THE NEW ARRIVALS - DAY FIVE

“Allura, what’s the matter?” Nanny studies me with concern as Elizia tends to the hem in my gown. “You’re going to be married soon to a very nice young man. You should be happy.”

“Yes, Nanny, of course.” I frown at nothing in particular as the attendants fuss with the veil. I can’t believe that Coran is going through with this. He showed no sign of backing down, even after I told him about Alan’s referring to cookies instead of marrying me. He has every intention of seeing this through, no matter what. How can he do this to me? He knows full well how I feel about Keith.

And that, I realize, is exactly why he’s doing it. To keep us apart. Forever. I’m beginning to dislike him. A lot. More than I ever imagined myself doing before. I know he claims to have my best interests in mind, but this is just far too controlling of him. And I’m becoming very, very tired of being controlled these days. Am I not the Arusian Head Honcho, as Lance puts it? When do I get to say what I’m allowed to do with my life?

The Royal Tailor and her attendants step back and take a moment to admire their work. Nanny clasps her hands together and beams. I avert my gaze to keep from frowning at them all. I want to grab at this dress and rip it away from me, tear it to shreds. But my sense or propriety wins out for now.

I remain complacent as the gown is carefully removed and placed back on the mannequin meant to hold it. What’s the difference between it and me right now? I have a heartbeat. That’s about it.

Coran arrives shortly after I’ve redressed and returned to the main area. I pass him by as he speaks with Nanny. He calls out to me and I keep on going, stepping through the door and out into the hall. My little bit of defiance for the day.

I come across Lynne, and she tells me about the number of poems that have been dropped off at the library today for my little contest. She is full of excitement about it, and her attitude is infectious. Soon I find myself in a much better mood. I tease her a little about the possibility of Dunkirk writing a poem for her, and she blushes furiously. That’s funny. The only other time I’ve seen someone act so worked up over a guy is -

Is the last time I looked in a mirror.

My lighter mood abandons me completely, but I manage to escape before Lynne notices the change. I retreat back to my bedroom for a good, solid cry.

“Dexter, there’s someone here to meet with Alan. But he’s out on patrol right now, isn’t he?”

“Yes he is, Coran. You missed him by about five minutes.”

“Blast. Will you go talk to this fellow? It’s rather important. He’s in the primary conference room. I’ll take the chair while you do.” His expression indicates that saying ‘no’ is not an option. I do as I’m told and head for the room in question.

The only person there is a fellow in a crisp business suit that could be Alan, if Alan were ten years older and took one too many antidepressants on a regular basis. The cheer he exudes is one hundred percent plastic as he meets me halfway and grips my hand to give it a brief but firm shake.

“Captain Stiles? I’m Darrin Zruppek, Alan’s older brother. Pleased to meet you.”

I give him a smile. “Hi. Aren’t you like a mega-CEO or something? What brings you here? Planning to replace Alan on the team, maybe?”

He grins. “Not likely, my friend. The only way I’d deal with a robeast is to offer it some options for a job in my demolitions company. Actually, I’m here to give Alan an important package. Is he available?”

“He’s out on patrol right now. You could drop off the item at Castle Security and they’ll keep it locked up in the vault until he returns, if you’d like.”

“How long would that take? I’m on a tight schedule.”

“Not sure. I could check on it for you.”

“Do me one better. You’re his Captain, I’m sure I can trust you.” He fishes in his jacket pocket and places a ring box in my hand. “This is Alan’s. Make sure he gets it, will you? I’d appreciate it. Thanks.”

I get another handshake, then he puts a cell phone to his ear and he’s out the door before I can answer. I glance at the box in my hand, and temptation wins out. I open it up to take a peek.

Whoa. This is a serious chunk of rock. I tilt the box from side to side and watch the gems sparkle. Definitely a ring fit for a princess. I play with it some more, and an evil thought comes to mind. This is the engagement ring. Alan can’t propose to Princess Allura without it, can he…?

