Winged Angel

Chapter 12

“Easy Baby girl, easy.” A voice spoke gently as I began to get restless. My body hurt and something was burning in my stomach. I began to breathe heavy as I gripped the bed sheets. “Andrew.”

“Easy Avery.” Andrew spoke as his hand wrapped mine from the bed. He gripped it and as soon as he did I got some relief. I laid there just breathing heavy. “Are these going to stop.”

“Of course love. It just takes time for things to take there course.” An older women’s voice spoke. “Now go get the bath going. We will have to change the sheets again.”

“Alright.” He said jumping up and leaving. My hand reached for his causing mom to stand up and take it.

“Easy honey, he will be back. Don’t you worry. We need to get you into a bath, some food in your tummy and then back to sleep.” She spoke very cheerful. “Just you wait baby girl. This mama will have you in tip top shape in no time.”

“Castle,” well guess that will do.

“Don’t you worry. We where victorious. They have been cleaning up from the endeavour a few days ago. Looks to be a few more. Don’t you worry everyone is safe.” She spoke gently. “They say your safer here for right now. We will take you back soon.”

“Okay.” I coughed. She helped me sit up where little Tarick ran some water to me. Andrew came out of the washroom as well.

“Alright baby girl to the bath with you.” She spoke gently helping me out of the bed. Andrew came and lifted me when I was struggling. He placed me in the bath where mom stripped me of my clothing. I relaxed to her humming causing myself to fall asleep once more.

“This isn’t good for her.” Andrew spoke worried as he was pacing. Someone had my hand and was gently rubbing it with the back of her hand.

“We don’t have a choice. The Castle is still in shambles and she is making great progress here.” Rebecca gently spoke. “I hate her being so far away but for now it’s the best.”

“I still don’t like it.” Andrew spoke.

“We are sending Tanisha and Rachelle over to help mom. I have to help out there.” Rebecca said. “She is small but not light and mom cant be lifting her all the time.”

“Rebecca,” I said Sheepishly.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked instantly holding my hand firmly.

“Much better.” I spoke trying to rise. Both her and Andrew helped me sit up and get comfy. I was still tired but at least I didn’t feel weak or sore. “How is everyone?”

“We all miss you but for now you being here is the best.” She smiled happily. “Tanisha and Rachelle are going to come over to help out. Moms not entirely convinced the virus is out of you body.”

“Stupid thing.” I spoke with a frown.

“Your brother was down and out with this bug for 4 months. It was the worse time of his life.” Rebecca chuckled. “Jessica was good but it’s because she grew up here. She did get a small case of it when she returned with your brother but nothing that stopped her.”

“How long for me.”

“Month and maybe a week.” Andrew said. I looked over at him as he leaned on the wall. I smiled before looking back at Rebecca. She was holding something from me but I wasn’t to sure what. There was something behind her eyes that where telling me but I couldn’t figure it out.

“Alright you two out you go. Time for her to bath and eat.” Mom called coming in. She was a very thin looking lady. She almost looked to frail to be carrying the tray she had in her hand. Rebecca sighed as she helped mom help me to the bathroom where I removed my clothing and got into the bath. It was cool and refreshing. I wasn’t in long, just long enough to feel fresh. Jason had a bowl of soup ready for me as soon as we exited the bathroom.

“Just waiting for the toast.” Jason smiled as he set it down on a table beside the bed.

“Its here.” Tarick happily said as he bounded in with a plate. We all chuckled as it was brought over. Mom began to feed me allowing me to only lift the toast to my mouth. It was herb tomato soup and garlic bread. Everyone talked about how things where at the palace. How popular the house was now that the princess was here. They had to station a wall of guards outside to keep people back. I never looked out to see it but could imagine it.

Days turned to weeks and weeks months. I was in and out of being sick most of the time. I out beat my brother and was sick for much longer. Didn’t know what was worse for me, being whipped and treated badly by my mom or this darn virus. Mom did a lot for me and to have Rachelle and Tanisha here was great. Alex and Jessica came to visit at night for short periods of time when ever they could get away. It was nice.

When I was aloud to return papa came and got me. He was so happy to see me. You could tell the stress of me being away had him worried. When he saw me walking fine his face lit up driving most of the stress away. I was happy.

“How is my little angel.” He smiled hugging me tight. I was hugging him back just as tight. I would have said something but my face was lost in his hug.

“I’m happy to be able to see everyone on a daily or almost daily basis again.” I told him once we let each other go. He smiled happily.

