37. Reunite

🖤

They were all lucky to have made it out alive. Iker along with Malachi and Cormac was the first to meet back at the meeting grounds before Rhys. It gave Iker a few spare minutes to fill Cormac in on all that's happened in his absence. Of course Iker had left out the fact that his mother Queen Zelda was alive and that Phoenix was of royalty. He thought he should hear such important news from them and not him.

Iker got to know that the man in the cell was also Arabella's father. He thought he was pass the stage of being shocked, but the news still shocked him. "How is he doing?" Cormac asked after they exchange abundant of information. He felt so useless not being there for Phoenix during such a time. He was equally as angry about what had happened, putting all the blame on his shoulders for allowing so much people to die.

Cormac now knew what King Rhett had meant. He had laid his trap when Cormac was stupid enough to leave. If only he had been there. "He's definitely hurting but he's trying to remain calm in the situation." Iker admitted.

Rhys arrived in time, a smug look on his face but he seemed equally unsatisfied. He eyed the two beside Iker, knowing there would be one but ended up with two. "I thought we came for one and ended up with two."

"Should I have left Malachi?" Iker said, moving over from Prince Rhys and ended up closer to Cormac which made Rhys frown.

It took a second for him to realize what Iker had said. "This just got rather interesting." He said looking over at the now scrawny Malachi.

Cormac went pale ad he realized who this Prince Rhys was. It was no doubt the guy that had stopped him when he first left the castle and also the guy that was with Phoenix. A surge of jealous rose in him as he looked at Prince Rhys, making it all the more reason he should go where Phoenix is. A sudden overwhelming urge had taken him over to hug and kiss the boy, keeping him wrapped in his arms.

"Shall we get going."

🖤

Phoenix stood on the balcony and overlook the town. He looked at Area fifteen wondering if everyone was okay. Maybe it was a better option of bringing them along than having them stay after what had happened. All he was doing was worrying about them. Zelda said they would be okay, Phoenix had believed her. Deep down, he was swimming in his own anxiety.

He then proceeded to look at the castle. Iker and Rhys had been gone for sometime. He'd long to see Cormac, hoping he was okay and that they would leave unscarred. Phoenix knew at this point what he had to do, yet, he felt like he didn't. Everything was in the palm of his hands, but nothing was in his grasp. A heavy sigh filled with emotions left his lips.

"Cormac is a lot stronger than you think," Phoenix turned to see Ximera joining him on the balcony. She had arrived just as Iker and Rhys had left. Phoenix had briefly told her about what had happened when she asked about Cormac.

"I know that. I can't help but be overthrown with all these emotions." Ximera had heard the emotional stress in his voice. They had become friends over the short time. Ximera didn't know a lot about Phoenix, yet she saw no reason not to extend her hand.

"There's no need to think. Just do what you think is right." Ximera said. "My father hadn't expected an invitation from Seridina much less Aperia. From what I've come to know, I'm sure there's a lot more to it. Why else would Queen Zelda invite all the Kings from all the Kingdoms."

"Everything is resting on my shoulders Ximera. I have to make things right. I've messed things up and cost the lives of many." Rocco's lifeless body flashed through his mind. "This is what I've always wanted to do. Now, I don't think I'm able to."

"I don't have any advice in this sort of situation." Ximera said apologetic. "We grew up under different circumstances but that doesn't make us different. I'm expected to be the Queen one day, people already have high expectations of me. The pressure can be overwhelming at times. When I think of how I could better the lives of each and everyone in Laqum, I feel motivated each day." She took a deep breath. "You can't attain success without failure." Ximera recalled her own failures after her mother had died. She was so lost and didn't see the need for anyone to have expectations from her.

A maid had come then to inform Phoenix of his meeting with his grandfather. Ximera excused herself, Phoenix wanting for her to accompany him. She thought it would be private family matters and didn't want to intrude. All that had to be said would be said later that day. Phoenix needed the emotional support whether it was private or not. Suddenly, he realized how alone he was here.

There was no grumbling from Siobhan or babies crying. Mae wasn't clinging onto him and Poppy wasn't making her usual banter. There was no angry Rebel to tell him off. And worst of all he had no Rocco to insult him in the funniest of ways. Phoenix missed home.

The Relufian castle was practically next door to Aperia. It was larger than anything Phoenix had ever seen. The doors had large wings carved onto it. The insides were large and rather empty. Their footsteps echoed, Phoenix reaching for his pendant. This was where his father had grown up. Phoenix took every nook and cranny of the castle, thinking how everything was a connection of sorts to his father.

"Your grandfather is just beyond that door." Queen Zelda said.

Phoenix looked at the door that seperate him and what he presumed the future. Going beyond it would lead him down a different path that would change the tides. Phoenix had the resolve the moment he went with Zelda. It was that he needed someone with him. He needed Cormac alongside him, telling him things would be okay.

