Lance sat in his home office waiting on a fax. He was helping Dave pull together the important points for an upcoming meeting. “Hey,” Fin said, as she peeked in. “Come on in,” he said, happy to see her up and around. It had been over a week since she had given birth to Isla. Fin has something on her mind. She didn’t imagine it would take that long to heal. But now that she was back feeling her normal self, they needed to talk.
“Am I disturbing you?” she asked. “No,” he said, as he closed his laptop so he could give her his undivided attention. He could feel the tension. It was in her eyes. In her voice. Something had her nervous.
Lance suddenly felt uncomfortable. His stomach was in knots. She was leaving. He could tell. She had returned to bring the baby. To give birth near him. He could see it. It was clear. And she hadn’t said a word.
“You’re leaving?” he asked, staring her directly in her eyes. Fin looked down. She felt guilty. She would be hurting him all over again. She knew he didn’t understand. She had people dependent on her. She knew things and she needed to relay that information to her army. It was stuff he taught her. Things in regular conversation that expanded her thinking. He was instrumental in the preparedness of an army. In her world’s future. And she loved him for it.
“Yes. I have to return,” she said, her eyes begging him to release her again. Lance stood up. “No. No Fin,” he said, as he shook his head slowly at her. “You have a life here. A family. We are a family now. You are not responsible for a whole civilization,” he shouted. Fin’s eyes teared. “I am! You don’t understand. I am their leader now. My parents are gone. Yes Lance! Gone! I returned home to dead parents. And now it is up to me. They are lost. I have to lead the army. I have to reassure the future of my people. Please,” she said, getting close in his face. She touched his chest. Her eyes staring deeply into his. It was a journey she did not want to make. But Madaka was dependent on them winning the war.
Lance stepped away from her. He sighed then rolled his eyes and walked away. It was more than his heart could take. “And what about Isla?” he asked, as he stood in the doorway. He hoped she had no plans of taking his daughter. “She’s yours. She’s more human. She cannot live in water. She will always be with you. No matter what,” she said. Lance ‘s heart tore in half. Her words sounded final. As if she wasn’t sure she would be able to return. War was dangerous and unpredictable. There was no guarantee. Lance turned and walked away. His head down. Fin cried. She closed her eyes as the tears came streaming out. She couldn’t leave things this way. She would be useless in Madaka. Fin wiped her face and gathered her composure. She needed to go to him. He needed her.
Lance sat on the porch off of his master bedroom. He looked out at the rocky pier that separated him from the ocean. He held his head down. His hands balled in a fist out of the frustration he felt. He thought of Isla. Fin was a wild card. She had other responsibilities. He wondered if she was in it for the long haul. If she would ever be able to separate herself from her life in the ocean.
Fin paused, then walked out onto the porch. Lance could hear her approaching from behind. She walked over to him. She got down on her knees and held his hands. Lance tried to avoid looking at her. But his love for her was too powerful.
“Tell me what to do? How can I fix this? Don’t make me choose between you and thousands of people whose lives depend on me. You helped me learn things the things that I must pass on to them so we can be victorious. You did that. We are in this together. I must save them. Do you want them to perish?” she asked. “Of course not,” he said, looking out at the water. It was the only thing he could say. He couldn’t say he didn’t care. But if he had to choose between the two, he chose her.
Lance knew that was a cruel way to think. And even crueler to say. She loved Madaka. He would have to have faith once again. And as difficult as that was, it was what he needed to do. The truth was he wasn’t sure her presence was needed there. She was one person. He believed Madaka would survive somehow. That her citizens would adjust. People had a way of surviving the worst of circumstances.
“I need you to trust me,” she said, as she tried to muster up a smile. He had a right to be selfish when it came to her. Their love was a selfish kind of love. No outsiders allowed. Him and her against the world. She wasn’t sure she would want him leaving to fight a war he may not return from. It was an understandable feeling. “What do you want?” she asked. Lance squeezed her hand gently. She was going regardless. And so, he had a few requests.
