Beyond

Chapter 3

Listen while reading: Most Beautiful Music: "Chasing Inspiration" by Yair Albeg from Demented Sound Mafia

“Ari,” his face has softened and he looks vulnerable. If I thought my heart was beating fast before it literally leaping out of my chest begging me for help. I had forgot about the kiss until now. I am not prepared for this. I didn’t have time to think. “You don’t understand, but I need you to stay out of danger.” He looks away and then throws his head back closing his eyes and slowing exhaling. “Please," he pauses,"promise me you will be more careful. Please.” He pleads with me, returning his gaze back to mine. I feel less anxious now that I know he hasn’t seen the file or knows that I left the compound again.

“I promise.” Something tightens inside my chest reminding me of the kiss we shared in the training room. I start to feel nervous about what words will leave his mouth next.

“And another thing,” He paused. “You better be at the ceremony. If I don’t see you I will drag you there myself.” He said smiling. Trying to hide his concern and the true reason he came to my room.

“Oh my gosh, I forgot! I am so sorry! I will be there!” I smile back hoping that I can conceal the worry and anxious feeling I have. There is a momentary silence between us until he clears his throat.

“Right.. I’ll be on my way.” He grins and leaves the room. As soon as the door closes I rush over to the door listen for his foot step’s to leave the hall and lock the door. But I hear a couple of food steps and it’s as if he stops and the footsteps get closer again and then stop. I listen again and there's silence until I hear a small sigh and he begins to walk away again but this time it’s quicker. I feel a pulling on my heart. I do not understand why. I dismiss the feeling and remember the file. I walk over to the bed and search for the file under the bed once I pull it out I stare at the file. Running my finger over the file again debating with myself whether I should open the file or not. Curiosity gets the better of me and I open the file.

Name: Ariella Moore

Age: 6

Status: Living

Parents: King Edward Moore III and Queen Elisamarie (Bouvier) Moore

Status: Dead

Comments: Ariella Moore is to be under the custody of Captain Robert McDevitt and his wife Maryann McDevitt.

I flip to the next page but instead of there being more it looks like a part of the file has been ripped. The only thing I can read it

“Hostile was found unconscious in a rebel camp. Rebel camp did not fight but taken by force. Plans for the girl ar…” and the rest was ripped off. I turn to the next page and a note is attached, it reads “if you would like to know more come to the garden after dark. I will be there till morning. If you do not come by morning I will leave and never come back. -L”

I look at the information and draw a blank.

“This rebel is trying to trick me.” I try to convince myself this is fake but something inside me says the opposite. I do not want to dwell on the topic anymore so I pick up my tablet and it opens my closet and I begin to view my options for the ceremony and slide by at least ten dresses before I decide on a red gown with a sweetheart neckline, the top was covered with diamonds, and the silk complimented my figure. I take it out of my closet and lay it on my bed and walk into my bathroom, and take a warm shower and try and think about my dreams or maybe they were memories? As I think of the little boy from my dreams all of a sudden I see the little boy handing me the dagger “this is all I have left of my mother, I want you to have it because now you are the most important person to me.” he says hugging me. When I finally snap out of the image I fall to my knees and am greeted with a pain in my head, this time its worse. I wait a couple minutes, concentrating on the warm water running on my head, before getting up. What is happening to me? I finish my shower and I get out do my hair and makeup hoping to distract myself but as I finish up I hear a noise coming from behind the door. I pick the scissors up from my counter and slowly begin to open the door, the man’s back is facing me, and I rush out jump on him and hold my scissors up to his neck. “What is your business?” But I see its only Archimedes and slowly remove the scissors which I threatened him with. He looks at me, concern radiating towards me.

“You seem very jumpy lately is everything alright?”

I give him a smile "Yea I am sorry, just extra cautious, you know?" I quickly pick my dress up, go back into my bathroom and put the dress on trying to escape his gaze of worry.

“Archi??? Can you please zip me?” I ask using his nickname which he absolutely hates especially when I say it. He walks over to me despite all that happened that day and slowly zips up my dress; lifting his head up to look at the mirror meeting my eyes, I suddenly regret asking him to zip my dress up. I quickly divert any awkwardness and pretend to fix my dress. He slowly zips my dress up momentarily brushing his fingers on my back sending chills down my spine. As soon as he is done I quickly turn around to try and escape the tension building up but I turn around and he is looking at me with the same eyes he had on yesterday before he kissed me. I not sure what to do, he gently slides his finger down my arm and I step away, walking over to my separate closet that has all my weapons in it, and pick out my small dagger and place it securely on my thigh, better safe than sorry. I don’t turn around, I pretending to shuffle through my weapons. Please help me, I think, hoping someone will come in or knock to break the silence, but instead I do.

“So are you excited for tonight? It’s a big day, you finally will be rid of me!” I chuckle and realise it sounds fake and is giving away my nervous feelings. He is silent for a moment but answers me.

