Four

As Charlie travelled down the road he felt something heavy settle in his stomach. Turning around he headed back to Ash’s house. Something about her bothered him. He had felt how lightweight she was, and that was already a red flag. The fact that a wealthy family would place housework on one teenaged girl, a member of the family no less, didn’t sit right with him. He left his horse on the side of the road and walked toward the pristine home readying himself to knock on the door only for it to swing open.

He backed away but instead of a human person being on the other side was a horde of animals. They stared at each other in mild shock as he observed them and their cleaning equipment closer he understood the situation. “Oh Goosbury Agency?”

The doe nodded.

“Gotcha, were you just leaving?”

The doe nodded again and Charlie opened the door wider for them. The cleaners bowed and left the villa.

He closed the door behind him hearing footsteps coming from the staircase and could see Ash coming.

“Okay, so food is ready, stuff is clean, but how will I explain not going into work or not picking up the pho-OHMYGODS!” Ash had come halfway down the stairs wearing nothing but a pair of black denim shorts and a purple sports bra. She was in the process of putting on a long-sleeved shirt but froze seeing the prince at the foot of her stairs.

Charlie turned away away. “I’m…uh…”

“What the absolute hell are you doing in my house!?” Ash yelled.

“The uh Goosbury people were leaving-“

“So you let yourself in!?” she accused.

“I just had a question!” Charlie said covering his eyes with his hands, his back still to her.

“What?”

Charlie turned back to explain himself but stopped once his eyes landed on her exposed forearms. “What happened to your arms?”

Ash inhaled sharply putting her arms in the shirt she was holding and pulling it over her head. “None of your business.” She sassed.

Charlie began walking up the staircase. Ash stared at him incredulously.

“Look just because you’re the prince doesn’t mean you can just barge into other people’s houses and-“ Ash backed up falling onto a step landing on a step with soft thump as Charlie approached her.

They stood face to face Ash taking in the serious glint in the prince’s eyes. He held out his hand in stern silence. Ash stared at his stern expression unsure of what to do. His gaze wasn’t malicious, in fact he mostly seemed concerned, and determined. He wasn’t going to let this go.

Anger melted into resignation and Ash rolled up her sleeves to the elbows. Charlie took her hands in his and examined her forearms. He took in how her brown skin was scarred with what looked like thick deep claw marks.

“Animal attack?” He released her left hand and cradled her right arm with both hands. “A Shifter? These look humanoid.”

“Like I said, it’s none of your business.” Ash said getting out of his hold. “You should really go back to your castle. There’s nothing for you here.” She said coldly.

“The average Alonian teen is about a hundred and thirty-six pounds. How much do you weigh?”

“Don’t you know to never ask a girl that?” Ash retorted.

“Well from how easy it was for me to carry you without breaking a sweat, I’ll say about a hundred pounds…soaking wet.” He said crossing his arms.

“So?” Ash hissed.

Charlie turned to look at the wall of family photos, he focused on one where a younger Ash was holding a large trophy while wearing a bright blue and white leotard. “Aislinn Black unexplainably leaves the Alonian Gymnast’s Association. It was a news story that upset a million people. You were on track to going pro, why’d you quit?”

“Injury.”

“Your arms?”

“No. Well, yes, but I…it’s none of your business.”

“I won’t leave until I get the truth.”

Ash scoffed and pushed her way past him. He noticed how she leaned heavily on the railings. “Is that limp because of your foot injury today, or something else?” Charlie asked.

Ash stopped and glared at him. There was a tense silence as Charlie wondered if he finally angered her. In an instant her fierce expression dropped to one of defeat. “Dude, what do you want from me?”

“Are you safe in this house?”

“What makes you think I’m not?” She answered.

“Intuition. Plus you said your stepmom makes you play housekeeper, you’re an heiress to a multi-billion lyro corporation. “

“So? Kids do chores all the time.”

“To the point that they run frantically through the woods just to get dinner started? Also why should that be you’re responsibility?”

“Look dude I don’t know things work in the castle, but some kids have responsibilities. My stepmom tells me to do something, I do it.”

“And if you can’t, or refuse?”

Ash averted her gaze. Then pulled him up to her room closing the door behind them. Charlie took in Ash’s spacious bedroom, he was expecting black walls and posters of scary bands, instead the room was a collage of white, green and gold. Most of the décor included prints from fashion magazines, along with posters on geology and gemology.

She faced him with a scowl, he stared back.

“So you refuse to leave until I tell you whatever secret it is I’m hiding?”

“Yes.”

“And if I lie?”

“I can smell lies.” He said bluntly.

