Milori stared at the two photos before him. One was of his sister wearing her silver crown and the other of his best friend Goliath in his armor. Both Altaria and Goliath loved each other anyway, and they never properly mourned his death and right now felt like as good a time as any.

"Hallelujah..." Milori whispered. He certainly wasn't happy about of Altaria's death, but in doing so she was set free. The mark was removed and maybe in the afterlife she would be happy and be able to love once again.

There was the sound of clanking and the owl king turned around. Soldiers decked in armor carried a silver coffin towards him. Behind then were other subjects who were finding way to their perches. They all began to hum as they watched the ceremony take place. Those who did not hum were holding back tears to the best of their abilities, but a few tears escaped many.

The silver coffin was set down and the soldiers awaited their next command. "Open it!" Milori ordered. One of the owls stepped forward, Tobias. He wore silver chest plate with the royal crest across it. This symbolized him having the highest rank in the army other than the King and Queen. Tobias was nearly the same age as Milori's father, but when Phoebus told of how much he cared for Altaria, he did not mean a father daughter relationship.

Tobias opened the coffin and the soldiers went to their posts around the room, but their general remained by his king's side. Milori stared down at his sister and remembered the look of sureness in her eyes when she knew she would die fighting him. It broke him thinking of how she stared into his eyes, searching for a sign of his innocence.

Phoebus lightly landed beside him and Milori took a step back. He was expected to make some form of speech. "Words cannot describe Altaria."

"Queen Altaria, may she rest in peace!" the owls all chanted.

"You all knew her, so there is nothing I can say that she hasn't said before. So, with that being said, I ask that you all join me in song as we mourn over my sister with the song we always sing when one of our people has moved beyond our world, like our queen now has."

"Queen Altaria, may she rest in peace!"

"I've heard there was a secret chord. That David played, and it pleased the Lord, but you don't really care for music, do you?"

"It goes like this. The fourth, the fifth. The minor fall, the major lift. The baffled king composing, Hallelujah," Phoebus joined in.

"Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah," the two brothers sang.

"Your faith was strong but you needed proof. You saw her bathing on the roof. Her beauty in the moonlight overthrew you," Phoebus glanced over to Tobias as the room filled with song, "She tied you to a kitchen chair. She broke your throne, and she cut your hair. And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah"

"Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah."

"Baby I have been here before. I know this room, I've walked this floor. I used to live alone before I knew you. I've seen your flag on the marble arch. Love is not a victory march. It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah." Milori thought of Clarion as he sang this.

"Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah. There was a time when you let me know. What's really going on below. But now you never show it to me, do you? And remember when I moved in you, the holy dove was moving too. And every breath we drew was Hallelujah." Milori's breathing became jagged as he tried to hold back tears, but he couldnt take it anymore.
he left the hall and flew down towards the courtyard and the pouring rain.

"Clarion, I'm sorry!" Milori shouted, "I'm sorry for everything! And now that I say it you can't even hear me... You probably don't even remember who I am and it's all my fault! I'm sorry!" Tears dropped onto his feathers.

"Milori," the voice that spoke almost sounded like his father, but when Milori turned he saw his brother. He nearly tackled Phoebus to the ground when he hugged him.

"I'm sorry! I'm a monster! I have ruined everything... And I have everything to show for it!"

"Milori, you are a good King, terrible, absolutely horrid suitor though."

"Yes I know."

"You miss her don't you?"

"Yes, and I know it's only been a few days, but I didn't think any of this through. Maybe I just needed some time to myself surrounded by my people."

"Are the fairies not your people as well?"

Milori let out a sigh, "I don't know anymore."

"If that is how you feel, but I think you will know better once the fairies have all awoken."

"You're probably right."

Late that night Milori was in the library. Rain slept peacefully in the window with Phoebus beside her, providing warmth to her. They kept quiet and this seemed to be the only place in the castle where it was quiet. Milori stared into the magic mirror that now had the image of Clarion sleeping. She moved the covers aside in her sleep, exposing her bare shoulder. He focused on the bruises and scratches there.

"You know, she awoke once already," Phoebus said as he landed beside him.

"You've been watching my love... And yes I was aware."

"She asked for you... It seems Amadeus' little charm didn't work."

"No, it had to have worked. When she wakes up she'll have no idea who I am!"

A quiet noise was made behind them, signaling Phoebus that his lady had awoken. "And what if does?" The prince flew back over to the window.

What if Clarion did remember me? Only one thought crowded his head. I will return to her.


For everyone asking about my other stories, I will get back to them when I am done with this story. There are two chapters left and Milori will do something you've all been asking for for a while.

Because I am almost done with this story, I want suggestions. I want to know what you like about my writing and what could be better. I also want ideas for the sequel, I'll give you a hint on the plot... It involves Captain James.