I need to hurry. He wants to get to the village, and it will be more difficult getting out unnoticed.
I fill my cup and grab a muffin before heading over to the table. I plop down to eat, and he hovers over me.
I take a big bite and look up. “I’m hurrying, just give me ten minutes.”
He sulks over to the couch.
I take another large bite and a large sip then head into my room to get ready for the trip to the village.
Logan paces in the living room, making noises, which makes me move faster.
I walk back into the den.
Logan is already standing by the door, which he opens, motioning for me to leave.
My whole morning routine had only taken ten minutes, so I hope he appreciates my hurry.
We make our way down to the stables, and I get the saddles for both horses.
Logan throws his hands up in the air. “What are you doing, Ari? I can saddle up my own damn horse.”
I place my hand on my hip. “Until we get the all clear from the healer, I’m not chancing your wounds reopening, so deal with it.”
I saddle both horses and, in no time, we are on our way to the village, thankfully unnoticed. Once again, being outside the palace, surrounded by nature, makes me feel more settled than behind those walls; like I have been caged up, but now am free. My power thrums, pulsing all throughout me.
Logan glances over at me and smiles. I alert my horse to take off and look back at him over my shoulder. I shout, “Beat you to the village borders,” already a significant amount of distance ahead of him.
He kicks his horse and shakes his head. “Cheater.” His horse is now running right after us.
We run the entire way to the border, and are laughing hard the whole way there.
We haven’t had fun like this in forever, it seems. I almost believe it doesn’t matter who actually wins, but who am I kidding? I totally beat him.
We tie up the horses and walk through the village. Logan is almost running by the time we get to the healer’s office.
When we walk through the door, the elderly lady from before is sweeping the room and looks up and smiles. “Please, wait over there and I'll let John know you're here.”
Thankful to be able to sit after our sprint, I walk over to the waiting area and plop down.
Logan is too wound up to join me, so he paces across the room. After just a few moments, John comes out to get him.
He looks at Logan and his eyes open wider. “Please, come back to my room.”
Once we are settled in the room, John inspects all of his wounds. He steps back and shakes his head. “Logan, I had my doubts about removing the stitches today, but you are almost completely healed. A male has never healed like this before. It's almost as fast as a strong, powerful female. It must somehow be because you are related to Emerson.”
How is that possible? It has to be because of the bond Logan and I share.
Logan glances over at me.
“It must be. “Good thing I’m the Savior’s brother.” He looks down to his stitches. “So, are we ready to get these blasted things out of me?”
The healer laughs while he reaches into a drawer for a pair of scissors to use.
Within minutes, we are leaving the building with an officially-cleared Logan. He can resume his training tomorrow, which is three days ahead of expectation.
Logan heads in the direction of our horse, but I call out to him.
“Hey, Logan, can we just spend some time around here? Claire wanted me to stop by again when I made it back into the area.”
He stops dead in his tracks and looks over at me. He has a perplexed expression on his face but shrugs his shoulders.
I take the lead and head toward the market. Then I remember the key. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. Remember the key that Mother goes on and on about?” I ask.
“Oh, goodness. He looks up at the sky. “Not you, too, Ari,” He puts his hands in front of his chest. “If I have to hear about that stupid key again, I think I'm going to go find it, just to lay th
e story to rest!”
I kick the ground with the back of my shoe. “Well, you won't have to do it. I am ninety-nine percent sure I bought the infamous key the other day, right here in the market.”
His hands drop down back to his side. “Where is it?”
“In my room, in my hiding place. It felt too valuable to be left out, in case anyone ventures into my room.”
He runs his fingers through his hair. “I want to see it when we get home. It's odd that, after being lost for decades, you just happen to stumble across it right here in the market.”
Maybe I shouldn’t have told him. “I thought it was odd, too, but, at the same time, knew I needed to get it.”
