Chapter Seven
Dawn's light found Derek standing in front of the only home he'd ever known, all of his possessions slung across his back. He now regretted destroying the bracelet, but there was nothing to be done about it now. Rose soon joined him, likewise burdened. She shifted the weight of her pack and eyed his torn expression warily.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
"No," he replied honestly. Doubt has assailed him all morning, worry that the clan would falter without him to guide them, but Rose was quick to put his fears to rest.
"They'll be fine," she soothed him. "Cooper is more than capable to lead the clan. He may not be thousands of years old, but he's got enough experience to keep everyone out of trouble. And I'm sure the king will make sure they're provided for."
"Let's hope," Derek muttered. He eyed the distant castle doubtfully. He'd heard such promises before, and nothing was ever done. It would take a great deal more than fancy words to get him to cross their threshold. But his mind was made up, and with one last look at their humble dwelling, he shouldered his pack and started up the cobbled streets toward the palace, gleaming like a beacon in the early morning light. Upon reaching the gates, a wave of déjà vu swept over him. Not twenty-four hours ago he stood as nothing by a lowly street rat; now he approached as the king's son. He gulped as one of the guards eyed him, but Rose took his hand, and from her he drew courage and spoke.
"My name's Derek. I'm…here to see the king," he mumbled. "I think…I hope…he's expecting me."
The guard cracked a grin at him and inclined his head. Without a word, he swung the gilded gate open and beckoned them inside. Feeling terribly inadequate, Derek stepped through and eyed the sandstone citadel with new eyes. This could quite possibly be his home now, and of all the places he'd been to, this one certainly topped the list. A glittering amber fountain dominated the courtyard, water gurgling forth from its spout. Flowers of every color blazed around it, their scents intoxicating even from a distance. Rose gaped openly beside him and he suppressed a smug smile. He'd been here before, but didn't have the luxury of taking in the scenery as he did now. At length a young man approached them. He looked no older than twenty with dark hair tied in a ponytail and sharp blue eyes. He was dressed in the livery of the king's personal guard, a blazing Venus symbol at his breast. Derek stood straighter, determined to not let his apprehension show.
"Ah, so you must be the young man the king spoke of. Derek, isn't it?"
Derek gave a shrug, an attempt at nonchalance. "I guess so," he murmured. "Depends on who's asking."
The man at arms barely lifted an eyebrow at the boy's attitude and turned to his companion. "And this must be the lady he mentioned. Mistress Rose, I believe. On behalf of the king and those closest to him, I welcome you to the palace."
He bowed slightly and Rose blushed and curtsied in return. "I am honored, sir," she said demurely.
Derek shot her a look, but she merely smiled sweetly at him. Their guide watched the exchange and suppressed a smile as he extended his hand. When Derek did not return it, he merely shrugged, taking no offense.
"My name's Jonathon, horse master and captain of the king's Champions. I was given strict instructions to receive you and bring you to him as soon as you arrived." He turned and waved over his shoulder. "This way."
As they ascended the steps, Derek stole another glance at Rose. "Traitor," he hissed.
She hit him playfully and grinned, obviously enjoying this much more than he was. With a resigned sigh, he followed Jonathon into the palace.
Unbeknownst to the trio, or anyone else for that matter, a lone figure slipped onto the grounds, cloaked and hooded despite the heat of the day. Marek's blue-green eyes darted around the now empty courtyard and confident that he had breached the castle security undetected, smiled grimly to himself. The information he heard at Crystal's party had led him to a rickety house in the Lower Town, only to find it vacant. Through conversing with the locals, he found out that the boy had left that morning, having been offered to live at the palace. This news intrigued Marek, but no one could tell him the details behind his sudden departure. Having only speculation to go off of, Marek once again sidled his way into the palace, tempting fate at every corner. At any moment he could be caught and arrested for trespassing. Still, the memory of Demara's desperate gaze burned into him and he followed the boy and his companion like a silent shadow. There was no mistaking that this was Demara's son. Pointed ears jutted from under a head of jet-black hair and over the rim of his collar, he saw the encrypted edge of the mermaid insignia, with subtle differences. The circle did not swirl inward, but was dissected into four equal parts. From his limited knowledge of the world above, he recognized the symbol as the one of Earth, Endymion's kingdom. He remembered the Venusian king to be of Elysian descent, but he brushed the idea aside. As Demara had said, her lover had been nothing but a warrior and had likely perished during the war. Focusing on the task at hand, he watched as they were led down the hall toward another sun lit courtyard.
