Her Sickness, His Cure

Chapter 7 (Part 1)

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And please stay safe. God bless you guys and have a wonderful day ahead.

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Third Person's POV

By the time everyone caught up with their lives, lunch was prepared in the main dining hall. Kyle took his nephew and happily rushed to the hall. Meanwhile, Lilian gave an awkward smile to the powerful beings around her before rushing towards Kyle.

"I don't trust her." Queen Bethany blurted out. The Fae twins swiftly turned towards her.

"Beth come on. You don't know her so don't be mean." Aeval tried.

"I will get to know her........thoroughly. Until then I'm not going to be all goody goody with her." Beth said seriously. Aeval knew she would be too stubborn to listen now so she changed the topic and asked her friend how she was doing.

"Golden Haven is a huge kingdom Aeval. Work would just keep piling up. This week has been particularly hectic."

"Hmmm, I understand. Are you at least getting used to it?"

"Nope. Work never fails to surprise me. Gosh, the f*****g paperwork. Don't get me started on the petty complains from the people there. There was this one guy who wasn't happy with his livestock and he wanted me to talk to his animals to solve the problem. Who do they think I am?!" Aeval laughed at that. Perhaps the Fae people thought she was special because she was the first non-Fae queen.

"How long will you be staying Beth? I miss you."

"Only for a night. It's a busy week for us, sorry. I promise to stay longer the next time."

"Alright let's at least enjoy lunch. Ms. Odelle has been exploring her cooking skills. I bet she made amazing food for everyone."

"Smells amazing Aeval." Beth gushed as they walked into the dining hall. Kyle, Zephyr, Lilian and Alex were already seated at the table. They didn't even realize Alex left them to join the rest.

Apparently, after looking around the hall, and realizing that this lunch was only among them, Kyle and Alex didn't bother to wait for the two queens. They dug in immediately.

Only Zephyr and Lilian patiently waited for everyone to be seated. Beth squinted her eyes at her husband who had already tasted every dish on the table. There was chicken casserole, smoked beef, pasta, baked potatoes, a variety of vegetables, fruits and different types of sweet cakes.

It was a wonder how Alex and Kyle managed to taste every dish before Beth and Aeval even got there.

"Alexander Fae Sindrian Celeste. Seriously? You spend barely an hour with Kyle and just like that, your royal side is out the window." Beth walked towards her husband.

"Hey! We don't always get to do this. Eat among ourselves, have the freedom to simply act like ourselves. Beth I say you do what I do." Alex and Kyle took their glasses and clinked them before taking huge gulps of wine. Beth just left them after that. She spoke to Aeval while she eyed Lilian from time to time.

Lilian didn't have anyone else to talk to so she turned her attention to the little hybrid prince. Since Lilian was a teacher, she knew how to converse with him and they got along swimmingly.

After talking about the food, Zephyr started talking about his interests and hobbies. That was when Lilian knew he wasn't an average two and a half year old child. He was freaking smart and Lilian enjoyed listening to  the way he spoke.

"Yes I'm currently reading about the fifth war. That war was started by King Rhydian Vlad Isoldrian."

"Wow that must be interesting and quite violent, don't you think?" She hesitantly asked.

"Miss Vidarr all wars are violent and that is a fact. Plus, I believe it's my duty to learn about my weird great grandfather."

"That's true. He sounds-"

"Like a complete imbecile."

"Zephyr!" Aeval flicked his ear.

"Ouch mother. Your baby was just saying some facts."

"Say them nicely then." Aeval gave Lilian an apologetic smile and continued talking to Beth. Zephyr wanted to inform his mother that there was no nice way of saying things about his great grandfather whom they call the Demon King but he held his tongue. For now.

"What else do you enjoy reading?" Lilian continued. After taking a bite out of the delicious meat prepared by Ms. Odelle.

"I like reading my father's reports on the kingdom whenever he's not looking." The little prince shyly said and giggled. Lilian smiled at the cutie.

As lunch was going on smoothly for everyone, a young lean servant who looked around thirty stepped towards Queen Aeval. After bowing, he whispered something to her and walked away. Almost immediately after that, she excused herself and took Zephyr along with her.