He reaches out and touches my shoulder. “I'm not saying you shouldn't have, Ari. I'm just saying that it all seems kind of strange.”
Satisfied with his response, I let the subject drop. We meander through the market for a little while, and I look for the vendor from the other day. After a while, I can tell Logan is getting antsy, and I relent in my search for her.
As we head out, I take one final glance at the square. “Do you mind if we go by the Pearson house? I'm kind of nervous about tonight and would like to spend some time there. The last time was kind of a disaster, as you are aware.”
Logan nods, ready to be done shopping.
We journey to the old family home. When we approach Claire’s house, I almost expect her to be home, but it looks like everyone is out and about, working.
We reach the forest’s edge, and I can already feel my power springing to life inside of me. The woods are calling to me, trying to draw me in. I’m terrified to answer.
Logan stares at the woods and then glances back at me. “You okay?”
I just nod, not trusting my voice, and force myself to take the first step on my way.
We walk through the woods and come upon the house rather quickly.
With each step I take, the more my power increases. It’s vibrating through me and burning making it hard to breathe. My breathing becomes shallow and I remember the trick Lydia taught me. I imagine the power rising out of me like a mist. The burning subsides, and I feel some relief and can breathe more evenly.
Logan reaches out and touches my shoulder, steadying me.
I squeeze his hand.
We move on, getting closer the house, and my power kicks up again, so I change my vision to one of water pouring down my body, into the ground.
When we get to the house, it looks like a door has been left open a crack, as if someone had been rushing out. No one lives here. Why would the door be open? I reach out to touch Logan’s shoulder.
“Do you see that?” I point in the direction of the partially open door.
He puts his fingers to his lips and motions for me to follow him. We approach the house and walk through the door. It is dusty inside, like no one has been here in ages. It is still in immaculate condition, despite the years of neglect, but the dust and cobwebs are everywhere.
Logan looks around the house for a minute but comes back shortly, covered in a thick layer of dust. He glances around and puts his hand on my lower back, pushing me towards the door. “Let's get out of here.”
As soon as we get back outside, I notice that my power is still heightened but slightly more comfortable. When I turn around to look at Logan, I find it strange that he doesn't look like he is still covered in dust. Maybe it’s just my eyes playing tricks on me.
He glances back at the house, but swaps at his clothes and exposed skin. “There is no way someone one lives in that house. Maybe someone just wanted to see what the old Pearson house was all about.” He turns to face me. “You still doing okay? Your discomfort doesn't seem as strong,” Logan says.”
“No, it seems more manageable now. Not exactly sure why, but I am grateful.”
He heads back to the path that leads us home. “Well, let's head back to the village then, and maybe we’ll see your friend on the way. I'm sure we will be spending some time here tonight with Lydia.”
We make our way toward the village at a slow pace. When we reach the forest’s border, we hear someone calling out.
“Oh, Scout, get back here this instant, you stupid pig!” someone that sounds a lot like Claire shouts.
Logan laughs as we break through the last of the trees.
Sure enough, there is Claire chasing after a pig, wearing her sky-blue silk shirt and a cute skirt.
“Calm down, Claire. You've made her upset.” I walk in the direction of the pig.
She turns around and covers her eyes with a hand. “Please, tell me that gorgeous guy did not just catch me doing that.”
I walk over to the pig, but it scurries away. My power is still brimming, so I decide to test what it can do. I let a little power go in the direction of the pig, and Scout is pushed my way. When she gets to me, I reach down and pick her up. I walk over to Claire and hand the pig over.
To my dismay, Claire backs up.
Laughter bubbles out at this. “Where should I put the pig?”
Claire points over at the pig pen on the other side of the house.
I make my way toward it.
Claire catches up to walk beside me.
I shake my head. “Why are you wearing your nice clothes when you are working?”
“I have to look good in case random hot guys come by, and I must say that I'm glad I did. Who is that with you?” She checks out my brother.
