Four Princes and Their Twice Blessed Mate

Cypher POV.

It was a love story.

My favorite fairy tale growing up was a strange story true, but one I’d never forget. The Wolf Prince and His Twice Blessed Mate. I still got goosebumps anytime I thought back on those days, of childhood innocence. As I lay stretched out on the bed listening to my mother reading me my favorite bedtime story. Her voice was so soft and reassuring, there was an unmistakable twinkle in her eye. Almost as if the story itself deeply impacted her, as if she loved the story as much as I did.

Sigh.

I’m getting off-topic.

Okay, back to the story.

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there was the wolf prince. He wasn’t royalty really, just a mysterious man who came from a mysterious world. As a young boy, he’d run through the forests of his home, immersing in the wilderness that he loved, soaking in the light of the sun.

Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

A boy and the woods?

I loved the idea.

His name was Arothon. He so loved the wilderness he played in, but like all little boys at sundown, he too had to go home. As his mother always told him, there were beasts that roamed the woods at night. Beasts that wouldn’t be adverse at gobbling him up in a single bite, so he could never be out at dark. Arothon was a courageous and brave little boy, the beasts in the woods did not scare him, nor the darkness of twilight. For this reason one night on his eighth birthday he snuck out against his parent's wishes. It was on that night everything changed, for he came face to face with the beasts that roamed the woods. A magnificent wolf appeared before him, but it did not gobble up little Arothon. Instead, the beast approached the boy, enamored by his strength and courage, blessed by the goddess they became one. As their souls merged as one, graced by the goddess of the moon, promising to never be alone again.

While stretched far on the other side of the kingdom, a tiny girl stared up at the same moon. For she was different too. Just as unique as Arothon, though in an entirely different way, for she’d been blessed by the moon. For it was foretold many centuries ago that one twice blessed would awaken an ancient power. Her name was Aliltha, a curious little imp who often dreamed of life beyond her swamps.

Then upon her eighteenth birthday beyond the Moors she so loved, she had a chance encounter. For that was the day that the Wolf Prince and the Twice Blessed Orien came face-to-face. Born of two very different worlds, destined to be hated foes, the two fell madly in love. Being born from opposing clans didn’t seem to faze them in the least. On the rising of the next moon, the two lovebirds were wedded beneath the glow of the goddess and by the next moon, a princess came to be. Holding their infant daughter in their arms, both knew only peace and happiness. For she was Cylia, the twice blessed wolf princess, destined to change the world. And the three of them lived happily ever after.

The end.

Happily, ever after, huh? I often wondered what that would be like if the couple had truly lived a life of bliss and happiness. Wondered what had really become of them in the years since their daughter was born. I remembered lying in bed after my mother had left, my mind spinning in thought. Had they really been happy as the book said? Or had they only experienced a momentary spell of bliss, before it was all yanked away?

I imagined what like must have been like for the wolf prince and his twice blessed bride. Had the two of them run away into the wilderness that both of them loved? Maybe beyond the complications of life and society, they had found true happiness. Possibly raising their daughter in the simplicity of the wilderness, where she wasn’t burdened by such things as requirements and pain.

Or had the outcome been the same as every other story that began as a love story? The prince and his bride sharing just a few years of happiness, before it was all destroyed. Maybe Arothon hadn’t been as content with the life and family he’d built for himself. Maybe a few years down the line the two of them had chosen to separate. Him carrying on with a life away from the wife and daughter he claimed to be his own. And the distance had become so great, that in time neither side recognized the other.

Sigh.

If only fairy tales were true. If only there were such things as happily ever after’s that remained happy. Then maybe, just maybe, someone could find the bliss and contentment the world long since denied to them. Then there wouldn’t be so many people that were broken down and defeated, weighed heavily by their own pain and misery.

I’d have given anything if that were true if people fell in love and actually stayed that way. Then maybe, just maybe, life would’ve turned out differently. Because just like in the story once upon a time I’d had both a mom and a dad, who claimed to be in love. But unlike the little princess who’d gotten the fairy tale family, my parents hadn’t stuck it out.

I was five years old when the life I’d known in those early years was shattered. That was the day when my parents had informed me of their decision to divorce. For them, it was all matter-of-fact, as if it was something both had known was coming. For me I was totally blindsided by the revelation, never having imagined my life could come to this. I had thought that we were all happy, that my parents loved each other, but I was wrong.

Following their announcement my father had packed up all of his suitcases. He’d vowed that none of this changed how he felt, that he would always be my father. Then with his bags in hands, he’d walked out the front door and right out of my life. My mom had gathered me up into her arms, promising me that it would change nothing. That no matter the outcome of their marriage they were still my parents and still loved me.

