My Sister's Keeper

by GradGirl2010

After seven long years, Lydia, an ambitious Sorceress and older sister to Sofia, has returned to Enchancia. Come to live her family - old and new. Her presence has Cedric fuming. His goal to take over the kingdom has yet another obstacle. And, so long as he threatens her family, Lydia intends to stay there. No matter what the Royal Sorcerer has to throw at her.

5. Sick Day

Sick Day

Hey. Glad to be back. Let's give a quick recap!

($)

Lydia, A second in her class honor graduate from Sorcery school, returns to the Kingdom of Enchancia with her pet and partner Owl, Eezeyal, and announces to her Sister, Sofia, and her mother, Miranda, that now that she has graduated from school she is now staying in Enchancia. After her sister vanishing at the end of every summer for seven years, Sofia was overjoyed to have Lydia back.

Cedric, after a tense altercation upon her arrival, found Lydia to be yet another nuisance in his way for kingdom domination and deemed her an innocuous obstacle. Wormwood voiced his disdain for the girl as well. But thanks to the Earrings of Thornberry she wears, she heard Wormwood scoff at her and simply replied, "Thank you, Wormwood." The reply startled both Cedric and Wormwood, and demanded further investigation.

After she settled in, Lydia became the target of Amber's jealousy. A jealousy brought by a sudden sense of being...replaced by someone who disappears by summers end. So to see if she was all she was fussed at to be, Amber proposed a duel between Lydia and Cedric. A duel that was to take place on Friday. Roland and Miranda thought it would be a grand idea, seeing as Lydia declined a ball. In truth, it was Amber's way of proving to Sofia that Lydia wasn't all she seemed. That her time away was nothing but a waste of time. Lydia accepted, but refused to be baited by her new stepsister. Instead she decided to go along with the game.

Later on, to Amber's surprise, she learned Lydia didn't want to be a sorceress. If anything she wanted to be Sofia's sister. Be there for her when she needed her. Now she had that chance and wanted to make amends. And it was made all the better by James and Amber being in her life. The young princess felt guilty now. She had built a mountain out of mole hill because of her jealousy. And it was too late to take it back.

Late one night, Cedric put the entire castle to sleep with a flower called the Sleeping Poppy. Unbeknownst to him, Lydia wasn't where she was supposed to, and was able to intervene on his attempt to steal the Amulet of Avalor from Sofia. Lydia managed to get it, but Cedric made even greater attempts to get it back, resulting in Lydia and Cedric engaging in a pre-duel, ending in Lydia falling unconscious and becoming Cedric's prisoner.

Eventually Eezeyal broke the charm on the castle with Screeching Jelly Beans and woke everyone up, leaving Cedric with a choice. He could stay and explain what happened, or play innocent victim and they both keep their mouths shut about what happened? The latter was not appealing, but better than the alternative.

Now Lydia and Cedric are in each other's sights and were locked on indefinitely. Both aware of the danger they possess towards one another, and both were intent on ensuring the other that they weren't going to bowl over anytime soon.

Lydia - a threat to Cedric and his goal for kingdom domination. Cedric - a threat to Lydia and her Family. Now it was a game. Chess and poker to be precise. What moves did they have planned? How many aces were up their sleeves? And which sorcerer was going to concede?

($)

"BAH!" Cedric roared. He crashed a beaker on the ground. Wormwood was startled from his slumber. "BOILS AND HANG NAILS!" Cedric kicked over a cauldron. Wormwood flew on top of the bookshelf. It was still pretty early in the morning. Possibly…3:00am. Several hours after Cedric and Lydia dueled. So luckily everyone – including Lydia – was asleep and unaware of Cedric's rage fit. "I knew that girl would be a nuisance!" He roared rabidly. "Like an incessantly barking dog or the cat tha' scratches the furniture!" Minor annoyances that could be blown over. "But NEVER did I imagine she would become such a stubborn obstacle, li'erally, overnight!"

"CAW!" Wormwood trilled angrily, flapping his wings.

Cedric stroked his thumb and finger down his chin with a pensive expression. "Indeed Wormy." He mumbled gruffly. "How I will enjoy shaming that novice wand waver on Friday!" He growled with a hiss, clenching his fingers into tight, vengeful fists. "She will rue the day she ever raised her wands against me!"

"CAW-AH!" Wormwood called out adamantly.

