Wings

Chapter II

I lay in bed, contemplating. Normally this time was occupied by anxieties over exams. Not tonight though. It was pretty difficult to focus when you had the feeling you were being watched. Rain pattered against my window, its steady rhythm eventually lulling me into a deep sleep...

"My Lady." I squeezed my eyes and sighed as something pulled from my slumber.

"My Lady, I must ask you to wakeup." I groaned, and opened my eyes, blinking sleepily. I rolled over in the bed and attempted to drift back to sleep. A quiet yelp made me properly assess my bedroom. Rubbing my eyes I stretched my arm out and began tapping the bedside table for my phone.

"My Lady, I hate to be impertinent but could you roll back over, your sheets are crushing me." A soft timbre called from behind me. My eyes widened as I was alerted to another's presence in my bedroom. Gasping I rolled over swiftly, searching my bedside for an intruder. The bed was empty. Sighing I rubbed my temples. I really needed to stop studying late into the night.

"Thank you." My head jerked to the source of the voice as my body went rigid. There! There on my bedside table! I blinked a few times, staring at the small figure perched on the edge of the table, swinging a leg too and fro as he watched me silently. Yelping, I threw myself from the bed and tumbled onto the floor, backing away from the spritely figure as he stood and watched me worriedly.

"Are you alright?" he called to me across the room though his voice was only a quiet murmur. I whimpered as he launched himself into the air, his gold, glittery wings fluttering effortlessly. Shrinking into the floor I watched as he landed gracefully on the bed corner. Shock rendered me immobile. I wanted to scream, but my voice was caught in my throat. I pointed at him stupidly, my gaze running up and down his body as he held his arms out as a sign of peace.

"I won't hurt you my Lady." he assured, that warm, benevolent voice singing in my ears. No, no it was impossible. I swallowed, trying to focus on something to say. I dropped my hand as I realised I was still pointing at him. He gave me a dashing smile and I felt my cheeks burn. He sat on my bed and observed me, brown eyes bright with curiosity. I couldn't blame him, I was gawking at him like a fish. He seemed to be dressed in autumn leaves, a collage of rust, nutmeg and gold. His hair was a deep auburn that seemed to set his caramel skin alight. At his side was a pinprick of a blade with a golden hilt. He looked incredibly cute. As I soaked up his character...well, more like his existence, his eyes were flitting across my face.

"You're not as scary as everyone said you would be." he commented. I frowned.

"What?"

"According to Fairy Lore, Humans are supposed to be big, ugly and clumsy. Well, you seem to be big and clumsy, but you're certainly not ugly." I totally ignored his half compliment and narrowed my pale blue eyes.

"I am not clumsy. You just caught me at a bad time." I replied defensively, clutching the blanket closer to my chin as he nimbly leapt off the bed and would have fallen had his strong butterfly wings not carried him through the air. I stared as tiny golden embers seemed to trail from his wings. I didn't want to call them sparkles. He landed on the ground with a springy jump. My mouth gaped in awe. This wasn't happening. He frowned, his long eyelashes darkening his eyes as his eyebrows creased. I couldn't help but admit to myself that he was attractive, in a cute, undersized fairy sort of way.

"I was told that you expected me?" he divulged, his quiet voice, light and silky in the silence. Expected? I tried not to laugh sarcastically. 

"Um...no?" I trailed off, my nerves still jumpy. Clearly not able to form words, I simply shook my head. He shuffled, moving to lean in his right foot as he thought for a moment.

"You stepped into a fairy ring." He pointed out. My eyes widened in recognition. He noticed and continued.

"The Summer Royals would like to meet you." He clutched his hands behind his back as he obediently recited the message. All I could do was listen and try to not say something stupid like 'Is you're sword pointy enough to stab me? Are your wings heavy? What's with the sparkles?'

"Your presence within the fairy mushroom ring means that you are officially a guest of the Fairy Court which is currently led by the Summer Royals. The Summer King and Queen send their warmest welcome." I blinked. Summer? Royals? Ring? It was a mistake, this was a mistake. He watched me patiently. My eyes flickered from his crown of auburn hair to his warm, twinkling eyes and then to his breathtakingly beautiful wings.

"I...I...wait what?" I stuttered. "Who are you anyway?" He blinked in shock.

"Forgive me my lady, for we are not properly acquainted. I am Prince Cornelius of the Autumn Royal Family." He apologised before bowing courteously. I tried not to blush at his archaic mannerisms.

"How shall I address thee, my lady?" He looked up imploringly, the handsome features of his face in stark contrast to his wide, seeking eyes.

