“I say we vote now,” yelled a man shaking his fist through the iron bars.
“Yes, let us make our decision,” yelled a woman.
“Fine,” yelled Morgan stomping her feet. “Who do you wish to be the new leader of Armoria?”
“I vote, Lyla Langston,” yelled a young woman.
“Me too,” yelled an older man.
“I vote, Lyla and Lilly Langston,” said an elderly man. “Why can we not have two leaders?”
“I agree,” yelled another woman. “Let them both be our leaders.”
“Lyla and Lilly,” said a young child.
Throughout the room, everyone was chanting their names. Lyla felt empowered. These people believed in her and her sister. Together they would be great leaders and take care of the people of Armoria. Surrounding them were people applauding and smiling. Everyone was happy, and William looked like he couldn’t be more proud. Lyla could hear Morgan trying to shout over all the cheers and laughter. She lifted her hands up for the crowd to silence.
“You, Morgan Feeble,” said Lyla. “Are an unfit leader and will no longer have any part in Armoria’s future. In order to be fair, we will allow you to stay in your current home. No one will take it from you. If you are unhappy with the people’s decision, you are welcome to find residence elsewhere.”
Morgan could no longer control her anger. She was supposed to be leader, not these two ignorant fools. She pulled out a knife that she had hidden in her sling and ran for Lyla, prepared to drive it in her heart. Before she reached her, Giselle stepped forward and drove her fist into her nose, dropping her to the floor.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time,” said Giselle. She was shaking out her hand. “No one messes with my sisters.”
Lyla and Lilly laughed and walked over to where Morgan was lying. Her nose had blood dripping down it, and she was coming back into consciousness. “Morgan Feeble,” said Lilly. “You are now banished from Armoria for life. Your sentence will start immediately.”
Tyler helped Morgan to her feet. She was in pain, and her nose was bleeding.
“You are forgetting one tiny little detail,” Morgan said.
“And what would that be?” said Lilly.
“I have the only key that will release everyone.”
Lyla stepped forward and held out her hand. “Give it here.”
Morgan looked from Lyla’s hand to her face and chuckled. “Do you really think I’m just going to hand it over?”
“I will take it by force if I must.”
Everyone could tell Morgan was weighing her odds. Her arm was still injured, so she would not be able to sword fight, and there were so many people against her that she would not be successful anyway. She pulled the key out of her dress pocket and handed it to Lyla.
“You will all pay for this,” Morgan said in a stern voice. “You will all be sorry in the end, every last one of you. Especially you, Lyla Langston. You will get what’s coming to you.”
Everyone ignored her as she was escorted out the doors that were slammed behind her. Tyler said nothing as he followed her in full pursuit.
“What are we going to do when Monroe returns?” Lilly asked.
“Tell him how it is,” said William. “If he doesn’t like it, he can join his daughter.”
Lyla smiled just knowing that she wouldn’t have to deal with Morgan again.
Everyone was released from their lock and bars, and a proper ceremony would be held in the ball room the following evening to make Lyla and Lilly official leaders of Armoria. A group of people had volunteered to remove the cages and make it suitable for the ceremony.
The people of Armoria were not required to attend, but everyone did. Giselle had announced that they should all wear formal attire, though Lyla would have been satisfied in just a casual shirt and a nice pair of pants, but Giselle insisted.
William suggested they go to the dress shop on the square to buy new dresses. Lyla did not think any of this was necessary, but neither Lilly or Giselle argued. They went home and cleaned up before dress shopping. They had not had a chance to shower since the battle, so dirt and blood were still clinging to their clothing and bodies. Lyla would have soaked in her tub all night had time allowed it.
Lyla had passed Thomas in the hallway on her way down to meet Lilly and Giselle. He had been spending time with his parents since the meeting, so she had not seen him. It was only half a day, but for the past month they had been inseparable, so it was strange to be away from him.
“You look refreshed,” said Thomas, looking at her from head to toe. Her hair was still wet, and she was carrying a pair of heels.
“So do you,” she said softly with a slight smile. She had no idea why, but she felt nervous around him, like she had when she first arrived in Armoria. She was back to the shy girl, who would see Thomas pass her door but was too afraid to say anything.
“Well, I will see you tonight,” he said.
“Um, yeah, I will see you then.”
Thomas turned away and went to his room.
Lyla was not sure what had just happened. She was biting the inside of her cheek on her way down the stairs, trying to figure out why it had seemed so awkward and out of place. She was pulled away from her thoughts when she saw Lilly and Giselle impatiently waiting at the bottom of the steps.
They all rode on their separate horses. They would not be returning to the house after purchasing their dresses, so they planned on riding back in the carriage with William and Thomas.
They had arrived at the dress shop and were rummaging through the many racks of dresses.
“This is ridiculous,” said Lyla. “A leader belongs in combat gear, not a dress.”
“Oh, come on, Ly,” said Lilly. “Have fun with it. After the ceremony, you can dance with Thomas, without Morgan interrupting your perfect night, and you can watch him as he drools over how beautiful you look.”