“Yeah right.”

Charlie just stared back. “Hope your family won’t mind that I parked my horse out front.”

Ash tensed, she really needed him gone.

Finally, she turned so that her back was to him and lifted her shirt. Charlie gasped at the sight. Ash’s brown skin was marred with scars all going in different directions. It looked like a few of them had been stitched, but most of them were pink and brown in some places. Some of the scars were raised on her skin and pink patches, were where the skin didn’t fully repair itself. He walked closer and reached out gently tracing one of the scars near her spine, she shuddered under his touch and he pulled his hand away.

“How?” Charlie asked.

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yes it does. Child abuse in Alonia is illegal. Upholding the law is in my job description. Are those scars the result of abuse?”

Ash turned away.

“What happened?” Charlie asked crossing his arms.

Ash sat on her bed and patted the space next to her. Charlie sat down taking in her serious expression. “What will you do if I tell you the truth?”

“That depends on what happened, but I’m guessing it wasn’t an accident.”

Ash closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Last Halloween, my stepbrother and I went to a party, but we got home past curfew. My stepmom…got angry.”

“What did she do to you?”

“She used to be an exorcist, so she uh, has this whip and she summoned these spirits and forced them to hold me down.” She shook her head blocking out the memory. “Look it’s all in the past, and she’s mellowed out since then.”

“How many minors live here?” Charlie asked.

“Me and my stepsister.”

“What about your stepbrother?”

“He’s nineteen.”

“How old is your stepsister?”

“Morgana would never hurt her-“ Ash protested.

“How old?”

“She’s fourteen, I’m seventeen, but I’ll be eighteen next Spring. And like I said –“

“Ash, this isn’t a healthy environment.”

“I can’t leave.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Does it matter?”

“She whipped you!”

“Why do you care!?”

“Because my father ensured that those who abuse children wouldn’t get away with it. I intend to hold up his legacy.”

Ash fell silent.

“Your stepmother is breaking our laws. This abuse is not tolerated she can’t treat you this way.” Charlie said.

“Well it’s too late to do anything about it now. I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. We’re fine. You can go home now.”

Charlie stood abruptly. “You know this is wrong, so why stay?”

“Because…my dad loves her, and I can’t watch his heart break again.” She whispered.

Charlie stood stunned. “You’ve suffered this abuse for your father?”

“After my mother died, he wasn’t able to function. Getting out of bed for him was like a burden. I tried to help, but he was just so sad, it was like he was dying of a broken heart. He left for a month on business and he came back with Morgana and her kids. She made him happy.”

“But what about you?”

“Huh?”

“Are you happy?”

“The way his eyes light up when he sees her is all I need to know that dealing with her is worth it.” Ash said quietly. “I plan on moving out when I’m eighteen, then going to the University of Belmont in Mersabel once I graduate.”

“Where will you go when you turn eighteen?” Charlie asked.

“I’ve considered living in a hotel until I graduated.” She said.

“You shouldn’t have to do that. What if you didn’t have to wait?” Charlie said.

“What?”

“You don’t deserve this. If you want, you could stay with me in my home. You’ll be protected. By law if you seek asylum at a government owned shelter you aren’t legally obligated to go back to your family. I can make that happen.” Charlie insisted.

“You’d do that for someone you barely know?” Ash asked skeptical.

“I’d do that for someone who I thought needed a safe place to stay. No one deserves this.” Charlie said.

“I…I can’t.” Ash said getting up.

Charlie followed her staring at the array of scars on her back. He knew that convincing her to leave would be tough, but he wasn’t going to let abuse go unpunished in his country. He was going to help her the way his father had needed when he was young.

The sound of a door closing derailed his train of thought, he had to stop himself into bumping into Ash as she froze in her place.

“Aislinn!” a voice called. Charlie turned his head in the direction of the screeching voice.

Ash ran around her room grabbing a large black sweatshirt and pulling it over her head then putting her hair up into a bun. “We need to get you out of here.”

“No, I want to meet your stepmother.”

Ash balked. “Dude no.”

“Chica yes.”

“Aislinn, you better be here!” Morgana yelled darkly.

Ash groaned and went out the room Charlie quietly following until she came to the staircase where he stopped and stayed out of sight. He narrowed his eyes as he saw who he presumed was Morgana approach Ash.

“What took you so long?” the woman asked.

“I was changing clothes.” Ash said her head down and voice quiet.

“Well something does smell delicious, chicken?”

“Yes ma’am.” Ash said keeping her head down, as if she wasn’t even allowed to look at the older woman.

