At Your Service

Chapter 28- Reunion

Two months is starting to feel like an eternity out here. I haven't seen anyone except Marianne and Florent. They come every other week to keep me company. Fishing is a great way to find food, but sometimes it takes forever to catch something. Catfish has been a huge help out here. After researching a lot about crows, I kind of learned its behavior patterns. I can actually communicate with it, and sometimes we just have long talks. It's nice, Catfish keeps me company. I still don't know whether it's a boy or a girl though.

Yesterday while I was out hunting I saw a grove of trees. But they weren't just any trees, they were fruit trees. I started going there to gather fruit. There was like a bunch of fucking choices, more than farmer's market. There were mangoes, pineapples, bananas, apples, starfruit, etc. I was practically salivating, thinking about it. I checked the time on my phone. It was 8:34. I have to go get food now before it gets dark. I learned the hard way that all the dangerous shit gets active at night. A few weeks ago I was attacked by a panther. Thankfully, I was able to fend it off. "Catfish, let's go," I call. Catfish was perched on our tree, it swooped down, resting on my shoulder. I grabbed the basket I weaved to collect fruits, resting it on my back. I picked up my spear and headed into the forest.

The leaves and twigs beneath my feet crunched with every step. I shuddered, trying not to think about all the things that could be hiding underneath. Honestly, the only thing I really have to worry about is the elodian spikeback. It's the most venomous snake in the country, ranked number 11 on the most deadliest snakes in the world. Usually, they're a dark blue. The back is lined with small triangular-like patterns. I continue to step carefully through the forest as I near the grove.

I enter the grove, and practically fall to my knees, staring into my own garden of eden. My basket can probably fit around fifty fruit. Where do I start first? I make my way over to a kiwi tree. All the trees are tall; taller than I could reach. "Hey Catfish, could you help me out?" I asked. It flew up to the tree. "Can you knock down five?" It pecked five kiwis out of the tree. I held my basket out, letting the fruit land inside. We went around ten trees doing the same thing. I took a total count and inventory of each fruit. There were five of everything: kiwis, apples, bananas, pears, mangoes, oranges, starfruit, pomegranates, papayas, and lemons. "Alright that's everything we need," I called to Catfish. It flew down to my shoulder, resting on me. Suddenly, It started cawing. "What's wrong?!" I asked, anxious. It hushed, I listened around me. I heard the loud rustling or bushes, and the crunching of leaves coming from outside the grove. It was getting louder, and it sounded like it was coming closer. I had my spear ready. This motherfucker won't take me down. I have to survive... for Felix. I wasn't expecting what happened next.

Felix stepped through the entrance to the grove. I dropped my spear, not even sure how to react. Am I hallucinating? Is this a dream? He smiled that warm smile that made my heart melt every time I saw it. I dropped my spear, unable to fully process what was happening. I feel tears starting to stream down my cheeks. "Felix!" I screamed, as I ran to him. I wrapped my arms around him burying my face in his chest.

"Baker, I can't believe it," he said, his voice breaking.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. He put his arms around me, pulling me in closer.

"I came to see you," he smiled. My tears fall harder, I can't hold back all my emotions. I missed him so bad. I didn't know if I'd ever see him again. "Please, don't cry," he consoled, wiping away my tears, "I'm here now."

"I just never thought I'd see you again," I looked in his eyes. His beautiful, lavender eyes. I couldn't help myself; I interlocked my lips with his, closing my eyes enjoying this moment. He kissed me back, his warmth circulated throughout my body. "Let's go back to my place," I smiled. 

I grabbed his hand and guided him through the forest until we reached the clearing where I had been living for the past couple of months. "This is where I've been staying," I said.

"It's quaint," he replied.

"I mean it isn't exactly the palace but it works fine. It takes some getting used to," I laughed.

"I've been meaning to ask," he pointed at Catfish. "Who is the crow on your shoulder?" he asked. 

"Oh, this is Catfish. I met it out here when I first got out here. It helps me out, warns me about predators, helps me gather food and shit."

"Hello Catfish," he waved to it, smiling. Catfish let out a cry of, what I think was, approval. Felix's stomach growled, he blushed embarrassed. 

"Hungry?" I laughed.

"A little I suppose," he blushed. I grabbed an apple out of my basket, tossing it to him. They're his favorite fruit. "You're a life saver," he smiled, taking a bite. I look up at the sky, it's dark out. The stars are probably gonna start showing soon, which gives me an idea.

"Let's stargaze tonight," I offered.

"I would love that," he smiled.

. . .

Felix and I are laying down, near the tree I sleep in. The stars are scattered throughout the night sky. It's enchanting, and mystical. Moonlight illuminates our area. It felt like we were the only two people in the world; I wanted it to stay this way forever.

"How have things been at the palace?" I asked. He doesn't immediately speak. He hesitated, I could see his face sink in.

"The days haven't been great," he says, finally.   "Somehow I'm surviving." I lean in closer to him, resting my head against his body.

"Why? What's wrong?" I responded, curiously.

"Mother, she's been planning the wedding much quicker than before. She's forcing her and I to share a room now even." I frowned. I know how much Felix hates Monette, but he can't bring himself to stand up to her. "The wedding is next week. Honestly, I don't want this! At all!" he breaks down into tears. I force myself closer to him, taking him in my arms. He rolls on his side, burying his face in my chest. I can feel his tears staining my shirt. I wipe his face. I don't say anything. There's nothing to say. Felix already said it himself. "Honestly, things have just been so bad for months. Not even just because of the wedding. But because..." he started. He stopped himself.

"Because what?"

"Because... you aren't there anymore." My cheeks turn redder than blood. My armpits start to sweat, and I feel my body going stiff. He looked at me with his beautiful, lavender eyes that I'd grown to love so fucking much. When he looked at me I saw sorrow, and longing in his eyes. But I also saw something else. It looked like... peace. 

"W-what do you mean?" I stuttered, trying to keep my cool.

"You were the only person in the palace that made me happy. Seeing you everyday, it... it made me feel like there was something more to life than just royal duties. Like there was a reason for me to live. A reason for me to take my life into my own hands. To do things I wanted for a change, and not the things everyone expects me to do. You inspired me to be the person I want to be, to lead Elodia in a positive direction. You gave me a reason to smile, to laugh, to find joy in the things that no longer made me happy, and you made me see Elodia in a different way than I had been looking. All of that was you," Felix professed. I don't even know what to say.

"I'm so confused!" I exclaimed, trying not to break a sweat.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is..." he hesitated, "... I love you Baker."

"Felix, I love you too," I smile, capturing him in a kiss. Tears start to fall from my face, I couldn't believe what I heard. The man I love, he loves me back. It's bittersweet. He's marrying next week. I need to make the most of my time right now. Because after tonight I'll never see him again.

More tears fell from my face, thinking about it. I don't want this night to end.