Winged Angel

Chapter 6

The hallways where beautiful. There off white walls matched with the baby pink pillars and large ceilings. The architect in the castle where older then even the old European library I use to go to. Every door to every room was large oak brown arch doors. They where double doors with most of them having one open.

We walked by the kitchen and the smells that wafted from there where mixtures of so many things. The spice of India, the oregano spaghetti sauce of Italy, and the fresh cut greens of the Mediterranean. I could go on and on.

We passed a beautiful garden that lay right in the middle of the castle. Flowers of every color shape and size where there. Gardeners tending to each of them. A gazebo lay in place sight that had a beautiful climbing rose and you could hear a little creek running through it. Children’s laughter with there gentle thudding of feet or splashing of water could be heard.

We kept walking past more and I sat there in shock. This place was huge. I swear a city in this one building and this is only half of it. There was another floor on top with many more rooms and beauties. I knew we would not go up there today but it was something I was looking forward to. I knew if Jessica wouldn’t take me I could always call Rebecca. She was so sweet and kind. I hope her new boss will be as sweet as Jessica.

We turned a corner and walked down a hall to a large door that was closed. Two guards stood outside at ease. Well at least that’s what I think they call it. They where standing there heads up slightly relaxed. I knew they had to be royal guards and at the least possible moment they would draw swords if the event aroused.

“The king calls us. We wish to enter to speak with him.” Alex spoke with power. The guards bow before they turn to each other and opened the big oak doors. Alex grabbed my hand as Jessica pushed me through. Mark and Rebecca waited at the door before they where waved in by the two guards outside.

The room was beautiful. There was a beautiful marble fireplace with a dark stained oak mantel. A few pictures resting on it. A large dark stained oak desk just with beautiful carved chairs. Behind the desk and beside the fire place where two book shelves with many different color books. The desk was littered with paper and feathers coming out of jars. As I got closer I realised they where quills.

Jessica stopped me right in front of the desk where they both took up a chair on either side of me. I was so nervous, I had never met a king before. I wonder if he would be nice or rude like many of the stores other kids have read. Oh I was shaking now.

I heard a chuckle as a hand was placed on my shoulder. I instantly stopped shaking as Rebecca leaned down. I knew it was a males laugh so it had to be Mark.

“I promise he is very sweet as long as you haven’t hurt someone he loves.” She whispered gently to me as I smiled up at her. She fell in line with Mark again as a door opened.

“Oh, I didn’t think we had visitors.” An older man spoke. He was very fancy dressed and held a book in his hands. Another man walked in behind him whom was wearing a little more normal clothing. I mean normal for me. This was a kingdom and we where in a palace. I thought there would be suits and robes and all that jazz but no here they where in Jean’s. One had a dress shirt on the other was wearing something father would wear to the barn. I was confused.

“I asked them to come.” The one not so well dressed spoke.

“Well then I will be off. I will come back tomorrow then.” The nicer dressed one spoke. I watched him go before the not so well dressed man came and sat down in the chair in front of me. “Well I thought I would have time to change but I guess that isn’t the case.”

“Sorry, thought you wanted them here right away.” Mark spoke from behind us.

“No worries Mark. Well what do you think?” He chuckled with a smile before looking at me and Alex.

“She hasn’t gotten to see much.” Alex spoke a little upset.

“But what I have seen is beautiful. The Garden has to be my favorite.” I spoke gently with a smile.

“That has to be my favorite place as well.” He smiled happily. “When I can get away from that man and enjoy breakfast it’s the first place I go.”

“I can see why. The Gazebo there is beautiful the way the roses have grown around it.” I smiled remembering the sight.

“Then its settled we have breakfast tomorrow in the gazebo.” He smiled wildly. There was something about this man I knew. Something that at least I should know. My heart kind of sagged knowing I had forgotten something important about him.

“We would love that.” Jessica spoke for me causing me to look at her.

“Now I don’t want to keep you specially because you have just woken up so let’s get down to business.” He spoke even though his smile still lit his face. “Danger lurks in every corner of this land so under no circumstances do you leave your rooms without a guard present. You may enter the city for shopping but you must have guards. Two always with you Avery. Alex and Jessica I know both of you are inseparable so I will be fine if there is only one other one for you both. Alex I wish for you to join the junior ranks in training. For a little while at least. I cant keep you in it forever but I don’t have the heart to watch you get beaten on by the older guards.”

“Fat.. Sir if I may ask that I allow Jessica to train me. I understand that it’s best in a group but there training is early morning and I don’t want to be away from Avery.” Alex spoke up. I looked at him and then at the guy and back at him. Confusion ringing on my face. It sounded like he was going to say father. “Jessica and Mark can train me at night right after Avery falls asleep.”

