Another update. Hope you like it.
Chapter 12
Kai couldn't believe his eyes. Standing before him was his mother who died half a year ago. She looked different with long dress; her hair was curly.
"Kai!"
Still in confusion, Kai was held in a tight hug. Marilyn started to cry. She released him and said, "I can't believe you're here. Here in Zentheera."
"Who are you?" Kai said, still puzzled.
"It's me, your mother." Marilyn once again took him in her arms.
"But...you're dead," Kai said.
"It's, uh, a bit difficult to explain," Marilyn said. "But I will explain everything to you."
"She is your mother?" the Queen looked disbelieved. "This woman?"
"Yes, Kai is my son," Marilyn said. "Wait, what are you doing here with her? Did she keep you here?"
The Queen crossed arms over chest. "No, I didn't."
"Yes, she did," Hinata said. "She kidnaped Kai and kept him in this castle." She stuck tongue out and hid behind Marilyn.
"Forgive me to interrupt, but I'm confused here," Asahi said. "Fairy godmother is your mother?"
"Fairy godmother?" Kai said in puzzle. Asahi and Hinata nodded. He turned to Marilyn. "You're a fairy?"
Marilyn grimaced and said, "Yes, darling. I am."
"You lied to your son, no surprising," the Queen mocked.
"Stay out from my family business," Marilyn bit back.
"You're in my castle," the Queen said. "Everything happens here is my business."
Kai stood between them. "I need explanation. Mom?"
Marilyn nodded. "Alright darling."
Hinata whispered to Jiro, "Complicated family relation, don't you think?" Jiro just gave a smile and nodded.
Kai led the way back to castle. He was still confused by the unexpected appearance of his dead mother.
Inside dining hall, Kai was listening to his mother's explanation. He didn't give any word or reaction since she started.
After got sent to another world, Marilyn was found by a Sister. Since then she stayed at convent. She lost her power; she can't use magic. It was a month later that she met Kai's father when he visited the convent. He worked for insurance company and at the time the convent was under reconstruction. His father thought Marilyn was one of sisters but after knowing that she wasn't, he started to ask her out. She wished to return to Zentheera but there was no way. She had lost her power; she couldn't open a portal. It was unexpected to her. S he never knew that transporting to another world would change her identity. She had turned into an ordinary woman. She then decided to accept him. After a year of dating they got married because she was carrying Kai.
The newborn baby ushered in the start of her new life. She became a mother. She could no longer spark magic, but she could make spark in her tiny baby's eyes with her love. She was given another life.
However, she had no clue about the rule: she could only live for limited time.
"The accident didn't kill me Kai," Marilyn said. "It's my time to return to Zentheera. I never knew about it, otherwise I won't accept your father."
"Did…" Kai started, "…he know?"
Marilyn shook head lowering gaze. "I couldn't tell him. I don't know if he could believe me. I have nothing to prove about myself. So I never tell him."
"Do you know how sad he was? He's changed." Kai shook head as tear welled up. "Though he always smiles, but he isn't better than me."
Marilyn smiled. "He's bad at lying." Kai held gaze on his hands. "I'm sorry for keeping this from both of you. Will you forgive me?"
"I…" Kai rose from his chair. "I need to sleep now." He then walked toward door.
"Kai," Marilyn called. She rubbed her forehead sighing. "What should I do?"
Kai headed his room. He stopped when he saw the Queen standing in front of his door.
"Are you done?"
Kai nodded. "I'll have some rest for a while." He was surprised when she took his hand.
"You need company?"
Kai's eyes widened. He misunderstood the word. "N-No need, I'm fine…"
"I mean for a talk. Why, you're thinking another thing right now?"
"No." Kai cleared his throat in embarrassment. "Well, I don't mind a company." He took her hand and they disappeared.
Moment later they were at tower top. Kai leaned against window frame looking out. He said, "She lied to me. I thought she was dead."
The Queen pursed her lips. Another time she would love to give bad comment about fairy godmother, but now she couldn't. She took his side. "I'm sorry."
"I don't know what to feel. Should I feel angry or happy?"
"I suggest the latter." When he turned to her, she continued, "You thought you've lost her but you didn't. She's here, alive."
"And a fairy."
"Amazing, right?"
"Ray,"
"I'm sorry." She took his hand holding it. "I know you're angry, but I also know how happy you are. Don't try to deny it. You are."
"You're right."
"I've lost my family and I'd never get it back. Now you got the chance to have your family back. Don't miss it Kai." She caressed his cheek. "Trust me I'd love to kick her out of my castle."
