Chapter 20
Waking up this morning, I was excited.
Today, I got to spend all day with Cassius. The best part was that I didn’t have to sneak around in darkened shadows to do it. I knew I couldn’t show my emotions on the outside, as there was always a chance someone could be watching us. Evver helped me dress. I was in a dark brown dress today. It would hide the dirt. I was certain I would spend more time on the ground than in the saddle. Thinking of climbing on a large animal had me scared, but if there was anyone I could trust with my safety— it would be Cassius.
My hair was braided in double braids; for the first time, my hair was far from my face.
I looked at my reflection and I realized I was glowing. Evver noticed too, but she was kind enough not to tease me about it. I know she still was hopeful Cassius would come thru at the last moment and save the day. Secretly I wished for the same but I would have never voiced it out loud.
“Better hurry. We don’t want to keep Cassius waiting.” Her smile had a hint of glee to it. Evver was probably happier about us spending time together than either of us. She took my hand and started pulling me toward the door. “Wait” She stopped dead in her tracks. She ran into my closet. Pulling out the emerald green cape she had made for me. “It’s going to be cold later.”
“Thank you Evver.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek. She blushed.
“Alright, let’s get moving.” I followed her willingly.
We made our way down the winding corridors. I felt like a small child rushing downstairs on Christmas morning. Our only stop was in the kitchen to pick up our packed lunch, and for me to have a large slice of fresh baked bread. It did little to settle my nervous stomach, but I knew from experience I would regret not eating if I waited to eat until lunch. Normally Evver would have made sure I had eaten more, but she was anxious to get me to Cassius.
Heading down the never-ending labyrinth of hallways, I had started to become familiar with. I could see we were nearing a hallway I had never entered. Evver knew exactly where we were heading and I trusted her. She opened the door at the end of the hallway. My eyes were blinded by the light.
We stepped out into a large meadow.
Not far from the exit there was a walkway leading up a small hill. At the top of the hill was a large barn. It was enormous. We must be on the other side of the castle because I was certain I would have noticed this before. Heading down the hill was the most beautiful sight. Cassius. He looked amazing in his riding gear.
His smile was contagious and I couldn’t help but match it. My heart flew when I saw the approval in his brilliant eyes. The way he looked at me made me blush. Walking toward him, I focused on the floor. Not trusting myself to look in his eyes. Evver squeezed my hand and pulled me along. I followed matching her steps with mine. She stopped suddenly, surprising me. I looked up. Cassius, was only a couple of feet away from us. He must have run down the hill.
“Good morning.” His eyes stayed with me.
“Morning.”
“Cassius I packed all of your favorites. Don’t worry, Aurora I packed some for you too.” She smiled at me, but the wide grin was saved for her brother. I couldn’t help but feel like there were eyes on us.
“Well shouldn’t we get started? I’m going to need all the help I can get.” I said groaning. I had never been very graceful and putting me on a large horse in a ball gown was just asking for an embarrassing accident to happen. I turned and hugged Evver. “Wish me luck. I know I’m going to need it.”
“Don’t worry, Aurora. Cassius can teach anyone to ride. He’s the best.” Her eyes were glowing with pride.
“I will see you later tonight. Try not to get into any trouble while I’m away today.” My words had Cassius laughing loudly. It echoed in the open space.
“You’re joking right? Evver and trouble are best friends.” She glowered at him and playfully swat at his arm. Then putting her hands on her hips, she turned and marched off in the opposite direction.
“Come on Ev, I was only kidding.” Not looking back, she made her way into the castle and slammed the door shut behind her.
“Do you think she’s really mad?” I asked worried I had offended my friend. Cassius, was laughing again. It sounded like the most beautiful melody to me. If it was the only sound I could hear for the rest of my life, then I would be happy.
“No. I think if anything, she is upset about not tagging along with us today. Don’t worry. By the time you will return tonight, it will be like it never happened.” His eyes were smiling and I believed it. How could anyone stay upset with him? “Good I am glad you brought your cape. It’s going to cool off this afternoon.” I looked at the sky it was clear and bright. I wondered how they determined the weather forecast without satellites.
