The tale of the shadow phoenixes

Chapter twenty eight.

James and Tom back at the castle were practicing fighting with swords. James blocked Tom’s sword with his own then stuck out his leg, tripping Tom. James stood over Tom about to tap him with his sword when a face flashed in his mind. A girl with glowing hazel eyes and long rolling curls of brownish-red hair. A pretty smile played on her mouth. James blinked and he was on the floor. Tom was looming over him. Tom tapped James gently with his sword. “Point.” Tom said. James got to his feet. “Let’s be done for today.” James said, sighing. Tom raised his eyebrow. “Are you okay James? Listen James I know you love her.” Tom said. James opened his mouth to retort but Tom held up his hand. “No. If you love her that much..go tell her. I’ve seen her with Cole. She doesn’t seem happy with him. Not as happy as she is with you.” Tom said. “Do you really think so?” James asked. Tom nodded. “Yes, yes I do. Now, let me try to convince mom and dad to let us…visit Riverbend city one last time. Besides…I need to ask Leah something.”

Arianna sat her in her room that night, unable o go asleep. She just couldn’t get James off her mind. Everywhere she went he was always in her thoughts. Luckily Cole hadn’t stopped by. Arianna shivered. She liked Cole…as a friend but nothing more. Outside a dog began to bark. “Probably a wild dog.” Arianna thought. The dog continued barking. Then something hit the brick wall beside her window. Arianna ran to the window and looked out. A figure stood below her window with a dog that looked like Bella. Arianna pulled the window up. “Hello?” She called. The man smiled at her. “Arianna?” The man called. Arianna almost leapt out the window. “James!” She exclaimed happily. James smiled at her. “Well? Don’t just leave me out in the cold. I didn’t come out here for nothing.” Arianna hurried quietly out the back door where James was waiting. She ran into his arms. Arianna felt him embrace her gently. Tears of joy dripped down her face. “James. I didn’t think I’d see you again.” She said. “We convinced our parents to let us visit one last time. There was a really special girl I met.” James said. A smile grew on Arianna’s face. “Oh James….I love you so much.” Time stopped and there was only Arianna and James as they gazed deeply into each other’s eyes, their lips closing in on each other until finally…they touched. It was a kiss full of love and joy. Arianna’s heart hammered against her chest and she didn’t want this moment to ever end. Although she had never kissed anyone the feeling that shot through her veins and her body was so…familiar and she craved it with all her heart, the feeling that she was loved. Finally after what felt like forever they broke apart reluctantly and James took Arianna by the hand and led her to a bench in the garden. “Before we..do anything Arianna there’s something I need to tell you.” James said. Arianna nodded, her heart racing with excitement. “My family is no ordinary family. My father and mother are king and queen of a secret kingdom called the Shadow phoenixes. Me and my brother Tom will be the next rulers. Our medallions are made from elements and every child gets one, which gives them powers to protect them. Arianna, if you marry me you would be queen. Are you wanting to do that?” James asked. Arianna stared at him in shock for a second then smiled. “James, I did not fall in love with a king over some childish whim, I fell in love with a man with a heart the size of Africa and the kindest man I’ve ever met.” Arianna said. “And I fell in love with a beautiful woman who loves people with all her heart and with eyes deeper than the seas.” James said. He sank to one knee. “Arianna , will you marry me? I’m not the best man in the world but…I don’t think I could live without you.” James said. “And I couldn’t live a without you either. Yes!” James sprang to his feet and spun Arianna around in the air. Arianna giggled and she felt happier than she had ever been in her whole life.

They spent a while talking until James walked her to the back door. “What is your power anyway? Charming young women?” Arianna teased. “No. I can control shadows. Watch. ” James said. His medallion began to glow and suddenly Arianna’s shadow spun from behind her and James’ shadow caught her. Then Arianna’s shadow appeared behind her. “Wow. That’s cool.” Arianna said. James shrugged. “Kind of.”

“What is it?” Arianna asked. James sighed. “The bad part of being in the shadow phoenixes family is …our medallions keep us alive. So basically I’m chained to this body for a long time. We can live a long time and cause other people we love to live a long time but…if I were to die…” James shuddered. “…I’m afraid of that happening.” James said. Arianna put her hand on his cheek. “It’s okay James. You won’t have to go through that.” They locked eyes and their faces grew closer and then…their lips were touching again.

-SunnyFox57.