Important Note: This chapter has been edited to suit the alteration in one of the character's history (Gabriel's curse has been changed from simply blindness to transforming into a dragon-like creature). I apologize for any inconvenience, and no other adjustments have been made to the plot. Thank you.


Chapter Twelve: A Change of Heart

"You're What?"

"I'm blind, Malinda. I've been losing my sight for quite some time now. And now it's completely gone," said Gabriel softly, not wanted to admit to her his weakness. "And I'm not sure what else will follow."

"But how..." At an abrupt loss for words, Malinda slowly sat on the edge of the bed in disbelief. She could hardly trust that she hadn't noticed Gabriel's constant state. As she tried to wrap her mind around what she had just heard, Malinda was finally able to make sense of Gabriel's odd behavior. Suddenly she felt an overwhelming feeling of regret wash over her. She felt ashamed at how she had treated him; all the while he had been dealing with this growing disability. "All this time. Gabriel... why didn't you tell me?"

"I had my reasons," said Gabriel, rotating towards Malinda, clearly sensing her dissatisfaction with his response "Look, I'd really rather not--"

"Lift your head a little," interrupted Malinda, a fluffed pillow in her hand. Placing it beneath his dried out neck and head, Malinda continued to inspect him. "Now let me see your eyes. I want to see for myself that you're really blind."

"Malinda, please..." said Gabriel, becoming increasingly fussy as Malinda proceeded to check him. Gently grabbing hold of his face, Malinda lifted his eyelids with her thumbs, revealing Gabriel's eyes hidden beneath thick yellow diamonds. It wasn't the picture she had envisioned; in fact, it was unlike anything she had ever seen before. His pupils reminded her of things she had seen in science fiction movies, with aliens that had Gabriel's present features.

"Wow, okay. I guess you really are blind," responded Malinda, shocked by her own discovery.

"You thought I'd lie about something like this?" Jerking his head as to remove Malinda's hold on him, Gabriel tossed and turned in the bed, cursing his lack of vision and piercing skin. Malinda fully noticed his rough limbs, replaying the torture he displayed a few minutes ago, outside the barn. But Malinda didn't have to imagine his hurt as she reached out her arm to comfort the prince. Her arms were scratched all over, even bleeding in some parts.

However, Malinda refused to let her ache and awe distract her from attending to Gabriel. With a belated sigh, Malinda got herself together, arising from the mattress. "Hold still," she commanded. "I just want to see where you were injured. This shouldn't take long," she assured, trying to grad Gabriel arm.

"What are you, my nurse? Leave me alone to rest. Just because I'm blind doesn't me I can't take care of myself."

"Maybe so, but you're not just blind, now are you? I've seen your skin, and frankly it looks horrible," she stated firmly. "And like it or not, I'm the only one who can help you. So unless you want those… whatever they are, get worse, I suggest you let me examine you." With a notable reluctance, Gabriel gave way to Malinda's persistent need to care for him. He had noticed that Malinda was unusually calm about the whole situation, and sensed she was in a deep denial.

"I'm only trying to help, Gabriel. Please just let me. It's the least I can do for not realizing you were, well, you know." Finishing her search, Malinda confirmed that affliction was plaguing a majority of his body. Like her, Gabriel's legs were bleeding and severely sore. She gently placed a thin blanket over the prince, forcing him to be completely flat on the mattress. Regaining her spot on the edge of the bed, Malinda sat for several moments, in silence, until finally gathering up the courage to speak to Gabriel. "Does anyone else know about this? Your family, your friends... anyone?"

"No. Just you," responded Gabriel flatly. "And I would appreciate it if it stayed that way."

"But— never mind." Malinda stopped herself. Despite the numerous questions that were trapped in her mind, Malinda knew better than to continue a conversation, or rather argument, when her companion was recuperated somewhat. "I'm going to fetch you some bandages. I saw some in the bathroom. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No." Arising from the bed, Malinda patted Gabriel's stray hand. Twitching at the sensation of Malinda's skin upon his, he turned away from her, obviously in a huff. But Malinda chose to ignore the princes' child-like reaction, and instead decided to put aside her pride and concentrate on helping her ailed companion.

x

Sitting at his table, Benjamin looked on at the rest of the guests at the bridal shower. Cheery music had begun to play several minutes ago, and a number couples had started to dance. Benjamin stared at their faces and joyful expressions, realizing the envy in his heart. He finally understood the severity of what he witnessed. The woman who he had come to adore was with another man.