I snorted at the thought now, realizing just how ridiculous her promises really were. Maybe Mom was right, they were still my parents after all, but everything changed. In the blink of an eye, the life I’d known was completely shattered and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Everything I’d known in those first few short years of my life was taken away.

Mom had agreed to stay close to Dad so that he could be involved in my life growing up. Just because he’d left her didn’t mean she hated him and was going to take his daughter. It didn’t last long. Shortly after my eighteenth birthday Mom had packed our things and moved to Louisiana. She was a Southern belle to the core of her being and missed the sultry weather there.

And here we had lived for the last nine years, in the beloved swamps that she loved. Dad had become nothing more than a shadowy figure from my past since. I could count on one hand the number of times I’d seen my father in the last decade. Every year I received a birthday present and card in the mail, that was increased by a deposit in my bank account. A ridiculously large amount too if I was being honest, normally in the thousands. As if the money and gifts he sent me would be enough to make me forget he hadn’t been around. Or maybe to forgive him.

Obviously, my father didn’t know the first thing about me if he thought that would work. I wasn’t someone that based life off of materialistic items or the money I had. I based my life off of connections, the love that I felt and the affection others held for me. Hence the reason every dime the man sent me remained in the bank account Mom set up for me. Along with all the money he’d sent to me in birthday cards or the monthly child support checks Mom gave me. It’d been his decision not to stick around for his kid and I didn’t need his guilt money.

“CY!”

Dragged out of my thoughts at the voice yelling my name, I immediately came to. Belatedly remembering what I was supposed to be doing, I bounded off my bed. “I’m almost done.”

I wasn’t but didn’t say that. The last thing I needed was for her to be upset with me because I hadn’t been paying attention to the time. We normally had a really good relationship, outside of the times my defiant streak reared it’s ugly head. As it had been doing over the course of the last few weeks, especially the past two days, as I prepared.

Fifteen minutes later. “Cy, you need to get your bottom into gear and get down here already. If you don’t you’re going to miss your plane.” Mom hollered from the main level of the house, begging the question of how anyone could hear her. We lived at Green Acres Plantation that’d been in the family for years, in an enormous old colonial home over three hundred years old.

Obviously, she hadn’t heard me.

Cypher POV.

I sighed at her reminder, of why I needed to be hurrying. In May I had graduated from high school finally, a day I’d never thought to happen. I’d gotten into an amazing school for the field that I wanted, which started in August. Of course, I would be leaving a little early, as I’d also been accepted into a program meant for my field. This way I would have some serious hands-on training by the time I actually got into school.

Not that I hadn’t already been doing that for years now, having always known what I wanted. I was eleven when I got a job at the local shelter and helped out on the weekends. By the time I reached thirteen, I worked there on the weekends and the sanctuary after school. Not typical for a child, but I absolutely loved the work and it gave me a sense of contentment.

However, there was also a downside to my current state of joy, though I tried to deny it. Out of the four universities that I’d applied for, two of them had accepted me. Unfortunately, one of them was too far out of my mother’s reach, never having been rich. She’d suggested contacting my Dad to help with the cost, but I’d shot her down. Meaning that if I wanted to go to college, then I’d have to accept my least favorite one.

And unfortunately, the one I’d ultimately chosen happened to be located in Colorado. In Denver, that was less than an hour's drive away from my Father and his angry family. Just like the summer program that I’d been accepted into for the summer.

I knew that my choices were the best thing for my future, having chosen a degree in Animal Medicine. The summer program I’d been accepted to was at an animal sanctuary in the area, that was topline. I knew that I’d learn so much there, but honestly, I didn’t want to be close to my Dad. I was still hurt that he’d chosen his new wife and stepsons over his own daughter. To say that I was jealous of his choices was an understatement, though I tried to pretend ignorance of that.

I am his daughter. His blood.

Yet, it wasn’t enough for him.

I wasn’t enough for him.

I flicked out at a tear that was creeping down my face, evidence of the pain his actions caused me still. No matter my refusal to accept the truth, his choices had hurt me badly over the years. We’d been close when I was little and I hated that we couldn’t share the same bond. I hated that he had chosen his new family over the daughter he’d had in his first one.

I sighed.

Some things just weren’t meant to be, I told myself. That had become my motto over the years, anytime things didn’t work out for me. The constant reminder that some things weren’t meant to be and it was unwise to push it. It had helped me cope with all the disappointments in my life, though there was only one. The only true disappointment and regret that I felt was my father, but that was out of my control.