“It will be nice to have you back in the castle. You cheerful giggle where missed.” Papa smiled as we began to walk. We had 8 guards in a circle around us. Rachelle, Tanisha, Pat and Mark in smaller circle around us. Mark of course following. Rachelle on one side and Tanisha on the other. Pat was leading us. Jason and Andrew had all of my goodies as Mom took us out shopping when I was feeling better. Tarick of course had my hand squishing me between him and Papa.

“I’ll be sure to giggle extra louder to make up for it.” I told him happily. “Oh no, I have been sick for so long I bet all the Rose’s are gone.”

“You will just have to wait and see.” Papa smiled at me as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder and held me close.

“What was mom like?” I asked gently when he let me go. I knew it was going to be a touchy subject but I wanted to know.

“She is everything you are.” Papa finally spoke with a heavy sigh. “Your mother is so you if I didn’t know better I would think she just shrank herself.

“Your mom had a way with the people of this town. She treated them all like family and man when you messed with one of them you better run. Not that you could get far because she would find you. I remember the one time I took her apple. I didn’t know she was going to bake an apple pie for a young women in the village that had just graduated. I was in so much trouble. I think the worst thing was she didn’t talk to me for a week. Didn’t help she was pregnant with your brother and man her mood swings where killer.” He chuckled sharing the memories. “The only thing I have to say is your brother took her fighting ability. And I hope you did to. Your mother was a fluid fighter. She could bend any weapon to her call. Your brother just needs a little more practise and he will be the closest thing to your mom.”

“How long has brother been training?” I asked excited to see him in motion.

“Don’t you worry love. We will have the two of you sparing to stalemates before you know it.” Papa said with a smile. “We just have to get you back into shape. Hey I heard one of the servants say you wanted armour placed in your art room?”

“I want to fix up the ladies armour. I heard there where complaints about it but no one has changed them.” I told him with a smile.

“Your mom would be happy to see them getting an upgrade.” Papa smiled. “I think she had a few plans drawn up for the last one she was working on. I’ll look as soon as I get home. Oh I also had them moved to your moms work shop. Figured the tools would be better there then the little art supplies.”

“Yes that would be great.” I smiled up at him. He was beaming from ear to ear. I had never seen him so happy. His smile reminded me of fathers and it was comforting.

To think it didn’t feel like to long ago I was in the human world, around human people, and the only danger was my mom and her whip. Now I’m in a world where people fly, creatures I never thought exist and you don’t know what corner someone is going to kill you in. I mean I am safe as I got the world’s best body guards but things are still so strange. I take a deep breath as I look at where we are going. People who are walking on the streets all bow as there king smile and waves at them. It was nice to see he wasn’t like kings I had read about. He was sweet and kind to his people.

“What’s on your mind love.” Papa asked after he finished waving to a small child and his mom.

“I like how your not like the kings I have read about.” I told him.

“Oh, how so?” He asked looking at me.

“Your kind to your people. You acknowledge they are there and don’t treat them like slaves.” I said remembering everything I have read about most kings.

“The only things I look down on are the people that hurt my people.” Papa said with a sigh. “And these men after you are no accepting to that.”

“I heard our guards where able to catch a few. How is that going.” I asked knowing they would have interrogated them by now.

“Well we finally got to see the mark, that’s for sure.” Mark spoke up from the back. I looked back at him with a smile. “Other then that they won’t speak. There lips are sealed, literally.”

“Thomas has been trying for days to get them to open up but nothing is working. He can tell its magic at work and strong magic.” Papa said worried as he looked at where his feet where going. “He is concerned your mother magic won’t be enough to protect us if it ever turns on us.”

“Don’t worry father. Her children have returned.” I told him squeezing his hand. “They say a mothers love gets stronger when her children are close.”

“I will relay that to Thomas. I’m sure he will be very happy to hear it.” Papa said happily. “Now you are to take it easy. Tarick and Jason are going to be staying with us for a bit. His Mom will join us later today. They are going to be keeping an eye on you. I leave them to you for entertaining them.”

“I can do that no problem.” Tarick spoke excitedly. “Andrew says I’m the best little entertainer around.”

“I bet you are. Plus now that you know your way around the kingdom you will be great help for me.” I spoke to his squeezing his hand tight. He smiled wildly at me. Papa chuckled as we began to focus on the road once more. Something was bothering him and I knew it. I didn’t push because I knew it was not the right time.

The castle looked different but maybe because I haven’t sent he outside as much. Didn’t help I had been gone for a few months causing there to be a season change. The flowers where different that’s for sure. The castle looked a little aged as well. Like it was missing something important. I chuckled to myself thinking it was probably missing me.

