17. Evie

seventeen

Evie

One benefit about looking like you're the last contestant left on the season of Survivor was that no one recognized me. I had an effortless time riding that cab to my private villa. All my security gates and doors were controlled by a code, and I easily let myself in. Within moments, I was absorbed back into my old life. Except for thousands of missed emails, and messages, but I left it all to sit another day.

The main thing I wanted was a long warm shower with all the cleanest-smelling soaps I could find all lathered together. I took my time, relishing every ounce of water and letting go of the stress, as the layers of dirt rinsed off me.

Then I put on my most basic white cotton pajamas, and I glanced in the mirror. Even with the double application of conditioner, my hair was still tangled, and I searched in my drawer for a pick, and set about gently combing the knots out. It was a robotic task that gave my mind room to wonder, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about leaving Jasper. I hoped he'd hadn't headed back to the streets. What if his "risky business" he didn't want to include me in was more thievery? Did he know another way to get money? I was more than willing to help him find suitable work and living arrangements, even if he didn't want to be with me. He's too good of guy to live that life.

After I got the tangles out of my hair, I headed to the kitchen. Despite the early evening light streaming through the large arched window of my front room, a sense of foreboding hovered over my thoughts. I just couldn't shake it. I took a deep breath and moved to the pantry. Ravenous, I grabbed a jar of peanut butter from the pantry, and big spoon from the silverware drawer and took half spoonful bites at a time.

I hummed as I swallowed; nothing had ever tasted so good in my life.

When my stomach finally calmed, I made my way over the window.

The sun crested over the tall city buildings, sending out golden fingers to touch the world below. In a way it felt like it was teasing me, reminding me of all the world out there I had just left. I had always been content to bask in this city view before, but tonight something was off.

I should feel safe, locked inside my home in my private gated community.

Anxiety pumped through my veins, and a tremor of unease sliced through my gut, spreading a sense that something was not right.

Yet, Jasper wasn't an ordinary guy. I couldn't call him to talk, and he didn't have an address. Part of me wished I'd insisted he'd come back with me, but the conviction was strong in his eyes that he had some business to take care of.

I hoped when he was done with whatever it was, he would return to find me.

I turned away from the window, letting my own reality sink in. I had my own business to take care of too, starting with my sister. Out of all the messages that I'd gotten while I was gone, not one of them was from her. I understood I wasn't gone that long, and she'd likely just be returning from her honeymoon. She didn't have a clue what I'd been through this last week, but in her defense it's not like they would have had a way to find out.

The crazy thing was that I never even wanted to be in any spotlight. I did that because my parents pushed me into it when I was a child. I'd give it all up if I had any other clue what I wanted to do with my life. This week away showed me a lot about the strength I had that I never gave myself credit for, and I was committed to living my life my way.

So the yacht didn't work out…

Sighing, I pushed all my random worries away. Finally, after so many nights away, I went to order a large amount of Chinese take-out, and rest in my own bed until it was delivered.

I'd like to say I heard from Jasper the very next morning, and we quickly became inseparable, but that didn't happen. The morning came, and no word from him.

The next day came, and still nothing.

Long days turned into a week, and I needed to make some decisions about my life.

First, I filed an insurance claim on my yacht. That felt rather nice.

Next on the list was to pay a visit to my sister. Or maybe I'd just call? I paced my living room, as I really didn't want to do either.

I could email.

The thing with email, though, is that you don't know if they received it, and she could certainly deny she read it.

If she was going to reject me again, I would need to hear with my own ears to have closure. I dropped a heavy sigh, as my heart needed to see her in person. Once my mind was made up, I gathered my things and left. The drive over was nerve wracking. Every little bubble in the road seemed to poke at my nerves, intensifying the stress already coursing through my body.

Seeing her car parked outside her home, I tensed even more as I pulled in behind it, and got out. I tried to act casually as I meandered up her narrow driveway, my heart pounding out warning beats, saying don't get your hopes up. Elizabeth had been awfully serious when she said she never wanted to see me again, and the hateful expression on her face flashed through my mind, giving me pause at her front door. I took a deep breath and knocked.