"Sila." I disclosed quietly. He smiled appreciatively.

"Well, my Lady Sila. It is time to leave for Fairyland." He informed me, a tinge of excitement evident in his voice.

"Wait. Fairyland? Am I coming back?" I squeaked as he launched himself into the air and hovered above my head before landing on my knee. I shrinked even further away and shivered at the unmistakable weight on my knee. I wasn't dreaming. He pondered the question for a moment.

"If you wish Lady Sila, though very few people ever do." He was so close that I couldn't help it. I lifted one shaking finger and poked him experimentally. With a shriek of dismay, he plummeted off my knee and spiralled to the ground like a crashing aeroplane.

"Cornelius! I mean, Prince Cornelius! I'm sorry, I didn't think I would hit you that hard!" I whispered as he fell to the ground with an audible, thump. I threw the blankets away and leaned over his body as he lay on the floor, wincing. A quiet groan filled the air and I almost tried to touch him again but thought better of it.

"Are you hurt?" I murmured, hoping that I hadn't mortally wounded him. He eventually hauled himself off the ground and began twitching his wings experimentally.

"Sorry." I muttered again. He rolled his shoulders.

"Perhaps, it would be preferred if we refrained from touching one another when in these forms." He ordered in the most polite way possible. I frowned.

"These forms?" He dusted off his clothing and then looked up in surprise.

"Yes, these forms. To come to Fairyland, you cannot remain your size." Fear gripped me as he produced a small glowing bottle from a pocket. The tiny glass bottle's contents glowed like the sun. He flew up into the air, forcing me to tilt my head to look up at him. He flew closer and I threw my arms up to defend myself. He paused. Peering through my arms he looked shocked.

"I don't mean to harm you, Lady Sila." He assured, that lilting, melodic voice, warming my heart and setting me at ease.

"Will it hurt? What about my clothes? Will I be able to change back?" I drowned him with questions. He smiled reassuringly, surprisingly calm. He was good at listening it seemed.

"No, it will not hurt. I have been given clothes for you. Yes, you may change back, if you wish it more than anything." He floated above me for a few seconds more.

"What if I get hurt?" I whimpered quietly. What if Fairyland was dangerous? What if I was attacked? He rested a firm, clenched fist across his chest.

"I am your Fairy Guard. I am sworn to protect you for the entirety of your stay in Fairyland until your safety is assured through other means. I assure you Lady Sila, no harm will come to you as long as you remain by my side." The certainty in which he spoke set my nerves at ease. Perhaps one night away with the fairies couldn't do any harm.

"I trust you." He nodded, smiling in appreciation before flying atop my head and pouring the contents of the bottle over me. All I saw was a golden cascade of glitter raining down upon me. I felt lightheaded and the world began to grow.

"Cornelius!" I shrieked as I sunk into the folds of my clothing. I was suddenly encased by darkness, the dim light completely blotted out by my shirt as I shrank beneath the neckline and disappeared into my pants. It all happened so quickly and I was so shaken up that I didn't come to my senses until I was fully shrunk...and naked.

For a few moments I just lay in the dark cave of fabric, dizzy and disoriented.

"Lady Sila! Are you hurt?" The voice was so different I hadn't recognised it as Cornelius. What once had been light and softly spoken was a deep timbre which could only belong to a man. Blinking dizzily I stood and tried to find my way through the fabric.

"Prince Cornelius?" I called shakily through the darkness as my hands followed the walls of my shirt. Everything felt weird. It was as if I had been transplanted into a new body. I stumbled along, as blind as a bat until my eyes recognised a soft, warm glow which could only belong to Cornelius.

"My Lady, follow my voice, can you still hear me?" Again, that surprisingly strong voice broke through the silence. I tripped over a fold of clothing, the breath knocked out of my lungs as I hit the ground.

"Ouch." I muttered as I lifted myself back up. I drew closer until I could see his shadow through the fabric. Even from behind the veil of fabric it was apparent that Prince Cornelius was not small of stature. His shadow was almost a head taller than mine.

"Do you have the clothes?" I called meekly. His head snapped in my direction and I blushed as I worried that he might see me. I stepped back as he unsheathed his sword which was so not a pin anymore.

"Stand back Lady Sila." He warned and I backed against the opposite wall, trying to tug the fabric with me to admit some decency if he saw me through the slit. A few seconds later he thrust the sharp blade into the cloth, the metal cutting a fine line down the wall. He was about to step in when I cried out.

"CLOTHES!" Instantly he jerked back, muttering an apology as he made an effort to turn his head away. He slipped his muscled arm through the crack, a bundle of clothes clutched in his hand. I stepped forward and pinched it from him, quickly holding it in the air to identify what it was. Cornelius waited outside.

