Love Interest End Scenes (LIES): Montan - Part II

Love Interest End Scenes (LIES): Montan - Part II

Ancient artifacts and buildings always pose a challenge, even to the best of us, Constantine said from the comcry as Montan carried a bucket and three water canisters towards the spring. There were two springs that provided water for site one, and both were across the site from the temple.

Professor Hailan was depressed after using up all the attempts to activate the crystals that afternoon. He had fallen asleep on his bedroll, exhausted. Genet was reviewing the translated text on the tiles for some clue that her master mightve missed. Montan volunteered to get water for them now that it was dark and cooler.

He had a light crystal strapped to his hat to light the way while his comcry hung on a cord around his neck.

Its just that Im sure this is killing Professor Hailan....Hes obsessed with figuring out the pattern, Montan said with a heavy sigh. If it were a charm, maybe I could help, but this isnt something Im used to.

Tori said that charms came from grids, which came from natural formations in the earth. Maybe that has something to do with it? Constantine suggested.

Perhaps Professor Hailan is right in that were missing something. Lastra was the goddess of marriage?

Yes. It was popular with complicated pairings. Often couples would go to pray for unwilling families approve of their marriage. There was one story of how Lastra was in love with the moon god, but she was bound to the earth, so she could not reach him. The moon god could not come to earth, so to marry her, he made it rain. It is said that she danced in the rain as if she were dancing with the moon god.

Montan cracked a small smile. That was a nice story. The ancients loved their stories.

Everyone loves stories. Even the vases Ive been examining have them, Constantine said. By the way, are you still returning to campus tomorrow?

Yes, Ill spend the morning here and then return tomorrow afternoon. If you dont see me, go back without me.

All right. Dont worry so much about this. Im sure your brother will be fine regardless of whether you can figure out the pattern and make a wish.

Montan smiled a bit more once more and ended the call. He dutifully filled the bucket and the water canisters before returning to his campsite.

The translations are the story of how Lastra married the moon god and danced in the rain, and theyre in succession going from east to west from the entrance, Genet said as he arrived and put the bucket down. But that isnt really a pattern? Thats just activating each crystal in succession. Anyone can do that.

Did the professor already try?

Twice, from east to west and west to east, Genet replied, scratching the top of her head as she made a face at the translations. Its a nice story and its fitting for a temple dedicated to a marriage goddess, but it doesnt tell us the pattern we need.

The story has to do with rain.... Montan trailed off as he took a seat and handed her one of the water canisters. Perhaps we have to wait until it rains?

The two of them looked up at the dark sky. It was clear with a blanket of twinkling and faint stars, but not a single cloud. It was another blow to their hopes.

It doesnt rain often here.... Genet trailed off. She sighed and leaned back against a rock. And what would the rain do? Will it activate the crystals?

Montan unscrewed his water canister and was about to shrug when he paused. His eyes slowly narrowed as he looked at the water canister and his hand holding it. There was a thin ring with a small black stone used to detect contaminated food and water that Tori gave him and Constantine. Tori had one on her bracelet...along with other crystals she used.

Crystals can be used to manipulate water. Tori did it all the time using aquamarine. His eyes widened. Do you know what crystals are on the tiles?

Genet wrinkled her nose and furrowed her brows in thought. I dont....

Theyre blue-green...aquamarine is blue-green. Montan shot up and capped his water canister. Without a word, he turned around and headed towards the entrance of the cave.

Montan, where are you going?

I want to try something!

Genet dropped whatever she was holding and ran after him. They reached the mouth of the cave and he reached up to activate the light crystals strung along the narrow hall to illuminate it. At once, the hall flooded with a soft white light and up ahead, the main chamber glowed.

What are you going to do? Genet asked as she followed behind him.

Crystals can be used to control water. In Viclya, aquamarine is used for plumbing, fountains, and irrigation. In some cases, they are programmed to do a particular function. Programming is like applying a charm to a crystal to make it do something more controlled, Montan said.

More controlled?

Terracrystal is a good example. If it is being used by a crystal user, then the crystal user funnels their energy through it to control dirt and rock, yes? But it cant control anything by itself. My godsister and her crystal masters carved crystals or charged them in a particular way that makes the crystal do something without a user controlling it. Terracrystal is used in agriculture to till the land and it does so by meeting a certain requirement.

