Winged Angel

Chapter 7

I was room ridden for a week. The only time I was aloud out of the room was in my wheelchair and that was to go to the garden and back. It was so annoying. Rebecca didn’t even get time to come and see me.

Alex and Jessica where very busy with the king. Well I guess is should say father. It still was strange calling him that. He has been okay with papa for now. Mark brings me the occasional update on them but it’s still not the best.

I learned the names of the girls who stepped forward. They where Rachelle and Tanisha. Both of them where trained by Jessica and very upset to find out she had to step down. Neither one of them like Shannon very much so they where very happy to be given the chance to serve the princess.

The first day they found out I was her they where so fascinated about how I stood up to Shannon and chose them. After that day they calmed down and began to loosen up with me. Both very tense when Mark comes around but other then that they are very relaxed. They do take their job very seriously. Even the slightest movement and they are between me and it.

I woke up this morning in my own room. Something I was still so unsure about. Back home my room was so small and dark but here it was bright due to the double doors to the balcony and beautifully large windows. Rising I walked over and opened the windows to let the beautiful sun shine through. Opening the doors to my balcony there was a plate of breakfast sitting there and a beautiful pair of wings I front of me.

“About time the sleepy head is awake.” Jessica chuckled as she grabbed my shoulders and led me to breakfast. I was so happy to see her. It has been a while. Most of the time its was one of my two guards that sat with me every meal. They where worried I wouldn’t eat properly due to everything that went on at my other home.

“Jess I’m so happy to see you. This whole you becoming the better sibling isn’t working. I barely see you now.” I gently pouted as I began to dive in.

“I know Ave but I am working with your brother and Father to make sure the kingdom is safe. There is so much going on that none of us really have an idea of what is actually going on.” Jessica smiled.

“Did I just hear you are trying to be the better sibling.” Alex said popping his head around the door. He had a beautiful bag in his hand. I jumped up from breakfast and wrapped my arms around him. He hugged me back just as tight. “Come on how can I be beat.”

“You both are working way to hard. Think I might have to change to some other siblings.” I pouted looking at both of them. “I know it’s only been a week but now that I have you both close it’s so hard to be away from you. This week has seemed like years.”

“We know Ave and we are grateful you have been so patient with us. We just need a little longer and we will be around a lot more.” Jessica said as she led me back to my breakfast. They filled me in on a few things going on and I gave them my thoughts. I guess they where really happy to have come and seen me because some of the questions that plagued them I was able to give them hope for an answer.

“Avery.” Tanisha called through my room.

“Bathroom.” I called with my tooth brush in my hand. My siblings left a few minutes ago allowing me to clean up.

“Alex forgot to give this to you. He was suppose to but was so excited to get back to the king he forgot.” Tanisha said walking the bag into the bathroom for me. I quickly finished up and wiped my face before taking it from her. I walked over to my bed and opened it. Inside was a beautiful old leather looking purse. It was beautiful and soft. The deep brown leather looked like it had been worked for years but the color hasn’t changed. Inside was a quite a bit of money and a few things I know Jessica would have thrown in. There was a small dagger in a case, a nail file, gum , mints and a few other small things.

“Tanisha I know what I want to do today?” I told her with a smile.

“I want to say yes so badly but we are not aloud to leave the castle grounds.” She said upset.

“Why not.” I said now more upset then I should be. I know its dangerous out there and everything that has happened to me but I was tired of being here.

“Well Rachelle isn’t back from her repost and it’s very dangerous.” She said almost struggling to find and excuse.

“I trust you and plus it’s not going to take all day for her report.” I told her crossing my arms.

“What’s not going to take all day?” Rachelle said popping in happy. Rebecca followed with a smile.

“I want to go to the market.” I spoke very stern. Rebecca looked at Rachelle who was looking at Rebecca.

“We cant go.” Rebecca said gently. I looked at her then at Rachelle. With a sigh I nodded and put the purse back into the gift bag.

“Please return this to my brother.” I said passing it to Tanisha. I crawled into bed and pulled the covers over my head. I could hear the three girls murmuring before a hand fell on my feet.

