The Carnation

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Here I lay in my room, it's quite hushed as all I hear is the rain pelting the walls of my chamber. I stare out my window hoping to rid of this excruciating pain in my heart. I could only imagine how father is cooping. I should go and check up on him. Part of me wants to, yet I can't move.

This aching pain has gotten to the point where I cannot stand or even gain the energy to groom myself in a proper manner. It's been 2 months get ahold of yourself Lythia. A tear. Something I haven't felt in ages.

My chamber door opens with such caution I almost hadn't noticed, "Miss Lythia, may I request you eat something?" Dylan spoke with such sincere it hurt. "Dylan--" My voice was delicate, it was difficult for me to speak. "--could you not talk to me as if I am a kid who forgets to care for themselves? Please talk to me as a friend that's all I ask. Forget I'm a princess and speak normally.. Please"

"Alright.. I was sent to check up on you to see how you are handling things and from the looks of it not well." Dylan was sent by my father, typical. He approaches me, sitting on the edge of my bed, shoulders nearly a foot away. "I am alright, I am just thinking about her."

"Not to be rude or offensive in any way, shape, or form but that's the worst thing to do right now. You need to let your mind heal first." I look into his hazel eyes, "What would you know? You haven't lost a loved one before."

Dylan did not have a response due to the fact that I was right, then again that shouldn't encourage me to say such things. I was starting to grow sorrowful, even aggravated at Dylan's presence. "Dylan, I appreciate you being called to check on me but as of right now I need you to leave." Tears were quietly streaming down my face, giving the side effects of little breaths in-between my words.

"I am so sorry Lythia I didn't mean to create more pain.. But I'm not leaving until you dry your tears and not shed another one. I haven't seen you cry since your cat 'Hoser' died and gosh that was 12 years ago!" Dylan reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief. I went to grab it from him but he pulled away last second.

He motions to himself, I close my eyes as he glides the handkerchief across my cheeks to absorb my tears. It was quite sweet of him really, "Thank you Dylan, seems you still are a softy when you see someone cry." Dylan lays his right hand onto my shoulder while his left hand tucks his handkerchief into my hand.

He stares into my clear blue eyes while I stare back at him, "--I must go check on your father and let him know how you are doing." He got up, heading towards my chamber doors. "Dylan?"

I notice his whole body tense up as well as stiffen as he was nearly on his way out of my chamber. "What is it ma'am?" I cannot handle the idea of myself being referred to as ma'am. "Stop messing with me and leave, forget what I was gonna say." I couldn't hold back my soft giggles as I see Dylan wearing a dumb smirk. He knows for a fact that bothers me yet he still does it.

Dylan exits my chamber, giving me the idea to look back upon our memories. I grab a framed picture from my dresser and inspect it as my mind starts to run wild from remembrance. Looking at Dylan, his dark brown hair running down to his ear making sure to flow with such finesse. He likes to slick it back so it's not in his eyes which does in fact make him look good. He always wears black, I can't remember a day he didn't.

The reason why I accept Dylan is because he is my best friend, but one who contains such a distinct set of skills. He cares for me in a respectful manner, he looks out for me, he protects me. If it was my choice I wouldn't have him as my guard, just as my friend. But my father believes it will be best if I have someone looking after me.

I lay on my bed while I hold Dylan's handkerchief as well as the framed photograph, soon after drifting off to sleep.

The next morning, I am awaken to the sound of birds chirping and a cool breeze coming from the open doors leading out to my balcony. I open the lids of my eyes revealing the brightness of the sun. I soon roll over and notice the framed photograph was back into it's original positon on my dresser. For the handkerchief, that is on my nightstand resting in place.

I wonder if I got up in the middle of the night and just forgotten about it? I arise from my bed, heading towards the bathroom.. Once I enter, I fill up the bathtub with warm comforting water.. Slipping off my nightgown and undergarments I make my way into the bathtub.

"Princess?" A voice speaks through my door followed by two continuous knocks. "Dylan not now I'm in the middle of something." Another two knocks.. "What is it?!" I make my way out of the bathtub whilst wrapping myself in a towel..

When I open the door I am greeted by an older man, I believe his name is Luis. "Oh, I'm truly sorry I thought you were Dylan." Luis was kind enough to forgive me and reveal his warm and reassuring smile. "I understand it's quite alright."

"Might I ask where Dylan is?" I questioned as I rummage around my closet for a change of clothes, "Dylan is waiting in the dining area alongside your father." Oh, I better hurry up.

Once I look presentable I head out to the dining area praying there is breakfast being served!

"Lythia?" I look in the direction of my fathers voice and approach him with caution. "Good morning father, how are you feeling?" I lean over and kiss him on the forehead, then giving myself permission to seat myself. "I've been feeling the same way I have felt for the past 2 months."

Starting to feel bad I glance over to Dylan who is refusing to make eye contact with anyone. "I'm sorry father... So.. Any news?" Father looks up at me and his expression went dark, it was almost frightening. "Lythia, there has been a disturbance, therefore until things get situated you are prohibited to leave the castle. Dylan along with many other guards will be there to keep a close eye on you in case something happens."

His voice... It was a tone I've never heard before. He was hesitant yet he spoke with clear power, he truly is a worthy king. "Father? Why, this is completely uncalled for, What is the meaning for such sudden motives? What possibly could've happened?" Toning up to his level he seems offended.

"It does not matter what influenced me to make such decisions, what matters is, is that you're safe, meaning you do as I say.. Your mother would agree!" My heart snapped, yet I maintained a straight face.

"This is not about her, she is gone and you need to move on.. I know for a fact she would not like the idea of me staying inside all day everyday." He grew aggravated, to the point he needed Dylan to intervene.

"Lythia.. Listen to your father, he may change his mind after a few weeks. But I'm actually on board with his decision, there has been a lot of threats lately, just imagine if you were outside roaming the town and all of a sudden someone starts killing everyone? What would you do If I wasn't there to help you?!"

I saw the panic in his eyes, he was worried, not only for me but for his duty to protect the town and everyone living it. "If something were to happen and you were stuck out there alone and I couldn't be there to help. gosh I don't know what I would do Lythia! You're my best friend and as a friend I am asking you to just do as you are told."

Why is Dylan agreeing with my fathers decisions? This must be serious...

"... Why did you not tell me there were threats?"