The morning after the Royal Ball, Nar stood by his father's bed. He bowed to him out of respect, but did not kneel.
"Father," he said. The King struggled to sit up in bed.
"What do you want?" He frowned at his son, and then coughed.
Prince Nar took a deep breath. "I'm here to inform you that I have chosen to marry this woman. Simina Gorchev."
Simina stepped out from behind him, hands clasped behind her. The King's eyes bulged at the sight of her.
"Again with this nonsense?" he harrumphed. "She is no noble! She's a filthy peasant."
"Peasant or not, I am going to marry her," Nar insisted.
The King's nostrils flared. "I forbid it. Do you hear me, boy? I forbid it!"
"I don't care," Nar spat. "I'm going to marry her anyway."
"I am still the King!" he shouted hoarsely. "And you do as I say! If you marry this girl, you forfeit the throne! I'll give it to your uncle!"
Nar chuckled. "No, father. As long as I live, the throne will be mine. You know as well as I do that, unless I die, Julian has no claim to the throne."
"You have disgraced the name Darkla," the King hissed. "You are a disgrace!"
Rolling his eyes, Nar turned and walked out. Simina followed after him, ignoring the King's mad ravings.
Later that day, Nar and Simina departed for Autumnville. Using Nar's teleportation, the two of them arrived instantly. However, Nar had never been to Simina's house, so they took a carriage the rest of the way. Simina squirmed in the carriage next to Nar, unable to sit still. She was nervous about going to see her father. She did want to see him, but that's not what worried her. Simina was concerned that her father would not allow them to get married because of who Nar was, the Dark Prince.
Simina was mainly worried about his reaction. Would he hate her? Shun her? Nar was doing this properly, traditionally, by asking her father for permission to marry her. It was right. Why should he deny it? Next to her, Nar sat leisurely and relaxed, staring out of the window at the lovely landscape smoothly rolling by.
Simina reached her hand out and grasped Nar's. Alerted by her action, Nar turned and glanced over at her. He was met with two big, desperate, worried eyes filled with pleading. Nar offered a reassuring smile and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.
"Don't worry, Simina. It'll all turn out just fine. Trust me," Nar tried to assure her. Simina squeezed his hand. Nar weaved his fingers through hers and squeezed back.
"Okay Nar. But I'm just worried." Simina's voice wavered.
"Why?"
"Because. My father...well..." Simina gulped and swallowed. She continued after taking a short breath.
"He doesn't really like the whole thing about...the Dark Prince. He thinks you don't exist and that you're something evil. He got mad when he found out that I was reading a book about you," Simina explained.
Nar understood why she was troubled. But the rumors about him in Autumnville just weren't true. He licked his lips, feeling slightly troubled now himself. Nar sighed. This is what being a King means. Diplomacy. Nar figured he'd have to negotiate with her father for her hand, just like a King would have to negotiate. Just think of it as a negotiation.
"Well, I'll have to explain to your father that I'm real and not evil. I promise, we will be married. Leave it to me."
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Let me worry about this. Just relax."
Simina took a deep breath, nodding. Holding Nar's hand, the two of them rode the rest of the way in silence.
Several minutes later, their carriage rolled to a stop. Simina glanced out of the window at her old house. She recognized it, but at the same time it looked so unfamiliar to her that she wondered if it really was her house. Simina couldn't believe she was back here after all this time.
"We're here," Nar said. Simina wrung her hands, then her stomach turned. This was it. Simina remembered sending a letter to her father telling him about Prince Nar. He'd never responded to it. Right now, that deeply worried her. Nar opened the door and stepped out, and took Simina's hand as she dismounted.
Without further delay, the carriage rode away. Simina looked around at the familiar little town. Of course, it didn't look as rich as Winterville, but it was nonetheless her home. Looking at it made her want to cry. She'd never realized how much she had missed the place until now.
Simina stared at the front door to her old house. She swallowed. Nar squeezed her hand reassuringly. Simina hadn't seen her dad in a while. She wanted to, but was scared he would have a bad reaction. Gathering her courage, Simina walked up to the door, pulling Nar along with her. Tentatively, she raised a fist and knocked on the door.
