Amnesiac

Chapter 3

I rub my eyes, just to make sure I am not, in fact, hallucinating. I look to Jet, who wears a proud look on his face..then to Tristan, who wears his signature smirk, finally to Beck, who looks awestruck. I take a few steps towards him.

"B-Beck..?" He seems to fall out of his daze, meeting my eyes as they begin to quickly shimmer with tears.

"Hey, hey, don't cry, Quinn, what's wrong?.." Beck's face grows worried as he wraps me in a hug.

"I...I'm not human.." I was having my own internal turmoil about how Beck might not like me anymore, not that he would have in the first place. I felt like Beck might not want to be around me now that I look so different..

"So?..You are you..and that's enough for me, Arlo. I know and love you for you, not for what you look like. Besides, You're even cuter with that adorable little tail of yours." He cups my cheeks, rubbing my tears away with his thumb gently. "I love you because of how your eyes sparkle when you rant mindlessly about something that you love. I love you because you are honest and strong willed and sweet. I love you, Arlo. you." His voice was so chocolaty, sweet and rich. He rested his forehead on mine as more tears poured down my cheeks.

"You..y-you really love me?.." My voice shook and wavered as I held his gaze.

"Yes..of course." He whispered lowly. I could feel his labored breath on my lips as we grew closer. My hands tangled in his honey blonde hair as his lips collided with mine. The kiss was slow and gentle and full of fervor. I let my eyes flutter closed and relaxed even further as I felt his calloused hands carding through my thick curls. Tristan made gagging sounds in the background, while Jet cooed and awed at the kiss. We paid no mind to them however. When Beck pulled back, he let his hand rest on my cheek. I leaned into his hand with a happy sigh. "I'm such a fool for you, Quinn." He gave a sweet smile that seemed to melt me and speed up my heart rate, making me grin like a love struck dork.

"As adorable as this is, the castle is not too far from here, and I am quite sure your father will be thrilled that you have returned, and with a mate no less" Jet laughed, motioning us to continue on our journey. Beck grabbed my smaller hand in his, intertwining our fingers together. I grin at the action, walking with Beck and Jet, Tristan silently trailing behind us. I wondered why he was so quiet, but brushed it off as drowsiness. I'm sure this has been crazy and overwhelming for him too. As we neared closer, in the distance, the castle could be seen. White bricks that looked so soft and smooth they could have been made from clouds, regal blue doors and drawbridge, Flanyar guards stood outside the gates holding spears, the whole fairy tale look. It seemed so unreal that this is what my life was one year ago before St.Ann's hospital. I grip Beck's hand a bit tighter, anxiety beginning to swell and settle in my chest. He gave a soft squeeze in return, offering me a warm smile. I took a deep breath, my anxiety still present, but dwindling with the comfort of Beck by my side. As we approached, the guards nodded to Jet, allowing us passage and letting their eyes linger on me for a bit longer than I was comfortable with. Trumpets sounded in the distance and I looked around as we entered the main hall. I look to Beck for a bit of help, my nerves beginning to spike again. He gives me a soft, reassuring kiss on the forehead and nods at me. It was a small gesture, but it meant everything to me. I chew my lip nervously, standing up as straight as possible. I felt like I might not live up to the king's standards...I won't be the same as he remembers and I don't want to disappoint him..Jet takes a bow as the king enters. I nervously grip Beck's hand, too frightened of rejection to do anything but tense up. He looked just like me aside from being much older and taller. He hair was slicked back whereas mine was a fluffy helmet that occasionally covered my eyes. He had a sort of warm authority, where it was quite obvious he was in a position of power, but it was also evident that he was approachable and kind. He gave off a comforting warmth that I wanted to gravitate towards, but refrained, sticking to Beck's side with wide eyes.Beck lets go of my hand briefly to give a respectful bow. He stands once more, lacing our fingers together, giving my hand a light squeeze. I let out a deep breath and step forward, not really knowing whether I should bow or not. Or what I should call him..Do I call him dad? Father? Pa? Pop? My liege? I steal a brief glance back at my companions before turning back, locking eyes with the king unintentionally.

"King Lyon, Jet and I present to you your son, the crown prince of Amberstone, Prince Arlo Quinn and his human mate, hailing from the country of England in the Solar Dimension, Beck Finnley." Tristan introduces us, taking a bow, Beck stands beside me, taking my hand once more for comfort. The anxiety that was crushing my lungs seemed to spike as I was called and I gulped. King Lyon took a few steps towards us, putting his hands on my shoulders. He looked down at me with such care and familiarity it was almost painful. My head was pounding and another memory flashed through my brain.

Young Prince Arlo was running through this very hall with a younger King Lyon chasing after him "I'm going to get you little peri! You can't run from the great Doloran King!" He gave an evil laugh, snatching up a giggling young Arlo. "Papa! Papa! No! that tickles!" The room was filled with laughter and happiness.

Tears filled my eyes as memories of King Lyon came flooding back. I hiccuped, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"P-Papa.." I whimpered. He wrapped his arms around me, softly shushing my cries. He rubbed my back, tears falling from his own green eyes. We stayed this way for a while before he pulled back and gently wiped my tears.

"My son..it's only been a year and yet you've grown so much..You already have a mate.." The king looked to Beck, who jumped a bit, a dark blush painting his cheeks. I quickly run forward, burying my face in Beck's chest. Beck's arms wrap around me securely and he kisses my head.

"I love him so much, Papa.." I mutter loud enough for both of them to hear. Jet and Tristan seemed to have been dismissed and King Lyon puts his hand on Beck's back.

"Well, if you have taken such a liking to him, he must be a good one. A pleasure to meet you, Beck, was it?" The king nodded, but gave a fatherly death glare. Beck gulped and nodded.

"The pleasure is all mine, your highness. Your son is my whole world and I'd do anything for him..He's my sun and my stars and the breath in my lungs." He stood tall, being as confident as he could in front of my father. King Lyon nodded.

"Good. Then I'll be happy to call you my son in law someday." He grinned, making both Beck and I blush dark red. He had Jet lead us to my room.

"I negotiated with your father so Beck could stay in your room with you. You're welcome." Jet smiled, giving me a hug. I hugged back, wishing him sweet dreams. Once we had gotten dressed and comfortable, the adventures of the day seemed to finally hit me as I grew more and more drowsy. Beck pulled me to his chest with one soft phrase on his lips before I drifted off.

"Goodnight, Quinn..You've finally returned home."