“We know you want to go out but you cant.” Rachelle said gently. “The danger has gotten worse and your not health isn’t quite where it should be.”

“I would like to walk around in the garden today is that okay.” I spoke pulling the blanket off my head. She nodded as I rose quietly and grabbed a simple spring dress. They waited for me outside before following me towards the garden. Tanisha wasn’t with them so I knew she was returning the purse to my brother.

“We want to…..”

“I hope the Rose’s have bloomed. There smell is one of my favorite.” I stopped her. I knew they where both glancing at each other. I wasn’t weight healthy yet. This was a concern for both the king, Alex and Jessica. I mean Yes I am still under weight but I could slug someone if I wanted to. Give me a frying pan and I’ll give anyone a good cooking lesson.

“The Gardeners thing it should be anytime now.”

“Good,” I smiled looking back at them. I picked up a pep in my step as we got closer. This walk was one I knew very well. It was the only place in the castle other then the library and kitchen I knew by heart. I wasn’t aloud to go anywhere else and if I needed to speak with my Papa he would come find me.

“Avery,” Someone called. I stopped and looked around. Rebecca and Rachelle at the ready. I have been getting use to Rebecca's weapon. I only flinch when she pulled it out specially when it’s not in my direction. I still get scared when it is anyone else but everyone has been so good about being careful when around me.

“Wonder who that is?” I asked before I turned back around and began walking towards the Garden.

The lush green grass tickled my toes as the beautiful tulips fragrance graced my nose.. I began looking around and noticed a few buds coming off the gazebo and walked over to them. They had to bloom soon, the bulb looked like it was going to explode. I sighed, I felt like this rose being here. I had no option of course and knew I had to learn to live with it.

For an 18 year old girl I have been acting rather childish. Yes great timing to come to that conclusion. I sighed again as I slowly stepped into the gazebo and sat down on a bench. I brought my knees to my chest and fixated my eyes on a small bud that seemed to move to me. She slowly opened in front of me causing me to smile. I leaned in and smelt her beautiful fragrance.

“Thank you.” I gently spoke.

‘Anything for a princess.’ It spoke so gently as it moved closer to the gazebo and sat quietly. I just smiled as I kept my eyes fixed on it. This was the highlight if my day and it made me smile.

“Avery,” someone screamed. I looked away from the rose and out the gazebo. I saw a few creatures landing in the yard and fear struck me. They bore a mark I knew to fear from such a young age. I instantly reached out my hand and the Rose’s wrapped the gazebo completely blocking me from view. No one saw or noticed as I curled up the bench.

Tears flowed like rivers as I sat there scared as the clinging if metal and the cracking of a whip. Things got louder before it got quieter then died away. I feared to move. Where was Tanisha and Rachelle or Rebecca. I thought they where right behind me. I gripped my legs harder as the image of my mother popped in my head.

“Avery, sis where are you?” Alex cried when he heard my scream. He was out side. I jumped to my feet and raced out the opening Gazebo. I spotted him and raced to him. I didn’t care his back was turned I just wanted to be close. I gripped him hard as I caught him off guard sending him face first into the ground.

“Alex,” I cried as we hit the ground. He managed to loosen my grip so he could roll and hold me close to his chest.

“Jessica,” Alex hollered before a set of wings could be heard. Someone dropped close by and wrapped her arms around us.

“Thank god your safe.” Jessica cried placing her cheek on the back of my head. I was so happy she was okay.

“Tanisha and Rachelle.” I gently spoke after they managed to calm me.

“We are here princess.” Rachelle gently spoke. I looked over at them and saw Tanisha standing there as well. I got out of my brother embrace and held them tight. They gripped me just as hard.

“We are okay princess.” Tanisha spoke gently. “Are you hurt?”

“No. I’m okay.” I smiled at them both even though they where frowning. “None of this is your fault. I thought you where right behind me.”

“But we left your side and now even Rebecca is hurt.” Rachelle spoke worried.

“She was the only one that noticed you where gone.” Tanisha spoke gently.

