Chapter 20:
Zan could feel the beginnings of a headache aching in his temples. It had been several hours since he and Rath had split ways. They had a plan, but whether or not it would work was still unclear. Rath was in charge of finding Vilandra or at least Kivar and reporting back to Zan so they could go to her rescue. Zan was in charge of finding Alakiah, Mayala and Elena. He sighed loudly to himself as he walked over towards the back of the castle. He had been making calls and asking favors of most of the leaders of the other planets in his system. He had even tried contacting Elena through their connection, but he felt it impossible. At least he could still feel her. The assurance that she was alive was what kept him going enough to keep looking. He reached the large indoor pool and took off his robe. He needed to de-stress in order to think clearly. The sparkling red water looked inviting as he dived in. It circled him in thick waves as he struggled to swim against it. He did about three laps when he felt his arms begin to tire. He did one more lap and leaned his back against the edge of the pool. He was floating, but in a sitting position. He closed his eyes and felt the water form around his body.
Suddenly, he was feeling a strong force pull him into the pool. He didn't get a chance to breathe, but as soon as he went in, he was met with lips that breathed the air into him. Together they splashed up out of the water and he shook his head to remove the excess water. In front of him stood Elena, her hair dripping wet, small drops of water falling down her face and dripping off her nose. She smiled, that sweet smile that he adored about her and then moved closer to him and kissed his lips softly to assure him that she was there.
"Elena...."
"You called?" She smiled, obviously teasing him at his inability to contact her as easily as she could him.
"God, I miss you." His eyes lowered as he tried to hide his disappointment.
"Hey... don't. We are all fine."
"Do you know where you are?"
"She has taken us to Ceres. We are in the dungeon of a castle under the orders of Kivar. You have already seen her, haven't you?" Her voice softened as if regret were beginning to climb upon her.
"Yes." He managed to choke out the word despite the bile he felt rising in his chest. The option he was given was not a good one, but even pretending to marry Ava was something that made him physically sick.
"Do it." She looked up at him with sad eyes and he sat confused.
"What?"
"Marry her Zan. It is quite possible that you will be happier that way. Things with us could never work..." Immediately, Zan picked himself up and walked several steps to Elena. He placed both of his hands on her cheeks and brought her eyes to meet his.
"Do not even suggest what you are thinking. I refuse to even consider the option. Do you understand? I love you, Elena. YOU. To marry her would be a betrayal to myself and to you. I could never."
"Not even to save our lives?" She closed her eyes for an instant after she said it. Who was she fooling? Even she knew that no matter what happened, Ava was not planning to let them live. That had been made clear the moment they'd been moved. It was a move she was not happy about.
"Elena... please do not put that upon my shoulders."
"Zan, I am not right for you. I never have been. That is the reason we stopped speaking to each other years ago, remember? Because it didn't work then, it will not work now. I tried Zan, but I let myself get carried away with the idea that we could live that way. It can never happen. I love you, but our love is forbidden."
"Then let me have of the forbidden fruit and I will die a happy man." She smiled sadly and kissed his lips.
"I must go."
"No, wait! I can't stand being away from you. I miss you... your touch, your kiss, your eyes. Just knowing you were near was comfort enough. Now, when I need you the most, I feel like I am completely alone." She pulled his face close to hers and looked deep into his eyes.
"I have never left you alone. What would make you think I will now?" She slowly pulled in for a kiss and it calmed him from his lips to the core of his heart. He felt himself get dizzy and suddenly splashed loudly out of the water. He had fallen asleep and slipped slowly into the water as he had seen the vision of Elena so clearly in his head. She had contacted him. She was on Ceres. He quickly got himself out of the water and tied the towel around his wet, muscular frame. He passed his fingers quickly through his hair and sped up until he reached the changing room. Thank goodness, finally he had an idea where to start. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
It was dark when he reached the gates, but even in the light there would have been no way for anyone to recognize him. He held the hood over his head to make sure he was kept in the shadows. He gazed around and seeing no one in sight, he reached out his hand and as the blue light began to project, the gate began to be pulled slowly open until there was enough space for him to walk through. It closed softly behind him as he kept on walking past the sleeping guard and into the dark and dingy dungeon. The only light there was that of several lanterns and he could smell sweat and humidity as he proceeded to descend the stairs. Finally, he reached the main entrance to the prisoners' lair. He looked at the guard and slowly removed his cloak.
"Your... your highness!" The guard jumped to his feet and bowed quickly in reverence as he saw the man standing before him.
