I know this is going a little slow, but I can assure you, the next coming chapters will have some more Brakayla! Thanks for all your support :)
Chapter 6: A Secret Encounter
My eyelids are heavy. I am unsure if I can take another minute of this lesson. Actually, it is more of a stern lecture on King Brady's past mistakes and his critics, except Kaira talks about it ambiguously by never addressing him by name. Brady is sitting slouched in his chair with his eyes on his fiddling fingers. I can tell he is uncomfortable with the lecture because not once has he looked up to either Kaira or me. Kaira's long run-on speech is finally interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," Kaira calls. In walks Lanny himself with the same signature scowl on his face.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing here?" Kaira says in a singsong voice. King Brady and I simultaneously start to snicker. We instantly look at one another at the sound of each other's laugh and quickly avert our eyes from one another. That was weird. I look at Lanny and he shoots the both of an evil glare.
"Mom," He hisses under his breath. Kaira gives him a warm smile in exchange. "You're needed in the royal infirmary."
Kaira nods and stands up from her seat. "My king, Mikayla, please excuse me as I have some medical matters to attend to. I will try to be back as quickly as possible. Please take this time to get acquainted."
Lanny leaves the library with his arms folded and Kaira follows behind her son, leaving Brady and I alone in the library. Almost immediately, the king extends his legs on the table and leans back on his chair. We sit silently as we wait for our instructor to come back. I begin to flip through the pages of one of the newspapers in front of me.
"I've got to say, Bambi, you've got a lot of work to do for our next public appearance," Brady retorts. I throw him a death glance, but he keeps an arrogant smile on his face.
"First, my name isn't 'Bambi', it's Mikayla. And second, what are you talking about? The newspapers have done nothing but praise me!" I say confidently. I hold up the Kinkowan Times with a picture of the king and I holding hands and smiling. Next to us is the headline, "Long Live the New Queen".
Brady leans forward and looks at me with a smirk. "Looks like someone hasn't seen the tabloids or gossip magazines."
My eyes widen at his statement. I have not even spoken one word in public and the media already has bad things to say about me? "What are they saying?"
"Oh just the things I expected –that you're doe-eyed commoner and naïve little girl," he says. I bite the side of my mouth in anger. How could they say that about me? How could he expect that of me?
"Look, I don't what your problem is, but you haven't stopped putting me down since I got here! What? Do you feel better about yourself for patronizing me?" I ask straightforwardly. I do not care if he is the king of the world. All I care about is getting him to stop disrespecting me.
Surprisingly he gives me a calm smile as he lean forward from his chair. "You know, I was wrong about you. You're a lot tougher than I had imagined. Bambi, you've got to realize that I'm just as on edge about this marriage as you are. So forgive me, if I can't be your best friend right off the bat," He says. I clench my jaw at his last statement. Brady may be my fiancée but he and I will never be best friends.
We finish our royal lessons around two in the afternoon. After Kaira came back, she spent the majority of time speaking about the royal marriage ceremony and how it was going to be the most grandiose event Kinkow had ever seen. Unlike normal marriages, this was going to be an all day ceremony televised for the entire Kaluki island chain. She lectured us on each of the small ritual events and even made us start memorizing our vows. I would much rather spend hours training in the jungle than hours on marriage preparations.
King Brady and I left the library without so much as a glance at one another. He walked straight toward the kitchen to grab his first meal of the day, while I wandered to the outdoor plaza to get some fresh air. I would have taken a light jog around the beach, but Kaira had advised us to remain within the palace grounds to avoid the paparazzi. I sit on a ledge that overlooks the ocean and breath in the sea foam air. I also notice a few magazines lying out near the ledge. Somebody was here before. I grab the first magazine in the pile and it is a very unflattering picture of King Brady and I holding hands at the announcement yesterday. Much to my dismay, it is a frame of me looking awkwardly at our clasped hands with the headline, "King and Queen: Afraid to Hold Hands?" Brady was right. I read the next few headlines and I feel knots forming in my stomach. These tabloids have no humility whatsoever.
"I see you found the magazines," says voice from behind. I turn my head and see King Brady's brother, Boomer. He stands with his hands in his pocket and a small smile on his face.
"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know they were yours…" I say. I awkwardly try to stack them and place them back in their original position.
"Nonsense," Boomer laughs. "You can read whatever you want to read. You're almost the queen! By the way, I know we haven't fully met one another, but I'm Boomer. I'm King Brady's royal adviser and his better looking twin brother."
I cannot help but giggle and I shake his extended hand. "Mikayla. Nice to formally meet you."
"So I heard you guys had lessons or something. How was that?" He asks as he takes a seat next to me.
"They went alright," I reply. I had only known Boomer for a few minutes and I already knew I liked him better than King Brady.