Lilian said a quick goodbye, honestly sad that they left. Zephyr was good company.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Your father is back, let's go meet him." Zephyr looked at his mother and smiled widely. Queen Aeval quickened her pace and found her beloved walking through the hallways towards their chambers. His steps were always silent and smooth like the agile predator he was.

"Phoenix." She called out softly.

His footsteps came to a halt and she could see how his back stilled at the sound of her alluring voice. It was a dreadfully long day for him. He had missed her and she, him.

"Little Flower." He replied tenderly with his back still facing her. The queen slowed down when she saw the excitement on Zephyr's face. Their tiny ball of energy ran over to the king and demanded to be picked up at once.

"Hello Arion." King phoenix complied immediately. He took his son in his strong arms while he gazed at his flower lovingly. Zephyr snatched back his father's attention by poking the king's cheek. He always wanted his father's attention. Zephyr was often jealous whenever his parents spent too much time together.

Knowing this all too well, King Phoenix chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on Zephyr's forehead, causing his son's face to brighten up even more. "How is my clever prince?"

"Fine dad." The child wrapped his small arms around his father's neck and kissed his cheek. Not a moment later, Zephyr proceeded to bombard the king with questions about his day. Once satisfied with very elaborate answers, he made some demands.

"Dad, take me horse riding with you puhlease. And after that, I have questions about Aunt Esmeralda." Zephyr brought his face close to the king's and looked at him with those big, adorable eyes. Wonder and fascination swirled in those beautiful midnight blues that could melt any heart. King Phoenix could never refuse them and so he smiled, nodding at his son before he allowed the child to run around.

Queen Aeval watched their son as his little legs carried him towards the rest in the main dining hall. Before she could look back at her husband, he swiftly scooped her up in his arms and walked inside his chambers. Everytime he carried her, she felt like she weighed absolutely nothing to him.

"I've missed you Little Flower. The court was f*****g horrendous. You should've been there with me." Her king complained with the clear irritation that often laced his voice. Whenever his job required him to meet people of course.

Queen Aeval giggled at his annoyed expression and saw how he gripped his tie, tugging at it forcibly. Worried that King Phoenix might actually tear another one of his ties, she rushed towards him. The poor piece of clothing was then slowly taken off by gentle hands. She proceeded to take off his coat and vest too. The fae queen placed his clothes over the sofa carefully before turning towards her grumpy husband.

"Are you joining us for lunch?" She asked him even though it was unlikely. She knew he wouldn't want to spend time with a crowd of people. Yet she would always ask in case he suddenly wanted to. There were those rare times when he would say yes.

"I don't think so. I have some work to do and I rather finish it now and spend the evening with you and Arion. We could go somewhere if you'd like."

"Okay." Queen Aeval caressed his cheek and kissed him softly on the lips. Without breaking their connection, he lead her towards the foot of their bed and gently pushed her to lay down on the mattress.

"I love you." King Phoenix muttered and kissed her neck making his queen moan in satisfaction. He continued to leave sweet love bites on her sensitive skin. As he kissed her, his hand traveled under her shirt, luring her into his spell. She felt how his masculine fingers gently brushed across her bare stomach making her shiver. Satisfied with how her body reacted to his touch, the Dark King slowly began to unbutton her coat. He pulled her close to him until there was no space left between them. He loved the feel of her soft body against his hard one. She was so gentle and sweet, just like a flower. His little flower.

His hand gently caressed her side while he kissed her lips with everything he had. She too did not hold back.

They only stopped when Phoenix heard his queen let out a soft whimper. He reluctantly pulled back though his hands remained where they were. Both of them took a moment to catch their breaths.

"I love you too but n..not now. I have to go entertainment our guests." She said and lightly pushed him back. He growled out but obeyed anyway.

"Tonight then," he whispered in her ear. His queen blushed uncontrollably and he loved it. She looked gorgeous with her reddened lips and her rosy cheeks. Those pink marks on her raw flesh just below her left ear brought a lopsided grin to his face.

