Bloom: The Kingdom of Archer Series: Book I

by J Rose

  "And we will respect it. King Thomas, Prince Parker," Councilmen Green began turning to look at them.

  "You may leave with her now. Though I hope this is a choice you can live with," Councilmen Green spoke, his gaze directed toward me once more.

  "Me too," I think to myself.

  "You are going to regret this," Maxwell hisses out angrily, his gaze not leaving mine making my breath lack. I can feel my knees wanting to give out, the only thing keeping me steady is Parker who I'm clinging onto as we watch Maxwell and his father leave.

  "We should go," King Thomas says before he turns to the council.

  "Thank you," He says quietly, only receiving a nod of approval.

  My legs seemed to stay glued to the floor. It wasn't until I felt Parker give me a soft nudge, still in his Nova form, that my feet began to move. He stayed like that, in Nova form until we reached the car. His eyes shifted from side to side and his posture rigid. Shifting back to his human form only when he was sure Maxwell was gone. Parker’s eyes seemed to be expressing so much too fast that I could not seem to read him. Then again, I never could. Maybe it was my own fear that did not allow me to read him clearly. Still, I could not look at him at the moment. Not now when I knew what I had done. Getting into the car while King Thomas handed Parker new clothes I couldn't help but feel guilt weighing me down like a ton of bricks. I'd caused all of this. Maxwell's words resonated in my mind.

  "You are going to regret this!" And I knew he meant it… Hearing the car door open Parker came in sitting next to me though my eyes remained glued to the window outside.

  Slowly the car began to move and with the silence from King Thomas and Parker, my thoughts began to drift. I'd forced him… Parker… I had made myself permanently stuck to him knowing full well he did not like me. I knew he did not love me, much less care about me. Even so, he had fought for me. Even if there was no need to do so. He could have retreated. He could have handed me off to Maxwell Cray without a second thought, but he didn't… Why?… And then… there was me…

  Why had I chosen him?... Even after so long, even after what happened between us so many years ago I was not afraid of him. Not the way Maxwell Cray made me shake with terror. Maxwell was too much like my own father. I knew if I had chosen him I would somehow find myself back in that basement, in that fire, with no Parker to save me… Parker.

  His eyes were confusing, much like his actions had always been. There was fear yes, but the kind that I could only explain as being disarmed. All the flaws, the bad, the ugly. Every single thing that was wrong with me he knew about. My past, my pain, everything. That scared me. I'd always done a good job at hiding who I was. I'd always known how to hide how I felt, and yet, Parker Archer could see past all that and he could understand it. With him I never feared for my safety or that he would harm me.

  Though his words back then, five years ago had hurt me far more than I would like to admit to myself, there had been no real malice in his words. That part I could never understand. Had he meant what he had said back then? Had he not? There was so much confusion regarding him, Parker. I was only sure of one thing. I do not nor have I ever been truly afraid of Parker Archer.

  #

  The next few days back to Archer were a blur. I found myself moving when and if we ever did stop though my memory is completely blank as to what I said or did. My mind had shut itself down from anything else that did not include the previous days. It seemed like seconds had only passed as I stood in front of the council. Then again time had stood still for me because I had solidified my own fate alongside Parker and had sealed my death with Maxwell.

  “Lyric." Hearing my name caused me to jump having been deep within myself concentrating only on my thoughts.

  "We're back at the castle," Parker says, his voice soft and calm, almost comforting. Without a word, finding myself unable to speak to him I exit the car and head inside the castle with him and King Thomas, who is walking ahead of us.

  As soon as we enter the living room, I can see Spencer and Crystal. Relief is in both their eyes and though I can see Crystal and Spencer both wanting to ask questions Parker speaks up.

  "Father can explain. I'd like to speak with Lyric alone," Parker says, his words caused me to tense.

  "I… Sure," Crystal speaks up but I can feel my heart plummet at Parker’s words. Talk? Was this where he would tell me to leave? Would he make me go away? Would he yell at me with anger for choosing him?

  Parker doesn't say anything more to them. Instead, takes my hand and leads me upstairs to what should be our room. Closing the door behind us he simply let go of my hand and I found myself moving toward the large desk; while he himself drifted to the window to look out at the courtyard. It's dead quiet once more. For what seems like hours. All I could do was wait. Wait until he exploded and yelled while looking down at my hands fidgeting nervously.

  “Lyric," He spoke. His voice only making my nerves increase.

  "I’m sorry," I heard myself say my heart racing. Still, I could not bring myself to look up at him.

  "You didn't have to fight for me," I heard myself saying. At my words, he remained quiet and I could no longer speak.

  For what felt like hours, but was only minutes, we remained in silence until Parker spoke up.

  "Lyric look at me," He began. His voice soft as he reached his hand up to my chin in order for me to look at him. His eyes connecting with mine. His expression was something that I could not recognize. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. Everything from today and from so many years ago floods up to resurface.

  "Why?" I questioned him.

  "You don't care about me. So why help me? Why save me when you could have just let me die or let me be taken by Maxwell?" I asked feeling myself break down in tears.

  This was the first time I had ever let myself cry in front of him. The first time I had willingly let him see the weakest and most fragile part of myself.