"Yes, yes, I know!" Cedric maoned. "It would be dangerous to underestimate her again." He drew his wand from his sleeve, tapping the tip thoughtfully. "But it will be even more dangerous not to deal with her now." Wormwood bobbed his head. "The only question is how." He scratched his head with his wand tip. "How do you deal with a just out of school sorceress?"

"AW!" Wormwood perched himself onto Cedric's wand and tapped his foot.

"Brilliant idea, Wormy!" He congratulated. "I'll put little miss Honor Student's magic to the test. I'll need to ascertain information on her strengths and weaknesses if I am to proceed." He rushed over to his spell book and threw it open. "Let's see if her magic will be up to snuff with mine come Friday." He chuckled madly to himself, cackling like a mad doctor. Wormwood joined in on the laughter, finding it contagious. "She may have come up with decent little parlor tricks on the fly last night…" He rumbled, flipping through the pages, "But any sorcerer worth their salt can cast those spells when they have time to prepare." Turning Wormwood into stone and making copies of him, her defensive and offensive magic – all school house, routine tricks compared to what more experienced sorcerers are capable of. "Let's see her work with a stuffy nose."

($)

Morning finally came around after what seemed like an eternal night. The sun literally lit up the sky with its warm rays, glazing over the land below. A gentle breeze wafted through the trees, carrying freshness into the village of Dunwity, and the Castle of Enchancia.

As per his job, Baileywick awoke the Royal Family to the bright and beautiful morning. He reported to the king of the proclamations and other businesses he and Miranda needed to attend to during their day. The servants helped them into their daily attire.

Lydia, slightly worn out from the previous night, chose to remain in her uniform wear. She was more comfortable in a skirt than she was a dress. Dresses never appealed to her. But what appealed to her less was letting it be known she and Cedric nearly destroyed the castle last night, and Sofia was nearly hurt. She was willing to play nice in front of them. But the second Cedric stepped out of line…

Breakfast was served the second Roland and his family sat down at the table. Freshly made pancakes topped with strawberries and maple syrups, eggs, and orange juice. Nothing too fancy, but just good enough for their day. Especially since everyone's going to be home for the day.

"Really?" Lydia questioned, holding her fork of pancakes inches from her mouth. "You guys were given the day off?" She asked Amber, James, and Sofia.

"Yup." James answered with a mouthful of pancakes. "Duh Head Mis'resses gabe us duh day off."

"James!" Roland scolded him firmly.

"Sorry." He drank some orange juice to swallow his food.

"Did they say why?" Lydia asked.

"No." Amber answered. "We just received these letters early this morning saying that school would be closed for today, tomorrow, and the weekend."

"That is my fault." Roland took the blame with the raise of a hand. "The neighboring kingdoms around us learned of your arrival after it spread throughout Enchancia you had arrived." He elucidated steadily, hoping he hadn't overstepped his boundaries. "As such they were also told of your duel between you and Cedric." Lydia's eyes widened in surprise. And there was a hint of fear in her eyes. Cedric was enough of a challenge last night. Had she not struck a deal with Cedric, she would have told her family they already had their duel. Amber suddenly felt a strong loss of appetite. Possibly brought on by guilt. She proposed this duel out of jealousy and spite. But now…she was having second thoughts. "The Head Mistresses of Royal Prep have agreed to be Judges and Spectators to this event." Lydia swallowed nervously. Cedric pulverized her last night. What would he do during their duel tomorrow? Especially now that both were painfully aware the opposition they pose. "I hope you are not displeased. I didn't mean-"

"No! No!" Lydia blurted. "You haven't!" Her cheeks were red. She tucked strands of hair behind her ear, panting as her mind returned to reality. "I just…didn't expect this to become such a spectacle." She partially lied. In truth she didn't want half the kingdom and the three next-door to see her get her wand handed to her. "I mean…this isn't my inauguration or anything."

"No it's not." Miranda agreed tenderly. "But it is going to be Roland's way of welcoming you into the family." Lydia arched a brow. "I was given a wedding to greet me into the family. Sofia was given a ball. This duel will be your welcome."

"That makes sense." Lydia smiled. But she still couldn't fight the sensation of dread pulling at her. Unfortunately she couldn't back out. From the sounds of things the duel was going to be a big event. To cancel now-

"Why don't we just have a ball?" Amber suggest suddenly. There was a small bit of sweat dripping down her brow. "I mean…it wouldn't be such a bad thing to change it now…would it?"