Still, unlike his past reactions to similar situations, Benjamin could only feel a profound remorse. Aimlessly twirling the remainder of his drink in his glass, he saw Gwen approach the table, accompanied by a countless number of entrees and meals. "Hello, Benjamin," said Gwen, a wide grin on her face. "I'm surprised to see you here all by yourself. I thought you would have found Kate by now. You know, you two are getting so close. And it's about time, too. My daughter needed to meet someone and soon..." Taking notice that Benjamin was uninterested in her rant, Gwen quickly changed the topic of discussion. "So, are you enjoying the party?"

"Oh yeah, it's a blast. I can hardly contain my excitement," responded Benjamin, clearly sarcastic. "I did find Kate, but she was off - um, talking to some people. I didn't want to disturb her. I'm sure she'll come around some time."

"Oh, well that's good. I'm sure Malinda and Gabriel would have been having a splendid time here, don't you think?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I'm going to the ladies' room. Feel free to take some food from my plate." As Gwen left, leaving behind her huge plate of deserts, a thought suddenly entered into Benjamin's mind. Malinda. Knowing his sister's knack for finding these things out, he assumed that she most likely knew Kate's secret. He then recalled their argument the previous night, and how she had tried to hint to him that Kate was being dishonest. "Once again, I am out-smarted by my kid sister. I hate it when she's right."

"Talking to yourself, Benny?" Gradually rising his head from its sagging position, he saw Kate standing before him, with a careless smile and twinkle in her eyes, as if absolutely nothing in the world was wrong. "You know that's not a good sign. If I hadn't known you better, I'd say you were going crazy," said Kate, a girlish giggle following her statement.

"Who knows, maybe I am going crazy," responded Benjamin, reverting back to his slouched manner.

"Oh stop, Benjamin. The party can't be that bad." As she made her way to sit beside him, Benjamin slowly began to let go all his growing resentment towards Kate. Now, Benjamin was becoming engulfed with the same feeling he had when he first layed eyes upon her, which brought a sadness to Benjamin's heart. "What's the matter? You seem so depressed. Are you bored? 'Cause if you are, we can leave this place. Maybe run off into the woods somewhere."

"You really like the woods, don't you? Just can't seem to keep away from them." Struck speechless by Benjamin's cold remark, Kate became greatly worried.

"Benjamin, what's wrong?"

"What really happened that night in the barn?" asked Benjamin, finally making eye contact with the lovely Kate.

"Oh, not that again. Is that what's been bothering you? I told you already. I was just--"

"Answer the question, Kate." Taken aback by Benjamin's angered tone of voice, Kate arose from her seat, seeing that Benjamin's mood was steadily getting worse.

"I think I'd better go. Talk to me when you're in a reasonable mood."

"Don't leave. We're gonna settle this tonight. I want you to tell me what you've been keeping from everyone." Standing face to face with Kate, the volume in his voice escalading, Benjamin stared into Kate's eyes, trying to get an answer.

"Please, Benjamin. People are starting to look this way. Now I know you might not care what everyone thinks of you, but I do. I won't have you making a scene. If you really want to discuss this, then I'll take you somewhere private, alright?" With a weak nod from Benjamin, Kate led the way. Taking his hand, Kate make her way towards an old shack that stood several feet from Annette's house. It provided a prime environment for an argument.

Once at their coveted location, Kate spoke. "This place is far enough from the party, but that doesn't mean they can't hear you if you start screaming. Now I know you're upset about that whole incident with your sister. But it's been blown way out of proportion. I'm begging you to please forget about it. Please believe me when I say that nothing happened."

"Nothing happened? That's not the way I remember it. In fact, you're the one who made this a big deal. You're the one who came crying to me, all distraught by what Malinda allegedly said to you. So don't try and change your story. Now I'm only going to ask you this one last time - what happened between you and my sister that night in the barn?"

"There's no need to use that tone of voice with me! I've told you plenty of times what happened. Why can't you just believe me?" Tired of Kate's stubbornness, Benjamin attempted a different approach. "What did Malinda say to you? We've only known you for, what, a few days? What could she possibly know that would get you all riled up the way you did?"

"She was acting the same way you are now. She just began accusing me of one deed after the other. Now I know we've only met recently, but I'd like to think that you'd both be able to give me the benefit of the doubt. It is, after all, the least you could do for sleeping in my home." Terribly frustrated, Kate began to walk back towards the party, disappointed in Benjamin's lack of trust. Seconds after Kate turned away, Benjamin decided to be direct with the woman who held his affections.

