The Lost City of Pela Part 3

Derek paced back and forth the hall corridor in front of his father's door. His mind raced with thoughts of all the events that happened and not knowing what he was going to tell his father. His father Majesty King Ethan had a strict policy about royals and nonroyals entering into any union together.

Derek never agreed with any of his father's policies. He could not wait when the day would come for his coronation to be crowned King of Snowy Haven. He wanted to change the policies and give his people better hope for a brighter future, and lead his Kingdom into a new era.

Derek's body froze as the door to his father's chambers slowly opened. ” Your majesty, father may I have a moment of your time” stuttered Derek. His father slowly turned and with an annoyed look on his face nodded his head for his son to approach.

The emotional game of ping pong that had been going on in Derek's mind for weeks was going at full speed. Did he want to ask his father about magic? He decided against mentioning anything to do with magic until he found out for himself what the mysterious magic was that presented itself when he locked hands with Addison Fox.

“Father I have fallen in love with a girl and before you pass judgment, I would like to have a chance for you to meet her,” Derek said, with compassion in his eyes that his father has never seen in his son before. “You know the policy's Derek you are to marry a royal of our choice and nothing can change that. The policies are put into place for the benefit of our people” King Ethan stated with a non-negotiating tone in his voice.

Derek's father always looked at Derek as a screw-up. He was a fair king when it came to his people but not when it came to his children. Derek's father did not believe in marrying for love. King Ethan looked at marriage as a contract to help the kingdoms remain in peace.

King Ethan was betrothed to the fair and beautiful Queen Isabella Bala of the Glassy Isle. Queen Isabella had passed away after giving birth to their third child Clara. The Queen was loved by all and missed as it left an empty void in the kingdom. Queen Isabella always carried herself with a majestic-like quality. Anyone that was lucky enough to be in her presence always said she felt like home. The kingdom was still in mourning from the passing of their beloved Queen and King Ethan wanted Derek to marry to heal the Kingdom.

Derek did not hesitate to bow and make a brief exit from the castle without so much as a word. He needed to find any way he could to change his father’s mind. Derek decided to put all of what his father said behind him and focus on what was going on between him and Addison. So, Derek went on the search to find Addison.

In the meantime, Addison was in the monastery which was another name for a place that holds books and reading materials for learning purposes. As Addison skimmed book after book trying to find out anything she could about the strange magic, she came up empty. Addison’s mind was so full of confusion and fear, but the one thought that stood out and did not change is the love she had for Prince Derek. Suddenly, every molecule in Addison’s body was pulled to the doors leading out to the gardens. Addison did not know how but she already knew who was walking up. It was Prince Derek!

Addison did not stop to even think. Her body was already closing the space between her and Derek, and the look that painted both their faces was more than love. It was as if their souls were united and their bodies sensed one another. It was a feeling that neither of them has felt before. They looked at each other for what seemed like hours but it was only minutes and fear struck both of them afraid to touch the other.

“Addison, I am just as afraid as you are and before you deny it, I can see it in your eyes,” Derek said. Addison’s face quickly went to a shocked looked. “I know, but there is limited knowledge about this and I have been reading all day,” said Addison. They both wanted nothing more than to seek comfort in each other's arms but with not knowing what would happen they were both petrified.

The temptation to even touch each other was real in their minds. As Derek and Addison looked at each other, noise from the hedges broke their thoughts. Suddenly an elderly man appeared from the hedges where the noise was. “Sir can I help you with something,” Derek said with a protective voice. “Your highness, my name is Ariston and I have journeyed far to find you” “What business do you have with me Ariston.”

Suddenly there was a chill in the air and the wind picked up. Ariston paused and whispered 5 words “The Lost City of Pela”.

Stay tuned to find out what information the stranger has and if the temptation to touch brings chaos or peace.