"I'm afraid so." Roland answered grimly. "It would be too premature to cancel now."

"Oh…I see…" Amber dropped her head. She groaned sickly. Lydia understood the somber expression on her sister. She was the one who proposed it. Sofia, James, Miranda, and Roland on the other hand were baffled by her attitude.

"Amber…" Miranda hummed, putting a hand to Amber's shoulder, "Sweetheart…" The young girl tensed. Lydia found herself growing nervous as well. "Is everything-"

"SCREEEE!" A shrill animal screech pierced the awkward silence. Miranda and Roland jumped. "EEEEEK!" Sofia and James glanced in opposite directions, trying to figure out where the sound came from. Lydia and Amber were actually relieved, but bothered by the sound.

"HEY! OOH! GET OUT!" Baileywick's voice echoed from outside the banquet hall. Everyone turned to the main door to the hall. Baileywick was heard grunting and groaning, struggling against…what sounded like...quarreling animals?

The door burst open. "YOU STUPID RODENT!" Eezeyal howled.

"FEATHER DUSTER!" A rabbit roared.

Lydia and Sofia jumped from their chairs, gaping in shock. Sofia's rabbit friend, Clover, and Eezeyal came tumbling into the banquet hall, wrestling like violent animals. Go figure. A blue bird and robin came flying in with Baileywick, all gaping in horror. Eezeyal's wings flapped so violently his feathers came loose. He swatted his talons, trying to get Clover away from him. Clover pounded his little paws into Eezeyal's beak. His buck teeth bit into Eezeyal's wing.

"TAKE THAT!" Clover bucked his feet and kicked Eezeyal off and onto the dining table. He splashed into a bowl of syrup. James and Amber threw their hands up, blocking the splatters of syrup. Eezeyal inspected the syrup dripping from his wings with disgust. He hated maple. "BOO-YAA!" Clover jumped onto the table and charged. "Taste mah bunny fury!"

Eezeyal furrowed his fuzzy brow. "SHOVE IT, COTTON-TAIL!" He shoveled syrup into his wing and launched it. The syrup splashed into Clover's face, knocking the rabbit on his back. James hooted and cheered them on. Roland watched the animals in revulsion. "PAH! Bunny fury dead on its back!" Eezeyal spat derisively.

"GRR!" Clover swiped the syrup from his face. "GAH!" Clover tackled Eezeyal. The syrup bowl spilled over. Amber and Miranda gasped appallingly. The bird and rabbit rolled over the table, knocking over the glasses of orange juices, spilling the food.

"Your Majesties, I am at a loss for words!" Baileywick gasped.

"EZEE!" Lydia roared.

"CLOVER! STOP IT!" Sofia demanded.

Roland leapt from his chair. Eezeyal and Clover bounced off his sit and onto the floor. "Sofia! Lydia!" Roland blurted. "Take care of these too at once!" He commanded.

"Yes sir!" Lydia ran over.

"Right away, dad!" Sofia grabbed Clover, while Lydia grabbed Eezeyal and both pulled. Fur and feathers were stuck to Clover and Eezeyal from the syrup. "We…" Sofia winced. She then looked back at the table. The table cloth was stained, syrup and juice was dripping to the ground, and everyone's clothes were stained. "Um…should we help?" She asked gingerly.

"No, no." Baileywick raised hand. "The servants and I will handle this." He assured her. Suzette and Marcy ran in with other servants, tending to the Royals. "You two tend to them."

"In that case," Lydia held Eezeyal by the scruff of his neck, "Let's go you two." Lydia ordered. "Time for a bath." Sofia and Lydia marched to the other door. Clover and Eezeyal hissed quietly at one another.

"Well…" Miranda huffed, "That was…interesting."

"I wonder what's gotten into them." James remarked. Amber shrugged her hands.

($)

"YOU STARTED IT!" Clover howled, thrashing about as Sofia washed him in a tub. "You ate the mouse in the garden!"

"I'm 'n owl, ya overgrown stuffed animal!" Eezeyal shrieked. His gritty cowboy accent ripped into Clover. Lydia stroked his feathers out in a tub. "I eat mice and I eat fruit! And someone was hogging the fruit in the garden!"

"Hey! I was hungry!"

"Even 'n elephant has more restraint!"