"I would very much like to devour you, my queen."

"Phoenix!" She admonished him as she felt her body heat up again. She felt her back tingling. Her wings wanted to be freed. Her body wanted to be free to join with her husband's. To connect their bodies in blissful intimacy.

And the Dark King knew it. He gave her a wicked smile before casually turning his back to her. He would have his queen tonight.

"Tell Alex, I'll be in the study in twenty minutes."

She let out a frustrated breath of air and nodded. "Alright, Zephyr and I will see you in the evening." She quietly closed the door and walked towards the hall, trying calm her wings. She didn't want them peeling away from her skin.

The moment she entered the dining hall, Queen Bethany noticed how red her friend's cheeks were. And so she smirked at the young fae knowingly.

"Don't." Queen Aeval growled out before Beth could open her mouth. She then looked over at Alex instead.

"He'll be in his study in twenty minutes." Alex nodded and went on listening to what Zephyr had to say. Kyle was having a normal conversation with Lilian. He seemed so happy with her and we were all happy for him.

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Lilian's POV

I noticed how red the Fae queen's cheeks were and how her hair was slightly messy. I couldn't help but blush too because Zephyr was trying to explain it to me by making kissy faces and gagging at the same time.

"You shouldn't know this stuff Zephyr!" Kyle said to him.

"I know they kiss behind close doors. Am I wrong?"

"You're absolutely right." I quickly answered the prince while I squeezed Kyle's thigh before he could blurt anything out.

"Okay, I'm going to continue eating my cake." Zephyr said excitedly.

"I wasn't gonna say anything." Kyle smirked at me.

"One can never be too sure with you." I retorted. Before he could say anything back, Queen Bethany cut in.

"So Lilian, you're a teacher in Red Kingdom?" I almost gasped in surprise when I realized the conversation was now aimed at me. The queen's voice was sharp and acute. Just like a blade aimed at a target.

"Yes Your Majesty. My grandfather owns the small school." I said carefully.

"Hmmm, you've lived in Red Kingdom all your life?"

"Yes-"

"Do you have any relatives living with you?" She cut me off.

"A few uncles and aunties, my queen. Just a few. I stay with my grandfather."

"What happened to your parents?"

"Th...they w..were killed off." My voice became soft. It wasn't something I usually talked about. I  didn't know where the conversation was headed to but something told me I wasn't going to like it.

"How?" Queen Bethany pushed further. I wanted to remain quiet but I was afraid to refuse.

"Th..they were killed. By vampires and witches who practiced dark magic."

"Any siblings?" I closed my eyes for a brief moment. I knew I wore a pained look on my face. It's not like I could help it. Her question was like a stab to my guts. My only wish at that moment was for her to ask another question. Any other question.

"Okay Beth, enough family related questions." Queen Aeval saw my pale face and tried to intervene.

"We should know about her. She's important to Kyle. Right Kyle?" Queen Bethany looked to Kyle and Kyle gave her a dreadful look.

"So how about your siblings?"

"They were killed as well. I'm sorry my queen, can we not-"

"So you grew up alone?"

"Y..yes and no. I didn't have my family but my grandfather stepped in and raised me when I was about six." I breathe out. I felt Kyle take my hand but that wasn't enough. It didn't feel like I was answering simple questions for an introduction about myself. I was being interrogated for some reason.

"Lonely child growing up in Red Kingdom Village. So many possible outcomes." She mused to herself before taking a sip of wine. "Couldn't have been easy. You had to work hard."

"Yes my queen I worked hard but I wasn't lonely-"

"Yes, yes the grandfather. We know that. Is Kyle your first love?" My eyes snapped at the queen. Why was this important?

"You love our dear Kyle right?" She demanded an answer this time. Everything and everyone was extremely quiet. No one stopped her. The only good thing that happened was Zephyr being taken away by a maid the moment Queen Bethany started with the questions.

Did they all know this was going to happen?

"Y..yes of course I love him. I care about him very much." I looked at her oddly.

"Isn't that sweet?" The queen gave me smile which made me more uncomfortable. "Why do you even like Kyle?" She already painted some negative picture of me in her head. Which explains why she was attacking me rather than getting to know me.