The dress was beautifully made from soft, fragrant flower petals. I recognised the exotic perfume as jasmine. The white skirt was tinted pink at the curled tip of the petal. I pulled the dress over my head and marvelled at how it fit perfectly, drawing in at the small of my waist and spreading out at my hips. The corset was a collage of tiny, pink jasmine petals pointing towards my face so they almost looked like feathers. The straps pulled over my shoulders and branched out to the low of my back, obviously leaving a gap for my non-existent wings. Splayed upon the floor was a pair of elegant golden shoes adorned with ribbons which I tied around my calf.

Feeling satisfied that I was once again appropriately covered and smelling absolutely gorgeous I stepped out of my old clothes and stood before Cornelius. I stopped short as I admired his frame. I took it back. Prince Cornelius was not cute. Even from behind he cut a dashing figure, his broad shoulders squared as he held his hands behind his back.

My eyes trailed from his wild array of fiery hair, down his straight, muscled back to his vast, extended wings which quivered under my gaze. Closer up and without the benefit of size he was very intimidating and very handsome. His clothing which I had mistaken for mere autumn leaves was, upon closer inspection clearly bronze armour that gleamed in different shades of amber. The sword at his hip was long and slender, the golden hilt embossed with topaz. I grunted, very impressed. His pointed ears pricked and he turned to inspect my very inferior figure. Those bright eyes which I had mistaken for hazel were deep brown and flecked with gold. Goodness, he was gorgeous. Thank heavens I hadn't called him 'cute'.

He blinked in surprise, as we both took in each other's appearance. He looked down at me, his long, dark eyelashes brushing his cheeks as if to point at the thin sprinkle of freckles that were barely noticeable against his golden skin. I began to tug at my fingers behind my back, trying not to blush under his intense gaze. As the red hue invaded my cheeks he seemed to wake up from his fascination with my appearance.

"Forgive my rude behaviour. It's just that you seem very...different when you're...smaller." He searched for the right words, averting his eyes and breaking his disconcerting stare. I smiled and shook my head, my long blonde tresses bouncing around my face.

"No, it's fine. You yourself seem very different when you're...bigger." I coughed out the last word awkwardly. He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest.

"Then all is forgiven." He murmured good-naturedly. I nodded as my eyes wandered to his wings. From far away they looked delicate and thin, but up close they expanded from his back like long, muscular limbs, the silky texture disguising the power which they held. Absentmindedly I rose a hand to run my fingers their impressive length. The moment my fingers grazed his soft, velvety wings he jerked backwards, his wings twitching at the sudden contact. I drew my hand away and blushed.

"Sorry. I couldn't help it." I whispered, knowing that I had broken some social code. He scratched his head and tried to laugh it off though it was forced.

"It's alright. You didn't know. Just...don't do it again." I nodded, looking down to notice a light sprinkling of gold across my fingers. As I lifted my hand to inspect the dust he held my wrist, eyeing it worriedly.

"We need to wash that off before you meet the Summer Royals." Not quite understanding the need I simply nodded trustingly. He was my guard after all.

"We'll cross the veil first. I know a place we can rest and wash it off." He flitted effortlessly into the air, his incredible wings carrying him to the small windowsill which now looked gigantic. I stared at him for a few seconds before realising that I couldn't follow.

"Uh, Prince Cornelius?" I shouted, knowing that to any human listening it would barely be a whisper. He dropped onto the windowsill and then turned to my miniature figure stuck on the floor. Realising my predicament he flew down beside me, smiling bashfully.

"Forgive me, Lady Sila. I forgot you could not fly." He opened his arms and I took a step back.

"Um, you can't plan on carrying me all the way to Fairyland." I objected. He shook his head, trying not to smile at my reluctance.

"No, I shall merely carry you to my steed Bumble." He explained as he held out his hand imploringly. Bumble? I didn't bother to question him as he closed in, encircling his forearms around my waist, and pulling me close to his chest. I blushed madly as I rested my hands on his chest, not sure what to do.

"Uh, can we take it slow?" I whispered into his ear as I watched his wings droop in preparation for flight. He held me tighter until I was flush against him. 

"Of course, my Lady." I let out an unintended yelp as we lifted off the ground. Instinctively my hands moved to circle around his neck as I held on for dear life. As he flew higher and higher my legs moved around his torso. I didn't care how indecent it was. There was no way I was going to fall. No way. He didn't react as I gradually glued myself to his body. He deftly swerved the lamp and flew out the window, working with the natural rhythms of the breeze to ease the journey. I found myself staring in awe at the night sky. Even in my changed form, it looked the same. The thought calmed me.