  "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," He spoke up and for the first time, I could hear the pain in his voice.

  "What I did. What I said to you all those years ago. I was wrong. If I could take it back, I would. Because I didn't mean what I said back then. I never did," He said. His words sink into my head slowly though I couldn't look at him. Not while I was still crying.

  "I. I was an idiot who didn't know how to react to what you made me feel, and when I realized who you were the damage had been done. I. I know I can't take it back," He spoke.

  “What I made him feel?” I thought to myself. His words made me confused as to what that was. Reaching his hand towards mine he pulled me away from my thoughts and made me finally look up at him. His eyes were filled with pain and unshed tears.

  Why? ... Why was this his reaction? I couldn’t understand him. His words almost felt unreal.

  "But I want to make it up to you," He says, his voice calm.

  "Why?" I want to ask and somehow he seemed to understand because he then spoke. His next words paralyzing me.

  "I love you."

  "I love you and I know you don't feel that way. Maybe you never will. And I know it's my fault," He says looking down unable to meet my eyes.

  "I promised myself that I would respect your decision. If you chose him. Then… Then I'd let you go," He says. His words linger between us. His eyes are filled with so much grief as he looks at me once again. His expression is of someone who he had lost something, a part of himself, maybe something more. I could see the pain in his eyes so clearly at the moment this made me want to look away unable to withstand that look in his eyes. My own chest tightened because the pain in his eyes felt so familiar to me.

  "I know you're afraid of me. I know you hate me, and I know I don't deserve you. But all I'm asking for is a chance Lyric… A chance with you…" He says. His gaze penetrating my own.

  Even when I’d heard everything he’d said to me my mind drew a blank. I could not comprehend what he had declared. I felt so confused, there were so many contradicting thoughts running throug
h my head. I felt a twister of questions and jumbled emotions rise within me. I couldn’t phrase words much less a sentence to answer something that I could not yet comprehend.

  "I don't expect you to answer now. I just hope you consider it," He says. Letting go of my hand Parker silently leaves, closing the door behind him, leaving me to linger in the quiet of the night. His words resonating in my head.

  "I Love you."

  #

  (Parker)

  There was such a calm at the moment. The way things usually are before a storm. I couldn’t concentrate on anything else but her. Lyric. What would her decision be? Would there really be a decision to make?… The worst thing she could do for herself would be to choose him. Then again, maybe being with him would give her some sort of peace. I could be wrong about him, but I knew I couldn’t be. Maxwell Cray was as despicable as his King and father. King Charles Cray.

  “Parker.” Turning to face the voice that was calling for me I saw Brad’s mate Jane. Her eyes showed disdain and hatred though whether that was because of who I was to Lyric or because I was friends with Brad I really couldn’t tell.

  Her eyes were fierce, somehow reminding me of Crystal when she was angry, and her mouth was pressed into a thin line while she looked at me.

  “Brad’s waiting for you downstairs,” I tell her, but she doesn’t respond and only turns to walk down the hall. Jane’s rather tall, though she should be, seeing as Brad is a good six feet tall. She doesn’t move from where she’s standing on the stairs. Her shoulders are tense while she clutches the stair rail tightly. She doesn’t speak nor does she move from her place. Instead, she shakes her head slowly before she turns to look at me, her eyes blaze with rage.

  “No. This isn’t right,” Jane speaks walking back towards me almost stomping and reminding me of a child.

  “You and Brad are both the same. You’re selfish and you don’t care about what we think? If we hurt? Or if what you do is going to cause us pain?” She says before silence overcomes her.

  I could see her facade crumble, the anger evaporating from her eyes and only leaving hurt and tears.

  “She doesn’t have a choice here does she?” Jane whispered, her tone melancholic. It takes me a while to realize Jane is no longer talking about her own feelings but of Lyrics’.

  “She has a choice,” I hear myself say, and the girl scoffs, her eyes once again fill with hate.

  “Not very good ones. This isn’t about good or bad. This is about bad or worse. They’re both not good options. You’re not a good option!” Jane snaps in anger. Her words don’t make me mad and they don’t offend me because I know she’s right.

  “She should have been mated to someone else. Someone who does love her like-” She doesn’t finish whatever she wants to say instead, Jane shakes her head once again.

  “People like you and Brad don’t deserve soulmates,” Jane says walking away from me, her words linger in my head.

  “Maybe I don’t deserve her. But I already love her.”

  #

  We’re all waiting for Lyric to come downstairs now. No one says a word, an air of worry and melancholy stiffen the room leaving no room to breathe. Everyone knows there’s a high chance I might lose her today. Father is the only one who seems relaxed, the expression on his face calm. Soft footsteps are heard before Lyric is downstairs. When I take her in, there is a second where I forget to breathe. Every single time. Even five years ago. This had always been my reaction. Just like that the house is gone and we’re in that school hallway.

  I find myself not wanting to look but my heart already knows she’s coming.

  *Bump Ba-bump, Bump*

  I have the urge to fidget, to fix my jacket and look at her. Only this time; when she stands next to me, I can see her eyes. Her face has changed and once again. I’m reminded of today and where we are going.

