Fairy Tale Treasure (Book Two: The Road to Ever After)

Chapter Seventeen

Monarch's Cove sat silent for some days. Ravens flitting back and forth across the tides brought bits of news. The royals waited on edge for those slivers of information, day in and day out. It felt as if the entire company passed the days holding their breaths in anticipation. Waiting. Just waiting.

Except for King Darrick. In perfect form, he bore the tension admirably.

Now, as the glimmering stars sparkled overhead, the King of Ever After rose from the black waters of the Sea, stepping out of this refreshing, evening dip. He shook his brown hair away from his sticky face with a forceful whirl of his neck. A spiral of water droplets shot through the air, leaving the tiniest ripples upon the glassy surface of the Sea. The King smiled with the boyish twinkle that year after year represented his tight grip on his fading youth. Darrick weaved his fingers over his scalp and gave his wet hair a good shake. A stretch and a satisfied sigh passed, then King Darrick beat his way out of the surf, onto the chilly sands.

Waiting for him upon the beach with a maroon robe was his darling, Eudora. In the dusky half-light, Rainbow's End's queen appeared as radiantly beautiful as she had the very first moment he set eyes upon her---oh, so long ago, on a dusty road into the capital city of Once-upon-a Time. He was a playboy Prince Charming and she a humble servant in hiding from her true identity. How much had changed since those distressing, delicious days? How much stayed utterly the same?

Twenty-two years was a long time. And yet, as Darrick wrapped his robe around his still strong, slender waist, he felt as if no time had passed at all. He was as smitten as ever with his humble, fiery, gorgeous bride. She mystified and frustrated him more everyday. As he closed his eyes and leaned forward to kiss his love, Eudora gently pressed her fingers to his chest. Darrik felt the same tingle of excitement and affection. Yes, much had changed, but his love for this woman would always be his saving grace.

How then could he be a middle-aged monarch? How did that happen? Was it possible he had two, grown children, both of which might be in peril at this very moment?

As if she read his thoughts, Eudora whispered, "I know you don't let it show, but it's been a week since Daniel left. How awfully worried are you for our offspring?"

Darrick straightened the collar of his robe and scoffed, "Hardly at all."

"M-hm? Really?" She crossed her arms, not buying it.

"Hey," he defended himself, "Don't ask questions you already know the answer to. Of course I'm worried. They're my babies. I'm their dad. I think I trained them up to vanquish any foe or fear, but...it's pretty weird not being right there next to them to help in the effort."

"Pretty weird, indeed," Eudora agreed.

They started to walk away from the water, Darrik's arm around his wife's waist and hers around his.

"I'm not too concerned about Bridgie," Darrick continued. "The only dangers she faces are dust aggravating her allergies or Prewitt literally boring her to death. It's Daniel...taking on pirates and mermaids and sea monsters all at once. It makes our defeat of Lady Jacqueline seem like a breeze in comparison. Not that I don't think he is capable. I think he's more than capable. No father could be prouder. I'm a tantamount goof and he's a golden boy; physically fit, courageous and the most virtuous figure in Fairy Tale. It's your fault!"

"I think that's a compliment," Eudora smiled quietly up at her husband as she sat down on a beach chair set out for them to enjoy. A small fire blazed in front of their chairs. Darrick stretched out in his seat next to her.