Derek's face was lined with tension as they walked, anticipating another formal meeting in the throne room. To his surprise, they took a path that led away from the presence chamber and down a pillared corridor, stopping at a small wrought iron gate. Within, a pair of women chattered under the shade of a giant oak, their gay laughter floating on the wind. One sat cross-legged on the grass, her platinum hair pinned in a wavy bun. The other, a bit older, leaned against the tree, a white cat dozing in her lap. Her golden tresses were unbound and sparkled in the sun that speckled the ground. Signaling them to wait, Jonathon went ahead of them, causing the two women to look up as the gate swung open. The cat leapt off of the older woman's lap as she stood, speaking an inquiry to the man at arms. He looked over his shoulder at Derek and he shifted his weight uneasily as she met his gaze. The younger girl peered around Jonathon and her face brightened abruptly. At her word, Jonathon turned and beckoned Derek and Rose into the sunlight. Trying to quell his growing unease, Derek entered the courtyard, his eyes widening when the girl came bounding toward him.
"You're here!" she squealed, entrapping him in a fierce hug. Startled, he returned it awkwardly. Rose suppressed a giggle as Crystal hastily released him, blushing sheepishly.
"I'm sorry," she said in a rush. "It's just that ever since I heard about you, I couldn't wait to meet you. I've always wanted a sibling. I mean, my cousin is great and all and I love her like a sister, but to actually share the same blood is totally unreal!"
"Only half," he murmured, wishing with everything he had that he could escape, but protocol-and the princess's inquiring gaze-rooted him to the spot.
Crystal waved away his argument. "Like that makes a difference," she said confidently. "You're still family, and now that you're going to be living in the palace, we'll be able to get to know each other better." Her hand went to her throat, where the necklace he had crafted adorned it.
"I heard that you were the one who made this. It's absolutely beautiful. I had no idea you could find such fine materials in the Lower Town."
It was said offhandedly, but Derek stiffened. The implications could mean anything, but he had trouble shaking the chance she was patronizing him.
Stop it he chided himself. She didn't mean anything by it. Stop overreacting.
"Yeah, well," he replied, shrugging uncomfortably. "We're very resourceful…down there."
Crystal smiled innocently, but Mina noticed the veiled strain in his voice and stepped into the breach.
"Crystal, honey, give the man a chance to breathe. He and Rose are our guests, and are no doubt feeling like fishes out of water." She nodded to Jonathon in dismissal and beckoned Derek and Rose further into the garden.
"Come, the two of you must be famished. We were just about to have lunch. Would you care to join us?"
She smiled warmly at them, and Derek felt his shoulders relax. She was giving him an open invitation and he was free to refuse, but for the first time in his life, he began to drop his defenses.
"Maybe this won't be so bad after all."
"Sure," he said. Unsure of how he was to act he added, "I mean, thank you, your Majesty. We'd be honored to join you."
Mina's eyes sparkled as she led them up to the terrace. "Please, call me Mina."
Lunch was exquisite, the table laden with more food than he or Rose had ever seen. Trying to be considerate of his hosts, Derek ate sparingly, though his stomach longed for more, having only eaten a hunk of bread and cheese for breakfast. Rose, however, indulged in every delicacy laid before them, chattering amiably with the princess and her mother. At length a young man with flowing silver hair joined them, and Derek was shocked to learn he was the white cat that had rested on the queen's lap not twenty minutes ago. He had introduced himself as Artemis, Mina's guardian, and upon request, regaled the adventures of the past as Rose sat enraptured. He was eloquent and charming, and Derek always had an ear for a good story, but as he listened, his unease grew and the meal soured in his stomach. It would've been fine if they were just stories, but these were chapters in people's lives, lives so epic and adventurous; he suddenly wondered where he would fit in, if at all. During a lull in conversation, he asked where he could find the restroom.