“Splendid, oh and good news! Your father will be coming back soon, so be a dear and go out to the store tomorrow to pick up the things you’ll need to prepare his favorite meal.”

Ash’s head shot up. “When will he be coming back?” Ash asked sounding hopeful.

“Sunday.” Morgana answered. She looked Ash up and down. “You didn’t go to the shop today or answer when I called.”

“No, I went to school. Actually I was hoping I could wo-“

“School? Yes, I forgot to change your schedule.” Morgana said dismissively. “So, who lent you the horse?”

Ash tensed. “Uh…”

“You haven’t been having people over have you?” Morgana asked an edge in her voice.

“N-no.” she stuttered.

Morgana walked toward her and grabbed her face between her thumb and index finger. “Don’t lie to me Aislinn. Or do I need to remind you of what happens when you anger me?” she asked her eyes taking on an eerie gray glow.

The room began to feel colder and Ash began shaking hugging herself and shivering. She tried to speak, but no matter how much she moved her lips only strangled sounds came out. A surge of anger went through Charlie and he stepped out of the shadows and loudly descended the stairs.

“Well I believe I’ve seen enough.” He stated coolly with his head held high.

Morgana dropped her hand from Ash’s face. “Prince Charles!” she exclaimed.

Morgana recovered from her shock and curtsied in respect. “Your Highness, to what do we owe such a pleasant surprise?” she asked as if the crown prince hadn’t just witnessed her power surge.

“From the looks of it stopping you from harming your daughter.” He stated.

Charlie took a better look at Morgana, her age wasn’t discernable to him, a trait found in most mages. She had shiny black hair that flowed to her tiny waist, hooded brown eyes, and sharp features. Charlie walked down the rest of the stairs and came to stand next to Ash putting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“Charlie please.” Ash pleaded.

“I can’t let you stay here.” He whispered. “I’m sorry but this is now a matter of the law.”

“Morgana Black, I presume.” He said coldly.

“Fai-Black, Your Highness.” She respectfully corrected.

“Are you aware of the laws in this kingdom? Specifically, the ones that protect victims of domestic violence?” he asked.

“I… no I was not aware your kingdom had such laws.” She admitted.

“Well we have a law that states that any child under the age of eighteen is not required to live in an abusive home. Parents who abuse their children will face criminal charges and if found guilty face a maximum of fifteen years imprisonment.”

“I didn’t give birth to her she is not my child.” Morgana argued walking closer to him.

Charlie wasn’t going to be swayed. “Maybe so, but you are her legal guardian. Aislinn Black legally became your child the moment you married her father, regardless of where you got married if you reside in Alonia the law applies. As such, I am removing Ash from the premises. If she is to return here it will be after her father has come for her.” Charlie’s voice was stern and cold as he spoke. Ash looked up at him in muted shock. He met her gaze.

“Ash. Go pack what you can. I’m taking you to the castle.” Charlie said.

“Your Highness that isn’t ne-“ she started.

“Now.” He commanded.

“Very well.” She said realizing she wouldn’t be able to fight him on this.

She moved past him and went upstairs to her room, her only safe haven in the house. Once inside she put her back to the door and steadied her breathing.

“It’s going to be okay.” She said to herself taking slow deep breaths.

She walked away from the door and with a grimace she went to her closet grabbing jeans, skirts, shirts and shoes. She placed the clothes on her bed.

She looked around her room, taking in the dark green, gold and white décor. Her large bed with its green and gold duvet, the photos on the walls. With a sigh she pulled out a suitcase from under her bed and placed everything in it.

“Wasn’t planning on doing this for another eight months.” She was starting to feel light-headed. “Breathe, breathe. It’s okay.” She muttered leaning forward on the bed taking deep breaths.

She pulled out her pocket watch and traced its cover. The right half of the cover was set with moonstone the left was black-star diopside taking on the image of a half moon. There was an eight-pointed star in the center seam of the gems. Her mother had given it to her when she was eight and it had been her most prized possession since.

She felt her breathing even out then she walked to her vanity and sat at it looking at the photos on her mirror. “I’m sorry you’re going to find out this way Papa.” She said looking at the small picture of her family.

She grabbed it and stared at her mother’s image her braided hair was draped over her shoulder, she was wearing a light blue bikini showing off her athletic body and dark brown skin. She was smiling impishly as she kneeled on the beach.

Ash studied the image of her father his smile was full of joy as he held a toddler in his arms. His freckled cheeks perked up as he smiled sunglasses covering his hazel eyes. His dark red hair was longer and tied back, not like now when he kept it short. She looked down at the image of herself as a three-year-old smiling behind a sandcastle.

