Moon Kissed (Currently Editing)

Chapter 3

The next morning at breakfast, Arielle couldn't stop talking about her upcoming birthday.
Apparently, turning nineteen was a bigger deal than I and my parents realized.
"Mother, can we see the dress maker today? I'd like to have a new gown made. Frilly and pink! No - blue!" She chattered excitedly.
"Of course, darling. Paige?" Mother smiled, turning to the maid who had been writing nonstop for half an hour.
"I'll send for the royal tailor immediately." Paige replied, momentarily glancing up from her notes.
"Invitations! We have to invite all the royals of course. Including the Salvatores." Ariell exclaimed.
"Mary will start on them right away." Paige mumbled, not looking up this time.
"I could sing for you." I offered, speaking up for the first time.
Arielle gave me a look filled with disgust that only lasted a mere second before she smiled sweetly.
"Of course. That would be delightful, Lissa. Thank you."
She always does this. Pretend we're the best of friends in front of mother and father who never suspected a thing. That's how good she is.
I shifted my gaze back to my warm breakfast and tried to eat without appetite.
"Lissa, my dear, is everything okay?" Father asked in concern.
I opened my mouth to speak - and possibly lie - but stopped as Layla walked in, holding a flower pot with a bow on it.
Oh no. Please, no.
"A birthday present already?" Arielle questioned with a wide grin.
Layla glanced at me, eyes twinkling as she said, "I'm sorry, my lady. It's actually for lady Lissa, from Zach Salvatore."
I didn't care if Arielle was looking or not. I shot out of my seat - as if it were on fire - and rushed to Layla's side.
"He sent me the blood lily? But... There's only one in the land. Is he sure I should have it?" I asked all at once.
"It says right here; To Lissa Lancaster, from Zachary Salvatore." Layla informed handing me the flower pot.
"How thoughtful. Maybe you should put some water in it." Mother advised.
"Alright mother." I nodded, never taking my eyes off the blood red flower.
As I ran up the stairs to my room, I could feel Arielle's glare at my back.
Once there, I made sure the door was locked before I began. Taking in a deep breath as I placed the flower on a table, I let it out slowly - just as Grandma Verdona taught me. The familiar tingle I was used to shot down my spine and I knew I was ready. I pointed at a stack of books on a table by my window and at once, they began to levitate. After moving the books to a shelf, I moved the table closer to the window so it was directly in the path of the sunlight streaming in. Then carefully, I set the flower pot on the table.
It was at that moment I noticed a note held in place by the purple bow. I pulled the note off and sat on my bed to read it.
Dear Lissa,
I want to sincerely apologize for the cold attitude shown towards you by my children. As you can possibly imagine, they are still adjusting to the kingdom's ways and most people are not exactly welcoming. I know that seems like a likely excuse but that is the truth. Beneath the cold, frightening exterior they portray, they are actually just scared and that worries me greatly. But somehow, I felt your presence was not as unnerving as you thought.
Please accept this little gift as a token of my sadness to you. Darius mentioned how much you love flowers and all things related to nature, so I knew this gift would make you happy.
I really hope you forgive my children. Its hard for them to make any friends when it seems like the whole kingdom is against their very existence.
Sincerely,
Zachary Salvatore.
I put the note down and stared at the flower at my window.
Little gift?
This has to be the most beautiful thing anyone has ever gotten me.
With a flick of my wrist, I pulled water out from a jug and dropped some into the flower pot, slowly and carefully so as not to harm the lily. I returned the rest to the jug and walked to the table with an idea.
First, I examined the size of the flower pot. It was just as wide as a silver platter.
Perfect.
I poked two fingers into the soft, moist soil and closed my eyes. I've done this a million times before, so in know what to do even backwards.
I just closed my eyes, imagined lilies blooming and paused to feel the usual tingly flow of magic from my necklace.
I opened my eyes and smiled.
The blood lily remained the same but was now surrounded by a ring of white lilies.
Satisfied with my work, I put on my cloak and boots, grabbed my satchel and headed to town.
One of my favorite spots in town is the library. The Royal library is huge and efficient - if you wanted to know about the laws and history of the kingdom, while the one in town was small and quaint, it was filled with the most amazing adventure novels. And lots of romance too.
I walked into the library, breathing in the usual sweet scent of lavender.
"Ah, lady Lissa! I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up again this week." The librarian - Greg - fondly commented.
"As if I could ever stay away. I'm done with these." I smiled, taking the books out of my satchel.
"Already? Its only been three days!" He exclaimed.
"I'm just really fast and they were really good. Got anymore?" I asked with a giggle.
"Of course! You'll be the first to launch our new stock this month. Here you go my lady." He replied, handing me four books.
"Thank you. I'll get started on them right away." I happily stated.
"Just a moment.... Since you love this one so much, you can have it." He offered, giving a blue leather bound book - which I've read over a hindered times.
"I couldn't possibly - "
"I insist. Anything for my favorite customer." He warmly said.
I thanked him a couple more times and left with the blue book in my hand and the others in my satchel.
Next, I went to the market and bought some fruits with the intention of eating them in the woods while I read. I'd been staring at a pyramid of ripe peaches when I got the odd feeling I was being watched.
I looked around and didnt see anything out of the ordinary.
Then I saw him.
