Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

DemiSemiQuaver, 2276, a Cantrell Chronicles Update - Chapter Nineteen

The young Prince and Global Superstar awoke to yet another gray day. Rolling over, which wasn’t an easy thing, after yesterday’s debacle, he hurt everywhere; he stared through the ornate inlaid window so popular in Medieval times; but then again, this abode was built in the mid-1500s. He was astounded that his family had owned this estate starting with the land, ever since. Erik decided he was going to have to look into their family tree. So many names he didn’t know.

Still getting used to his dramatic and complete change in status, as he was, he had much to learn. He never once entertained Aaron might step aside. Leaving Erik with so much to do; archery, which he had reached the highest skill level, and the ever so interesting swordsmanship, of which his obvious need for several more lessons was clearly on display. 

About the only things going right, or at least trending in a good direction, were his studies in Fine Arts, and his music. And never, of course, to be seen last was his girlfriend. Kayleigh who was certainly proving to be everything he ever wanted in a woman. His love grew, daily.  Making him realized they were truly meant to be.

Erik brushed such thoughts aside. Just seventeen he was still too young to even think about the happily ever after myth.  Right now, he just wanted to make it through church services today, take a soothing shower upon their return, and get ready for tonight’s major event. The DemiSemiQuaver, which when translated was the first Sunday of Fall, which meant tonight’s award went to the Record of the Year.

As a musician, this was important to him. He had already taken the first two awards of the Big Four, as they were called: the Quaver and the Semiquaver. If he won tonight, he would have three of the four legs to a Clean Sweep. A bit of a big deal in the music industry. He normally didn’t allow his nerves to set in. However, after he lost, and rather soundly, the ‘friendly’ duel with his father yesterday, he found himself shaken.

Having taken his dad once before, he truly expected to win this second bout, too. His ego had taken a bruising, allowing all of his doubts to pounce on him at once. The last thing he wanted to do, should he win, was limp up to the stage, begging all sorts of questions, he would much rather not answer.  

Realizing just how hard it was, he eased out of bed and after what seemed like ages managed to get to the bathroom. Having showered the night before, all he needs do is brush his teeth and inspect his chin. Easing into his clothes was yet another ordeal, for a change grateful for his valet, Alfred, at the ready to assist him. Oh, Lord, I so thank you for the lesson in humility, but if it’s Your Will may I please have some relief?" He prayed as he sought to pull his suit jacket over his right shoulder. Oh, ow. Alright Lord, I’ll do my best to accept this with grace. Amen.

True to his word, Erik squared his shoulders and proceeded toward the staircase. Kayleigh came up beside him, turned and smiled. “Well, you’re looking none the worse for the wear, I see,” she said. Her smile made his stomach tighten. 

“You look beautiful as always, Kay-Kay, or excuse me, Miss Kayleigh. Would it be possible, that is if your schedule isn’t too full, that we could dine together after the award show, win or lose? I think some one-on-one time is in order before things get even more hectic, don’t you?”

“Hm, she said, a finger to her mouth, let me look at my schedule,” she said, scrolling through her phone, surreptitiously. “You’re in luck. After the award show, I’m free. My first class isn’t until three tomorrow afternoon, my homework is complete. Yes, thank you, I look forward to dining with you.” Erik’s smile revealed his relief. For a time, he was beginning to think they were kids back on Vulcan with that first very unfortunate meeting.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

After church, Erik found himself summoned to the upper floor of the stables.  “I thought a good workout might help settle your nerves,” King Joseph said. “I couldn’t help but notice all through the service you were on edge.”

A timer went off on the King’s timepiece. “Okay, it’s four o’clock. You might want to go get ready now.”
“Thanks, Dad, I do feel much better, and I finally reached level six, if you please. So thank you.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

 At about five minutes to six, Erik collected his Plus One, knocking gently on her bedroom door. “Are you ready, Milady?” 
As she emerged from her bedroom, Erik smiled, broadly, as he took her in. “You look ravishing,” he said, proceeding to gently kiss her on the neck.

“Hey, hey your Highness, enough of that,” the bodyguard said, startling the two, as they were unaware eyes were on them.  Blushing deeply, Kayleigh dipped her head, as Erik reached for her hand to lead her to the staircase. As they made it to the grand foyer, stepping from the bottom of the stairs, many ooes and aws, greeted their ears as his family stood there ready to bid them goodnight. “We’ll be back after the Show — Oh, and dinner.”

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Once there, they found a group of people standing around, including the host.  Dirk Dreamer and Dustin Broke.  Weirdly, they were all standing and saluting the moment Erik joined them. They know. Erik did his best to hide his instant discomfiture, wondering just how long his status, other than musically, had been known. To think I was worried.

Sitting in chairs in the near-empty studio audience the two, just kept glancing at one another. Both displayed the same tiny grins of contentment. “So, what’s going through your mind right now?” Kayleigh asked.
“Nothing much, really. Just trying to still my nerves a bit while this endless wait continues.”
“You can hold my hand, if you want, if you think it will help.” At that moment, the host took the stage.

“Good evening. I'm Caiphas Houser, your host for this evening. What a marvelous in-studio audience we have, and good evening to those watching at home. Tonight is the third of four special awards; awards called the Big Ones that are handed out yearly. Tonight, we honor the Record of the Year for 2276. We certainly have a tight race with five hugely talented artists. Only one of these records has also made it to the top of the Simboards list, which of course has no sway.”

“Record of the Year is decidedly chosen for recording technique as much as artistry. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if the record is well-enjoyed, but again, that has no sway on the criteria. The judges are looking for that special something brought forth during the actual recording of it.” At this the crowd erupted in applause.

“Please allow me to list off tonight’s contenders; Mitchell Raymond for his Night Owl; Miriam Kelly for her Endless Choices; Bob Schneider for his Unwilling Accomplice; Paul Cuthbertson for his Denial, and last but not least, our newcomer, Erik Cantrell for his Better This Way.

“And tonight’s winner is, Erik Cantrell for his Better This Way! Congratulations, again, young man. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m very happy all the same. Number one song on the Simboards for weeks now. Record of the Year depends on the artistry involved from recording it, to laying down the tracks. So much technological stuff. It’s over my head.” 

“Come on up here, Erik. This is yours and your accomplices will receive one, too.”

To You, O Lord, Erik silently prayed as he stood with his eyes closed.

“Here I stand before you, again. I don’t mean to monopolize the awards, I just write from my heart,” he said. “Sorry, this is just hitting me harder than I expected.”

“I really want to take this moment to thank my incredible team; Ryan Ricks my record producer; Toby Gleason, my recording engineer and last but never least, Michael Perry and Richard Cramer, my mixing engineers. All four of these fellas and I hit it off immediately from the moment I walked into Taygeta Studios. We just get each other, but more importantly, they sense where I’m trying to take the piece and don’t slap my hands away if I touch a control. Instead, they listen to what I’m trying to do and turn it into reality. Guys, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is for you.”

“I also wish to thank all of my fans, you’re the best, and my family for their support and for still loving me as I glide through this path I’m on. It’s not as easy as it may seem. Thank you again to the Academy and those who are commissioned to vote on this. I shall treasure this. Good night, everyone.”

The young couple traveled less than five minutes from the PBP Studios Lounge to the recently opened Moon Restaurant, just across the neighborhood. Kayleigh glanced around the very modern building, taking in the equally modern decor.  They were shown to a secluded table for two on the second floor in the corner.  Erik’s bodyguards keeping discreetly out of view.  Ordering their meal right away, aware the evening was growing long. The two sat and waited for it, engaged in lively conversation.

All for now, thanks for reading!