"I don't understand the question, my queen." I honestly wanted to cry because she was just waiting for me to say the wrong thing. I could feel everyone's gaze on me and it was burning my skin.

"Why do you like Kyle Robins?" She demanded again, narrowing her icy orbs at me.

"H..he's a good person. I know he loves me and he takes care of me. That makes me happy. He makes me happy." I said the first thing that came to my mind due to the pressure.

I should have known things like these were bound to happen. Villagers don't belong with royals. Sitting in the hall for a couple of hours made me realize that. Kyle may not have a crown on his head but he was every bit a royal as everyone else seated around the table.

"Really? That's good. It would be such a shame if you fell for him because of his connections."

"Bethany that's enough. Stop it." Queen Aeval said coldly. I appreciated it but I wanted to know what Queen Bethany meant. What connections? What does that have to do with anything?

"W..what?" I stuttered. She gave me that same sarcastic smile.

"Kyle is connected to royals all over. That means power, authority and many many perks. I'm sure you're not after all that right Lilian?" She sweet voice was laced with harsh criticism. That made me angry but there wasn't anything I could do to a queen.

"I'm not like that. Why would you.....why would you say something like that?" I whispered out not believing the turn of events. One moment I was enjoying innocent conversions and the next I was being targeted like some criminal.

"Well, that's what most people say and they often turn out to be very very different. You can't trust a pretty face these days. It might bite you in the back when the opportune moment arrives. Tell me, are you waiting for an opportune moment too or is your opportune moment Kyle himself?"

"Bethany enough!" The Fae queen scolded her.

"She didn't know we were family until yesterday Bessie. So stop it." Kyle bit out.

"I'm just getting to know her. All of you refuse to do that so I'm taking over that job." She shrugged before taking a sip of her wine.

"Your job ends now. I mean it Beth." The Fae queen stood up with clear disappointed on her face. All I could do was just sit there feeling numb and embarrassed and quite frankly insulted. I didn't even noticed that Queen Aeval had called my name. When I remained passive, she called me again, a little louder.

"Lilian, come with me." The queen stretched out her hand. I came to and hesitantly took her warm hand. At that moment, it was the only warmth I felt in that stone cold hall. And so, without looking back, not even at a worried Kyle at the table, I let the Fae queen lead me out of the dining hall.

Once we were out I allowed myself to breathe and take in the mind-numbing conversation I had with Queen Bethany.

"I apologize on her behalf. I really am sorry. That wasn't nice or fair." Queen Aeval said softly and continued to lead me up the stairs.

"It's alright. Where are we going?"

"To a peaceful place. I hope I am able to help with your condition." She said genuinely. My heart melted at how much she cared. She didn't even know me.