"ALRIGHT THAT'S ENOUGH!" Sofia blurted. Eezeyal and Clover froze. "Blame is shared between the both of you!" Lydia locked her attention to her sister, then to her Amulet. She arched a brow when she noticed it glow for a brief moment. Lydia and Eezeyal discovered, last night, that Sofia's Amulet was the famed Amulet of Avalor. It was said to possess powerful magic. Lydia wondered if she was witnessing one of the charms it possessed. "Honestly!" Sofia scrubbed hard into Clover's scalp. "Who got to eat what is the least of your guys' worries. You guys totally destroyed the table."

Lydia furrowed her brow intently. Can she understand these two? "It wasn't mah fault!" Clover snapped. "That rat with wings started it!" Lydia's suspicions were confirmed. The answer was too precise to be a chance understanding. They do understand each other. She looked to the Amulet again. I wonder if she can talk to all animals or just the rabbit.

"This rat with wings is an omnivore." Lydia remarked. "He eats both meat and fruit." She sneered a raised brow to her owl, "But eating a mouse in front of a rabbit? Really? A little decorum on your part couldn't hurt." Eezeyal bounced his wings together bashfully. His feathery cheeks flushed pink.

"Ha-ha-ha!" Sofia giggled. "I know." She shuddered, "That's gro-" She stopped for a moment. "Wait?" Sofia gaped at Lydia who was smiling menacingly. "You…" Her rising question faded as she thought back to the other day. During her tour through the castle, Lydia and Eezeyal seemed to have their own private conversation when Eezeyal asked for some fruit. She wondered if Lydia could understand him. "Lydia? Can you hear Eezeyal?"

"And Clover." She pointed to her neck, "It would seem you can hear them both as well." She remarked teasingly. "That Amulet of yours is something special." Sofia touched a hand to her Amulet. Lydia touched a feigned ignorance finger to her chin. "How does it go again, Ezee?"

"Fur each deed performed, fur better or worse," Sofia and Clover eyed Eezeyal and Lydia in awe, "A power is granted – a blessin' or curse."

"I'm guessing your power granted is talking to animals." Lydia assumed.

"Y-Yeah." Sofia stammered, unsure of why she was scared. "But how did you know? I never told you."

"Eezeyal told me last night. He remembered your Amulet from a book we read while I was in school." All lies, but there was no way she'd tell Sofia how she really found out.

"Okay…" Sofia hummed. "But I don't see an amulet on you. How can-" Lydia touched her earring. Sofia stopped. That time Eezeyal spoke into Lydia's ear. "You can understand animals too."

"The Earrings of Thornberry let me do just that." Lydia stroked the dampened Eezeyal. "How else do you think I got through to such a stubborn bird? Bird seed and worm?"

"Not tha' you didn't try." Eezeyal mumbled. Lydia poured water over his head. He was not amused. "Point taken." A bright grin pinged on Lydia's face. She lifted him from the tub.

Sofia giggled. "You both are terrible."

Lydia found the laughter contagious. "Terrible is what Roland has planned." She ran warm water down Eezeyal's back. "After what you guys did to the dining hall, Roland's going to boot you both outside!"

"OUTSIDE?!" Clover gasped. "BUT…IF I STAY OUTSIDE…" He slapped his paws to his cheeks as Sofia lifted him out of the tub, "I CAN'T SLEEP ON THE COMFY SHEETS!" Sofia massaged a towel into his wet body.

"Animals belong outside anyways." Eezeyal snickered.

Lydia rubbed a towel around him. "Please remember you too are an animal." She ripped the towel off. His feathers fluffed up, reminding Lydia of a feather duster. "I'm more than happy to let Roland send you outside." Eezeyal's jaw dropped to the counter top. He cupped his wings together and pleaded to her with big, puppy-dog eyes.

"Hey Lydia." Sofia called to her. "Why won't you call Roland dad?"

Lydia felt her back go stiff. A cold chill ran down her back. "No…AHEM," Her voice cracked, "No reason!" She blurted, laughing nervously.

Sofia's face saddened. "You don't hate dad, do you?"

"NO!" Lydia gasped, astonished by the questioned. "No! Far from it! I think he's great!" Of that she was sure. Roland was a great man. Miranda loved him, and – more importantly – Sofia loved him. "I just…don't feel comfortable calling him dad. At least not yet." Sofia slumped her shoulders with a sad sigh. She understood. But she was still a little upset. Lydia exhaled softly with a smile. She walked over, knelt down, and wrapped her arms around Sofia in a warm hug. "I like him, Sofia." She reassured her tenderly. "I'll call him Dad one day." She tilted Sofia's head up, letting the young princess see her promising smile, "But until then, don't believe I like him any less. Okay?"

