39

BRICE

We watch the sunset as the sky transitions from a baby blue to a fusion of oranges and pinks.

By the time we're done with the second bottle and have eaten as much as we can, the moon shines brightly in contrast to the blue-black backdrop with a few stars twinkling in between.

I don't think I'll ever look at a sunset, hell even the sun, the same way again. Her name is the embodiment of them both – Soleil – my little sunshine.

I call the driver to pick us up and a few minutes later we're on the way back to the beach house. Not even five minutes into the drive and Soleil is passed out. Her head rests on my shoulder with her lips slightly parted. I'm sure she's exhausted considering the day's activities. The liquor must have pushed her over the edge. I adjust her body to a more comfortable position placing her head on my chest and wrapping my arms around her as I stretch out on the seat and lean back.

As great as today has been, I can't rid myself of the unease that's been hanging over me like a bad omen. Despite trying to sedate my worry with wine, I'm alert and more anxious than before. I brush my thumb over Soleil's full lips and tip her chin up with my forefinger. They come together in a perfect bow shape before they pop open once more yet she doesn't stir. I envy her ability to just shut off once she's had enough. I'm the complete opposite and can stay up for days at a time when I'm bothered.

The car arrives and I carry her bridal style into the pool house not wanting to rouse her. She was adamant that she'd done more exercise today than she was used to and her legs would be useless by tomorrow. I chuckle at the thought. She's lucky I don't need to put her down to open the door. I manipulate the moisture in the air to slide it open.

Her eyes flutter open when I place her on the mattress of our bed.

"Sorry, I fell asleep," she mutters rubbing her eyes.

"Shhhh, don't worry about it." I take off her shoes and kiss her forehead. "Go back to sleep."

I watch her roll over and snuggle into the pillow before I head out. I would love nothing more than to join Soleil in bed and hold her in my arms, but my senses are heightened. I'm wired as if primed for a fight. Instead of letting my imagination run wild, I decide to take a trip to the God's plane.

I strip off my shirt and kick off my sandals as I take the short path leading from the house to the beach. I swim a good distance out to sea before I take a deep breath and dive down. The longest recorded free dive is 200m. I break 500m before I feel it - the pull of the portal.

I push myself a little further and soon find myself swallowed in the whirlpool. Whereas before I was swimming downward, I now have to swim up. I break the surface and emerge on the other side to the astral plane that is Thierry's domain.

The darkness of the night is replaced by light when I look up. There are no luminaries here but there's always light. The beings that live here don't tire and need sleep like humans do.

The water is an electric blue and the beaches are sandy white. It looks like paradise. All the structures are colossal in stature and made of what looks like whitewashed marble. The domed buildings are coloured in blue complementing the ocean. They're erected against a backdrop of green where nature weaves its way throughout with leaves, vines, and water in various pools and fountains.

I head towards the citadel, greeting familiar faces along the way. I note the soldiers who are in training, more soldiers than I remember seeing the last time I was here. Their exercises are brutal, and the combat they engage in is ruthless. I'm a well-built guy for my age at 6ft and 180 pounds but in comparison to these men, I'm small. My stature is laughable whenever I enter into the ring with one of them.

"What is going on?" I ask one of the men I've sparred with who looks like he's leaving the training grounds.

He's dressed in blue leather and stands at 8ft, no less than 300 pounds of lean muscle and godlike power.

"Lord Le Mers told us to prepare for battle," he replies.

"Where is he?"

"We haven't seen him in a while."

I nod my head in acknowledgement and hasten my stride taking the steps two or three at a time as I make my way into the palace. I check his chambers first. It's where he spends most of his time watching, reading, and strategizing.

I push the heavy white doors open and look around the expansive room. There doesn't seem to be anyone in here. I walk around to his table where I see the map of the worlds he rules over, including his subjects, projected in mid air. I'm about to leave and check the throne room when I hear the rustling of papers in the corner.

Moving towards the sound, I notice Cod going through scrolls and loose-leafed pages stacked as high as he is tall.

"Cod, what is going on?"

"Oh, Master Brice!"

His beady eyes roam in every direction. He drops the open scroll in his hands and disappears around the corner. I follow him and watch as he slides the ladder a few feet along the stacked shelves before he makes the ascent about 12 feet up.

He stacks one book on top of the other moving the ladder back and forth. They float in midair next to him and come down with his descent. I grab the floating stack and hold them out of his reach. I don't like being ignored.

"Cod!"

"Master, I don't know. The Lord is gone! The throne is gone!"

He wrings his little hands in nervousness before returning to the pile of papers he was buried in. He begins sorting through the pages and re-rolling the scrolls.

"What do you mean by gone?"

"A few days ago Lord Le Mers received a summons from the Counsel of Thrones. He has yet to make a return.

"What do you mean by summons? Who is this counsel?"

"Oh my! He never told you? Oh dear! He hasn't explained that about our world has he? Where do I start?"

He drops a scroll mid-roll in favour of working his wrists instead and starts pacing. He's demeanor is contagious. I feel myself grow in unease.