“Take me to her.” I spoke gently looking at them. They looked at each other before they shook there head.

“We cant.” They said and I knew it was worse then I could have imagined. I raced off in a direction I had no idea where it went. Everyone screaming after me as I went. I had to find her. It was all my fault she was hurt. What I was going to do when I found her I didn’t know but I had to do something.

I turned a corner and hid behind something as everyone ran past me. I had to find Rebecca. Closing my eyes I focused on Rebecca till I was able to form a map. I began to follow it mentally as my eyes scanned the halls for everything I seen on my map. It didn’t take long for me to find her and I was glad I did. The nurses where running around like chickens and the doctors where shaking there head.

“Please tell me she is alright.” I spoke to the only person pacing outside the door. He looked at me and he dropped to his knees. I could see the tears falling down his face.

“Princess you shouldn’t be here.” He spoke gently.

“She is my guard I have every right to be here.” I told him gently lifting him to his feet.

“I don’t know what’s going on, all I know is it’s not good. She was outnumbered and with only using…” he trailed off. I’m not sure if he did because of me or just because he watched as a nurse came out. She walked up to us.

“Things are not good. We have to prep the operation but not sure the outcome.” She spoke very worried. I smiled at her and it seemed like the tension just melted away. I was glad as she scurried to do what she was told.

“I’m going to lose her.” He cried. I looked over and watched him begin to fall apart. My own heart broke for him as I heard the doctors whisper how it was going to be pretty close call. I had to help and I knew it. Okay maybe I am being stupid and rash but I walked up to them.

“Tell me how she is.” I asked one of the doctors. They looked at me but turned around and kept going. I did this again.

“She isn’t going to make it. There too deep and to much blood lose. She is holding on and fighting as she is a strong girl but I don’t think she is going to make it.” One of the doctors finally said after I grabbed his coat and wouldn’t let him leave. I nodded as I raced back to Rebecca’s brother. He was going to collapse if I hadn’t. I wrapped my arms around him so my head was on his chest and I was able to see Rebecca through the window. He cried hard as he rested his chin on my head. I could hear him sobbing from inside and then I heard the smallest voice.

“Shes all I have. Me and my baby brother need her.” He whispered through his sobs. It was like he was praying or something. I focused once more as I allowed my magic to come forth. I pushed what I needed out to Rebecca and new it was working. The nurses preping her instantly through there hands up as they watched my miracle work.

“Don’t drop me.” I spoke out of breath and dizzy. His grip tightened on my as I felt my magic finish. My body began to fall.

“Princess, princess what’s wrong….Avery…AVERY.” his voice was the last I heard as all went dark.

I came to with beeping and a body close to me. I was still cold as I tried to move closer to the body.

“Nurse I need a blanket.” His voice spoke gently as I soon heard gently clicking. Soon a thick blanket was wrapped around me.

“Hold her tight.” I heard Rebecca’s voice and relaxed. She was alright and safe.

“Don’t you get up. You lay right there. Your exhausted and if you get up you will fall again.” He gently spoke. I knew he wanted to be angry but he was so worried and upset.

“I won’t I have learned my lesson.” She gently said.

“What am I going to do. They are going to kill me. Specially Mark. Oh my god I’m a dead duck.” He spoke holding me a little to tight. A small whimper came from my lips and he lightened his grip. “Oh my god princess I’m so sorry. I’m just so worried.”

“Its alright. I bet it’s because the state I’m in she collapsed.” Rebecca spoke gently. “Plus she was in the Gazebo when the attack happened. She is just exhausted that’s all.”

“Where are they?”

“I’m sure they will be here soon.” Rebecca gently spoke to him to calm him.

“Avery.” Papa called causing him to tense I could feel it.

“She’s okay sir just collapsed.” He spoke gently.

“Its because of everything that happened” the king spoke. “Come, let’s get her to her room. This will allow your sister to get some sleep.”

“Sir.” He spoke gently rising and began walking. Papa adjusted me so I was a little more comfortable before we left the room. He also exchanged a few words to his sister that I couldn’t get.

