The King

Distance

The excitement and newness of the morning have cooled into a peaceful afternoon. Larkin's father has taken up the task of familiarizing Carissa and her father with their home. Knowing the princess will be residing here makes him wonder how he should act around her. What will they discuss? Will they discuss wedding plans or how to conduct his proposal? Before their wedding, a ceremony has to take place. As far as this country knows, they are the only two Hylanders in existence. They say their capabilities come from the gods, who selected mortals to aid in wars and quests. The bloodline has long dwindled through the reign of the Demon King. He is older than their species, if not older than the gods themselves. There used to be dozens of Hylanders who existed. These men and women could potentially pass these abilities even if the spouse is mundane, but when it comes to the Demon King, there must be certainty, which is why he must marry Carissa.

He walks down the hallways, taking in the events of the day and the path that leads ahead. Carissa is walking down an intersecting hallway, stopping to wave at him. He smiles before moving into another hallway, wanting to be aligned with his thoughts instead of hers. He only catches Carissa for dinner, and only in the company of their fathers.

“Levi has offered his aid,” Tristan comments.

“With what? Fancy fabric and gourmet food,” Alan chuckles.

“Accepting his offer is better than him joining the opposing side. We will need all the help we can get when we eventually have to face the evil full force.”

“We still need to be wary,” Carissa comments. "He seems like he would sell his soul to the highest bidder."

"Carissa," Alan scolds.

“And we will be careful,” Tristan interjects.

“Is he coming to the wedding?” Carissa asks. It seems more of a clever way to sneak the subject into conversation than out of curiosity. She is watching to see Larkin's reactions.

“I am sure he is busy arming his force," Alan grumbles in a more mocking tone

Larkin shows no noticeable reaction on his face. He keeps his eyes trained on the window.

“Larkin, if you aren’t going to bed, maybe we can go to the drawing room,” Carissa suggests

He looks at her, “Oh, my apologies, but I have business to attend to. Maybe next time."

He slides his chair out and heads out of the dining room.

He hates to admit it, but he is avoiding her. He doesn’t know what to say about their situation. A part of him knows he is undeserving of her. Now she is forced to marry him. Any affection she conveys to him, how does he know it is real? Like him, she can just be playing the part.

Larkin is having trouble sleeping. Carissa is residing in a room just down the hall. It feels far different than the sleepovers they would have as children. He decides to go out with Morris and the rest of the knights. Drinking always helps loosen his mind.

They sit at a candlit table away from the rest of the group.

"Is this about your new wife?" Through his mug, Morris is giving him a suggestive look.

"She's not my..." his voice trails off, and he sighs. "I feel pitiful. She has to marry me, she doesn't want to."

"Please, you are lucky."

"It doesn't feel like it."

Morris sets down his pint, turning in his stool to face him, "You hold magical capabilities that can save this world. Your only qualm seems to be the girl who is just as capable as you. Did you think maybe she doesn't want to be pitied?"

The idea dawns on Larkin because he had never seen it in that way. Morris nods knowingly.

"You can't avoid her forever, and seeing as she is making an effort, she doesn't want you to either."

He returns home and enters his room. As soon as he does, there is a light knock on the door. He opens it and finds Carissa on the other side.

“Larkin, would you like to walk with me?”

Wondering if she has waited for his return, he is a bit surprised.

“Sure."

The night air is crisp and warm, setting a peaceful atmosphere as they walk down the cobblestone path. It is awkwardly silent between them.

"Did you get your affairs sorted?"

"For the most part."

He zones into the croaking of frogs, the clicking of crickets' legs, or feet scuffing on the ground. Anything to distance himself from the tension.

It has been years since we have seen each other. Maybe we should get to know each other a bit more."

“Of course.”

Another wave of silence washes over as they try to figure out how to start a conversation. They have to bypass being cordial, now they have to talk.

“What do you like to do?” Carissa questions.

“I... read. Tend to my horse, Kelsey. And you?" He counters sheepishly.

“I read, sew, tend to the garden, and I sing.”

“Your father has told me you are gifted when you sing.”

Her cheeks give off the blush he is so used to.

“Only because I practice.” Wanting to keep pressing on in conversation, she continues. “Morris. I hear you are close with him.”

“Yes, He is my best friend. You remember him?”

“Yes, he was the only one who could beat me in a fight.”

“That isn’t true,” he laughs.

“No? “

“I did, once."

“Once. When I was distracted."

“Just let me keep whatever dignity I have.” He chuckles.

"It seems hardly fair anyway...we are born to be stronger than average men and women."

They walk shoulder to shoulder, before sitting down in the silence as the clouds darken above.

“My father seems to like you. He was looking you up and down like some prized cattle.”

He chuckles, “It is unfortunate. They only want us to marry because of our bloodlines.”

