Her Sickness, His Cure

Chapter 6 (Part 2)

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As we passed by the houses, we saw children playing with each other. Some of them were singing songs just so they could. They lived without a care in the world. Mothers gathered to either watch their children play or to gossip.

Most of the men and a few women were coming back from a long day's work. I saw how their exhaustion turned into joy the moment they were greeted by their families.

I observed them and wished I could have it someday. With Lilian.

"Kyle?"

"Yeah?"

"Why are we passing by all the houses?"

"Oh we need to go to the castle."

"Visitors still have to do that? But you've come here many times before right? So why-"

"You haven't. So yeah." I said curtly.

"Is...is there something you're not telling me?" She studied me curiously.

"Nah. You're overthinking stuff. Just enjoy the view Lilian." I laughed nervously and then it went a little high pitched. She looked at me for a moment and then continued to enjoy the view of the town which we were now passing.

Everything blurred around me as we drove higher and higher towards the castle. The drive up alone was twenty minutes. I knew the horses were tired but they managed. I was just glad Lilian didn't ask anymore questions now. She'll have plenty later.

For now she was observing the path. Even the path upwards was beautiful with small flowering plants on either side. We saw so many butterflies everywhere. There were also all sorts of birds, and rabbits as well. The union of animals and nature created a satisfying harmony that brought comfort to anyone who took the time to observe their beauty.

"This place is beyond spectacular. Everything is colourful but not the kind that is too striking and flashy. The kind that is so natural and pure and pleasing. This land is magical Kyle. Thank you for this." She whispered the last part out.

I smiled at her softly. Lilian really needed this. I only hope she gets better.

"We're almost there." I stopped my carriage before the giant steel castle gates. The main guard on duty looked at me and nodded at the rest of them. The gates were opened immediately.

I gave them a curt nod before driving into the castle grounds.

"They seem to know you well." Lilian said impressed.

"Yeah they sort of do. Hey check out the gardens. The gardens here are unlike anything you've ever seen." I raised my voice and sounded excited.

She immediately looked around and gasped. I saw how she stilled with her slightly parted lips. She probably couldn't believe the scenery before her was real.

The gardens were so wide that there were many small trails leading to different directions so one could follow them and cover the entire garden. I saw her observe the attractive lavender and rosemary plants planted along the trails. Not only were they ornamental but they were fragrant as well. The rest of the gardens were nothing less than glorious. A kaleidoscope of colours and emotions. Especially now that it was bathed in the soft orange rays of the majestic Sun.

The gardens were filled with flowering and non flowering plants. And the plants gave out many different scents. There were peonies, lilies, an abundant amount of roses, orchids, clove pink, hibiscus, hydrangea bushes, lilac bushes, and whatever you can possibly think of. There were several fountains with unique marble and stone statues to add to the gardens' beauty.

I remember how much I loved walking along its trails for the first few times. Actually I never got bored. The sweetly-perfumed air never failed to give me a sense of peace and tranquility. Stress and worry would slip away once we enter the gardens. Moreover, the gentle bubbling of the fountain water combined with the soft music made by the wandering birds and small animals somehow made a natural polyphonic tune. Its one of the many simple pleasures of life that I enjoyed.

I turned to towards Lilian and saw that she was glued to the gardens. Who wouldn't be?

I stopped my carriage at the side of the main entrance.

Before any of the guards came to us, I urged Lilian to quickly get down and look at the bloody flowers or the fountain. Whatever to get her away from the carriage before any guards came to us.

Lilian gave me a suspicious look but she got down and slowly walked towards the nearest trail anyway.

Phewww!

Sorin grunted at me again while Selene neighed like the drama queen she was.

"Oh shut up!"

"Sir Robins! Let us help you with your things."

Oh here they come. I couldn't help but groan as I looked over to see a couple of guards who rushed towards my carriage.

"Sssshhhh! Keep it down guys." I whisper yelled and nervously glanced over to Lilian. Thankfully she was oblivious to our conversation. She bent down to see a ladybug but was unaware of a pixie behind her. That was going to be an interesting encounter.

Seconds later we all heard a loud yelp followed by a thud.

Yes, she fell. And that was a good thing. I quickly turned towards the guards before Lilian could get up.

"Ahh....okay here's what you do. Now, quietly take my horses to the stables. I'll look for her myself. Don't announce anything yet." I whispered to them. They awkwardly nodded and took my carriage away. They were all used to me by now so they don't ask many questions.

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Lilian's POV

Oh my God. Oh dear Lord. Oh wow. It was staring right at me!

Okay Lilian breathe. In and out. Please breathe. It's just a pixie.