"Just through those doors, down the hall, hang a left, and it's the third door on your right."
He murmured his thanks and walked swiftly toward the French doors, feeling Rose's eyes on his back the whole time. When at last he entered the confines of the lavish bathroom, he leaned against the wall, running his hand through his dark hair.
"What am I doing here," he asked the reflection across from him. He'd be at the market by now, selling his wares and eating a plate of fish bought fresh from the docks. He'd be breaking up another of Raoul and Todd's scuffles, rounding out the day with a purse full of coins, then heading home to a woman who loved him. What was wrong with that kind of a life? They were struggling, but at least they were happy. Was it so wrong to love to be normal?
He pushed himself off the wall and looked around him. "I wasn't made for this," he muttered to himself. "I know they're trying to be nice, but how can I trust them? How do I know they won't abandon me like everyone else has?"
"You don't," a practical voice said. It was Rose's voice he heard, urging him to give them a chance, to give this life a chance. He sighed in resignation. He had to put his doubts aside, at least for now. He was sure he was being missed by now so he exited the room and was about to rejoin them, but stopped at the doors to the terrace, his hand frozen on the handle. Rose threw her head back in laughter at something Crystal had said, while the princess gestured enthusiastically, in the middle of yet another story. Mina watched them, offering her input, drawing Rose's attention like a moth to a flame. There was no doubt Rose was meant for this, that she belonged in this lush place, surrounded by marble statues and flowers of every color. She flourished here in a way she never could in their ruddy shack in the city. She belonged here.
And he did not.
"Beautiful scene, isn't it?"
Derek jerked away from the door as Andrew approached, feeling guilty, standing there like a fool, watching the tableau in front of him as though he were a stranger.
"I suppose," he replied glumly, wishing he were gone from this place, away from those compassionate eyes imploring him to stay. Rose expected him to, the queen and her daughter hoped he would, and Andrew…
"I was once in a predicament like yours," the king mused suddenly. Surprised, Derek's head snapped to him, and a wry smile crossed Andrew's features.
"I'll admit, it wasn't totally the same, but I was lost once, struggling to find a place in this giant universe. Where could a penniless college student fit in the grand scheme of things? But eventually I found my purpose." He nodded to the blonde woman at the far end of the table, peeling an orange.
"I met Mina thousands of years ago, and she taught me what living is for. With her at my side, I could find the courage to slay dragons and take on the responsibly of governing an entire planet. I vowed, the second I met her and beyond, that I would protect her with my life." He turned to his son. "And that extends to you as well. I'll tell you what I told her all those years ago. Let me protect you. I may not be a pro at this, but I can learn. We both can. Give us the opportunity to show you what we're all about, and then you can decide if you want to stay."
Andrew opened the door and looked back at the boy, who still stood hesitantly in the corridor.
"It's an open invitation Derek. It's there if you so choose it."
As he turned and left, Derek was reminded of the way Mina had greeted him and offered the freedom to choose his own destiny. Since the day he was born, he had no say in the way his life had played out, and for a moment the grief of his past threatened to sway him. But it was overshadowed by the love and kindness shown by Andrew and his family, and for the first time he could remember, he had a chance to start over. Letting his inhibition fall away, he took a breath and opened the door.
The day ended up being one of the best Derek ever had. After lunch Andrew led him and Rose on a grand tour of the palace, pausing to answer questions as they came about. When they stopped at the armory and adjoining practice courts, Derek inquired about swordsmanship subtly bragging that he was the best in the whole clan.
"Would you like to test your skills?" Andrew asked, holding out a staff and grinning wickedly. Taking up the challenge, Derek took it as the king armed himself. The two sparred for a good hour, and as Andrew coached him, he was even able to land a few blows. By the time they were finished, Derek was sweating and tired, but pleased. As much as he hated to admit it, he really was having a good time, but he reminded himself that this was just a trial run, and he was still far from making up his mind. Still, Andrew fought to suppress his delight when the boy relented to staying the night. He showed his guests to their quarters, two adjoining rooms that were more luxurious than anything they could've ever dreamed. Derek flushed when he made the request, but Andrew only smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. As Rose was getting settled, Derek followed Andrew next door to a room decorated more for man, but no less breathtaking.
