Zavier

"No!" Zavier and Wilder both said as they leapt from their seats.

They exchanged a look before focusing back on Lydia. Zavier could sense Alwyn staring at him but he didn't meet her gaze, not when all he could see was Lydia's terror when they'd been attacked in the park.

"I'm not letting you put yourself in danger like that," Wilder said, betraying fear and determination.

Lydia didn't argue and Zavier could see how even though she'd said it, she didn't want to do it. Her fingers were white from the intensity of her grip. Despite how she held herself, he noticed the uneven pattern of her breathing. Zavier wanted to reach out to her but held himself back.

"I don't think this is a path we can dismiss quite yet," Kristoff said, evenly. "Especially if Lydia were to travel with me."

"That is not going happen," Wilder said, staring daggers at the Prince.

Before Wilder could be angered enough that he threw an actual dagger, Thayer stood. The tension in the room eased at his calm countenance.

"I am putting an end to this discussion for today," he said. "We know all what we need. Tomorrow we will devise a plan. Wilder, son." Zavier caught Wilder's flinch at the title. "You look tired, go rest. We will find a solution, I promise you. Isla, Raif, I hope you will stay with us for the night or at least dinner."

With the plans laid to rest, everyone rose and began to talk amongst themselves. Only Lydia remained where she was. It seemed like she was caught in a waking nightmare of her own. Zavier gently touched her elbow and she roused herself.

"Princess."

She locked eyes with him and let out a slow breath as if he'd spoken the reminder to breathe.

"Zavier, Lydia."

They both turned and saw Thayer beckoning them to follow him. As they left the room, Zavier glanced back. Wilder stood at the table, clenching and unclenching his hands. Alwyn approached him but Zavier walked out the door before he could see what she did. His father led them to his study and took up a position behind his desk.

"I thought this would be best done without anyone watching. Your Highness," he said, softly. "I know that this is a challenging time, with so much uncertainty of what lays ahead. Though I wish I could give you a moment to process all you have heard, there is something that must be done."

Zavier eyed this father, trying to understand what he meant. Only when his father removed a long roll of parchment from his desk, did Zavier understand. Of course, one last step.

"Lydia, Zavier," Thayer said. "You both gave your word to the marriage alliance." He unrolled the parchment and Zavier stared at the two blank spaces at the bottom. "But if you feel you must refuse for any reason, this is the last chance to do so. Once this is signed, you are in agreement."

His father looked at Lydia kindly as if he hated to put this on her after the day's events. But Zavier saw how it was crucial right then. No matter what decisions were made, Lorian soldiers would be sailing to the West Isles to fight. That was not a small thing, lives would be given for the sake of another kingdom.

Zavier lifted his gaze to Lydia. Their last chance to say no.

As Zavier watched Lydia, he was struck by how different she appeared than moments ago. No longer was she uncertain or afraid. She dipped the quill into the ink and signed her name. Instead of holding out the quill for Zavier, she laid it down, giving him the option of picking it up.

Married. Prince consort. All the years of learning about ruling meaning something. Saving a kingdom.

Alwyn...

From the dimness of an alley, Zavier had watched as The Duke made its way into port. Alwyn stood on the rigging, her hair flowing behind her like threads of gold. Even from where he waited, Zavier knew she was smiling. The sea was home to her in a way it never was to Zavier.

As he stood there, he no longer could see Alwyn on the ship, but saw her inside the palace, at a ball, seated at a lavish banquet, dressed up and miserable.

To avoid that fate, he'd have to run away with her. But what life was that? Never seeing his family. Never able to settle for fear they'd be found. That was no life at all.

No matter how many ways Zavier tried to fix the situation at least one of them ended up losing. Which left only one path.

"I broke her heart, but I also gave her a life she wanted."

Dimitrius' words repeated in his head. Zavier couldn't steal Alwyn from this life and he couldn't join her in it.

Gathering his strength, Zavier retrieved a mirror from his pocket. He held it up catching bits of sunlight and directing them to Alwyn. She swung her head around, finding him. The smile she wore hurt Zavier, but it also solidified his resolve. He would be the one to steal that smile away from her, but it was in the hopes that she would find it again...someday.

