Ryder Page 5
I stroked her brown locks, the motion always calmed her when she needed consoling.
"Stryker?"
"Yes, Rose?"
"How about if you aren't our designated knight?" she asked.
"What makes you think otherwise?" I countered.
"I don't. I'm just suggesting IF?" she replied.
"Are you worried?"
"..."
"You’re afraid that if I'm not one of the chosen knights, I'll leave?"
"...Yes," she whispered.
"I won't leave," I confirmed.
"But...wouldn't you want to serve someone else? How about when we grow up? When you’re older...would you really want to stay?" she questioned, lifting her head to eye me.
"Is that why I'm seeing the fear in your eyes for the first time?" I asked.
She avoided my gaze, but slowly nodded.
"I won't abandon you, Roseline. The same goes with Rosalina and Hopefilinia. I'll get stronger and protect all of you, whether the gods choose me to serve you or not. I may not be able to stay for long periods of time like I have with my family for the last seven rotations, but I'll do my best to come as often as permitted. I'll send letters until our fathers finish the communication devices and then we can see each other on the screen every night. No matter what, I'll stay by your side for as long as you want me to."
She nodded, hugging me tighter.
I held her firmly, returning to stroking her hair. I did feel worried about tomorrow. Only close family members had learned the details of how great Rosalina was supposed to be. I was one of the lucky ones to know about the six knights being brought together by the stars to aid the princess of Heila who would do great things— one being ridding the approaching darkness.
None of us knew when the dark times were coming, but Rosalina and her knights would be trained to face whatever evil was sure to come in the future.
"Roseline?"
"Yes."
"I like you," I confessed.
She pushed herself out of my embrace to blink at me in confusion. "You can't say it like that."
"Why not? I like you," I repeated.
"That's not how they do it in fairytales!" she argued.
I grinned, trying not to laugh at her puffed cheeks. It was times like these I realized she was only five and a half and not my age. "How am I supposed to confess my liking to you?" I asked.
"You're supposed to invite me to a magical ball and be standing here under the moon with flowers in like a suit! Like the ones we have to wear for boring parties. I'd wear a dress and then you tell me!" she explained.
I snickered before I laughed.
She blushed, looking upset. "I'm serious!" she emphasized, hitting me.
"I know. I'm sorry, you're just so cute." I laughed before apologizing.
She huffed, sliding off the bench and making her way to the maze. I shuffled off the bench, chasing after her with ease.
"Rose, stop. Don't be mad." I embraced her from behind, stopping her from entering the maze.
"I'm mad at you, go away," she mumbled.
"I'm sorry, don't be mad," I apologized, knowing she wasn't truly upset but she, Rosalina, and Hope all hated when people laughed at her.
"You’re forgiven...but you owe me another hug," she noted.
I stepped back, allowing my arms to release her.
She turned to face me. "Tomorrow night, after the party let's come here," she suggested.
"You want me to come in my fancy suit with flowers, don't you?"
"Yes," she said with a blank face.
I shook my head at how adorable she was. "You’re really honest when it comes to what you want," I pointed out, other female shifters in my training class always wanted you to guess what they wanted. I guess since she was younger she didn't care about being straightforward— a trait I hoped stayed with her as she grew older.
"It’s good to be honest. Now, promise me," she urged, lifting her pinky finger.
I lifted mine to lock with hers.
"Promise."
"Cross your heart?" she asked.
"Cross my heart, hope to fly. Poke a flower in the sky. I'll stand in this courtyard tomorrow night, waiting for my Princess in her gorgeous birthday dress to not only wish you a wonderful celebration of birth, but to formally say I like you," I promised.
Her cheeks went red, but she nodded as our pinky fingers interlocked with a solid shake. When we let go she lifted her arms.
"Good....now...a hug," she whispered.
I gave her another hug, wishing we could stay like this, but knowing if we didn't go back to our rooms, our parents would be upset. "Let's go back before Kade comes for us." I slipped my hand into hers.
"Or Xavier. I don't want to get caught by him," Rose admitted, shivering.
She loved her brothers dearly, but even she was afraid of Xavier when he was pissed. We could get away with sneaking out into the garden with Kade usually giving us a lecture about still being young, even though he and I were the same age.
"Rosalina! Ryder! Are you two here?"
We both shared a look, quickly hiding behind a bush, just in time to see Kade and Xavier walk out from the maze and into the clearing.
"They aren't here?" Xavier asked, looking around.
I wrapped my arm around Roseline, concentrating on my magic so our auras were hidden.
"Guess they headed back," Kade noted.
"We would have seen them," Xavier argued.
"Xavier, it’s a maze. There's more than one way out you know? Plus, they can easily jump over the vine wall and head straight back. They learned that in training a few days ago," Kade reasoned.
"You always defend them."
"Because you're too harsh on Ryder."
"Carter Jr. can't be with Rosalina."
"Why not? He's been a pretty good knight. Plus, we don't know if they like each other. Even if they do, it can change over time. They're still young. You have a crush on that shifter girl who's two cycles younger." Kade grinned, watching Xavier blush at the mention of his crush.
"I'm heading back."