"Sounds boring. But, I've been getting lessons too, from your dad actually," He says. My eyes instantly light up. "He's a pretty cool guy. He's teaching me about advising and diplomat stuff."
I laugh at his choice of words. Kaira has gotten everyone on lockdown regarding these lessons. It is starting to make me believe that she has the highest power on the island.
Boomer and I chat for a while, addressing our interests and hobbies. We do not talk much about royal responsibilities or anything of that nature, which I am relieved about. It is a nice change of pace from the formal discussions I have with Kaira and the bickering I have with King Brady. But, even though Boomer and I have a good time getting to know one another, I cannot help but ask questions about his brother.
"If you don't mind me asking, is Brady always so… cold?" I ask trying to find the right word. I would have chosen a more offensive term had it not been is twin brother.
"Cold?" Boomer laughs out loud. "Brady's one of the goofiest guys I know. Next to me, he's the funniest person on this island. But, I –I can understand why you may say he's cold. He's going through a lot."
I should have guessed that Boomer would defend his brother. It's hard to believe that Brady was this easy-going guy. I flash him a polite smile only because I feel bad for talking bad about his twin. I am relieved that Boomer does not give me a condescending look and I change the subject. I still feel unsettled, wanting to know more about the king's disdain for me.
"Boom," calls a recognizable voice. Boomer and I both turn our head toward the direction of the voice. King Brady is standing outside of the plaza doors.
Almost immediately our eyes meet. I gaze at him blankly, unsure if I should throw him a scowl. Boomer stands up and walks toward his brother.
"Sorry, Mikayla. I got to deal with something with Brady. I'll talk to you later." Boomer says cheerily. He waves his hand at me and I wave back. My eyes are still on King Brady who surprisingly isn't eyeing me with his signature scowl.
I watch Boomer and Brady leave the plaza and I smile. It is nice to know that I have a new friend in the palace.
I yawn a little too loudly as I look at my own reflection in the mirror. It is Monday, the day before the royal wedding. Yesterday was our last official day of royal lessons before the wedding. The past few days have been much like my old training regime –wake up early, attend lessons for a few hours, Kaira suddenly leaves, Brady & I ignore one another, lessons continue, and then we get time to ourselves. I spend most of my time with my dad. We work out and train near the guard's quarters of the plaza. Part of me feels a pang of jealousy when I see them practice potential training tests for the new upcoming guard tryouts. I also spend my time navigating the palace, trying to familiarize myself with the endless hallways and rooms. I have been to most of the areas of the castle, but there is one place in particular that I avoid –King Brady's room. I have seen the stairs that lead to his private tower leading to his grand room, but I refrain from exploring that area.
Brady and I have not spoken much the past few days except for our usual banter. It's incredibly sad that Boomer and I have had more communication than my soon-to-be husband. I shudder. It still does not feel like I will be married in twenty-four hours.
Today is devoted to rehearsal. We will be doing a mock ceremony for the first part of the day. The rest of the day we will have the time to relax and do smaller preparations. I look at my reflection again. I am in a simple coral dress that ends at my knees and my wavy brown hair relaxes on my back. Luckily Kaira granted us to dress comfortably for today's practice. After one last look I head out of my room and to the living room, while I wait for further instruction.
I glance at the clock and rehearsal is supposed to start in five minutes. Many of the officials and attendants are already seated. I notice my dad standing next to Boomer and Lanny. A few palace guards stand around the room as well. Kaira is in the middle of the pack with her hands clasped in front of her. I take a seat near the king's throne on my "makeshift" throne. I will be getting my official queen throne after the wedding. Everyone is engaged in small conversations as I count down the minutes to 10:00.
The minutes pass and it is now twenty minutes after our original start time. The room has hushed to a few whispers probably discussing the late start. Unsurprisingly, we are all waiting for King Brady. Kaira is quiet, but it is the first time I can tell that she is not her usual composed self. I see her pacing a few steps back and forth. She has spoken to Boomer a few times but every time they speak I see him shake his head.
"May I have everyone's attention?" Kaira calls the room to order after speaking to a couple guards. She clears her throat and smoothes the seams on her dress. "Thank you. I would like to apologize for the delay, but it seems that we must take a recess to locate King Brady. We will reconvene in half and hours time. Again, thank you for your cooperation."
The room begins to buzz again with discussions regarding the king's absence. Unlike everyone else, I am unconcerned. I can understand why so many people are fed up with his antics. I get up from my chair and I am about to speak with Kaira when I see her sternly lecturing the head guard, Mahumma. I swerve out of her way and begin to walk out of the living room. I don't know what compels me to visit the palace gardens, but that is where I am headed. If I have thirty minutes to spare, I might as well get some fresh air.