“Relax soldier your not in trouble.” The king spoke causing him to flinch. It jostled me causing him to curse under his breath.

“I’m sorry sir.”

“She is the one in trouble.” Papa laughed gently. “Alex is in such a tizzy and her guards are as pale as a ghost. The only one that’s able to keep him calm is Jessica but I know she will give an earful.”

“Why would she come?”

“I have know Avery for maybe a week now and there is one thing I can conclude. She is her mothers daughter. She is loving and caring towards everyone she is close to. She got word Rebecca was hurt and in fear of losing her she raced to the hospital to see how bad.”

“The out come was not good. They said a miracle happened and my sister was safe.” He spoke more out of confusion then anything.

“Your princess is a very special girl.” My father spoke with a heavy sigh. “When her wings decide to show you will see why.”

“Sir is she the reason my sister is alive?” He asked. My insides began to jump. I hope they didn’t know about my gift. It was a freaky thing, something people would laugh at and criticize me if they found out.

“Your sister is the reason she is alive.” My father said even though I knew the words coming from his mouth where a lie. With that answer I knew he found out about my gifts. Maybe it’s because he is my father and knew me from birth. I just laid there not moving just happy to be warm and alive.

I must have fallen asleep because next thing I knew I was laying in bed. Someone had my hand and another was pacing at my feet.

“Jesus you really need to learn a new fidgety thing because I’m going to smack you if you keep pacing.” Jessica spoke annoyed.

“What can I do. It’s the best thing to help me think.” Alex whined as he came and flopped beside me. He snuggled his back to mine causing Jessica to sigh.

“She is going to be okay.” Jessica spoke gently.

“They attacked the castle. Even the royal guards took forever to get here. If Rebecca wasn’t there I would have her.” Alex said upset.

“Do you think that rose bush was letting anyone into that Gazebo?” Jessica said. “That plant came alive like in the movies.”

“I know. We should be looking for the power source of that. It might help us in this war.” Alex said a little excited.

“No but I do know the princess is safer then any of us.” Jessica sighed heavily. It was like my father’s sigh and I knew right away she knew.

“How is she.” Papa spoke as I felt him sit at the feet of my bed. His hand lay on my calf and I could feel the worry.

“She is still sleeping.” Alex spoke sitting up.

“Good, she has been through so much she needs it.” He gently said. “No new sightings for the last 3 days. Hopefully we won’t have any so I can keep you two here with her and use all our guards to protect the kingdom.”

“We could call the nurse maid and she can look after Avery and we can head out if you need us to.” Alex said even though I knew he would not want to leave my side.

“No son, she doesn’t know the nurse maid but she knows you both. Plus if they do get inwithe guards won’t have time to get to her not to mention they haven’t been chosen.” Papa spoke.

“What?” My words came out at a whisper.

“Avery?” Alex spoke up as he leaned over to me.

“My Guards.” I tried again.

“Jesus sis your going to be the death of me. If I find you do anything like that again I’m going to kill myself.” Alex spoke as he engoulphed me into a hug.

“Let her be.” Jessica spoke smacking him to put me down. She helped me sit up comfortably. I was still kind of tired but knew there where things that need to be discussed. “Avery you have to tell us what happen.”

“My guards?” I spoke again a little louder.

“Shannon is choosing them.” Papa spoke gently.

“No,” I said shaking my head.

“Avery you could have been killed or worse kidnapped.” Jessica spoke gripping my hand.

“It wasn’t there fault.” I cried trying to rise but no one would let me. “Don’t take them away from me.”

“Avery honey you need to calm down.” Papa spoke gently. I wouldn’t as I cried. It was not there fault it was my own.

“Sir, I have to agree with Avery.” Jessica finally spoke causing me to silence as I look at her.

“Go on.” Father spoke encouraging.

“Me and Alex have been helping you and the guards on the perimeter, planning our moves and keeping the kingdom going smoothly that we have not had time for her.” Jessica said. “Her guards have been her rock and yes I mean they where not at her side and we almost lost a second in command due to it but she feels safe with them.”

