Chapter 38: Second Chances

Caspian absentmindedly walks towards the door of the throne room with Princess Aria on tow holding his hand. He does not even notice that he did not excuse himself nor take a bow at the King and Queen. His head is spinning with all the knowledge of his complicated past.
King Merlion and Queen Alina let the Princess leave with Caspian without any objections.
Caspian is like a son to them already most especially for the King. When Marion, Caspian's father, died saving the King, Caspian was left orphaned at a young age.
King Merlion considered it his responsibility to care for this boy. He let Marion marry Cara. He was protected by Marion from the Dark fairy. In his opinion, he should be blamed for everything that brought this boy sadness and pain.
Queen Alina cared for Caspian like a son too. Her attention transferred to this boy when that faithful evening she lost her precious Arianna for the unforeseen circumstances at that time. Truly, It was tragic that they lost their daughter while Caspian lost his parent on that faithful night.
It seems that fate has conspired to bring Caspian and Arianna together. They have lost their parents even when they were still young. Fate has brought them together to ease the loss, the loneliness.
Queen Alina is thankful that Aldar and Melandra have brought their daughter to a wonderful home. As she observes Arianna, she has grown quite humble and compassionate. This shows that their Princess grew up surrounded by love and pureness of heart. She has yet to express gratitude to the human parents of Arianna.
King Merlion and Queen Alina watch the two young fairies exit the throne room.
When Caspian and Arianna are finally out of hearing range, the Queen gives a heavy sigh. She holds the King's hand and caresses it.
"My love, may our Princess bring comfort to our ranger."
King Merlion squeezes his Queen's hand in reply.
"May all these revelations give him the wisdom to decide what his future should be."
The King's words convey so many different meanings. It would only come to light when Caspian finally accepts who he really is and where he should be and decide to become.
After all, he is an Earth ranger but an Air fairy too. They would not take it against him if he decides to leave otherwise. The Green Haven carries so many memories for him, mostly painful ones
The Dark fairy is another matter for Caspian to deal with.
What would be his plan of action now?
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Princess Aria leads Caspian to the same inner garden where they said their goodbyes not so long ago. It is rather ironic that back then, they were both intent on being as far away as possible from each other. Both thought the distance would end their pain. But right now, they seem to be drawn together by pain.
Both sat together at the same hammock that Princess Aria sat on while waiting for Caspian before. This is the first time they got this physically close once more since the Princess arrived in the haven.
Princess Aria does not let go of Caspian's hand. She stays silent, giving the ranger some time to calm his troubled mind. She would like to make him feel that she is still Anna, the girl she met at the willow tree.
It feels like they are back at their Willow tree, sitting under its shade. They felt comforted by their silence as they sit side by side. Back there, it was usually Princess Aria who needed consoling. The difference now is that Caspian is the one who seeks sanctuary from his misery.
After what seems like eons have passed, Princess Aria speaks.
"Caspian, whatever you like to do or say, I am just here for you. Nothing has changed. I am still Anna, okay?"
Caspian merely nods but gently brushes his hair with his free hand. He faces the Princess as if he just saw her for the first time.
"My Princess, I would like to apologize for all my actions since you got here. I have really been such a jerk."
He sighs.
Princess Aria is surprised by these words from Caspian. She did not expect him to talk about them. She thought that he would rather deal about his own issues. Maybe this is his way.
"You have done nothing wrong. I was just blindsided with the quick turn of events. Your being our lost Princess and me being just a ranger is a bit hard to process for me back then. Can you ever forgive me?"
Caspian explains himself.
Caspian holds Princess Aria's hands with his and looks straight into her green eyes.
Princess Aria feels the heat of her face blushing. She cannot take her eyes off Caspian's green eyes too.
She breathes deeply to calm her nerves.
"Caspian, of course I was taken by surprise by your sudden change of attitude. You hurt my feelings. But I think you have bigger things to sort out than what we are to each other."
"I know you don't like to talk about it but if you do, I am here to listen."
"In my opinion, now that you know everything, you should be relieved that you know where you stand and that would help you plan your future."
"I have felt so lost when I found out that I was abandoned in the past. But I think it is best that we know the real truth about our lives even if it is hurting us rather than stay obliviously peaceful in a false notion of happiness."
Princess Aria retrieves her hands from Caspian's grasp and places them on Caspian's cheeks.
Both are still gazing at each other's eyes, green to green.
Without a warning, the Princess pinches both sides of the ranger's cheeks so hard then laughs out loud with amusement.
"That is for your mud balls! You ruined my dress Sir Ranger!"
Princess Aria shouts at the ranger in false anger.
Caspian massages his cheeks feeling the sudden pain of the pinch with his eyes wide with surprise. He gives a slight smile.
"You are such a Princess, my Princess! I thought you would like me to train with you without holding back?"
He teases the Princess, still recalling her utter shock on that day by the lake when his mud balls splat at her face and drops some mud on her dress.
Princess Aria grins back at him. Finally, she was able to distract Caspian and made him smile.
"You know what Princess? You are absolutely right. It is better to know the truth than be clueless of the reality."
"When did you get so mature in your ideas?"
Caspian casually asks.
"I am a Princess now remember? So I guess I have to be smart and mature."
The Princess retorts back.
"Well this might be what we can call second chances."
She adds.
Caspian stares at his Princess a bit confused with her comment.
"What I mean is that, we both grew up living a life without a single idea that it is unreal. But now, we have learned the truth and we are given a second chance to live our real lives. What we do now would define who we are from now on."
Princess Aria clarifies.
Caspian gives a nod of agreement.
"So, what do we do now, my Princess?"
Caspian waits for the Princess to reply.
Princess Aria gazes around the garden. Her eyes focus on a blue rose in one of the bushes. She stands then walks towards it. She touches the blue rose but her mind is somewhere else.
"Caspian, do you remember your promise to Marmee?"
Princess Aria turns to ask Caspian.
Caspian's face lights up with remembrance.
"You plan to go back?"
Caspian asks a bit wary.
"I know the Dark fairy is still out there but that should not stop us from living our lives, right?"
The Princess pauses then picks the blue rose.
"I would tell Queen Mother that we would visit Marmee and Popsie. We could bring Bran and some of the rangers with us."
The Princess' face beams. She feels proud of her grand plan.
"We could even ask Queen Mother and King Father to join us if they like so they could meet my parents from my human world. After all, they owe them for taking care of me all those years."
Princess Aria states all these with finality.
Caspian stares at her with doubt.
Princess Aria smiles widely and pulls Caspian to stand from the hammock.
"Come on ranger. It's time to live our lives. Let's go back to the throne room."
Caspian allows his Princess to drag him along.
Maybe Princess Aria is right. They need this break. He misses their willow tree already.