Kidnap (7 page)

Gaylon moves towards me with the same lethal grace and speed as a panther. Sending shivers down my back. I swallow hard taking a few steps away from him. I take a deep breath and focus on each hit and kick that I make at him. None of which slows him down. He manages to kick my legs out from under me. My only knife goes sliding across the floor as I hit the deck. I roll back to my feet moving towards the knife. I am suddenly brought to a halt by his muscled arm around my neck.

Gaylon whispers into my ear, “You forgot rule number one, Princess.” I interrupt him saying, “I know never take your eyes off your opponent.” The Artthian men in the crowd were cheering Gaylon’s name as I struggle against him. Although, I could not see Nerissa and Lady Flor, I could here them cheering for me. Gaylon ask, “Do you give?” I gasp, “What do think?” I knew I couldn’t pull his arm away. So, instead I grab the back of my head with both hands and push my chin hard into his arm. As he release
s me I turn to face him.

Somehow in our struggles he was now backed up near the end of the dock. I tried using the same kick he had use on me earlier but I only manage to knock him onto his knees. One more kick and he would end up in the ocean, again. Did I dare? I thought to myself. Smiling, I spin around kicking my leg out at him. But, instead of him falling over the side, he catches my leg in his big hand. Grinning up at me he says, “Really! You thought that would happen, again.” Standing up he held on tight to my leg as I tried to pull away. He asks the crowd, “What do you say, my friends? Do our Princess take a little swim, yes or no?” A loud cheer came from the crowd of men standing around us. I look back to find even Nerissa and Lady Flor cheering. I cry, laughing, “Tratiors!” I try to hit Gaylon with my fist but nothing works. I say, “You wouldn’t do it.

You can’t... What if I get hurt? Come on. Let go!”

He laughs, “What was it that you said to me. Lets see... Oh yes, A little water never hurts anybody.”

With that he pulls me close smiling down at me.

Suddenly, I was up above his head, the roar of the crowd deafing. I scream out, “No!” as I felt myself flying through the air. I hold my breath as I kick back up to the surface of the water. I glare up at Gaylon who stands there with the Garlandians and Artthians men laughing at my missfortune. I try to fight the smile that creeps onto my lips. Then I start to laugh too. I swim back towards the dock taking Gaylon’s out reached hand. I smile up at him as he pulls me back up onto the deck. I push my finger into his hard chest. I say, “Next time, it’ll be you who goes for a swim.” He slaps me on my back as I walk away saying, “We’ll see.” Nerissa hands me a towl which I take reluctantly. I say, “Thanks for the support you two.” They look at each other then me.

Lady Flor replies, “Sorry, we kind of got sweep up in the moment.” Nerissa adds, “Sorry.” I smile at them shaking my head. “It’s cool.” I say. Later that night I stand out on the balcony. I watch the Nero jet pilots practice there fighting maneuvers. I found them completely amazing. They flew through the air with small jets attach to there backs. The water burst out of the jets propelling them through the air and the ocean. It was a fascinating dance to watch the warriors perform. They could grab a hold of their opponent from midair and then drag them down to the bottom of the ocean. I was so captivated by the show that I hadn’t notice Gaylon standing beside me until he spoke. “Are you enjoying the show?” I reply, “Yes. They’re amazing... They look like flying sea snakes. If a snake could fly.” Gaylon agreed, “Yes and they can be just as deadly.” It was a sobering thought. I look down at the water saying, “Are we really going to war? There isn’t any other way, to remove Larg from the throne.” Gaylon replies, “He will not give it up willing, Dorothy.” Leaning forward onto the railing he continues. “From what our spies have gather he has imprison the Elders families to gain control over them. Larg controls Elders...” I interrupt saying, “He controls the army.” Gaylon says, “We will have to take the throne from him. It is the only way, now.” I nod, “When... When will we attack?” He looks down at me saying, “Soon, once Captian Artoon and his men arrive we will go to war.” I stand up gasping, “Their alive... How do you know? When will they get here?” Gaylon smiles at me saying. “I didn’t want to worry you until I knew we had them out of the city, safely. I have been communicating with him through one of our spies for a few days now. He has friends inside the castle who hide him and his men.” I asks, “If there is a way to get them out. Then why can’t we do the same to get to Larg and prevent this war.”

Gaylon sighs, “He is too heavily protected.

