Melting His Icy Heart

puppet

DARREN'S POV

Her face turned pale like she had been caught committing a crime. I was just cutting the vines hanging from the palace walls, and I thought of taking something to eat before continuing with my work, she said.

I nodded slightly and walked away. I just wanted to check on her before I leave for the day. I have to go to the northern borders and deal with the rampage over there.

I can't shake the feeling that she's [Avia] hiding something from me. She doesn't seem to be in any trouble. But trouble seems to follow her anywhere she goes...* Sigh *

MALEFICENT'S POV

Darren is going to the northern borders. This is the message I received from the spies, Albert said, his head bowed as it should be. He is my slave troll after all.

A sly grin appears on my face as a new plan brewed in my head. My original plan to bring the lynx to myself was spoilt by that brat. This reminded me of what happened years ago.

I look at myself in the mirror. Some of the hair on my head didn't grow back, and there is now a bald spot at the centre of my head. I will have my revenge, Darren!

Darren seems to be connected with this lynx somehow. There will be no greater blow to him than what I have planned for him... It's killing two birds with one stone* cackle *

ALVIN'S POV

Avia seems nice, but it's not enough for me. The guards must have found out that I escaped from the cell. They will soon be hot on my trail.

I bite off a huge portion of meat

It's so delicious. I didn't know that royals discard such good food.

I feel a tingle on my back... that witch!

Yes, my queen, I answer as her face comes to view from a magic swirl mirror she gave me.

How's my little puppet , she says with a sly grin. I clenched my fist tightly, but I was sure she didn't see it.

I bowed my head, waiting for her orders. She wouldn't just call me for simple pleasantries.

I have a task for you, I'm very much aware that you are no longer in the dark cell. I guess you have more than one use, she says and licks her bloody lips. She must have had someone else as a snack. What a devil!

I need you to feed this to Darren, she says and stretches it through the mirror, and I collect it. It looks like pellets in a small bottle.

That's next to impossible, I say, but I'm quickly shut up. She tightens her fist, and my back feels like it's on fire. How dare you question me? She seethes, and I quickly apologize. I'm sorry, please, my queen.

Good boy, now make me happy and do it quickly. You have four days to complete this task, or else you pay with a life! She says like the devil she is.

I felt someone's energy approaching, and I quickly hid the mirror and climbed up the ceiling.

AVIA'S POV

I just felt his energy. Where did he go? * Sigh*

Suddenly, he jumps down from the ceiling right in front of me. I brought out my claws out of reflex.

Why did you sneak up on me like that, I could have hurt you, I say, and I watch him chuckle lightly.

How will you hurt me with those dainty claws? He says in a mocking tone.

I make my claws longer and bring it to his neck. Woah! Kitty's got claws, he says with his hands a little bit raised up like he was surrendering as he stepped back a bit. Wise move.

You're forgetting something else, I say, and I watch him raise his left eye brow up.

Thank you?? I say, and he nods. You are welcome, he says.

I can't with this boy, I don't know when I face-palmed myself.

Oh wait, why are you thanking me? He asked like he didn't know what I meant.

Say thank you to me for the food and blanket. I said with my hands crossed under my breasts.

Correction! Left overs and a table cloth, I'm the one managing it without complaints, so let's call it even, he says cockily and I grab the table cloth.

Give me a proper "thank you," or I'll rip this into shreds. Urghh, Fine, I'm sorry, kitty, he says and snatches it back from me.* Scoff *

As I made to walk out, he grabbed my hand.

I need your help with something, he says. I've done more than enough for you. What else do you want? I ask with creased brows.

I need you to get me into the palace even if it's as a worker, he says, and my eyes widen.

That's not possible! I almost got caught bringing you food. Now you are asking me to bring you into the palace as a worker. Who do you think I am, the queen? I half yelled.

Please, just do this one thing for me, please, he begs.

This is the first time I've seen him beg, and he looks like it's so important to him, like something important depends on it.

I know I'm going to regret this

DEREK'S POV

Taking swings at the practice dummy is a good way to pass time. I've broken twenty of them already. What a nice workout, especially because these ones are made with magic.

I sense Avia's energy behind a tree by my left. You love sneaking peeks of me without my shirt, don't you? I mutter, and she comes out of her hiding place.

I noticed that her cheeks were slightly red. My lips curve into a smirk, you look cute on the outside, but you are quite a naughty girl, I tease.

I actually wanted to talk to you, but I met you practicing, and I couldn't interrupt you, she said with her gaze fixed on the ground.

It's okay, what is the problem? I ask, and she raises her head up.

Well... I have this friend who is currently homeless, and he needs a place to stay and somewhere to work, so... I thought maybe he could work as a cleaner in the palace, she pause for a second and bit her lower lip slightly.

He will work really hard. Besides, we need extra help in cleaning. She mumbles and turns her gaze to the ground, her lower lip between her teeth.

A friend? I say with my brows creased. When did she make friends when she barely left the palace?

I want to refuse, but I look into her eyes, and I feel like only saying yes to her. It feels like the right thing to do, I don't know why, but it is.

AVIA'S POV

Derek's eyes are glowing orange, but then it stops almost immediately.

Your friend is welcome, he can start tomorrow, he says and I'm shocked... Did I do that?

I turn around and see Alvin behind me. Hi, I'm Avia's friend, I'll be starting today, "he said, and Derek smiled.

Sure, nice to meet you. You can start today, "Derek replied and walked away.

This Alvin is something else