Chapter 13- Triplets of Laquaria
Thank you to my reviewers, and I'm sorry this chapter didn't go as you thought Lulai, but I have never been the most apt at writing action sequences. For your personal pleasure I have added a teeny-tiny one here so I hope you'll read on. Sorry it took me so long to update, but I've been to a 2-week music summer camp, at least I had the opportunity to think of the next chapters. Enjoy this one!
Thanks again to Glaze, and to my new reviewers Tiger Lily and SmileyFacePerson! Please assume the gag was removed until I fix that problem! (Flushes with embarrassment)
Varien's POV
The six of us left the manor quickly, before Zane's prolonged absence went missing in the morning. Arya's stunning intellect about the witch's error puzzled me, and I truly wished that I could be back to normal. Even though I'd grown used to this awkward body, the thought of being this way for the rest of my life didn't really appeal to me. As I pondered further into the issue, I determined that it probably didn't appeal to Arya either. But then why had she defended me against my brother?
Pushing these thoughts out of my mind, I focused on a more immediate problem. How were we going to get off this island? Many fishermen on the island had boats, but if we took one, not only would we be crowded, but also we would be stealing someone's livelihood. I concluded that the only way to leave the island was to use one of Zane's…my… boats, which were normally anchored, at the main dock. After discussing my plan with the others, they agreed, and began to think of a plan to get past the guards on the dock.
"I say use force. Varien's a toughie, he can defiantly handle it!" Narie commented.
"Hey… what about me…" Devon pouted, or at least attempted to anyway.
"You'd help to." Narie winked in Arya's direction. "Besides, don't be jelous! Since Arya's the littlest, she needs the strongest hubby!"
I laughed, as Arya blushed. I loved it when she did that.
"No, Narie, force wouldn't be the best option I believe. I think we should attempt to seduce the guards first, then the men can strike them when they are focused on us." Della stated.
"That just might work. Have we almost reached the pier yet Varien?" Arya inquired.
"Yes, it's just round the block here." I answered.
"Alright girls. Look seductive." Narie giggled quietly as they turned round the block.
"I want to know what's happing over there." Nathaniel whispered after a few minutes, so we made our way to peek around the corner. Della's plan seemed to be working, I thought as I watched the princesses flirt shamelessly. Note to self. Hire guards that aren't easily seduced.
Della fanned herself with her hand. Assuming it was a signal to move out, the two other men and I made our way quietly over to the four guards stationed at the dock. As we snuck up behind the first sentry, Devon tripped over his own feet, and yelled "BLAST IT!"
The guards swerved to look at us, drawing their swords. Great. Just what I needed. They advanced on Nathaniel and Devon first, as they were in front, and unfortunately, unarmed. Damn! If only I would have thought to bring the swords the princesses found.
Being the only one with reasonable means to defend myself I charged forward, slamming my fist on the first sentry's helmet, as he collapsed, unconscious. As the other three examined their fallen comrade they looked upon my visage with fright, and ran away screaming. Yes, I most defiantly needed to rehire new, more loyal guards.
Chuckling silently to myself, I motioned for the others to be silent as we made our way to a modest ship, which was just big enough for the 6 of us, anchored to the left side of the dock.
We climbed in and pushed off into the ocean just as the sun rose. Pink and orange clouds glowed over the eastern part of the sea, marking the direction we needed to head.
Gradually, my companions each drifted off into a peaceful slumber, leaving me awake to reminisce. Della and Nathaniel leaned on each other while Narie dozed on Devon's lap. I shifted my gaze towards Arya's sleeping figure. She was huddled in a ball at Della's feet.
I wished Arya and I were as comfortable with each other as the other two couples were. I knew her passionate declaration in my chamber was a start, and that maybe I still did have a chance to win her over, but I still felt that I was forcing her into a marriage she didn't want. Hours passed this way, until finally, Arya's eyelashes fluttered, and she eyed me over. I averted my gaze, and was embarrassed that I was caught staring.
"You look tired Varien. Do you need me to take over for you?" She asked smiling.
"No thanks. But if you wouldn't mind, could we talk for a while?"
"I had a feeling this was coming." She replied, her smile replace with a slight grimace.
"Well, I know that you were never partial to this arrangement." I began, gesturing to the two of us. "and if you don't want to go through with this, well, frankly, I don't blame you."
Arya regarded me reproachfully.
"Do you really think that after all of this, I wouldn't go through with my father's promise." She whispered. "Especially now that I know I can help you get rid of the curse that wasn't even supposed to be placed on you in the first place."
"Don't you get it? That's exactly what I mean. I refuse to have you marry me for my own selfish reasons." I uttered, raising my voice slightly.
"No, I understand what you mean, I just, I…I want to marry you alright…"she trailed off.
"You're one of the only people who has ever cared what I think. People respect Della because she's heir to the throne. The guard looks to Narie for advice, but me… I'm the youngest Princess with no special talent to speak of. That's why I want you to stay. You make me feel important, so I guess I have my own selfish reasons too…"
"Arya, what makes you think you're not important? How many women, let alone princesses could have stood up to Zane the way you did. Most just swoon at the sight of him… How many women could befriend someone like me? Wait…let me answer that question for you… NONE! You want to know what people respect in you? Your unfailing compassion and courage."
By this time in my passionate monologue, my voice had reached a louder level, and so caught up was I, that I didn't even pay attention to the 5 pairs of bewildered eyes that were now on me. Arya's face erupted into a grin from ear to ear, and she hugged me so forcefully, that her movement caused the boat to rock.
Snickering, Narie said "You two are perfect for each other…"
Only one or two chapters left to go! Again, sorry about the delay, but this is one of my longer chapters. I realize it's kinda fluffy, but….:D