Bzzzz. I jerked in Cornelius' grip at the sound of a bee. Bumble. He landed smoothly, letting me take my time as I dropped my legs to tiptoe onto the ground before letting go of him. I felt every muscle in my body relax. I didn't realise how tense I was. Cornelius held onto my waist lightly, making sure I didn't do something stupid in my moment of confusion like walk off the roof.

Bzzzz. His eyes flickered over my shoulder, annoyance clouding his features.

"Yes, Bumble I know. Give her time." I twisted in his arms to stare at the giant bee shaking its head impatiently. Its huge stinger glinted in the moonlight and I screamed, clutching Cornelius like a baby. It's large, black buggy eyes stared at me expressionlessly.

Bzzzz. The loud, grating sound pervaded the air again.

"I don't know. Lady Sila. What's the matter?" Cornelius lowered his head to try and catch my eyes. I looked back at Bumble. His filmy, translucent wings itched to move as he shook his body, the yellow and black fur waving in the wind. Around his neck was a golden vine, obviously used to steer him when flying with a rider. It was then I realised he was harmless and obedient. I felt incredibly silly for screaming.

"Sorry. I just haven't seen a giant bee before." I apologised. Bzzzz. Cornelius gazed fondly back at the bee.

"He says he's never seen a tiny human before." I laughed and then released my grip on Cornelius' shirt. Awkward. He stepped toward the bee and ran a knowing hand through his fur. Bzzzz. I watched as Cornelius laughed at something hilarious. He patted Bumble's head before lifting himself effortlessly atop his back and turning to me with an outstretched hand.

"Come, my Lady, Fairyland awaits."

                                                                                   ❋ ❋  

The world raced by as Bumble flew through the air, his magnificent wings beating steadily. I laughed deliriously as the wind rushed through my hair. With my legs tight to Bumbles back I spread my arms out and pretended I was flying. Cornelius instantly wrapped a strong arm around my waist, the golden reign clung firmly in the other as he directed Bumble to Fairyland. My fear of falling seemed long gone. I felt safe with Bumble. My lungs burnt, filled with the cool night air.

The night was a monochromatic wonderland of faint lights and shadows. Everything was beyond recognition as we delved into the forest. I smiled into the darkness as Bumble skirted in between leaves, avoiding each obstacle with ease. We almost flew into a tree branch but Cornelius directed us down, swooping and then flying back up again like a roller-coaster. Suddenly the trees gave way and I faintly recognised the clearing I had picked flowers in earlier. 

Cornelius led us above the tall blades of grass, weaving through the bluebells and whisking over the daisies. I focused intently upon our location as Bumble slowed and descended to land on a tree branch. I sat placidly as Cornelius slid off and flew up to a small hollow in the tree trunk. I watched in wonder as he murmured foreign words beneath his breath.

He dropped back down and nestled in behind me. Bumble didn't need to be pulled to fly up and into the hollow of the tree. I squinted in the darkness of the tree. It smelt of moss and rotting wood.

"Are you sure this is the entrance to Fairyland?" I dared to question Cornelius' knowledge. I turned to cast him a doubtful look. He merely smiled knowingly.

"This is one of many. Sometimes there are entrances between trees, across creeks and rivers or in this case, in a hollow tree." I pulled a face.

"It looks like we are in a tree to me." He laughed and swerved Bumble to the right. I tensed, bracing for a hard impact against the wood. Nothing.

"If it were daytime, you would know that you are in Fairyland." He assured me casually. I jolted in my seat, twisting to the side to inspect the landscape beneath us. He pulled me back against his chest as I breathed in excitedly.

"Careful." He grunted. In the vague darkness, I began to recognise peculiar shadows. We were flying over a vast forest, a forest that was finally our size. I tried not to jump up and down as the pearly moon bathed the setting in its heavenly light. Although I couldn't recognise a thing, Cornelius seemed to know his way like the back of his hand. We began a slow, peaceful descent, diving below the midnight blue foliage to land silently on a bed of mossy ferns.

Arching trees gave way to a glade interlaced by pools of dark, tranquil water. A blissful silence blanketed the setting, only interrupted by the quiet splashing of the waterfall. Waterlillies dotted the surface, their crisp white petals gleaming in the starlight. Cornelius slipped from Bumble's side and didn't hesitate to gently place his hands around my waist and pull me off after him. I deftly landed onto the ground, my shoes sinking slightly into the moist earth.