“Eww, let's not go there. That's my brother, the same one you met the other day,” I stutter, trying not to gag.
Her face lights up. “That's the bloody brother from the other day? I knew he was good-looking, but dang, he's hotter than I expected.”
I shake my head. I guess there are no boundaries. I deposit the pig in her pen and hurry back to my brother, wanting Claire to stop talking.
Claire sighs but follows behind me.
When we get to my brother, Claire crosses her arms. “So, why were y'all in the woods? Were you visiting your old family house?”
Uhh… what? How did she know we were in the woods?
Logan leans back against the tree. “Umm, no….”
But I don't want to lie to her. “Yes, we were!”
Logan gives me an unhappy look.
But I ignore it. I have a good feeling about Claire and don't want there to be any distrust between us.
She walks past us and stands at the beginning of the path. “I've always been too scared to go in the woods, since the borders between the other kingdoms are not too far from there. The rumor is that the West is trying to find a way to take over the country permanently. They want to ensure they will always be over all the kingdoms, and not fall, like we did.”
“What? When did you hear this?” Logan takes a step toward her.
It makes sense, since my sister is older and everyone knows King Percy has us. I hope he doesn’t come out triumphant. He is too cruel and selfish to be the king our country needs.
She looks at him funny. “Do you live in a cave? That’s all anyone talks about.” She then turns her attention back to me. “So, what is it like?”
I have no clue what she’s talking about.
Claire rolls her eyes. “The Pearson house, what is it like?”
He shrugs. “It’s just an old house sitting in the middle of the woods.”
“Wow. That’s all you’ve got? For you to be so handsome, you aren’t very articulate.” Claire sighs while shaking her head.
Logan looks like he’s been slapped, and I burst out laughing.
He sends a disapproving look my way, but that’s nothing new.
I roll my eyes and enjoy the fact that Claire has him off kilter. “I go there for training, so I just had to get a feel for it.”
She points in the direction of the woods. “Why are you training there?”
Logan growls at my slip-up.
I whimper in defeat. I am always so careful, and it shows how comfortable I’ve gotten with her. “Well, the king doesn’t re
ally like me training at the palace, so this was a better solution.”
She watches me for a second. “So where is your trainer?”
At least, she let the part with king slide for now.
“We train at night. It’s better for everyone if I do it then.”
Logan clenches his fist. “Enough.”
I’m pretty sure his eyes are shooting daggers my way.
Yeah, he’s mad at me, but I don’t care. She is trustworthy, and she has proven to have my back. I need a friend in my corner.
She tilts her head. “Wait. At night? You leave at dark to come here, train, and then go back at night?”
How do I answer this without upsetting my brother more? “Yeah, well, it’s just what works best with our schedules. However, it’s top secret. We don’t want anyone to know, so please don’t share this information.”
She touches my shoulder. “Girl, you can trust me, but how often do you do this? Do you travel at night by yourself?”
Logan glares at her hand on my shoulder. “She doesn’t go by herself. I go with her.”
“Well, for now.”
Logan shoots me a nasty look. If looks could kill, I’d have been dead a while ago. “What do you mean, ‘for now’? I’m going with you. There is no way in hell I’m going to let you make the journey by yourself.”
I take a step toward him. “Logan, let’s be real. When you go back to training in a couple of days, you won’t be able to come with me. You’ll be too tired, or wind up getting hurt again in training from being exhausted. I won’t let that happen to you.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Claire holds her hands up in surrender. “I thought my brothers were bad, but you take the cake there, hottie. There is one solution to this problem.”
Logan laughs. “Oh, you have the solution?”
She nods. “Yep. I love sleepovers and sneaking out. So, it sounds like Ariah gets to stay with me on training nights.”
“Oh, hell no…” Logan’s breathing turns shallow.
But after thinking on it for a minute, her plan has merit.
“Claire, are you sure your parents won’t mind?”
Logan looks up at me with an expression I can’t read.