The General's Son w***e

XVI

Then she proceeded to stomp on it repeatedly as Stacy attempted to pull her away. When they walked off I crawled over to the remains and brushed the broken pieces into my hand. Next thing I knew, I felt a piece of metal hit me in the face and I looked down at it when it fell to the ground.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and held back my tears as I reached down to pick up my mom’s necklace off the ground.

I knew I wronged McKenzie and messed up her entire life but surely I didn't deserve this treatment.

It felt injustice, to say the least.

Fayette spoke, “I told you not to talk to her.”

I clenched my jaw when I heard McKenzie call out over her shoulder, “I didn't ask to be in your world, and I certainly didn't ask for you to be in mine.”

I didn't want to have it end this way so I ultimately decided the only way to keep McKenzie to talk to me was to annoy her until we became friends again.

I stood and yelled, “Did you know I can name off all of the elements from the periodic table?”

When McKenzie didn't reply, I started to name them off. I was halfway through the chart when McKenzie spoke, “That won't work on me.”

“Is it the topic? Because I also know about Isaac Newton's law.”

This time she stopped and stormed towards me. She poked my shoulder really hard as she spoke, “Shut. The. F*ck. Up.”

When she stalked off, I rubbed the sore spot on my shoulder.

Perry whispered, “Yo, she is so pissed.”

I rolled my eyes, “Shut up Perry.”

He shrugged, “What? I'm not lying.”

“Perry it wasn't a suggestion.”

Fayette interjected, “Yikes Amora, lighten up, will ya.”

I stopped and turned to them, “Look, I didn't ask for your opinions, as you can see, I'm in deep sh*t, so cool it on the comments before I mute the both of you.”

They spoke in unison, “You're mean.”

“Considering my situation, yes.”

Fayette nudged me, “You know trying to wow her with science facts isn't going to make her like you again.”

I raised a brow, “Why not? Has she got something against science?”

I needed to keep focused on what was more important like the answers I wanted to inquire and the only place I knew to begin was the place I was dreading the most, my kingdom.

As cliché as it was, yes we did live in a castle but it wasn't enormous like some would think. It was the size of what most Munds would consider a mansion to be, but in all it was quite homely.

As we entered, the first person that came into view was my mother. She quickly came up to us and hugged me gently as she eyed up my guests.

She spoke softly, “Oh how I missed you. Have you had any idea how scared I was thinking I had lost you.”

I hugged her back, “I'm really sorry mother.”

She released me as soon as my dad’s voice echoed throughout the main “corridors, “Amora! I demand you explain yourself at once.”

Whenever my father used that tone, it made me feel so insignificant and small. Mom stood between my father and me as I stared at the floor anticipating my punishment.

Mom spoke, “Relax Maximus, overreacting will not solve our problems, let's just focus on the positives like one, our daughter has returned.”

My father shook his head, “Problems that our daughter had committed. How dare she disobey the rules here on Vudos, she should be tried for her actions.”

“Maximus! Enough!”

I spoke, “My dearest apologies father, for I have wronged in many ways.”

He crossed his arms across his chest, “As well as you should be, how are we supposed to pass down the legacy to you knowing you singly destroyed any means to our land by creating an abomination with none other than the dark enchantresses' daughter.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, “I wasn't thinking okay, how I was supposed to know she was from here, let alone Adelia daughter of Genevieve Dulongviair?”

Mom addressed, “Maximus. Enough of this anarchy, I propose that you compose yourself at once, this is not how we handle things around here.”

Dad argued, “And how are we supposed to handle Amora's reckless decision to leave her rightful legacy here in Vudos for what? A chance at love? In the Munds, to say the least.” He turned to face Stacy and McKenzie, “Which of you did she bond with?”

Stacy hid behind McKenzie and the look on McKenzie's face showed exactly how petrified she was on the inside, which told my father everything he needed to know.

“Celestia if you could show Fayette, Purgeous and … ” He paused and pointed at Stacy.