Simina waited in anticipation. She heard tromping footsteps coming to the door. Simina recognized that sound as her father's tromping big boots. The sound greatly calmed her and reminded Simina of those peaceful, happy days. The door opened. Simina held her breath. Gregory, her father, stepped out onto the threshold. Gregory's eyes widened when he caught sight of Simina. He blinked a few times, thinking perhaps that it was just him hallucinating or something. But she looked too real.
"Simina." Gregory choked. Tears sprang to her eyes, quick and merciless.
"Hi, Father." Simina sniffled. With great emotion, Simina ran to him and gave her father a great big hug. He hugged her back tightly, tears overflowing his eyes. He hadn't seen her in so long, it was so good to see her. He squeezed her tight, sniffling, trying to dry his tears. Gregory kissed her head.
"So good to see you again, Simina," Gregory rasped. He pulled back and held her at arm's length to look at her. He placed a hand under her chin and tilted Simina's head, inspecting her.
"You've grown since I've last seen you." He beamed. "You're growing up to be quite a woman, Simina." She smiled.
"Thank you, Father. I'm glad to see you too." Simina pulled back out of his embrace. Nar stared awkwardly at the two of them, thinking himself out of place as he watched their happy reunion. What also added to his anxiety was the constant weird stares people were giving him and Simina. He noticed that these citizens looked quite poorer than those in Winterville. They'd never seen people wearing such nice clothes.
Taking notice of the man standing behind Simina, Gregory gestured to him.
"Who is this young man you've brought with you, Simina?" His brow furrowed with curiosity. Simina looked over her shoulder at Nar. Nar offered her a shy, awkward smile in return. She held out her hand for him to take.
"Father, I'd like you to meet someone," Simina whispered. Nar took her hand. Nar stepped up to her father. Gregory was a little wary of this handsome man standing next to his daughter. Nar, gathering his courage, bowed to Simina's father.
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gorchev. I am Prince Nar of Lazera, at your service," Nar wisped in his low, respectful, authoritative voice. Gregory's eyes narrowed suspiciously at his title. A prince? His daughter had brought a prince with her? What in the world could a prince want with Autumnville? He held his hand out to Nar.
"Nice to meet you, your Highness. Please call me Gregory," he said respectfully. Nar took his hand and shook it.
"Father, there's something we'd like to tell you," Simina murmured, twiddling her fingers. Gregory raised a wary eyebrow.
"Oh? And what's that?" Nar held a hand up, halting the conversation.
"Perhaps we should take this inside," Nar suggested. Gregory stepped aside, allowing Simina entrance, and Nar after her. This made Gregory more suspicious.
"All right. Come in and take a seat," Gregory said. The three gathered and sat at the small kitchen table. Everything evoked memories in her, yet it seemed foreign at the same time. Simina shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She hoped this went well. Gregory crossed his arms.
"What's this about?" He stared pointedly at Nar. Nar looked at Simina. She caught his eyes. He curled an eyebrow at her, silently asking, "Are you sure about this? Are you ready?" Simina nodded. Nar looked back at her father.
"I've come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage," Nar answered respectfully. Simina's heart flipped, and she glanced at her father for a reaction. His face blanched, but other than that, he looked stone-faced. Her stomach turned, roiling with a deep-seated worry. Gregory sat up straighter and squared his shoulders. He set his jaw, then set his powerful glare on Prince Nar. Simina shivered. Uh-oh. She knew that look.
"You want to marry my daughter?" he asked Nar, voice loud and booming, much louder than it should be. Nar, however, seemed to be unperturbed. He answered sincerely and respectfully.
"Yes, Mr. Gorchev," Nar replied sincerely. Gregory looked at Simina harshly.
"Simina, outside," he ordered snappishly. Simina immediately stood.
"Yes, Father." She obeyed and went outside. Was it really that serious? Simina walked around her house to the stables to see if Winona was still there. To her liking, Winona was still there where she'd always been. Simina smiled and stroked Winona's mane. Winona neighed and nuzzled into her hand.
"Long time no see, huh, Winona?" Simina spoke to the horse. She hugged it for a bit, enjoying her reunion, and then fed it hay and water. Afterward, Simina saddled her up for a short ride.
"You wanna go for a ride, girl? Let's go for a ride and stretch those legs,"
Simina muttered. She swung herself up on Winona's back and steered her gently out of the stables. Simina whipped the reins.
