Hayalet

Chapter 1

A chilling breeze was dancing through the garden. I felt my hair begin to waltz with it as the chilling air stung my face. I inhaled the crisp autumn air, and exhaled all of the stress that had been burdening me. This peace wouldn't last long, but I savored every second I had of it.

I walked over to the marble bench that was structured in the center of the garden, and slumped down on it. My eyes stared up at the thousands, if not millions, of bright stars that illuminated the trees.

I closed my eyes.

"I'm doing this for you, Ash," I mumbled. For just a moment everything was silent again; until it wasn't.

"Your highness," A woman's voice shouted from the garden's entrance.

"In here, Marie," I replied. Like a river, all the stress that had been on my mind began rushing back. Just breathe, Joey.

"Ah, I've been looking all over for you," Marie said in her light scottish accent.

I forcefully moved my body over on the bench, and motioned for her to sit with me.

"Joey, the guests are waiting for you. You can't just-"

"Marie, just come sit," I interrupted.

As she walked forward the moon's light outlined her short figure. Her silver hair was styled into a thick braid that hung down her back, and she wore a blue silk dress that had been tailored to her earlier this week.

She took her seat next to mine, and I could feel anxiety flowing off of her like heat waves. I closed my eyes, and shifted her feelings elsewhere. Happiness, peace. Both things I needed right now.

"I can feel when you do that you know," She said with a small grin on her face.

"My apologies. If you're at peace, then I'm at peace." I replied, though it wasn't true. My gift allowed to me give people certain moods. In exchange, I had to take what they were feeling.

"It really is a lovely night," Marie began. She chose to keep the joy I had given her.

"Truly," I replied in awe of the night sky that still twinkled above us.

Marie turned to me. Her emotions quickly shifted, and became stern.

"You have to come back inside, Joey," She said, "You are their king after all,"

I winced at the word "king"

"Lawfully, but not by blood," I replied

Marie scoffed. "Joey, you have to move on. Your brother has been dead for ten years, and you know this is what your parents would have wanted,"

As much as I wanted to argue with her, I knew she was right. I nodded my head and decided to swallow my pride.

"Have I ever thanked you, Marie?"

"For what?"

"For everything," I looked into her dull gray eyes, "I wouldn't be where I am without you. So thanks,"

She smiled, and stood up.

"Come on, you have a party to attend," And with that, she took my hand, and we both exited the garden.

***

I have never quite been the party type. I like to keep to myself, and just feel rather than speak. The only thing I hate more than parties, is attention. So, this being a party about me, and my crowning, is just about the worst it can get for me.

Me and Marie entered the glowing ballroom, and the scent of honey and alcohol quickly invaded my nostrils. Hundreds of people from all across the lands were feasting, drinking, and dancing throughout the room.