I guess there were two types of people.

~~~~

I was quiet as we walked up another long flight of steps. After that, another.

"Is there more?" I chuckled to hide away how tired I was feeling. I have never climbed up this many steps in all my life.

"Oh we're almost there Lilian." She smiled at how breathless I had become.

Fortunately, all that climbing came to an end. We were now walking across a grand hall. Probably where they had those fancy balls. Where they would dance with their fancy clothing. I admired the area. The floor was made out of an exquisite marble. Chandeliers hung gracefully from the high ceilings. The whole place was spotless and shiny.

"Whoa." I couldn't help but express my amazement.

"I chose the marble. Just saying." The Fae queen smirked from beside me. I laughed at her playfulness.

"Whoa what's that?" I abruptly pointed towards the massive double wooden doors we were headed to. They were the biggest set of doors I had ever laid eyes on. They were wide and extremely tall. The hard wood was an elegant brown with ancient floral markings all over. They were beautiful.

To be honest, I wasn't startled by the doors, but rather at what could be seen seeping through the small opening beneath the doors.

Golden light.

"Your Majesty....." I grabbed her hand out of fright. Realizing what I had done, I mentally face palmed myself.

"I'm so sorry I didn't mean to grab you." I tried to apologize.

"Lilian you need to calm down. Control your breathing. Especially when we walk through those doors." Queen Aeval said softly and gently.

Why were we going in there?!!

It looked like something was going to grab me from the other side. Although I couldn't see much of anything yet, I could tell that the golden light was bright as hell.

"It looks like the Sun."

"Yes it does. The light is almost as bright as the Sun too." She replied and placed her hand on the handle. Then she turned to me. "Ready?"

I looked at her like a frightened little child.

"Please don't leave me in there my queen." I whispered.

She smiled and pushed the doors open. Then she took my hand and led me in. Why? Because I was momentarily blinded by the great golden light which was now lighting up one half of the entire castle.

Who knows, maybe half of Silver Heights itself.

"Lilian, the brightness can also heal you. But you need to relax first. Only then will you be able to experience its goodness. If you remain fearful, you won't even be able to open your eyes."

I listened to her words and relaxed myself. At least I wasn't here alone. I reminded myself of that fact and soon I was able to slowly pry my eyes open.

Once I did, it brought about a sharp pain to my eyeballs. But the pain slowly subsided and I was able to adjust my eyesight to everything around me.

That's when I completely froze.

"Oh.....oh my gosh." I whispered and placed my hands over my mouth.

"Oh my is this freaking real? Damn..." I gaped at every single thing around me. I honestly felt like we were in a safe haven. I couldn't hear the world outside. Only whatever was in this glorious sanctuary. The entire hall or place. I don't even know how big it actually was but to me, it seemed to go on as far as the eye could see. This place also had a higher ceiling to accommodate the nature here.  Every bit of it was covered in greenery. Nature's finest. Not only were there plants and trees but also living creatures. I saw owls, birds, foxes, butterflies, and most importantly the place was swarming with pixies. Bright, colourful, joyful pixies. They laughed and sang among themselves.

And in the middle of it all was a huge fountain. It had marble statues of angels and pixies but that wasn't all. It wasn't a fountain with clear water running in it. No, it was filled with golden water that gave light to this place. I don't even know how to say it but it was filled with a kind of purity that sent me into a trance-like state.

Before long I realized that I was tearing. The scene before me was somewhat emotional. Shaking my head I quickly wiped away the tears which collected in my eyes. Turning around I saw the queen talking to a pixie before eyeing me.

"I know how you feel." She simply said.

"This place....it's....it's magical. I can't describe how...how I feel."

"Yes I know Lilian. Come along." Queen Aeval ushered me close to the fountain. "Now I want you to lie down on these soft green grass." She made me lie on the green grass which was softer than my bed. I was about two meters away from the glowing golden fountain. I've read that only a handful of beings can actually go close to the golden water. Anyone else would get hurt or burnt due to its powerful energy.

"What should I do?" I asked nervously. The queen looked at me with her soft gaze.

"I want you to close your eyes and simply relax. If those visions haunt you, I want you to embrace them and let them do what they want to do."

"What?! No! My queen I can't...please..." I started to panic.

"Lilian you must. This is the only way you can heal. The waters from the Core of Life will know how to heal you. Just let it. The pixies will help you relax." The moment she said that, a few pixies came close to me and hovered over where I laid down. They then began to form a circle above me. Once they were satisfied, they all started humming a certain tune. It was melodious and sad at the same time. I tried to focus on their singing but my eyes refused to stay open. All of a sudden, I was feeling extreme fatigue.

It was a funny feeling. Me wanting to sleep. It had been so long. As much as I would like to sleep I couldn't. I knew what was bound to happen. I knew what I would see. Hence I refuse to let sleep take over.

"Lilian submit yourself and embrace those visions. You must find the courage to do it." The Fae queen said. Her voice was soothing like a lullaby. Everything was prompting me to submit myself into a deep slumber.

I didn't want to sleep but the queen and the were making it impossible for me to stay awake.

"Rest now." I heard a whisper. I knew it came from beside me but then it sounded so faraway. Before long I dozed off.

It was quiet and serene. I was asleep but weirdly I knew I was asleep. That shouldn't happen. I was in this peaceful darkness. Everything was alright some time but I knew it wouldn't last.

Then I heard it.

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