Chapter 1

Nate Grey awoke from a troubled sleep for the third time that morning. The same dream, every night, for the past two weeks. At first, he had almost enjoyed it, yet now it was beginning to haunt him. Dragging himself out of bed, he walked around the room, inspecting it for what must have been the hundredth time this week. The dark stone that made up the floor, walls, and ceiling hadn’t changed. Neither had the large, open window to his right.

He stared out of the window, down at the sleeping city that was just starting to awaken. A few early risers had already left their houses and were scurrying around, trying to make the most out of the day. Several of them found the time to look up and wave at Nate, and he regarded them each with a nod. He continued staring out the window until the bright red sun began to appear over the horizon.

Looking back into the room, Nate noticed that, once again, his clothes had already been set on a nearby chair. "Royalty never looked so simple," he thought, slipping on the loose-fitting black T-shirt. After pulling on the dark violet pants and jacket with golden trim, he glanced in the mirror. Running a hand through his reddish-brown hair, he wondered if it was the white tuft in the front that attracted the wrong kind of women. Thoughts of his past loves filled his mind, and Nate sighed, wondering if he had done something to deserve the pain that filled his life.

Walking out of his room down the long hall, Nate still couldn’t believe how big the palace was. When he had first come here a few years back, he had gotten lost several times before he finally learned the paths. All the hallways looked the same, except for a few large paintings along the walls. The paintings depicted historic moments and people of the Darkness Realm, from battle scenes to past kings.

Turning a corner, Nate entered a round, dimly lit room, where several others were seated in stone chairs. They all looked up at him, smiled, and went back to their conversations. Making his way slowly across the room, Nate greeted all the familiar faces, shaking a hand here and there. As always, the largest and highest chair was reserved for him, with three chairs below it for his Imperial Guard. Nate spoke quietly with Sara and Jackie before noticing that Ariel’s chair was empty. Sighing, Nate sat down in his chair and waited. Instantly, the room fell silent.

Clearing his throat, he began. “As you all know, I will be leaving on personal business later tonight. While I’m not sure how long I’ll be away, I do expect the trip will last several weeks at the least. I know together you all have the ability to maintain this kingdom, and as you have done in the past, I expect you all to do the same now, as a unit. Are there any questions?”

A short, stocky, balding man stood and raised his hand. Nate acknowledged him, and the man nervously spoke. “Sir...that is, my lord...what about royal matters of the highest urgency?” He quickly sat back down.

“As usual, I will be in mental contact at all times. Any and all royal matters are to be discussed with me, especially any affecting the kingdom as a whole. Anyone else?” There were no more questions, and the meeting was adjourned.

The room was empty in a few seconds, save for Sara, Jackie and Nate. Without realizing it, he sighed loudly and rubbed his forehead. Sara placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and asked, “Nate, what’s wrong?”

“I have another one of my headaches, Sara. Have either of you seen Ariel today?”

Sara shook her head as Jackie tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Not since last night.”

The words were barely out of his mouth when a teenage girl flew into the room, her flight supported by two large, leathery wings. Landing gracefully beside Nate, the wings melted into her body.

“Ugh, I’ll never get used to that,” Jackie muttered, while Sara simply turned her head in disgust. Ariel stuck her tongue out at them and flipped her long, blonde hair behind her shoulders.

The frown on her face gave way to a smile as she slipped her arms around Nate’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Morning, Natey,” she said, her smile growing wider.

He sighed again and replied, “You’re late, Ariel. Don’t let it happen again.”

Ariel grinned and joked, “In other words, you missed me, right?”

Nate shook his head and said, “I guess I did,” but added under his breath, “though I don’t know why.”

Smirking defiantly, Ariel jumped into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “It’s because you love me, Natey.” Nate just rolled his eyes as she laid her head against his shoulder. He knew better than to argue.

Jackie and Sara simultaneously cleared their throats very loudly. “If you two need some time alone,” Jackie chuckled, arching his eyebrows very suggestively, “we can leave.”

“Just give us ten min--,” Ariel began, before Nate clamped a hand over her mouth. Sara covered her own mouth to keep herself from laughing.

“I was going to tell you exactly why I was going on this trip tonight. I’m visiting my family, as well as some friends of mine. Besides, I need to tie up some loose ends, you know?”

Sara and Jackie nodded, but Ariel pouted. “You’re leaving me?”

“Afraid so, Ariel. I did promise my mother I’d visit soon, and that was almost a month ago.”

She whimpered and hugged him tight. “Please don’t go,” she whispered.

Nate gently eased her off his lap. “Everything’s already been arranged, Ariel. I’m sorry, but the matter is settled. I’m going home tonight.”

Rising to his feet, Nate stepped down from his chair and crossed the room with the young girl right behind him. “Natey,” she pleaded, pulling his arm, “please change your mind. Please?”

He stopped and turned back to her. “You know I can’t do that.” Her face fell, and Nate wondered why she had to love him so much. “If my leaving bothers you that much, Ariel,” he said, knowing he would regret his next words, “you can come with me.”

Ariel squealed happily and hugged him tight. “Should I pack my swimsuit?” she asked with a seductive grin on her face.

“I’ll leave that up to you,” Nate replied.

“Seeya later then, Natey,” Ariel said, brushing his cheek with a kiss as she skipped happily out of the room.