"Oh c'mon, tell me what her name is. Pretty please?" Kade called out as he watched Xavier head back into the maze. He sighed, putting his hands to rest behind his head as he glanced up at the sky.
"Make sure you two go straight to bed. Night," he announced, walking into the maze.
Rose and I shared a look, breaking out into laughter.
"Yup, Kade totally gets the favorite brother award," I announced.
"Just to be fair, Xavier probably noticed us and pretended he didn't," Rose pointed out.
"Probably. C'mon. Let's head back. We got a big day tomorrow." I stood up, stretching.
"Stryker."
I looked down to Rose who had a beautiful smile on her lips.
"No matter what...you’ll always be mine," she vowed.
"And no matter what obstacles we face, I'll never leave your side."
~RYDER~
"Tomorrow! Tomorrow!"
"Rosalina, it's getting late. We have to go to sleep." I frowned, watching Rosalina in her pink fuzzy pajamas running around with Beary.
"But I'm not tired! Tomorrow is the day I get to meet my knights in shining armor."
"They won't exactly be in shining armor, but okay. Still doesn't mean you can stay up. Your father's gonna be mad."
She skidded to a stop, holding Beary to her chest.
"But...he can't be mad. It's my birthday tomorrow."
"He can if you don't go to sleep early like you promised. Remember, you said the oath," I reminded.
Her shoulders sank as she stared at me. "But..."
"I have a gift for you," I revealed.
Her eyes grew wide as she ran toward me. "Where?" she asked.
"It's a surprise. You can't have it until tomorrow. But if you go to bed early, I'll give it to you before the maids come to wake you up," I persuaded.
"Okay, bedtime," she announced, making her way to her room.
/> I smirked, happy that I could get her to finally go to bed. I was trying my best not to show how excited I was for tomorrow, getting to find out if I was truly Rosalina's destined knight. I didn't know what to expect, wondering if I was her knight, who would the other five be. I didn't get how we'd all meet, but I was ready for the challenge and task of protecting Rosalina from harm's way.
"Rydey! I'm ready!" Rosalina yelled from down the hall.
I shook my head, making my way to her room. I watched as she jumped on her bed— a bedtime ritual she did to make her bed fluffier, or so she believed.
"I'm gonna be six tomorrow! I can marry Rydey!" she sang.
I blushed, trying to ignore the increase in my heart rate. "Who said you can marry me when you’re six?" I asked.
"Kadey! He said I can marry whoever I want as long as he said it was okay. So, I claimed you!" She pointed at me as she jumped up and down.
"And he’s fine with me being your husband?"
"Yup. He said as long as you treat me right and beat Xavier in arm wres-wresssss- the arm game," she announced.
"I can't beat Xavier in arm wrestling. He's a pro."
She stopped jumping looking devastated. "So...we can't get married?" she asked, her eyes beginning to grow glossy.
I lifted my hands in defense, shaking my head. "We can! I'll beat him! Just gonna take me some time to train my arm strength."
"YEAH! I'm gonna marry Rydey, he's gonna be my prince and knight!" she sang, returning to jumping on her bed.
I sighed in relief, always having a soft spot when she cried. It made it hard for me and her family to say no to her.
She stilled, yawning. "I'm tired," she admitted, her exhaustion apparent on her face as her eyes began to droop.
"Lay down so I can tuck you in. Your mom will be here soon to kiss you goodnight."
She did as I asked, laying down and placing Beary next to her. He was one out of the many stuffed animals on her bed. I got her pink blanket, pulling it up to cover her. She was already struggling to stay awake.
"You promise to wake me up early? To give me my present?" she asked.
"Yes. I'll be here," I whispered.
"Okay..." she trailed off, her eyes closing.
I leaned forward, pressing my lips against her forehead. "Night, Rosalina." I headed for the door, lowering her light.
"Rydey?"
I turned back to see her weak eyes barely open. "Yes, Rosalina?"
"I love you," she whispered.
I didn't get why my heart clenched, a sense of fear flickering around me. It wasn't like we'd never see each other again. So why did it feel that way?
"I love you too, Rosalina. Sleep well, okay?"
She nodded, her eyes closing.
I closed the door, standing in the hall. I didn't know if I should stay with her or go back to my room. I figured with her sleepwalking she'd show up in the room sometime in the night, always finding her way to my bed every night I'd stayed in Heila.
Tonight shouldn't be any different. She'd be in my bed and I'd give her the gift I spent rotations to help design and create. I could already imagine her wide smile as she jumped up and down with excitement.
I must be worrying too much. Tomorrow may be a special day, but everything will be fine. I'll find out if I'm her knight and regardless, I'll stay by her side.
~RYDER~
I stirred awake, feeling groggy. My head was pounding and my body felt hot. I feel sick, ugh.
I rolled over, expecting my hand to land on the little bundle of blanket that always snuggled next to me each night.
I frowned, opening my heavy eyelids to see the flat surface. I scrunched my face, confused as to where Rosalina was. She always slept next to me by the middle of the night. I glanced over to the clock— 2:30 A.M. It's still early in the night...maybe she's drinking milk or something.