I step foot into the large garden area of the palace. This is where Brady and I will be married. Despite being a tropical island, the garden is set to look like something from a fairytale. Rows of floral bushes surround the chairs, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Multiple fountains are placed throughout the garden adding a romantic charm. I locate the arches toward the front decorated with lights and roses where our vows will be officiated. I start to walk down the white carpet aisle and still cannot imagine myself in this path. I make my way past the arches and notice a small pathway leading to a secluded area of the beach. Behind the tall green shrubbery is the sand and ocean. I gawk at the peculiar site and walk toward the path. I immediately stop in my tracks when I hear sounds coming from the beach.
"I hope you didn't want to meet me here to gloat." Says an impatient female voice. Something triggers in my mind. I have heard her voice before.
"Sabrina, this could still be yours." A desperate voice replies. I recognize the voice clearly, only it is the first time I do not hear it in its usual cold and snarky tone. King Brady.
Suddenly, I put the pieces together. These are the same voices I heard in the library about a week ago. I lean closer and my assumption is correct. Brady is standing with a petite blonde-haired girl in the beach.
"Brady, I didn't come here to win you back. I came here to tell you that I'm leaving Kinkow." Sabrina says. She takes Brady's hand in hers. He looks back at her with disbelief.
"What… What do you mean leaving?" He asks her.
"I have an audition for ballet school in Australia. If I get in, I will be in their world-renowned dance company." Sabrina says.
Brady lets go of her hand and exaggeratedly blinks his eyes. He looks away toward my direction and my heart stops. I let out a breath once his eyes meet Sabrina's. He didn't see me. So, I continue to listen from my position.
"Australia? But, you're the best dancer at Kinkow University…"
"I know that," Sabrina interrupts. "But I don't want to spend my entire life in a small unknown island when I can be a world class dancer. Brady, this is my dream. You should start living yours."
"But, what about us? I didn't tell you this, but I'm planning on abolishing the marriage law. I'm also planning for a divorce when the opposition groups disband. We can still be together, Sabrina!" Brady says zealously.
"And what? So I have to fill in the role of the queen of Kinkow? Brady, your new wife may not care about her ambitions and will live her life under the confines of the royal family, but I do." Sabrina states. My hands curl into a fist and I feel the anger develop in my chest.
"I…" Brady starts to form words in his mouth but is left in silence by Sabrina's comments. She grabs both of his hands and holds them close.
"Brady, I came here to let you know that I am leaving because I still care about you. But I also wanted to let you know, that it's over." She leans toward the king and gives him a quick peck on the cheek.
"I… I wish you luck in Australia." Brady replies in a saddened voice.
"I wish you luck in your wedding." Sabrina says. She lets go of his hands and wraps her arms around the king. It is a short hug and she abruptly leaves in the opposite direction of the castle.
It is my cue to leave and rush back to the garden entrance. I walk hastily, hoping Brady will not see me leaving the area. He will have known that I had been listening to their entire conversation. So Brady and Sabrina were dating before he agreed to marry me. I almost feel guilty about coming between them, but I realize that Sabrina wanted no part in Brady's life. The guilt comes back, knowing I had witnessed their private discussion. I am near the door to the castle when it opens suddenly.
"Nice to finally see you," Kaira says in a stern voice. Her eyes are narrowed but they aren't fixated on me, but behind me. I turn around and see Brady walking down the aisle path who has stopped dead in his tracks. I clench my hands into fists and I know he was following me out.
"Hello, Kaira," Brady says cheerily. He walks toward me and stands close behind awaiting Kaira's response.
"Cut the act, Brady. I am not in the mood," Kaira snaps. "You do realize we were to meet promptly at ten. Rehearsals are now behind schedule because of you."
"Kaira I…" Brady tries to speak in his defense but is immediately cut off.
"Tell me Brady, why is it that you decided to let nobody know your whereabouts?" Kaira says angrily. The scowl on her face is reminiscent of Lanny's signature angry expression. "I continue to come to our defense, but you are now on thin ice, my king. You had better have a good explanation for this."
I turn to see Brady's petrified face and I feel the anxiety build up in me as well. I don't know why I start to fear for the boy that stands next to me, but I know I do not want to see the wrath known as Kaira. My heart races and something coerces me to start speaking.
"Brady was at hiding beneath the hedge over there when I found him. He… He was really deep in thought about the wedding. It's a really stressful time, Kaira," I blurt out. "He just needed time to take it all in."
"Yeah, everything is just happening s fast. I needed some time to myself," Brady says. "I'm sorry for this Kaira."
Kaira's expression softens and I can see her shoulders relax. "I am sorry for being stern with you, my king. I may not understand what you are going through, but please make sure to let somebody know before we send the guards on an island-wide search."
"Of course." Brady nods his head.
"Good. Now, will the two of you please follow me? We have a rehearsal schedule to begin." Kaira states as she opens the door to the palace. Brady follows directly behind her without so much as a look in my direction.
Oh my! So is Brady still in love with Sabrina? Thanks again for all of your reviews!