Abditory

𝓡𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓸 (𝓼𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓭)

I dipped a toe into the water to test the temperature.

It was a fairly warm night, yet the water was almost hot.

I could almost see smog coming off of it. It would've been creepy if not for the little daisies littered everywhere.

I stepped into the warm water and audibly moaned.

It was such a contrast from how cold the water was last night.

I walked out into the water until I couldn't stand anymore.

I hummed to myself in pleasure. It was such a beautiful night.

Yesterday I was interrupted while looking at the stars, sure it was to save me from drowning from hypothermia. But a part of me still longed to just float and stare at those beautiful stars.

That's exactly what I did.

I let the water push and pull me while I stared up into the heavens.

In the few minutes I had been floating I saw at least five shooting stars, there must be a meteor shower!

A stray tear left my eye as I gaped in awe at the moving lights in the sky. Never in my life have I gotten to experience something like this.

Back home before mom died, I would go star gazing with her. But even then the skies were quite polluted, so it was hard to see everything.

But here, here it was crystal clear. The water the sky everything.

The island was more modern than I expected it to be. It had plumbing and gas stoves. But the people here were smart with how they used their resources.

Every part of an animal, or tree or anything they needed was used.

It wasn't an utter wasteland like the kingdom was.

I wasn't afraid to breathe the air here.

I shut my eyes and just basked in the steamy water.

Regardless of how Keir and Ambrose feel, I'm staying here.

This place makes me want to be the best version of myself. I feel motivated here, happy even.

I haven't been able to admit that for a long time. too long.

If Ambrose tells everyone here that I'm the princess of a dictator that has caused a huge war.

I don't know exactly what I'll do, but I'll do anything in my power to stay.

I needed this place as much as I needed food and water. It was essential.

I opened my eyes expecting to see the stars staring back at me.

Instead, I saw him.

I shrieked and jumped up into an open-legged stance. My fists were held up, ready for whatever faced me.

Ambrose laughed.

"You think you can hurt me little girl." he mused.

I grit my teeth "Why don't you come and find out?"

He rolled his shoulders back as if he was assessing the threat.

His eyes sliced down my body. I suddenly felt hot, and not because of the water.

I was all too aware that I only wore a tiny hot pink bikini.

Ambrose wore nothing I realized.

I gulped.

"What the fuck are you doing here anyway, are you stalking me?" he asked with real disgust on his face.

I rolled my eyes. "I should ask the same thing. I've been here for a while."