“He does that anyway,” Giselle said with a short laugh. She had already picked out three different dresses to try on. “He is a very lucky man, and he knows it.”
“I think I am the lucky one,” said Lyla. “I couldn’t have found anyone more perfect for me.”
They had all found a dress by the end of the hour. Giselle had completely outdone herself as usual and had picked out an extravagant ball gown. Lyla had settled with a black full-length gown that hugged her body. She didn’t want a large poufy gown, because she didn’t want to feel like she was being crowned at a coronation. She no longer cared that her scar was visible. She had accepted it for what it was: a reminder that she would give her life for Lilly at any time. Lilly chose a beaded black gown that ran over her shoulder and flowed down to her toes. It was similar to Lyla’s other than a few minor details. Instead of changing inside the town hall, they all wore their dresses out of the store. They had one hour until the ceremony, and people were already starting to arrive.
There was a podium set up in the ballroom, where Lyla and Lilly would stand as they were announced official leaders of Armoria. William had volunteered to be the one to do it, and there was no dispute. He had always taken part in any decisions involving Armoria, even though he was not a council member, and people knew that. With the respect he had from the people, Lyla wasn’t sure why they hadn’t chosen him to be their leader instead of them. It gave her great confidence and assurance knowing William would be there every step of the way to guide them.
When the ceremony started, Lyla looked out at hundreds of people who were all standing in the large room. They didn’t think it wise to set up chairs for a short ceremony when people were going to dance afterwards anyway.
William had come up with a few lines to make it sound as professional as possible. He had gone over what he would say with the girls before it started, and they thought he had it well put together considering the short amount of time he had.
Everyone they knew was there. Thomas was standing next to his parents, and their grandfather was nearby, looking quite ch
arming in his tux. Giselle found Joseph, and was standing next to him with her arm around his. Charles was with his family, including his sister.
“We gather today to declare Lyla and Lilly Langston the new leaders of Armoria,” said William. The crowd clapped and cheered. “Please repeat after me. I, Lyla Langston, vow to accept the important duty of being a leader to the Armorian people.” Lyla repeated word for word without hesitation. “I promise to protect and serve to the best of my ability. I will be a courageous and strong leader until my position is appointed to another.” Lyla repeated once more, and then William turned to Lilly.
“I, Lilly Langston, vow to accept the important duty of being a leader to the Armorian people. I promise to protect and serve to the best of my ability. I will be a courageous and strong leader until my position is appointed to another.” Lilly repeated every word perfectly.
“I now pronounce you both the first leaders of Armoria.” He leaned in close and whispered in their ears. “Congratulations, my beautiful daughters. I couldn’t be more proud of you. I’m glad you have come to love Armoria just as much as I have. I know you will be great leaders.”
When everyone finally stopped applauding, they flooded through the room and began celebrating. Music filled the room and everyone was either dancing or discussing how wonderful they thought their new leaders were. It would change Armoria in a positive way.
“I am so proud of you both,” said Papa Joe as he walked up to Lyla and Lilly. He embraced them tightly and stepped back. His hands remained on their shoulders. “You know, I really do like this place. I may stay a while after all. William showed me where I will be staying, and I have the extra space to work on new inventions.”
“I’m so glad you decided to stay, Papa,” said Lilly. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
“Yes, and we can still visit the cottage every once in a while,” said Lyla. “It can be our perfect getaway.”
“I like that idea,” he said. “It is time for this old man to retire for the evening. It has been a while since I got a good night’s rest. Go now, enjoy yourselves. I’m sure a lot of people are going to want to speak with you.” He walked away and disappeared into the crowd.
He was right. People were lined up to congratulate them and assure them what great leaders they would be. They stood talking to people for a few hours before they were finally able to catch a break.
Thomas came behind Lyla and tapped her on the shoulder. As she turned right, he moved to the left to avoid being seen. He stood laughing and she shoved him back.
“Someone told me I needed to ask you to dance,” he said, still smiling. He gestured toward a couple in the crowd. Giselle and Joseph.
“Remind me to thank her later, even though I hope you would have asked yourself, even without her suggestion.”
“Of course I would have.”
Thomas pulled her to the dance floor as they played a slow song. Lilly had been pulled away by Charles and had disappeared somewhere in the crowd. She was unaware if Lilly had accumulated any feelings for him yet, but she thought there was a chance. Lyla hated that she could not see Lilly, but she knew Charles would take care of her. She knew Lilly would be okay, but losing her like she had made Lyla overprotective.
Lyla held her head against Thomas’s chest as they danced.
“Something is troubling you,” he said as he pulled her chin up to him. He was right, although she didn’t know how he knew.
“It’s just…” She hesitated. “…what if Damien still has the ability to control me? How can I be a leader of these people if he can use me as a weapon against them? If I hurt any of these people…”
Thomas stopped her before she could continue. “You broke free of his control. You did that. Evil cannot hold power over you unless you allow it to. Damien no longer has control over you, and if he did, you are strong enough to break that connection. You will be a great leader, you and your sister, I have no doubt about it.”