"Please, open the gate." The man nodded quickly, picking up his keys and nervoulsy opening the doorway. He walked in and the guard closed the door behind him. He began to walk down the line of cells, his eyes were wandering frantically searching for the right one. He felt his heart skip a beat and looked over to his right at the cell. Inside were three sleeping bodies, sprawled on the floor looking obviously uncomfortable and starved. His eyes softened and then he reminded himself of his mission. He could not express his emotions.
"Open it." The guard stood nervously and looked down quickly and then back up at the tall man in front of him. His heavy appearance was almost comic and now the look of panic in his eyes was enough to almost make him break out laughing.
"Umm... umm Sir, your Majesty Sir... this cell is under orders to remain closed at all times."
"I said OPEN IT!" His voice boomed in the dark hallway as it bounced off the rocky walls. The little man quickly jumped up and got his keys out of his pocket to open the cell. As he did, the faces in the cell began to look up, their eyes still heavy and groggy with sleep and suddenly he saw the eyes that made his heart stop. They were red and slightly watery, obviously she'd been crying, but he could still see her beautiful and hopeful soul.
She looked at him and wasn't quite sure why he was staring at her in that way. He was tall and had very dark skin and curly blonde hair. His eyes were bright green and he had a small curve of a smile on his lips. There was something oddly familiar about him and something comforting about his eyes. He came into the cell and he bent down onto his knees. His eyes looked into hers in a way that she had only seen one person do and she felt her heart sink.
"Come with me." His voice was soft as he spoke to her as if she were the only person in the room. She nodded her head in silent obedience and felt her mouth drop open a little bit as she stared into his eyes. "Wake them up and bring them with you. We don't have much time." She nodded and quickly scrambled over to the side to wake up her two friends. They woke up hesitantly and then saw the tall dark man in front of them, demanding that they follow him. It was obvious through her eyes that Mayala was about to freak out and Alakiah was trying to put his arm around her comfortingly. Elena simply stared behind her at the man that was know speaking to the guard.
"You will speak to no one about this." He handed the guard a sack and patted him on the shoulder as if shaking on a deal.
"Leave here. Your family deserves better. You never saw me or us. These people do not exist. Set fire to the cell and then report the three as dead." The man nodded in shock as he looked into the bag to see money and all sorts of riches. The three looked over at the exchange and finally, they were ready to depart. They left the dark dungeon and when they reached the darkness of night, Alakiah finally found his breath to speak.
"Your Majesty, just out of shear curiosity, why did you remove us from the dungeon?" They reached the gate of the city and the group seemed to be traveling in complete confusion. The tall man turned to face them and they simply stared at him, unsure of what his next move would be.
"I am not the King of Ceres as you all suspect." He saw Mayala's eyes widen and begin to panic and he saw Alakiah take a small step back. But Elena was staring at him head on, knowledge in her eyes. He smiled at her, obviously their connection was the explanation for her wisdom, but his eyes could not lie to her, regardless of color. He passed his hand over his face and suddenly he was transformed into the tan dark haired boy they all knew. His honey colored eyes stared at Elena as she smiled, her feelings confirmed and she jumped on him to hug him. Mayala's eyes were wide in shock and even she couldn't resist to jump on him in happiness.
"You came for me, for us."
"Ye of little faith." He smiled at them and motioned for them to follow him. They walked out of the gate and beyond the darkness into an awaiting craft. Once inside, Elena kissed Zan passionately, the distance between them having been like a wall that was now crumbling.
"Where are Rath and Vilandra?" Mayala was asking as she began to put on her new appointed clothes.
"Rath is out looking for Vilandra. There is a plan, but we will need all of your help."
"A plan?"
"Kivar is out for more than just me... he is out for the throne of Antar. He is using my sister as his key." He could see Alakiah shaking his head in disagreement.
"No, Vilandra wants nothing to do with that. She is desperately seeking your approval Zan and she was on her way to discovering her endless potential. I cannot believe she would throw that all away for... for the man who killed her father! Your father!" His eyes were in anguish and confusion and Zan let go of Elena and walked over to Alakiah.
"Vilandra and Kivar have history. He has this ability to turn her into this person, her alter ego, this dangerous person that is willing to do anything he demands in order to keep him. But she can only be Vilandra around you. Perhaps, in a moment of weakness, you can turn Lonnie back into Vilandra with your words. She cares deeply for you Alakiah, although she barely says it. You are like her only true friend. I need you to tell me that you will get through to her. Without you, I think I may have lost her." Zan was sad and Alakiah nodded. Anything to fix the horrible situation they were in. Mayala looked at Zan expectantly, as if awaiting some horrible news from Rath. Instead, Zan handed her a letter, neatly written and folded up.
