Chasing the Unforgettable

Chapter Three

Akalei

Finding Where I Belong

When I pulled up to the house we entered together and went to the kitchen, Daphne was already there arranging a platter.

"Akalei, who is this? We are about to have company." She sighed
"This is Alaric, I'm not sure how to explain this but he came with my grandmother. We met at a cafe and now he's here." I tried explaining
"Alana let you go off on your own, aren't you the head of the royal guard?" She peered at him, but he kept his composure.
"That I am, we don't leave the country too often but when we do we always give ourselves a chance to explore. You're Daphne, right? Thank you for taking care of her." He smiled

We both helped Daphne make the platter and drinks. It wasn't long until I heard the door open.

I went upstairs to go change, Daphne came in to do my hair, she started to tear up while I sat there.

"What's wrong?" I waited until she was done to turn to look at her.
"Your father and I will just miss you is all. You've been my daughter for 11 years then the twins came along. It's just strange that you won't be here all the time." She smiled wiping her tears away

When she finished doing my hair I hugged her. When I looked over her shoulder, a pink dress was hanging in my closet, it was embroidered with a flower design that went around the waist.

"You guys bought me this?" I smiled
"We were saving it so you have a dress to wear to the palace. And pink will be a nice contrast for you. Before you leave tonight you can change into something comfortable." She sniffled
"Thank you, Daphne. But don't be sad, this will always be my home." I teared up

I helped her dry her tears. Alaric was waiting for me at the door. He escorted me down the stairs to meet my grandmother. She stood by the window over looking the forest. Her dress was old fashion but still very royal. Her skin had a bit of a tan but it suited her well.

When she turned to look at me her face softened at the sight of me.

"You look like your father." She laughed

When we all sat down Alaric stood until my grandmother said something.

"You had your time with her today, go wait in the car for a bit until I send for you." She laughed

He just simply nodded and walked out. We all started eating and talked about what my new role will be. And the plan for the next few weeks until my birthday.

"Before anything else continues, I was wondering what happened to my mother. I know I was saved from the castle but what happened to her?" I practically begged
"Her body was never found but after her disappearance the kingdom was peaceful. So we believe she sacrificed herself for her kingdom." She swallowed

We talked back and forth for over an hour and Alaric was allowed back in. I guided him to the back yard so we could talk alone. We sat on the porch swing.

"Alaric? Can I ask you something?" I turned to him
"Yes princess?" He spoke
"Do you remember the day of the attack?" I asked
"Yes, when I dream I only see past events, and I look over every detail so I could see how I improve in future situations." He was staring at the forest instead of his attention being on me.
"I know how that feels, I've been dreaming every night since I turned thirteen. But my dreams show past, present, and future. I met you but not fully." I looked away from him.

We sit in silence as we swing. Both our hearts are pounding, but they go together so well that I relax and rest my head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," I broke the silence
"For what?" He slightly turned his head to me
"For coming to find me. As much as I love being here I couldn't help but wonder where I belong. I'm not leaving anyone behind other than the people in this house." I sighed
"Why were you at the cafe earlier? You were there quite early." He peered to me
"I was curious about that Zyair guy, I was just going to see if he would actually show, I got stood up before." I confessed
"Why would someone do that? You're beautiful." He was shocked at my confession
"I think it's the dress speaking." I rolled my eyes
"I noticed you at the cafe, you are so captivating. Not just how you look, your drawings are beautiful and your actions are so sudden." He smiled continuing to look at the forest.
"Thank you. You are a soothing person to be around. You may be hot headed but you help me calm down."

Before we knew it the sun began to set. And people were taking my few boxes to a black SUV. I got up to change out of my dress.

"I'll be right back, I'm going to change and grab my bag." I rushed
"We don't have to leave yet, our flight is in about 5 hours." He laughed
"I'll just go change, Daphne wants me to have this dress with me when we arrive tomorrow." I ran away embarrassed

When I was in my room I closed the curtains to hide myself from the guests in the back. I changed out of my dress and grabbed my phone that was on my night stand.

There were many missed calls from random numbers and Zyair. I dialled his number.

"Hello?" I asked
"Hey Akalei, finally answering my calls?"he laughed
"I was busy today, my mom made me leave my phone in my room so I wouldn't be distracted. I'm sorry we didn't have a chance to talk but it is what it is."
"Who said we can't talk?" He snapped at me
"Well I'm leaving tonight, so I don't really have time to meet you." I said nervously
"You know who you are don't you?" He asked
"I'm learning, but you are kind of being pointless." I mumbled lowly
"So no one told you a princess is not to mumble? I think you better work on that Princess Akalei." He emphasized
"Bye Zyair! I have to get back to my family, they are waiting for me." I cheered
"Wai-"

When I turned to the door Alaric was standing there with his arms crossed. He was glaring at me like I did something wrong.

"Hello? My door was closed, shouldn't I be allowed some sort of privacy? Why do you get to look like I did something wrong!" I snapped at him
"Your father sent me to come get you, he said you were taking too long. He wanted to be the one to drive you to the airport. I know I'm out of line but Zyair is not the most trustworthy person, he only has interest for the crown!" His voice got steadily louder as he spoke
"What about you? Why are you so interested in my life?" I yelled
"It's complicated, I can't say it aloud." He said softly
"Why not, are you afraid to tell me!"
"You don't understand Akalei, I can't reveal anything about US out loud! Don't you think I would have told you? I have no intention of keeping secrets from you." He spoke turning to the door. I let him leave and I followed to see my dad.