Thunderbolt of Laurels

Chapter 14 - Journey on Back

Pino, Noki and Kio walk along with the soldiers. Char's at the front of the group, leading the way while Merlin walks around checking our surroundings from every angle. It's been a very quiet journey, we're all on edge. I know Char wants to have a conversation, but he's a patient man, and he'll wait until we get back to the kingdom. I'm a little worried. He ventured all this way to get me back, but I'm sure my dad asked him to, and I'm sure he thinks it's his duty. But like I was wondering before, is this really his free will?  I don't know how to tell him about Merlin. Hey, so I know we're betrothed and all and believed we all we had was each other, but I kind of fell in love with someone else, so is it possible to end the betrothal? I know we're penniless but my sister can. . .  My kingdom is in danger. I know in the end, the only solution might have to be to marry Char, but I am really hoping we can find another way. I'm determined. 
Sitting on the horse is making me antsy, so I get off and walk alongside my horse instead. It feels nice to use my legs and stretch them out. My weapon rests comfortably on my around me. I vow to never walk around in a forest without it.  Merlin notices me walking and comes over. "Are you okay? You know, after the attack," he asks.
"I'm okay, just more paranoid but I mean, that isn't necessarily a bad thing. How are you?"
"Oh I'm fine .I used to do this thing all the time."
"Right. I can't believe I left my bow. I usually always have it with me."
"In a way, it's a good thing you did. If you didn't I wouldn't have tried to bring it back, nor would I have known about the attack."
"Yeah, but now I'm keeping this baby with me all the time. Thank you for coming to return it. If it weren't for my bow we would have been toast. And of course, thanks for you and the F7's help."
"Of course. It's my job and you know, kinda don't want the girl I love to die and all."
"Yeah that would be quite unfortunate."
"It would be," he agrees and smirks.
"Remember that time back at the village when we saw that performer who wanted to impress this girl he liked but ended up talking to the wrong lady?" I ask.
"Yes oh my goodness wasn't it her mother?"
"Yes!" We both keep recollecting memories, hilarious ones that feeds our laughter.  A few guards overhear our stories and chuckle lightly. Char turns his head back to us, looking at the commotion but straightens up and keeps going forward. Before he turns away, he smiles a sad smile. I sigh. 
"Oh man, good times."
"Mhm they were." Then a question pops in my mind. One I've never thought of before. "Merlin?"
"Mm?"
"You're a prince but you're out here with the F7. What happened to your kingdom?" He looks at me surprised at the question.
"Well, I am a prince, all seven of us are. But we're the princes that won't inherit anything because of rules, laws, regulations and older siblings. We didn't have power at all. And it's not like I wanted power, it was the fact that I wanted to help the kingdom. Have a say and help but I'm the youngest, they never took me seriously. So I left. I left to make a difference, to help people. And I used my power to my advantage. It was by chance that I met the rest of the guys, but I guess it was fate. A band of powerless princes that wanted to to do something for others." 
"So, how did you end up knowing you all wanted to fight and protect?" I ask.
"That was also by chance. The day we met was when a dragon started terrorizing the village we were all staying. I went out to save people and fight it and the boys were there too. At the end, we won and realized we made a good team."
"Really does sound like fate," I say.
"It was."
"I'm glad you guys met. If you all hadn't, we may not have." He smiles and intertwines his fingers with mine. 
"Are you still welcomed in your kingdom?"
"I'm not sure. I haven't been back since I left."
"Don't you miss your family? Your home?"
"My home is with the F7. But I won't lie, I do miss it every now and then."
"We should go and visit."
He smiles. "Maybe we should." I would love to see the kingdom of the wizards. How spectacular it would be. 
    The entire way to the kingdom, Merlin and I talk and laugh, connecting and soaking up this time we have together. It's been so long. 

The air suddenly gets sharply cold and snow begins to fall, a sudden change. We all put some cloaks on to keep warm. But we're close to my kingdom. The sun shines magnificently on the glaciers before us. Such a different world from the south end of the island. 

"Do you think, really think, there's a way out of this betrothal?" I ask Merlin, taking the conversation to a serious turn. 
"There may be a way. A compensation. I really hope so, Alaura."
"I just don't want my sister to do something she doesn't want, especially if I'm the first born."
"I get that. But we'll have to see when we get there right?"
"Right," I say warily. 
"Are you worried?" he teases.
"No, no. Of course not. I'll find something. Something to help my kingdom."
"And I'll do anything I can to help you." I smile. He is the absolute best. I slowly bring my hand close to his. I intertwine my pinky with his.
"We're here," Char says. And we are. A magnificent blue icy palace appears, covered crystals and snowflakes. The sun reflects the white snow painted walls of the castle. The grand doors open for us. Time to see where my fate lies.