The ship docked and Alwyn raced down the gangway, twisting around a horde of sailors. She ran towards him, vibrant, lively, and beautiful. Zavier saved this image of her, knowing his words would change everything.

When she drew near and reached for him, Zavier caught her arms. He wanted to kiss her, hold her. But if he did he wasn't sure he'd be able to do what was needed. Alwyn faltered at his action, a frown marring her brow.

"Zavier," she said, still happy but puzzled.

"Wyn," he said, lowering her arms to her side and taking a step back.

The distance wiped all of Alwyn's vibrancy away.

"I must apologize because..."

He held her gaze and saw as understanding shot through her.

"No," Alwyn said. "You can't be about to say what I think you are."

"I am."

Alwyn grabbed his arm. "But what about everything we said on the ship? What about the promise you made me? Zavier, what about all that?"

At the fierceness in her questions, Zavier knew the only way to do this was to cut right into it. She would hate him but she wouldn't be trapped with him.

"I have agreed to marry the West Isles Princess."

Alwyn staggered back and Zavier fought everything in him that wanted to comfort her, take the announcement back.

"But us...our ship..."

Zavier had never seen Alwyn so lost and he curled his fingers, fighting to keep himself there when all he wanted to do was run away from her pain.

"You made me a promise," she said.

Her voice shifted, taking on a harsh edge. Zavier welcomed it, her anger felt easier to bear than her hurt. Alwyn shoved him.

"You said together!" she shouted, even as her eyes filled with tears.

"I know what I said, but I am still a Prince and I can not give you what you want."

"Prince!" Alwyn laughed. "You might be a Prince in title but I've never met anyone less worthy of being called that! I thought Princes were supposed to be honorable. You are not!"

Alwyn pushed him again and Zavier took it. Her blows could be nothing compared to the pain in his chest.

"You're nothing but a fifth son who barely deserves notice. A son no one needs!"

Zavier tried not to flinch at the statement but it pricked something.

"Alwyn," he said.

"No!" she yelled. "Don't you dare talk to me. Never again. If I ever see you again I'll stab you."

With that threat, she whirled around and stormed off. Zavier remained planted in the alley, hollowed out by her anger and words. At least she would be free... The thought didn't bring him the peace he wanted. He'd just hurt the woman he loved.

She would never forgive him.

Joric approached from the shadows behind Zavier.

"Your Highness," he said.

Zavier raised his hand, silencing him. "Say nothing." He sighed. "It is time to go home."

The memory reminded him: he'd already made his choice. He'd loved Alwyn, so he'd given her freedom. He loved his family, which meant he held onto the duty that came with his title. He lifted the quill from the parchment and dipped it in the ink.

He'd never made it this far with Princess Vienna. The signing was something planned for after the Welcoming Ball. He glanced over at Lydia. At least this time, the arrangement didn't feel like a cage. Instead, it felt more like a shield he took up, protecting Lydia and her kingdom.

He pressed the tip into the parchment and signed his name.

His father rotated the parchment and dripped wax onto it then pressed the royal seal into the soft mound.

"I will have this secured," he said. He rounded the desk and stood before Lydia. He took Lydia's hand. "Lydia, though I wish it were under better circumstances that our families were joined, I hope you know that we are honored to have had the pleasure of getting to know you and joining our kingdoms."

His father's kindness brought warmth to Lydia's cheeks.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said.

"I hope when you are ready you will feel comfortable calling me Thayer."

Lydia dipped her head and Zavier could make out the hints of a smile. When Thayer turned to Zavier, Zavier straightened under his father's gaze. His father clasped his shoulder once and smiled at him. It was impossible for Zavier not to see the pride in his father's eyes.

When his father left with the signed arrangement, Zavier and Lydia remained behind. Zavier wondered if now that the arrangement was official, they might feel awkward. But when he looked at Lydia all he could see was the girl he'd gotten to know. They held each other's gaze, feeling the solidity of the link between them.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. Lydia straightened. "I would prefer it, Princess, if you were honest."

His words took the rigidity out of Lydia's posture. Lydia cast her eyes to the door and Zavier saw how a dozen emotions swept over her.

