Mark Of The Stars

Chapter 2

"We're almost there, Princess," Ace whispered into my ear as we coasted towards Castaway Island. I woke groggily from my sleep, still dazed about what had happened with my father. Ace's beefy embrace keeping me tight as we watched the movie was very distracting, though. I don't remember when I fell asleep, or what part of the movie I missed. All I remember was focusing on Ace's hands, playing with my hair, and keeping me warm against his body. His muscular chest with the slightest feeling of his abs cradling me to his chest.

Ace slowly helped me stand up because I was still in a sleepy daze. "Dahlia, stand up. People are going to ask questions if I carry you into the carnival, Darling." He had a funny look on his face like he actually wouldn't mind if he did that.

I snapped out of my sleepiness. No sleep deprivation will take away my amazing day. I had stayed up almost all night looking for the perfect outfit to look like a 'normal' teenager and not some snobby princess that was looking to make everyone in her kingdom feel unfortunate. Ace and I had to leave really early in the morning to get to the boat so we could make it to the carnival when it opened. I had the kitchen maids make us lunch. Sometimes I think the maids like Ace more than me. I don't know why, I'm always very kind. But besides feeling tired, I felt like I could do anything. I could run to the top of a mountain. Or two mountains.

The boat had finally docked. Ace helped me out of the boat, even though I could do it myself. He always helps me with the smallest things that I could do myself. Ace placed a beautiful flower crown on my head, the flowers being light lavender, baby pink, and white, woven together with green vines.

"I was right!" Ace exclaimed.

"What were you right about?" I questioned, as I looked into his mesmerizing emerald eyes.

"The flowers look pretty in your bright red hair," he said as his face lit up with excitement and turned a light shade of pink as he looked down at our feet. He recovered quickly, but not so fast that I didn't notice.

A guy was waiting by the boat handing the crowns to us. Father probably told the island coordinator that I was coming. Why did father always have to pre-warn people when I'm coming? It's not like I'm in any danger or anything! Who knows how many people father told. Ace readjusted the crown on my head, smiling to himself. "I'm trying to get away from the crowns. Why do they always have to follow me?" I teased as I grabbed a flower crown for myself and pulled him down to my level. Gently placing the green twist of vines on his head, looking deep into his green eyes. I gasped, "You look amazing with a crown on your majesty." I laughed and curtsied as his face turned bright red.

"But you're the only person of royalty here..." Ace trailed on.

"Hey cut that out. I'm not princess Dahlia here!" I exclaimed. "Simply call me Dahlia when we are away from the castle," I beamed. "And no more of that princess talk. You're my best friend."

"So Darling Dahlia, are you ready to go? What do you want to do first?" Ace gestured to the sign to the fair. Man, we got there right when it was opening. We will not miss a minute.

"How about the Ferris wheel?" I asked. He had called me darling... Again! I wonder if that's a normal thing for best friends to call each other. I'll figure it out for myself soon.

We walked up to the entrance of the two-day-only carnival. There were teenagers everywhere!

Everyone was in groups or walking in pairs, like Ace and me. Ace gently grabbed my hand and pulled me to his side. Almost like he is protecting me or just showing that we came together. I glimpsed a familiar face. I pulled in the face's direction, but Ace directed me towards the gigantic Ferris wheel. "Ace! I thought I saw someone from the castle over there." I pointed towards a weird empty booth that the guy had walked through. The booth looked darker than all the other colorful tents and attractions. Almost like the booth was trying to be invisible. There was a big sign that read "Get Your Fortunes Here".

I pulled Ace toward the booth again, and he let us move in that direction with a sigh. I knew he would always let me get what I wanted. Eventually.

Ace and I walked through dark curtains when we got to the booth. Finally, we made it to the guy running the booth. There were cushions all around us, and a guy meditating through the sound of our arrival. As soon as we were actually in front of him, he slowly opened his eyes like he was making sure we weren't burglars.

"Hello, sir. There was a man that just came through here. Do you know who that was?" I quietly asked. He looked intimidating, and yet kind. Wearing a dark gray and blue jacket, a white shirt underneath, and black sports shorts. He looked like an old physical education teacher that Ace had.

"I'm sorry miss, but I don't know who that was. I'm Freddy, how can I help you otherwise?" Freddie, the guy running the booth said sincerely. His looming eyes taking in my appearance slowly, trailing from the flower crown to my white tennis shoes. "But that is a very nice necklace you're wearing. It looks almost like yellow jade crafted into a sunflower." He was staring at the sunflower necklace hanging around my neck with a curious expression.

"That's because it is yellow jade. My family gets crystals and diamonds imported from Spain. Sometimes," I mumbled without thinking. Man, I'm not used to being in company with people that aren't in the castle or are used to being around rich people.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you with your friend.

"Would you like a future reading?"

"Sure, why not." I looked up to Ace. He gave me a look that almost said 'It's your future, this guy seems like a creep'. I sat down on a pillow by Freddie. He took my hand, closed his eyes, and focused on 'the reading'.

"Ah, I see powerful energy. A strong leader, I once did a reading for the king of Dragonmir, and your energy feels very similar to his." I glanced up to Ace. He is looking at the strange man with conflict in his eyes. I couldn't tell what he was thinking. "I can sense that your boyfriend doesn't like me very much," Freddie accused as he peeked one eye open, staring at Ace.

"He's not my boyfriend. We are just best friends. We do everything together," I rambled. As I glanced up to Ace, him blushing and looking in the other direction than I was sitting.

"I see you will fall in love soon. With someone that is, or will become, very special to you." After a beat, he let my hand go and stated, "No payment."

"Aw, thank you! Um, I'm not sure what that means. But thanks."

"Thank you for saying thank you. Not many people do. People always think I'm weird. I will give you this wonderful bracelet made in the Caribbean from the shells there. The shells have had a powerful charm placed on them to protect the wearer. Have a nice day young princess."

"What? I'm not the princess. My name is just Dahlia, not like Princess Dahlia of Dragonmir," I blurted, as my mouth hung open. How would this random guy know I was the princess? Fortune-telling isn't real, it's made up. The person doing the 'readings' is just making up nonsense that won't actually come true.

"I call everyone prince and princess. I hope to see you soon." Freddie placed the bracelet on my wrist. His hands felt cold and clammy like he was lying or hiding something. The bracelet was cold but felt nice against the warmth of my skin.

I got up and walked towards the Ferris wheel with Ace.