Cantrell Chronicles RESET, Part One

Jumping In With Both Feet, a Cantrell Chronicles Reset update-Chapter Twenty-Three

Erik came in from a photoshoot and a concert. Climbing the stairs, he took a soothing shower and changed for bed. As exhausted as he was, he expected to be asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Unfortunately, he realized he was hungry and sleep evaded him.  Once in the kitchen, he heard a voice, coming from the sunroom.  The voice of the person he needed to talk to. Opening the door,  he not only found food, he found Kayleigh, too. They needed to have a conversation.  “Kayleigh, can I talk with you about something?” he asked.
“Sure, what’s on your mind?”

“I’d be able to speak more freely if a certain other body would voluntarily leave the room.  Joey didn’t miss the Cue. Taking his plate of food with him, he left without glancing back. “Thank you, Bro,” Erik said.
“Okay, we’re alone. Now what is on your mind?”
“I suppose I’m not adequately dressed to be in here like this with you.”

“Erik, you have something to say, just say it.” The two walked over to the couch and sat down.

“Okay. You know how you told me you wanted to be a writer and that you were hoping to write a best seller? And that you also wanted to marry and have a family.”
“Yes, I do.”
“I was wondering, does it mean you have to achieve the best sellers list before you get married?”

“Are you asking me to marry you?”
“No. I have to secure permission from my father, the king, before I can do that. I just wanted to know beforehand, if you’re even interested in marrying, oh, let’s — me. Are you interested in marrying me.”
“Well, we are a bit young, don’t you think?”

“Oh, that’s okay. I figured we’d get engaged and then finish our college degrees and see when a wedding should occur. I just need to know if you’re interesting in me, in that way. And maybe I’m not appropriately dressed for this conversation. How about if we do breakfast tomorrow morning. Or do you have class?”

With that, the two left the sunroom.  In the morning they left the estate and headed over to Windenburg. There was a quaint, small restaurant, Martha’s, they enjoyed.  Seated in the almost private room, Erik began the conversation with, “Now, where did I leave off?”

“I think you were asking me to marry you,” Kayleigh said.  To her surprise, he frowned at her.

“Let me be perfectly clear on that. I am not asking you. I just need to know if you are interested in me, in that way. I have hoops to jump through, after all. And I may have to duel for permission, just so you know. I won’t have that issue, if I choose an actual princess or a Duchess, et cetera.”
“Oh. I see. Yes, I am very much interested in spending my life with you. I love you so very much.”

“Aw, music to my ears. I love you, too. Come here, let’s seal it.”

After they enjoyed a nice breakfast, the two headed back to Cantrell Castle.  Kayleigh, with a little smile on her lips, went upstairs so she could write in her journal. She found it important to document things. In case one of her future children asked, how or when Daddy asked her to marry him. With a little wave, Erik went looking for his father.  He found King Joseph practicing the waltz in their home ballroom. “Ah, excuse me, Dad, I don’t mean to interrupt, but can I talk to you about something?”
“Sure, son. What’s on your mind?”

“Well, as you know I just turned eighteen. I wish to marry Kayleigh, and if need be I’ll duel you for permission.”
“Oh, really? You won’t just ask me?”

“This way if I win it’s definitive, Dad. I can’t live without her.”
“Aren’t you two a bit young?”
“My plan is to secure my bride, waiting until we finish schooling and get our degrees and then we’ll wed. I’m not just rushing in blindly. I’ve thought this through.”

“Indeed, then prepare yourself,” the king said, in a stern voice Erik hardly recognized.  He snapped to, ready to duel, realizing he just had to win, not finish him off.

With the clanging of heavy metal swords, the duel commenced.  Erik was very glad he’d had the experience of two tournaments, now. He won the first, and came in second in the higher class, winning two out of the three rounds. His father was proving to be a fierce competitor.  Erik gave it his all.

Before he knew it Erik managed to flip the sword out of his father’s hand, and the monarch went down. Holding his hand up in surrender.

“Congratulations. I do concede that this marriage will only strengthen our Dynasty. You still have to ask her father’s permission for her hand, though. Good luck with that.”
“No hard feelings, Dad?”
“None whatsoever. Kayleigh’s a sweet girl and she fits into our family quite nicely.”

“Okay, I have one more dragon to slay before tonight’s ball. I’ll be back,” Erik said, as he made his way out of the ballroom.

Erik reached the Golden house and found Captain Drake Golden out on the side deck.  Something was grilling on the barbeque and Erik realized he was growing hungry.  “Your Highness,” Drake greeted. “Come to finish our little talk, have you?”
“Forgive me for just bursting in. I have come to talk . . .”

 All for now, thanks for reading!