“I hope you’re ready. I wasn’t joking earlier.”
Cassius could sense my fear. He reached his hand out to touch my arm for a split second. Electricity shot straight to my heart. I pulled back from his touch. I saw a touch of pain reach his eyes and then it was quickly replaced with the smile I always loved.
“Come along then, it sounds like I have my work cut out for me.”
I followed him up the path toward the expanse of the colossal barn. It looked like it could have held at least ten large homes that currently resided on my neighborhood street, inside of it. One thing saddened me, I could see Tommit took better care of his animals, than he did his own people. I was grateful his animals had Cassius to take care of them, but where was the same level of care and compassion for the people he was meant to care for?
I included all of the mythical creatures in my definition of people.
From what I had observed, most of them had more humanity in them than most people would ever experience. We passed beautiful mares in every size and shade of color. I kept waiting for him to say this is the one, but no, he continued walking. Cassius led me to the end stall. The door to the last stall was shut.
“I want you to meet someone.” He said with a glint in his eye.
There were iron locks on the door. At least five of them blocked access to anyone who dared try to enter. Cassius pulled out a ring of keys. In a quick motion he had all of the locks undone and was opening the door. Whatever needed so many locks to hold it in had me nervous. I gripped onto Cassius’ arm without realizing it. He turned back and smiled at me. Leading me further into the sinister doorway, my fingers dug deeper into his skin.
“Don’t worry, Aurora.”
His calm words did little to assuage my nerves, when I saw a second massive rough hewn wooden door. It appeared much thicker than the first. A massive plank of wood kept the door closed off to prying eyes. There was no way Cassius was going to be able to lift the plank up for us to enter into the mysterious room. I was certain most of the giants I had come to know would be able to pry it from its grasp.
This was just another time I was learning not to discount what Cassius could accomplish. His strong hands gripped the plank tightly and with what seemed like little effort the plank was resting in his capable hands. Setting it down gently next to the side wall of the door frame with ease he turned back and smiled his wonderful crooked smile.
“Ready?”
My eyes grew wide and my heart seemed to stutter to a stop. I bit hard on my lower lip to keep it from trembling. Fear of the unknown was taunting me. Cassius seemed annoyed. He turned so we were facing each other. He was standing only inches from my face. I could feel his breath on my lips. His brow was furrowed in the fiercest way possible. Both of his hands reached up and cupped one of my arms. I could almost feel his pulse on my skin.
“Aurora. Do you not know me by now? Do you really believe for a moment I would lead you into danger? How could you?”
Before I could respond, he pulled me to him. It was our second kiss and it was just as powerful as our first. This time there was an underlying anger behind his lips. I could feel it in his arms as they pulled me to him. My body and mind were fighting. My body was responding to his touch and my mind kept telling me to STOP It flashed images of Drayben threatening me, threatening Evver and threatening Cassius. The thought and his lips produced a groan from my mouth.
I pushed him away.
“Stop This can’t happen” I tried to untangle myself from his sturdy arms. He fought me. There was no way he was giving up so easily this time. Cassius pulled me back into another kiss. This time, he wasn’t going to let me give up. His arm wrapped me even closer than before. I felt his left hand, move up to my head. His lips did things to me I never thought possible. For a moment I forgot about Tommit, my wedding, everyone and everything.
The only thing that existed in this moment was Cassius and I.
I felt the relief in his body when I gave in and surrendered myself to him.
*
It was silent.
All I could hear was my breath and the beat of my heartbeat next to Cassius’. His was racing. I could feel it pumping through his shirt. My heart had soared when I gave in and finally let myself feel the power of his feelings but I also knew it would hit a brick wall when I stepped back into reality. For the moment, I wanted to savor it. Cassius broke the silence.