Pushing aside those thoughts, I gave my room one last look around, assailed with memories. It was bittersweet leaving this place where so much happiness was found, but I wasn’t too sad. If I was ever going to accomplish my dreams I had to take some risks in life, at my future. I was confident that this would be good for me, it’d give me a chance to do what I wanted.

Moving toward the vanity dresser in the corner of the room, I reached for the necklace hanging from it. The necklace was a present that my grandmother Eliose had given to me on my thirteenth birthday. From it was a silver amulet with strange etchings around it and in the center was a stone. At the time Grandmere Ellie had cautioned me of how important it was, that the next in line always carried it. Vowing that I needed to keep it with me always, as I healed the world it’d heal me. Whatever that meant.

Sliding the silver chain around my neck, I couldn’t miss the warmth as the medallion settled against my chest. I’d been alarmed the first time I’d put the necklace on, feeling the heat that came from the amulet. Back then I’d been startled, as only moments ago it’d been cool to the touch, but it was hot on my chest. Grandmere Ellie had merely shrugged it off, saying it was its way of recognizing my inheritance of it. Grandmere Ellie was strange, an oddball that tended to say and do the strangest things.

Tucking the pendant underneath my shirt, safely out of view I moved back to the bed. Grabbing the suitcases I’d seen to packing, I moved them to the door as I reached for my backpack. Slinging the strap over my shoulder, I turned off the lights as I stepped out of my bedroom. It was high time that I said goodbye to the child I’d been, and embraced the adult future awaiting me.

I bid a silent farewell to the room I’d lived in for the last nine years. Then juggling the suitcases in my hand, I headed downstairs where my mother waited. Reaching the living room was a little difficult, having scaled two flights of stairs. Of course, there was an old elevator-like shaft, but shuttered at the mere thought. I’d never done well with cramped spaces, claustrophobia my doctor had called it.

As I reached the main room my eyes immediately landed upon my mother. Mom was presently standing in the entranceway, smiling at me like a cat who ate the canary. For a moment I hesitated, debating on if I was going to go through with this. As much as I was excited at the future I’d chosen, I was worried about leaving her alone. I knew that I could’ve easily changed my mind or gone to one of the less reputable colleges closer. I held my tongue though, aware of how important this was to her and what it meant to her.

“It’ll be fine,” she said to me.

Would it though? Would everything be fine? It’d been a year ago when I started noticing how out of character my mother was acting. Though it had gotten a million times worse in the last six months, the nose bleeds, headaches, and tiredness. My mother refused to admit to me she was sick, but I could tell her health wasn’t at its best. Then two months ago I’d accidentally found a letter from a doctor she’d been seeing.

It was then I realized just how bad off my mother really was—stage two Leukemia. My heart clenched at the thought, all this time my mother had cancer and I’d never known. I wanted to rant and rave, and scream why she hadn’t told me, but I didn’t dare. She had enough on her plate as it was.

From the correspondence between her and the doctor, I knew treatments were supposed to start soon. The doctor truly believed she had a real chance of beating the illness but needed to get started right away. I knew why my mother had held back so that I wouldn’t be around when it began. My mother hadn’t wanted me to be there, to watch what the cancer turned her into.

So many times I wanted to put an end to the nonsense, and tell her that I knew and was staying, but held my tongue. I wanted the chance to be there for her like she’d been there for me all my life. Anytime the desire surged I clamped my lips closed, aware that she wouldn’t be pleased. I didn’t want to stress her out any more than she already was.

Mom wanted me to follow my dreams and become the vet I’d always dreamed of becoming. It was a passion she’d nurtured inside of me, as she had since I was little. She wanted me to achieve in life in a way she didn’t and would stop at nothing to achieve that. I was doing this for her, for the woman who’d sacrificed so much for me.

“Everything is going to be okay, Cypher.” My mother attempted to reassure me, as she drove towards the airport in the city. As she’d been doing for the last couple of weeks, obviously sensing my anxiety. “I’ve already spoken to your father on the phone, he assured me he’s going to be waiting for you when you get off the plane.”

“Uh-huh, that’s good,” I mumbled in reply to her statements, staring out the window as the scenery passed us by. All the while unsure of whether or not I actually wanted him to be there to get me. Though to be entirely honest with myself, I’d be surprised if the man showed up at all.

Many times over the years he’d offered for me to fly out there in order to see him. Even told me how he’d take the time off when possible and go around to my old haunts. Then went on to tell me about the magnitude of drivers the company had that could take me wherever he wanted. And of course, he’d happily pay for anything that I would want to do. I scoffed. As if these materialistic promises would ever be enough to persuade someone like me. If anything, it repulsed me.

