Mia
Summer, a wonderful season for vegetable harvesting. The tender and fresh look each vegetable tells the patience and yet struggle they flow with time.
"Need any help mother" he said as he drew his burlap sack close to mine
I smiled as my hand found it's way to his face and caressed it. Time did tell on us, yet... he hasn't left my heart. His smile, his eyes somehow do tell me not to worry, he'll still come back. Have hope and don't give up. Keep waiting, I promise it will be alright.
"thank you my son. But I'm fine. We need to hurry back. Your grandmother would be waiting." I said
Having the burlap sacks filled with vegetables in the crate behind the horse, I joined in and Noah boldly rode back to our abode.
Nothing had changed much, of course I grew older and Noah...handsomer looking much more like Him everyday.
"Would you look at that, I can't believe how tough you've become now" mother teased Noah as we arrived.
"Grandmother" he chuckled "I'm man enough to care for you and mother" he said as he gave her a soft kiss on her cheek.
I smiled, her heart melted.
"I would join Caleb as soon as I have the sacks down" He said.
He hurried to the crate and had the sacks out.
"You should be careful." I said as I noticed his presence behind the house.
"Yes mother I will." he said hurriedly
"I don't want you going near the palace" I emphasized.
He hesitated "Yes mother. Our path doesn't cross there" he said.
"Good" I said with satisfaction.
"Alright mother, love you." he pecked my cheek and hurried off.
"be safe" I whispered.
"You really don't have to tell him that you know?" Mother said.
"i don't need anymore complications" I defended
"you can't deny fate or destiny." she said
"This is our destiny" I said
"or so you think" she smiled and walked into the house and I joined later pondering on her last words.
Noah
"What took you so long?" Caleb asked as he saw me approach the local inn
"Had to help my mother" I said as I sat on the bench opposite his
"Here" he threw a piece of meat at me
"Come on" he patted my shoulder as he walked ahead
We ran through the village square taking advantage of the opportunity to train our legs to knowing speed.
"Beat you this time." I laughed as we arrived at our destination
"That's because you took a shortcut" he rolled his eyes as he exposed our wooden swords from beneath the soil.
"well you just need to learn to be smarter" I smirked.
"Okay then, smartie, let's see how much of this smartness you're going to use in fighting. I challenge you" he tossed a sword at me.
"You're on" I smiled as I charged at him.
He blocked my move with his sword and pushed me away. Slightly unbalanced, he launched at me and I made a swift move to my left to avoid him from hitting me, quickly he turned to me and our swords clashed. I stepped on him and he withdrew, allowing me to have buoyancy over him. I directed my sword to his sides but swiftly his sword held mine. Quickly he kicked me, I fell and just immediately I regained balance. He charged, not giving me a chance to think through, I weaved his launch and found myself behind him. I turned quickly I kicked his back. He stumbled but didn't loose balance. Facing me he charged and hit my hand with his sword. Pain greeted and that angered me. I launched at him and directed my sword to his side but he missed it. His sword forced towards me, I took careful steps back until my sword held his and freed it from His grip.
"You're getting better" He smirked
"I'm just starting" I chuckled.
My leg hit his and he fell to the floor. Pointing my sword at him, I gave a victory look.
"Again" I said satisfied
"You got lucky" he scowled.
"Indeed" I said as I helped him up.
"Do you think we should become palace soldiers?" he suggested as we fell on the grass to rest.
"I would have loved to. I just don't know how mother would accept that" I sighed.
"What really does she has against the palace?" Caleb
I sat up in realization that I never gave it a thought. "I don't know." I frowned. "She never told me anything." I paused
"Well whatever that happened must have been unpleasant and caused her hatred for the palace" he suggested.
"Whatever it is, I'll find out. I believe it has something to do with my Father"
"Maybe" he shrugged. "Come on, we have to leave now" he added.
We got up and walked back home. The thought of who my father was, what happened to him comes to me sometimes. Most times, I just want to believe he's dead so I never have to worry. But mother never said so, she tells me my Father would have loved to be with me, and she knows that he loves me.
Then why? Why leave us for so many years? Why not come looking for us? If he couldn't then He's a coward and I have no Father.
Alex
I closed the book and it felt like I closed my life, my memories. How long have I been in here? Time really is not giving me a chance. Mia I miss you. Her memories, I just couldn't move on. I tried but I couldn't. my peace and solitude was with her. I do regret my actions. I shouldn't have lingered. I should have told her everything. And I'm willing to do the right thing now. Whatever it would take, I would do it. I want Mia back....and my son Noah.
"Father" a voice called sharply.
I left my thoughts to meet with reality.
"Yes Francis" I answered
"You weren't present for my Inauguration as the Archery master " he said.
"I apologize, I had delicate matters to deal with coincidentally" I sighed
"I apologize for asking this father, but do I bore you a lot? You give me reasons to wonder if you really wanted me be born" he said. "I do hope I can put more efforts and do my best to make you proud" he bowed and left not giving me the chance to say anything.
Francis is tough and strong. Somewhat gentle but still give me that feeling of doubt of not knowing who really he is.
I won't deny that I haven't been too attentive towards him. I'm in a trap, I can't be with him and not think of Noah and then rush of guilt covers me. I have to fix this mess and stop being a coward. Francis has done no wrong, he shouldn't suffer my mistakes. I must fix it all.
My negligence still hasn't made me found my Father's killer. This really was why I didn't want to be King. Fear to take responsibilities. But I have to face that fear now and do what's right.
"You don't have any reason why shouldn't have been present" she said.
Silent yet knavish, charming yet deceitful. I feel no love but just a compulsory royal bond.
"Our discussions have nothing to do with you. Francis is my son, I love him and I can only do my best to make things right." I said.
"Just a gentle request, don't be too hard on him. You know...he's the only son you have...this town's next king." she caressed my face as she whispered into my ears.
"Leave" I said sternly
"You know I speak nothing but truth." she smirked. "Whether you like it or not, He's going to be King and I'm preparing Him for that." she loured and walked out.
Her words had bitterness and selfishness. Arenila had always been domineering and would do anything to get what she wants. Her threats don't scare me or throw me off balance which makes her want to try harder looking for any possible weak point she can use.
Noah
Mother's head was on my chest as we gently and quietly await the dreamland to take us away.
"Mother" I called suddenly remembering my conversation with Caleb
"I want to be a soldier." I dropped
My words caused her to sit up slowly and I followed.
"Noah..."
"I don't know what you have against the palace and why you've refused to tell me." I said and she turned her face away from me.
I knew she was about to cry. She did that each time she's hurt.
"mother" I called softly and turned her face to me "I'm sorry" I whispered as I rested my forehead on hers.
She cupped my face and rubbed my face slightly.
"You know, you look a lot like your Father. Sometimes I forget and think you're him" she smiled. "I won't stop you from doing what you want. I just don't want to loose you too." she sighed
"And you won't mother. I'll always come back to you." I assured "I promise"
I hugged her and finally caught up with sleep.