"Ha!" she cried and trotted Winona out into town. Simina was slowly bouncing and trotting through town, enjoying the sight of her old hometown. It may not have been as rich and glorious as Winterville, but it was still her home, and she still loved it. Everything looked familiar, but it just seemed so different now. Maybe it's because she'd gotten used to Winterville. Or perhaps Simina had grown up a little in the past year. Nostalgia greeted her, reminding her of the person she once was and the person she'd now become. She reflected on her previous behavior, which she now considered childish. That's how she saw it now. Childish. The games. Ernest. So childish.
Simina reflected on those days and missed them, but did not yearn for them in vain like she'd done before. Such things were trivial. Simina had grown quite a lot since she'd moved away to Winterville, since she'd met Nar. But Simina couldn't focus on the past. She had to focus on the here and now. Nar was asking her father's permission to marry her. Something serious was about to happen
Simina took a breath and tried not to think about it. Think about something else, think about something else. Should I go to the forest? It was certainly an excellent place to frolic. Simina wanted to take Winona for a nice ride. So Simina headed toward the forest, once again feeling nostalgic. Once Simina hit the trail that led out of town and into the forest, she surged Winona forward.
"Hi-ya!" Simina cried. Winona neighed and charged down the trail with great speed. The wind billowed through her hair, billowing up her dress. As Simina ran, exhilaration breezed through her, making her feel alive. The forest looked as beautiful as ever today. The air smelled sweet with the aroma of wildflowers. The grass was so green in the summertime, leaving a crispy shade of jade. Everything looked so vibrant and alive.
Simina kept riding and riding and jumping over logs and other things until she got to the stream where she and Ernest used to play. It seemed so long ago, but it was only a year ago. So much had happened in a year; so much had changed. But Simina didn't regret it. She didn't regret anything.
Upon arriving at the stream, she dismounted Winona. Simina stood at the stream's edge. Holding up her skirts, she removed her shoes. Inching toward the rushing water, Simina gingerly put her toe into the cool water.
Simina waded into the rushing, cool water until it was up to her ankles. Simina sighed with relaxation. She stretched her toes.The cool water running over them was refreshing, giving her a brief moment of solace. Simina tilted her head back into the breeze. Her hair wisped about her face, and she closed her eyes. The breeze cooled her skin, sending pleasant tingles across her body. Simina enjoyed the steady flow of nature all around her. The lovely chirps of the birds. The buzzing cicadas. The soothing rushing of the stream's water. Simina loved nature. But she was slowly eased out of her reverie when she heard the clip-clopping of a horse drawing near. Simina opened her eyes, blinking them against the bright sun. She looked toward where she heard the sound. Simina watched as a lovely, luscious brown horse came trudging through the woods with a young man riding atop its back.
Simina couldn't believe her eyes. She recognized the young man. He had a light mop of red hair sitting atop his head and light peach fuzz on his face. His facial features were a little boyish still, even though Simina could tell he'd grown up a bit. She recognized him. The boy saw Simina, and before she could say anything, he did.
"Simina?" His voice was filled with shock. Simina widened her eyes and smiled.
"Ernest?" Simina's voice rose with excitement and surprise. Recognizing each other, they smiled. Ernest leaped from his horse, and Simina splashed vigorously to get out of the stream to reach him. They ran to each other and embraced in a big hug. Simina threw her arms around his neck, and Ernest hugged her tightly, pulling her close. Simina was so glad to see him after so long. She'd missed Ernest, her best friend.
"Simina, it's so good to see you. I haven't seen you in so long," Ernest sighed. Simina pulled back to look at him.
"It's great to see you too," Simina said with a smile. Ernest smiled and observed her. She had gotten lovelier than before. She really had grown.
"So, what have you been up to? What made you come back?" Ernest asked curiously. Simina blushed.
"Well, nothing much..." Simina explained to him in a summary what she'd been doing in the past year since she'd left. Ernest listened and focused intently on her every word.
Afterward, he nodded in understanding. "Ah. I see." Ernest stroked his chin. "So what are you doing here?"
"Well, Prince Nar is asking my father for permission to marry me," Simina told him. Ernest smiled and scratched the back of his neck. He couldn't believe that she was getting married.
"Wow, congratulations, Simina! I'm happy for you!" Ernest said joyfully.
Simina beamed.
"Thank you so much!" She kissed his cheek.
"I am getting married soon, too," Ernest said shyly and blushed. He scratched the back of his neck. Simina grinned at him and squealed.