"I'm not..." she faltered, her voice rough. "I'm not Wilder."

Zavier tried not to smile. "I would have to agree, you are far more pleasing to look at."

Lydia shook her head as she let out a breath of a laugh.

Zavier spoke the truth. Alwyn's beauty and strength were clear to see from the moment you met her. Lydia was as beautiful, but with time came a deeper appreciation. With time, Zavier could see her strengths and weaknesses. Her flaws and perfections. Layer by layer revealed a beautiful soul. Any man would find it impossible not to fall for her. Right then, Zavier understood Wilder completely.

"Wilder is always strong," Lydia said. "He's never afraid. I see everyone around me and I envy them. Alwyn. Cyrus. Their parents. Your parents. Your brothers. The crew. Even Yasmine and Dempsey. Everyone is so capable and I feel afraid so much of the time."

Lydia wrapped her arms around herself.

"What if I fail to save my family's kingdom? Even if I succeed, what if I fail to be a good Queen like my father was a good King? I'm afraid of so much while everyone else is so strong. I'm afraid I'm alone."

Zavier felt his pulse quicken. He understood these fears. He stood before Lydia afraid right then of what he wanted to do. Of what he felt. But he knew that if he gave in to his fears, she would be alone in hers.

Tentatively, he reached out and slid his fingers around her hand. It felt small and delicate but with the hint of fresh calluses. A sign of her strength, one she couldn't see herself. As he held her hand, a strange thing happened: his pulsed calmed.

"You are not alone," he said. "My family and all we have to offer are with you. Though your family can never be replaced, I hope that we can help you. I am here for you."

Lydia gripped his hand as if a lifeline.

"And Princess," Zavier said. "What you see around you, is not a lack of fear, it is bravery in the face of fear. Wilder is afraid. Afraid of something happening to you, that is why he fights so hard. Alwyn has her own fears as does everyone else." He gently touched her soft cheek. "Everyone is afraid, but like you, they all have the courage to walk through those fears. You are not alone."

Lydia stared up at Zavier and he found her gaze did odd things to his heart.

"Thank you, Zavier," she said.

"It is the truth."

She shook her head. "No, not simply for your words but for helping me save the West Isles." She smiled shyly. "You must be brave, you have agreed to marry me." Zavier laughed at the echo of his own statement. "With everything, I know it can not be easy."

"It is easier than you think," Zavier said and kissed the back of Lydia's hand.

*****

The memory and the weight of what Zavier had done followed him as he left Lydia. There was no changing the past, but there that didn't mean that past couldn't be mended. It took him a while to find what he needed and afterward he received curious glances from everyone he passed.

He finally found Alwyn on the tower roof, leaning on the parapet. The sunset infused the sky and haloed Alwyn. It was the same place she seemed to gravitate towards while in the palace. He wondered if it was because she could see all the way down to the docks from here.

As Zavier approached, she glanced at him. Her gaze surprised him. The usual light he found in her eyes when with him wasn't there. Instead, her gaze was simply curious as she eyed what he held.

"Am I supposed to understand why you are holding a potted plant?" she asked.

Zavier set the pot down between them. The head gardener had told Zavier that this plant did well with lots of sunlight, a plant fit for a ship. 

"In the West Isles," Zavier said, resting his elbow on the parapet. "They have this celebration in the spring, Hava. It symbolizes the start of their new year. During this celebration people exchange plants." Alwyn quirked her eyebrows. "You give a gift to someone you have wronged and in return, you are forgiven. The plant means hope and a new start."

Alwyn nodded once in understanding then focused on the plant.

Though he'd done what he thought best for Alwyn, Zavier couldn't deny how much pain he'd caused her.

"The tradition says that everyone must accept each plant given to them, but if you do not want to accept mine, I will understand. I must say it, forgive me, Wyn. I hurt you and I can not change what happened. But I hope you can forgive me."

Alwyn fingered the edge of the pot, trailing her fingers over the rim.

"You know that I already forgave you."

"That was when you thought I might die. I am asking you now when you have a choice."