"Who was that man you were with earlier?" Kate was frozen in shock. For the entire duration of their dispute, Kate had hoped Benjamin was only following an assumption. Now her secret had been exposed to another person. Tears forming in the corner of her eyes, Kate looked over her shoulder, catching Benjamin's glare, then fixating her eyes on the dirt and grass below her. "H-how did you know a-about that?"

"I saw you about an hour ago, in the woods with a... a green man." Approaching the tearful Kate, Benjamin gently placed one hand on her shoulder, while the other pushed Kate's face to meet his. "Why didn't you tell me? Why did you make believe I had a chance with you? Why, Kate?"

"Because his life depends on me keeping this secret." Removing herself from Benjamin's grasp, Kate wiped her tears from her cheeks. "I'm sorry if I made you believe that I had romantic feeling for you. The truth of the matter is, I really do like you Benjamin, but I love him with all my heart. And if I made people think that we were together, then no one would be suspicious of me. I hope you can understand."

"Now I know I'm not exactly thrilled about you being with another man, but why is his life at risk?"

"You really are new here, aren't you? He's a goblin, Benjamin."

"And?"

"He's a traitor, a green menace, a Verde. His people are hated all across the 9 Kingdoms, and they are especially hated here. If people knew that someone like him was wandering around town, they would kill him without even giving a second thought. And they'd probably do the same to me." Kate spoke with a profound distress in her voice. Benjamin had no idea the severity of her secret. "Look, we really should be getting back to the party."

"Kate, look, I'm real sor—"

"Benjamin, don't. You have every right to be upset. But please, don't tell anyone. I can't stress that enough," said Kate, taking hold on Benjamin's hands. "And please tell that to Malinda, as well."

"Malinda? So she did know... Don't worry. You're secret's safe with me." With a reassuring smile, Kate and Benjamin made their way back to the festivities, both glad that they had resolved their argument.

xxxxxxx

Within her room in the 8th Kingdom, the Ice Queen lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling of her magnificent, frozen castle. Suddenly, she heard a knock on her door - surely it was one of her servants. The Queen reluctantly arose from her heavenly bed, marching towards the doorway. "I thought I told everyone that I was not to be disturbed. When did it ever occur to you that you were in some way special and an exception to my command?"

"I- I'm terribly sorry, my fair Queen, but I- I was sent t-to inform you that the invitations ha-have been sent out, as you asked," said the young man, frightened senseless.

"Is that all? That's hardly enough to disturb me and risk serious punishment, now is it. Fortunately for you, I am feeling lenient today. Now leave, before I change my mind." Listening to her suggestion, the man quickly walked across the grand hallway, on the verge of running, as he made his way towards the staircase, thankful to have been unharmed.

Shutting the door, the Ice Queen began to give further thought to the idea of organizing a party. She had planned a feast for her entire Kingdom, only, in hopes that they could rejoice in her revival. She had even planned to give her guests a surprise - something they would never have expected. Still, the Queen was uneasy about her decision, a feeling that was foreign to her. She would constantly think of the numerous ways things could make a turn for the worse. Fortunately, she had another scheme to fall back on. "I think it's time I get my other plot into motion," said the Ice Queen quietly to herself, as she once again rested on her bed, smiling.

xxxxxxx

Night had approached. Malinda stood hovering over the sink, washing many plates and cups. Gabriel had been sleeping for a couple of hours, and Malinda had since become extremely bored. Still, she couldn't complain. After taking care of her comrade, Malinda saw first-hand how badly his sudden illness was, and decided to suppress her bitterness towards the ailing prince and be a source of comfort instead.

Then, Malinda heard a loud knock on the door. Placing her final dish in the cupboard above her, Malinda made her way towards the door, hearing several additional, unnecessary knocks along the way. Upon opening it, she saw Benjamin and Kate, both obviously giddy and slightly tipsy. As for Gwen, she was a couple of feet behind them, clearly tired from nearly an entire day of partying. "Well it's about time you all go back."

"Oh, we weren't gone for that long, Malinda," said Benjamin, fluidly walking past his sister, with Kate following close behind.

"How was everything here? I trust you took good care of Gabriel," said Gwen, surprisingly calmer than other two, something Malinda thought she'd never witness.

"Gabriel is fine. Just fine."