"Alright." Sofia smiled. The two embraced each other in a warm hug.

Eezeyal and Clover awed adoringly, leaning into one another with their arms draped around each other. "Huh? Hmm…" They exchanged bewildered glances. "HEY!" They shoved each other away. "DON'T HUG ME!" They both commanded. Lydia and Sofia laughed at them. Those two were going to be the best of friends.

($)

With his hands hidden in the sleeves of his cloak, Cedric meandered through the castle halls with his usual sneer, keeping to himself. Servants would pass by him and not give him a second thought. They would bob their heads in a greeting. But other than that, no heads were turned.

Cedric sniggered uncontrollably at their ignorance. Jumping and skipping he would sing a little tune at how well he has everyone eating out of the palm of his hand. So to speak. Every day that went by he would inwardly laugh at those within the castle. Especially Roland and his family. Lydia excluded of course. But today he was especially giddy. For within his sleeve lied a special – though harmless in appearance – tiny pouch of powder. Barely five pinches full. This powder, if used properly, will nullify his little pest problem for the next 24 hours. All the time in the world to study the little sorceress.

"Honestly Ezee…" Cedric came to an abrupt halt at the corner of the corridor, "All of that because you have horrible table manners." He placed his back to the wall and peered around. A sinister smile slithered from ear to ear. Lydia came sauntering down the hallway with her owl on her shoulder.

"Ooh-hoo-hoo…" Cedric giggled, rubbing his palms together, "Here she comes." Lydia walked right past Cedric, too preoccupied with scolding Eezeyal to notice him. Cedric poured the powder into his palm. The light green powder twinkled with blue and red glitter. He locked his sights onto Lydia. "Rectum et verum. (Straight and True)" He whispered. Gently he blew on the powder. Tiny streams of his breath wafted under the powder, carrying it up on the newly created breeze. The powder soared on the breeze straight for Lydia. "Almost-"

"LYDIA!" Amber came running into the corridor. The trail of dust was disrupted.

"WHAT!?" Cedric gaped.

"There you are." Amber panted. The powder splashed onto Amber, flowing into her mouth and nose without her knowledge. "I need to talk to you." She urged.

Cedric slapped a hand to his forehead in disbelief. "I missed?!" He exclaimed heatedly.

"HM!" Eezeyal whipped around. Cedric, at the last second, plastered his back to the other wall, keeping out of sight with a hand to his mouth. "Hmm…" He rumbled, returning his attention to Amber.

"That was close." Cedric whispered shakily under the hand. "I forget birds are sensitive." He growled in the back of his throat, "Curse that blond haired…her timing could not have been worse!"

"Listen…" Amber's voice faltered as she twisted her fan between her hands, "About that duel..." She stammered nervously.

"Hmm?" Cedric arched a brow curiously.

"Dad said it's too late to cancel," She looked up to Lydia with pleading eyes, "But maybe you could just quit instead."

Lydia gaped in shock. "What?!" Eezeyal knit his brow. Cedric strained to listen. He intrigued by the suggestion. "Why…why would you ask that of me?" She coughed. Though no one knew – or would ever know – about, she went through heck to keep her family safe from Cedric. She didn't show it, but she was a little hurt Amber would ask her to give up before she even fought. "Do you think I'm going to lose?"

"It's not that I don't have faith in you, Lydia!" Amber blurted out, waving her hands in a flurry. "It's far from that." Amber whisked her fan open and began to fan her heating face. "I just…um…you wouldn't be worrying about this stupid duel if I hadn't said anything."

Cedric stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So that's why she agreed." He muttered.

"This be true." Lydia folded her arms firmly. "Were you not in a jealous tizzy, I would be worrying about how to speak and act accordingly with visiting nobles, and completing my studies." Amber folded a hand to her dress, lowering her gaze to the floor. She sighed somberly with guilt. Her hand fluttered her fan even faster. Her cheeks were flushed. Lydia then laughed and touched a warm hand to the top of Amber's head. "Be that as it may, I agreed to it. So you're not entirely to blame."

"Huh?" Amber glanced up in surprise.

