The Queen's Return

In Her Sister's Arms

Serena had dried her hair and was comfortably leaning against the wall. Her mood was unpredictable as she gazed out through the window, but when Laura appeared from the bath tap, her stare softened immediately.

"Come over here, Laura," She patted her shoulders.

"Allow me to dry your hair," Laura objected. Serena had just returned, and she didn't like to trouble her. But Serena's smooth, gentle voice soothed her close before she could reject. Before she knew what was happening, she was sitting on a chair, leaning back with her big head completely resting in Serena's arm as the hairdryers surrounded her.

It feels... warmly safe, Laura thought. Her eyes seemed closed in serenity, but slowly opened again. She was trembling as were all a dream, a fantasy, fragile and beautiful, she would wake up at any moment. She drank water in Serena's sight, her heart racing with anxious questions.

"Serena," she asked, her breaking voice whispering."Are you ever going to leave me?" Serena's hands seized for some time. "No," she replied softly but firmly. "I'm staying with you."

She had decided. From time to time, wherever she travelled, her sister would escort her along. Understanding this, a pure, bright joy blossomed in Laura's heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and Serena reached out to wipe them for her. She understood Laura must have had trauma in the years she was away. She would not have pressed her for more details. Not yet.

The rest of her entire life would be completely free from suffering, Serena promised silently. Because she was in her life now.

"Alright, go bring the hair cream from my bag."She gently patted her shoulder.

"Okay!"Laura woke u, grabbed a red tube from the suitcase. She watched silently as Serena uncapped it

"Here," Serena said. "Give me your palms." Laura pulled them out, and the hot touch of cream lotion against her soft skin felt like a jolt through her heart.

"You have to be careful about yourself," Serena said gently as she smeared and rubbed her hair cream into Laura's hands."It includes your hands, too."

Tears slipped down Laura's face as she bit her finger, trying to push them back. She pulled herself together calmly. She refused to push Serena away.

She gave out a troubled nod, her throat closing up. The lovely cream smelled throughout the room, a gentle blend of flowers, fruits and tea that was without too sweet.

"This smells so amazing," Laura exclaimed softly, her face lighting up.

Serena smiled softly."Just something to smear up myself. If you want it, it's yours. Use it on every occasion. Laura's face glowed. She nodded her head quickly."No, I can't.It's yours."

Before she could finish, Serena pulled her hair again."What's mine is yours. Now, put everything away and retire to bed."

Laura shook her head, sliding under the covers and immediately leaning herself to Serena's side, nestling against her arm.

Just as they were children, Serena held her, patting her head gently until she snored out. It was the most heartily and peaceful night Laura had wished for nine years, engorged in her sister's arms, just like fine old times. Serena was comfortable at home. She couldn't be so excited.

"Serena..."Laura whispered in her dream. Serena, her eyes wide open in a warm darkness, gazed down at her. The skillfully constructed dam around her emotions finally collapsed, and a small drop, a hot tear, squeezed a path down her cheeks.

Later that warm night, once she knew Laura was sound asleep, Serena carefully slipped out of bed nd stepped outside to dial a number.

"It's me," she said over the phone, her rare voice clipped and cool.

"Eliza, I need you to assist me with something. Pack your bag. You are flying to Lamina

I'll be staying here for a while. Hand over the company to the board."

The next early morning, Laura woke in a hurry, an unforgettable dream giggling in her mind. Then the tooth clashed in, and she shook upright. The other side of the bed was empty. Was all that a dream? Had Serena never returned? She thought, surprised. But then she smelled the lovely floral scent on her hair and her heart clapped with hope. She jumped out of the bed, her naked feet hitting the cold floor. The crash of crockery grew louder as she neared the kitchen.

She walked near the corner just to see Serena, putting apron, carrying two hot plates out of the kitchen.

"Already up?"Serena asked, raising the lid.

"It's just five. You ought to be asleep. Seeing her beside her-solidn, real and right in front of her, silencing the racing Laura's heart. She didn't utter a word, just gazed at Serena for a long time.

"How many times have I warned you? Don't run here barefoot, you'll catch a flue."Serena noticed her naked feet and promptly slipped into a protective role.

"You're an adult now. Go put on socks and slippers now?"

"Slippers and socks, then lean up!"Serena added.

"Breakfast is ready."

"I'm coming," Laura replied. While up country, Serena's foster parents had employed a famous chef from Lamina to cater her quest. She had crafted some preparation of breakfast recipes, dishes that were nourishing and delicious.

Seeing Laurs dig into the prepared food at the time they sat down, Serena deduced it must have come out right.

"Calm down," she spoke with a gleaming smile. "No one is gonna steal it from you."

Laura took a huge grasp of the sausage."This is just so yummy!"

"Here," Serena passed her wipes."So, Laura, are you employed now?" The gleaming face of Laura dimmed immediately. Her stare shifted, a doubt of shame crossing her face, but she answered correctly. "Yes, I work at a small company called Reputacal."

"Reputacal? Serena just shook her hair."I'll give you a lift there later." As the first daughter of the Powell family, Laura could have lived a swift life of leisure, drawing on the inheritance their mother left behind,but Serena didn't ask why she was working hard.

There were many disturbing questions, but Serena hid them. She had requested help to find out the truth.

By evening, she would have everything in her hand. Her sisters might not disclose anything, but as their older sister, she would stay blind. And if she found evidence linking someone to having laid a hand on them, she would make them pay with their lives.

"No, Serena, you don't have to do that!"Laura requested. "You ought to be asleep. I can manage the bus, it's quite fast." Serena gave a flat smile. "Are you happy to be seen close to you?"

Laura's eyes went blank. She nodded her head frankly. "No!Not at all! You should never think that! I just ... I don't intend to bother you." She looked at the floor, feeling ashamed. The truth is, she had concerns that she would annoy Serena. At Reputacal, she was ...a casual.

"I'm your blood sister, I mean no harm," Serena replied. As she talked, her phone dazzled. She slowly picked it up and stepped outside while Laura continued her unusual breakfast.

"It's me," she replied frantically into the phone. After a short pause, she added, "Good, it's clear."

When they walked downstairs, the piggery landlord was waiting quietly, his stomach split in layers of sycophantic peddles. He greeted them with an enthusiasm that was a world away from his dangerous venom the previous day. His face, however, split into a groveling grin.

Serena peckled him with a look. The spike gaze could have cut gold. The huge man's smile chilled, and a sharp fear entered his face. He promptly gazed at the floor.

"I'll deal with your problems later Serena thought, her marbled eyes turning red.

She led Laura outside the apartment. Parked between two apartment buildings was a Crimson

Aston Martin Laura only stared, mouth watering on the surface.

She didn't have any knowledge of cars. She knew this was a luxury and its manufacturing price would have four commas. It was out of place. It was almost comical.

"Come, let's go," Serena said, approaching it." Board in."

"Huh!" Laura blinked silently. Get in? She recalled her words. The only motorcycle around was a shared tricycle. Was Serena trying to peddle her to work?

Confused but honest, she started walking towards the motorcycle. Serena chuckled, grabbed her hand and pulled her way towards the parked car.

"This direction, board in," said Serena. "Or you'll be sacked."