"I'm sure you'd like to change before dinner," he remarked as he crossed the room. "My brother and his wife will be joining us, but there's no obligation to look fancy. Besides their titles, they're really just regular folks."
Derek eyed the pack he had flung onto the bed, grimacing as he thought of the threadbare tunics and pants he'd brought with him. Informal gathering or not, he didn't want to look like a street rat in a hall fit for kings.
"You're welcome to wear something of your own, of course," Andrew said as he opened the wardrobe. "But on the off chance you fancy something different, I've got a few things here you might like."
Within, the rack was filled with shirts and trousers varying in style and color. Leather boots rested on the next shelf while belts and hats hung from the doors. As Andrew pulled back, he seemed to spot something in the far corner, for his head disappeared a moment only to remerge, laughing. In his hand hung a faded green blazer; its frayed fabric had clearly seen better days.
"Well I'll be damned," he chuckled. "It's still here, right where I hid it two thousand years ago. Unbelievable."
To Derek's puzzled expression, Andrew hastened to explain.
"Sorry. This used to be my brother's, a long time ago. We were a couple of college kids, Darien and I. I guess you could call it our rookie days. Anyway, he wore this hideous thing all the time; try as I might to get him to toss it. It's survived all this time, though I could've sworn I burned it by now."
He ran his hand over it fondly before he seemed to remember himself and cleared his throat.
"Good memories. Now, I'll leave you to change. The dining room is just to the right of the main stairwell. Will you be able to find your way all right?"
Derek nodded vaguely and Andrew made his way to the door. He paused.
"I'm really glad you're here," he said softly and with a small smile, he turned and closed the door behind him.
Derek emerged with Rose a half an hour later. She had taken full advantage of the clothes she was given, for she was dressed in a fluttering aqua gown with ruffled sleeves. She looked Derek over and rolled her eyes, but said nothing. He chose to wear one of his own outfits, a navy blue tunic that was cuffed at the sleeves; a birthday gift from one of the women in his neighborhood. Hanging from a black cord was a necklace of his design, a pendant that swirled in an alien pattern. He finished the look with black trousers and his well-worn boots.
To Derek's embarrassment, they were the last to arrive. Everyone was already seated, including a few he did not recognize. To Andrew's left sat a man with ebony hair and sapphire eyes, a dark contrast to the king of Venus. Beside him, a beautiful woman smiled in welcome, her shimmering hair piled into two buns on either side of her head. Last was a pink-haired girl, her ruby eyes sparkling in the candlelight. Andrew stood as they entered and made hasty introductions.
"Derek, Rose, I'd like you to meet my brother and his wife, Darien and Serena, sovereigns of Crystal Tokyo, and my niece, Rini, …but they're just family to us."
Derek froze at the formal introduction as his companion smiled shyly and offered a shaky curtsey.
"Ignore that first part," Darien grinned. "It's nice to meet you both."
"Same here," Serena chimed in, strands of her hair swaying as she spoke. "We've heard a lot about you and we're glad you're here."
Crystal waved at Rose to join her and as she obliged, Derek awkwardly took the place next to her. Conversation was stinted at first, but flowed more easily as the meal commenced. Andrew told their guests of the events that had passed during the day, complimenting Derek's skill during the sparring match. As he became more comfortable with them, Derek offered his own version of the tale, and Darien responded with a story dating back to 'the good old days'. Derek was fascinated by the events of the past, laughing when Andrew interjected at regular intervals to defend himself. All the while, there was a careful aversion of the word 'father' or 'son', for which Derek was grateful. He was happy, but he'd been happy before, and the memory of such things kept him quiet and reserved.