“We will take these right up to your room.” Andrew said nodding to Jason. Papa kissed my hand before he left to his studies. The other guards dispersed as Tarick led me somewhere. I was a bit confused where we where going until I saw the gazebo. Rachelle and Tanisha behind me as Tarick led me directly into the gazebo. The Rose’s where all still bright and beautiful. Some solid some marbled it was a beautiful site.

“See princess, they waited for you.” Tanisha smiled. Rachelle laughed gently as she watched me touch the petal of one. I was so over joyed. Out of no were a beautiful white and purple marbled rose floated to me. Vines gently lifted a tough of hair and placed it behind my ear allowing the flower to be the main piece. I was floored with happiness as the other looked at me in shock.

“Her Mothers Gazebo. The place that would hold the most of her magic.” Rebecca smiled as she came into view. “It was said that the queen spent hours here a day with this gazebo helping the Rose’s grow. She always wanted to bring her daughter here.”

“Rebecca.” I said before Tarick raced past me and hugged her. I smiled as I sat down once again on the bench. I was so happy.

“I hope you have been good.” Rebecca said gently grabbing his nose between her fingers and giving it a bit of a wiggle. He giggled before running back to me.

“He has been a true gentlemen.” I said for him. He beamed with happiness. Everyone gently giggle.

“I expected you to head strait to your room so I was waiting there.” Rebecca said walking over and sitting beside me. I just smiled. “Instead I saw Jason and Andrew walk in with bags of stuff. Mom really had you running around.”

“Actually she had them running around. She forced me to sit on a stool as they molded clothing from different stores. If I liked it I would try it on. It was a little bit more exhausting then actually doing it myself. I’m pretty sure I pulled a few laughing muscles.” I told her laughing again remembering the whole scene.

“Jason actually put on girl clothing?” Rebecca laughed. I nodded as we both began to laugh hard.

“Rebecca,” Rachelle gently said.

“Come Avery.” Rebecca said with a sigh. She got up and held out her hands to me. I filled them with my own as she lifted me to my feet. We walked quietly out of the garden to my room. I wasn’t to happy to have to be back in here but knew it was for the best. Andrew and Jason where waiting for me there. They had beautiful smiles on there face. “I know you don’t want to be in here as much as we would like you to be but try to understand. It’s not safe right now but I promise we will do what we can to get you out and about okay.”

“I have learned that it doesn’t matter where I am or go I will be in constant danger. I wish to be trained in the garden every morning. It’s about time I learn to defend myself.” I told her gently. I knew she would be mad at that but she didn’t show no emotions. “After that I will be in my mothers room looking over the worries armor. It’s about time it gets an upgrade.”

“Well I will not disagree to the armour change as me and Jessica have been wanting a change for years but the training.” Rebecca started.

“Will be absolutely fine after breakfast.” Andrew piped up before she could say anything more. He looked at Rebecca with stern eyes and she sighed.

“Alright but this i***t will not be teaching you. I don’t care how much to try and push him to teach you I will not have it. It will be Tanisha, Rachelle, Me, Jessica or Mark.” Rebecca said sternly.

“Come on Rebecca, Pat isn’t to bad either.” Tanisha said.

“I think Tarick and Me will join you Avery if you don’t mind. I think it’s best if we are around you to learn as well.” Jason said gently placing gentle hands on Rebecca’s shoulders.

“Yeah let’s make it a big class.” Tanisha smiled. Rebecca didn’t seem to happy about it. Rachelle was almost seconding the thought.

“I know your concern and I understand you guys are strong enough to protect me but I feel helpless. I am stuck in a place with no ability to protect myself if something goes wrong.” I gently said grabbing both Rebecca and Rachelles hand. “I was in my room with Tarick at the time of the attack. I had no knowledge of how to use a weapon nor a weapon to use. If they got in and taken us I would have been helpless. I cant have that again.”

“Alright.” Rachelle said with a smile. Rebecca nodded with her as they gave me a hug. “But promise us one thing.”

“Anything.” I said to her with a smile.

“Don’t try and be a hero.” She said gently.

“I am only learning to protect myself when I am alone. If I have my faithful body guards at my side I will act like a damsel in distress.” I spoke holding my right hand up and my left hand over my chest and said this like I was pleading guilty at a hearing. We all burst out laughing.

“This is what I like to hear. Man Avery you have been gone way to long.” My Brothers voice said over our laughter as he came in and scooped me up. I just laughed some more as he put me down. “Now do tell what we are laughing about.”