"Oh my gosh! Congratulations, Ernest!" she gushed. Ernest's blush deepened.
"Yeah..." he muttered and glanced away from her. Simina giggled at Ernest's shyness.
"Well, I'm happy for you. If Father agrees to my marriage, you can come to the wedding," Simina offered. Ernest nodded and offered a small smile in return.
"Thanks. You can come to my wedding too. I'll send you a letter notifying you of the date and time," Ernest said. He looked up at the sky as the breeze picked up. The wind tousled his floppy blond locks. He inhaled the scent of the air.
"Nice day, huh?" Ernest whispered. Simina nodded, watching him. "It is." She noticed the faraway, distant look etched across his face. Ernest closed his eyes for a moment and then blinked them open.
"Hey, Simina. What do you say we...play a game?" She barely heard him because his whisper was almost softer than the breeze. Simina's eyes widened.
"Huh?" Her brow rose. "You mean...like we used to?" Simina's heart skipped with excitement at the promise of a fun, thrilling game. Ernest tilted his head down and set his eyes on her.
"Yes. Just like we used to. How about it?" Ernest smirked boyishly, the way he always used to do when he'd challenge Simina to a bet when they were much younger.
"For old time's sake," Ernest added. Simina smiled, feeling slightly nostalgic. She agreed. Once again, they played their game of the Princess and the Witch just one last time, reliving the old days. Simina ran through the woods, tearing her dress like she used to, the wind flowing through her hair, splashing through water and mud puddles. They played for a long time until the games ended, as they always did, with Ernest catching and tackling Simina. Simina squealed with laughter and pushed Ernest off. They both rolled around on the ground laughing until their chests hurt.
They lay on the ground for a while, panting, trying to catch their breath while staring up at the blue sky filled with white, puffy clouds. Simina liked looking at the sky and the clouds. It relaxed her. Once they'd caught their breath, Ernest got up. He climbed a tree, picked two apples, and tossed one to her. She caught it and took a nice chomp. It was perfect and crispy and made a satisfying crunch. Juice dribbled down her lips.
Ernest jumped from the tree, landing on his feet. As Simina stared at the sky, she wondered how Nar's talk with her father was going. Her stomach clenched and swirled nervously. She hoped everything went well. But deep down inside of her, Simina had a bad feeling. Ernest noticed the troubled expression creasing up her face.
"Hey, whatchu look like that for?" Ernest asked, crunching his apple. Simina took another bite of hers, swallowed, and sighed.
"Oh. I'm just worried that...Father will say no to Nar's proposal. Then I won't get to marry him," Simina pouted. Ernest shrugged.
"And that's gonna stop you from marrying him?" Surprised, Simina looked up at him.
"If you love him, then...you love him. You should marry him even if your father says no," Ernest told her, finishing off his apple. He tossed the core off to the side. Simina finished hers and dropped it to the ground.
"Thanks, Ernest." Simina stood. Ernest stood as well.
"I should get back. It's been a while," Simina said, walking toward Winona. She and Ernest said goodbyes, and Simina rode away on Winona.
Simina was back at her house and put Winona into the stables in no time. She fed her some hay, gave her water, and brushed her fur. Just then, Simina heard shouting coming from her house. It didn't sound like Nar was shouting. She knew that shout. It was her father. The next thing she heard was her father's heavy footsteps thudding toward the door. Her heart jumped with fear. Simina knew what was going to happen next.
Her father, Gregory, busted out of the house, his face contorted with rage. Nar quickly strides toward him, emergence in his steps, alarm flashing in his eyes. Gregory's eyes were blazing.
"Simina!" Gregory roared her name. Simina jumped and shrank away behind Winona. Gregory caught sight of her. He gestured for her to come to him.
"Come here!" he shouted at her. With shaking legs, Simina slowly walked toward her angry-looking father, swallowing hard. Simina stopped a foot in front of him and maintained that distance, scared that he might strike her. Though he'd never hit her before, she still feared that he might if angered enough, and that he was. But he did not strike his daughter. He was furious at her for falling in love with this Dark Prince, for getting involved with someone Gregory considered foul and distasteful. How dare she bring him to my house?
"Yes, Father?" Simina's voice sounded so small and soft that he almost took some strange kind of pity on her. But no, instead, Gregory blew up.
