Derek
"I want you to forgive me, Mal, and give me a second chance. To make things right with you and Melody."
Malcolm stepped back and looked at me in shock. He looked like he had seen a ghost.
"Majesty, what are you doing?" He asked loudly.
He was almost screaming.
I do not blame him. After all, he must be surprised to see the almighty Derek go down on his knees to plead to him for something so trivial.
But I have no choice but to do that. I can't lose Melody. Neither can I lose Malcolm.
"Seeking forgiveness," I replied sincerely.
Forgiveness is all I seek if that is what will bring Melody to me.
"No. Please don't do this."
Malcolm grabbed my shoulder and tried to help me get up but I took his hand off.
I have thought this through in my head and this is the only way I can get Melody back.
"I will do this over and over. If it will make you see that I'm sincerely sorry for everything that Melody had to go through."
Malcolm was again stunned by my words. His mouth opened but then no words came out. He just gaped at me.
"Nothing matters to me more than Melody, believe me, Mal."
Malcolm was uncomfortable with me on my knees. I could see that my friend was still there, hiding somewhere within him.
"Majesty, I....."
"It's Derek," I interjected.
I wasn't wearing my crown anyway. I wouldn't be on my knees if I had my crown on. Besides, I've told him countless times that if I'm without the Crown then he could say my name.
Why has such a bridge come between Malcolm and me?
"Derek, this isn't right..." Malcolm began.
"What isn't?" I crossed my fingers and hoped he wouldn't repeat the same thing he's been saying.
"We shouldn't toy with Melody's emotions." He sighed with dejection. "She wants Dorian and I think ....."
No. Not those annoying words again.
Why does he keep rooting for Dorian? When did he become Dorian's die-hard fan?
"What about me, Mal? Do you still think I'm not worthy of Melody?" I decided to ask first for clarity.
Malcolm also knelt down so we were both on our knees. "At this point, Derek... I think it's Melody's choice to make." He took my hand and ushered me up. "Also, the one whose forgiveness you need is Melody, not me."
I stood up with Malcolm's help and he dusted me up, making sure there was no dirt left on me. He bowed and immediately moved to leave.
"You should get some rest majesty. We'll be reaching Dark Flame soon."
I watched Malcolm dismiss himself and I sat back on the bed with a heavy sigh.
Did I just mend the bridge between us or widen it?
I know that I have committed a lot of mistakes but why is it so hard to forgive me even though I badly want to repent?
It took a lot of effort for me to keep my ego inside me and plead with Malcolm yet all I got was a cold shoulder.
Dejected and confused, I sat down on the bed and thought about Melody. If Malcolm can't forgive me despite all the effort I put into begging him, then will Melody?
I closed my eyes and put my mind to work as I tried to figure out more ways to work things out.
I was jolted back to reality by the sudden vibration that made everything in the room fall. I stood up but my feet couldn't hold still.
"Majesty, please come with me." Malcolm burst inside. He was crawling as he approached me.
"What happened?" I asked, looking at the sudden state of the room.
The place was beautiful a few minutes ago but now it's ruined.
"The ship is about to sink."
"What?" My eyes widened. "Is the ship sinking?"I repeated to be sure that I heard what Malcolm said before.
"Yes majesty," he took my hand and crawled out with me in tow. "We need to get you to safety."
Really?
He wants to bring me to safety yet he insists on snatching my haven. He wants me to stay away from Melody.
What could be more dangerous to my mental health?
"Where?" I asked in surprise.
I wanted to know where it was safe enough that he wished to take me to because the last I checked we were still on the sea.
I could see that he was sincerely worried about me. Malcolm has always been true to our friendship. It was me who took things lightly.
I just wish that I could go back and undo my mistakes.
"I don't know, Majesty. But I have sworn to protect you and that is what I'll do."
I listened to Malcolm and I couldn't help the warm feeling that I felt deep in my belly.
"Let's go," Malcolm led the way.
I was stunned by the wreck that had been done to the shop in such a short time. I mean, everything was intact and looked extraordinarily decorated. But right now all the beautiful things from earlier have become ruined.
I couldn't stop myself from comparing the occurrence to my life at the moment.
Everything looked promising with Melody and my pups but suddenly, everything changed and instead of mending the rift between Melody and me.
As soon as we stepped out there was nothing left of the ship, everywhere was covered in water.
How did this happen?
This is a royal ship and should be perfect, why did it sink? Or is this the sailors' fault?
I found it hard to believe that the beautiful and perfect shop that I slept in a few minutes ago was now filled with water and would be down in the sea in no time.
"Come on, Majesty."
Even though everyone knew me as the perfect Derek, I knew I wasn't perfect and if there's something I hated then it's swimming.
However, my will to be with Melody became my drive and with Malcolm's help I soon found myself moving.
However, my throat suddenly became filled with water. I couldn't breathe and my eyes could barely stay open.
I tried to speak but more water went inside my mouth as soon as I opened my mouth and I suddenly felt weak.
Am I dying?
Oh goddess, looks like I'm dying.