Who's It Going To Be?

Chapter 6

*Elsa*

Feeling that late afternoon breeze cool the air, we sit under the tree. Not just any tree, our tree.

Brooksville is a small town, and there aren't many places to go to, so we often opt for the park.

"Isn't it crazy how a week just flew by" Sophie ponders aloud

"Yeah," Biana agrees, "one week ago, we all sat under this tree as Tam watched Fitz."

"I kind of miss him," Keefe mumbles, "he was the only other guy around."

"Hey!" Dex says, insult evident in his voice

"I mean no offense Dex. Your just more like a puppy than a guy."

A few moments of silence follow; everyone lost in their own thoughts.

"So," Dex says as he reaches his hand into his bag and pulls out a frisbee, "who's down for some frisbee action?"

I laugh. "Let's do it."

We all run around and attempt to catch the frisbee. Sometimes successfully and other times not.

After a bit of time, we are all sweaty and out of breath.

It isn't much longer before everyone's ready to go our separate ways. I grab hold of Biana's arm, though before she can go. "Can we talk?"

"Of course."

We sit down again, and I go straight to the point. "I miss Fitz... I know we all do, but..."

She nods in understanding and puts her hand on my shoulder, which causes me to look at her. "We have to remember Fitz isn't gone. And if all goes according to plan, he'll be back really soon."

I'm not sure what else to say. I just have to hope Biana's right.

Biana decides to walk home with me and gives me a signature Vacker smile before heading inside my house.

~~

*Tacolm*

I sit out in the palace garden on the chair I habitually sit on, facing the fountain. I told Prince Henry I need alone time. He looks up to me. I enjoy that someone respects me to the extent he does, but at the same time, it can get incredibly irksome.

I ruffle the feathers of my raven. Brutus. He has always been so loyal to me and only leaves my side when he must.

I found him when he was young, and he practically grew up with me. He needs me as much as I need him. In a weird way, I guess we are like family. I never really had a family, at least not the classical one. Once my mother remarried, I knew my home was no longer really mine. It was about the same time that Brutus' family abandoned him, and we found each other. It was also when King Damian was looking for palace workers. I started as one, but it wasn't long before my brilliance became known, and I came to be an advisor.

I lean back in my chair and lift my eyes towards the sun. I barely need to squint, for my hat casts a shadow over my eyes. The sun thinks it is greater than me and mocks me with its yellow radiance. I look at it and remind it that it's not as powerful as it feels. Every night it's laid to rest.

*Fitz*

"This is my favorite part of the garden" Melonie spreads her arms out over a large patch of roses and orchids, "my Dad always says red roses match my hair, and the blue orchids match my eyes."

"Well, he's right about that." She smiles, and I realize she may have taken that as a compliment. I shake my head and follow her as we move on.

"What's your favorite activity?" She poses a question, clearly trying to make conversation.

"I love hanging out with my friends.."

"You probably miss them. Especially that girl."

"To be honest, yeah."

We are both silent for a minute before I add, "I also like spending time outside and doing activities like swimming and hiking."

I laugh as I pull my fingers through my hair, "and styling my hair is one of my daily activities. At home, I have tons of hair products, and my sister, Biana, loves to make fun of me for it."

Melonie chuckles. "Henry is very like that too. I secretly steal some of his hair products."

"Come on," she says, "I want to show you something" Melonie leads me past a couple of bends and to a nice and well-maintained version of a shack. "This is where I paint," she points to an easel that rests beside the far wall.

"That's cool," I tell her, "can I see some of your works?"

She grins. "I would love that. Follow me," she opens up the polished wooden door. "Do you paint?"

"No. I'm no good at that kind of thing. My friend is amazing at it, though."

"Which? The girl?"

"No. His name is Keefe."

The whole interior of the shack is covered in paintbrushes and paintings. Most of them are scenery pieces. One I think is of Melonie's brother. Another is of her father sitting on his throne.

"These are really nice," I compliment her. "I especially like this one," I say as I motion to one of a sunset.

"Thank you."

"They almost look like they are a set," I notice, "because they are all of views from around here. Or at least that's what it looks like."

"Yeah. I don't get to go out much."

"I'm sorry," I tell her as we head back to the Palace.

*Elsa*

The next late morning, I hear a knock on the door. I open it. "You again."

"So, it is."

"What do you want?"

"I came to invite you all to the palace." Tam explains, "Fitz and Alvar will be staying longer than expected. And they seem to miss you, and by they, I mean Fitz. For reasons I am yet to understand, the Princess decided she would love to have you and your friends come for a short visit to the castle."

"Tha's so sweet of her."

"Being that I don't have the patience to go there and back again, you will all be leaving sooner rather than later, and by that I mean-"

"Today." I finish for him

Lucky me. I have Tam tagging along as I pack and as I go from friend to friend. He lingered at the Vacker house, and I practically had to drag him out. I even had to give him lunch.

A few hours later, Keefe, Dex, Sophie, Biana, I, and our belongings are on our way to the Palace.

Tam made sure to sit next to Biana, and he seems to be making her intimidated/

"This is so mind-blowing," Sophie says.

Soon, we are pulling up to the palace gates.

"Wow," Dex breathes as we all take it in

The moment the carriage stops, Biana runs out to strangle hug her brothers, who are standing beside the Princess.

The rest of us pile out and bow and curtsy, respectively.

Tam exits after us and comes to stand beside Biana. That guy is so not subtle. He lends her his arm as we, the entourage, is led into the Palace.

"Welcome," Princess Melonie sweeps her arm around the spacious front hall.

"This place is incredible," I pronounce.

"I'm glad you're here," Fitz whispers in my ear, and I jump a bit. I forgot that he is right beside me. I was so caught up in the Palace's splendor.

"Yeah. But where can I kickback?" Keefe winks at Princess Melonie. He can be such a flirt, though usually, he sticks to making Sophie blush.

Melonie rolls her eyes. "I will have my people lead you to your rooms. You will be staying on the third floor" she looks at me pointedly.

And with that, we are taken up the winding stairwell with intricate golden patterns.