Besides, he could order the deaths of the elders family before we could ever reach him in time.” I nod, “Does Lady Flor know about Captain Artoon?”

He grins responding, “Yes. She is preparing a grand feast for their arrival. Will you save me a dance?” I could feel my cheeks turning red. I stammer, “Oh...

There... There is going to be dancing? Well, I... I don’t know how to dance. I’m sorry I never learned.” He smiles at me saying, “The steps are not that difficult to learn. Here I’ll show you.”

Before I could argue, I found myself within his arms. He places my hand on his shoulder while holding my other hand in his own. Being in his arms made my heart skip a beat. The smell of him was intoxicating. A part of me never wanted him to let me go. I prayed he couldn’t see how he made me feel as we slowly dance. He spoke softly, “See, it’s not difficult at all, my Princess.” I couldn’t take my eyes from his lips as I said, “Your right it’s easy.” Our eyes met and I knew he was going to kiss me. I whisper, “We shouldn’t do this...” He ask, “Do what?” his mouth only inches from mine.

Before I could respond his lips were covering mine.

He kiss me so slowly, so gently that I forget to breath. As time seems to stand still, all I knew was this very moment. His lips felt so sweet on mine. I didn’t ever want him to stop. Someone clears their throat from behind us. He hesitantly says, “My apologies, your highness. For interrupting...”

Gaylon slowly lifts his lips from mine but does not release me from his embrace. Clearing his throat again he continues, “Sir, Your father... He requested your presents in his study.” Not taking his eyes from mine Gaylon replies, “Thank you. Tell him, I’ll be right there.” The sound of the soldier’s footsteps echo on the floor letting us know he had left. Gaylon says, “I have to go.” He brushes his tumb slowly over my bottom lip. Smiling he adds, “I’ll be looking forward to our next dance.” Gaylon then bows to me before turning to walk away. I watch him leave standing there in shock. I touch my fingers to my bottom lip as I whisper aloud, “Oh, my.” Captain Artoon and his men arrive two days later. The whole city was busy with the preparations for the tonight’s party. Lady Flor had everyone, both Garlandian and Artthians busy at work. Nerissa was helping me practice the steps to the dance Gaylon had showed me. I kept the fact that we had kissed to myself. After practicing she asks me, “So, have you picked out what you’re going to wear tonight?” Sitting down in a chair I smile, saying, “I haven’t really thought about it.”

She laughs, “Really? And... How many times have you look through that?” I pause, my finger on the wardrobe pad I held in my hands. I roll my eyes at her tossing the device onto the coffee table. I calmly reply, “I don’t know what your talking about.” I glance up at Nerissa who is setting on the edge of her dad’s desk grinning back at me.

Shaking my head I continue, “Ok so, I am a bit nervous so sew me.” She replies, “What would you have to be nervous about? Are you scared he will kiss you again?” I gasp looking up at her. “How long have you known? I didn’t tell anyone. Has he...” Nerissa giggles saying, “Gaylon has been just as quiet as you about
it
. The soldier who
interrupted you two... Well, told his wife, who told her sister, who told her cousin... And, well, you know how that goes.” I cry, “What? Your joking right!” Nerissa shakes her head giggling. I ask, “How many people know, Nerissa?” She clears her throat saying, “I don’t think the citizens in the bottom city know yet.” I glare at her. “That is a joke right!” Nerissa grimmest, “Sorry, but no I’m not joking. Look on the bright side a lot of people are betting for the two of you.” I reply, “That’s not funny, Nerissa.” She stands up walking over to the chair next to mine. Sitting down she says, “Well, I’m not joking about that either. Philip and Tommy are kind of running some bets on you two.” I jump up feeling more embarrassed then angry. I begin to pace back and forth saying, “What? They are not doing that. When I get my hands on the two of them. I’ll....” Nerissa laughs saying, “You’re over reacting. Calm down, every thing will be fine.

Gaylon said he was going to, well... Speak to them.”

I turn looking at Nerissa. I reply, “This is so embarrassing. What must everyone think? How can I show my face tonight?” Nerissa sighs, “It was only a kiss, so stop worrying about it. It... it was only a kiss, right?” I gasp, “Yes, it was only a kiss!