A pixie!!!

A freaking pixie!!

I've only seen pictures of these creatures!

There was a soft green glow around it and it was saying something to me. Unfortunately I was too shocked to understand a single word. I kept staring at it like a fish out of water.

"She asked if you were okay." I heard Kyle laugh before he stretched out his hand to help me up.

"Kyle are you seeing this?" I asked him with wide eyes and then continued to look at the pixie.

"Um yes Lilian." He said.

"Right, you're probably used to them by now." I looked down trying to hide my blush. I am definitely embarrassing myself right now. God knows what he must be thinking of me. I was such a nerd.

"I must sound ridiculous huh?" I chuckled nervously. Kyle stepped forward and kissed my cheek.

"You're wonderful Lilian, now let's take a walk." I smiled up at him while the pixie giggled at the two of us.

"It's adorable Kyle." He then turned to the pixie.

"I know you're dying to introduce yourself." Kyle muttered at the cute little thing. The pixie cleared it's throat and came to me.

"Hello there. I'm Lolly! Who are you? Kyle has never brought a woman here before." Oh it's a she.

"Pleased to meet you Lolly. I gave her a small bow. "You look lovely. I'm Lilian." I said shyly. Why was I so shy to meet a pixie?! Maybe because they were so magical.

Shaking away my thoughts I quickly turned to Kyle.

"Kyle are we even allowed to walk here? I don't think it's right to be snooping around here for too long. We're supposed to present ourselves to someone right? Isn't it better to leave before nightfall? Your poor sister would be waiting for us right?" I asked suddenly worried.

We can't be knocking on his sister's door late at night. It wouldn't be nice. It was almost sunset already. More importantly, we didn't come to the castle so that we could sightsee.

"Does she not know?" Lolly curiously looked at Kyle. Kyle made a face which made me curious.

"Don't I know what?" I asked them both. Lolly burst out laughing while Kyle's glared at her.

"Nothing Lilian and there's no rush actually." Kyle quickly said. He spoke too fast and that meant he wasn't telling me the complete truth.

"Kyle?" I crossed my arms and gave him a look.

"Kyle?" Lolly mimicked me with her arms crossed as well.

Instead of answering me, he spotted something behind me seeming puzzled.

"Hey stop! Right now!" He called out and ran past me.

"Kyle?! Where-" I saw him running towards a toddler not older than three.

Why was Kyle running towards a random child? As I looked closer, I noticed how proper the child's clothing was. Expensive shirt and pants, neatly styled black hair and little sport shoes covered his feet. The child was running excitedly and he kept glancing behind him a few times.

Oh my, was he a royal baby? 

"Kyle what are you doing?! Someone's going to come after you!" What if the guards come after him? If that child was royalty he wasn't only the Fae Queen's child. He was also the child of the infamous Dark King.

Oh no.

Nononono.

With that thought in mind I ran after Kyle. As I was running towards him, I noticed how the child smiled when Kyle picked him up.

He picked the child up! He touched the may be royal toddler!

Oh, Kyle Robins aren't you a daring one. You crazy man!

"Kyle be careful please. Put him down!" I said completely out of breath. I looked beside me to see Lolly enjoying the show. She made me more suspicious by the second.

"Did you run away from your mother again?" I heard Kyle ask the child in a stern voice.

"Kyle don't speak to him like that! Put him down and quickly come towards me." I said in a hushed tone. I was still a few meters from him but I knew he heard me. He gave me a tight smile and continued to speak to the child.

"Answer me Zephyr. Did you run away from you mother again? You know you're not supposed to do that right?" Kyle lightly chided him.

The child however simply giggled and wrapped his small hands around Kyle's neck.

"Uncle Kaaaaaayylee." He squealed and laughed.

Everything stopped the second I heard it.

What. The. F....

Before I could process, react or say anything to Kyle, the was a harsh wind that blew across my face. Everything became a chaotic blur. I could only catch a glimpse of red and white. The wind was so strong that I almost toppled over. I knew damn well my hair was a mess. Plus, I was definitely slapped with at least a hundred leaves. Nevertheless, I was grateful that I was still standing on my feet.

Once I had successfully brushed the dirt off my blouse, I held the side of my head and blinked several times to set my vision right again.

Looking up I saw a woman who had her back facing me. Her fiery red hair stood out against the white dress that she was wearing. That wasn't the only thing that caught my attention. The other apparent feature was her back. Or what was attached to it. I stepped forward and squinted my eyes to take a closer look. The moment I did, my eyes widened.

Wings.