“How mom Forced Jason and Andrew to try on girl clothing to see if she liked something.” Tarick piped up as we all began to laugh once more.

“Man you will have to do that with us to witness it.” Alex chuckled looking over at the two embarrassed boys.

“Come on Avery you promised not to tell anyone.” Andrew said a little upset.

“Well she promised,” Tarick said laughing. “But I didn’t.”

“Your in big trouble.” Andrew said as he went to chase him. Tarick ducked behind me causing Andrew to pout. I just chuckled till he plowed into me to get to Tarick.

“No.” I cried when her took out my rose. Andrew instantly got off me as I scooped up the rose. “Thomas.”

“Princess it is so nice to hear from you.” Thomas spoke appearing in front of me. I quickly rose and walked over with the flower.

“Moms Gazebo gave me this and now it’s broken.” I cried gently. He smiled as he swirled his hand repairing it. He made it smaller and placed a chain around it. He carefully clipped it around my neck.

“Now my princess it will never break And it will never leave you.” He spoke gently. “I’m sorry princess I must head back.”

“Thank you Thomas.” I smiled happily looking at the beautiful charm he made of the flower. It sat happy on my chest and it felt like it was happy to be there to. He bowed lightly before disappearing.

“Just like him I have to leave.” Alex sighed as he hugged me and kissed the top of my head. “Now you settle down, eat something and get ready for bed okay.”

“Of course brother.” I sighed as I watched him leave. Everyone but Tarick and Rebecca left. I got into bed as Rebecca sat beside me. Tarick snuggled in beside me.

“I am going to go and get you something to eat.” Rebecca smiled as she left the room. Tarick and I sat close together. This was the same way they left us the last time.

“Do you think I would leave you alone again.” Andrew spoke stepping out around the corner. He came up to the head board and leaned on the wall watching us both. “You got attacked in this room by yourself. I will not be allowing that to happen again.”

“Thank you.” I spoke smiling up at him before I looked back at Tarick who was looking at the door. I looked over and Andrew was already walking towards it. He made sure it was shut and locked before he walked back over.

“I bet they are bringing you soup.” Andrew said taking my mind of the door.

“She doesn’t need soup or salad. She needs chicken fingers.” Tarick spoke all happy. Andrew and I chuckled with him. I had to agree with them though but I knew it wasn’t going to happen. Rebecca and Alex have always been on my diet and was always forcing me to eat. Even Mom was after me for eating healthy. I could use something homey.

“Promise we will get that snuck in here soon for you.” Andrew gently chuckled. I smiled happily as the door opened.

“Hey Avery.” Jessica chuckled gently as she stepped in with the tray. “Told Rebecca I would bring you supper. Plus I had it already made so she agreed.”

“Its just soup how hard is it to make.” Tarick spoke a little disgusted. She smiled as she removed the lid.

“No way.” I spoke as I looked at the chicken fingers and fries with a bunch of carrots on the side of the plate. I was so happy.

“We talked to the cook and they where able to make a healthier version so we are okay with it.” Jessica smiled happily. I knew she still didn’t like the idea but I really was happy. She was worried with me being so malnutrition due to moms attack they had me on a strict diet. I hated it. I wanted to enjoy everything and eat all the stuff I am not aloud to but I know that was not aloud. “We are going to work with the cooks to get you some of the food you want to eat so bad in a healthier form so we can be happy about it.”

“Thank you Jessica. I am so happy.” I spoke digging in to the fries. She just smiled as she left us with the tray. I smiled happily as I ate. Two more trays where brought in for Andrew and Tarick so they wouldn’t eat my share.

“Nope you have to finish that.” Andrew spoke stuffing the tray back in my lap. I shook my head. I was so full. “Nope.”

“Why don’t you get up and walk around. Sometimes that helps me.” Tarick spoke happily. I sighed knowing they would not give it a rest if I didn’t finish my tray. I pushed the tray back and began to pace back and forward. I mean it didn’t help but I decided to try. I sat back down on the bed and shook my head.

“I know you don’t want to Avery but you got to. It’s my ear at stake.” Andrew pleaded. I sighed and nodded as I picked up the fries and slowly chewed them. Took me forever but I managed to eat them all. By the time I was done I was so full I felt like I was going to explode.

“Alright time to sleep.” Tarick spoke yawning. He came up beside me and snuggled in. I laid back and snuggled into him as well. Andrew chuckled but he pulled the sheet up to our chins before he walked out. Sleep took us both peacefully and I was so relaxed.