  “Parker,” Crystal speaks her voice interrupting my thoughts. She grabs a hold of Lyric first hugging her tightly her blue eyes linger with worry

  “Do what you think is best for you,” She whispers to her, for just a second my eyes and Lyrics’ meet before she turns away.

  “Be safe. Both of you,” Crystal says taking Lyrics’ hand and lacing it around my arm. She doesn’t say anything and neither do I, nor does she pull away. Instead, Lyric allows this small contact and I feel my own heart race, not only for love but with worry.

  “We should go,” My father speaks up and all I can do is follow him out with Lyric to the car.

  #

  The ride there is quiet. No one says a word as we travel for the next few days. I can see Lyric looking out the window her face is emotionless. At times I can see flickers of fear in her eyes and just like that they’re gone, replaced with that void expression once again. Over and over this cycle continues until finally, we arrive. I know that she’s just as afraid as I am because her hands don’t stop shaking while she clutches them tightly on her lap. I want to hold her hand, to try to ease some tension but I know not to. Because I know she wouldn’t want me to touch her, much less comfort her.

  “We’re here,” Our driver announces.

  The gates are large, extended for miles and miles and the building seems to be taller than both Kingdoms castles. Neutral ground. This was supposed to be where things would be worked out fairly. But I found myself questioning how fair this would actually be.

  So many things were running through my head but I realized that there was nothing I could do. All I had left was to hope that the council somehow decided she was better staying with me than with Cray.

  “Trust the council. Whatever decision they make should be the right one for all three of you,” My father says but I could see uncertainty in his eyes and so could Lyric.

  The creaking of the large gates was heard and I could see fear flickering in Lyrics eyes once again, her hands were tightly clasped together shaking. She walked behind us trying to hide her own emotions and there was nothing that I wanted to do more than to take hold of her. Still, I complied with what I knew she wanted and kept to myself. In the distance, I could see a Nova guard standing in front of the large door. His face showed no emotion as he simply bowed.

  “Wait here,” He spoke his voice firm but polite as he entered the large doors closing them behind him.

  “Parker,” My father spoke up motioning to Lyric who was a few paces away lost in her own thoughts.

  I could see the terror in her eyes and I knew that she was afraid. Whether she was aware of how much she was shaking I wasn’t sure, but I knew I wanted her to be okay.

  “Don’t be scared,” I spoke to her. Her eyes looked up at me in question.

  “Nothing is going to happen to you,” I managed to say but then I saw it. The terror in her eyes. Her body tensed. Though the shaking had stopped her eyes portrayed horror. Instincts kicked in and I didn’t have to turn around to know who was approaching. I only confirmed what I already knew when he spoke.

  “I’m glad to see you brought her Archer. I was starting to think you’d keep her away from me again and I’d have to go into your Kingdom to get her back.” Maxwell spoke. Based on his tone I knew he was trying to get a rise out of me. However, I realized doing so would only push the council to hand Lyric over to him and I wasn’t going to allow him to take her from me.

  Watching Lyric from the corner of my eye I could see her hands begin to shake once again at the way Maxwell was staring at her.

  “Don’t let him see you like this,” I thought to myself taking her hand and giving it a squeeze to try to calm her down.

  “Cray,” I spoke not missing the anger that flashed in his eyes as he looked at my hand and hers.

  “You could try. But I’m sure the council wouldn’t approve.” I continued to say. He was quiet after that, his eyes fixated on my own hand that was tightly holding on to Lyrics’. His eyes flashed with rage before he spoke venomously.

  “I don’t need the council’s permission for anything!” Whether it was because of my words
or because of that single gesture with Lyric I knew Cray was beyond angry.

  “Then why are you here?” I questioned.

  “Enough children,” My father spoke firmly, and I knew it was time to stop talking knowing the council would be taking every single detail and event into consideration.

  “Now, now. It’s all in good fun,” King Charles spoke though he put his hand on Maxwell’s shoulders trying to calm him as well.

  “I suppose so. But I don’t think you want my son to use yours as a chew toy,” My father spoke. I could see the anger in King Charles eyes at my fathers’ words.

  Somehow I had almost forgotten there was also a rivalry between the two kings but their actions reminded me that this was a cycle both kingdoms always had.

  “We shall see what the council has decided. Not that my son has anything to worry about. We always get the women of our choosing, don’t we son?” King Thomas spoke turning to Max whose eyes landed on Lyric possessively. Moving in front of her, I glared at him and Cray simply smirked.

  “Yes,” He said. Though he hadn’t said much, the message was loud and clear. He was not going to allow me to take her. Even if that was what would be decided.

  For what seemed like hours but was only mere minutes, silence and tension ruled us. We knew what this was. We knew what this meant. One of us would go home with Lyric. The other wouldn’t. The screech of the large hall door was heard once more and the guard from before appeared, his face tight as he spoke.

  “The council will see you now,” He said firmly before allowing us to enter. I could see her tense again. Lyric. But I knew I couldn’t speak and at the time knowing what we were about to face I could not seem to find my own voice. Instead, I opted to comfort her in the only way I could