She put it back on the vanity and grabbed a green jacket. She made it down the stairs to see Charlie waiting for her at the door Morgana refused to make eye contact. Ash opened the door and froze as she came face to face with a bottle blond young man, her stepbrother Caleb.

Caleb’s ice blue hooded eyes went from Ash to her suitcase then to Charlie as he pieced everything together then stepped aside to let them by. Ash walked forward and was greeted by Alexandra who took in the situation.

“Where are you going?” she asked wide eyed.

“How did volleyball tryouts go?” Ash countered.

“Don’t do that, what’s happening? Are you leaving forever?”

“No. Just for a little bit. Did you make the team?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s great.” Ash said hugging Alexandra whose eyes were welling up with tears.

“I’ll take your bag.” Charlie said softly.

Ash gave it to him and Charlie went to work strapping it to his horse’s saddle. Ash was embraced by her siblings. He could hear them whispering, trying to reassure each other. After a couple of minutes the Fai-Black kids released each other, Caleb and Alexandra watched as Charlie helped Ash get on the horse.

“Ready to go?” he asked.

Ash looked back at her stepsiblings. “Let’s go.” She said quietly.

He got on behind her and took the reins the same way he did earlier, and they took off down the road. Once they were away from Rand Village Ash spoke up.

“I told you I didn’t want you to get involved.” She said quietly.

“She was about to… Ash I’m sorry for meddling, but the way she treated you, threatened you by law is abuse. It’s a crime, what kind of person would I be if I just let it keep happening? What kind of leader would I be if I didn’t uphold the law?”

She looked up at him with an unreadable expression her eyes boring into him only for her to look away again. Charlie sighed.

“I know you wanted to protect your father from heartbreak, but that’s not your job. He’s the one who is supposed to be looking out for you. Your happiness is supposed to be what matters to him, not his own. Once he finds out about this, do you really think he’ll be focusing on himself?” he asked her.

“No.”

“No, he wouldn’t, he’d feel horrible knowing that his precious daughter has been living a nightmare all this time, and yes he’ll feel guilty. Yes, he might be heartbroken once he learns what his wife has done. You’ve been protecting him long enough it’s his turn to protect you.” He said.

Ash’s eyes watered as she hugged herself. Strong arms encircled her, and she leaned back closing her eyes letting the tears fall down her cheeks. Silent tears turned into sobs and Charlie stopped the horse and held her tighter.

“It’s okay let it out.” He said quietly. “You’re going to be okay. You’ll see.”

The sun was setting, and even though it wasn’t a long journey to the castle they had to get there before it was too dark. “Come on, it’s time to go.” He said gently.

She wiped at her face and Charlie released her spurring his horse.

“Are you sure your mother will be okay with this?” Ash asked taking a shaky breath.

“Once she meets you and hears your story, yes. Don’t worry my mother is an understanding woman, I’m sure she’ll love you.” Charlie said reassuringly. “And if not, I’ll throw a tantrum.” He said as an afterthought.

Ash laughed, and Charlie realized that it was the first time he’d heard her laugh since they met. It was breathy and quiet, but cute. He hoped to hear it more.

“What’s going to happen to Morgana?” she asked.

“Well, if your father presses charges on your behalf, then she’ll be tried. Since my mother and I are getting involved, my mother will preside over the trial, which means there won’t be a jury.”

Ash’s chest tightened. Queen Anabelle De Lupa was going to decide Morgana’s fate. She grabbed at her pocket watch again. It was getting harder to stay on the horse.

“So…if she got…if she’s found guilty, what would her…”

“When she’s found guilty she’ll most likely be sentenced to Magus Caveam.”

“Magus? Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“She used her powers to hurt you. Magus is the bare minimum of what she deserves.”

They sat in silence, the clopping of Charlie’s horse filling the silence.

“I’ve never been to the castle.” Ash realized.

“Really?” Charlie asked. While the castle wasn’t open to the public for most of the year there were still events held there where everyone was welcome, especially during holidays.

“I’m not allowed to go to events outside my home. I go to school when I can, work in the shop and go home.” Ash said rubbing her arms.

“You’re practically a prisoner.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“Do you want a room with the view of the ocean or the city?” he asked.

Ash looked back at him with a challenging smirk. “Both?”

“Ah, tower three. Excellent choice.” He said with a smirk of his own.

“Might as well make the most of my stay in the royal palace.”

Charlie laughed. “Well in that case we should try to get you there as soon as possible.”

Charlie spurred his horse into a gallop Ash letting out an exhilarated scream.