“So, are you ready to meet my friend now?” I looked up into his eyes. They were shining in the low light and it made it hard to say anything but yes.
“Sure.”
“You’re going to enjoy this I promise.” Still holding on to my hand he pushed open the door with his free hand and led the way. We entered a large area. It was empty with the exception of some hay on the floor. In the corner of the room was something that took my breath away.
It was something I only had seen in books or badly portrayed in the movies.
A unicorn
It was more than a unicorn. It had wings, a Pegasus? It was snow white and the most exquisite creature I had ever laid eyes on— which said a lot because I had seen fairies, and Cassius. Cassius pulled me forward toward the striking animal.
It moved toward us at the same pace.
“Good morning boy. I have someone who I would like you to meet. This is. Aurora.” The Pegasus responded by looking at me and then to Cassius then raised its head and neighed. Cassius laughed. “Yes, it’s really her. I told you she was beautiful.” I felt the familiar heat flood my face. It occurred to me that Cassius had been talking about me to his “friend”. He turned to me and motioned forward toward the Pegasus.
“Aurora, I want you to meet Darant. Darant, meet the lovely Aurora.”
As I tried to think of something appropriate to say to this majestic animal before me, beat me to the punch.
“Nice to finally meet you.” My mouth dropped in shock.
He could talk? I turned to Cassius who had a mischievous grin on his face. One look at my face and he broke into laughter.
“Yes he talks— but normally only to me.” I turned back to Darant realizing I was being rude.
“I’m sorry. It was just such a shock to hear you speak. It’s nice to meet you, too.” I tried to smile but my mouth wasn’t cooperating.
“Don’t worry. You should have seen the look on Cassius’ face the first time I spoke to him. He was certain he was losing his mind. I laughed all day.” Cassius’ laughter stopped. I guess he didn’t like it when the laughter was at his expense.
“I didn’t bring her here for you to mock me.” His tone was harsh, but his eyes couldn’t betray the warmth that he felt for his friend.
“Sorry. It’s just nice to speak to someone else for a change. I can see why you’re always talking about her, Aurora if I may you are beautiful.”
“Th ...thank you.” It came out in an embarrassing stutter.
“She has a terrible time accepting compliments. Someday she will get used to it.” I glowered at him but his dazzling eyes made it hard to hold my hard glare.
“Actually, I brought her here today hoping you would help me teach her how to ride. What do you think?” I turned and looked at Darant. I was certain he would run in the opposite direction.
“It would be my honor.”
“Are you sure? It could end badly.” I said grimacing thinking of me trying to be elegant in my oversized gown.
“Badly? Why would you say that?” I looked from Darant to Cassius and prepared to embarrass myself further.
“I am not the most graceful person and now I have this huge gown on and it feels impossible.” Now not only was Cassius laughing but Darant had joined in. I felt my face burning with humiliation. My gaze found its way to the floor. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me whole. In my life I had never been the one that people had picked first for the team. Even though I had been athletic most of my life for some reason I couldn’t gain the confidence I needed to make my body work.
“Don’t fret Aurora. I promise by the time we are done today you will be riding like you have done so since before you could walk.” I looked at Cassius skeptically. But I was learning that I had to put my trust in someone. Why couldn’t it be in the boy I believed I loved?
“I promise to go easy.” If it was even possible, it looked like Darant was smiling at me. It was almost creepy.
“Alright.”
Cassius reached out his hand to me and pulled me toward the waiting Pegasus.
I tried to control my trembling by reminding myself that Cassius would never put me in danger. Darant kneeled down making it easier for me to climb on him. It felt like, I was sitting on a saddle, only there was no saddle. It was the strangest feeling.
There was no way that I wasn’t going to fall. I was going to be the running joke of Paradan. Biting my bottom lip I could feel the familiar burn returning to my eyes. I hated feeling so weak.