"No! I won't allow it! I refuse to let you marry this man!" Gregory yelled, shaking his head. Simina's heart sank. She knew it. She knew this would happen. She saw Nar's eyes glowing dimly, and he attempted to go to her because being near her calmed him down, but Gregory stopped him.
"Don't you dare go near my daughter, you...you..." Gregory flailed for words. "You fiend!" He spat the words out at him like daggers. Nar took a step back, his expression disgruntled.
"Father, please!" Simina begged. She worried about Nar's temper, and his magic. She did not want him to lash out at her father. He glanced at her for a moment.
"No!" Then he rounded on Nar, eyes blazing.
"Did you deflower her?" Such an inappropriate question made Simina blush. Nar's eyes bulged wide in astonishment.
"No, of course not. I have done no such thing, Mr. Gorchev," Nar answered respectfully. Gregory's eyes now blazed with triumph.
"I won't allow you to defile my daughter!" He grabbed Nar by the shoulders. Tears started welling in Simina's eyes.
"Please, Father, I love him!" she cried. Gregory stopped a moment, and the action of shaking Nar halted. His eyes narrowed.
"You what?" he spat through gritted teeth. Simina gulped, now unable to speak.
"I refuse to let you marry him! You cannot!" Gregory yelled to Simina. Simina's body shook, and tears flowed down her cheeks. The sight of her crying sent a sharp pang of pain through his chest.
"My Lady." Nar outstretched his hand to her. He yearned to go to Simina to comfort her, but Gregory would not allow him. Gregory balled up a fist and punched Nar in the jaw. The blow sent Nar spiraling to the ground, his vision blurring around him. He winced, hearing Simina's wailing cries.
"Nar! No!" Simina screamed. "Stop it, Father, please!" Nar tasted the metallic tang of blood on his tongue. The sharp pieces of gravel dig into his cheek, and the dirt clumps up underneath his fingers. Nar's head spun, the world spun, and the ground below him began shaking as if an earthquake were happening. He stayed down for a moment, feeling his magic bubbling up inside him. He forced the anger down below, refusing to let it out. Nar didn't want to fight back against Simina's father; he could not allow his magic to get the better of him.
Simina tried to go to him to comfort him, but her efforts were in vain. Her father wouldn't let her go to him. Gregory held her back, held back her struggling, flailing body from Nar. She wanted to comfort him and make sure that his magic wouldn't get the better of him. She saw the black tendrils of mist curling out from his tense, stiff form on the ground, and the need to get to him only grew more urgent. She fell to her knees and started to plead with her father.
"Please, Father, don't hurt him!" Simina's voice cracked, tears streaming down her face. Gregory's face boiled and red with rage as he glared at her.
"No! I don't care! Take this filth away from me! I don't want him in my house! And I can't bear to look at you right now! Get out of my sight!" Gregory roared at Simina. She flinched, hurt, as Gregory stormed away and disappeared into the house. She waited a few moments until Simina was sure he wouldn't return. She hurried over to him on her hands and knees as he sat up from the ground. A string of blood ran from the corner of his lip. His cheek was swollen and red. Dirt was caked up on the other cheek. He pressed a hand to his cheek with a grimace, eyes laced with pain and distaste.
"Nar! Nar, are you all right?" Simina took his face gently in her hands. He breathed heavily, the ground rumbling slightly underneath him.
"I'm fine," he groaned and pushed her hands away. Nar noticed the townspeople nearby were staring, which only added to his growing anger. Yes, stare at the freak. He placed his hands on her shoulders.
"You should get away from me," he grumbled.
Simina shook her head stubbornly. "I'm not going anywhere."
"I could hurt you."
"You won't," Simina said sternly. "Just calm down."
"Let's go somewhere a little more private," Nar mumbled, nodding. Before Simina could react, Nar had already disappeared with Simina and reappeared in the woods. They were finally alone, crouched on the ground beside a light-flowing stream. Nar finally allowed himself to collapse. He fell against Simina, laying his head on her chest. Simina hugged his head to her chest, cradling him like a baby. She ran her fingers through his hair. Nar moaned in contentment, feeling his anger melt away. She kissed the top of his head.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, sniffling. Nar let his eyes flutter closed and buried his face in her neck, trying to calm the restless, violent power within him. He took comfort in her loving embrace, letting her warmth and care surround him. The blow from her father had given Nar a headache.