She clarified, “Stacy.”

He proceeded, “Stacy to their rooms along with that monstrous creature while I talk with these two.” He pointed to McKenzie and me, “And for God’s sake get them decent attire these outfits are disgusting.” Then looked at me and questioned, “Seriously Amora, is that even comfortable?”

I remained silent as everyone followed my father’s orders but not before I got a 'sorry' look from my mother, a thumbs up from Perry and the middle finger from Fayette. I just shook my head and internally smiled.

He placed his hand to his forehead, “Amora, it is one thing to leave unexpectedly but to another realm? And you even brought Fayette and Purgeous into this with all that idiotic and repulsive clothing.”

I continued to stare at my feet as I was being scolded in front of McKenzie, it was embarrassing to say nonetheless and a little belittling.

He addressed McKenzie, “What is your name?”

She spoke, “McKenzie Grace.”

“Mmm, McKenzie I think it would be unwise if you continued whatever you have with my daughter. She had much to learn and she must not have any distractions from her responsibilities.”

I rolled my eyes, sometimes I really hated my father and his way of thinking, he was small-minded at times.

After my father was done telling us how to live our lives, I took McKenzie to my room and searched for an outfit that would be suitable here in Vudos.

“McKenzie … ”

“Amora, look.” She walked up to me, “I'm sorry for how rude I was to you earlier. I just want you to know that yes I'm upset about the situation but deep in my heart, you're still my friend and I honestly feel really bad that your father treats you like that. So, I'm willing to work through this over time because it sounds like you have a lot going on and I don't want to add to it.”

Hearing her admit that gave me a strange flutter in the pit of my stomach and I couldn't stop smiling, that was until I remembered how she recently lost David and maybe she was seeking attention elsewhere.

I took a step back, “Why are you telling me this now? You literally shattered my heart minutes ago … Does this have anything to do with you losing David—Err I mean Augustus?”

“No.” She took my arm and brought me to my bed,

“I'm telling you now because I realized if I die here, I could never live with myself if I never told you the truth. I know it's going to take time for me to fully accept this but I need you.” She paused, “Do you remember the day I caught you in my tree?”

I nodded, “Yes ma'am.”

“Do you remember when I said you should stick to one customer?” she asked as we both sat on the bed.

“Yes ma'am.”

She spoke mostly with her hands, “Do you see where I'm going with this?”

I shook no, “No ma'am.”

“Amora think.” She said poking my temple.

So I thought about it and the only thing that came to mind was customer service for some reason. So I questioned, “You want me to service you?”

She cringed, “Oh my God, never say that again.”

“Well, that could have been avoided if you'd just say it instead of beating around the bush.”

She started laughing, “Still not helping Amora.”

I rolled my eyes, “Uh, you're driving me nuts.”

Then McKenzie burst into a laughing fit and I stared at her quizzical. When she finally calmed down, she wiped her eyes and spoke, “I like you

Amora, more than a friend.”

My eyes searched hers for some clarity and I knew she was being sincere even through her hollow gaze.

I nodded once, “I see. Um … how does one go about aiding you with your confession?”

She took my hand and held it in her lap, “I would like it if you were the first person I saw in the morning.”

I half-smiled as I stared down at our hands, “Does that mean in bed or should I wake up early and come here to wake you?”

She rolled her eyes, “In bed.”

I smirked, “Ok, I'll wake up early so I can come here and crawl in bed to wake you up.”

She playfully shoved me, “Amora! I know very well you know that wasn't what I meant.”

I remained on my back after she shoved me as I looked at McKenzie, not everything about her was broken and I was starting to see some of the life being drawn back.

Which meant, there was hope.

She smiled, “What?”

I shook my head, “Nothing.”

Which was a total lie.

McKenzie wasn't nothing, she was everything and she meant a lot to me. I felt my heart flutter as my stomach tightened when I felt something in my soul change as I continued to look at McKenzie.

I wanted to admit my feelings towards her but I couldn't find the courage to do so.

