I pace back and forth across the room, fretting more than I should. Father wouldn't let anything happen to him right, not by Ereon’s command. Father only punished Thylas that once, and he swore to never do it again, at least not so brutally. He oncewas like a father to Thy; I remember my father reading books to him in the gardens when we were young.
Ever since I saw Thylas, all those lunar years ago, he immediately became family. We were tutored together and we were friends. He would steal cheese from the kitchens for me and then we would sneak out of the castle to roam the middle ring. Even then, he had my full trust. Not only did he take cheese to keep me happy, he went with me into the dark market streets so I could explore, unencumbered. While we may not have gotten caught sneaking out, we were constantly in trouble … Siphonie too. Her and Thylas would argue often over who was the leader of the group. Siphonie didn’t always join Thylas and me on our many adventures, but when she did, she was a force to rein in.
I walk out onto my balcony, the smell of salt invading my senses as the warm breeze gently blows my hair. The sound of waves crashing against the stones at the edge of the shore below reminds me of the night I found Thylas.
Thirteen Lunar Years Ago
The pitongi birds swarm the coast, catching crustaceans as the daylight slowly starts cresting the horizon, soon they’ll go back to their nests to sleep for the day. The world is starting to wake up and I walk lazily across the shore – I snuck out again, all the way to outer rings. I wanted to see the sea along the horizon as far as the eye can see. I know Father will be furious if I don't return before anyone notices. I love twilight hours best, the oranges and pinks of the day bleeding with the retreating darkness of the night.
The water comes crashing around my toes, foam slipping around them. I dig my feet into the sand letting it glide in between my toes. Looking out at the deep blue ocean, I wait, hoping to get a glimpse of any of the creatures my mother has told me about. The ones that used to live in these seas, but don’t anymore. But I still have hope. I don’t have long till daylight breaks so I turn back toward the castle, when the shoreline catches my eye. Something isn’t right. Piles of seaweed and sticks clutter the normally pristine beach. Among the debris is a black cloth that looks unnatural against the golden sand. The cloth clings to a mass beneath it, which moves the tiniest bit, and I wonder what sea creature might be trapped underneath. Curiosity, getting the better of me, I walk slowly toward it, grabbing a big stick, just in case.
Poking at the cloth with the end of the stick, a slight moan catches my ear. Poking it again, it’s definitely not a creature, but a human. Quickly, I grab the edge of the dampened blanket, revealing what’s underneath. It's a boy. He's older than I am, but I don’t think by much. His pale skin is soaked, and blood is dried and flaking from the matted dark hair on the back of his head.
I lean down and put my fingers in front of his nose, he's breathing. He's also shivering from being in the sea for so long. I look around, searching for anyone else, or answers about where the boy might have come from. I don't see anything- just the crabs on the beach and the birds in the sky. He's alone, and from the looks of it, not doing so well.
"Hey … " I gently try to shake him awake and his eyes flutter open meeting mine. The deep-green orbs are like the lands of Midaeliea.
"Are you … are you ... the Great Goddess?" he whispers hoarsely, I barely understand him. He grips the sand, his handsfisting to try to pull himself up before he collapses again, looking up at me.
I shake my head. "No … I am Princess Carnaxa Althister of Antalis.”
“Antalis? The sea kingdom?”
I nod, struggling to pull him further out of the water, he tries to help but he is weak. I continue to struggle with the dead weight of his conscious, yet limp body, before falling on my backside in the sand. “I'm going to get help, okay?” I mumble.
He nods feebly before his eyes close again from exhaustion. I don't want to leave him here, but I must go get someone who can help. I run as quickly as I can over the damp sand and return to the castle for my father and mother. They will know what to do.
Present
The door opening catches my attention as Thylas stands in the doorway, frustration on his face. He looks at me and his eyes check me from head to toe as mine do the same. A simple way to see if the other is okay. Leaving the coolness from the balcony, I walk to him. He leans just inside the doorway, his hand still holding onto the doorknob.
“Princess Carnaxa, I wanted to tell you that I am back at your door should you need anything.” He bows and turns as if he will walk out the door. He probably will, he never has been one who wanted to give up a lot of information. But I can’t let him go, not yet.
“Thylas” – I grab his arm before he can walk further from me – “are you okay?”
His eyes dance down to where my hand is on him, and his face softens a bit. “Yes. Prince Ereon only wanted to talk aboutyour upcoming nuptial arrangements and travel. Then I had an audience with your father. Nothing more.”
He tells me one thing, but I can see the doubt playing in his eyes. “I don't believe you.” I stand a bit straighter and cross my arms. “That look may work on others but I have known you for thirteen lunar years of my life. I still remember the boy who washed up from the sea and I can still see when you lie. So do us both a favor and tell me the truth. I’ll stop worrying and you can stop keeping secrets.”
His emerald eyes meet mine, a soft smile playing at his lips before he shakes his head. He steps inside my bedroom, closing the door before letting out a sigh and leaning against the door.
“You always were more observant than people gave you credit for. Nothing is for you to worry about, I am fine. You are fine. We were just discussing who will be a part of your entourage when you go to Shaston.”
“Why did Ereon want to know about that? Isn't it my choice? I was told it would be my choice.” I stand, twirling my hand in the fold of my dress. The only choice I still have to me is choosing who will come with me, would they take that from me so quickly?
“Of course, it is,Nohæ. Your father, however, also has a say. As to why Prince Ereon wanted to know – he was wanting to double-check on what type of supplies we will need for you and those whom you decide to bring,” he explains, smirking at me. I notice his hesitancy as his foot scrapes against the floor. He’s nervous, but why would he lie?
“Well, that makes sense, but I don’t fully believe you. I think you're hiding something.”
He runs his hand along his scruff on his jaw. “Why would I be hiding something? It was nothing, truly.”
Deciding I’m not going to get any answers I continue, “So who will be accompanying me?”
“I'm not sure about all of the arrangements, but your father … ” he trails off as he looks at me, then back toward the balcony, before finishing his sentence, “he wants me to go with you. If that’s agreeable to you, of course.”
I sigh a breath of relief. I was on the fence about wanting Thylas to join me, but I also can’t imagine him not going with me. I know he will protect me, and I will feel safer with him. Many things about Shaston are going to be new and scary, it will be nice to have someone on my side. Someone I can depend on.
“Do you want to go to Shaston?” I ask.
