Niky
My stomach fluttered with nerves as the DJ handed me a mic. I was in no way prepared to sing tonight and had only sung in front of a few small crowds. Drunken crowds I might add since it was for karaoke night. A small smile graced my lips as “Love Story” by Taylor Swift started.
Justin grinned at me, and as I stared into his impossibly blue eyes my nerves melted away, and so did the crowd. This song fit Justin and I’s history so well, and it resonated in my soul, but instead of my father it was my mother we had to worry about.
“We were both young when I first saw you. I close my eyes and the flashback starts, I’m standing there. On a balcony in summer air.” My eyes are still locked with Justin’s. My thoughts drifting back to how we grew up together. I realized I was in love with him when we were eight, and no matter the circumstance I will always love him.
“Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone, I’ll be waiting all that’s left to do is run, you’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess, it’s a love story, baby just say yes.” Justin grins at me, and I hear the cheers as the next line starts. Memories swirl through my mind. All our fights, how he ran away to New York, how I got pregnant with Hannah. How my mom was possessed, and I feel tears prick my eyes.
“Cause you were Romeo, I was a Scarlett letter, and my Daddy said stay away from Juliet, but you were everything to me I was begging you please don’t go, and I said-“ Justin moved a little closer, and I felt the air spark around me.
“Romeo save me, their trying to tell me how to feel, This love is difficult, but it’s real, don’t be afraid we’ll make it out of this mess, it’s a love story, baby, just say yes.” Justin was close enough that I could see the pain and memories in his eyes. His ocean eyes sparking in acknowledgement as we both remember him getting show and dying. I know he was watching out for me over the last two years and now that we are marked again, he can feel how much pain I was in.
“I got tired of waiting, wondering if you were ever coming around, my faith in you was fading, when I met you on the outskirts of town, and I said-“ Dylan snapped his fingers and I turned to see my two daughters and son cheering along with the crowd. Hannah was singing along with me, and my heart felt like it was going to burst as my eyes swept over my family and friends.
“Romeo save me, I’ve been feeling so alone, I keep waiting for you but you never come, is this in my head, I don’t know what to think-“ I looked back to see that Justin was no longer standing next to me, but before I could wonder where he went his voice sounded behind me.
“Marry me Juliet, you’ll never have to be alone, I love you and that’s all I really know, I talked to your Dad, go pick out a white dress, it’s a love story, baby, just say yes.”
My eyes widened. There was my soulmate. Kneeling on the ground finishing the song for me. A velvet ring box open in his hand. The princess cut diamond ring shone in the spotlight, and tears threatened to fall.
“Niky I have loved you for as long as I can remember, and even when I didn’t deserve it you stood by my side. Even in death I never doubted how much you love me, and I hope you never doubted how much I love you. I promise to spend the rest of my probably unnatural life showing you that you are the most important thing to me, besides our children.” Justin took a shaky breath. “So, what do you say gorgeous, will you make me the happiest man alive by becoming my wife? Again?”
A giggle bubbled up as I fell to my knees. I was glad I chose to wear my water resistant mascara because I’m sure it would be streaking down my cheeks. I couldn’t even speak, so I settled for nodding vigorously. Justin laughed and kissed me deeply as he slid the beautiful ring on my finger. Everyone cheered, and then the real party began.
It was long after three in the morning when we crawled into bed. Justin pulled me closer as I admired my brand new engagement that sat in front of my wedding band. “Are you happy?” Justin whispers.
“Yes.” I sigh dreamily.
“How happy?” His warm breath tickled my ear.
“Let me show you.” I responded as I pushed him on his back before straddling him. “Welcome home handsome.”
Justin chuckled. “Bold of you to assume that you are in charge here.” Then he flipped us over, and man am I thankful for soundproof rooms.
The next morning went much the same as it has. We got up, showered, ate breakfast, and then kissed goodbye before going our separate ways. Only today was different. For the last two years I have been a stay at home mom, but a week ago I had gotten a call for a job opening. I was going in for an interview, but no one other than Justin knew that it was happening. I haven’t had a job since high school, and I was a bit nervous. I was about to walk out the door when my Mother stopped me.
“Niky dear before you go I need to talk to you.” She smiled softly.
“Can it wait Mom, I have somewhere to be.” I tried not to let my impatience show.”
“Oh well, it just about the coronation, but it can wait.” She shrugged.
My interest peaked and both Silver and Storm came closer to the front. “What about it?”
“Well, the rule states you and Justin have to be married to take the throne together, but technically that isn’t a problem.” Mom began. “We could do the coronation and then Justin and you can plan your wedding.” She froze. “Unless you want to just have a quick ceremony.”
This time I froze. “We haven’t talked about it.” I told her.
“Oh of course.” She nodded. “Let me know what you decide, and I will get the event coordinator on it.”
She started to walk away, but I stopped her. “Mom do you think I am ready? To be Queen I mean?”
“Dear you have trained your whole life to be Queen. I think you are far more ready then I ever was.” Mom smiled. “I am very proud of you, and I don’t think the kingdom could be in better hands.”
I sighed and watched her whirl away from me. After she rounded the corner I looked at my watch and rushed out. I made it to my interview with ten minutes to spare. I walked into the large building and resisted to urge to gape in wonder at the how massive it is. I shouldn’t be amazed considering I live in a palace. The receptionist glanced up at me for a second before she shot to her feet and curtsied. “Your majesty. How can I help you?”
“Hi.” I smiled. “I have an interview this morning.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “I will let him know that you are here. Please take a seat.”
I did as instructed, and waited patiently for whoever my interview would be with. It didn’t take long before a woman appeared at the door way leading from the lobby to the main building.
“Mr. Alladon will see you know.” The woman spoke.
I stood up and followed her into the elevator, and as it zipped upward I began to feel more nervous. When the doors opened the woman led me to another office.
“Mr. Alladon, the Princess is here.” The woman said into the intercom.
“Send her in.” Replied a deep husky voice and I shivered. He sounded almost angry.
I swallowed my nerves, straightened my back and held my head high as I walked into the office. As soon as the doors shut behind me, the man in the chair swiveled to see me. My mouth dropped open and I backed up.
“Hello Princess.” The man greeted. He almost sounded like he was gloating.
“Bastian.” I growled.