Bzzzz. Cornelius waved off Bumble's remark and led me to the water with a gentle hand around my wrist. I knelt by the pool as Cornelius lowered my gold stained hand into the water. I sighed as the cool water danced across my skin.

Bzzzz. Cornelius shot Bumble a glare.

"Quiet!" He snapped agitatedly. I glanced back to Bumble as he stamped a sooty foot in protest. I watched Cornelius as he began to rub my hand with both of his, massaging the gold dust away. My eyes slowly trailed from his furrowed brow to the tips of his wings. I swallowed.

"What is it?" I asked quietly. Something told me that he didn't want me to know. A muscle in his jaw tightened. Bzzzz. He cast Bumble a loathing glance before returning his focus to washing my hand. The gold seeped out into the water and disappeared.

"My pollen." He finally related.

"Your pollen." I repeated. He sighed.

"Yes, my unique pollen. A Fairy only carries another fairies pollen when they are engaged or wedded." I c****d my head thoughtfully.

"Do I have pollen?" He squirmed.

"No, you don't have wings."

"Oh...so what's the pollen for?" Bzzzz. Cornelius' face almost went as red as his hair.

"Silence, damn you! What would you know!" He shouted. Bumble seems unfazed. I jumped at the harshness of his voice.

"Forgive me, my Lady. Bumble is being...irritating." His voice returned to its deep, melodic tone that reminded me of the lower strings of a harp.

"What did he say? How can you even understand him?" I asked curiously. Cornelius seemed glad to change the topic.

"As an Autumn Fairy, I have certain abilities, one of which is to communicate with bees. Summer fairies can communicate with butterflies, Spring with dragonflies and Winter with moths. You will never understand bees, you're a Summer Child." He explained. My ears pricked.

"Summer Child?" I asked as I began to drag my fingers across the water, laying down on the downy ground cover to look him in the eye. Cornelius nodded.

"All beings belong to one of the seasons, even humans. You can tell from physical traits which season one belongs to. You perfectly fit the ideal Summer Girl, blonde hair, tanned skin and blue eyes. Spring children can have darker hair, often with green eyes. Autumn children..." He motioned to himself, smiling proudly "are warmer, and Winter children are cooler." I nodded in understanding. 

"What does it mean for me to be a Summer Child?" It seemed to be important.

"You belong to the Summer Court, your rulers are the Summer Royals. That's why you were invited. If the Summer Royals weren't in power when you stepped into that mushroom ring, you wouldn't be here. None of the other courts would have had an interest in you. As a Summer Child, they see you as kin and besides...having humans at court is always exciting." He laughed at my horrified expression.

"Should I be worried?" He shook his head as he nestled into the grass beside me, leaving enough space for his wings to span out along the ground. I rolled over and watched him as he propped his arms behind his head. 

"No. Humans are always treated well by fairies. We take our relations with you very seriously. Courts will often invite humans to remain at their court forever." My stomach flipped and I shot up to catch his attention. He propped himself on his elbow to look at me.

"But they can always refuse. They can always go home right?" I spoke quickly. He nodded.

"To keep a human captive is bad luck in Fairy Lore." I lowered myself back to the ground.

"If you're the Autumn Prince then why do you follow the orders of the Summer King and Queen?" I watched his reaction but it was surprisingly positive.

"Because they are currently holding the Court. When another season is in court, they don't mistreat the other Royals. Relations between the seasons is one of respect and friendship. Orders which are given to other Royals are often important and of great worth. Normally it is seeking advice but on rare occasions, such as this, it is more demanding. I don't complain. I volunteered." His eyes raked down my body.

"This is far more interesting than being stuck in the palace. As it is not my season I often find myself with nothing to do." I yawned, blinking sleepily.

"What do you do at the palace then?" He shrugged.

"Hunt, race, converse with the Royals of the other seasons, attend Fairy Balls and play games with the pixies. Nothing special really." I couldn't help it. My mouth dropped open.

"That sounds like fun." I admitted. If he got bored doing that he wouldn't be able to handle human life.

"I prefer this over that any day." He replied before he could stop himself. I chuckled as I noticed the pink shade his cheeks.

Bzzzz. Cornelius frowned in annoyance.

"No."

Bzzzz.

"No."

Bzzzz.

"No! Damn it! Leave it be!" He shot up to point a warning finger at Bumble who had already settled down. I let out a quiet laugh. Cornelius looked back at me in surprise.

"You amuse me Prince Cornelius." I sighed between a yawn. Cornelius turned his back on Bumble and laid down once more.

"Wait till we reach the Fairy Palace."