When it senses a sister crystal it will pulse energy through the soil, overturning the earth in a line directly between the two. Earlier, I sensed that there was energy on the floor. The floor is a different material than the wall and I suspect that it may have crystals inside. They stumbled into the main chamber and Montan turned to look at her with a flushed, excited face. What if the crystals need to be triggered by meeting a certain requirement rather than a person?

He was almost out of breath rushing his explanation and looked at Genet. Her eyes were wide and she opened her mouth. Then... She furrowed her brows and looked down, as if wracking her mind. What...what can we use to trigger it?

Montan lifted the canister he gripped in his hand. Water.

Excited, he grabbed her hand and pulled her forward, towards the center of the room. He pointed up and Genet followed his hand. But, there isnt any rain.

So, we pretend to make it rain, Montan said. He drew her attention to the floor. This circle is worn by rainwater that came from the light shaft, but the edge is carved as a perfect circle. It was likely manmade. I thought it was a symbol, but the center is now a worn bowl in the ground...but, site one uses vulgar Promelian, right?

Genet nodded. Right.

Then, they were still transitioning from pictograms. The sun is a ring with a dot in the center, but the moon is a completely filled circle, Montan told her, his voice growing more excited. And who married the moon god?

Lastra! Genets brows shot up. Montan unscrewed the canister in his hand. He looked at her and she grasped his free hand and nodded to show her support.

The moon god used rain to marry her, so.... He stepped back and lifted the canister as high as he could and then tilted it. Water came down, hitting the area around the center groove before he adjusted and managed to drizzle some water on to it.

He held his breath. Genet watched with awe. Now what?

Ground.... he said, his gray eyes fixed on the floor where the water was hitting. Can you feel anything?

His eyes flickered up to Genet and saw her eyes closed and her brows knit as she concentrated. He opened his mouth to speak again when he felt a gentle pulse of energy from the ground beneath him. Her small hand squeezed his as he heard her gasp.

Montan!

I know.... The energy began to draw him away from the center and he turned towards where it was pulling him. His eyes widened. The crystal on one of the tiles is glowing!

I see it! Genet gasped. Do we touch it?

Yes! Without thinking, they pulled away from each other and rushed to opposite sides of the room, placing their hands on the opaque crystal on the wall. The surge of energy went through him and Montan almost laughed with giddiness. He turned around, expecting to see Genet next to him.

She was across the room, her palm on the crystal across from him. She cocked her head to the side. Why are you over there?

Why are you over there? Montan mirrored her look of confusion.

Genet looked at the tile and back to him. This is the glowing crystal.

Montan narrowed his eyes. No....it was this one. He was sure of it. Of all ten tiles, the one that he saw glowing was the one he was touching.

Wait...did you see a different crystal from me? Genet asked. It was a possibility.

Montan opened his mouth once more, but felt the energy from the crystal he was holding fade. Genet snapped her head back to the crystal, meaning that she mustve felt the same waning energy, as well. He looked back at her and caught another crystal glowing.

Another crystal!

I see it, too! The two crossed the room, stepping aside each other to get to the next crystal. They slammed their hands against it and looked back at each other.

I think we are seeing different crystals glow.

Do you think that the pattern was meant for two people? Genet asked.

Montan looked around the room. Professor Hailan had been running around for days without making any headway, but hed been at it alone. Maybe....

Another crystal!

Montan looked around and found another crystal across from him glowing. Genet was already heading towards one on his side. They passed each other near the center once more and Genet laughed.

What is it? Montan asked as he reached his side of the chamber. Genet was smiling wide.

Were dancing!

What?The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

There is an old dance in Nazaria where people are in a circle and when it is their turn, they cross to the other side, circling the person they pass each time, Genet said with a grin. Guess where its danced?

Moon festivals?

Weddings! He almost wanted to laugh with giddiness along with her. Many parts of a society were absorbed through the ages; he wasnt surprised. Genet continued to laugh before she gasped again. Ah, new crystal! Come here, its like this!

She slowed when she got to the center and Montan awkwardly followed. The crystal was just behind her, but he slowed in front of her. She put her hands on his shoulders and helped him step to the side, so they switched places, then she released him and rushed off to her crystal.

Montan was a bit stunned, but shook himself out of his stupor and went to his crystal. When the energy faded and a new crystal called to him, he walked back to the center. Genet was waiting with her arms up, likely to maneuver him again. Instead, he went with what hed been taught in dance lessons and grasped one hand, then put his other hand on her waist.

Genets face flushed, causing him to turn red as well. His eyes darted down. Sorry! He swung her around and then released her once they traded spaces. In Soleil-

No, no, Ive seen it! I know! Genet kept her burning face down as she slammed her palm on the next crystal.