Long, glass like wings that were so huge they dragged behind her.

I was looking at it in awe. I heard her soft laughter but I was too busy admiring her. Her wings were breathtaking. As I looked up I backed away.

She was wearing a white jeweled crown on her head.

I sucked in a huge breath and frightfully looked at Kyle. Then I saw the way he smiled at the queen and how he was talking to the child. The familiarity in his eyes could not be ignored. I instantly recalled what the child had said earlier. Once that happened, it didn't take long for my poor brain to understand.

She was his sister. The fae queen was his sister. That's why the boy called him uncle.

My chest tightened so I took a couple more steps back. Just then Kyle signalled at me and looked at the queen.

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Kyle's POV

Well, here goes.

"Please calm her down Aeval. I didn't tell her anything." My little red looked at me with disappoinment.

"Kylie Pie did you honestly not tell her anything at all? She looks like she's about to get sick." Aeval scolded me.

"That's why I need you okay."

"That's not all Kyle. It's funny you chose to come today because Alex is dropping by tomorrow. Does she know about the rest of the family?" I slapped my hand on my forehead and looked at her, utterly defeated.

"Can't he come some other time?! Tell him to stay where he is!"

Who does he think he is?! Always barging in whenever I come to see my little red.

Aeval looked at me with a blank face. "Kyle, he's coming here tomorrow so you better ease this information into Lilian before things get any worse. I'm sure after this, she'll be able to handle anything."

"Okay, okay. I'm doomed anyway so I'll do it! Just make her feel better please." Aeval nodded and looked at her son.

"Zephyr, you and I are going to talk about how you decided to trick the pixies and play a game of catch without telling me." She pointed at him. He just giggled and said they should play again tomorrow.

She pecked his chubby cheek and turned towards a nervous Lilian. As she walked towards the pale teacher, I followed closely behind with Zephyr in my arms.

"Hello there. You must be Lilian." Lilian immediately gave Aeval a low bow.

"You may rise, Lilian. How are you?"

"I don't know." She whispered and looked at me in a questioning manner.

"Please don't be angry with my dear brother. He didn't know how to tell you. So he showed you. It's his way of doing things. Come now, let's get you freshened up. It's been a long journey for the two of you. We can talk more over dinner. I can't wait to get to know you." She said softly in a way only she could. Lilian instantly calmed down and listened to every word that came out of my sister's mouth. Lilian nodded obediently to Aeval's words like a child.

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"You look beautiful Lilian." She really did. Aeval lent her a white floor length gown with pretty floral designs. Her wavy blonde hair was let loose which made her even more beautiful. Unfortunately, Lilian was unimpressed with what I said.

"Lilian?"

"You could have told me."

"I don't think I could have Lilian." I whispered.

"What is that supposed to mean Kyle? Why couldn't you tell me. This is a pretty huge thing you know."

"Okay what did you expect me to say? Hey Lilian did you know that I have three siblings and one of them is the most powerful fae creature in the world and she's also the queen of Silver Heights? You were already bothered with a pure blood being my friend! How was I supposed to drop this on you? My family is not normal. I'm the only normal one in my family-"

"You're the only normal one? Okay who are the rest?!" She walked towards me.

"Lilian.."

"I wasn't bothered with pure bloods, I fear them! For good reason! Don't make it sound like an unjust thing on my side." I stepped towards her and held her shoulders gently.

"I know you have your reasons to be wary of them. I'm sorry for saying it like that."

"Don't ever say it like that again." She said pointedly with a hint of hurt in her tone.

"I won't okay."

"You know I changed my views about Prince Timothy. You know that. You know how much I started to admire your friendship." She poked my chest continuously. She was obviously hurt and insulted by what I said. She wanted me to trust that she could handle my truth but I couldn't do that before today.

"I know, I know, sweetheart." I pulled her to me and hugged her. "I'm sorry for saying it like that."

After a long moment I felt  pair of arms go behind my back. She hugged he.

"You have to understand why I couldn't just blurt out about my family. I was afraid you wouldn't go out with me if you knew." She pulled away and stared at me with tearful eyes.

"You were wrong to be afraid. You have no idea how much I fell for you after our first date. This wouldn't have bothered me at all Kyle. Yes it would be shocking news and a lot to take in but my feeling for you wouldn't have changed." She said softly.

"Really?" She nodded sincerely.

"Okay.....then I have more shocking news." I said nervously. She slowly took my hands in hers and squeezed them.

"I'm glad you're telling me."

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Queen Aeval Florentine's POV

Everything was prepared for dinner. I stood near the dining table with Zephyr in my arms. He was telling me about a book he was currently interested in. Yes, my baby was able to read fluently when he turned two.