“Now, I am going to stand up. You may hold on to my mane to steady yourself.” My breath again was caught in my chest. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I didn’t want to fall either. So, I reached out and gripped his mane with all of my might. He stood in one fluid motion and I didn’t feel a thing. I couldn’t believe it. My body was still in the same position it had been when he was on the ground.
“Aurora I am going to take a few steps now. Are you ready?” I looked to Cassius and he motioned encouragingly.
“Ok.” Holding my breath I was waiting for the steps to come. It was the strangest feeling. I could see us moving toward the door but it was as if we stood still and the door moved to us. There wasn’t the fear I expected. I suppressed a giggle.
“By the look in your eyes it wasn’t so bad. Now was it?” Cassius asked with a grin.
“No. It felt like we weren’t even moving.”
“Thank you Aurora your kind words are quite a compliment.” Darant threw back his head so he could rub his mane against my hand. His locks were incredibly soft and I found myself running my fingers through his mane over and over. Curiosity got the better of my judgment and I reached over to rub his horn. “Oh that tickles,” his body shuddered with the chills that racked his body from my unexpected touch.
“Sorry.” Cassius was doubled over laughing. I hated to be laughed at and my bottom lip jutted out in a large pout.
“I’m not laughing at you. It’s just Darant’s face. Not to mention that I am guilty of doing the same thing the first time I got close enough to try.” I didn’t feel so bad after his confession.
“Don’t worry Aurora.”
“I promise not to do it again,” I felt guilty for already upsetting my new friend.
“Just warn me next time.”
“Deal.”
*
“I hate to have to leave, but Aurora and I have somewhere we need to be. I promise I will bring her back to visit again.” Darant and I both looked at Cassius; we had both been enjoying the company that neither of us even thought about the rest of the day’s activities.
“We have to go?” I asked sadly.
“Yes, but I promise we will return in the morning.” I turned back to Darant.
“I enjoyed our time together. Thank you for helping me today.”
“My pleasure, I will look forward to tomorrow. Perhaps you could bring me a bunch of apples? Cassius has been stingy as of late.” The Pegasus half heartedly growled at the beautiful boy beside me.
“Now, Darant I told you I would try didn’t I? It’s not my fault buddy.”
“Why can’t he have apples?” I asked feeling like I would climb a tree if I had to just to bring my new friend the apples he craved. Cassius looked at me as if I should have already known the answer to my question.
Once again, I stood there bewildered.
“It’s not that he can’t have apples. I used to bring them to him all the time. It’s just..” He trailed off. “See Aurora, since King Tommit has taken over, less and less of the food supply is getting to the people in the kingdom. It’s strange because if anything our crops have increased. I’m not really sure where all of the food is going. There is just not enough to go around. It’s been months since I was able to bring anything but Oats to Darant.”
“Ah don’t worry about it Cassius. I know it’s not you.”
I don’t know what troubled me more, the fact food was going missing or the fact Tommit always had an over-abundance. I would have to figure it out and soon. The last thing I wanted was for the people and animals of Paradan going hungry.
“I promise I will get you some apples.” I leaned over and hugged my new friend. It seemed strange to be hugging an animal who seemed more human than most of the human’s that I had met during my time here.
“Have fun.” Cassius waved at his friend and started opening the doors. Locking the locks took longer than unlocking had. While he did I took advantage and looked around. I could feel eyes on me and I didn’t like that feeling. I worried Lote or Drayben had someone following along making sure I played nicely. There was a real resolve to keep a safe distance from myself and the warmth of Cassius’ touch. Yet, there was a growing feeling in the pit of my stomach that longed to feel his lips again.
Cassius led the way.
I forced my hands to stay at my side. They were both clenched in steel tight fists. I fought the need to reach out and take his hand. We made our way out of the barn and headed down a new path. It led to the forested area. I bit my lip to stop myself from asking where we were heading. The bushes formed an archway that we had to duck under to miss taking a bunch of thorns to our faces. We walked and walked; my feet were starting to swell. It felt like we had been walking for hours I wondered how far this path went. As the walkway narrowed I was concerned with my large dress making it thru the small opening. Just as I was about to reach out for Cassius to stop him the area opened. We were welcomed by a large meadow.