I felt Mom’s hand atop mine on the console, giving it a reaffirming squeeze. “Cy, Cypher honey, everything will turn out okay, you’ll see. Things aren’t going to be as bad as you’re thinking. I don’t know why you feel so negative about the situation. You’ve barely gotten the chance to know your father.”

Like that was my fault? He was the one who’d walked away from us and behaved as if I didn’t exist. He’s the one that spent the last thirteen years oblivious to his daughter. I wanted to tell my mother everything that burned inside of me but kept my lips closed. I knew what the outcome would be if I dared to give in to my negativity.

Mom was still patting my hand reassuringly, trying to ease the anxiety she could feel inside me. “It will be good for you to go and spend time with him. Jack is a good man, despite being a little evasive at times, and is so looking forward to this. Spend some time with him, and get to know him, it will help to understand who you are. How important you are.” My mother was quite adamant on the plans outlined, to get to know my father.

It was always like this with her, as far back as I could remember my mom had these beliefs. The same beliefs she’d tried to instill inside of me, as if afraid of me hating the man. Forever cautioning me there was a reason for everything and one day I’d understand. Promising that all I needed was to get to know him on a personal level and he’d help me understand who I was.

Who I was? How important I was? Cryptic messages I’d tried to decipher over the years, but never pinpointed their meaning. I was beginning to think that my mother knew something, secrets she’d never told me. I shook off the thought as impossible. Mom and I had always been incredibly close, we’d always been completely honest with each other.

Yet, as I stared at my mom, and noticed her avoidance of meeting my gaze, it made me wonder. Was there more going on than I knew? Could it be possible that my Mother hadn’t been entirely truthful with me after all? Instincts assured me that she was withholding secrets from me, deep and dark secrets. It was those secrets that made her driven to push me back to Colorado, to my father.

What are you hiding Mom?

What aren’t you telling me?

As if she was somehow able to hear my thoughts Mom tossed a quick smile in my direction. “Sweetie, I know you're scared and confused but trust me. In time everything will make sense and you’ll be thankful for my decision. Trust me, this is meant to be, a apart of your destiny.”

This meant to be, a apart of your destiny? I repeated the words over inside of my head. This is the same quirky and off-the-wall comments that Grandmere Ellie was known for. Not something that I’d expect out of my stable, straightforward thinking and rational mom.

I dropped my head. “Sorry Mom, I know you’re just looking out for me, it’s all just a bit much. My birthday will be here in a few weeks and I won’t be able to spend it with you.” The big one eight, I thought to myself, my eighteenth birthday, the day I went from childhood to adulthood.

Her expression softened. “Is that really what you are so worried about, honey? That I won’t be there on your birthday?” My mother asked thoughtfully, finally turning to look at me as she parked the car. At some point, we’d finally arrived at the airport and had the chance to consider me.

No. It wasn’t all that I worried about. True being away from her on my birthday would be hard, especially this of all birthdays. A child’s eighteenth birthday was monumental, it was a turning point in a person’s life. But as much as I would miss having her there, it wasn’t what had me in a state of anxiety. I was worried about her being all alone through all of what was going on with her. I was scared something terrible was going to happen and I wouldn’t be there to help her through. Most of all, I was worried about losing her and never seeing her again.

Lying my head back on the headrest of the seat, I took deep breaths to control my racing heart. “Maybe I shouldn’t do this. I can always attend somewhere closer to home. I just have this sickening feeling that I’m making the wrong choice.”

“Well, you're not.” My mother’s tone of voice took me a little by surprise, a stern serious I hadn’t expected. Her normally dull brown eyes had darkened, almost brightened. “You have to do this, Cypher. For you and your future. It’s the only way you’ll ever be able to do what you need to in the future. I will not be the one that holds you back from your destiny. Your world is waiting for you Cypher Lumen, it’s time for you to embrace who you truly are and stop running.”

There was no point in me continuing to argue with her, she’d win in the end. Besides, she was right. I did need to stop fighting myself on this, it was time for me to see my father. Spending some time with him, getting the chance to actually know him, wouldn’t be a big thing either. I’d always wondered about the man that had helped bring me into the world.

This was most likely my one chance to answer all the questions screaming inside of my head. To finally comprehend who my dad was and all the choices he made back then. Namely the reason he’d chosen to walk away from us and ignored me for the last thirteen years. There was a whole side of me, my family history, that he alone had the answers to. Maybe if I took the chance to get to know him, thereby myself, I’d learn a few things.