She plopped down next to me, propping herself up with her elbow on her side, “What are you thinking about?”

I didn't want to lie to her but I also didn't want to tell her the truth about what was on my mind.

I glanced at her, “Just thinking about how amazing you are.”

She smiled, “Likewise.” Then leaned in and pressed her lips to my forehead, “How about we go to sleep?”

I nodded, “Ok.”

When McKenzie started to strip herself of her clothes, I quickly turned away as my face grew warm.

“McKenzie, what on Earth are you doing?”

She chuckled, “Trying to tease you.”

I smiled, “Just let me know when you're in bed so I can turn around.”

After a few seconds passed by, McKenzie informed me that it was okay to turn around. When I did, I turned off the lights and stripped down to my underwear before I slipped into my sheets.

It wasn't long until she snuggled up next to me that I felt her smooth skin against mine and I imagined how beautiful her body looked. I was seriously contemplating on taking a sneak peek but knew that would be wrongful of me.

She whispered, “Good night Amora.”

I just smiled as I continued to look at the ceiling in the dark and wrapped my arm around her.

And at this moment, I wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring but I was sure of one thing …

I wasn't going to get any sleep tonight.

It was a warm summer day when there was a soft knock on the door. I picked Thor off my lap as I went to see who was on the other side.

When I opened the door up, I saw two men dressed in uniform and I immediately feared the worst. “McKenzie Grace?” one of the gentlemen questioned.

I nodded as I pulled the door open and allowed the uniformed men into my home. They stood near the door as I silently closed it behind them.

I asked, “What is this about?”

They shared a look as they pulled their hats from their head and held it in front of them, keeping a straight posture.

The older looking gentleman spoke, “My deepest condolences and I speak for the entire troop, we are sorry for your loss.”

I started to tear up as my body became numb. I couldn't believe what I was hearing and I felt the pain in my soul ache with great grief, surely they couldn't mean what my brain fabricated.

It could only mean a nightmare.

I felt a warm embrace hold me as I stirred awake.

Amora whispered, “Hey, it's okay. You’re ok.”

I curled into her grasp as she rubbed my bicep and cried into her chest. This aching pain in my soul hurt and I feared that I truly wouldn't move on as I grieved for the loss of my parents.

Amora remained silent as I cried into her chest, the pain was too real. Honestly, maybe everyone was right about me, I was damaged and nothing could fix me.

I felt completely and utterly useless.

“Is everything alright?” she whispered with sincerity.

I had thought about it and truly wanted to confess how not okay I was but this strange bond between us felt immensely powerful here in her realm.

When I finally gained the willpower to sit up, I looked into her enchanting maroon eyes.

“Ya.” I shook out my hair, “I'm alright.”

Amora looked at me in a way that I knew she knew I was lying and I genuinely felt like she was sincere, which had me questioning my own response.

“I'm fine Amora.” I pressed.

She continued to look at me and I felt myself melting under her gaze and I knew I was on the verge of crying again, which I ultimately did. So Amora pulled me closer to her as she sat up and silently aided me through my tough time and I could physically feel the shared bond tighten, to be honest, it actually felt oddly satisfying.

I wasn't entirely sure why my supposed bond with Amora felt so strong, but I was positive of one thing and that was Amora's care for me.

As time passed with me in Amora's arms, her door flung open to reveal Fayette, Perry and Stacy with my dog.

I raised a brow after overlooking their newfound attire, “What the hell are you wearing?”

Stacy smiled brightly, “I feel so recognized in this.”

She did a twirl, “How fun is this outfit?”

Fayette rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms across her chest, “I believe the term you're looking for is sophisticated, not fun.”

Perry spoke, “Girl, that outfit is so you. I love it.”

I heard Amora sigh as she released me and I immediately longed for her embrace.

She tore her side of the blankets off as she muttered under her breath, I was assuming because of her friends.