And boy was he excited about it. I patiently listened as he was spoke about a mischievous pirate and his crew.

"Hmmm, now I guess you can tell me a bedtime story huh?"

"Yes, yes. I want to." He giggled happily.

As we were talking, I saw Kylie Pie and Lilian walk down the steps towards our small, private dining room. I noticed how pale the poor teacher looked and so I gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm guessing Kyle told you about the rest of our family?" She slowly nodded and looked at Kyle.

"Come on Lilian, please sit down." Kyle pulled up a chair for her.

"I want to sit with uncle!" Zephyr blurted out and reached for my brother.

"Okay little prince. Come sit next to me." He said making my son smile widely. I sat at the head of the table with Lilian on my left and Zephyr on my right. Kyle sat in the seat next to Zephyr and helped him fill his plate.

During dinner I made sure that we spoke about lighter things, mostly about Kyle and Timothy's mischief. Like I had hoped, Lilian began to loosen up and enjoy herself. I got to know her more and I was liking her energy. She was a dedicated young girl who contributed a lot to the people around her.

As we spoke more, Kyle informed me of her recent condition and how dark visions corrupted her mind, depriving her of sleep. The more he explained, the more I sympathized with her.

"There must be a good explanation. There is nothing wrong with you mentally. Apart from this new.....thing." I said looking at her and trying to understand.

"I will try to help you Lilian. Tomorrow."

"Y...you can help me, Your Majesty? You can make it go away?" Lilian asked hopefully.

"I will do what I can." I squeezed her hand.

"Hey where's Darky? Hiding in the shadows as usual?"

"He's in his office doing some paperwork and don't call him that Kyle. Do you miss his wrath? He might hear you, you know." When Lilian gave Kyle a confused look, I explained to her what he meant.

She became fearful almost immediately and started scolding Kyle. He waved her off and continued inquiring about my husband and whether he was taking good care of me or not. Kyle was the sweetest but also the one asking for trouble.

"Now, since we've eaten I need to put him to bed." I turned towards Zephyr who pretended not to hear me. So I kept looking at him until he groaned.

"It's still early mother. Night's young." My son crossed his arms.

"No it's way past your bedtime. Come on my prince."

"I want to see father first." He pouted. I knew that face. If I took him to my husband he'll spend another hour in his office refusing to go to bed.

"Only to say good night. If you try to stay I'll turn into your personal tickle monster." I made my best monster face as I said this to him. Before he could run I scooped him up in my arms and carried him towards the stairs. Before I left I turned to Kyle and told him there was cake in the fridge.

"Love you little red." He said excitedly and ran to the fridge. Lilian just laughed at him.

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Lilian's POV

Kyle was snoring away after eating four large pieces of cake. He ate them like the child that he was. And now he has succumbed into a deep sleep. I was so jealous wishing it could all go back to the way it was. To a time where I could sleep just like anyone else.

I had hoped the new environment would do me good. It did in many ways but unfortunately it did nothing to erase these terrifying visions. Everytime I dozed off, they would come back, each time worse than the last. My skin would crawl and I would sweat in utter fear. I could feel myself slowly slipping away. I was really starting to lose my mind. The exhaustion was dangerously taking a toll on my body. I couldn't even remember the last time I had a good night sleep. Or any sleep. Maybe the doctors were right about me. Maybe I needed to be treated medically, in a facility. Maybe I had mental issues. That seemed like the most logical explanation right now.

What if the queen wasn't able to help me?

That thought alone sent shivers down my spine. I got out of bed immediately and found my way to the private dining room. Attempting to sleep brought me nothing but misery so I wasn't going to try that. I sat down and rested my head on my palms just praying to God that I would at least know what was wrong with me.  

I just sat in at the table in silence until morning. When I felt the warmth of the Sun, I sighed to myself and decided to make tea for everyone.

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Third Person's POV

"Lilian?" The fae queen walked into the dining room to see the younger woman solemnly sitting at the table with a cup of tea in her hands.

"My queen." Lilian said softly. She quickly stood up and did a little curtsy.

"Did you not sleep at all? You have dark circles under those pretty eyes." Queen Aeval said softly. Just then her son came bouncing into the room looking for food.

"What are you looking for Zephyr? No cake in the morning." Aeval said before he could open the fridge.

"Ms. Odelle made me something yucky. I don't want it!"

"Yucky for you  means healthy for the rest of us." Lilian laughed at what the queen said making Zephyr frown at her adoringly.