My Dearest Mayala, In case I am never to see you again I tell you that you are and always will be the woman that I love. You are the most trouble I've ever had, but the most enjoyable challenge I've ever had to face. We are completely wrong for each other, both you and I have known that from the beginning. But the passion that brings us together is undeniable. I shall never forget the way that you feel in my arms. And I pray for the moment I can see you again, those blue eyes of yours raging in anger, your hair flying madly as you speak to me in your melodic voice. It is how I will always remember you. Pray for me. ~Rath
She looked over at Zan in confusion. What was he saying? Was he dead? Was he going to die? Where was he? Why did he sound so meloncholy?
"I do not understand..." Mayala lifted her eyes off the paper and questioned him.
"To find Vilandra, he must first find Kivar."
"Yes and...?"
"He and Kivar are sworn enemies."
"But I thought you and Kivar...."
"They are brothers. Kivar is still bitter about having lost Lonnie to Vilandra when Rath fell in love with her. He cannot understand why Rath was chosen as my second rather than himself and all of his life he has had the hatred for him growing in his heart. Now, Rath goes to find Vilandra because she is like a sister to him, however he feels he may not make it back." Mayala felt her eyes begin to burn with tears. This could not be happening this way.
"What do we do know Zan?" He looked down at Elena who had made her way to his chest seeking comfort. Her eyes were begging him for some sort of solace. He put his arm around her and kissed her hair.
"I think I know a place where you will be safe for now." They began to walk when suddenly Mayala's comment stopped them.
"Are we all going to die?" He looked back at her, her eyes now red with tears and he felt his heart break.
"I wish I knew." She nodded and turned around just to find herself hysterical in Alakiah's arms. He held her tightly, his arms resting around her waist, trying to comfort the woman he'd loved as a sister for more years than he could remember. He looked over at Zan questioningly.
"Do you have any sort of escape?"
"Well, actually, there is a plan that is to take effect in case the Revolution does break out. Serena is working on it at the moment and I was wondering if you could help her. It is only in case of an emergency, if there is no other choice. Larek will be aiding her starting tomorrow afternoon, when he finds out about us. All of us. And when I break off the wedding with Ava." Even knowing it, Elena flinched at his words. Having him say it only made it more real, more frightening. He kissed her forehead and made his way to the front to begin to fly the craft.
"Everyone just rest up. We have a long day tomorrow."
Zan could feel the beginnings of a headache aching in his temples. It had been several hours since he and Rath had split ways. They had a plan, but whether or not it would work was still unclear. Rath was in charge of finding Vilandra or at least Kivar and reporting back to Zan so they could go to her rescue. Zan was in charge of finding Alakiah, Mayala and Elena. He sighed loudly to himself as he walked over towards the back of the castle. He had been making calls and asking favors of most of the leaders of the other planets in his system. He had even tried contacting Elena through their connection, but he felt it impossible. At least he could still feel her. The assurance that she was alive was what kept him going enough to keep looking. He reached the large indoor pool and took off his robe. He needed to de-stress in order to think clearly. The sparkling red water looked inviting as he dived in. It circled him in thick waves as he struggled to swim against it. He did about three laps when he felt his arms begin to tire. He did one more lap and leaned his back against the edge of the pool. He was floating, but in a sitting position. He closed his eyes and felt the water form around his body.
Suddenly, he was feeling a strong force pull him into the pool. He didn't get a chance to breathe, but as soon as he went in, he was met with lips that breathed the air into him. Together they splashed up out of the water and he shook his head to remove the excess water. In front of him stood Elena, her hair dripping wet, small drops of water falling down her face and dripping off her nose. She smiled, that sweet smile that he adored about her and then moved closer to him and kissed his lips softly to assure him that she was there.
"Elena...."
"You called?" She smiled, obviously teasing him at his inability to contact her as easily as she could him.
"God, I miss you." His eyes lowered as he tried to hide his disappointment.
"Hey... don't. We are all fine."
"Do you know where you are?"
"She has taken us to Ceres. We are in the dungeon of a castle under the orders of Kivar. You have already seen her, haven't you?" Her voice softened as if regret were beginning to climb upon her.
"Yes." He managed to choke out the word despite the bile he felt rising in his chest. The option he was given was not a good one, but even pretending to marry Ava was something that made him physically sick.
"Do it." She looked up at him with sad eyes and he sat confused.
"What?"
"Marry her Zan. It is quite possible that you will be happier that way. Things with us could never work..." Immediately, Zan picked himself up and walked several steps to Elena. He placed both of his hands on her cheeks and brought her eyes to meet his.
