Night of the Hunter
A/N: Even though this is told from Bloom's POV, & contains bits of her & Sky's romance, that is not the main interest of this story. The Winx Club plays an extremely vital role later on. So, whether you are a Bloom basher or supporter, I believe there is an angle you can find to be appreciated.
I shouldn't allow it, I know I shouldn't. But I still let these thoughts slip into my brain and slowly eat away at my mind. Apparently, Sky believes that this relationship is about sacrifices. I, for one, completely disagree. This connection is not about letting go of the things we love. No, not at all. It is about finding yourself and each other through the experience. But if sacrifices is what he wants, then so be it. I mean, I realize that our royal obligations may preclude a frustrating amount of our quality time together. Maybe I'm not happy with it, but I am used to some hovercraft abruptly stealing Sky away to Eraklyon. He promises to "explain everything" after every time that happens, but I'm his goddamn girlfriend. He tells me he loves me one moment then leaves me in his royal wake the next.
I'm being a little selfish, aren't I? Is what I feel understandable? Maybe I'm just a bratty teenager who wants her boyfriend back in her arms. That'd be nice... He's so warm and strong.
Shifting around under my covers, I finally get comfortable and pull the blankets up to my chin. Closing my eyes, Sky's image instantly burns under my eyelids.
He's always been too complex for my taste. I suppose I like it.
Hell, I do like it.
His kingdom needs him. At least, I've gathered as much. He's only called there every other week or something ridiculous like that. I'm not familiar with the inner workings of his realm, which is a bit like a slap to my face. I'm left out of this entire aspect of his life, something he was born and raised to govern. I suppose that's an attribute as to why it hurts so much to see him leave when duty calls. And to think I'm about to be wed into all of this. God, everything is frustrating.
You would think that being Princess to a realm of my own would allow me to see things with understanding eyes. Even though I'm inexperienced, I can understand the hardships his position forces him to endure. I don't have complete power on Sparks, but I suppose I maintain influence. He, however, owns the throne. My biological father is flustered on occasion when it comes to governing our people, but he & Mariam find plenty of time for me nonetheless. I often wonder why Sky is unable to do the same.
I cannot help but pick these things apart.
Of course, I am grateful. Because of Daphne, I am forever thankful just to be alive. I have the Winx Club, and could never ask for any other coterie to have as my best friends. Wedding preparations are imminent. Back in Gardenia, I had spent wistful years just craving to become a fairy. I find myself still marveling at the fact that my longtime wish actually came true. Back then, achieving even the slightest structure of the thought seemed impractical. If only my conflictions could be as simple as they had been on Earth.
Releasing a melancholy sigh, I found myself drifting out of consciousness, and embracing the dreamworld.
"Bloom… Bloom, sweetie… You need to wake up…"
Groaning, I smothered my face with my pillow, trying to drown out that beckoning voice. It was flattering and all to have the royal maids look after me, clothe me, feed me, and work with a fierce passion just for my sake, but it was a bit too much. Their collective presence was often suffocating.
"Bloom, please…"
Wait a second… That was Mariam's voice. She never shows just to wake me.
"Sky is here to see you."
Oh, that's why. My arms slacken from around the pillow. Under the covers, my body went rigid. Sky…
"I know you're awake, sweetie."
Coming out from hiding, my eyes found her bright, sincere gaze. It was somewhat reassuring. Of what, I'm not quite sure. "I'll get ready. Thank you."
She offered a humble smile before rising from the edge of my bed where she had been perched. As she turned to exit through the grand double doors, I stopped her.
"Oh! Mariam?"
"Please," she corrected, turning her head slightly to look my way, "I'd rather you address me as your mother, Bloom."
"Right. Er, well… Good morning, mom!"
That same humble, yet melancholy smile painted her lips. "Good morning Bloom." With that, she left my room. Suddenly, I realized that no matter how many VCR recordings of my life Oritel borrowed from Mike, he & Mariam would never get all those imprisoned years back. And it was killing all three of us.
"—and Eraklyon have formed an alliance. We are hoping to resolve the trade dispute. If this crisis is not settled, however…"
"Is she in any danger?" My father's voice was grave, stopping me in my tracks through the royal garden. It was no surprise that a simple "stroll" through the palace grounds for my father and Sky involved discussions revolving around governing affairs. The way my father spoke, however, made me assume that the "she" he was concerned for was actually me.
"It's hard to decide, sir." Sky admitted.
Here I am, with he who I have been longing to touch right within my reach, and I'm hiding from him behind a pampered hedge. This might just be my opinion, but this seems quite ridiculous.
"How so?"
"Well," on the other side of the hedge, their pace came to a halt. "As of now, she is not in any kind of immediate danger. However, because I am involved with her, there is a chance she may be targeted given any reason that she should be used as bait for me or held hostage. If there should be any disagreement, that is."
My father hesitated to respond. "Thank you, Sky, for entrusting me with this information. I'll keep the possibilities in mind. In the meantime, let me go see if Bloom is—"
Taking this as my cue, I hurriedly rounded the shrub, "Daddy! Sk— Ooof!"
Ramming directly into Sky's chest, he caught me around the waist just before I toppled over.
"A little eager, aren't we, Princess?" His laughing eyes met mine. I felt like I was melting at the close contact.
"It's been a while…" Lacing my hands together behind his neck, his grip drew me closer.
From a distance, Oritel chuckled, startling me from Sky's firm embrace. "I'll leave you two alone." With that, he vanished behind a hedge.
"Sky…" I breathed, cupping his cheek. I nearly leaned in to kiss him, but something about his demeanor made me refrain. His eyes frantically searched my face, slightly crinkled with worry. "What's wrong?"
It was unnerving the way he mesmerized me, with his thumb slowly running over my bottom lip, hand tilting my face up. "I'm just so happy that you're safe."
Puzzled, I tried to cut through the mysterious glaze in his eyes with my own, searching for answers. "Why wouldn't I be safe?"
Sky drew his hand away from my face. I was drowning in his intense gaze, I had no footing. "Because of me, I'm afraid."
"What do you mean?" Irritation scorched my veins. Why did he always have to be so vague? The way he had proposed to me had even been a little blurred at first. Until he finally cut the crap, that is. For once, I wanted straight answers. I deserve that much.
"Bloom… It's Eraklyon." In that moment, his eyes were ablaze, lighting my soul on fire. "We're at war."