I watched Amora walk around her room, and I noticed she wasn't wearing anything but her underwear, so I blushed. I struggled to respect her privacy but found it hard to look elsewhere especially since the Amora I thought I knew was never comfortable with her friends seeing her body.

She was the definition of perfect when it came down to her flawless skin and well-defined muscles, one could simply not look away and I duly noted the marking around her collar bone.

As if she could sense my eyes upon her, she turned to look at me from her closet and half-smiled. Just by looking at her and analyzing her movements, I found it hard to believe that someone as innocent as Amora could be damned from birth.

It just seemed irrational and completely ridiculous.

Our attention was stripped away when Perry and Stacy's voice began to increase in volume and Amora's eyes flicked towards them.

Perry laughed, “Oh my God, I do have a game you are going to absolutely love!”

Stacy squealed, “I already love it!” She grabbed his hand, “Let's go!”

Shortly after they disappeared, I glanced at Amora, her face was red with a look of worry.

“Perry, I really think you sho—”

Fayette leaned off the wall and calmly spoke, “I got this.” And left after throwing us the peace sign.

I wasn't sure what to make of this situation but Amora appeared to be extremely conflicted as her mouth hung slightly open.

I questioned, “Amora?”

“Hmm?” she hummed.

“Is everything alright?”

She straightened up, “Yes … absolutely.”

Her response was a bit wary but I figured Fayette at least had a good handle on things and hopefully had good intentions, especially since my dog was involved.

I peeled the sheets off and slid out of bed. Amora surprisingly didn't cover her eyes or awkwardly stumbled around, I was shocked to say nonetheless when I watched her eyes examine my half-naked body.

As I approached her, her eyes met mine when I took her hands with mine, “Is it though?”

Her eyes bore into mine, “Absolutely.” She turned towards the outfit she pulled from her wardrobe, “I've found something proper for you to wear. Fix yourself as you please, when you're ready, I'll be downstairs in the kitchen for breakfast. Please join us, I'd appreciate it if you did.”

I joined everyone for breakfast in the main corridors and Amora pulled a chair out for me to sit on. I, of course, thanked her as everyone continued to glare at us and I felt a little uncomfortable with the silence.

Amora's mother started passing plates down in front of us and I looked at it with such disappointment when I saw a slab of what looked like to be jello.

Stacy caught my glance as I tried to reason with the meal in front of me. We shared the same look of disgust as we shook the plate a little. Perry, Fayette and Amora along with her parents dug right in.

Stacy eventually gave in and I struggled to grab my utensil, I wasn't sure what this was but everyone seemed to enjoy it like it was a delicacy.

Amora nudged me and whispered, “It won't hurt you.”

I gave her a wary look as I attempted to grasp my utensil.

Amora's father spoke, “Amora, I'd like a minute to discuss a rather important issue whenever you're available.”

Amora nodded, “I will make arrangements.”

He grunted, “As well as you should. And exactly why are you not wearing your cape?”

I looked at Amora along with everyone else but for some reason I felt like I didn't know why, well maybe other than Stacy.

Amora stood, “I'm sorry, I'll retrieve it at once.”

Amora left the room and I glanced at everyone to see if I could gain some intel on what the f*ck was going on. The only person that looked at me sincerely was Amora's mom.

I shook the eerie feeling I was getting from her and took my utensil in hand as I sliced a chunk from my gelatin. I wasn't too keen on putting the piece into my mouth but I did anyway.

The texture was horrific but the taste was amazing and to be real here, I actually enjoyed it.

Nobody talked during breakfast and honestly I was literally one hundred percent okay with it.

Her parents honestly scared me.

Amora returned shortly after her dismissal and when my eyes met hers, my heart stopped. I couldn't figure out why I lost myself when I saw her return looking so sophisticated and proper.

She spoke, “I must attend my tasks for this morning.” She turned towards me, “Care to join me?”

I nodded, but subtly because I didn't want her parents to know I desperately wanted to get away. Apparently, I wasn't the only one that wanted to get away because Perry, Fayette and Stacy agreed to Amora's proposal.