It was breathtaking.
For a minute it was as if the revolving of the earth had slowed down. I was able to take in every inch of the stunning space. The grass was rich and green as if it had just had a fresh rain shower, there were wildflowers scattered throughout the meadow. A large tree was centered in the middle of the field. The gargantuan oak would have taken at least thirty people going hand in hand to reach around the trunk. Never had I imagined there could be a tree this immense. The roots were starting to grow out of the ground and they were in a tangled mess. Gnarled bark dressed the old Oak.
It had dozens of branches jutting out of the top bending and twisting in every imaginable direction.
Hanging on each branch were different shades of ribbon. The effect it had on the leaves was an astonishing rainbow. Some of the ribbons were glittery and shimmered in the light of the sun. Walking toward it I was touched by the feeling the ground held. I wanted to turn and catch a glimpse of Cassius but I couldn’t pull my eyes from the incredible sight. Feeling his eyes on me I reluctantly turned in his direction.
“It’s beautiful.” His eyes never left mine.
“Yes it is.” I bushed knowing he was talking about me.
“What is it?” I turned back to focus on the tree. It was much safer than looking into his frosty blue eyes they never left me feeling anything other than fevered.
“We are in the center of the Echo forest, also known as the fairy forest. This is the wishing tree. When a couple starts their life together they come tie a ribbon to a branch and leave a wish. It is said that this tree has the power to bind their love for all eternity.” I looked at the thousands of ribbons that each represented a couple promising their eternal love to one another. Tears started to glisten on my cheeks. My heart swelled and ached at the same time. It was just another reminder of how I was going to live my life without eternal love. It pained me but I couldn’t bear to tear my focus from it.
I felt strong arms winding their way around my waist.
“One of ours could be hanging there someday.” His warm breath tickled my ear.
A million feelings passed through me with his touch and his warming words. I could see it. In my vision I saw us standing before the wishing tree surrounded by our friends and family. I longed for that moment. As much as I needed air on a daily basis I needed to believe what I was seeing was possible. Looking around the circle my eyes lingered on Evver. Seeing her snapped me out of my reverie. I pushed at his tensing arms. He protested.
“No” I pushed harder this time he caved to my objection. Releasing me I turned out of his embrace and faced him. His eyes were no longer dry and I could see his pain.
“Cassius, this can never happen. Can’t you see that it’s impossible?” I was so frustrated with the entire situation. “I’m going to marry Tommit. Then Evver will be safe, you will be safe.” My words were cut off by a sob escaping my throat. He took steps toward me but I stopped him by pushing my hands out at him.
The closer I became to him the more my fate hurt.
“Why do you think marrying that monster will keep us safe?”
I realized my mistake. The secret I had been carrying around had been released and to the one person I knew wouldn’t let my slip go unchallenged.
“Never mind.” I tried to turn away from him. His eyes would pry the information out of me quicker than I was prepared to divulge it. Cassius raced up and turned me around.
“Aurora, tell me.” His voice was forceful and full of fire. Icy blue eyes were burning I wondered how they withstood the flames. Fear continued to run cold thru my blue blood. I knew I would gladly face death, if I ever caused the events, which lead to the end this phenomenon of a man who stood before me.
“Since I arrived in Paradan so much of it has made zero sense to me. There are only two things here that have made me believe any of this is real, Evver and you. Both of you are the only things that make the rest of this madness manageable. My world is so different from here. There is so much I could live without, but losing you and Evver to a decision I made is nothing I could survive.” I bit my lip from revealing any more.
“Please don’t push. Can’t we just enjoy the time we have together this week?”
He looked from me to the ribbons dancing in the wishing tree.
Then he turned back to me his eyes were burning with desire I felt like I would spontaneously combust just from the way his eyes gazed upon me.
“Eternity is the only amount of time I will accept.”