"And then," he heard Andrew say. "Just this afternoon, you'll never guess what I found stuffed in the closet in Derek's room. You don't happen to remember a raggedy old green jacket would you, Darien?"
"So that's what you did with it!" Darien exclaimed in mock fury. "You say you're just going to get it washed, and then it mysteriously goes missing for a few thousand years. You know how much it means to me! I met Serena in that!"
"Lucky she didn't marry you for it, or else I'd seriously question her taste," Andrew laughed. "Heaven knows why that thing hasn't made it to my fireplace yet. I think I better do something about that."
"You so much as singe that jacket and you'll have more bruises to add to the ones Derek gave you today."
A round of laughter ensued and Derek found himself joining in.
"Unbelievable," he chuckled. "The way you two fight, you sound just like my family back home."
All at once, Derek felt his face turn bright red at his mistake.
Andrew, undeterred, smiled and said, "Oh, you should have seen us back then. We were even worse. Who fights in your family?"
There came no response from the boy, and the table was filled with an awkward silence. Derek hung his head at the thought of his family down in the city. They were the best people he had ever known, and he was eating a lavish dinner while they were no doubt scraping for food. What right did he have to go to bed with a full belly when his friends were starving? He glanced quickly at the table, and his resentment grew. There were enough leftovers to feed the whole clan, and it would more than likely go to waste. He had hoped Andrew would be different from the nobles he ran into, that he would have the decency to provide for his own people, but he was only fooling himself.
"May I be excused?" he murmured.
Surprised by the abrupt change in mood, it was a moment before Andrew replied. "O-Of course."
Derek left the table silently, his lips pressed in a tight line. Rose left soon after, muttering apologies to their hosts. In the silence that followed, those still seated looked at each other anxiously, the same question on their faces.
"I hope he's all right," Mina said, glancing down the hall where Derek had gone.
"I'm sure he's fine," Andrew said in an attempt to reassure her-and himself. "It's just going to take some getting used to, that's all. Now, let's bring out some dessert, shall we?"
Derek paced down the hall, angry thoughts swirling. The first statement could be passed over as just a faux pas, and even the second, but to sit there among strangers and pretend as though they were a family, while his real family was suffering just beyond the walls nearly sent him over the edge. He'd had enough. Enough of their games, enough of their fake pretenses, and he was going home.
A moment later Rose came barreling towards him, her red hair flying about her and her grey eyes ablaze.
"What the hell is wrong with you!" she hissed. "They have been nothing but gracious to us, and you're acting like an insolent jerk!"
He spun angrily on her. "Gracious indeed!" he spat. "You remember what the princess said to me today." He aggressively strummed the air. " 'I didn't know you could find those materials down there'. Like she would know, cooped up here, sheltered and pampered without the slightest inkling of how we live! Did they think I'd prance around in those clothes like their little prince, while one shirt cost more than I make in a year, and eat like I've got the world at my feet while the rest of the population starves? My father must've thought it was a real sport, slumming among us less fortunate folk, and then inviting us to the palace like he's some kind of hero! What did he imagine, that one day he would call me 'sport' and we'd go play catch and be this perfect family? My father's been dead to me for thousands of years, and as far as I'm concerned, he can stay that way."
Little did Derek know that his spiteful words had carried into the dining room; the clang of dishes and silverware silenced simultaneously. Crystal's lip trembled when he spoke of her, making her words sound condescending and careless. Despite consolations from the others, she fled the room in tears, Rini on her heels. Andrew shut his eyes under intertwined fingers, his hands tensing with every word.
Down the hall, Rose gasped and grabbed his wrist. "Stop it," she told him. "Do you want them to hear?"
He thrust his hand from her grasp, his eyes sparking with fury. "I don't care! I'm done with this place. Stay here if you want, but I'm leaving. I'm going back to where I belong." He threw his hands up as he walked backwards. "I'm done. I'm just…done"
Stunned into silence, she watched as he spun on his heel and stalked off. She leaned against the wall, angry tears welling up in her eyes.
"Idiot," she whispered into the corridor. When she had regained her composure, she straightened and walked calmly back to the dining room, hoping to rectify the disaster this day had become.