"Just answer my questions in the most succinct way possible," I say trying to reign in the rising tide of emotion.

"A summons is a court order and the Counsel of Thrones are the highest order among the immortals. They rule over us all."

"So, you're telling me Thierry has gone to court?"

"Yes, Master."

"What has he been charged with?"

"I don't know Master. The summons came sealed only to be broken by the one it is meant for."

This doesn't sound good. Even on Earth, most men tended to avoid the courts like a plague. My father always chose to settle rather than be brought before a judge. Doesn't look like Thierry got that option in this realm.

"What did you mean when you said the throne is gone?"

"Come with me."

Cod hurries his way back to the heavy double doors that open as he approaches and slams shut when we step into the expansive halls. We make our way into the throne room which sits empty - not a soul in sight.

"Do you see?"

The golden light that shines on the dais highlights the missing seat of power. Thierry's throne is gone.

"What does this mean?" I ask, my voice faint.

"I don't know. I've been looking for answers."

"How can I help? What do you need me to do?"

"You must go back young, Master – back to the world of men. It is not safe for you here. Without Master Le Mers as Lord of the plane, we're open to a coup. Most of the army is here but I don't know what they'll do in his absence, especially the superiors. A vacuum of power must always be filled."

"I can't." How can I go back and pretend that everything is okay and continue with my holiday? "I need to stay."

"You don't understand. These cases have been known to take months, sometimes years. You must go back. You must complete the trials and Labours to be eligible to rule in your own right."

I didn't want to, but I knew he was right. I was only a halfling. I was still young and had yet to win my trident. In the event of battle, I would be weak on this side. My advantage only resided in the world of the mortals where I stood as a god among men.

"Fine. Lock up the chambers and this room. The army appears to be occupied. At the first sign of trouble come see me immediately. As soon as you find something I want to know about it."

"Yes, Master. I will bring you news as soon as I have the information I seek or if I hear word from him or if there are any changes around here," replied Cod, his eyes moving rapidly looking everywhere and nowhere in particular.

He really was a pitiful creature. Between his fish head and small stature, he didn't pose much of a threat to anyone. I didn't have much of a choice though. I had to trust that he'd manage. He'd survived for half a millennia somehow.

I made my way out of the palace with my head held high despite my spirit feeling low. I couldn't show any signs of weakness. I had gotten to the root of my worries and now felt even worse. I caught the stare of some curious onlookers but that was nothing new. I paid them no mind. I may be an outsider to them but I was born to rule and they were made to serve.

The various rings of soldiers in training were still going strong. I had to train harder, and become stronger. No matter the challenges that lie ahead, I must overcome them.

I reach the white sandy beaches and swim into the clear blue waters. The illusion of paradise bellies the reality at play. I take a deep breath and dive back in looking for the portal to take me to the other side.

I'm soon sucked into the whirlpool and spit out on the other side. Halfway up to the surface, a strong hand grabs a hold of my ankle. I attempt to kick whoever it is off me but they're quite strong. I'm about 100m deep in the ocean and know whoever I'm dealing with is not human.

I summon my spear ready to strike the creature who thought it was a good idea to attack me. These seafolk like to toy with me. Tonight, I'm not in the mood. I use the rod as a conduit for my power and strike down. The water around me lights up. I don't hit anything but I'm set free. I take a minute and stay still looking around the dark waters. I see the scales of a tail swim past just out of the light's reach and a few moments later, her face becomes clearer as she approaches me - Ariel.

This time, she takes hold of my hand and pulls me with her to the surface.

"I could have killed you," I tell her.

The smile on her face is as bright as her blue eyes that glow in the dark. She throws her head back and laughs.

"You're stronger than I remember young prince but not that strong."

I haven't seen her since she was beached. If Thierry knew she was back in the waters, she'd already be dead. Shit! That means he's really gone.

"What do you want?"

"To make a deal. I know what you're looking for and I'm willing to help you if you help me."

This already sounds like a bad idea.

How much worse can things get? The least I can do is hear her out.

SOLEIL

I wake up confused and rub the sleep from my eyes. Why's it still dark outside? I wonder how long I've been asleep. Whether it's too early for the sun to be out or still the dead of night. I stretch out my hand and feel the empty space beside me. I sit up. Brice's side of the bed is made. Has he not come to bed yet?

I get out of bed and check my phone on the nightstand. It's 10:45 PM. We left the beach around 8 PM which means I've been out for a couple of hours. I walk around the cottage looking for him even though I know he's not here. I don't know how and as crazy as it sounds, I can sense when he's near.

I change into a cotton set of PJs – navy blue shorts and a matching long shirt that covers it completely. I put on my slippers and head to the main house. I can hear the TV blasting all the way from the door. As I walk past the kitchen, I notice the island is filled with all kinds of snacks. I grab a packet of sweet chili Doritos from the assortment in search of company. Maybe he's hanging out with everybody else. It looks like a party.

The door is closed and when I walk in the lights are dimmed. Everyone is spread out from the couches to the floor watching the movie playing on screen. A few pairs of eyes turn in my direction before their focus shifts back. I do a quick survey but don't see him.