My eyes scanned the yard nervously. I couldn't help but wonder what her reaction would be. Would she be angry? Indifferent? Or perhaps... relieved? The door opened, and Elizabeth was there, staring at me with her arms across her chest.

I gave a hopeful smile as I watched my younger sibling glare at me through clenched teeth. We used to be so close in our younger years, but as my fame grew, so did the distance between us. I wanted us back so much. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at how simple Elzabeth's life was, compared to the responsibilities that weighed heavily on my shoulders. "I know you don't want to see me." I held up my hand, pleading for her to give me some time. I looked into her eyes that matched mine in color and shape, trying to convey the depth of my regret, not for what I did, because I didn't really do anything wrong. I was just deeply sad how everything turned out. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion.

Her expression softened slightly, but a flicker of hurt remained in her gaze. I dropped my hand to her arm, hoping for forgiveness. "I never meant to steal your thunder. Please, let me make it right." With bated breath, I waited for her response, knowing that the fate of our relationship hung delicately in the balance.

Elizabeth's shoulders rose in inhalation. "I appreciate the apology, but it'll take time for me to truly get past it."

I nodded, understanding that I couldn't change anything. "I know. I'll do whatever it takes to make things better," I repeated earnestly.

Part of me was hopeful that she'd immediately invite me in for coffee, and we'd chat like best friends, but that didn't happen. I knew that rebuilding our relationship would be an arduous journey, but I fully believed it was worth fighting for. And that was that.

As I drove back home, I was reminded of so many of the little moments we shared as children, and I wasn't ready to let those go. I would fight every day to support my sister. I wasn't happy about how it turned out, but I wasn't as sad about it anymore. I was even.

I pulled into my driveway, the surprising sight of some sort of military guard sitting on my doorstep. My already heightened anxiety soared as I pondered all the terrible reasons this man would be here. I don't have anything to do with the army. "Good morning, sir," I call as I shut my car door, and strode forward. "What can I do for you?"

Standing lean, with his heels clicked together he spoke with a projection in his tone. "I have an invitation for you from the Queen of Nuvolla to attend a royal ball."

"Never heard of that place." My gaze skirted to the side, as I get a lot of random invites to things, being a celebrity and all. The political ones are the hardest to turn down. I hate to make an enemy of an entire nation, but I had no clue where this place was.

"It's a small island, and it's a wonderful place. Nuvola actually means "cloud" in Italian and truly feels like a little cloud of paradise."

"It sounds lovely." I pursed my lips, as I contemplated how to politely decline. "Er, I'm taking a bit of a sabbatical, I've had a lot going on, and you can tell your queen I'm completely flattered, but I can't fit it in."

"Very well," he huffed, stiffening his shoulders even more. "I'll report back, but I assure you she will not be happy to hear this."

"I'm sorry." I blinked, wondering why this felt so personal. I have no idea who this person is, and I can't randomly accept invitations. "I'll take the invitation and consider it, but I'm almost certain I can't fit it in." I reached out to receive his white sealed envelope. He spun on his heels and started to saunter down my driveway when my breath hitched in my chest.

The envelope had a wax seal with half of a figure eight, and a heart—exactly like one I'd seen before. "Wait," I ran after him, "where did you get this?"

"The Queen of Nuvola has sent it to you." His expression was flat.

"You said that," I rushed out, my heart beating hard against my ribcage, "But what is this seal?"

"It's the royal seal." He seemed bored with my question, but humored me, "the dynasty has used it for over a hundred years."

Goosebumps jutted up my spine as I stared ominously at the envelope. I had no idea who the Queen of Nuvola was, but I didn't doubt this had everything to do with the quest I had just completed. Do I dare do this alone? I scanned up and down the street, wishing this was a fairytale, and Jasper would come riding up on a white horse to assist me.

He wasn't here.

I was alone with a decision to make all by myself.

One that could change my life forever.

What if it's more pirates?

I winced, pushing that thought out of my head, and a small smirk grew on my lips.

There's only one way to find out.