"I could have said no. But I didn't. Therefore blame falls on my pride and your jealousy." Amber was rather surprised by how understanding Lydia was. Normally someone in her position would be furious. But…not her. "Besides," Lydia grinned brightly, massaging Amber's head, "This will be a perfect chance for me to show off my skills." She winked charmingly, "And I'll be able to put Cedric in his place." Amber blinked confusedly.

"PFFT!" Cedric rolled his eyes. "Not in this lifetime."

"After all…" Lydia stood tall, erecting a thumb to her little sister, "I can't dash my new little sister's expectations of me so soon, now can I?" She teased. "You were so eager to see what I can do."

"I don't…know, Lydia…" Amber spoke breathlessly. Sweat started to trickle down her brow. "Cedric may be an imbecile…" She held a hand to her chest. There was an unbearable pressure. Her breathing picked up. It was growing harder to breathe, "But he CAN cast some pretty powerful spells." She coughed. What's wrong with me? I feel…dizzy. Lydia groaned under her breath. Believe me I know. Cedric chuckled mischievously. She's aware. "I don't…" Amber wobbled side to side, "Want you…to…" She dropped her fan.

Lydia took a step back. Eezeyal's eyes widened. "She don't look good, Liddy." Cedric poked his head out from around the corner.

"Don't want you…" Amber touched a hand to her forehead, "Get…hurt." Her vision blurred. Her mind went into a prickling haze.

"Amber?" Lydia exclaimed.

"Ugh…" Amber fell forward.

"AMBER!" Lydia swooped in. Eezeyal fluttered from her shoulder. Amber fell into Lydia's arms inches before hitting the ground. Lydia turned Amber onto her back. Her porcelain cheeks were cherry red. Her breathing was heavy, raspy. Sweat beaded down her brow. "Amber?! Amber! Wake up?" Lydia pleaded.

"Princess Lydia!" Baileywick beckoned as he ran to her side. "What's wrong? AH! Princess Amber!"

"Baileywick! Get a Physician!" Lydia's voice trembled. Her heart was pounding against her chest in panic. "Amber won't wake up!"

Baileywick knelt beside her. Gently he placed a hand to Amber's forehead. "She's burning up! What happened?"

"Amber and I were talking and she just collapsed!"

"Let's get her to her room!" Baileywick took Amber from Lydia. "She needs to be examined immediately."

"Alright." Lydia rose with Baileywick. "Eezeyal! Go get Mom and Roland!" Eezeyal bobbed his head and flew off. In a matter of seconds he disappeared down the hall.

"Let's hurry!" Baileywick darted for Amber's room.

"Okay…" Lydia followed after him hurriedly.

Cedric emerged from the corridor, watching with intrigue as Lydia and Baileywick carried Amber down the hall. With a pleased smile he stroked his chin, humming happily. "Things may not have gone how I hoped," He admitted with a sinister chuckle, "But they have just made my work a little more manageable."

($)

About an hour later, Amber was dressed into her sleeping attire and was put into bed. He blankets were put over her. Though her fever was high, it was well advised to sweat out a cold. A chilled rag was placed to her forehead to ensure she did not suffer a heat stroke. There were black rings under her eyes. Exhaustion, his illness – either way it did not look good.

An elderly physician dressed in sapphire colored robes was nestled on a stool by Amber's bedside. He listened to her heart beat and breathing, checked her temperature, and studied the symptoms she was exhibiting. All of the evidence pointed toward a simple head cold. The flu maybe. The only perplexing element was the color of her tongue. It was green.

Roland stood over Amber with a pleading expression. Amber hadn't opened her eyes since she was lied down. His heart began to tear in half. Miranda wrapped her arms around Roland's arm, hugging closely to let her husband know she would stand by him during this troubling time.

Lydia stood with Baileywick, James, and Sofia. The younger siblings look onto Amber, tears welling in their eyes. Baileywick touched ah and to their heads. He smiled warmly to assure them things were going to be fine. Lydia disconcertedly ran a hand down Eezeyal's back. The perched bird shifted on Lydia's wrist, grumbling thoughtfully.

The door to amber's room opened. Lydia and Eezeyal glanced back. Cedric wandered in with Wormwood on his shoulder. He smirked menacingly at Lydia. His fingers wriggled in a disdainful hello. She shot a glare back at him. Why is he here? She growled mentally. Her attention was caught by his hand. There was glittering dust stuck to his palm. Wonder what that is? Eezeyal growled dangerously, fluffing his feathers. Lydia placed a hand over him. She put her lips to his ear, "Not in front of the family."