Amora brought us over to the front desk where a woman sat with elfish ears.

Amora smiled, “This is Berlin, she is the receptionist. Sometimes she helps me in training the young feral, specifically the Wallawoos.

I studied “Berlin” as she looked at Amora with lust and exhaled my breath with much hatred when Amora smiled at her.

Amora tapped the counter before she spoke, “I've got something you'd love.” She said pointing at me.

I broke out of my trance and followed the group towards the back where Amora uncaged some sort of creature from their prison.

She turned towards us holding something extremely cute and I melted, “Oh my God, it’s so cute, it looks like a pocket panda!”

Stacy pushed me as she gained the upper hand. She stood in front of all of us, we were the only ones that seemed interested except for Fayette.

Fayette didn't care.

Stacy was prying the little creature from Amora and Amora looked absolutely scared as Stacy finally retrieved the creature from her hands.

Stacy stood coddling the little guy as Fayette approached me and I immediately knew this couldn't be good seeing Amora's reaction.

Stacy questioned, “What do these fun little creatures feed on?”

Fayette interjected in a deep voice, “The blood of a virgin.”

I quickly retracted my hand, “Oh my God, are you serious?”

Amora was taken back, “McKenzie are you a virgin?”

I allowed my eyes to stare at the floor. How could I had been so stupid, reacting like that when Amora was around. All I could bring myself to do was blush and walk away. Why on earth was I acting so strangely in front of everyone, especially Amora?

So, I did what I had to and ignore Amora and her friends. I kept calm about the situation and felt nugatory especially after meeting Amora's receptionist. As time passed, I pulled Stacy aside as I noticed Amora and her interactions with Berlin.

I held out a hand, “She's totally flirting with her, right?”

Stacy squinted, “Yas. One hundred percent.”

I questioned, “Should I ask Amora about this or what? It's not like we are dating but we're close … so you know, it's a girl’s right to know? Right?”

Stacy nodded and yelled, “Girl behind the counter.”

She looked at us, “Ya you, do you have a crush on

Amora?”

I quickly covered Stacy's mouth, “Oh my God, Stacy do you seriously only have one volume?”

Amora had an amused look on her face as she set down the creature and Berlin blushed trying to look busy.

I was absolutely mortified when I peeked around the corner and noted I had improperly pulled Stacy into this.

I could tell by the smirk on Amora's face that she was enjoying my misery at the moment.

On our way back from Amora's workplace, I couldn't stop from feeling completely ridiculous especially when Stacy opened her big mouth.

I was walking next to Amora, and I could feel her eyes on me, “I don't even want to hear it.”

I didn't know if I was surprised that she actually didn't make fun of me for what happened. Instead, I felt her hand lock with mine causing me to glance at her. She continued to stare straight ahead as I watched a smile tug at the corner of her lips.

My soul warmed at the simplest gesture, and for some reason my hand too.

Whenever Amora touched me, it felt surreal like problems never occurred and dreams always came true.

I looked away and caught Stacy's eyes. She made a couple of faces as she silently questioned what was going between Amora and me.

I sort of shrugged and had to bite my bottom lip from smiling like a total i***t.

Once we arrived at her kingdom, Stacy yanked me towards her with a gleam in her eye, “She's staying with me tonight.”

Amora rubbed the back of her neck, and nodded awkwardly then did this strange movement where it looked like she was asking for some kind of contact but evidently failed. I seriously wasn't sure if Amora was asking for a high five, a fist bump or a handshake. Then she decided just to walk away.

Stacy yelled, “Good night Amora, make sure to go easy on yourself tonight when you think about McKenzie.”

I slapped her, “Stacy that's so inappropriate.”

Stacy laughed as she made a face.

“You lovely ladies have Good night as well and I won't be doing that but thanks for the advice.”

I blushed when Amora winked at me.

“What does that mean?”

She whispered, “When people like each other but don't have—”

Stacy started to explain but I shushed her, “Not that part, I'm a virgin not stupid. I was talking about the wink.”

