Memory in the End

Chapter 27: Lake

It's been a couple days since the poisoning, we've lain low in the woods in case Xenia tried anything. We think she might be closer to the castle on the lookout for us but we could be wrong. Either way, it's not as though we could go to the castle. We're not prepared to fight Victor, I saw we were outmatched when the guys couldn't do anything to harm him. He's too powerful, we need to gain strength and more power before we can face him.

"Arrabella," Michael's voice brings me from my thoughts, I look over at him, "We should start moving on. There's a town not too far away, we can lay low there, there's no way Xenia would wander that far from the castle."

I nod, "Sounds like a plan, let's go."

The town was close by. We checked in a local inn and retreated to our rooms. No one really spoke, the recent events were overwhelming. It was still hard to deal with my father's death and learning about the existence of a brother that I'd forgotten about. But on top of all of that, my kingdom was falling apart right before me and I felt powerless to stop it. There was nothing I could do, Victor had control and all their queen did was hide away. I've never felt so useless.

The Five clearly noticed this mood change, even though it's not on purpose. I just can't seem to get out of my thoughts. I just can't seem to stop thinking about everything and everyone. I miss my brother, it seemed as if he had everything under control. If he were still alive, I'm sure he would know what to do.

"Arrabella," Aru speaks, "It's boring in this dreary Inn, maybe we should go check out the market?" I know he was trying to make me feel better but I honestly didn't think anything would work.

"Aru," Michael says, "a word?"

They retreat outside, but they're not very quiet so I can hear their hushed arguing.

"Aru, you can't push her, she's been through a lot of trauma right now. Henry's story helped alleviate some of it but she's still suffering," Michael speaks, I pretend as though I cannot hear even though everyone knows I can.

"Michael," Aru's voice whimpers, "She's wasting away. I'm scared that everything good and pure that was once in her is fading. She'll be left with no light if we don't help her."

"Aru," Michael warns, "Don't push her or we'll lose her even more than we already have."

"And why do you get to decide what's best for her?!" Aru shouts, it's the first time I've truly heard Aru angry.

"Because I'm the leader!"

"You were the leader. Let's not forget who disbanded the Five. The only reason we joined up again is because of her. You might've been our leader of the Five then but you certainly aren't anymore."

"You're speaking of the Five as if we doesn't exist anymore!"

"Because it doesn't! The Five is over, we split up. You don't get to act like nothing has changed. We're only back together to save the kingdom. You can't expect us to be apart for so many years and just go back to what it was! This little reunion doesn't mean anything. This is definitely not what it was and it won't ever be!"

I officially had heard enough. I couldn't deal with their bickering anymore. Standing up abruptly, I slammed open the door, catching their attention.

"Arrabella-"

I hold up my hand, "Aru, stop. I need air..." He nods, letting me pass but begins after me and I shake my head, "..alone."
I knew Aru and Michael wouldn't follow me now, especially after that argument. I retreated back down the stairs, heading outside. The market was in full bloom but I couldn't bring myself to go. The sight of the happy families made my stomach curl. I decided to head into the woods, walking a long while before stopping in a beautiful meadow with brightly colored flowers and a lake nearby. I sat down in the flowers, pulling my knees to my chest, wrapping my arms around them, and laying my chin on my arm. Next to me, Ivan plops down, picking a flower and pulling off the petals.

"I said I wanted to be alone."

He smirks, "With all due respect, princess, last time you were alone you were poisoned and nearly died."

I rolled my eyes but don't reply. Ivan sits next to me silently, picking flowers and staring at the lake. The meadow is beautiful, from a distance I can see birds flying and singing, a squirrel runs up the trees, and the sun glistens against the water in the lake. It's so peaceful and beautiful here. I almost forgot that the world could still be this beautiful.

"Are you not going to ask me what's wrong?" I ask, curious.

Ivan shakes his head, "No, I'm not. You don't want to talk about it, which is understandable.You've suffered something that's unimaginable, and you're trying to think through it. I'm sure you'll look talk when you are ready, though probably to Aru. He's the best with advice and knows what to say."

"You have a lot of faith in Aru."

He smirks, grabbing a rock, skipping it across the water, "Oh Princess, that's because Aru used to be your personal therapist."

"I remember," I inform him, "I used to tell him all my problems."

"Yes you did. See, the other four are much better at communicating and knowing what to say. Me, not so much. But if you ever need someone to be beaten up, I'm the guy for that."

"Well not saying anything is the best thing right now," I admit and he nods.

"I know, as I know you'll pull through this because you're the strongest girl I know. You're worthy of the crown, Arrabella, and your kingdom will be ruled by a great Queen."

His words didn't impact me much but the fact that he didn't push me to talk definitely helped matters. I smile softly and stare back at the lake. From the distance I see a cliff right above the lake. An idea pops into my head and before I know it I'm already walking towards it.

"Princess," Ivan calls, "Where are you going?"

I don't slow down or answer him. I just keep walking until I reach the edge of the cliff. Staring into the depths, the lake seemed so welcoming. The water looked so peaceful that I almost didn't want to disturb it...almost.

"Princess, it can be dangerous there. Let's go back to the inn. It'll be dark soon and one wrong move could be trouble," Ivan speaks behind me. I don't say anything, I feel Ivan moving closer to me. He stands right next to me and puts his hands on my shoulders, "Come on Princess, don't be foolish and risk your life like this."

I look up at him and smile, "I'm not risking my life. I need to be reminded that I do have a life."

"By jumping in freezing cold water?"

"I have to Ivan; I can't describe this feeling, but I have to. Please, either drag me back or let me jump, those are the only two options."

Ivan sighs, "No, there is another option." He puts his spear on the ground and takes his cape off, "I'll jump with you."

I smile, "Really?"

"Let's do it before I change my mind," he says, holding out his hand. I take it and smile. We both stare down and look at each other before we jump. As I float through the air, I feel weightless, as if my worries are gone and I'm free. But the minute I start falling I feel all those worries coming back and I'm reminded that I'm anything but weightless. I had hoped the jump would've made me feel more alive but if anything, it just reminded me of everything else. We crash into the surface of the water and he never lets go of my hand once. When my grip begins to slip, he grasps my hand harder and holds onto me tightly. He wouldn't let me go. Once we reached the surface, the small bit of adrenaline I had quickly went away, but it was exhilarating for Ivan.

"I hope that made you feel better princess because I feel great!" He shouts. I couldn't bear myself to tell him the truth so I force a smile and lie.

"Me too."

This experience did teach me one thing. I might be having trouble figuring everything out again but I have to pull it together for at least the Five. Today really showed me how much the Five rely on me just like I rely on them. I owe it to them to at least try, and try I shall.

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Kind of a filler chapter but let us know what you think! Do you guys ship anyone yet?

Thanks for reading!

xx

S & H