Chapter 6
Kaimana: Aqua Ballare
A/N: Here is chapter 6! If you are enjoying please don't be shy and leave a review pls! I want to improve my writing and welcome any constructive feedback!
"You damned fool!" screamed Kalan at his son Jasper. He summoned the boy to his study after hearing about his disastrous attempt of wooing the princess last night.
"Father I-
"I did not give you permission to speak!" Kalan cut him off while grabbing him by the neck.
"Your arrogance has cost us the one chance we had to intergrade ourselves into the royal family!" he yelled pushing him hard against the nearest wall. Jasper struggled to breathe as his father's grip tighten around his neck.
"You had one job, do the one thing you're useful for and charm a single woman and you couldn't even do that right! What good are you?! Your sister has a better chance of marrying Bella than you do now!" He said letting him fall to the ground. Jasper coughed and gasped for air.
"Forgive me, Father. I only meant to take initiative. To put the plan into motion nothing more," Jasper said. He didn't up from the floor, keeping his head down in submission.
"I gave you simple instructions to wait until I gave you the word to approach the princess! Not only did you disobey my command, but you insulted her and her lover to her face making any hopes of a match between the two of you impossible! And to make matters worse you go and run to arms of that whore of yours! Just when I thought you could be any more of an idiot you go and prove me wrong!".
Jasper flinched at his words not realizing that his father knew that he had been with Kate. It was no secret that Lord Kalan was disappointed with his son being the second born and Rosalie being the first. His sister's power was far superior to her brother's; however, Kalan had hoped that his son would make up for it with intellect.
"You are to stay out of the Princess's sight for the remainder of her stay unless she invites you back into her presence. Disobey me again and I will have you whipped am I understood," Kalan demanded.
"Yes, my lord," Jasper responded meekly.
"Remove yourself from my sight," his father commanded giving him leave to finally rise from the humiliating position.
Jasper stormed down the corridors, the staff moving out of his way lest they suffer his temper. He didn't know how his father found out about Kate. While his father wouldn't have cared if he were spending his time with whores, Kalan suspected that his son was failing for the wench. So, he forbade him to continue seeing her. How ridiculous! It was true he enjoyed Kate's attention, however, he did not love her. Yes, he enjoyed her body, and yes he didn't want anyone else to touch her, but that was only because he didn't like sharing his possessions.
Laughter caught his attention causing him to stop. His sisters Rosalie, Amaya, the two-year-old little Derya Kai, and Princess Bella were there in the courtyard. Bella was dressed in the colors of her clan, wearing a solid amethyst light gown that exposed her sides with a black floral print all over the dress, and a simple amethyst gem around her slim neck with matching earrings. The color complemented her smooth skin perfectly and dark hair. Her dark tones were such a contrast to the blonde blue-eyed women of Kaimana.
No one could deny the Crown Princess was one of the most beautiful women in all the lands. That beauty was wasted on that savage!
"Pardon Young Lord," Jasper heard behind him.
"A letter came for you just now," A male servant he didn't recognize handed him a sealed letter. He took the letter looking for any obvious markings and didn't find any. Before he could ask who the letter was from, the servant was gone.
He broke the seal to look inside. After reading the contents, he smiled and froze the letter and shattered it in his hands.
"Really Rose?! That's…wow I would have never thought about that for you!" Bella said in excitement for her friend. Rosalie just confided in her that she would be studying to become a Sanator. The Sanators were a group that dedicated their lives to healing the sick and helping the less fortunate.
"Yes, I think it is truly my destiny. It's something I've contemplated for a long time," Rose told her. They sat around the fountain statue of Athena in her siren form, watching Amaya as she splashed around with little Derya.
"But if you do that you would be forfeiting your right to marry. You'd live a life of celibacy," Bella reminded her. The Sanators followed the teaching of the Goddess of Healing and Purity Sariyah. They renounce any claim to monetary inheritance and earthly gain and traveled the country to fulfill their duties.
"I know. And I'm sure my father will be furious when I tell him, but I know in my heart that this is the right path for me." Rose said to her.
"But what about children? You've always wanted to be a mother," Bella asked.
Rosalie sighed because it was the truth. She loved children and would love to have some of her own. "I know but there are so many children that need someone to care for them. Do you remember when we visited the orphanage in the capital a few years ago?"
How could Bella forget? That visit broke her heart to see all those little ones. Most of them had parents who died from poverty or illness but there were a few who were abandoned.
"That's when I started thinking about it. I wanted so badly to help not just the kids but the other Sanators as well. I didn't say anything because I wanted to be sure before I made the commitment,'' Rose stated.