He took a shaky breath and pushed the door opened. He's already come this far to turn back. A large bed stood in the room, the curtains half drawn as a rather old man laid comfortable under the sheets. Phoenix wondered if the man was asleep as his lack of response for when they entered. He walked expectantly over to his supposed grandfather, Zelda just to his side. Phoenix met eyes with the wrinkled man, unsure how to react.

It was his first time meeting someone of blood relative. There was so much he wanted to ask and know. He was rendered silent before the man, not sure where to begin of if he should at all. His grandfather eyes wondered to Queen Zelda who nodded and gave Phoenix a light push on the back, inching him closer to his relative.

The man then looked at Phoenix, a smile etching onto his face as the small exchange between him and Zelda was enough to tell him that Phoenix was his grandson. It was hard enough for his grandfather to move his arm towards Phoenix. It clicked what Queen Zelda had said to him when they first met, that his grandfather didn't have much time.

Phoenix took his hand in his, seeing the joy it bought to him. "You must be Phoenix." his voice was low and hoarse; barely audible. "I'm so sorry."

Phoenix furrowed his brows, there was nothing he had to apologize for. "It's fine."

Brees, as he had come to learn as his grandfather's name seemed persistent on apologizing to Phoenix. "If only I knew Emory had a son--"

Phoenix stopped him with a shook of his head. He didn't want to hear the ifs and buts of the past. His life wasn't perfect but he was content with it. Phoenix met great people who he had come to know as his family. He's met and helped countless people who he's learned a lot from by just being around them. Even if he was used and lied to by Prince Rhys. He couldn't really blame him, they both used each other for there own purposes.

The life he's led bought him to Cormac. It made him fight for something he believed him. Along the way he had gotten bruised and worn thin, yet, Phoenix walked along the rocky path that had been laid for him since birth. It wasn't long before he could walk along a smooth path. The lost of Rocco had him in a great deal of pain. To get through all he had to do, Phoenix had to remain strong.

"My life wasn't easy," he admitted. "But I've grown with the love of those around me and I've learned to spread that," an image of Poppy, Siobhan, Rebel, Stella, Nevaeh, Mae and even Rocco and Cormac flashed in his mind. All of them smiling happily. "There's nothing to apologize for."

"You're so much like your father." Brees spoke, he was a cross between happiness and sadness. "His mother and I should've listened to him. We've allowed our people to suffer."

"It's not your fault," Phoenix tried assuring him. "You didn't know what would happen." Brees gave Phoenix hand a squeeze, thanking the boy.

"I'm sure you know why you're here," Brees said, it was time to get to the important reason as to why Phoenix was here. "I don't have much time left and as the next heir, I'm sure you know what that means." There it was, the heavy weight that had slumped Phoenix's shoulder. "I apologize for springing this on you so suddenly. Queen Zelda will have everything for the ceremony ready. It won't be much."

Phoenix could only nod, getting all tongue tied. This was the part where he needed the support, there was no one by his side. They didn't need to be, he carried them in his heart and that should be enough. "Now, I'll tell you all there is."

Phoenix listened as his grandfather spoke. It started from the moment King Rhett became the King after his father died. How Aperia came to be. That his grandmother had taken the news of Emory's death unbearable and the stress led to her death. Brees had fallen ill and managed to survive until now. Phoenix listened carefully to each word, even learning a bit more of his father.

As Brees came to an end. Phoenix knew that a story had two sides, and that of King Rhett's had yet to be heard. The man might be ruthless, but there must be a reason behind his ongoing hatred. After saying his goodbyes, the ceremony was next. As Brees had said, it wasn't much. Queen Zelda along with a few maids to the side was all that accompanied Phoenix. His attire was deemed suitable as Zelda carried out the ceremony.

It was a tradition of the Relufian family. With Brees current condition, Zelda had performed all there is even though a member of the Relufian family was more suitable. Brees gave Phoenix his blessings, the crown sitting idly before him. "Can I ask a favor of you Queen Zelda?" Phoenix had asked before she handed his crown over.

"Anything." She responded.

Phoenix voiced his request that made Zelda both surprised and happy. "If that's what you want, I'll have everything prepared soon." She said with a smile on her lips. "I'll be sure to keep it as subtile as possible. But may I ask if you are sure about this."

"I couldn't be anymore sure."

This had ended just before noon, which was sooner than they had anticipated. Phoenix promised to visit again, leaving with a new level of authority that seemed unreal. It felt odd that people had been bowing to him. They arrived at Aperia shortly after. It seemed that new guests had arrived. Phoenix sighed tiredly as he made way to the room he had been provided with. Zelda had left to carry out Phoenix wishes.

"Phoenix!" The voice was enough for Phoenix to swell with emotions and longing.

It was the voice of the one person he needed the most.

🖤