The long white bearded physician sighed heavily. All eyes suddenly snapped to him. He put his equipment back into his bag. He placed his beret like hat onto his head and rose from his stool with a look of defeat. Breaths were held in nervous anticipation. "Tell me, Doctor Merr," Roland pleaded, "Is Amber alright?"

"It is most difficult to tell, Your Majesty." Merr answered honestly. "Zis illness is most unlike anyzsing I have ever seen." Roland's heart began to sink. Miranda lowered her gaze to the ground. James and Sofia huddled to Baileywick. "But zen again zis is only a preliminary checkup." Merr quickly added as the ray of light. "Ze ailment afflicting your daughter is no doubt in vun of my books." He patted Roland on the shoulder, excusing himself. "I vill return if I find out anyzsing.

Lydia released a breath of relief. Like everyone else, she felt like she could breathe. "Tha's wonderful news, Mr. Merr!" Cedric cheered flamboyantly. "I knew the Royal Family could count on you!" Lydia shifted her attention back to Cedric. Why is he acting so…odd?

"Just make sure you watch over her and keep tabs on her symptoms." Merr commanding

"Yes Doctor." Miranda responded. "Thank you." Merr exited the room, leaving the royal family, Baileywick, and Cedric to themselves.

"Amber's going to be okay, right?" James asked.

"Of course she is." Baileywick promised. "She just needs some rest. I'm sure she'll wake up after a while."

"No doubt she will." Cedric agreed, placing a hand to James' back. "After all, what's a little head cold if not a way to rejuvenate the weary body?" He flashed a dark grin to Lydia, "Thank the stars you did not catch this affliction, Princess Lydia. I would hate for you and I to cancel our duel tomorrow."

Lydia's narrowed her eyes heatedly. You malignant- "At least we know where your priorities lie."

"Alright, everyone." Miranda motioned her hands, "Let's give Amber some time to rest." She pointed to the door, "You all can come see her later."

Baileywick bobbed his head and began to corral everyone towards the door. Lydia followed behind Sofia and James. Her attention was caught by Amber's discarded dress. There was something glittering on the dress. That looks like… She returned her attention to Cedric. His hand had the same dust. As did James. On his back. "Hmm…"

The group meandered into the hallway. Somber sighs hummed amongst Sofia and James. To say they were worried was an understatement. "Hey, James," Lydia drew her wand from her jacket, "Hold still." She knelt behind him.

"Okay…" James muttered confusedly.

Lydia tapped her finger three times on the tip of her wand. It transformed into a lint roller. Cedric and Wormwood watched the girl attentively. She ran it down James' back a few times, gathering the dust and a few spots of lint. "Okay!" She chirped, folding her hands behind her back. "All done."

"What was that about?" James questioned.

"An elder sister ensuring her brother, the prince, looks his best." Baileywick answered. Much to Lydia's appreciation. "Now," Baileywick bent down to Sofia and James with an erected finger, "You two may be out of school for the day and tomorrow, but you most certainly are not out of your studies."

"WHAT?!" The two gaped in disbelief.

"You are to adjourn to the east library where you will study the kingdom and our neighbors."

"That's not fair!" Sofia blurted.

"Why doesn't Lydia have to go?" James gestured his hands to her.

"Because she has other matters to attend." Baileywick responded. "Like her duel and her own studies." He turned both around and escorted them towards the library. "Trust me, she will be subjected to kingdom based studies at a later time."

"I WILL?!" Lydia exclaimed. Baileywick glanced back at her and winked. "UGH!" Lydia let her arms drop. "This is so unfair."

"That's life, Liddy." Eezeyal remarked. Lydia flicked him in the beak. "Ow! What?" Baileywick, Sofia, and James vanished around a corner, leaving Lydia in distress.

"Well I guess I should be off too." Cedric folded his arms into his sleeves. "I have a thousand more important things to work on." Lydia whipped around without a word. "Hopefully the princess will feel better soo-" A firm grip latched onto his arm. Cedric was wrenched back and slammed into the window. Wormwood flew from his shoulder, hovering into the air. A wand tip was pressed to Cedric's chin. Lydia's glistening, dagger filled eyes glared to the older sorcerer. A fire burned within them. She clawed her fingers into his shoulder, keeping him pressed against the window.