“I see why you would want to but I promise she is safe when she is here.” He spoke his smile now gone. I didn’t like when he didn’t smile. He was scary. Jeez I sound like a baby. Wait baby, I was in this room as a child. I looked around again. “Avery, when your feeling better we will also get you training with Jessica. I don’t want to put you in the army at all but feel self-defence should be know by all women.”

“Self defense is good.” I spoke not really hearing what he had said.

“Avery pay attention.” Alex spoke gently. I looked over at him as he is looking at the man in front of us. I placed my hands in my lap and looked back to this man whom I have now assumed is the king.

“Everything okay hun?” he asked looking directly at me.

“No I have so many questions but know this is not the time to ask nor is it the time to understand all these questions.” I spoke not really knowing I did.

“A lot has happened to you Avery in a span of a few days. None of us want to overwhelm you with everything at once. In time we will tell you everything you want to know.” He spoke again with a smile on his face. “Is there a question you would like to ask?”

“Why aren’t your wings out? I assume this is the kingdom where winged people can be safe but no one has there wings out.” I spoke knowing this is probably the only question I have that would get an answer. He chuckles lightly leaning back in his chair.

“We don’t have our wings out because we feel you would feel left out.” He said after a few moments. “We wanted to make sure your back is fully healed before we bring yours out.”

“But there so fascinating. Don’t hold them in if they bug you. I know I will get mine soon but till then I would love to see all those that exist.” I spoke quickly. Everyone chuckled lightly before I saw the king Alex and Jessica stand. They allowed there wings to fall out before sitting down again. The kings wings where beautiful. They where black with red tips. It was beautiful. I looked behind me and saw Mark’s. His where a beautiful yellow with gold tips. It matched his blond hair. Rebecca’s where even better it was a splotch of blue green and purple. It was fascinating how they swirled together beautifully. “There all so beautiful.”

“when you get yours they will be just as beautiful if not better.” The king spoke with a bit of a sigh. It was like he already knew what they looked like and the pain in his eyes showed he was hiding something. With a chuckle he said. “Now guess we have to let everyone know they can go back to the normal.”

“Please do.” I piped up excited. Everyone chuckled at this.

“Now I must be going I have a meeting with a few other people. I will see you at breakfast tomorrow under the Gazebo.” He spoke with a smile as he got up. Jessica and Alex both rose with him. I wanted to stand but Jessica held me down. “Alex and Mark will you join me please?”

“Yes sir.” Mark spoke as he walked over and bowed.

“Don’t worry Alex we will get her comfy in her room.” Jessica smiled happily when Alex looked upset. “Plus I think she needs a little girl time.”

“I’m sorry Sir but I have come to collect Rebecca.” A beautiful raven haired girl spoke. It was cut in a blunt bob and she was bent over at the waist.

“We have finished.” The king spoke. “What is it regarding?”

“The head of the female royal army has called a meeting in regards to selecting the caretaker for Avery.” She spoke gently.

“But I am happy with Rebecca.” I spoke a little upset.

“Then I suggest you follow along. I think it’s best you choose the guard you feel the most comfortable with.” He spoke up with a smile. “That’s if you feel up to it. Don’t push yourself.”

“Jessica we follow.” I said smiling at Rebecca. Rebecca smiled back at me before we followed the young lady out. We walked through the halls again and into a very large room. Looks like a gym from a school. I mean I have never been in a school but I have seen pictures from Alex's textbooks.

“Identify yourself.” Someone snapped at us causing me to shutter.

“They have been requested here by the king.” The young lady that came to collect Rebecca spoke before she took her seat. The women snuffed before she walked to the podium. Rebecca smiled at me once more before she raced to a chair in the front. It was second away from the empty one. There was one on the other side with another prissy looking lady and I knew there was no way I wanted her as my guard.

“I have called this meeting today to welcome myself as your new head. As you know the other has fallen in love and had to resign from her position. Now for more pressing matters.” She spoke a little happier then I would have been. Jessica seemed a little down as she looked at the faces in the room. “I do not think the princess has proper protection and I wish to change that.”

“She is talking about you.” Jessica whispered to me when I looked around for the princess. Thought she would be here to pick her guards. I looked at her confused but focused back on the head.

“I, Sharon Head of Command for the Female regiment of royal guards will be holding a fight off tomorrow to decide who will be picked for the princess.” She spoke. A huge mummer went out through the crowd.

“She is going to make them fight each other to find a proper suitor for me?” I asked still confused about this princess thing.