“Some one called my name in the hallway on our way to the garden. I wanted to get out of my room and do something. I was being such a child and throwing a tantrum because I couldn’t leave the castle.” I gently spoke. “I didn’t want to see who the voice belong to but they seem a little concerned and kept looking the way of the voice. I made it to the garden thinking they where behind me.”

“I see.” Father spoke with a nod. I looked at Alex with pleasing eyes.

“Dad.” Alex said looking over at him.

“I’m not talking to her.” Father said looking between us. I smiled as Jessica helped me stand. “The ladies will be in the training field. Take Mark and Rebecca’s brother please.”

“We will.” Alex sighed as he got up and walked to the door. Papa watched me go as we began to make our way to the training grounds. As we approached there was Sharon and a group of girls. Some beaten up others waiting to go. I saw Tanisha and Rachelle on the side heads down.

“She went with her plan didn’t she.” I spoke a little upset. No one said anything as I approached the group.

“Princess.” Sharron was so shocked to see me as the group stopped what they are doing and bowed. She however didn’t do anything but stare at me. I just chuckled inside as I stepped closer to her.

“I see you are going with your plan.” I spoke gently looking at all the women. I motioned for them to rise and they did but there heads are still lowered.

“Your protection is of the up most importance.” Sharron gently said looking over at Tanisha and Rachelle.

“I’m glad you feel that way.” I spoke before stepping over to my guards. I hugged them both as they hugged me back. “They will do just fine.”

“I’m sorry princess I have strict instructions you are to have guards replaced.” She spoke stepping towards me. I was glad Tanisha and Rachelle didn’t step back when she approached. Something I told them not to do. I needed them close to feel strong and if they stepped away when anyone with authority came by I would buckle.

“And I am telling you I have found them.” I told her turning so I was facing her.

“They are not worthy of being at your side. We don’t give second chances. They are being moved back to regular status guards.” Shannon spoke trying to hold her composure. I could tell she was going to snap.

“Who are you to say they are not worthy of the status.” I spoke trying to stay calm myself. It felt like family was going to be taken away from me.

“I am the commanding chief of this squad and if my crew cant perform there task properly I have every right to demote them. They have discrase the Royal Guards and now have to be punished.” Shannon spoke cross. Yep now I pissed her off.

“I am your princess and I have decided these two will be my guard.” I spoke with a stern voice I never knew I had. “Does anyone object?”

“No princess.” They all said in unison.

“Good, now I know what happened is something we need to stop. Them getting into the kingdom comes as a bit of a shock. I want to get to know all of you as well as I know these two.” I said speaking to the group who where now looking up at me. As I stepped closer to them Tanisha and Rachelle followed. “You are a tight knit family here. All of you working together to keep us safe and I want to learn that. I want to be able to help out if there is ever a cause.”

“But there won’t. We would never let anything touch you.” The group called. This caused me to smile.

“And this is why you are the Royal Guards.” I told them. “Now I want to work together. In any situation you have to move me though I higher area of enemy's I want to be a help not a hindrance. Can we agree on that?”

“Yes Princess.” They called with a happy vibe. This made me happy as I walked past them all and back to my brother.

“We are off to see Rebecca.” I spoke gently walking past them. Tanisha took the lead as she led me to the hospital ward. Everyone bowed as we walked to Rebecca’s room. She was just about to be released.

“Avery,” Rebecca smiled happily she came over and hugged me. I was so happy she was okay. “Hey guys.”

“Glad to see your okay.” Tanisha said happily.

“We where very worried.” Rachelle said quietly behind me. Rachelle by far was the most sensitive, Tanisha was the hyper one.

“The doctors said I was going to die.” Rebecca said gently. “They don’t know what happened. The nurses where preparing me for surgery in an attempt to save my life when a purple glow began healing my wounds. They still are unsure about it. It definitely has the spell casters of the castle confused.”

“Why?” I asked curiously.

“Come we will talk in your room.” Rebecca said grabbing her items from a nurse.