Cantrell Chronicles

Confession, a Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Six

 

 

Erik found he was far too wound up to even think about sleeping.  Startled by the very notion burglaries happened here in Bellacorde, such things simply didn’t happen on Vulcan, which made him realize just why swordsmanship was a requirement for his dynasty. Sitting alone, he prayed and just as soon as the sun came up, he donned his coat and went to the side of the castle manor.

 

He found himself more and more invested in this new life, to his father’s delight. Erik wove his practices in between his gigs and life as a Rock Star. This morning, he decided to work on his archery skills. His attention was poor, sadly. Besides last nights' incident, he did have other pressing items on his mind. For instance, he needed to talk to Kayleigh. It was the only fair thing to do.

 

As the sun continued to rise, light filtered in between the tall cypress trees that lined the outside of the stone fencing. In the midst of nocking an arrow, his phone went off, informing him of when and where his next two gigs were.  Taking a moment to regroup and freshen up a bit, he beamed himself off to Image Magazine’s studios for a photoshoot. After that was done, interview included, Erik beamed himself off to NewCrest and the chosen venue. Fans were already filling the seats to capacity. 

 

His largest crowd, yet. Excitement sparked through him, tickling his stomach.  He gave his all to his concert, his audience was very generous in their appreciation. They stood, screamed, waved their hands and in general made him well aware they were watching him. Some even held up home-crafted signs that read “Erik, I love you!” If he waved, kicked a leg to the side, pointed to the audience, all of this garnered a huge reaction. He truly loved connecting with the crowed, playing with them.

 

Every now and again Erik raised his hands over his head, clapping and smiling. He was having the time of his life and knew this was truly what he wanted to do for the rest of his life, or at least as long as he could.  His father had asked him if tonight at the Grand Ball, he would assist in smoothing things over with Joseph’s remaining siblings.  Alexandra, James and Reginald had all been invited. Erik was happy and delighted to help. He did notice that Aaron wasn’t the one their father came to. Was Joseph sizing Erik up? This caused him some consternation. But I’m the second son . . . 

 

Once the concert was over, Erik spent a little time signing autographs and posing for Selfies, before he pulled himself away.  The ball was set for seven this evening.  He needed to have what he deemed a very important talk with Kayleigh. Picking her up in Verdamar, he asked her father’s permission to take her to NewCrest for a bite to eat.

 

“Why so far away?” Captain Golden asked.

“I have yet to find any true eateries on this island. If you know of one, please say where and that’s where we will go.”

 

Drake Golden shrugged and said, “You’re right, I don’t know of any. Well, enjoy, but please get her back in time for tonight. You may not know this, but girls do take a tad longer to get all dolled up, as it were.” Erik grinned at the remark and nodded his head. “Sure thing, sir.”

 

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

 

Erik opened the door for Kayleigh, closing it behind her.  Once they arrived in NewCrest, they walked a short distance to Giorgio’s Ristorante. “Hm, smells so delicious in here,” Kayleigh said, as Erik placing a hand on her back, ushered her inward. 

When he got to the top of the line, he gazed at the host, “May we please have a more or less secluded table for two?”

“Patio, okay?”

 

“That would be great, thank you.”

 

“Here you are,” the host said, gesturing to the empty table for two, then walked away.

“Thank you,” Erik said, quick to hold the chair for Kayleigh as she got seated.

“You said we needed to talk?”

“Yes. I need to inform you of my recent status change.”

Smiling, she said, “Which status ‘change’ would that be? Winner of the coveted Song of the Year?” 

Erik smiled and shook his head.

“Oh, I know, you have reached the pinnacle — you’re now a Global Superstar. I’m so excited for you. You must be overjoyed.”

 

Erik smiled broadly at her. “Well, you are correct about both guesses. However, I wasn’t talking about that kind of status.  Here, come over here I need to share a secret with you. And please hold what I’m about to tell you in strictest confidence.” Taking her by the hand, they moved near the corner of the small patio.  Leaning into her, his hand guarding his mouth, he said, "I am beginning to have some really strong feelings for you. That makes this imperative that I let you know. I’m not a commoner, as I thought I was growing up. An ordinary person.”

 

“What? Erik what are you saying to me?”

 

“Sh, not so loud. I’m actually a royal. My family has a dynasty, a castle, and everything.  Uncle Joe died and my father was called home to take his rightful place on the throne. I just need to know if that’s okay with you, before we move forward with our relationship.  And I know that’s a lot to digest all at once. When my dad told me the morning he got the dreaded phone call, I thought he was merely sharing one of his outrageous stories. You know, pulling my leg. Joking around, that sort of thing. Trying to deflect from his grief.”

 

Walking back to their table, they both took a seat.

“Oh, you’re serious, aren’t you.”

“Very.”

“Oh, wait, now I understand why we got that invitation to the Grand Ball. None of us could understand why. We’re nobodies, really. Now it makes sense.”

“Kayleigh, are you okay with all of this?”

“Sure, if you are. I mean, I don’t suppose you can do anything about it now.”

Erik drew in a long, deep breath. “Not likely. But I am beginning to adjust here and there.”

“Good.”

 

“Still like me?” He asked.  “Are you still my girl?”

“Of course.”

“You do not know just how relieved I am to hear you say that.” Erik reached over and touched her hand. "And you’re not at all bothered by it?"

“Not at all, who are we to disregard fate? We have, under the most suspicious of happenings, managed to bump into each other for a second time. The good news is Dad is talking about retiring, too. Yay, I’m so happy. We can finally stop planet-hopping.”

 

“Please just treat me as you always have. Be your sassy little self, that’s all that I want.”

“Of course, I will and if you get out of hand . . .get uppity, full of yourself. . .”

“You’ll hurt me?”

“I’ll do worse— I’ll blow your cover.”

Erik’s face drained of all color. “Tell me you’re kidding . . .”

“Just remain the Erik I met and things will be fine. Kind, gracious, humble.”

“Deal, and if my hat size starts to grow, just kick me under the table.”

 After finishing up their meal, draining their glasses of the Von Haute Meloire, Erik held her chair as she got up.  “Will I see you tonight? Dibs on the first waltz,”