Alwyn touched the leaves, not looking at Zavier. "I always had a choice." She lifted her gaze. "Tell me, in this tradition, does the forgiveness go both ways or must I get my own plant?"

"What would you need a plant for?"

"I remember some cruel words said in a moment of anger."

"I believe the plant is strong enough to hold both our wrongs."

Alwyn smiled. The sight and her words filled Zavier with relief. They couldn't go back to what they were, but he felt a hope they could be something new.

"There is also the matter of your ship," he said. "I made a promise that it would be meant for us. Your parents should not have to carry that debt. I will talk to my father, we can pay them and you can still have it."

At that, Alwyn returned to her former occupation of contemplating the view.

"Thank you, but..." She stared down at her hands. "I don't know if I'll need the ship."

Alwyn not in command of a ship, this was something he hadn't expected. Being a captain had always been a dream of hers. What could have changed all of a sudden?

"Why is that?" he asked.

Alwyn released a deep breath. "On the way to the West Isles, Wilder pointed out to me that I am not my mother, I'm not a leader. Not made to be a captain."

"And the man is still breathing?"

Alwyn shot him a glare. "I am not that terrible."

"I feel the need to remind you that you threatened me, a Prince, with stabbing."

Alwyn grinned. "Yes, but with Wilder, I would never be able to get away with it. He is too well trained."

"Did you admit to someone being better than you?"

Zavier never thought he'd see the day. Alwyn had always claimed to be the best at most everything. Since Zavier's training fell towards politics and customs, he'd never doubted this. She had changed, even if it was in a small way.

"No, we're more like equals." She hit his shoulder with hers. "You are distracting me from what I was saying."

Zavier swept his hand forward, motioning for Alwyn to proceed. She scowled at him but continued.

"What he said was true," Alwyn said. She held up her hand before Zavier could declare his shock at this admission as well. "Yes, I know." She sighed. "Though I wanted to hit him, I couldn't get away from what he said. I've come to realize that there are paths we are determined to choose and paths that are a natural choice. I wanted to be captain because of my mother, but being one never felt natural. Not like it was with Cyrus."

The thought struck Zavier. Chosen path or natural choice. Alwyn had been his chosen path, he wanted to sail away with her, but the natural path was to uphold his title, follow in the steps of his brothers. Maybe that's why when it had come down to it, Zavier let Alwyn go. And here she was doing the same, letting her chosen path go.

"It's hard to imagine you not being a captain," he said.

Instead of agreeing with him, Alwyn shrugged. She'd changed more than Zavier thought possible. The hot-headed girl stubbornly wanting to run her own crew was no longer there. In her place was a pensive, clear-minded girl. All because Wilder spoke to her, saying what Zavier never would have had the insight or courage to say.

"What will you do?" Zavier asked.

Alwyn lifted the potted plant and held it between her hands, rolling it back and forth. The last strands of sunlight highlighted the leaves and the buds. The day drawing to a close.

"I don't know," she said, looking at Zavier. "But it will be something new."

**********************************************************************

"It's the start of something new."

(It feels so right to be here with you oooh, now now looking in your eyes I feel in my heart the start of something new. WOW! Strange how High School Musical lyrics can fit situations so well)

Tell me my royal ducklings what quacks do you have for me today? ....Yes, I do apologize for that but still wish on a star to know your thoughts. 🤴🏾⚔️🛡

Alwyn, my dear slightly scary pirate, I have some ideas for future prospects for you. Salesperson, you can terrify anyone into buying anything.

*Flat look*

Okay, so maybe not. How about anger management counselor?

*Glare*

Oh, maybe not! What about matchmaker?

*Narrows eyes*

Right, the guy you love is engaged to someone else and you threatened that girl earlier, so no on the love avenue. How about I let you figure it out on your own.

*Walks away*

Also no on motivation speaker.

Now! I think it is time to get a census on the kingdom's citizens' opinions on how the story is going so far romance-wise. (That's you in case I was too baffling for you)

You still trust me to give you a good story.

You want to throw me over board of the original ship you're still sticking with.

You are eating and forgot what were talking about.

To that last one, how can you eat and read at the same time? I think that sounds so wild.

Vote, comment, follow because that is what is decreed.