Apart

Chapter Four

The next day Ashlyn sat in her room, clutching the tiny slip of ragged edged paper that Jack had given to her. The very thought of that previous afternoon caused her hand to tingle nervously. She held the parchment up and read the words inked into its musty surface for the tenth time: 4311 Elm Avenue. The mysterious address was too much to handle. Ashlyn simply couldn't stand the thought of staying put when she knew the location of people she longed to be with.

The anticipation became just too much, and Ashlyn bolted to her door. However, it swung open before she could reach the handle. Daradai stood in the doorway. Ashlyn let out a squeak of surprise, and stumbled backwards, tucking the parchment into the waistband of her skirt. "F-father," Ashlyn stuttered, visibly shaken.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you daughter. I came to apologize for what I did at the banquet." Daradai approached Ashlyn and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I yelled at you for something that I believed to be rude, and uncalled for. However, in your eyes, it was just a way of showing that you were not interested. I understand that now, Ashlyn, and I am truly sorry. But the country still awaits your choice. You don't have to choose a prince from the banquet, but you must choose someone to be king."

Ashlyn was silent. Her mind was fuzzy with jumbled thoughts. Who would she choose? Who could she choose? When could she see Marlin and Jack again? What did her mother think of all this?

"I'm not ready father," Ashlyn finally said. "I don't know who I want to choose yet."

Daradai looked down at his daughter with a sympathetic look. "I understand, but The Law states that you must be engaged by your twentieth birthday. You have nineteen days Ashlyn. Be thinking."

Ashlyn nodded, suddenly overcome with sadness. She embraced her father, eyes pooling with tears. "I'm trying father, I really am," Ashlyn whispered shakily.

"I know," Daradai replied. The two pulled back from each other, Ashlyn wiping a tear from her cheek.

"Well, father, I have to go now," Ashlyn said, trying to sound casual.

"Where are you going? You have study with Sahai today!" Daradai cried.

"Well," Ashlyn squeaked, pondering an excuse to leave. "I was hoping to just get away from the castle for a few hours. Maybe take some time off to review my choices thoroughly?"

Daradai eyed his daughter warily, then lightened his expression and sighed, "Very well. Be back soon." Ashlyn nodded, kissed her father lightly on the cheek, and bolted out the door. She paused in the parlor room to grab a fur coat before dashing through the corridors, exiting the castle, and making her way towards the city.

The marketplace was swimming with citizens when Ashlyn arrived, stepping from the old cobblestone path, to the dusty, dirt ground of Tzeresdel. Ashlyn snaked her way through the crowds, avoiding fisherman with their baskets of salmon, and people dragging carts filled with merchandise. She pulled the hood of her coat tightly over her head before approaching a baker outside of his shop.

"Excuse me sir," Ashlyn said, tapping the man lightly on the shoulder. "Do you happen to know where this address is located? 4311 Elm Avenue." The man twitched slightly as he read the paper in Ashlyn's hands.

"I'm afraid I don't, dear. In fact, I'm not even sure if that street exists." the baker replied. Ashlyn cocked her head in confusion, before thanking the man and continuing down the street. The baker's reply had puzzled her. Not even sure if Elm Avenue exists? Why would Jack give her an imaginary address? Was it some sort of joke?

No. Ashlyn thought to herself. Marlin and Jack are your friends. Besides, that was only one person in an entire kingdom! Ashlyn continued to roam the streets, looking for any citizen who appeared willing to answer questions. Eventually she spotted a woman behind a cart lined with cloths.