“I want to make love to you,” he said. Fin chuckled. “What? Ok. What else?” she asked. Lance paused. “And I want you to marry me. Today. Now. After we make love,” he said. Fin grabbed her heart. She threw her arms around him and kissed him passionately. “Yes. Yes. Yes,” she said, planting kisses on him with each word. Lance was overcome with joy. He and Fin would finally seal their love with a ceremony and a promised commitment to one another.
Fin took Lance by the hand and guided him into their bedroom. Isla was still sound asleep in the spare room. Her quick paced breathing and occasional whimpers could be heard clearly on the baby monitor. Fin undressed slowly and approached him. Lance instantly reacted to the sight of her. She was sexy. Her body was phenomenal. Toned and curvaceous. Every inch of her glowing. Her smooth and supple skin felt like butter. Lance pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. He had wanted her since she’d returned. But he could tell she was too weak and hadn’t completely healed from giving birth to Isla.
“Are you ok?” he asked. “Yes. I’m fine. Don’t take it easy on me,” she chuckled. This was his moment. She was the sexiest new mom he’d ever seen. Her body bore no trace of having been pregnant. Her stomach was flat and toned. The only sign was slightly larger breast that complimented her already superb figure. And Lance was eager to be inside her.
“We have to go. It’s getting late,” Fin said, as she walked into the master bathroom. Lance was fixing his bow tie. He smiled at Fin. She wore a long silk white dress that he ran to pick up after she selected it online. The department store was a forty-minute drive away. Lance made a point to grab small onesies for his newborn. The woman helped him find an all-white onesie, perfect for the occasion. He always envisioned a huge wedding with family and friends but this would have to do. They could have a second ceremony after she returned.
“You look beautiful,” he said, as he kissed her. “And you look handsome my king,” Fin replied. Lance put his cuff links on as Fin walked to Isla’s room to check on her. She smiled at her sleeping baby. Isla looked beautiful in a white onesie and a white skull cap with flower appliques. The family was ready for the biggest day of their life.
Lance carried Isla to the car. Fin grabbed her clutch then looked herself over. She smiled at her reflection. She had mixed feelings. She was marrying the man of her dreams. But when she returned, she would need to leave him and her newborn. It was bittersweet. Her only solace was the fact that Madaka would be better. They couldn’t win the war without her. And time was of the essence. She wasn’t sure how much time she had before Andreus would make his way to Mojarro. She needed to leave soon. If she returned to a devastated land and no army, it would be too late. And Madaka would be under his control. Panga and Piratchu didn’t stand a chance once Mojarro was taken over.
It was time. Fin’s confidence was in the fact that Lance was everything. Her child had the best father. A solid man who would love and protect her. Everything will be fine, she thought, as she slid into her white and pearl ballet flats and walked to the car. Lance looked back. He was still securing the new car seat and making sure Isla was comfortable.
His wife was breathtaking. Her hair had turned out good. She had watched a video at least a dozen times, in order to perfect putting her hair in a bun on top of her head. She attached a rhinestone hairpin in it to dress it up. Lance was amazed. Fin picked up things from their world quickly. As if she’d always been a resident. It was hard to tell she wasn’t actually from their world.
&
nbsp; “She’s good. I think I was moving her around too much,” he said. “Why do you say that?” she asked. “Because she’s awake,” he replied, giving Fin a devilish grin. Fin asked him to be gentle. She wanted Isla asleep for the ride. “That’s just great honey. Now I have to ride in the back with her just to keep her quiet,” she said, as she walked around to the other side. Lance shut the door and got in. He started the car and slowly backed out of his driveway. Headed to the courthouse to get married.
******
Fin and Lance hugged for what seemed like an eternity. They laid staring into each other’s eyes, no words exchanged, as they took each other in. He wasn’t ready to let go. Fin touched him gently. She needed to feel him. She wanted to remembered what he felt like. What he smelled like. She’d spent the last two hours holding Isla and rubbing the soft ringlets on her head as she laid in a fetal position with Lance behind her. She needed more time.