“Yea.. It’s an honor to serve along side your father but I worry who they will assign to you next. They won’t be as lenient as me. I sometimes wonder if this promotion was to get me reinstated to another position so they could replace me.” I turn around forgetting that he is right behind me and didn't realize he was right behind me. I stare at his eyes, then lips. Remembering the warm lingering feeling they let yesterday. I clear my throat in attempt to clear my head and say

“You know that's not it. You are a good soldier and they need your skills more than I do. You can’t babysit me forever!” I laugh again but Archimedes won’t stop looking into my eyes. Of course I know what is coming next but I have no way out. He caresses my face beginning to lean in. Do I want this? In the back of my head I feel like I am betraying someone. But I have no one in my life. I have never had anyone. Before he can do anything there is a knock on the door. Archimedes is still looking at me pleading me not to answer.

“Ariella? Can I come in?” It’s my mother.

Before Archimedes can say or do anything I push past him to open the door. “Hi..umm.. you are just in time. I need some help with my hair and makeup.” she comes in the room and Archimedes is leaning against wall in his black tuxedo. He does look charming in his suit but why can’t I seem to let myself feel what he feels for me? Something inside me happens when he gets so close but what is the feeling? I don’t understand it, I am so confused.

“Well I will let you ladies get to it. I will come back to pick you up Ariella at sev..”

“I wanted to take her to the ball Archimedes. I hope you do not mind. It is her first ceremonial ball. You will have your chance with her, do not worry.” My mother winks at him and smiles her gentle smile. He smiles back, nods, and leaves my room. My mother looks at me with her familiar “What happened!” face.

“Honey… tell me all about it!” she takes me to my mirror and sits me in front of it so she can do my hair and makeup. I begin to tell her about all that is happened. She is done my makeup and started my hair by the time I am finished.

“Hmmm.. and you do not know how you feel?” I nod and sigh.

“Honey he loves you. I knew he loved you for a while. He is a good man and you are of marital age. You should consider him. He is rising in status and will be a fine husband not to mention he will love you. You think I married for love? My father was the general before your father and he arranged my marriage to your father. The only thing I knew about him was that he was my father’s second in command. He was handsome but no one knew much about him. I wasn’t aloud to even date him at the time I had to marry and that was it. At first I was frustrated and mad because I was in love with another man. But after I married your father we began to see each other in a real way and fell in love. It may not always be easy but we made it and so can you.” she smiles at me. I am baffled by her words. Why would she want me to marry.. so young.. and to someone I am not sure I love. We always talked about love and how to marry for love.

“Mom.. is everything okay?” I ask her but she smiles at me.

“Of course dear, what would make you think otherwise?” she looks at the camera then at me. I now understand. My dad sent her to talk to me. The story of love may be true but my dad still dictated what everyone did and said. I get up to hug her and whisper in her ear.

“Does dad want me to marry him?”

“He told me I had to convince you or there would be consequences. You have disobeyed him too many times. He wants you controlled.” She lets go of me and walks to the door and looks back at me.

“Are you coming dear?” She smiles trying to hide her concern. I look at the mirror one last time before leaving. My makeup is soft and brings out my eyes. My hair is pulled up in a soft yet elegant style. I nod and follow my mother. Could my mother know about all this that the file is talking about? I do not know if it is real or not but I feel uneasy and I will find the truth.

We entered the ballroom. It is quite large and is decorated in red and black our colors. All the General's, Captain's, and important military figures and their families were there. I mom ushered me towards my father and began to great the other wives bowing. I followed her lead, bowed as well. I felt out of place but Marcella finds me and rescues me.

"Mrs. McDevitt, can I borrow Ariella?" my mother nods and I quickly mouth "thank you" to my mother.We catch up with our other friends until the ceremony begins. "Thanks for cutting class short today, you really did us a solid." Marcella winks at me, and John nods in approval.

"Good evening everyone. I, Chancellor Robert, would like to welcome you tonight to your promotional ceremony. We celebrate Archimedes Louvre, on leading a small regiment of soldiers which was able to neutralize a town of rebel's and bring a wanted rebel criminal to justice! Freedom with the Republic!" and everyone repeated "Freedom with the Republic."

"Archimedes please step forward." He recited the oath of companionship. To serve as the second in command to my father. After which he salutes the Chancellor and then the crowd of military officials. All salute back repeating the chant "Freedom with the Republic." The ceremony is done and Archimedes comes to our table.

“Congratulations!” and I embrace him, he holds me close to him. "Can I..." but is stopped mid-way by my father who intervenes.

"Archimedes, congratulations. Your parents would be proud today." My father shakes his hand but in the end pulls him in for a hug.

"Thank you, Sir. I cannot wait to start working with you, like my father did." I look at him noticing how handsome his features are. Strong and sculpted. His blonde hair complimenting his dark brown eyes.

