The Monarch - Book 4

The Proposal

Bridgette dresses and gets ready, heading to the door. She sneaks into her parents room and tries to grab the chalk. "Bridgette." She yelps and turns to see Nixxiom. She begs him over and over but he just sighs and takes the chalk, walking outside to bury it somewhere.
She begs him more "Papa please! This time I promise to come back I promise!" He looks at her and shakes his head "No. Last time, I didn't see you for a year." She shakes her head "I PROMISE this time! Papa please! I want to celebrate the eclipse!" He hesitates and thinks for a moment. He sighs and says, "Fine. But I'm drawing the portal, and coming to get you when you need to come home. You understand?" She nods and smiles wide, hugging him "Yes yes yes thank you papa! I'm just going to grab my necklaces!" She runs to her home and Nixxiom shakes his head, smiling a bit.
Inside her house, Bridgette rushes to her room. As she puts on her necklaces, even the one that changes her appearance, Ithilaine suddenly says behind her "DONT GO LITTLE ASHTREE!" She jolts and yelps, turning around just to have Ithilaine grab her shoulders and shake her.
"H-huh?"
"YOU'RE DOOMED! HE IS AFTER MARIA, NIXXIOM, YOU!!!! ALL THE ASHTREES ARE DOOMED BECAUSE OF YOUR STUPID FATHER!"
Her eyes slit and her ears pin. She growls and shoves his arms off her, and when she speaks, it's demonic "Papa is NOT stupid... your prophecy is wrong. And you're going to SHUT UP ABOUT IT!" She shoves past him and goes out. Ithilaine yells after her "Wait! Little Ashtree! You don't understand!" She ignores him and walks to Nixxiom. Nixxiom looks nervous but smiles and opens the portal for her. "... be careful..." She nods and smiles "I will papa." They both ignore Ithilaine's calls, and Bridgette walks through the portal, heading towards the town.

♤♤♤♤♤♤♤♤

Alek stood in the town square, dressed in white and silver, his crown placed neatly on his head. He stood in front of a large crowd, full of people dressed in white, a few with silver jewelry. The square was decorated with silver lanterns and white flowers. Musicians waited to be given their cue to begin. The silver glimmered with the morning light. "Dear people of Alcor, wonderful is the day of Luna! I welcome you all to dance, drink, eat,  and sing and trade! As we celebrate today, keep in mind the peace and kindness that this occasion brings! This past year, although full of trials and recovery, has made us strong as a community! And now, if the musicians would, the opening dance!" The people cheered and grabbed partners, Alek not joining but watching with a smile on his face. The music was light and energetic.

Alek sings in to the next song with a few others. Everyone was smiling and dancing, several people drinking and cheering.

As the day continues, he had stepped away, his smile fading as time passes. He sighs, not seeing Bridgette anywhere.

Alek sits on the throne decorated in silver. Kogan had sat down on the benches next to it, talking to a man. Darwin was on his right, his eyes closed as he smiles, listening to the music.

Suddenly a familiar figure is spot dancing, her form perfect, and her smile bright. She makes her way to the throne and smiles, looking at Alek and giving a curtsy.

Alek straightens in his chair, his smile coming back brighter than before. Darwin opens his eyes. Alek speaks. "My lady... you came." Darwin smiles a bit more to himself, deciding to leave it to Alek.

"I came for the festival, Alek, not for you. I only thought I should pay my respects to the king." She turns and walks back to the dancing, grinning and teasing him.

"Oh heavens..." Alek watches her in a dreamy state. "Alekar, don't just stare. Go dance." Darwin scolds. Alek looks to him, sitting back. "Father it's fine, she came for the festival." He said, holding himself back. "Alekar." Alek paused and tapped his foot. "Oh heavens I'm going!" He stands quickly, swiftly joining the dance.

Bridgette dances joyously and laughs a bit, full of glee.

Alek dances with multiple people, making his way to Bridgette. He smiles and laughs, enjoying how well the festival feels to be going.