Only For You

Chapter I- Sorrow

My brown hair blew behind me and the sand soaked between my toes. I listened to the vast ocean waves crash just inches away from me as my dress grew damp on the wet ground beneath me. 
“It’s beautiful isn’t it?” His voice. 
I turned my head to watch him approach the spot next to me on the oceanside. I turned my view back to the water.
“Not when you’re brought here against your will, Theo.”
His heavy body sunk into the sand. 
“You couldn’t have stayed alone back home anyways. They brought you here for your safety.”
I sunk my face into my crossed arms. I knew he was right, no matter what i wanted to think. I inhaled the fresh, salty breeze as my body turned cold. The sun was setting, and I needed to get back before I was late for dinner. I lifted my head and stared at the orange sky. 
“But I could be somewhere worse,” I turned my head to face him, staring into his eyes, “And with worse people.”
He smirked and tilted his head up towards the sky above us, his silver eyes scanning the clouds. I stood and looked back at the village behind us. 
“Rae,” his voice prompted me to turn back to him. “Do you think we’ll ever get out of here?”
I stepped next to him, looking down at him. 
“I hope so.”
He nodded and inhaled. I started walking towards the village, having to run some errands. I walked up the grassy hill and towards the busy group of villagers. Families carrying baskets of meals and dragging their kids with them surrounded me as I weaved through the crowd of people. I stopped at the bookstore, smiling at the bookkeeper. 
“Hey Mrs.Triphinski. I’m here to pick up my requests.”
She smiled at me, revealing her crows feet around her eyes. She looked as sweet as she was. 
“Nice to see you Rae,” she said while holding out a tote bag full of books she requested me.
I took them and pulled my payment out. I laid loafs of bread and schoolbooks for her children onto the booth’s surface. She took them and bowed in thanks. I nodded and slung the tote bag over my shoulder, turned and started my stroll to my mother’s bakery.

The wooden door creaked as I opened it, my mother sweeping under the tables. 
“Rae, baby, hand me that tray of dishes.”
I smiled at her and set my bag down near the entrance. I carried the tray into the kitchen, starting to wash the dishes myself.
“Thank you sweetheart, it’s been a long day.”
I nodded and shut off the water, setting the dishes into the wooden cabinets. My brother and sister entered the meal room, provoking my mother as she set the table. 
“Kalahni. Dao. Want to help me?”
They jumped happily. 
“Why don’t you help mama get dinner ready and carry the stew to the table?”
They both rushed to grab either side of the pot and carry it to the center of the table. I sat in the chair next to my mother when I heard the front door squeak open. I sat my mother down when she attempted to stand. I exited the meal room and pushed through the door into the front room.
“Theo? What are you doing here?”
He looked pale and handed me a letter of some kind. I read each word and dropped to my knees. The letter read:
Dear Rae Alastair, 
You have been elected into war against the neighboring village, Harsley. Training will start in a matter of days, but we suggest you start preparing before then. A masquerade ball will be held, where the most powerful leaders will greet and honor you before the battle begins. Attending is required. 
Our sincerest apologies, 
 Head of Aria’s council.

My mother entered the room, concerned.
“Oh my goodness, Rae? What’s the matter?” 
My shoulders sagged, tears streaming down my cheeks. I looked up at my mother through blurry eyes and handed her the letter. When she finished reading it, she fell to her knees, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I would be going to war. That’s how my father died. I was just two when it happened, so I couldn’t remember him well. But I know my mother did. And the twins are both 8. They would remember my death. 
“I got a letter too,” Theo stated. 
I looked up, slowing my crying. He looked down at me with sympathy. 
“We need plus ones to the masquerade ball.”
I stood up, wrapping my arms around him.
He paused for a second, shocked. Then he wrapped his long arms around me.
“I don’t want to go, Theo,” I whispered. 
He nodded. 
“Rae, sweetheart. Have Theo train you. You have to come back. For Kalahni and Dao.”
My tears streaked down my cheeks and my mother wiped them with her thumbs. She stared into my eyes, "And for me."
Theo stood behind us and I turned around to look at him. He stared at the floor and my mother pushed me aside lightly.
"Theo, is your mother working late tonight?"
He nodded again.
"Come have dinner with us then. Oh, and let's talk about this later, okay? Let's not worry the kids," she said as she sniffed and wiped her tears. I walked ahead of both of them back into the meal room and flashed a smile to my brother and sister. They had already dished up and started eating. Theo now took the spot my mother was in and my mother sat across from me. I looked down at my plate of food my mother placed in front of me. I had lost my appetite. The table shook lightly as my leg bounced nervously on the weak, wooden floors. Theo took a deep breath beside me and rested a hand on my thigh, making my leg stop and my breath hitch. He rubbed small circles with his thumb on the skin below my dress and my face became heated. I put my hand on top of his and we interlocked fingers, sending shivers down my spine.