Montan told himself to focus and not offend her the next time they crossed the room. However, when they did, she grabbed his hands, holding one up and putting one on her waist before turning and releasing him. He drew his head back surprised as he stood in place.

Was she all right with this? He wasnt sure of the dancing customs in Nazaria. Do they dance like this here, too?

What are you doing standing there? Genet called out to him. Touch the crystal!

Right! Montan pulled himself out of his thoughts and rushed to the next crystal. As soon as the energy faded, he pulled away and walked back to the center. He met Genet face to face. His hands were raised and she seemed to wait for him to take hers. Montan swallowed hard and he measured his words. May I have this dance?

She drew in her lips and bit them before nodding. Okay!

The corners of his lips pulled up and he lowered his eyes shyly. Instead of grabbing her hand and swinging her around, his hand cradled hers and gently led her around in a half circle before releasing her to get to the next tile.

Each time they met in the center, their hands touched. Montan felt his face heat up every time. And every time, their time in the center grew slower.

The...the temple is...uh.... Montan wasnt sure what to say.

Interesting, Genet offered. He nodded his head dumbly.

Yes....

Genet looked up at the light shaft. I wonder when we can make our wish.

Weve touched all the crystals already, right? he asked.

A few times, I think. They stopped glowing...is it over? she asked. It was over, but they were still standing in the center, swaying in a circle.

Montan furrowed his brows. I- His mouth snapped shut as he saw the opaque crystal behind her begin to glow. It wasnt the only one.

Theyre glowing again! All of them! Genet said. Their little dance came to a stop and they turned around. We cant touch all of them at once.

Theyre brighter than before.... Montan narrowed his eyes. I think we make our wish now.

Oh! Excitement and hope filled Genets face as she closed her eyes, her hands tightening into little fists at her side as she seemed to focus.

Montan closed his own eyes.

I wish for my brother to meet and marry someone who is kind, intelligent, loyal, beautiful, and will love and respect my brother for being himself, not because he is a duke. Please let my sister-in-law like me and want me as family so we can all be happy together.

Perhaps it was a childish wish, but Montan put all his hopes into it. He wanted his brother to find someone to marry who loved him, but also someone who would accept Montan as family, as well. That was selfish on his part, but Axton was very important to him.

Montan.... Genets voice was heavy and he opened his eyes. The room began to sway and he reached out. He saw Genet also reaching out for him, as if to steady each other.

Are you dizzy? he asked.

Genet opened her mouth, but she suddenly leaned forward, as if all the energy had been taken from her. Montan reached out to grab her and cushion her fall, but his own legs grew weak. His head spun and he felt himself falling.

He pulled Genet against him and closed his eyes. He heard a deep rumble and wasnt sure if the movement he felt was caused by him or if the ground was moving. Briefly, he wondered if it was an earthquake.

He felt his shoulder hit the ground, but the pain was short lived and after letting out a grunt, he lost consciousness.

Montan expected to feel groggy when he woke up, but he found that waking was refreshing. Though he felt a bit heavy at first, his mind wasnt muddled and his eyes werent blurred. He was laying on a bed, as his body was nestled on a mattress and there was a thin blanket on him.

Above him were the bare wooden beams and floorboards of one of the buildings on site. His eyes narrowed. Which site was he at?

He swallowed and winced. His throat hurt. He tried to move his body and a familiar voice spoke up from beside him. He didnt even notice someone was seated on a chair on his right.

Montan, dont panic. Youre in the clinic at site two.

Montan turned his head and saw dark hair and blue eyes. Master?

Master Kasen gave him a small nod. You and Genet are safe. Shes also still sleeping in the next room.

That was going to be his next question. Relief swept through him and he nodded. Thank you, Master....

Lay down. Ill get your brother and the doctor. His voice gave Montan no room to protest. Not that he would. He closed his eyes and allowed his head to sink back into the pillow.

He took a deep breath. The last thing he recalled was that he hit the ground and there was a rumbling. He hoped he had been able to shield Genet so that she didnt land painfully. But what was that rumbling? He thought the world was spinning, but he assumed it was because they suddenly felt dizzy.

Five Years Later

Montan was sure that if his brother kept annoying His Imperial Highness about marriage, then Prince Piers would make his sister-in-law a widow just three years into her marriage. Perhaps it was because they were nearing thirty years old or perhaps it was because Axton was about to become a father for the second time, but Axton was constantly telling Piers to get married and the joys of fatherhood.