"She's my mother."
"You say it." She was surprised when Kai leaned to hug her. She put arms around him and said, "Don't be sad. I don't want to see you sad."
"Thanks," he said. "Thanks a lot. I'm glad you're here."
The Queen put chin over Kai's head. At the moment the word she wanted to say was stuck inside her throat. She shut eyes instead.
Asahi and Hinata were listening as Marilyn told the story of another world. They were amazed by it. "I wish could see it myself. Must be amazing," Hinata said.
"I'm still amazed that Kai has fairy godmother as mother," Asahi said.
Kiku said, "No wonder he has magic."
"He what?" Asahi and Hinata said in unison.
"He has magic," Kiku said.
Marilyn was surprised as well. "Magic is inherited. It must be from me."
Hinata said, "We all can use magic. It's awesome!"
"I must see it myself," Marilyn said and walked out.
Asahi left her chair approaching Jiro. He was cutting apple with knife. She shook head when he offered a cut. "How is your arm?" They met a chimera inside forest and he injured his arm when protected her.
"Just a scratch. Not bad."
"Someone's trying to impress a girl," Kiku teased.
"Shut up." Jiro put the knife back to his belt. "I'm going to check the horse."
"Oh, okay," Asahi said.
"Did I miss something here?" Hinata said. "I feel different atmosphere."
"There's nothing," Asahi said and took back her chair. Kiku gave knowing smile while Hinata narrowed eyes. "I just thought he's a nice man," she shrugged, "but he doesn't like to talk."
Kiku let out a laugh. "I've lived with him for twenty years but the longest conversation we've had was five minutes."
"You like that kind of man?" Hinata said.
"I don't say I like him." Asahi stood up abruptly. "I'll look for Kai and fairy godmother."
"I know you like him!" Hinata shouted and laughed.
"She's shy. Just like him," Kiku said.
"How about you?" Hinata's eyes sparkled as she sat beside Kiku.
"How about me what?"
"I'm asking if you have someone you like."
Kiku rose from her chair. "There's none."
"Seriously? You're pretty and nice. Men would like to have you as partner."
"Sadly I can't."
Hinata knitted her brows. "What do you mean?" She held her breath as Kiku leaned down. "Because I have no heart. I can't feel love." Kiku then left Hinata alone.
"That's…really sad."
The Queen was inside her reading room, hunching over bunch of books.
"Where is it? I remember have it together with these books."
Bitting her lower lip, she looked over the desk. She couldn't find it. After Marilyn came, she was curious about the world where Kai was coming from. She had come across a book which mentioned non-magical world. She never showed any interest in them but now she regretted that she didn't read it.
"Where's that damn book." She sighed in frustration. There was knocks and Jiro came in.
"My Queen," Jiro said.
"Yes." The Queen kept looking through.
"You have a guest, my Queen."
It took her attention. "Who is it?" She watched as Prince Katsuyuki walked in. He gave a bow. "To what do I owe this pleasure, Your Highness?"
"I have something important to talk with you," Katsuyuki said.
The Queen raised an eyebrow and turned to Jiro. He took the cue. She then approached Katsuyuki. "How do you get to know this castle?"
"I saw the knight. I followed them," Katsuyuki said. "But I promise will keep it secret."
She put hand on waist stepping toward him. "And you think I'd believe you? After being humiliated in front of many people by your stupid father?"
"I'm sorry for that."
"Why would you?" She spun and walked back to reading desk. "Anyway, you have important thing to talk."
"They will declare a war. The King and Saeko."
"War?" she said in calm tone. "And they need my help?" she snorted. "I have no mood for a battle. You can tell them to ask someone else." She was about to sit over her chair when he said, "They will attack this castle."
If the Queen was surprised, she didn't show it. "They want to attack my castle?"
"That's what I heard. They want to destroy you."
She turned around and stood before him. "I bet they have the plan ready. And one of the plans is putting you on my side so you can attack me, isn't it?"
"No. I come here to…"
She pushed him against wall, holding him by neck. "You think I'm stupid?" she hissed. "I won't fall into your trick. You will return to your father and tell them: I have no fear."
He took her hand while trying to breathe in. "Y-You have to trust me." His face turned red. "I want…to…help you."
She was taken aback. "You will help me?" He nodded quickly. "Why?" He opened mouth but couldn't speak. She finally released him.
Katsuyuki sucked in deep breath while coughing. His face slowly turned to normal color.