Lance watched television as Fin lay on his chest. He tried to remain calm. To show Fin he supported her. It was important that she go back home knowing he was standing behind her. She needed to have a clear mind. She needed to focus on what she was doing. Lance knew that guilting her to stay would only weigh on her. Make her weak. And mistakes could be made.
“I’m ready to go now. Keep our baby safe. I will be back soon,” she said. Lance kissed her forehead. “I will. We will be fine. You just make sure you come back to me,” he said. Fin knew it was hard for him. She raised out of the bed and walked to the bathroom. She closed the door and cried, away from sight. A quick sprint of tears that she quickly wiped away and then found her strength within.
“Ok. Time to go,” she said to herself. Fin opened the door. Lance was standing on the other side holding Isla. Fin kissed the baby then him. She walked out the room and down the stairs. Don’t look back. Just go, she thought, as she walked to the door. She slid the glass door open and walked out onto the dock. Lance followed close behind. Fin got to the end and without hesitation, jumped into the water. She swam out a short distance then turned around. Lance waved. He could see her under the moonlight. Fin got one last look at her family and then dipped into the water and headed back to Madaka. Fierce and strong as ever.
Fin swam hurriedly, close to the ocean’s floor. A journey she could now do with her eyes closed. She knew every landmark. Every sunken ship. This world was now her home. But before she could make it her permanent residence, Madaka needed her guidance. Fin was near the lair. She pushed onward. Soon she came upon the brine layer and entered. She descended into the long trench until she came upon another layer. The one that covered the lair. Her entry into her home.
Fin swam down the long tunnel until she emerged through the seaweeds and into the dunes. She could see the surrounding area. The bright yellow and orange lava lighting the way. She swam quickly through the heat and gases and emerged from the other side.
I’m here, she thought, as she reached the rock that sat just beneath where her home was. Fin swam up and scaled the rock. She reached the top and walked proudly towards the castle. Arfusei and Ziege were standing with their men. They were both now leaders of Fin’s vast army. Panga and Piratchu had sent their men. The men pointed. “It’s Fin! She has returned,” Ziege said. Arfusei and several of the men ran to her. Fin was happy to see her men. She ran to meet them half way. “Queen,” Arfusei greeted. “Arfusei. Ziege. Clem,” she said, as she looked at her men. Their love for her was obvious. Fin smiled as she scanned the faces of the men. She was personable. Vulnerable. It was refreshing. It was magnetic. The men didn’t understand their attraction to her. It wasn’t sexual. Their spirits had been voided of such desires. But there was something about her that drew them to her. Fin was awakening them. She could see it. But they were not ready for the total awakening of their souls. That would come later.
“Where is Lark?” she asked. “He has a group of men in the water. They are practicing in the Trojian,” Ziege stated. Fin was pleased. Things were moving along. “Has anyone heard back from Halacai?” she asked. Arfusei shook his head slowly. Fin sighed. Halacai was their eyes and ears. He had acted as prime minister for the cities. And none used his intellect and inside information as much as Eulachon. Halacai had seemed invaluable to them. He was the voice of reason for any city who felt undervalued or treated unfairly. It was the most coveted role of all positions within the kingdoms.
But Andreus had tried to use his services to gain insight for purposes other than political. He was stacking information to use against the city. And Fin was his target. Something she was now aware of. The marriage was a marriage he pushed for with a more sinister agenda involved. Something his own father was not aware of. And so here they were. Prepared to answer the call of a madman with no one to stop him. No one, except Fin.
The waters were calm. Movement was easier to pick up when the waves were less prominent. Halacai feared being detected by uaru soldiers. He swam close to the surface, attempting to go undetected. He got close to Eulachon and slowed. He dipped down and descended into the depths of the Palimora and looked around. No uaru was near. His travels were successful. He couldn’t explain his unannounced entry into Eulachon territory. He would be forced to turn around, escorted by at least a dozen of them.
Halacai swam back up and peeked his head above the water. He saw men gathering at the water’s edge. He saw King Andreus walking past them. His face appearing tight. Serious. He looked to be in serious talks. The men stood to attention. Rows of them. A large group, as if preparing for something grand. Halacai stared intensely. Andreus had his lieutenants in command walking through the rows. It was a spectacular and scary sight. The men looked menacing. Intimidating. “I must warn them,” Halacai said, as he turned and swam back to Mojarro.