I wanted to go check, my mind worrying about my Princess, but I was struggling to stay awake, my eyes already closing. The pounding of my head wasn't helping with my resolve, hoping it would go away, at least before I woke up in the morning.
Time passed, my eyes opening again. I glanced at the clock 05:45 A.M. I sat up, rubbing my eyes as I groaned. I hated waking up early, but today was special. I got out of bed, taking a quick stretch before heading to the dresser— the pink velvet box sitting neatly in the center of the black surface.
I smiled at the purple bow that was placed neatly on top, my hands reaching out to pick it up. I opened it, wanting to make sure the contents were safe— the small locket that matched the one my parents had given me, hoping Rosalina would like the images inside.
The first picture on the left side was of her and her family— Arthur, Catherine, Kade, Xavier and herself. The second was a picture of us in the garden, a picture I begged my mother to take so I could use it for this project.
The interior of the locket held a secret compartment— upon opening it revealed a watch and another spot to have a picture inserted in. I hoped that when we got older and I could ask her out officially, we'd take a picture and place it in there.
Hmm, if we get married...I guess I would need to get her another locket.
"We should go wake her up, or she's going to be upset we didn't. The maid should be there soon," Stryker stressed.
I nodded, closing the box and heading toward the other side of the castle.
I noticed it was a bit busy for five in the morning; the halls that were usually dead quiet seemed buzzing as guards came running down the hall. Once a third set passed by me, I began to worry, listening to their conversation.
"Are you sure Sir Ace hasn't been seen?" Guard one asked.
"I'm positive! The guard on duty allowed him entry because he's the King's first command. He didn't think anything of it," Guard two noted.
Uncle Ace was King Arthur's friend and first command. He would play with all of us and watch over us when our parents were too busy to keep an eye on us, or when we trained or played around. I didn't understand why they were concerned about him. He was a trustworthy friend and wouldn't do harm to any of us...right?
"Has the King been informed?" Guard one asked.
"Yes...a search has been initiated. But the Queen doesn't know yet," Guard two revealed.
I turned away, my slow walk turned into a sprint as I ran straight to Rosalina’s room. Please be okay. Please.
I turned the corner, coming to a complete stop at the sight. The maid was on her knees crying as a second maid consoled her, guards rushed back and forth, calling for a realm wide search and to notify the other royals across the galaxy.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, my stomach feeling like it dropped as my body trembled in fear.
I glanced up to see the Queen, her face stern as she glanced into Rosalina’s room. Mother soon appeared, reaching Catherine’s side.
"We can't freak out yet. She must have sleepwalked somewhere," Mother suggested.
Catherine nodded, but from the way her eyes began to pool with tears as she sniffed, I realized she didn't believe her.
Father and King Arthur arrived— both looking upset. The passing guards stood at attention at the arrival of the King, the leader taking a step forward to give a report.
"What do we know?" Arthur questioned, his voice hard with no emotion.
"Sir Ace was the last to be seen on this side of the area," he began.
A second knight stepped forward. "We found Nightmare in the garden. She was barely moving and was transported to Karen at the medical center. It seems she took in a whiff of Nephala, the plant that causes temporary paralysis. We have none of those plants in the garden, your Majesty," the knight explained.
"We've searched the realm and it's noted a carriage was seen leaving this area. We've tracked it down...but, nothing was found," the leader revealed.
I approached, ignoring the stares as I walked into Rosalina’s room. There had to be something...anything to show if she was really taken or if she had left of her own accord.
"Rydey. Unc Ace give me su-pri-se for my birthday. I have Mr. Bear with me. Be back for my gift. Love you — Princess Rosalina, Rose, and Hope.
My hands practically shook as I felt a tear roll down my cheek.
"Ryder. What's wrong?" Mother called out.
She must have noticed the change in the temperature, my heart rate accelerating as Stryker edged into my mind. We were furious...enraged. How dare he take her? Where are they?
I felt a hand on my shoulder, glancing at my side to see my father who eyed me with confusion. His eyes widened at my expression, turning to the note in my hands that trembled.
It only took two seconds till he was up and out the door.
"Conduct a Galaxy wide search for Sir Ace this instant!" he roared.
My Mother and Catherine were at my side, Catherine gently removing the note from my hand. Mother pulled me into her arms, trying to calm me down.
"We’ll find her. It's okay, just stay calm for me, okay?" she soothed.
I nodded, resting my head on her shoulder as I tried to control my breathing. I can't lose it. I just need to be patient. Father will send the best knights to find her...they have to find her...please...find her.
One Rotation Later
I sat in the living room, staring at my hands— my right trembled to no avail. Karen our healer had said it had to do with my anxiety or something along those lines. It's not like I paid attention to half the things she said during my medical exam.
Apparently, my parents thought my silence was due to shock or whatever. Since I'd found out that Rosalina was kidnapped, I hadn't said a word. Why speak when my purpose was stolen from me? The only person who I’d allow myself to talk to was Anya, but even she struggled to approach me.
My eyes took a glimpse to my left— Kade sat next to me and Xavier at the end of the sofa. Both of them looked just as distraught, all of us had barely slept. Despite the multiple medical exams and attempts at therapy, we were dealing with Rosalina's kidnapping rather poorly.