“That’s not good. It will cause war between the group.” Jessica spoke shaking her head. I could see Rebecca go white.

“That’s not a good thing then.” I asked he a little unsure.

“No, not only will the fight to claim the spot they will keep fighting even after to gain the spot.” Jessica spoke.

“I object to this idea.” I spoke very loud. Jessica looked at me trying to hush me. The kings told me if I wanted a say I had to go so that had to mean I could speak up.

“And who are you to speak up against my better judgement.” Sharon spoke looking around.

“I don’t think you should be doing this.” Jessica said trying to hold me down. I looked at her hard and she backed off me.

“I did.” I spoke wheeling myself up to her.

“Oh and what authority do you have to speak up like that? I am top rank of the royal army. I have the knowledge and power you don’t.” She spoke stepping to me. I held up my hand to tell Jessica to stay where she was. She didn’t like that but did as she was told. Rebecca however did a two sixty and raced to be between us.

“She is speaking on my behalf.” Rebecca spoke making sure she was between us. I was a little confused. Did I step in where I wasn’t suppose to. It’s not like I told her she couldn’t do what she said. I just object to the idea. I know a kingdom has power over there subjects and the royal guards are there to protect you. Yes they know everything intended to protect you but they also still need to listen to you.

“I speak on no ones behalf them my own.” I spoke placing my hand on Rebecca’s arm as I rose from my Chair. Jessica now moved from her spot trying to keep me seated. I didn’t allow her to as I got to my feet and took a step towards Sharon.

“So you wish to challenge my authority.” Sharon spoke crossing her arms.

“No I am saying the decision you have taken to find a suitable guard for the princess is not a good one.” I spoke gently.

“Come o fine leader and tell me how that is a bad idea.” She spoke mocking me.

“If you propose a battle as you have done the ladies won’t stop fighting for that position. They will fight each other more then protecting the princess.” Jessica finally said after I looked over at her.

“The princess is not some trophy you can put on a table. For troops to work together they need to have each others back.” I spoke gently. “If the bound isn’t there you have individual troops not an army. They need to work together not against each other.”

I was so nervous as she pondered this over. I looked at Jessica who smiled. I guess I must have said the right thing for even Rebecca was smiling. This gave me a bit of hope but I knew it probably wouldn’t last long. I mean worse case scenario I would talk to the king at breakfast tomorrow and see if he could stop it. I looked out amongst the crowd noticing everyone was staring at me. There where two people I noticed other then Rebecca who sparked something in me. It was something I really liked.

“Alright I’ll play with your game. What do you purpose I do?” Sharon asked.

“Ask.” I spoke gently. “If I had spent all my time training for the army I don’t think I want to be tied down to babysitting someone.”

“Alright, the podium is yours.” She snarled at me. Man being friends with her is going to be harder then I thought. I gently stepped up to the podium with Rebecca and Jessica at my side.

“Hello everyone. I know you don’t know me but I want to get to know everyone of you one day. You are part of a special force to protect this kingdom and the royal family. As you know there is need of two guards to fill the position of protecting the princess.” I spoke as clear as I could. I was so nervous.

“Two. I head there was three positions.” Sharon snapped.

“Rebecca will be the one coordination with you and the guards that are protecting her. Orders of the princess.” I spoke directly to her. “The princess is looking for someone that can take there job serious but also be very caring. She has gone through a lot and in need of some friends. She understands your job to protect her is important but she also wants to share a friendship with you. So she to can be just like a troop in the army. I don’t want to force anyone of you to take the position so is there anyone willing to step forward to acknowledge this position.”

“Step forward all who would like to serve the princess.” Sharon growled when no one moved. I was so happy when the two girls that I had lay eyes on earlier spoke stepped forward.

“There you have you answer.” I said turning to Sharon. “I'm sure the princess will be very happy to meet them tomorrow.”

“Very well.” Oh was she fuming. I just smiled as I made it back to my seat. Jessica was gripping it really good and I knew she was going to have an earful for me. Rebecca smiled at me before Sharon took her seat and more of the meeting commenced. They talked about battle strategy in which I stayed quiet while Jessica grumbled lightly behind me. I sure do hope that things lighten up and she can become leader again. She belongs up there. I thought it was a stupid idea she couldn’t be part of the heads when she was with my brother. I mean yeah I get it she becomes someone that needs to be protected to but she could also be the best leader to protect us.

When the meeting finished everyone was ordered to leave. I guess they would be training hard every morning. They all didn’t seem to mind. Rebecca smiled happily as she skipped over to me. Jessica shook her head when she got to me and fell in line behind us. I really wish they would walk in front of me or beside me. It was like they where having there own conversations behind me.