Fin sat alone in her room. The time was near. She felt it. Andreus was a restless man. He was coming. She thought of Lance and Isla. She thought of Zander and Aterra. “Oh dad. Mom. This is terrible. I am trying to look unafraid. But I am. I wish you were still here. Dad…You would know what to do. You were so brave. So smart. And mom, we had so much more to discover about one another. So much to talk about. You would have adored Isla. She’s so special. She looks just like you. She is so beautiful. I wish you could have met her,” she said, as she looked out at the sky.
Fin reflected on her past. On her mother. All the good and bad times. And all the secrets. Suddenly a thought came to her. The room. It was still locked. Its contents still a mystery. She didn’t know why she still walked past it. Not willing to get inside. Every time she looked at the door, she could hear his voice reminding her that the room was off limits.
“Guards,” she shouted. Clem came running. He opened her door. “Yes, Your Highness,” he replied. “Clem. There is something urgent I need. Please get Lark if he has returned. Or Ziege. Please have one of them come to me,” she said. Clem left her room immediately and went behind the castle.
“It’s getting late. Can you have the team come out the water. Tell them that’s enough for the day. They need to rest,” Lark said to one of the soldiers from Panga. A man named Darr, who was proving to be a great addition to their army. He was quick, strong and follow every command without any hesitation. “Yes sir,” he said, as he turned and headed for the Trojian.
Lark saw Clem approaching. “Sir. The Queen needs your assistance,” he said. Lark walked past him and back to the castle. Clem lagged behind, following him back in case he was still needed. “Queen,” he said, as he approached Fin. “Don’t call me that. Not you,” she said, as she turned and walked away. Lark followed her. “What do you need Fin. I have to address the men when they return. Clem said you needed to see me,” he said. “Yes. Follow me,” she replied.
Lark walked closely behind. “And what am I to call you?” he asked, the conversation now uncomfortable with Clem around. “Fin. You call me Fin. Everyone else can address me by title. Not you,” she repeated. Lark continued to follow her. He smiled out of her view. He liked her correction of his formal way
of greeting her. They weren’t formal. But he wondered. And it was something they’d never spoke on.
“I need this door opened. I have looked everywhere for the key. I cannot find it,” she said, looking Lark directly in the eyes. “What?” he said, confused as to what she was asking. “Break it down Lark. That’s what I am saying. I need you to kick it in,” she replied. Lark narrowed his brow. “You want me to destroy the door?” he asked. “Well…Yes,” she replied. Lark looked at Clem then back at Fin. “This is a strange request. And I am uncomfortable doing it Fin. I cannot do that. This is the room the King said was off limits. I can’t,” he said. “Clem…” she said, looking at him and hoping he would agree to kick the door in. Clem hesitated. “Clem…I order you to kick this door in.”
Clem was caught in the middle. But she had ordered him. Lark paced the floor. He didn’t like it. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Clem moved in position and braced himself. He raised his leg. And with a quick thrust forward, kicked the door, causing a piece of metal to fall off.
“Again,” Fin ordered. Clem kicked again, and the power of his leg opened the door slightly. Clem looked at Fin and then kicked again. The door fell inward and to the floor. Lark went inside the room and moved the door to the side. Fin walked in behind him. She looked around. It was unbelievable. “Leave me now please,” Fin said. Lark paused, then exited with Clem behind him.
The room was enchanting. The walls covered in orange taffeta applied with glue. It gave the room a multidimensional feel. The ceiling was adorned with orange and green leaves. It was exquisite. “Wow,” Fin said, as she looked around. A bag on a table caught her eye. It was a familiar item. She had seen one before. Back in the new world at a plaza Lance took her to. Fin walked over to the bag slowly. She was in disbelief. It was not of their world. “What!” she said, as she got closer. The details undeniable. Small bears lined the top half of the pink and brown bag.
Pretty Fin Page 23