In the beginning, several years earlier, everyone had been excited for Axton after he began to officially court the fifth princess of Nazaria. Marriage with foreign nobles and royalty wasnt unheard of in Soleil and Nazaria was a close ally, so strangers didnt have much to say. Amongst Axtons friends and noble peers, everyone had been encouraging. What was important was that Axton was getting married.

Of course, with the fifth princess being royalty, there were certain processes that had to be followed. Luckily, his brothers godmother was the Empress and she helped facilitate it by acting as a sort of matchmaker and she was able to navigate the complexities of arranging an international engagement well.

The courtship was approved by the Nazarian royal family after a few months of Axton and the fifth princess talking. In fact, Axton extended his trip in Nazaria for Montans recovery. Montan happily let him use him as an excuse to stay, as it seemed his brother was very interested in the doctor.

When his brother told him that he wanted to marry the fifth princess, Montan agreed.

He liked Dr. Anbessa. She was very friendly and intelligent. A bit more grounded than her brother, so though Axton was easily excited, she was calm. However, Montan could still see the excitement in her eyes as she looked at Axton.

They were a good match; Montan could feel it in his gut. Dr. Anbessa was also very kind to him, and seemed to really treat him as a younger brother, similar to how she treated Genet as a younger sister, as shed been helping watch over Genet since Genet became Professor Hailans pupil.

Perhaps it was because Dr. Anbessa and her own siblings had some tension that she was happy to treat others the way she wished to be treated. She seemed to like that Axton was close to Montan; a close family.

Genet said that she heard that the proposal for courtship to marriage from Duke Alvere had stunned Dr. Anbessas siblings. Since she spent most of the year in the desert, they thought the chances of her finding someone on her own to marry were slim.

In addition, it turned out that shed rejected marriage proposals family members had brought to her in the past. That was another reason her siblings were irritated with her. She made it difficult to be used as a political pawn by her siblings. Her parents were more sensible and after meeting Axton, agreed to the marriage.

They were engaged less than a year after they met. The formalities were completed quickly.

Still, the fifth princess insisted on working at the site until Montan finished his last year of research with the college before returning with him to Soleil for the wedding. The wedding did not happen until the fall after Montan graduated Universit and part of the reason was to wait for Tori, who was abroad.

It had been a large, nearly week-long affair held at Nassaun House with activities, events, and catering from Lions Gate Event Planning. The Empress and Marquess Guevera had both attended. The old Marquis and Marchioness von Schwert attended with Giselle, who had a part in the wedding.

Since Tori had been in the Tona Empire, Ilyana and Henrik assisted with the planning. From lights, to food, to fireworks, everyone had an amazing time. It was Genets first trip to Soleil and if she wasnt looking forward to going to Viclya for a few days, she wouldve wanted to stay longer.

Duchess Miras family attended, with the exception of her father, who could not leave the kingdom as its ruler.

Montan didnt know how a royal Nazarian wedding looked, but he was fairly certain that the Nazarian Crown Prince, his sister-in-laws eldest brother, and the rest of their family were impressed. In his heart, he didnt want his in-laws family to look down on his brother.

Everyone assured him that after the wedding, Duchess Miras siblings would be envious. They arrived in Viclya, then went to Horizon, then to Nassaun House. Everywhere they went and stayed was luxurious and with the latest of CrysTech technology. Axton spared no expense to show that his wife would live very comfortably.

Less than a year later, just as Montan was about to return to Nazaria to continue working at the ruins, his brother told them that his sister-in-law was pregnant and hed be an uncle. Montan welcomed his first nephew, Oliver Emil de Alvere the next fall.

Then over a year later, Axton was going to have another baby.

Once more, everyone was excited, and then his brothers arrogance got the better of him.

Axton began to tell Prince Piers to marry soon. After all, his best friend was about to have his second child, and Soleils heir was growing older and needed an heir of his own.

However, Tori was currently in the Pacha Empire. She spent several months of the year abroad, even after she graduated, to do diplomatic and trade work, and didnt seem to have any plans to stop. Prince Piers never stopped her or showed any signs of doing so.

But now that Axton kept harping on him to get married, Montan wasnt sure Prince Piers would stay unaffected.

Godsister, I dont know how to stop my brother, Montan said as he paced in his tent at site three. Hed managed to get a hold of Tori for the first time in a few weeks. She was his best chance at collateral damage control when it came to his brother and Prince Piers.