But, we are about to go to war and we only just sign the treaty. I then go and let him kiss me. We barely know each other.” I continue pacing, saying, “It’s just the timing is all wrong. I should have kept everything business like.” Nerissa grabs me by my arm laughing as she exclaims, “Stop it. You’ve done nothing wrong. So suck it up and let’s go pick out a knock out dress for you to wear.” With that she drags me back to my room. We spent the rest of the day getting ready for the party. I walk with Nerissa to the grand ballroom where the party was being held. I truly felt like a Princess in the beautiful blue and white dress I wore. It had a scallop neck line and from the waist down soft organza like ruffles trailed down the front. My hair was pulled back into a jewel band that left the back falling with soft curls. I slowly enter through the doors to the ballroom. The circular ballroom was huge with a ceiling made of glass. The stars and two moons that could be seen made the night seem magical. Half of the room had elegant tables set up while the other half was left for the dance floor. I try not to search the room for Gaylon wondering where he could be. I hadn’t seen him since the night we kissed. I hoped he was not avoiding me.

Nerissa assured me that it was due to all the preparations for the battle that was why I had not seen him. Spotting the Captain and Lady Flor, we walk over to where they are sitting. Captain Artoon stands bowing to me as he says, “I had feared the worst, my lady. I am pleased to find my worries were not needed. Your grandfather would have been proud of you. You have accomplished what he had always desired, peace for both our people.” I smile weakly at him. “Thank you, Captain Artoon.

But, I am not the leader of the Garlandians, yet. I am hesitant to celebrate until Larg has been dealt with and the rest of the Garlandians are free from his rule.” Captain Artoon motion for us to set down at the table with them. He surprised me with a smile which I hadn’t seen him do until now. He says, “Your fears are well placed, my lady. We will win the battle that is to come. That I am sure of.” I nod saying, “I just wish there was some other way then war. I don’t wish for anyone to be harm.”

Captain Artoon leans back in his chair staring at me.

He replies, “War is never pretty, Princess Naishay.

Death is always apart of it. But, Gaylon has informed me that the Artthians scientist is coming up with something to lesson the lost.” Lady Flor and Nerissa looked just as surprised as I felt. My fears lessen a little feeling that there was some hope. I look at him waiting for him to continue, but instead he says, “I don’t wish to go into details at this moment.” He holds up his hand to silence any questions we each had. He continues, “They are still working on the device. I do not wish to get anyones hopes up.” With that he motions for the servants to bring us some drinks while we wait for the food to be served. The food that was served was as beautiful as it was delicious. There was different types of sea food. As well as fowl that oddly tasted like chicken. They served a variety of fruits and vegetables that was unlike anything on earth. Nerissa whispers, “Be careful with the Honey fruit it can be a bit intoxicating. Unless you have built up a tolerances to it.” Thanking her, I made a note to myself to avoid it all together. I sat listening to the music that was being played. It was unlike anything I had ever heard before now. The melody was very enchanting as it filled the ballroom. I was so lost in the music that I did not here Gaylon approach us. “Good evening, Ladies.”

Gaylon says as he arrives at the our table. He stands with his arms behind his back staring at Captain Artoon. Nodding at the Captain he says, “Artoon.” It was a bit surprising to see them not at each other throats. Gaylon looks down at me saying, “Shall we?” holding his hand out to me. I could fill everyone at the table turn to look at me.

Nerissa exclaims, “Wait that’s... Never mind.” As I take a quick sip of the fruity honey like juice that had been pour for her. Inhaling a deep breath I take his hand and follow him out on the dance floor. I follow his lead as he takes me into his embrace. I could feel everyones eyes on us as we dance.

Feeling my checks burning I keep my eyes focus on the top bottons of his white shirt. “You look stunning tonight, my Princess.” He says his breath fanning my hair. I smile, looking up at him. I reply, “Thank you. Your not to bad yourself either.”

Closing my eyes I thought great come back D.

Clearing my throat I quickly say, “I mean you look very handsome too.” Gaylon chuckled saying, “Thank you.” I look at our hands intertwine wishing this moment could last forever. I felt him watching me intently. Feeling a little vulnerable I try to think of something to talk about. I say, “You and Captain Artoon seem to have worked out your differences.” Gaylon smiles replying, “You mean I’m not trying to take his head off anymore.” My eyes widen I say, “No, that’s not...” Gaylon says interrupting me, “I know. We have a treated now between our people. If I was to kill Artoon, one of the Garlandians commanding officers, how do you think they would react?” He continued answering his own question, “It would mean the end to any peace for both our peoples. That I will not allow.”