Nar lifted his head to see Simina's face.
"It's not your fault," Nar rasped, his voice a mangy croak. His eyes drooped with exhaustion.
"I hate it when you cry," he sighed, and kissed her jawline softly. Simina pulled back from Nar to inspect his face. She frowned at the bruise forming on his left cheek and his cut lip that leaked blood.
"You're hurt." Simina softly caressed his bruised cheek and skimmed across the cut on his lip. Nar winced and flinched away from her touch. Simina's eyes started brimming with fresh tears. Her bottom lip began to quiver. Nar's eyes narrowed. He grasped her chin fiercely, tugging her face toward him.
"No. Don't cry," Nar demanded, his voice stern. He touched his wounds, feeling the warmth of his magic as he healed them. Then he took his hand away, revealing a perfect, unscarred face.
"See? All better." He smiled half-heartedly.
Simina sucked up her tears until they were dry. Simina blamed herself for this. Guilt consumed her. Nar stared at her and watched the look of guilt on her face. He frowned and shook his head. Simina saw the look of disapproval, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Nar put a finger to her lips.
"No. Stop. Don't say anything." He stroked his fingers across her cheek and trailed them along her jawline.
"Let me be quite clear, my lady. This is not in any way your fault. All we want is to be married. What's the fault in that?" Nar snapped curtly with a fierce tone. He removed his finger from her lips.
"But we can't get married," Simina whimpered, pain filling her chest. Nar puckered his lips thoughtfully.
"Hmm, why can't we?" He quirked an eyebrow.
"Because my father won't allow us to; he said no."
She was getting irritated with Nar.
"Are you still living in his household under his rules? Have you been living there for the past year?"
Simina shook her head. "No."
"All right then. That's not going to stop me. I'm still going to marry you," Nar said with conviction. "I actually should be asking your aunt." His voice was a dark whisper.
"Nar, my father said we can't."
Nar glared at her. "I don't give a damn." Nar pushed her down gently until she was lying flat on her back on the ground. Startled, Simina tried to say something, but Nar cut her off with a fierce kiss. Simina responded quickly, her face heating. The kiss was short, yet passionate, and it took her breath away.
"I love you." He leaned close to her, and Nar trailed his lips along her jawline, smirking when she shuddered. "I am the Dark Prince, and I will do as I please."
Simina giggled at his response, nodding in agreement. "Yes, the Dark Prince takes orders from no one."
"That's right. And I will marry you," Nar whispered with a light chuckle. He kissed her forehead and then sat up.
"Anyway," he began softly, "I think that maybe your father overreacted just a bit." Simina looked up at him.
"What do you mean?" Simina allowed herself to feel a little hopeful. Nar shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe...he was just angry and overwhelmed. Maybe he just needed some time to cool off and think it over," Nar suggested, casually playing with a few strands of grass. "You are his only daughter after all."
Simina shrugged and stood up. "I guess..."
"Are you ready? It's been a while. We should go talk to your father again," Nar suggested. Simina shivered, thinking about his previous reaction. Gulping, she nodded nervously.
"Okay," she muttered and took his hand. Simina closed her eyes. Nar and Simina disappeared out of the woods in a swirl of dark purple mist and reappeared standing in Simina's yard in front of the house. Everything was quiet except for the dull buzz of the townspeople walking by on the streets and the peddlers at their stands urging people to buy their items.
Holding Nar's hand, Simina walked to the front door. She raised a fist to knock, but hesitated. Once more, guilt filled her. Simina couldn't help but feel she'd somehow betrayed her father by falling in love with Nar, the Dark Prince. Simina was scared that he'd lose his mind again. Simina also didn't want to risk Nar losing control of his magic. She was unsure. Nar squeezed her hand in reassurance.
"It's all right, Simina. I'm right here; I'm with you. You can do it," he encouraged. Simina nodded and took a deep breath. She rapped her knuckles softly three times on the door. They waited, and Simina lowered her hand. They heard a noise coming from the inside and tromping boots or feet walking across a wooden floor, approaching the door. Simina's throat tightened. The doorknob turned slowly, and the door was furiously yanked open. Her father towered tall and fierce in the doorway. Nar stood bravely beside her on the front porch, holding her hand. Gregory glared at them.