Dont worry about it. Ill talk to him, Toris exasperated voice said.

When are you coming back? In four months? Six? Ill be in Nazaria, so I will be unable to greet you.

Just continue to do your research without worry, Im fine, Tori replied. Besides, Im on my way back. Were on one of the territory islands.

Montan frowned. Whats wrong? Is the ship all right?

The ships fine. Im just not feeling well at the moment and dry land is better for me right now, she said. Anyway, dont worry about your brother and Piers. Piers wont kill him. There was a pause at the end of that and Montan found that he wasnt completely convinced.

I just want my brother to live.

Dont worry, Oliver will still have a father...for now. The call ended and Montan fell back on his bed. His tent was similar to the encampment tents at Viclya, so it was well furnished.

The Countess seems to know what shes doing. Im sure she and the Crown Prince will marry soon, Genet said as she rolled over and put her arm around him and rested her head on his shoulder. Montan sighed and raised his arm so he could play with the curls over hair distractedly.

Axton is going to have a second child soon...should I go back? Montan wasnt sure if he was asking her or himself.

Do you want to go back? Genet asked, drawing her head back again and looking up at him.

Montan stared up at the top of the tent. Its something Ive been considering...I love working here...but I want to be with my family, too. I dont want to be an uncle that Oliver never sees.... He furrowed his brows. His family was very important to him. Axton keeps asking when Ill come home. And Tori said I could come back and work in Viclya at any time-

At the Crystal Palace? Genets eyes lit up and looked at him with excitement. Five years, and she still called it that despite seeing it in person.

Montan gave her a look. Its not a palace.

Yes, but if you look at the island from afar with all its buildings and protruding crystals, it looks like a crystal palace, Genet insisted.

Charms work is integrated heavily with the research done on Anahata Island and for the research and development division of CrysTech, Montan said. Id get paid well and my family has a house there.... He looked at Genet. What do you think?

Genet lowered her eyes. She rested her head on his shoulder and her embrace tightened. You should do what you want to do. What makes you happy.

Yes, but arent you going with me? Their tent was quiet. Genet lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes growing wet.

What?

Arent you going with me? Montan asked, his face heating up despite how many times hed practiced segueing into this.

Genets mouth opened and she seemed to have trouble finding the words. Why...why do you want me to come with you? she asked in a tight voice.

Montan met her eyes and held them, gathering as much confidence as he could by pretending to channel his brothers strength when Axton was recklessly flirting with the then fifth princess. Because you also make me happy. Genet, I want to marry you-

Genet screamed and threw her arms around him. Even her legs wrapped around him as she squeezed and almost rolled them off the bed. It came true! It came true!

Montan could barely breathe. His eyes were wide as he wheezed. What...what came true?

My wish at the temple! Genet yelled. She buried her face on his chest and let out another excited shriek. Her small fist pounded at his chest.

Your wish at temp.... Montan gasped and grasped her fist to keep from hitting him. Wed only known each other for less than two months then!

Yes, but I knew I liked you! Genet flushed. You liked what I liked. You studied what I studied. Youre enthusiastic about your interests. Not to mention that youre very nice and you're good-looking! Each word she said made Montan blush even harder.

Youre...youre very pretty, too! That sounded terrible. How did his brother win a princess so easily? Did he not inherit that? Was it from Mama?

Genet giggled and beamed. Do you really want to marry me? He drew out of his embarrassment for a moment and met her eyes with seriousness.

Yes, he said. I came back to do research, but also to see you. Youre why I havent left yet. His heart slammed against his chest. Will you marry me?

Genet buried her face in his chest once more and screamed. Yes!

A wave of relief filled him and he wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tight. Good...good.... He shut his eyes tight and smiled.

Your family is getting bigger and bigger, Genet grinned. First you have a second nephew or niece coming and now youre marrying me. Arent you lucky? Your family is growing!

Montans body relaxed and he nodded. Yes...very lucky, he said as he rubbed his face against the top of her head. He couldnt stop himself from smiling. My family is growing.

Bonus:

Another glass of wine slid over to him and he looked up, his head already muddled. A tall man with black hair took a seat across from him.

You look like you can use another.

I hate you. Adan shot him a glare. Kasen smirked.

I didnt force it.

But if your pupil didnt seduce my pupil, then I wouldnt have lost a pupil. Adan sniffled and buried his face in his arms. I had so much more to teach!

You had plenty of time to teach, but you were so focused on your work, that you forgot the mentor, Kasen replied as he took a sip of wine and leaned back. The festivities were happening across the island for the marriage of his pupil to his bitter rival's pupil. And Montan didnt seduce anyone.