"Zephyr it's not everyday you get food like that. But it's important and necessary for your body. Please finish the breakfast prepared by Ms. Odelle." Queen Aeval carried her son and kissed his cheek. The boy begrudgingly sighed and let out a half-hearted okay.

Once he ran off, the queen turned to Lilian. "I know I said we'll see to your problem today, but that will have to wait a while."

"Anytime my queen. Just as long as this thing.......ends." Queen Aeval looked at her with understanding.

"I only pushed our appointment due to the arrival of my brother, King Alexander and his wife Queen Bethany. Once I have them settled, you'll have my full attention." Lilian smiled at the queen and nodded. She was surprised at how caring and pure the fae queen was. She spoke to her like a friend and she was so ready to help.

If only Queen Aeval ruled Red Kingdom. Lilian thought to herself.

Later that day Lilian helped Kyle with his hair while they got ready to meet the king. Kyle refused to dress up but it was both procedure and tradition. They had to dress well when welcoming a king and queen. However, Kyle was so stubborn that he settled for a shirt without a coat. Lilian just rolled her eyes and adjusted her beautiful gown borrowed from the fae queen. A beige floor length gown. It had an A-cut with sleeves that ended right at the shoulders. The pretty dress came with a netting over it and the netting was decorated with gorgeous black floral designs. It hugged Lilian's body perfectly. Kyle stole away many, many passionate kisses that day.

And that wasn't the only naughty thing he did that day. As soon as Lilian left the room to join the others in the main hall, Kyle took off his slacks and wore a pair of black jeans. Just to annoy Alex.

Soon, they were all gathered in the main entrance. Kyle immediately carried Zephyr, preventing him from running off. The fae queen gave him a grateful smile for doing that but when her eyes travelled downwards she gave him a 'are you kidding me' look.

King Phoenix had to resolve certain matters in the court so he was not with his queen. Queen Aeval chose to wear a formal royal coat with fitting black pants instead of a dress this time as she presumed that it was going to be a busy day. A simple golden tiara rested on her head.

As their car entered the royal pavement, Mr. Percival and his wife stepped forward to be of help.

Once the the royal couple arrived, formalities were exchanged followed by warm hugs.

"Hey Evie." King Alex hugged his lovely sister and kissed her cheek. Then he turned to Kyle and greeted him too while ruffling up his nephew's hair.

"Wrong timing Alex. Why do you have to do this?" Kyle grumbled as they all walked inside the castle and into the main living area.

"So what? You annoy me by wearing jeans? Seriously?" King Alex lightly punched Kyle on the shoulder. He was about to complain to their sister but Queen Aeval was busy giving Queen Bethany a long hug.

"You must be Lilian." King Alexander looked behind Kyle's shoulder when he noticed a young woman trying to hide away from everyone else. Well, she couldn't hide anymore so she stepped in front of Kyle, curtsied again and prepared herself for introductions.

"How did you meet my crazy brother?"

"Um, at the school in Red Kingdom Village-"

"School? You went near a school?" King Alex looked at Kyle in amazement.

"Oh whatever." He rolled his eyes at King Alex and placed the child on the ground. "Okay Zephyr, go run around."

"Yaaaayyyy." Zephyr ran away and vanished in a blur.

"Probably shouldn't have done that. I didn't expect him to be that fast." Kyle said with a blank face.

Not a moment later the boy's mother left Queen Bethany's side and ran after her son.

"Good job Kyle." Queen Bethany glared at Kyle.

"Hey Bessie, how are things with you?" The queen rolled her eyes not bothering to correct him. She had given up on that.

"I'm good. How's your job and all?"

"Awesome as always because I'm awesome. Now, meet Lilian." Kyle happily introduced his woman to her.

The queen's eyes snapped to Lilian as the woman curtsied.

"Your Majesty." Lilian said softly. Unknown to her, Queen Bethany started studying Lilian from the moment she stepped out of the car. Now that the queen was closer to the woman, she scrutinized her even more. From head to toe.

"Nice to meet you Miss Vidarr." Queen Bethany said quickly with a little edge. Her eyes never left Lilian's as she spoke with authority.

Lilian was becoming more and more nervous around the new queen. She wasn't anything like the Fae queen. She let was giving out an unpleasant vibe. Lilian wanted Kyle next to her but he was having a childish banter with the king.

Lilian managed a small smile but the queen didn't bother to return it just yet. There was something in the older woman's eyes. She stared Lilian down with obvious disdain and Lilian couldn't escape the pressure that began to build itself around her.

For some reason Queen Bethany didn't seem to like her one bit.

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Well, that's all for now sweethearts. Till next week.