Lina: Twisted Fairy Tales Book Two

24: Responsibilities

I didn’t wait for the Healer to finish up with the Fae King so I could talk to him. Yes, I had questions, but I also didn’t want to get ambushed with a bandage change or a scolding for not using the crutches that had already left me with sore armpits. I also wasn’t prepared to confront whatever was going on between the Fae King and I. The strange softening of my feelings towards him, or the strange way it felt when I touched him. Besides, I had neglected my duties long enough and could always come back to question the Fae King later.

Resolved, I slunk my way back to my rooms to change. I was getting really good at ignoring my emotional problems. Just about as good as shrugging off the fact that my own wounds felt better abruptly.

The next few hours were a blur.

I snuck into a meeting between my parents, Mera, and the Centaur representatives to listen to the brokered peace talks. A part of me was shocked as I watched Mera gently and absently rub over her stomach. I recognized the movement from watching my own mother during her pregnancies. When I did finally get a side-view of Mera, the fact that she was already showing nearly floored me. But then again, birthing such a large creature probably meant that she would be huge by the end of her term. I eyed my own mother’s stomach dubiously. It was obvious she was carrying low now. I would say she could end up giving birth at any time. But knowing her, and the stories of my own birth, she’d work right up until the moment the child was born.

Papa pulled me aside after the meeting was over.

“Why are you not resting, pup?” He questioned, pulling me into a hug against his chest. He inhaled near my hair quietly, then stiffened with a low growl. I was used to him ‘scenting’ us. Scents were vital to animals. But unfortunately, they also exposed quite a bit of our actions.

“You’ve been touching him. Why?” Papa ground out. I sighed.

“I went to check on him, Papa. and you might as well move past this resentment you harbor until my debt is cleared. Or I’m sure I haven’t accidentally turned him into my slave.” I muttered the last part, but Papa froze again, and then burst out laughing.

“Oh.. Oh that would be the Gods’ fine justice indeed!.. Your slave!” He chuckled some more, but I looked at him warily.

“Not sure that would be such a good thing, Papa. Plus it would mean he’d always want to be near me.” I informed him to his brooding scowl.

“Oh, I’m not certain about that..” My father said evasively. Without me realizing it, Papa had been leading me on a stroll towards the kitchens and the smell of food made my stomach rumble. Especially since I’d only had a stolen piece of bread for breakfast. I looked down the hall in anticipation, but Papa tugged me to a stop once more.

“Malina. I’m not certain what is going on between you and the Erl King-” He started, and I rolled my eyes. “But I want you to know that if you should need my help, I’m here for you. And I..” He hesitated, then shook his head. “Just be careful, little pup. Much that is unpredictable runs in your veins.” As if he needed to tell me that. I linked my arm through his and stood on my tiptoes.Knowing what I wanted, he bent, offering me his cheek for a kiss.

“Thank you Papa. I love you too.” I told him, and watched the man I admired practically glow from the inside. I giggled softly and leaned on his arm as he escorted me to the kitchens to fetch something to eat.

The activity in the kitchens always overwhelmed me. So many coming and going and darting about so swiftly. I hung back while Papa grabbed a tray and smothered it in food. I could tell by the variety of choices he’d put some things for Mama on there too, and I smiled to myself. Uncle Reggie abruptly appeared and started up his usual ruckus about Father not going through the ‘normal methods’ of having food delivered to his rooms, or better yet, eating in the banquet hall on occasions other than feasts and holidays. My father ducked his head with a meat stuffed roll in his mouth and attempted to ‘sneak’ out of the kitchen while Reggie pointed his cane and yelled after him. Smothering my laughter behind a hand, I followed Papa, only to hear Reggie yell after me to stop encouraging my father. Cackling madly, I ran after Papa then, to Reggie’s shouts about misbehaving royals running in castles like children. It was nice to see that some things never changed.

My father’s eyes were crinkled with laughter when I caught up to him, and he balanced the tray on one arm to snatch the roll out of his mouth so he could speak.

“I hope you don’t mind, pup. Your mother’s been having some cramping, so she went to lie down. Thought we might bring her lunch.” He winked at me, but I chewed my bottom lip nervously.

“She’s about to have the babe, isn’t she?” I questioned. I’d been around for most of the other births. I was not impressed, to say the least. I kicked at the risers as we made our way upstairs.

“Very close.” He agreed amiably. “She practically won’t let anyone into our rooms now.” He chortled.

“Oh great.” I sighed to myself, but Papa heard it.

“Now, now pup. You’re one of hers. Chances are high she won’t see you as a threat.” He peeked at me, pure amusement in his gaze as he took a bite of his roll.

“It’s not funny!” I objected. “Last time, she threw pillows at me! Said she was afraid I’d eat the twins!” Father burst out laughing and I swatted him, which only made him laugh harder.

“It’s only instinct, pup. She doesn't know how to handle the drive to protect her new offspring from danger. All those Shifter hormones mixed with the wildness she already owns.” He chuckled. I snorted.

“I don’t see any of the other kids around.” I muttered petulantly. Papa bumped me with his shoulder, which really ended up being more an impact from his arm, since I was so much shorter than he.

“You’re the eldest. People expect more of you.” He said gently. I snorted again and crossed my arms. “Besides, I’m going to wait to summon them until she’s in the midst of it.” He snickered, and this time, I laughed along with him.