"Do not even suggest what you are thinking. I refuse to even consider the option. Do you understand? I love you, Elena. YOU. To marry her would be a betrayal to myself and to you. I could never."
"Not even to save our lives?" She closed her eyes for an instant after she said it. Who was she fooling? Even she knew that no matter what happened, Ava was not planning to let them live. That had been made clear the moment they'd been moved. It was a move she was not happy about.
"Elena... please do not put that upon my shoulders."
"Zan, I am not right for you. I never have been. That is the reason we stopped speaking to each other years ago, remember? Because it didn't work then, it will not work now. I tried Zan, but I let myself get carried away with the idea that we could live that way. It can never happen. I love you, but our love is forbidden."
"Then let me have of the forbidden fruit and I will die a happy man." She smiled sadly and kissed his lips.
"I must go."
"No, wait! I can't stand being away from you. I miss you... your touch, your kiss, your eyes. Just knowing you were near was comfort enough. Now, when I need you the most, I feel like I am completely alone." She pulled his face close to hers and looked deep into his eyes.
"I have never left you alone. What would make you think I will now?" She slowly pulled in for a kiss and it calmed him from his lips to the core of his heart. He felt himself get dizzy and suddenly splashed loudly out of the water. He had fallen asleep and slipped slowly into the water as he had seen the vision of Elena so clearly in his head. She had contacted him. She was on Ceres. He quickly got himself out of the water and tied the towel around his wet, muscular frame. He passed his fingers quickly through his hair and sped up until he reached the changing room. Thank goodness, finally he had an idea where to start. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
It was dark when he reached the gates, but even in the light there would have been no way for anyone to recognize him. He held the hood over his head to make sure he was kept in the shadows. He gazed around and seeing no one in sight, he reached out his hand and as the blue light began to project, the gate began to be pulled slowly open until there was enough space for him to walk through. It closed softly behind him as he kept on walking past the sleeping guard and into the dark and dingy dungeon. The only light there was that of several lanterns and he could smell sweat and humidity as he proceeded to descend the stairs. Finally, he reached the main entrance to the prisoners' lair. He looked at the guard and slowly removed his cloak.
"Your... your highness!" The guard jumped to his feet and bowed quickly in reverence as he saw the man standing before him.
"Please, open the gate." The man nodded quickly, picking up his keys and nervoulsy opening the doorway. He walked in and the guard closed the door behind him. He began to walk down the line of cells, his eyes were wandering frantically searching for the right one. He felt his heart skip a beat and looked over to his right at the cell. Inside were three sleeping bodies, sprawled on the floor looking obviously uncomfortable and starved. His eyes softened and then he reminded himself of his mission. He could not express his emotions.
"Open it." The guard stood nervously and looked down quickly and then back up at the tall man in front of him. His heavy appearance was almost comic and now the look of panic in his eyes was enough to almost make him break out laughing.
"Umm... umm Sir, your Majesty Sir... this cell is under orders to remain closed at all times."
"I said OPEN IT!" His voice boomed in the dark hallway as it bounced off the rocky walls. The little man quickly jumped up and got his keys out of his pocket to open the cell. As he did, the faces in the cell began to look up, their eyes still heavy and groggy with sleep and suddenly he saw the eyes that made his heart stop. They were red and slightly watery, obviously she'd been crying, but he could still see her beautiful and hopeful soul.
She looked at him and wasn't quite sure why he was staring at her in that way. He was tall and had very dark skin and curly blonde hair. His eyes were bright green and he had a small curve of a smile on his lips. There was something oddly familiar about him and something comforting about his eyes. He came into the cell and he bent down onto his knees. His eyes looked into hers in a way that she had only seen one person do and she felt her heart sink.
"Come with me." His voice was soft as he spoke to her as if she were the only person in the room. She nodded her head in silent obedience and felt her mouth drop open a little bit as she stared into his eyes. "Wake them up and bring them with you. We don't have much time." She nodded and quickly scrambled over to the side to wake up her two friends. They woke up hesitantly and then saw the tall dark man in front of them, demanding that they follow him. It was obvious through her eyes that Mayala was about to freak out and Alakiah was trying to put his arm around her comfortingly. Elena simply stared behind her at the man that was know speaking to the guard.
"You will speak to no one about this." He handed the guard a sack and patted him on the shoulder as if shaking on a deal.
"Leave here. Your family deserves better. You never saw me or us. These people do not exist. Set fire to the cell and then report the three as dead." The man nodded in shock as he looked into the bag to see money and all sorts of riches. The three looked over at the exchange and finally, they were ready to depart. They left the dark dungeon and when they reached the darkness of night, Alakiah finally found his breath to speak.