No, no, bad Dexter. It wouldn’t stop the engagement anyway, just delay it. And while I hate to admit it, I’m coming up short on ideas to stop the wedding from happening. My little inner voice is still writing on the chalkboard, as it were.

I stuff the ring in my pocket and head back to the Command Center. Alan has just arrived from his shift and Dunkirk is on his way out. I hand the ring box to Alan. He takes it with a frown. Coran, however, is beaming from ear to ear. He comes over and asks to see the ring. Alan shows it to him. Coran approves, claps Alan on the back and I swear he almost skips out of the control room.

“Any ideas?” Alan says as he pockets the box.

I shake my head. “Nothing so far, no.”

“The contest is the day after tomorrow.”

“I know.”

“I bought the Scotch today. I thought that might be good incentive for you. Arrangements are being made for the yacht.”

“Alan, I was just joking about the yacht.”

He frowns. “I wasn’t joking. None of this is anything to joke about.” He walks around me and heads for the exit.

The rest of day is pretty tense. Shannon tracks me down to find out what’s going on. Then Lance is all over me about the arrangements between Alan and Shannon. Then Tasia wants an update on the rumors that have been flying all over the castle. After lunch, Princess Allura grills me on ideas to spoil the wedding, and she’s just as disappointed as Alan is to hear that nothing is in the works. The only happy faces I come across the whole day belong to Coran and Nanny.

Come evening I find Keith at his usual spot, contemplating the sunset. He glances my way as I come up the window and a slight smile crosses his face.

“So how’s it feel to be the man who’s supposed to have all the answers?” He asks.

I make a face. “It sucks.”

He laughs out loud at my reply. “Tell me about it.”

“What can I tell you that you don’t already know?”

“Tell me you have a solution for this mess.”

“I wish I could.”

“Then promise me that you’ll be a good leader and you’ll look after the Force with all the dedication and devotion to duty that I have.” He’s amused at the expression of surprise that crosses my face. “What, you think I’m going to stick around after Allura is married to your best friend? Don’t hold your breath.” He turns and leaves at a brisk pace. I stare after him as he goes.

Alan’s father has arrived today. He and Coran have been locked away in the meeting room all morning. Nanny is pacing back and forth just outside the door. I duck back around the corner before she can see me.

Alan is in our usual sitting room, pacing back and forth. Dexter is sitting on the couch, talking quietly. Whatever he’s saying isn’t making Alan very happy. I withdraw from the doorway before they can take notice of me.

Keith is sitting at the command console in Castle Control. Lance is standing at his side, talking and gesturing with emphasis. Keith doesn’t seem to take any notice; he’s sitting as stiff as a board while Lance is radiating enough emotion for the both of them. I retreat from the exit before they realize that I’m there.

I can’t believe this is happening. It all feels like a dream, like I’m floating in a fog that I can feel but I cannot see. The whole castle is filled with it, this strange, numbing mist that’s everywhere and nowhere all at once. Some of the people I meet smile and offer congratulations. Others look confused. Some look disappointed and others just plain angry.

Tasia is one of the angry ones. She has some very strong words for Coran’s little scheme, and while much of it is in that Earth slang that I don’t quite understand, the rest of her opinion is given in terms that make my face hot. But she’s simply expressing what I already feel and it’s like her venting gives me an indirect release as well. I give her a hug in thanks and she begins to cry. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen her break into tears.

A few hours later, Coran emerges from the meeting room to announce that the arrangement is official. It’s now in Alan’s hands to make the proposal and finalize it. Nanny whoops like a teenage cheerleader. I feel like all the breath has been knocked out of me at once.

The rest of the day passes by in a blur. I have to talk to Keith. I need to talk to Keith. But when I go to the window where he usually pauses to watch the sunset, he isn’t there.

To The New Arrivals: Day 4

To The New Arrivals: Day 6