A Fractured Paradise

Chapter Three (Part Two)

 Larissa pulled on the slim galaxy dress, her mother had spent months dyeing and sowing. She placed her hands in the soft pockets. I haven’t seemed to grow much since I last adjusted it. She decided against shoes and made her way toward the front door.  

   “I love that dress.” Tia smiled, finishing her chore of drying the dishes. 

    “Mother was truly amazing.” Larissa nodded. “Thanks again for starting dinner. If it weren’t for you, I never would’ve gotten ready in time.”

     “I’m not a little kid anymore, sis.” Tia stood tall before Larissa. “I can help take care of our siblings too. We’re going to start going on hunts to train, so I’ll be bringing home money more often. You don’t have to do it alone anymore.”

     Larissa cupped Tia’s cheek. “I wasn’t doing it alone. I’ve always had you.” She sighed. “You were only nine, but you never gave me any trouble. Don’t think I didn’t notice you keeping your siblings in check, either. I could never have gotten this far without you, sis.” Larissa pulled her close. “You’re extraordinary. I love you.”

   Tia squeezed Larissa. “I love you too.” She backed away. “Don’t worry, we’ll all be asleep by ten.”

   “Better be.” Larissa tucked Tia’s hair behind her ear. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Larissa embraced the cooler evening air. She walked a bit, before opening her pack and retrieving the chocolate Darius had given her. I didn’t want Tia to know I was in pain. I hope she didn’t feel it when we hugged. I tried to block her, but she’s just as strong an empath. I should probably tell her what Darius taught me. Larissa ate only one piece. Definitely don’t want to pass out at the party.

Pass out?

Larissa jumped at the prince’s intrusive thought. She looked up, Prince Maximus just a few feet in front of her, hands in his pockets with a sorrowed anger glistening in his eyes. “The hell, Maximus. Why aren’t you at the palace?” She looked around, realizing he was alone. “Where’s your guard?”

 “Snuck out.” Prince Maximus shrugged. “I don’t really feel like partying. Can we just go somewhere alone?”

“Of course.” Larissa nodded. 

 The prince began leading her down a side path. She knew where he wished to go, as it was her favorite place as well. They had visited it several times within the last few years.

“I love that dress, by the way.” Prince Maximus smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. 

“Thanks.” Larissa returned his smile. “You okay?”

  He shook his head, arriving at their destination, he stopped. The night flowers were beginning to bloom, eager to greet the moon. He extended his hands to her.

 As she brushed his soft fingertips, fear, anger and pain filled Larissa. She gasped as anger seemed to be the most dominant emotion. “What’s happened?” 

Prince Maximus pulled her closer. “King Kitan informed us of spies after our knowledge. Father has ordered more guards across the city, but what if this leads to another war? I don’t want Caeli to leave again so soon, and my father will leave too. It’s supposed to go back to normal now.” He squeezed Larissa tighter, causing the throbbing pain in her shoulder to worsen. “Instead it’s spiraling. I didn’t want Caeli to leave the first time. I can’t lose anyone else, Rissa. I don’t want to do that again.”

Larissa grasped the prince’s shirt in her hands. “Maxy, it’s okay. We won’t have to do that ever again. Darius is discovering new medicines. It won’t happen again.”

  Larissa focused for a moment, attempting to force her body into the calm she had felt before touching the prince. She took deep breaths, as her father had taught her to do when nervous while hunting. As her body calmed, she envisioned her energy shifting into the prince’s body. 

 It formed in her mind’s eye, as a dim light at first; flowing through her then moving through her arms, to her fingertips and into the prince’s back. She could see it flowing through his body, as his breathing relaxed.

 He relaxed his grip, allowing her to back away; but cupping her cheek. “You always calm me down.”

   Larissa placed her hand upon the prince’s and allowed herself to lean into his touch. If your guards ever found out I’m the one you sneak out to see, I don’t think your parents would like me anymore.

 You know they love you. They’d be more concerned about me. You know mother and father have been concerned since the plague.

 Larissa caressed the prince’s cheek. “You were the one most visited.”

 Prince Maximus closed his eyes. “But you always helped me get them to move on.” 

 “Caeli did too.” Larissa interjected. 

The prince shook his head. “But you helped with all of them and...with the nightmares after. You were always there for me, Rissa. I wish you’d let me help you.”

  “I need nothing from the royal family.” Larissa shook her head, pulling away.

  “The prince reluctantly let her go. “Not my family. And not need. I know you don’t need anything. You’re too strong for that.” Prince Maximus sighed. “I wish you’d want my help, even if it’s just because you want me to be with you.” 

Larissa sighed. I don’t have the time for dating, Max. My siblings need me.

I wouldn’t want anything about us to change. I just want to know how you feel, Rissa. Everything’s going to change, I can feel it. Father’s so tense about this and if anyone should succeed in retrieving our knowledge, father says they could destroy us. Before anything changes, I want to put everything out there. “I love you, Rissa. I have for a long time. I love being with you, hanging out on your farm with your siblings and talking to you.  You’re way smarter and more capable than I will ever be. You’re talented and stubborn; kind and caring. When I’m with you, I just want to stop time. I want to be with you for the rest of eternity, Rissa. What do you want?”

  ‘An empath’s greatest curse is the ability to feel too much, as we forget to acknowledge our own emotions. Don’t allow anyone’s influence to be stronger than your own strength. Trust in yourself, my blossom, and your power will only grow.’ Her father’s words echoed in her head.

Hiding her thoughts, Larissa turned from the prince. But you never said what to do when what I want and my responsibilities clash. When I was little I was quite fond of Max and when the plague swept through...I’d never seen him so vulnerable. He still suffers from nightmares on occasion. How many nights has he woken me from my window and asked me to visit our flowers? How many nights have I lied awake, wondering if he would come. How many times has his touch sent electricity through me? How often have I wondered...but my siblings. I don’t have time. And yet, she retrieved the wrapped gift from her pack. I’m going to give him this one…

Larissa shook her head, slumping her shoulders in defeat. “I want everything to go back to how it was when we were children.” She gave the prince an answer. “But they can’t.” She turned back to him. “We’re growing up. We both have numerous responsibilities and I won’t burden you with mine.”

“Nothing about your life would burden me.” Prince Maximus shook his head. “I welcome it with excited courage.”

Larissa chuckled. “You’re such a goof.”

Prince Maximus edged closer to her. “You’re not going to give me a real answer, are you?”

 Larissa smiled, cupping his cheek and standing on her tiptoes. “Give me more time.” She gave his cheek a gentle kiss, passing the present to his hand. “Now come on, it’s rude for the guest of honor to be late to his own party.”