"Well I brought him some cake from the party. It's his favorite - vanilla! He'll he so thrilled." Watching as Gwen paced towards the staircase, walking up the steps, Malinda took action, instantly blocking her path. "Um, I don't think that's such a good idea. He's sleeping right now, and I don't think we should disturb him. Besides, he has, uh… an upset stomach, and if you give him the cake now, he'll just throw it up later."

"Alright, if you say so." Backing away from the evasive Malinda, Gwen made her way to the kitchen. "I guess I'll just save this for tomorrow."

"So did you have fun here all by yourself?" asked Benjamin, taking a seat on a nearby rocking chair.

"Well?" Malinda descended the steps, her eyes focused on Kate, waiting for her response.

"What? Why are you looking at like that?"

"Aren't you going to make some clever remark about me being all alone with Gabriel, and having fun while you were gone?"

"As a matter of fact, no. I'm not in the mood to discuss your love life, Malinda. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go change." With her head held high, Kate brushed pass Malinda, not even giving her a second glance, as she went upstairs to her room.

"I think I'll go, too. Goodnight, you two," said Gwen, giving a sincere smile to the siblings and proceeding to the stairs. Once she was out of sight, Benjamin stood up and walked towards Malinda, clearly perturbed. "What's you're problem? You never quit, do you?"

"Here we go again. Benjamin, I don't like her, and I don't plan on trying to anytime soon. So just let it be."

"But she didn't even say anything to you. Why must you be so damn defensive all the time?"

"Please, Benjamin, I don't want to argue with you. I've had a rough day." Gathering the sheets from the closet, Malinda began to display them on the floor, as she had done many times before, making enough room for both her and her brother. "Just go to sleep. Things will be better in the morning."

"I'm not gonna let this go, Malinda. You need to fix things with Kate."

"Now why do I have to fix things? She's the one with the problem, not me. But oh, I forgot, you're not on my side, are you?" Sitting down on the blankets, Malinda heard Benjamin give out an exasperated sigh and his motioning footsteps against the hardwood floor. Shutting the door behind him, Malinda knew he had walked out on her, as he often did during one of their disagreements. Arising from the floor, she proceeded to follow her brother, if only to make things right.

x

Deciding to take a stroll towards the barn, Benjamin quickly walked away from the house, inhaling the cool night air, still consumed with Kate's secret. He had wondered if Malinda had told anyone; if she would ever be that irrational. And after their argument only moments ago, that notion became even more of a possibility. Reaching the side of the barn, Benjamin noticed the bright moon above him, immediately calming him down.

Then, Benjamin saw something from the corner of his eye. Turning around to face the barn wall, Benjamin could see a bright green message painted on it. Upon closer inspection, Benjamin read: Verde Lovers Will Not Be Tolerated. Benjamin knew what the message meant; what it referred to. Hearing the rustling of grass off in the distance, he could only assume it was Malinda. Coming closer to him, Malinda spoke.

"Look, Benjamin, I'm sorry about what happened back there. I didn't mean to blow up at you. I just can't stand her sometimes. I just wish you could understand..." Malinda paused, hearing an unfamiliar sound emanating her brother. "Benjamin, are you... are you growling?"

"Did you know about this?"

"About the message? Yeah, I knew. I meant to tell you tomorrow morning. I don't know what it could mean though." Looking on with Benjamin, Malinda saw his eyes had widened and were intensely fixated on the sentence.

"You told someone, didn't you?"

"What? What're you talking about? Told what?"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about. I know what the two of you were talking about that night. I know that you knew what Kate was hiding - I know too. Tell me you didn't tell anyone, Malinda."

"Benjamin, I didn't say a word to anyone. When did...When did you find out?"

"Kate told me herself. She also told me that her life and the life of that green man depended on her keeping this secret. No one can know about this, but I see it may already be too late."

"Well I didn't say anything."

"I want to believe you, Malinda, I really do. But I know how much you can't stand Kate, and..."

"Are you serious!? Are you seriously trying to tell me that you don't believe me?"

Silence.

"I've had enough. I cannot believe you! I'm your sister, Benjamin. If there's anyone you should be able to trust, it's me. I'm going to sleep. I don't care what you do." Marching away from Benjamin, infuriated beyond compare, Malinda made her way back inside the house, slamming the door upon entry.

As for Benjamin, he remained outside, staring at the message. All that went through his mind was Kate's involvement in this atrocity. Not only was it known that a goblin was roaming town, but someone knew enough to pin point Kate's house. Now all he was concerned with what Kate's safety and seeing to it that no one else find out about her secret.