"Hi, Father," Simina squeaked, unable to meet his glowering gaze. "May I please speak with you?" She gulped and stared at her feet, waiting expectantly. Gregory flicked his eyes over to Nar.
"I wish to speak to my daughter privately," he informed Nar calmly and respectfully. Nar bowed out of respect.
"Of course. I'll wait outside." Nar obliged and stepped off the porch. Gregory stepped aside to let Simina enter, and she walked in. Gregory closed the door behind them as Simina sat at the table. He sat as well. They both sat in awkward silence for a moment, Simina picking at her nails, feeling nervous and unsure.
"I'm sorry," Gregory apologized, feeling ashamed of himself. "I...I may have overreacted just a little bit."
Simina looked up, surprised.
"Really? You really mean that?" she asked, perking up a bit. Gregory even had the decency to look ashamed. He nodded.
"Yes. I'm so sorry, Simina. It was hard for me to fathom that you wanted to get married," he told her. Gregory looked at her and offered a small smile. He took her hand.
"Oh, Simina, how you've grown. I never thought this day would come," Gregory said with a sad sigh. Tears started welling in his eyes.
"Father, please don't cry," Simina whispered.
He sniffled. "Is he good to you? Does he treat you right?" His voice shook.
"Of course, father. He's always good to me."
"Do you love him?"
Simina nodded. "Yes. I love him."
Gregory sighed, defeated. "Well, you are of age. Go ahead and marry him. I'm not going to stop you." He looked away. Excited, Simina jumped to her feet.
"Really? Thank you, Father, thank you!" Simina ran up to him and hugged him tightly. She kissed his cheek. Gregory nodded and stood. Simina pulled away from him. She followed him to the door, skipping happily. When they exited, Simina found Nar sitting on an upturned bucket with Winona in the stables. Nar saw them and stood with a grand flourish. Simina went to him and hugged Nar.
Gregory went up to Nar and clapped him on the shoulder.
"You treat her right. Take care of my daughter. Understand?" Gregory's gruff voice returned, and he glared seriously at Nar with narrowed, stern eyes. Nar bowed his head and placed a hand over his heart.
"I will, Mr. Gorchev, sir. It's an honor. Thank you," Nar quipped diplomatically and respectfully. He looked toward Simina.
"Ready to go now?" he asked. They'd been here long enough. Simina nodded.
"Yes." She quickly said goodbye to her father, then she and Nar took their leave. He teleported back to Aunt Lyda's house, and Nar explained to her where they'd been and were getting married. Gloria heard the news and was extremely jealous. She wanted Simina dead so badly that her hatred flared to even greater extents.
However, when Nar was getting ready to leave Simina's house, he received terrible news from a Royal Courier. The courier stopped him and saluted.
"Your highness, I have a letter from your father for you. I'm afraid I have some disturbing news for you." The courier looked pale and grave as he handed the letter to Nar. Nar took it.
"What is this bad news?" Nar started to open the envelope. The courier cleared his throat.
"I'm afraid that...while you were away, your father, the King...passed. He's died, sir," the courier explained, solemnly. Nar's eyes widened. He looked up at the courier.
"What?" He must be dreaming. He couldn't believe his ears.
"I'm sorry, sir," the courier said. "He died from a mysterious illness. That letter is the King's Will." The courier pointed at the letter in Nar's hands. Cursing, Nar opened the envelope and took out the letter. He read it.
Dear Nar,
If you are reading this, then that means I am now deceased, and
you have succeeded in killing me. Unfortunately, I have no other heirs and this means that you will be King. However, I still have hope for my kingdom. Your Uncle Julian will stop at nothing to acquire the throne, and I pray to Zormon that he challenges you for it. My brother is my last hope to keep my kingdom out of your dark, evil hands. Tomorrow, after my funeral, your coronation ceremony will be held to make you King, as the law states. Julian is my last hope to destroy you for good before that happens. You are an abomination and a disgrace. I never loved you.
Your father,
The King.
The letter infuriated him, but he did not ball it up, even though he wanted to. Instead of being sad, he was rather angry. Even dead, he still hated his father. Nar looked up and pointed at the courier.
"Make an announcement about the King's funeral and my coronation. Get it out to everyone that my coronation is tomorrow and make sure everyone is there," Nar ordered. The courier saluted and clicked his heels.
"Yes, sir," he said. With that, Nar disappeared into a dark cloud of purple smoke.