Bella was impressed! Most noble women wouldn't dream of giving up a life of luxury to live as a Sanator. She never would have thought Rosalie would be willing to make such a sacrifice for the common people "So, I guess that means a betrothal between you and Enke is out," she joked making them both laugh.
"No, but seriously, if this is something that you truly want then I won't stand in your way. Don't get me wrong I will hate to lose you as my Chief Lady, but I want you to be happy more than anything else. So, you have my full support".
Rose smiled and hugged Bella telling her "Thank you, my friend,".
"Rosie look!" they both heard Lady Amaya call to them and they were both astonished at the sight! Little Derya was standing in the middle of the pond. While Rose was excited, Bella was worried for the small child!
"Lady Derya," Bella shouted as she stood ready to run after the girl. But she was stopped by Rose.
"It's okay Bella just watch," Rose said knowing exactly what her baby sister was doing.
Derya was making her way toward the center of the pond when suddenly the water began to ripple around her. Derya giggled, twirling in a circle as the water began to slowly rise around her. It was then Bella understood what was happening.
"Aqua Ballare," Rose said softly to her friend.
There were times when a water magician would feel the pull of their element. Calling them, almost seductively, to be one with their natural element. Water dancing or Aqua Ballare is what they called it.
Derya began moving chasing the water as it moved in response to the magic pouring out of her tiny body. The little one wasn't in complete control of her powers just yet, but the manipulation of water still came naturally to her.
Amaya decided to join her, so she removed her shoes and went into the water as well. She looked more graceful than Derya, but the two looked as though they were having a blast. Rose and Bella watched them for a bit before Rose called to them, "Okay girls let's go back inside now".
"Tonight, it's Amaya's Natare isn't it," Bella asked Rose.
"It is."
"Are you worried," Bella asked her. Rose shook her head.
"I know that Amaya will be accepted. She has a gentle heart and the Goddess will see that," Rose responded.
Bella smiled and nodded. However, she was always nervous when it came to coming-of-age rituals. As she said before, the Gods can be fickle. But she didn't want to speak any negativity and make her friend upset. Once the ritual was complete, and if Amaya was successful, she would begin her studies as a Lady of the Kai clan.
Suddenly, the Gem around Bella's neck began to pulse. She looked at Rose and said, "You girls head inside I'll catch up with you soon". Rose nodded and led her sisters inside the compound.
Bella placed her hands on the gem, and it cast a light in front of her. There was the face of her beloved, Lord Samuel.
"Good morning my love," she said happy to see his face.
"Good morning. How are you," he asked her.
"I am well. Have you made it back to The Rock," she asked.
"Yes, my family and I just made it last night. How is Kaimana".
"It's gorgeous here! You must visit with me the next time I come here," she told him.
"I doubt I would be as welcomed there as you are dear," he responded.
"Of course, you will. You will be King one day, and anywhere I am you will be welcomed," she told him.
"How much longer will you be staying there," he asked her not responding to the previous statement.
"Well, I will be staying here for at least another week and then I will be headed to the Sky Temples," she told him.
"Good. The sooner you are out of there the better".
"And why is that," she asked him.
"I want you as far away from Kalan and his idiot son as soon as possible," he responded.
"You don't have to worry love I can handle them".
"I know you can handle yourself Bella, but I still don't like you there without me," he said.
"Trust me you have nothing to worry about. I took care to dash any plots they may have had," she told him.
"Did something happen," he asked her. She then proceeded to tell him about the garden incident with Jasper.
"The fool thought he would gain my attention with such thoughtless actions," she laughed thinking Samuel would find it humorous. But Samuel wasn't laughing.
"Bella, I think you should leave sooner then you planned," he said surprising her.
"What! Why?".
"Because people tend to do things when they feel they've been insulted. You've just wounded a man's pride! That's a dangerous thing, my love," he told her seriously.
Bella had been thinking the same thing. But she knew that Jasper would be a fool to try her. She would not hesitate to burn him where he stood if he tried anything stupid. She may not be as uptight and formal most of the time as other members of her family, but she was still the Crown Princess and would remind anyone of that!
"I understand your concerns Samuel but trust me I can handle anything Jasper thinks he can throw my way," she told him.
"I don't doubt your skills love, but the Kai's are known schemers. There's no telling what lengths he would go to," he responded. "Please you need to leave forthwith".
Bella signed, "Samuel you're overthinking again".
"And you're not thinking enough!" he said with a slightly raised voice.
"Excuse me?"
"You're in enemy territory and you have insulted one of the main players! It's not smart to remain there!" he said trying to get through to her.