I decided to let it be as I began to look up and down the halls again. I spotted many thing I missed from this morning. Some of it familiar which was nice. Hopefully I will be able to find my way if I ever leave my room. Well guess that won’t be a problem considering I will have two guards on me at all times.

The room came really quickly causing me to frown. I really didn’t want to go back to bed but knew it was for the best. My back was sore from standing up in the podium so I knew I probably opened a few of my back wounds. I knew Jessica was going to be mad at that and if she wasn’t she would tell Alex who will reprimand me.

Rebecca helped Jessica flip me on the bed. I mean I could do it myself but they insisted I do nothing. Rebecca grabbed cream and bandages from a table close by as they sat down and began to clean my wounds. By the smell I had opened one or two. Not bad though, I thought it would be way more.

“I ought to slap you a good one.” Jessica finally whispered once my wounds where cleaned and wrapped. I was a little shocked to hear her say that as the two helped sit me up and get comfy. She threw her arms around me and cried.

“I’m sorry I disobeyed you.” I told her gently. “I have had enough injustice done to me I cant have anymore because of me.”

“I know, that’s why I won’t slap you.” She said with a sigh. “You have done a very brave thing standing up to Sharon like that. Her way of think is harsh and the girls are going to be put through hell.”

“Where did all of that come from?” Rebecca asked gently. “I have met many people who have had military training and not one of them could stand up to her like you did.”

“I may not be school smart but I am book smart. Father had a library at home and I use to read when ever I could. It was very rarely but I still learned. He use to get books for me from the library as well as Alex.” I told them with a smile.

“She is going to be so shocked when she finds out you’re the princess.” Rebecca squealed. I laughed with her. I wasn’t trying to make enemies but it feels as if I have.

“Don’t worry, Sharon has a lot of tough skin but once you get to know here you will like her. She is actually pretty soft.” Jessica smiled. “Her father and 4 brothers where part of the army. She wanted to be just like them so they trained her at a young age. She is as tough as nails now.”

“Well I think I did nothing but piss her off so this is going to be great.” I said with a frown. “I really don’t like making people mad.”

“Ha, she isn’t mad.” Rebecca chuckled. I looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Okay maybe a little in a tizzy but definitely not mad. You should see her when she’s mad.”

“Rebecca is right. We both knew Shannon quite well. I didn’t become your protector till a but before your brother left your other home. We trained together before that.” Jessica smiled.

“I don’t see why you have to give up your title though. Wouldn’t you being a part of the royal family be good. I mean you would know how to protect us and such.” I asked her not really sure if I should.

“It would be okay if I was with the second brother or third but because he is the first I have to be by his side and rule many other things that I will not have time for the guards.” Jessica said a little unhappy.

“I still don’t think you should have to quit.” I told her more annoyed then anything. You can tell she worked so hard for this.

“I know Avery but I have welcomed this. I have worked hard to get where I am and I will work even harder to accel in my new field. Plus your brother hasn’t popped the question.” Jessica said nudging me. I just smiled. “I know it’s coming.”

“Awe" Rebecca gently smiled.

“Very well I will accept that but I am still not happy you have to.” I told her with a frown. “I will be here to help as well if that means you have to tell me what Sharron is doing wrong and I have to correct her I will.”

“I have no dought you will. Considering you have already done it.” Jessica chuckled. Rebecca followed suite causing me to join as well.

“Well glad to hear laughter coming from this room.” Alex said popping in. I just smiled as Jessica rose and walked over to him.

“Your sister is in big trouble.” Jessica smiled.

“Come on Jess that’s not fair.” I pouted.

“Oh this got to be good.” Mark said crossing his arms as he looked over. Rebecca stood directly beside the bed looking at the floor.

“She cant be in that much trouble if your all laughing.” Alex said kind of worried. He looked over at me before back at Jessica.

“She said you don’t love me as much as you say you do. Tell her that’s a lie.” Jessica said pouting. Alex looked at me then at her then at me again. “Its true isn’t it.”

“Wait what no.” he stammered causing Jessica to race out the door. I was in so much shock I didn’t know what to do. Mark, Rebecca and I all looked at Alex who was standing there just as shocked.

“Well you just blew that one.” Mark finally piped up. Alex looked at me before he raced out after her. I was so confused as to what happened I didn’t even know what to do to help.

“Don’t worry I bet she wanted to get him out of the room so she can explain everything.” Rebecca gently said.

“Knowing her that’s the truth.” Mark chuckled. Soon servants entered the room with food for me. I ordered them back to bring food for Mark and Rebecca. They raced out. It was a large argument that I won causing both of them to sit near me with plates of food for themselves.