Why is your pupil so handsome?

What does that have to do with anything?

This is your fault.

Kasen chuckled. You can still take on another pupil to teach. And it isnt as if Genet has broken the student-master ties with you. She still calls you master.

But now shell live here.... Adan lifted his arms and awkwardly waved them around him. Viclya, the county seat of the Cosora Delta and a bustling commercial and travel center. The resort island of Reina, which could rival a royal palace in its opulence, had been booked by the Duke of Alvere for his little brothers wedding. It was luxurious and Adan was convinced there was no way Genet would leave.

If he were being honest with himself, he wouldnt either. His rivals little sisters county was very nice. He wondered if she was still looking for employees for CrysTech.

Dont worry. I also live here, so if Genet has any charms questions, she can come to me.

Adans glare at Kasen hardened. You...you....

Daddy, can I go with my cousins to go cliff diving tomorrow? I dont think we have anything else scheduled. Adan turned his attention to a young man. Tall and slender, with a good-looking face and a serious expression. Adan almost sneered. Even Kasens adopted son was good-looking. As if taking his pupil wasnt enough, Kasen also had a handsome and gifted son.

How much did the gods love Kasen de Guevera?

Yes, thats fine. Are you bringing your sister?

No. Before Kasen could argue, Robert de Guevera dashed off.

Hey, Adan continued to glare at Kasen. Give him to me.

Kasen raised a brow and looked at him as if hed lost his mind. What are you talking about?

Your son. Give him to me. He can be my pupil.

Kasen rolled his eyes. Hes not going to be your pupil.

Why not? Hes brilliant! At twelve, he translated three buildings at the ruins and a two-month backlog of items! At thirteen, he was accepted early into Lyce and now, hes accepted early into Universit!

Precisely, why would he need you? The blow was too much for Adan and he snatched the wine and chugged it down.

Kasen. Good evening, Master Hailan. A woman appeared behind Kasen and a slender, pale arm went across Kasens chest. Long, thick wavy hair fell over his shoulder as one of the most beautiful women Adan had ever seen rested her head against Kasens. Her watery brown eyes looked at Kasen with affection, and it was difficult for Adan not to be filled with envy.

Adan swallowed his frustration and gave her a polite nod. Lady Guevera.

Kasen, its getting late, the woman said. Im going to head back to the room. Robi and Fifi are with their cousins.

Kasen let out a small hum, grasped her fingers and brought them to his lips. All right, Ill follow soon. You were up early to help with the wedding. Get some rest.

When she left, Adan groaned and called for another wine glass. Thats it...when I get back, Im going to accept whatever engagement my family gives me. I dont care anymore.

Kasen chuckled. You know I didnt plan to get married.

Then what is she? Adan pointed accusingly at Kasens fleeting wife who was years younger than him, the same age as his sister, apparently. Shameless!

Kasen shrugged and took another sip of his wine. Fifi really wanted a mommy and Robi was worried Id be alone after he and Fifi left, so they found me a wife. They worked very hard to convince me, you know.

Adan snorted. So, your children are abandoning you? Serves you right.

I encourage my son to do whatever he wants and Fifi.... Kasen paused and crinkled his eyes. There was a glint of helplessness in there. Fifi does whatever she wants.

Adan narrowed his eyes. Then, is she interested in coming to Nazaria?

Whats in Nazaria? A high voice asked behind him and he suddenly screamed. He clutched his hand to his chest and turned around. A teenage girls big brown eyes were looking at him in question.

Fifi, I thought you were with your cousins, Kasen said, raising a brow.

Yes, but Mommy said if Im leaving the island, I have to come say goodnight to Daddy, she said with a cheeky smile as she rounded the table to get to him and hug him. Cousin Ava wants to show me her ship before she leaves tomorrow, so Im going to go there.

All right. Dont sail away with her, Kasen said, sounding completely serious.

Fiona giggled. Dont worry, Daddy. I wont. Kasen got up to retire for the evening and Fiona took two steps after him. She paused and seemed to wait for her father to get out of hearing range.

She then turned around and looked at Adan. Professor, tell me about Nazaria, she said with a glint in her eye. Is it exciting?

Adan was taken aback and didnt seem to know how to answer at first. I...yes, I suppose so. He found ruins exciting.

Fiona I do what I want de Guevera narrowed her eyes and nodded with approval. All right, Professor. You have my attention.