"What would you have me do then?! Would you rather I accepted Lord Jasper's advances then?"
"Of course, not Bella! Why would you even ask me that?!" he shouted.
"Because it sounds like to me you think me foolish to have done otherwise," she said.
"You're missing the point."
"What point am I missing Samuel?!" she shouted.
"The point is I am telling you to leave there now for your safety," he told her.
Bella narrowed her eyes, "You do not tell me to do anything Samuel! I am not one to be commanded here and if I say that I'm going to finish my business here then that is what I'll do".
"Oh, so you're just going to disregard my words then?" he asked her calmly.
Bella sighed, "I'm just saying that I know what I am doing and that you should trust me". She didn't want to fight with him.
"Fine then inform me when you come to your senses," he told her and then disappeared.
Bella was stunned! Samuel had never talked to her like before. She wasn't being unreasonable! Was she? No of course not! He was just being overprotective. She would give him some time to calm down before she contacted him again. With that, she made her way into the compound.
She was unaware that the same servant who delivered the letter to Jasper was watching her from the shadows; his presence was undetectable making it easy to spy on his targets. He decided it was time to return to his master to report what he'd learned. The time to strike was now….
One week later….
Bella, at the entrance of the Kai Compound, hugged Rosalie as she said her goodbyes. She enjoyed her stay here in Kaimana, but it was time for her to move on.
"I am going to miss you," Bella told Rose.
"I'll miss you more! But we will see each other in a few months for your wedding," Rose said to her.
"Absolutely!" Bella responded and turned her attention to Lord and Lady Kai.
"Thank you for your hospitality, My Lord and Lady," she told them.
"It was a pleasure to have you here Your Grace. We hope to have you here again soon perhaps with the Queen and King," Lady Cordelia said to her.
"I will inform them of your invitation, My Lady," she said. She turned to Lord Jasper next.
"Thank you for visiting Princess Bella I hope to see you soon," Amaya told her.
"Thank you, Lady Amaya! And yes we will see each other soon. And who knows maybe you can take your sister's place as one of my Ladies in Waiting," Bella told her with a smile.
"Really?! That would be amazing! Can I go, mother, can I?" Amaya asked jumping with excitement.
"We will see little one," her mother responded causing Amaya to pout.
"Princess," he said with a slight smile and bow. She didn't respond to him, but she nodded her head to him in response. Bella pulled her hood over her head as she headed toward the stallion waiting for her. She didn't want to ride in the carriage, for now, wanting to be able to see the beautiful forests on her way out of the city.
As she mounted the horse, she gave the Kai family one last wave before taking off, her two guards and the carriage rider behind her. She had time to think and decided that Samuel was right. It wasn't safe for her to remain under Kalan's roof. The idea was cemented when Jasper approached her the night after the fight with her and Samuel.
Bella made her way to her room after dinner that night. She tried to contact Samuel again the last couple of nights, but he wasn't responding to her. She was starting to worry! Yes, they had a slight disagreement, but he has never gone a full day without talking to her. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she wasn't paying attention to what was in front of her, and ended up bumping into someone.
"Oh, pardon me-
She stopped when she noticed whom she bumped into, Lord Jasper.
"No need Your Grace, I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings," he said to her.
She sighed and nodded her head and made her way around him but stopped when she heard, "Your Grace". She turned to look at him.
"What is it Lord Jasper I'm in a hurry," she said to him. She didn't have the patience to deal with him right now.
"I just wanted to apologize for my words the other night, I had no right to make such a statement. Please I beg your forgiveness," he said to her.
She wasn't expecting an apology from him; at least not one without his father forcing him.
"Thank you, My Lord. Think nothing of it," she said to him. Before she could continue to her room he said, "I also want to wish you good fortunes in your upcoming marriage. These are troubled times your grace. We must cherish the blessing we have," he said to her, smiling.
"And what is that supposed to mean," she asked.
"Nothing your grace. Nothing at all," he said before bowing and continuing down the hall.
After that, it became clear to Bella what Samuel was trying to tell her. Lord Jasper was up to something, and she didn't want to stick around to find out.
"Seth how far is Barbeau from here," she asked her cousin as they made their way down.
"It's about a day and a half's ride," he responded.
"Good! Let's make a little detour," she said making Seth pump his fist in excitement.
Barbeau was a lovely little bathhouse retreat that was famous for its magnificent hot springs. Bella figured she could stop there for a couple of days before contacting Demetri to tell him she was arriving earlier than planned. That way the Zonda's could prepare for her visit. She also wanted to try and contact Samuel again to clear the air between them. She hated not speaking to him and wanted to make up for her thoughtless words to him.