"Come in," says Hidde.

He pats the empty spot on the sofa next to him invitingly. I oblige and close the door behind me.

"What are we watching?"

"Fast and Furious."

I roll my eyes but choose peace and keep my mouth shut despite my misgivings. This franchise died in Tokyo alongside Paul Walker. RIP to the hottie.

I get comfortable and cross my legs placing the party bag in the cradle they create. Olivier scoots over from the floor and climbs up on the sofa next to me. He doesn't say a word. Just sticks his large hand into the bag and pulls out a handful of chips. He looks like a zombie. I swear this guy is always eating but who am I to judge?

"Impossible!" one of the boys cries out when a car goes flying out of one building and drives into the next.

"Shut up!" someone else shouts throwing popcorn.

After an hour or so, the door opens and I look up. I immediately meet Brice's steel gaze. He comes in, closes the door and walks over to the couch. He stares down Olivier who moves back to the floor taking what's left of my Doritos with him.

I want to ask Brice where he's been but decide to shelve that conversation for later. His hair is wet, and his skin is cold as he wraps him arm around me. Not that I was into the movie before, but I can't concentrate with him next to me now.

His fingers gently caress the skin of my leg however, his body is radiating tension. I wonder what happened between the picnic on the beach and now.

The movie comes to an end and Antonella says something in Italian.

"It's our turn," says Hailey standing up and taking control of the remote.

"Are you ready to go to bed or do you want to stay?" Brice speaks into the shell of my ear.

The timber of his voice ignites my nerves from my nipples to my core. The overextended nap I took has probably ruined my sleep for the night. I don't want to go to bed but I do want to spend some alone time with him. I wouldn't mind a repeat performance of last night sans the audience of one.

I turn to face him and notice the coolness in his eyes. Gone is the carefree guy from earlier when we were chilling on the beach. Not for the first time, I wonder what's wrong.

"I'm ready to go if you are."

He squeezes my thigh and slips his hand into mine as he stands up and pulls me up with him.

"That was fun. Goodnight," he says.

His tone is flat and denotes the sarcasm.

"You didn't even watch half of it," comments Olivier.

"I've watched it once and that was enough."

"Don't forget we're going to Oupa's tomorrow for lunch," calls out Hidde stretching his legs out on the space we just vacated.

Brice mutters something under his breath I don't catch before leading us out. We get back to the cottage and he immediately heads for the kitchen opening up the cupboards to retrieve a glass and procuring a bottle of Henny. He pours himself half a glass and downs it. He pours himself another and knocks it back.

Okay... something is definitely up.

I walk up to him now worried and wrap my arms around his waist, standing between him and the bottle,.

"What's wrong?" I ask, looking up at him trying to catch his eyes as he stares straight ahead.

"Nothing."

"You're going to have to lie better than that if you expect me to believe you."

"I wasn't lying. Let me rephrase. It's nothing that concerns you."

He walks out of my hold and snatches the bottle from the counter taking it straight to the head. I stare at his retreating back feeling rejected and hurt.

He swims like a fish and drinks like one too. You've got yourself quite the catch. Well done, Soleil! cheers my snarky subconscious.

Why am I like this?

Why is he being like this?

We had such a good day and now it's gone to shit. I wanted to spend some one on one time with him but it doesn't look like he even wants me here.

I follow him into the bedroom where he settles the bottle on his side of the bed. He pulls out a box of cigarettes from the drawer and places one in his mouth.

"I was only trying to help. Talking about it sometimes helps." I try encourage him to open up.

"If you want to help just drop it. Can't you see I don't want to talk about it?"

He walks past me with a lighter in hand.

I flop back on the bed defeated and let him be.

I wish I'd stayed with everyone else to watch another movie. Instead, I'm stuck with bad-mood Brice. I climb under the duvet and close my eyes knowing very well it's going to be a while before I get any sleep and I can't risk the questions that may come if I return to the main house and rejoin the group.

I hear Brice walks back into the bedroom and into the bathroom. The pungent smell of tobacco trails behind him. He slams the door shut and locks it for good measure. Damn. I get the message. He doesn't want my company. I feel my chest tighten and the back of my eyes sting.

I refuse to cry over this. He just needs some space to cool off and process whatever it is that's bothering him.

I get up and take the bottle back to the kitchen. I steal a couple of sips in the hopes it will aid in putting me to sleep. The taste is strong and burns its way down my throat as it settles on my chest. Brandy is not the one.

I make myself comfortable on the coach and reach for the remote, searching for something to watch on Netflix. I need senseless distraction and pick a reality TV show. 20 minutes in, I hear footfalls heading in my direction but pay him no mind. His rude ass climbs over the coach and squeezes his big body behind me.

"I'm sorry, Soleil."

I don't say anything. I simply stare at the screen even though my focus is on him. He kisses the back of my head and wraps his heavy arm around me. I don't know if this counts as our first fight but I let him be. When he's ready, I can only hope he opens up to me.

2024 / 03 / 15

WC: 3 405

Read ahead on REAM to chapter 51! Link in bio.