Chapter Four (Part Two)
885 Words
She’d been expanding her abilities since the attempt. Teleportation was very draining, as was controlling air. It had taken a week of constant trial and error, before she was finally able to understand what her body had done.
Darius could only give extremely vague clues. But it is similar to what I do when collecting the energy around me. Take it in, envision it as air, recall the feel of a gust and whoosh. So easy.
“How has the air manipulation gone?” Larissa asked. Caeli managed to form a small breeze before, but Max wasn’t able to.
Caeli closed her eyes and waved her hand at a tree. A swift gust ruffled the leaves. “Not nearly as strong as yours.”
“But that was strong.” Larissa encouraged her. “Remember, you have to feel the strength building first.”
“I’ll keep practicing.” Caeli nodded, moving behind Larissa and starting to braid her hair.
“Why do you think we were summoned?” Larissa asked.
Larissa’s heart ached from his words. I intentionally gave you that one. Maxy, don’t you know that.
“So, why have you called us here?” Darius asked.
“I just missed my friends.” Prince Maximus sat up. “We haven’t had too much time together since my birthday. We should be receiving news of Behi soon, and if things went wrong…” Prince Maximus sighed. “So, I got this.” He revealed two bottles of wine hidden under his pillow.
“Are you sure getting drunk is wise?” Darius asked.
“No drills tomorrow.” Caeli opened a bottle. “Cheers.” She chugged.
“I have to care for my siblings.” Larissa declined.
“Your sisters got ya covered.” Caeli handed her the bottle. “Even your parents relaxed every once in a while.”
Larissa sighed and took her own swig. “So smooth.” She offered the bottle to Darius.
“Better than drinking alone.” He took the bottle.
Prince Maximus chugged the other bottle. “This was my present from our finest winery.” He admired the bottle. “Best wine I’ve ever had.”
It didn’t take long for the four to finish the bottles. Their minds were filled with a warm fuzz. They lay on the floor in a circle, their heads side by side. Larissa had allowed Prince Maximus to lace his fingers with hers. The warm buzz relaxed her body.
“This would be even better under the stars.” Darius whispered.
“Yeah, but am I not supposed to be a proper prince, and follow the orders of my father?” Prince Maximus rolled his eyes. “Caeli could be sent off again and here we are, stuck inside. I mean...I could make them forget that they ever saw me leave. I have been practicing what my mother did.”
Darius grinned. “Life is too short for us to not seize every memorable moment.” He quoted Marcellus.
“Let’s go make some memories.” Larissa smiled.
*
The four chuckled like maniacs as Prince Maximus opened the door. He stood confidently before the guards. “You do not see me leaving. The others are departing, but I am going to sleep.” He stated.
The guards slowly nodded.
Did it work? Caeli steadied the prince as his strength waned for a moment.
We’ll find out. He led the group forward.
The guards parted, bidding Larissa, Caeli and Darius farewell. Darius rubbed his temple; a sign, the group had come to realize, that meant he wanted them to read his thoughts.
Are you all listening?
I’m here. Caeli sent.
You’re all amazing. You’ve learned how to control these new abilities so quickly. I am fortunate to call you my friends.
We wouldn’t be capable of any of it without you.
They drunkenly followed the prince, avoiding guards when they could. Once away from the palace grounds, the prince raced toward the beach. His friends followed, already knowing his plan.
An iridescent lavender illuminated the water from their touch. It swirled along the sea green glint of the water.
Caeli took a breath and dove under the temperate water. She swirled her body, the water seemingly wrapped around her. She burst through the surface, splashing the group.
Time passed quickly as they dove for shells, splashed each other and built sandcastles. Larissa squealed as Prince Maximus tossed her into the water from his arms. Laughing was all they could do, as the wine snuck up on them.
Caeli was unsure when she’d laid upon the beach, her head swirling. Darius was muttering about the stars, with his head on her stomach. A hand squeezed hers. She glanced to her left, Larissa smiled at her.
The prince’s head rested upon Larissa’s left shoulder; he snored lightly. Larissa rested her cheek upon the prince’s head. Now this feels normal.
Yeah. Caeli played with Darius’s soft raven hair, smiling and enjoying the happiness swelling within her heart. It’s perfect.
- Writer