She said nothing, and let his words sink into her mind. She knew he was right, but she still had to wonder about the possibilities. She placed her head on his chest once more, breathing in the smell of his cologne, and feeling his heart beat. This was the perfect night.
“Lyla,” Thomas said.
“Yeah.” She didn’t move, and her eyes remained closed.
“Would you like to spend the day in the cave tomorrow?”
“I would love to.”
Chapter 29
It was the first night Lyla had not have a night terror in ages. She had finally had a normal dream. She woke up early in order to prepare for her and Thomas’s day in the cavern. She took a bath and pulled on a pair of jeans and a cardigan. She was ready to run up to Thomas’s room when she found a note posted on the inside of her door. She wondered how she did not hear him come in.
Lyla,
Meet me on the shore when you are ready. I have a special surprise for you.
Love, Thomas
Lyla’s heart jolted after reading the letter. He had a surprise for her? What could it be? She was a bit disappointed she didn’t get to walk with Thomas, but she remembered how to get there, so she didn’t mind.
She walked by Lilly’s room and saw that the door was open, so she stepped in just a few feet, finding her sound asleep in her bed. She was happy to have Lilly here with her once more. She couldn’t imagine walking past her empty room, knowing that she would never return. It would have slowly killed her inside.
She stepped out of the room and quietly walked down the stairs and out the door before anyone noticed her, although it was so early that she didn’t think anyone would be awake anyway.
The air was cool and the slight wind gave her a chill. She climbed down the rocky side of the cliff the same exact way Thomas had shown her before. She was trying to be extra careful, because dawn had not yet approached, and she did not want to fall. The only light was the brightness that cascaded from the full moon. She did as well as she could to maneuver her way down and avoid the jagged edges of the steep cliff. She felt relieved when her feet met with the sand at the bottom and she found Thomas waiting on the shoreline in front of the entrance to their secret spot, just like he said he would. He had his hands behind his back and was pacing back and forth. Surely, he wasn’t nervous to see her after all the time they had spent together.
“Is something wrong?” Lyla asked. She must have startled him, because she saw his muscles tense as he quickly turned toward her.
“No,” he said. “I was just waiting for you.” He smiled and reached his hand out to her. She grabbed his hand and followed him into the cave.
“I was very happy when you asked me to spend the day with you,” said Lyla. “Especially, in this place, because it has been so long since we’ve been able to relax and be alone. I know it’s been…”
She stopped talking when they reached their spot in the cave. It was the same beautiful place with the starry ceiling and blue water, but a blanket was spread out on a flat rock with a woven basket placed just at the edge of it. A trail of flower petals led from the doorway of the cave and surrounded the blanket.
“What is this?” Lyla said. She couldn’t keep herself from smiling. This is why Thomas came here early. He had set up all of this for her.
“Is it too much? I just thought we would have a romantic day together.”
“No, it’s absolutely breathtaking.”
“Good! I just wanted to do something special for you. I thought you deserved it after everything you have been through.”
“It’s perfect.”
She kissed him and sat on the blanket. Thomas followed her lead and began rummaging through the basket. In the basket was strawberries and a bundle of green grapes as well as a bottle of red wine.
They spent hours talking and laughing with one another. They made silly jokes and reminisced about the good times of their past before and after they got to know each other.
The strawberries were gone as well as half of the
wine bottle. Lyla wasn’t sure how the day could get any better. It really was a major relief after everything they had been through, and this was more than perfect. Thomas had definitely impressed her, and she could not have imagined anything better.
Lyla got up to stretch her legs out, since they had been sitting for so long. She stood by the water and stared at the starry illusion above them. She would never understand its mysterious beauty.
Thomas came up behind her and wrapped his hands around her waist. He kissed her neck and then slowly turned her around so that she was facing him. Together they danced to the silent sound of nothingness that filled the cave. He pulled away from her and stared into her bright blue eyes. He had never seen anything more beautiful.
“Lyla, the reason I brought you here is because I…well I…”
His hands were slightly shaking and sweaty. He could feel his heart beating faster as it beat over and over again. He licked his dry lips and took a deep breath. “Lyla, I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I do know that I love you. I know that every time I see you I smile, and if I don’t on the outside, I want you to know my heart is, on the inside. You are the only thing I think about, night and day. I know that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I know you are the only one for me. You’re the only person I want to spend the rest of my life with.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar golden ring with a tiny diamond. Lyla was almost in tears by the beautiful words he had spoken to her. She gasped and pulled her hand to her mouth.
“This is my mother’s ring.”
“Yes,” said Thomas. “I wanted to give this to you as a promise that I will always love you and be here for you.”
“And I promise to love you and be here for you also.”
He smiled as he took the ring and placed it on her finger, hoping that one day he would replace it with a wedding ring. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
He pulled her up and carried her over to the blanket. He gently placed her on her back, still kissing her lips. She slid her hands under his shirt, around to his back, all the way up to his spine, and then from his chest down to his abs. Although she wanted more and more, it took every ounce of her self-control to restrain herself from going too far, but she soon realized that she didn’t have to.
Aftermath_The Armorian Chronicles Page 29