She stops and abruptly turns to him in such a way that it startles him. “I’ll be honest, I am sure marriage isn’t exactly ideal, but I don’t mind marrying you. “

Larkin stays quiet for a moment, “Well, we must do what is best for our people.”

Her smile is faint, almost disappointing, as she nods, “Yes, that is true.” She stops near the garden's arch. “Even though this is for t the good of the kingdoms, I do hope we can at least be friends.”

Her eyes brim with hope and admiration, but Larkin doesn’t see it. He is trapped in the what-ifs and imagining if maybe things were different. If they weren't tied by their fate.

“We are,” he smiles.

“But things will be different now.”

“It doesn’t have to change.“

She turns away from him, her blush turning pale, “Right…but if they were...”

He feels like he has done something wrong, but he doesn't know what. He doesn't want to further upset her, so he stands up and offers his hand.

“We should head in, it's late.”

Carissa nods her head, not meeting his gaze as she takes his hand. It is more than awkward now; the air feels dead around them. Her pace has become more drawn out without the usual cheer and spirit in her posture. He walks her back to her door before heading down the hall to get to his room.

“Larkin.”

"Yes?"

Her lips part like she wants to say something specific, something hanging on her tongue. Then her lips close, and she turns her head away.

"Goodnight."

"Night."

He watches the door slowly close behind her before retreating back to his own room. Will this be what marriage will be like? Then he thinks back to his father's words about having an open mind and his conversation with Morris. Does Carissa really like him? If not like, does she at least care? Will he learn to care for her, too?

He walks to find them all seated out in the courtyard.

“Where have you been,: his father asked.

“Practice.”

“Carissa was just about to sing us a song,” Alan says.

She looks flustered, “My father insisted.

“She has a talent for it, must have gotten it from her mother.”

“My father is exaggerating.”

“And she is being modest. Why don’t you sing something for us?”

“I agree,” Larkin says.

“Well, ok,” She says.

“A heart of gold, my heart takes flight whenever you are near.

My skin it trembles my eyes, they light when you whisper in my ear.

I love you, I love you, like the stars love the night sky.

I love you, I love you, and I’ll love you til the end of time. “

Her soft tone has stunned everyone into silence, all but her father, at least, who claps his hands. She sheepishly sits back down her chair, glancing back at Larkin, whose eyes never left her.

“Didn’t she sound just marvelous?”

“I will say, your daughter has a gift,” His father comments. “We should hold a concert for her.”

He watches as she grabs a tart, only for her to self-consciously cover her mouth as she takes a bite. By then, she realized how rude he was being by staring and focusing on his own father.

“I am not sure many will show. This impending end to the world has got everyone scared,” Bruno says jokingly.

“Ah, well,l I remember when we were kids and told the same fable. Our parents lived it, it is understandable.”

“Still, all I hear are rumors. And these have been happening for a long time.”

“It is better to be safe than sorry, in my opinion.” Larkin finds himself looking at her again. “I believe in it. If something were to occur, it is good that powerful and generous countries can join forces. We don’t have any weapons that can defeat him.”

“Carissa, no need to speak so persistently,” Alan claims.

“No, I think she is perfectly sound in that insertion.”

Larkin finds Carissa on the balcony, overlooking the pale glow of a setting sun. From this view, she can see the mouth of the Floral Sea. Somehow, she looked like she belonged there, “the heart to the sea.”

She turns to me, a smile appearing instantly. “Why is it called that?"

“Well…I guess it was a name our ancestors came up with. The gallant Arden and wise Leif.”

“I am afraid it doesn’t suit.”

“No?”

She shakes her head, her lips tightening into a thin line. “It is merely the center of Valor; Esderia is the heart.”

“Oh really?”

“They complement each other well…don’t you think. Like a key and lock. Very strong, stable object, but together they can unlock change, unlock the people's hearts."

He smiles to himself at his clever way of thinking. He feels himself caught in her words, moulding them over in his mind. It made his pulse race when she spoke. He turns to her, “Carissa.”

“Yes?”

Words leave his thoughts, “I want you…Would you…”

Carrissa laughs as he steps closer, brow lifted with anticipation. “Yes?"

He is trying to force the question out even when it wasn’t fully formed in his mind, “Love in my heart.”

Her brow now crinkles with confusion, which makes him utter on.

“It was the song you sang. It has been stuck in my head. Usually I’m not for songs of romance, yet every time I think of it… “ he pauses, feeling suddenly breathless. ”I feel light. I feel faint, like I’m suspended in air." Carrisa is silent, so he continues. “And I’m starting to feel that way when I look at you.” They both stare at each other, not saying anything. Larkin is unsure if he has made it clear. “I mean to say I want to propose to you.”

Carissa tilts her head.d “You don’t need to propose.”

“Well, I know, but I feel it's suitable instead of just.”

Smiles ear to ear and embraces him, “I accept."

With her hands around his torso, she embraces him. “I’m glad.”