"Tell me a reason why you want to help me?"
"I couldn't follow them anymore." She gave skeptical look and he continued, "You may not believe me, but I want to help you."
"You know that I could kill you," she said. He nodded. "She's more powerful than me. If they know you come to my side, you will lose your throne."
"I don't care if I lose my chance to be King."
She took a step and looked into his eyes. "Why could possibly make you throw everything to help me?"
"Don't get it wrong, I just want people here live in peace. No more no less."
She raised an eyebrow in annoyance. "I didn't ask about that."
He chuckled. "If I ask you to be my partner, will you accept me?"
She snorted. "In your dream."
"Because you have him already, am I right?"
It made her smile. "Your proposal is accepted."
"You accept me?"
She nodded. He flashed bright smile and took her shoulders. She pushed him by chest. "Don't ever do that again."
"I'm sorry, it's my bad habit," he said sheepishly. "I will send message if they start the plan."
"You shall give them to Jiro."
"Alright," he said. "I will take my leave." He gave a bow before heading door.
She leaned against desk sighing.
Kai walked in. "Is that the prince? What was he doing here?"
"Just a talk."
"Oh," Kai said. He stood by shelf instead of her side. "I heard something about proposal," he tilted head slightly, "I passed by and heard it."
"Yes, he proposed to me."
"He did?" Kai turned to the Queen. "And you…what did you say?"
"I say yes." She was confused as Kai lost his word. "What's wrong?"
"You accept his proposal. I thought you…you like me?"
"Hold on, what are you talking about?"
"You've accepted his proposal. You will marry him."
She couldn't help a laugh. It confused him more. "You're getting it wrong. We didn't talk about marriage. I won't marry him. Never."
He looked at her skeptically. "Is it true?"
She nodded taking his arm. "I swear." He licked his lips, embarrassed. "You're jealous, aren't you?" This time he didn't make any excuse. "He told me that Saeko and the King are planning to attack this castle. He reveals this to me and will help me."
"You mean…?"
She said, "There will be war."
"What they want?"
"What else? They want my life."
"We have to stop them. I won't let them hurt you."
"That's why he comes so we can stop their plan. You don't need to worry. Even if the war breaks, I'll make sure you're in the safest place."
"There's no way I will leave you. I will fight too. I will protect you."
"You?" She giggled. "Do you know how to handle sword?" He lowered gaze shaking head. "Jiro will teach you."
"Really?"
She took his face and kissed his lips. He immediately returned the kiss. His hand held her waist as he deepened the kiss. There was no hesitation now. He took the lead, moving his lips against her. She loved his soft and firm lips.
He pushed her to sit over desk. His hands moved up to hold her jaw. The sound of his increased breath turned her on.
Blast of energy shook the air, finally breaking the kiss. They looked at each other and chuckled.
"You're getting better," she said as he leaned head down over her.
"Well, I have enough practice."
She pinched his belly. He pulled her in his arms. They held each other for a while.
"It's the time for the second favor," she said softly.
He pushed her a little and took her chin. "I will be your knight. I will protect you." She shut eyes as he kissed her forehead.
There was one favor left now.
Jiro was teaching Kai how to use sword all afternoon. Kai had never done swordplay before, to his surprise it was more difficult than he had thought. His shirt soaked with sweat. He wiped sweat off face gripping wooden stick in hand.
"Use your wrist. Raise your arm."
Kai swayed his sword. Jiro fended off. He winced when Jiro hit his back.
"You're slow Kai. One more time."
"Again?" Kai brushed his damped hair. Apparently Jiro was a real master when comes to swordplay. Jiro was still breathing calmly. "Give me minute."
"You can't ask a break during battle Kai."
"This isn't battle," Kai said.
"You are trained for a battle," Jiro said. "So take this as a battle. Now raise your sword."
"It's a wooden stick," Kai muttered. He raised it nonetheless. They restarted the practice.
"Keep going Kai, you're doing great!"
Kai turned and saw Asahi, Hinata and Kiku stood by stairs watching them. From second floor the Queen was looking down at him. He smiled. Jiro took the chance and hit his head. "Hey!"
"Stay focused Kai. If you're in battle, you've died already."
"This is just a practice," Kai grumbled. Jiro raised his eyebrow. "Fine, you want a battle huh?"
Kai stepped out swaying his stick. He moved it down to attack from side. This time he was fast. Jiro lost his balance.
"Finally you're in fire."
"Yeah, I am." Kai fended off Jiro's attack. He moved aside swaying his stick. He was aware of attention he got from the girls. Especially from the Queen.
