Forever, You Are My Star

Chapter 34: Forever, You Are My Star

The STAR and CHARMER finally pulled into port at Barranor. Mey and Raya stood at the front of the ship, watching the bustling town as the crew anchored their ships and tied the sails. 

    "It hasn't changed a bit. Only I remember the church having a steeple." Mey giggled at her mother's remark.

    "Well, that's what happens when pirates invade a town. The church loses its steeple." Raya smiled as the two stood there in silence. "I'm sorry." Mey turned to her mother.

    "For what?" Mey asked. Raya gave a sigh.

    "I missed so much. You needed me, and I wasn't there."

    "Do not blame yourself for what has happened. You did what you had to do to protect not only myself, but father, Felix, and Barranor as well. Who knows what would have happened if both were on the search. More lives would have been lost, and who knows what would have happened to our family. What happened needed to happen." Raya looked over at her daughter and brought her into a hug.

    "You have become a smart and beautiful woman with a heart as big as the sea." She pulled away and gently caressed Mey's cheek. "I am so proud of you."

    The large castle gates opened as Mey, along with her mother and the others, made their way through. Once they reached the castle doors, they opened to reveal the grand staircase and walkway. On the staircase coming down was Felix and Arden, who became shocked at who was with Mey and the rest. Arden slowly made his way down before Felix, walking up to Raya who was smiling beautifully at him.

    "It's really me, Arden. I'm home." Arden then took her in his arms, letting the tears fall from his eyes. Felix, who was still in shock, decided to make his way to Mey.

    "Mey, what did you do? How is this possible?" He asked quietly.

    "I'll explain everything later. In the meantime, how about we all clean up and have dinner?" She replied.

    "We can do better than that. This calls for a celebration!" Arden proclaimed. For the rest of the day, even when the sun was setting, the who town celebrated the safe return of their queen and princess. ATEEZ and Stray Kids shared their many travels with Mey's family while Arden and Raya shared their stories of their family. The talk of Felix and Mey's childhood made her miss her own son who was still safe in Barranor. She decided to excuse herself from the party and went to her room. As she entered, she looked around to see everything still in neat order. Even though she was there a few weeks ago, this room still felt like another lifetime. Fond memories of Felix chasing her around the room and into the halls flooded her mind, making her smile.

    "Mey." The sound of her father's voice from the doorway made her turn around. "May I have a word with you?" Mey then made her way towards her father who then started walking along the very long hallway. "I wanted to apologize to you." Mey looked at her father confused.

    "Why?" Arden gave a sigh before answering.

    "For not being the father I was suppose to be." There was a silence before he continued. "I should known when you were younger, you would be just like your mother. I shouldn't have held you back the way I did. A part of me even blames myself for Yang kidnapping you. I just wanted to protect you, but I feel like I failed." Mey stopped and developed her father in a hug who hugged her back. She loved her father very much, and hearing these words come from his mouth hurt her knowing that he was hurting. Once she pulled away, she noticed a few tears had escaped his eyes.

    "You have been the best father anyone could ask for. I wouldn't trade that for anything. You have been my protector all of us since I can remember, and I knew I wanted someone that would protect, love, and care for myself and my future family like you have done for us."