“It's ok, let's go inside where the wink is nothing but a faded memory.”

I pleaded, “But the wink.”

She shushed me, “Be still, be calm.”

I looked at her sickly, “Have you lost your marbles?”

She just smiled with wide eyes then exhaled, “I might have.”

“Good lord, you were holding your breath the whole time.” I walked past her shaking my head, and mumbled, “Why me?”

As we got ready for sleep, Amora was always on my mind, even when I laid in bed with Stacy talking my ear off. I honestly couldn't tell you what she was saying because memories of Amora and me flooded my brain.

I smiled towards the ceiling while Stacy continued to spat random stuff about today. Honestly, I couldn't stop thinking about her and I found myself talking to her as if she was next to me instead of Stacy.

“Good night, Amora” I whispered.

I had a lot of time to think about proving myself to McKenzie last night. I wanted to truly show her what my intentions are and prove to her that she means a lot to me.

So, as I passed by the room Stacy and McKenzie were staying in last night, I gently placed a rose at the bottom of the door. I was hoping she'd understand why it was there and hopefully she saw it before she stepped on it.

I proceeded to walk to the kitchen where I knew mom would be. She was fishing out some food from the fridge, humming to herself. When she shut the doors, she jumped at the sight of me, sending the contents in her arms to come crashing to the floor.

She held her chest, “Amora, I think I just died a little with that stunt you pulled.”

“My apologies, Mother.”

She shrugged, “Apology accepted. Now could you help me clean up my mess?”

I nodded, “Absolutely.”

I walked further into the kitchen and as soon as I approached the mess, I slipped on a slab of gelatin. My body hit the floor with a thud and I groaned.

“Oh dear.”

My mother came to help me off the floor but ultimately ended up slipping on the same slab I had moments ago. She landed on top of me and I groaned again from the impact.

“Oh my God, let me help you guys.”

I yelled, “McKenzie don't come any closer … ” I watched as McKenzie took a few steps forward and she too slipped on the same slab mom and I had, “ … the gelatin is slippery.”

McKenzie groaned, “No sh*t. Why didn't you warn me?”

Next thing I knew we were pulled by a force until a pair of well-maintained shoes came into view. I felt the pressure from McKenzie and my mom being lifted off of me and I could finally breathe again, but not for long because when I was lifted up, my father was staring me dead in the eyes.

He frowned, “I need to talk to Amora alone.”

My mother looked at me with sorrow and McKenzie walked away with her head hung low. I looked back at my father and he placed one hand on his hip and the other pressed to his forehead.

He sighed, “When are you going to learn how to act mature around here. Everything you do leads to some form of destruction, and I can't simply have this behavior anymore.”

“I was just trying to help mom.”

He corrected, “Mother.”

I clenched my teeth, “My apologies, Father. I was just trying to help Mother.”

He nodded in satisfaction, “Now explain to me why the mess even happened in the first place.”

I bowed my head, “I forgot to address my presence which resulted in my mother nearly having a heart attack. She asked me to help clean up the mess, one thing led to another and I guess the gelatin turned out to be really slippery.”

He lifted my chin up, “If you can't get your act together and stop defacing us as royals, I'll have you attend classes until you're ready to be the face of our legacy. I can't have a daughter as future queen to disobey her responsibilities. As for your friend, I can't allow you to further your interactions with a dumb Mund, it's unethical.”

His face cringed, “Could you imagine what people would say about us if they knew you bonded with a Mund. Eh, we'd be mocked.”

My brows furrowed, “Holding me here is only doing exactly what you don't want so unless you have anything else you'd like to add, I have some volunteer work I have to attend to. I wouldn't want anyone to notice my lack of attendance, how would that make us look?”

I began to walk away, “And for the record, that dumb Mund is the best thing that ever happened to me. Maybe if you weren't an asshole all the time, you'd see how sweet she is and how she truly cares about me, unlike you.”