"Don't use too much energy," Jiro said.
"I'm keeping it," Kai said bending his back. He put the stick on one side then moving to another side. He flashed smile toward Jiro. Jiro seemed to know Kai's intention. He increased his pace.
Kai put foot behind balancing his body. He felt the hit become heavier. His hands were hurt but he kept moving the stick to defend himself. By now Jiro was pushing him back, taking the lead.
Jiro let out a roar and swayed his stick. It hit Kai's and broke it into two. Kai's eyes widened as Jiro pointed the stick right before his eyes.
"Never try to impress someone in a battle," Jiro said. He lowered the stick. "Let's continue tomorrow morning. Don't be late."
"I told you this is just a damn practice!" Kai said. Jiro kept walking toward castle. "Ouch, my hands." His palms and fingers were red. He held back the pain looking up. The Queen was gone. Sighing he walked toward the girls.
Kai was inside his room. He put shirt on and brushed hair. His hands were still hurt and trembling. He wished there was ice in the fairytale land. He laid brush over desk heading bed. He thought to rest in his room until dinner.
He was about to lie down when gray smoke appeared.
"How is your practice?"
Kai lightened up to see the Queen. She looked gorgeous in black evening gown. "Well, quite tired." She giggled. She sat on the bed beside him. She noticed his trembled hands and took it.
"You hurt your hands."
"Not really hurt," Kai said. She looked up at him and cocked head. "Maybe a little."
Kai held his breath for a moment as she lifted his hands to her mouth. "Is that a cure?"
"No, I just want to kiss your hand."
Kai narrowed his eyes. She giggled. He wanted to pull hands back but she held them. She then brushed a hand over them. Suddenly he felt no pain. "You cured it."
"You think I will leave you in pain?"
"Actually yes," he teased. She slapped his thigh playfully. "You look beautiful tonight."
"Just tonight?"
He chuckled. "Every day."
"Thanks," she said. "I'm trying to catch someone's eyes."
"Jiro told me not to impress someone during battle. He's a bit strict." She let out short laugh nodding. "He is. He's knight after all."
"He's indeed a knight," Kai said. "I wonder though. How long has he been with you?"
"Since I'm trapped here. Twenty years."
"He'd give his life to you. I thought it's kind of…" he trailed off.
"Kind of?"
Kai lowered his gaze. "You know," he looked up at her, "love."
"Love?"
"I thought…perhaps he loves you." Although he wished it wasn't but there was possibility.
"Are you jealous that I have another man closed to me?"
'Am I jealous of him closed to her?' Kai sighed. "I don't know. Maybe."
"Maybe?" she teased.
"Tell me who is he?"
"A knight," she said with smile.
"I know he is a knight." Kai was getting annoyed. And jealous. "Why is he here? With you for twenty years. Didn't he have family or girlfriend, or wife?"
"He's here to protect me. He's been my eye, my ear. He has devoted his life to me."
Kai rose to feet. "See? It's love. What else makes a man devote his life to a woman?"
"Then you're right. He loves me."
Her smile just increased Kai's annoyance. She then started to giggle. "I'm just teasing you. I can assure you there is no love." she said.
"How do you know? He's been with you for two decades. Long before I was even born into this world." Kai folded arms over chest.
"If you don't believe my word," she shrugged, "there's nothing I can do."
The Queen stood up but Kai pushed her back onto bed. He held her hands against matrass as he kissed her. They fought for dominance for a while before he won it.
Kai broke the kiss. "I never felt jealousy for anyone before." She didn't say a word. He saw tears welling up in her eyes. "Hey, why are you crying?"
"I'm sorry I have lied to you."
"What are you talking about?"
"I can't feel love Kai."
Kai was dumbfounded. He didn't know what to say. "But you…why?" His jaw dropped as his brain processed it. "You mean you didn't feel anything? When we kiss, every time?"
The Queen shook her head. Tears started to make its way out. "I'm sorry."
"Is it a spell? It means we can break it, right?" Kai once again took her lips. This time he kissed her passionately. He caught her hands when she tried to push him away. He didn't want to stop until he could break the spell.
Her soft cry finally stopped him.
"Did you feel it? Please tell me you feel it."
"I'm sorry Kai. I'm so sorry."
It was like something hit his chest. The guilty in those beautiful eyes only increased the pain. Couldn't hold it anymore, he left her crying still over bed and walked out the room.
He had failed in his first love.
Thank you for reading :)