"Your Majesty, just out of shear curiosity, why did you remove us from the dungeon?" They reached the gate of the city and the group seemed to be traveling in complete confusion. The tall man turned to face them and they simply stared at him, unsure of what his next move would be.
"I am not the King of Ceres as you all suspect." He saw Mayala's eyes widen and begin to panic and he saw Alakiah take a small step back. But Elena was staring at him head on, knowledge in her eyes. He smiled at her, obviously their connection was the explanation for her wisdom, but his eyes could not lie to her, regardless of color. He passed his hand over his face and suddenly he was transformed into the tan dark haired boy they all knew. His honey colored eyes stared at Elena as she smiled, her feelings confirmed and she jumped on him to hug him. Mayala's eyes were wide in shock and even she couldn't resist to jump on him in happiness.
"You came for me, for us."
"Ye of little faith." He smiled at them and motioned for them to follow him. They walked out of the gate and beyond the darkness into an awaiting craft. Once inside, Elena kissed Zan passionately, the distance between them having been like a wall that was now crumbling.
"Where are Rath and Vilandra?" Mayala was asking as she began to put on her new appointed clothes.
"Rath is out looking for Vilandra. There is a plan, but we will need all of your help."
"A plan?"
"Kivar is out for more than just me... he is out for the throne of Antar. He is using my sister as his key." He could see Alakiah shaking his head in disagreement.
"No, Vilandra wants nothing to do with that. She is desperately seeking your approval Zan and she was on her way to discovering her endless potential. I cannot believe she would throw that all away for... for the man who killed her father! Your father!" His eyes were in anguish and confusion and Zan let go of Elena and walked over to Alakiah.
"Vilandra and Kivar have history. He has this ability to turn her into this person, her alter ego, this dangerous person that is willing to do anything he demands in order to keep him. But she can only be Vilandra around you. Perhaps, in a moment of weakness, you can turn Lonnie back into Vilandra with your words. She cares deeply for you Alakiah, although she barely says it. You are like her only true friend. I need you to tell me that you will get through to her. Without you, I think I may have lost her." Zan was sad and Alakiah nodded. Anything to fix the horrible situation they were in. Mayala looked at Zan expectantly, as if awaiting some horrible news from Rath. Instead, Zan handed her a letter, neatly written and folded up.
My Dearest Mayala, In case I am never to see you again I tell you that you are and always will be the woman that I love. You are the most trouble I've ever had, but the most enjoyable challenge I've ever had to face. We are completely wrong for each other, both you and I have known that from the beginning. But the passion that brings us together is undeniable. I shall never forget the way that you feel in my arms. And I pray for the moment I can see you again, those blue eyes of yours raging in anger, your hair flying madly as you speak to me in your melodic voice. It is how I will always remember you. Pray for me. ~Rath
She looked over at Zan in confusion. What was he saying? Was he dead? Was he going to die? Where was he? Why did he sound so meloncholy?
"I do not understand..." Mayala lifted her eyes off the paper and questioned him.
"To find Vilandra, he must first find Kivar."
"Yes and...?"
"He and Kivar are sworn enemies."
"But I thought you and Kivar...."
"They are brothers. Kivar is still bitter about having lost Lonnie to Vilandra when Rath fell in love with her. He cannot understand why Rath was chosen as my second rather than himself and all of his life he has had the hatred for him growing in his heart. Now, Rath goes to find Vilandra because she is like a sister to him, however he feels he may not make it back." Mayala felt her eyes begin to burn with tears. This could not be happening this way.
"What do we do know Zan?" He looked down at Elena who had made her way to his chest seeking comfort. Her eyes were begging him for some sort of solace. He put his arm around her and kissed her hair.
"I think I know a place where you will be safe for now." They began to walk when suddenly Mayala's comment stopped them.
"Are we all going to die?" He looked back at her, her eyes now red with tears and he felt his heart break.
"I wish I knew." She nodded and turned around just to find herself hysterical in Alakiah's arms. He held her tightly, his arms resting around her waist, trying to comfort the woman he'd loved as a sister for more years than he could remember. He looked over at Zan questioningly.
"Do you have any sort of escape?"
"Well, actually, there is a plan that is to take effect in case the Revolution does break out. Serena is working on it at the moment and I was wondering if you could help her. It is only in case of an emergency, if there is no other choice. Larek will be aiding her starting tomorrow afternoon, when he finds out about us. All of us. And when I break off the wedding with Ava." Even knowing it, Elena flinched at his words. Having him say it only made it more real, more frightening. He kissed her forehead and made his way to the front to begin to fly the craft.
"Everyone just rest up. We have a long day tomorrow."
