When Worlds Collide

Chapter 3

The argument Lucy had with her father left her feeling tense and frustrated. Once again, he was controlling her life, denying her even a single voice in her own decisions. He seemed intent on confining her, wanting to keep her as his perfect princess forever. Isolating her from the world, he expected her to comply with his wishes without question, regardless of her own beliefs about right and wrong. It was infuriating beyond measure.

"He never listens to me; he never tries to understand," Lucy complained to her handmaidens in the palace gardens. "And he refuses to let me live my own life. It isn't fair."

"Who said life was fair?" Aquarius replied.

"I love my father, and I know he means well, but some of his actions are just nonsensical," Lucy said. "He fills my mind with knowledge of the world, yet confines me to this palace. It feels like I'm a prisoner."

"In a really, really nice prison," Aquarius quipped.

"But wealth doesn't guarantee happiness."

"I'll take your word for it."

"I want to see the world. I want to dance in the streets, smell the spices in the marketplace, sail across the seas, and climb mountains. There are so many wonders to explore. That's what I desire right now—not a husband."

"He just wants what's best for you," Aries said. "He believes marriage will make you happy."

"How can marriage make me happy when I'm not even in love? Forget love; I don't even have any real friends yet."

"What are we, chopped liver?" Aquarius teased.

"Oh, sorry! Except for you two, and you're wonderful. But I want to broaden my horizons and meet different people. How can I do that if I can't even go outside?" She sighed. "Sometimes I think I should just leave and see the world on my own."

"I don't know, Princess," Aries said. "The outside world might be overwhelming for someone like you."

"Is that a promise?" Lucy joked, excitement in her voice.

"I think it would do her some good," Aquarius said.

"You do?"

"Honey, I've never seen anyone who needs to get out more. Your father is wise, but he doesn't know everything. He can be wrong. Just don't tell him I said that; pointing out a monarch's flaws can be dangerous."

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," Lucy assured her. "And you're right. While my father is a benevolent ruler, he is mistaken about some things, especially regarding me. He shouldn't keep me here and dictate who I can be with. If only he'd listen."

"Have you ever tried talking to him about it?" Aries asked.

"I've tried countless times, but he just sees me as a rebellious youth who will eventually understand. What about him? When will he understand? Maybe he would if I left."

"But where would you go, Lucy?" Aries asked. "How would you survive? With all due respect, do you even know anything outside of Lazan? You could get lost, hurt, or even kidnapped."

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"Okay, you might have a point there," Lucy said.

"We understand how you feel," Aries replied. "But you shouldn't make any rash decisions, especially when you're upset. Perhaps you should take a moment to relax and think things over."

"A trip to the oasis, perhaps?" Aquarius suggested. "Its refreshing waters should ease your tension."

"That does sound nice," Lucy said. "Why not? Let's go."