“Would you like to dance?” he says inches from my face. Something is different about him. He holds his hand out and bows. I smile at him and accept his proposal for a dance. What can happen from a dance? As we come up to dance a beautiful soft piano begins to play. Swaying back and forth, I lay my head on his broad shoulder, feeling every inch of strength in his body, every muscle tense, is he nervous? Must be from accepting the award, I tell myself trying not to feel nervous myself; but in truth, I know why he is nervous. We dance on and until I realize we are on a balcony all alone. We come to a stop and I lift my head off his shoulder only inches away from his lips.

“Ariella,” his breath feels so close. Tension builds in my chest, I can’t do this.

“Archimedes.” He begins to lean in for the kiss and I turn my head, breaking our bond.

“What’s wrong?” he asks in sadness and frustration. “Have I done something wrong that you keep turning away from me?” his frustration turns to hurt and confusion.

“I just can’t.” I look past the balcony, trying to capture the full moon. “I can’t Archimedes, I have too much in my head right now.” He closes the gap between us, taking me into his arms and just embracing me. I stay put, because that’s all I need from him right now. His arms around me, allowing me to feel safe, I don’t know what’s real anymore.

“Ariella, I am not forcing anything on you.” I can hear him breathing slow and steady.

“Thank you.” I whisper kissing his cheek. I gently stroke his cheek and leave him on the balcony alone. I walk down the stairs of the center down a few hallways and go through the kitchen, out the back door as I take my shoes off, and head to the back door where I escape to the garden. I run, my dress flowing behind me, my hair clips escaping my hair falling on the forest floor, lost forever. I arrive to the garden, where the door is open. Strange, last I was here it was closed. I begin to lift my dress silently, to grab my dagger, and then I hear the noise. It’s a loud crash; I take the small knife and head into the glass house. I look around for the noise, I walk towards the pink roses that were near the back, and find the pot that fell.

“So you have come back.” I turn around the man from before is there.

“Rebel.” I grin at him, still keeping the dagger at my side.

“Oh look, you made a nick name for me. How sweet, I am almost flattered you took the time.” His arrogance fuels my anger.

“What do you know about the commanders?” I move closer. His smile widens, and he chuckles.

“So you read the file? Curiosity always gets the better of everyone.” While he is busy talking I kick him in the chest knocking him down and pinning him to the ground. I need answers.

“Honey, could you get off me, your making it hard to breathe, and I think we can talk like adults can’t we?” I stare at his blue eyes, trying to trust him. I will have to for now. I get up off him slowly and cautiously but he does nothing but brush off the dust from his black short sleeved shirt, and pants. I sit on a rock and lay my back against a tree tired of everything. My dress looks damaged, and I don’t even care.

“Nice dress, at a fancy party?” I give him a look. He lifts his hands as if to surrender.

“What do you know?” he fumbles with his holographic tablet. “I only read what you gave me, but if am to trust you. I need more.” He looks annoyed with me.

"You need to go into the Commanders office and get the rest of the file."

"Are you crazy? I will get into so much trouble! I could lose my hands!"

“Aren’t you like his “daughter”? Don’t you have some kind of privileges?” He gawks at me. I stare right back at him.

“I may be his daughter but that does not mean I can STEAL from him. Everyone is treated the same in Vetirma.”

“Well anyway, according to the file, the one I gave you. You, princess, were abducted. In order for you to be able to remember, we need to know how they surpassed your memory."

“How do I know I can trust you?” I argue.

“You can’t. According to the rest of the file, you are a great trainee and you have a great ranking. I am sorry about your parents. They were great people. They cared about the cause so much. They really loved you and their people.” There is a slight softness to his tone and expression but he quickly turns to read something on his table.

“What else? I need more.” I say not believing what he is saying. He sighs.

“You need to come back with me. You will not believe me until we get your memories back.” I look at him, confused.

“What did you just say? I have no idea what your name is who are you and who you work for. And I still don’t believe this all.” I stand up pacing the floor.

“You will be able to get more information once you come with me. For now that is all I can tell you."

“I am done I can’t listen to you. I’ll be back tomorrow, I need time to think.” I begin to walk away.

“You have already made up your mind. You just need to let go. Stop living a dream.” I look back in disgust how can he tell me that?

“You act like you don’t know what it’s like to have family, and friends you care about, and to just have to leave them? How do I even trust you?”

“I don’t have parents, they were killed when I was a child, like yours.” he comes closer to me and sticks his hand out at me.

“My name is Levi, I am a rebel. And I am here to help you.” I stare at his hand for a moment, forgetting what to do with it. “You shake the hand.” I snap out of it and hesitate to take his hand, but I do.

“Ari.” What was I doing? A rebel? But he is the only one with answers. In some way my only hope of finding out the truth, I turn away to leave.

“I will be leaving tomorrow night, find your answers and make a decision.” I run home. I walk past Archimedes room and peak into his room to see him in bed sleeping soundly; the floor creaks under my feet and he turns in his bed, but doesn’t wake. I quietly open the door to my room. Once in bed I struggle to fall asleep, thoughts running through my head. I have to find a way into the office, I have to get the rest of the file in my hands and figure this out.