At the other side if the market, he stood talking to one of his sisters - one of which I hadn't met yesterday - but was staring at me intensely.
I tried to look away but for some reason, I couldn't. It was like I didn't want to.
However, I eventually did, just in time to see a hand being brought down to strike my face.
"How dare you! Why do you always have to be so self centered? You are not going to sing at my birthday feast. You are going to tell mother that you've changed your mind. I refuse to let you ruin MY night."
"Arielle, I was only trying to - "
She yanked my book out of my hands and threw it into a nearby puddle.
"Don't mess with me, Lissa. Or you'll live to regret it." She stormed off, leaving me in a pit of shame and sadness.
Tears filled my eyes as I bent down to pick up my beloved book - that was now dripping muddy water.
"Lady Lissa, look out!" Someone yelled as I began to stand straight.
I turned to my left and saw an out of control horse heading my way. The poor creature suddenly moved to the right and the cart it was pulling broke loose and continued down my path. I was standing in front of another cart and would definitely be crushed between them.
But my feet wouldn't move. I could hear people screaming, telling me to get out of the way but I was frozen on that spot.
It all happened to fast.
I heard a screech...
A crash... Someone swearing....
A warm feeling...
Feeling?
I slowly opened my eyes eyes and stared into the most beautiful pair of golden brown eyes I've ever seen.
"Are you okay?" He asked softly.
I nodded weakly, realizing I was in his arms.
"You can put me down now." I mumbled quietly, hoping he didn't hear me.
Unfortunately, he did.
Gently, he set me down on a wooden bench as his sister approached us.
"Nolen? Is she okay? That was awfully scary! Where did the horse go?" She asked swiftly.
"Anastasia, calm down. She looks fine, but we should take her to father all the same."
I was gently picked up again and taken to Darius.
                                                                                                                      ***
"What do you mean he's unavailable?" Nolen barked at the assistant who informed him of Zach's absence.
Just that, m'lord. Darius isn't around either." The lad explained.
"It's okay. I'm fine." I protested.
"No, you're not. At least wait so they can make sure you're really okay." Anna said softly as the assistant walked away.
Something kept on nagging at a corner of my mind and I just had to ask.
"How did you do that?"
"Do what?" Nolen asked confused.
"Save me. That cart was moving way too fast. There's no way you could've gotten to me in time."
They just stared at me blankly.
"I was standing right next to you." Nolen carefully stated.
"No, you weren't. You were on the other side of the market. I saw you. Like I said, there is no way you could've gotten to me in time." I pointed out.
"I think you hit your head." Anna said with a little laugh.
"No I didn't. I'm fine!"
They glanced at each other and stayed quietly.
"I won't tell anyone, if that's what you're worried about. I just want to know how you did it." I softly informed and said nothing else.
Zach finally arrived and apologized severely before inspecting me.
"Everything appears to be fine. Are you in any pain?" He asked nicely.
"Not really. I'm just tired." I replied with a small smile.
"You need lots of rest then. Nolen, escort her home, will you?"
"No! I... I'm not ready to go I home yet." I hurriedly said.
"It's fine. I'll just stick around until you're ready." Nolens suggested with a little - yet so attractive - smile.
And he kept his word. He escorted me around town as I greeted all my friends, not saying anything at all.
Finally, I headed home with my quiet bodyguard. The air between us was so tense, I wanted to cry.
"I'm sorry." He suddenly spoke.
"Huh?"
"I'm sorry. I was quite disrespectful yesterday."
"Oh. I-It was nothing. I can't really blame you for your hostility. You were simply acting the way we've all been acting towards you and your family. I'm the one who should be sorry."
He shook his head, "No, you're not. You were the first to treat our family with respect. You're different - nicer and more friendly."
I blushed and looked down at my feet.
"I wish everyone felt that way. Thank you... Now, will you tell me how you managed to save me or do I have to annoy it out of you?" I questioned.
He chuckled and I felt my heart beat speed up.
"I don't think you've got what it takes to be annoying. Tell you what... You drop it for now and I promise to tell you later." He suggested.
"How many years qualify as 'later'?" I teased with a raised eyebrow.
"Tomorrow night. At the exchange welcome carnival."
All I could do was nod as we approached my home.
At dinner that evening, Arielle was pleasant and sweet. She went on and on about the welcome carnival - that was only a day before her birthday.
I was also eager for the evening to arrive and eventually it did.
Much sooner than expected.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi guys!
Thanks for reading the past chapters and sticking with the story so far. First off, I would like to dedicate this chapter to @Phavour my best friend ever. She's one of the reasons I write and I love her to death. And to Brenda my mom-like buddy who's amazing poetry skills brought me to tears. She also taught me not to use a word if I don't know what it means. Seriously, don't. It won't end as well as you think.
Secondly, I'm really busy with school but I promise to be updating weekly, and maybe even two chapters at a time. Please share and if by the end of the week we get this chapter up to a hundred votes, I will update sooner and give a filler chapter that reveals exactly what Nolen thinks of Lissa, ANDDDDDDD I'll follow the first 10 voters. So get sharing and voting. Tell everyone!
And I'd love to get some feedback from y'all😊😊😊. So please comment.
Have a great week loves😘😘😘😘😘😘😁😄😄😄😄😄