Wormwood growled and tried to dive for Cedric. "Hold it right there Night Shade!" Eezeyal fluttered in his way "Or I ruffle your feathers like last night." Wormwood puffed his chest feathers.

"Something wrong, your highness?" Cedric asked nonchalantly. "You seem upset."

"What did you do?" Lydia's voice rumbled thunderously.

Cedric spread his hands into mock surrender. "I wonder if Princess Sofia knows of this temper of yours." Cedric blatantly ignored her question. A menacing smirk slither from one ear to the other, "I wonder what she would think if she saw the true demon."

Lydia shoved the wand into the crook of his neck. "DON'T PATRONIZE ME!" Her voice screeched. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO AMBER?"

"I know not what you mean, Princess." Cedric obviously lied.

"The dust on James, the dust on Amber's dress, and the dust on your hand," Cedric instinctively looked at his spread palm. Dust was stuck to his glove, "I don't need to collect them to know it's the same. Nor do I need any cheap scientific method to ascertain that's what made Amber sick!" Cedric found it growing more and more difficult to hold back his laughter. "I'll ask you once more! What have you done to Amber?"

"Nothing." He answered simply. "At least nothing purposefully." He clarified. "It was meant for you." Lydia's eyes widened. "But the little wretch's desire to have you withdraw from our duel tomorrow put her in the way."

"What's it doing to Amber?"

"I'm afraid that secret stays with me." Cedric chortled. "If I told you the symptoms that would make it too easy for you."

"You miserable little-" Lydia pressed the wand tip further into his neck.

"Now that you know what I've done, what will you do?" Cedric taunted her. "Surely you would not stoop so low as to strike down an unarmed man."

"Do not speak to me about what is low and what is not!" She demanded. "You afflicted Amber-"

"Because I was aiming for you." Cedric interrupted. "My gripe is with you. Princess Amber was an unfortunate causality." Unfortunate casualty? Lydia screamed. "In hindsight it is not my fault she walked into the path. Nor is it my fault she became infected instead of you."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" Lydia roared. "You truly believe you've done nothing?"

"If you believe me the cause for her affliction, then strike me down." Cedric goaded. "Take out your frustration on me and turn me into nothing." Lydia grunted with unease. "Prove to the world you're the better sorceress."

Lydia gritted her teeth. He was goading her; reducing her to his level. At present…it was working. Her grip on his shoulder began to waver. Her wand trembled. Her heart beat against her chest, ready to burst from her chest. Never in her life did she believe she would feel this sort of rage towards someone twice in her life, let alone twice in one week. Had Amber only stayed away…had Lydia only stood a little closer…Amber wouldn't be sick…wouldn't have fainted.

"Lydia…" Eezeyal hummed.

"There is, of course, another option." Cedric chimed. "Agree to withdraw from the duel tomorrow, and to stay out of my way from this point on." Lydia gasped in utter shock. "Do this and I will not only tell you what I used, but also how to counter it." This was just like the night before. Cedric threated someone Lydia cared for in order to get what he wanted. She buckled. But not this time.

"No…" Lydia removed her hand from his shoulder and her wand from his neck. "I won't agree." Cedric was bewildered by the response. He thought she was sure to give in. Lydia stepped away from him. She breathed in slowly, calming herself down before she responded. "I played your game and played by your rules last night. No this time."

Cedric's grin widened. "Perfect." He purred. His hand went to her chin and cupped it gently, "I shall relish in your agony when you fail." Lydia slapped his hand away with a hiss.

The doors behind the two opened. "Oh it's you two." Lydia and Cedric turned around. Miranda and Roland exited from Amber's room, gazing upon Lydia and Cedric perplexedly. "What's all the commotion?" Roland asked.

"We could hear you two from inside the room." Miranda commented.

"It was nothing!" Lydia lied. "We were just…um…"

"Having a debate about what's afflicting Princess Amber." Cedric finished, snaking a hand around Lydia's shoulders. It took all of her willpower not to elbow him in the stomach. "So far we're stumped."

"As are we." Roland admitted grimly. "I know not to expect anything within five minutes…" Roland often told himself changes do not happen within a blink. It was his mantra for tedious tasks, and situations such as this. "But I can't help but feel helpless right now."

"Don't worry. Things only look bad." Lydia chimed in. "And my mom says that when things look bad, something good is hidden just beyond it."

"That's true." Miranda laughed. Roland seemed to lighten up, bringing joy to Lydia. "One bright side is Amber woke up." Lydia beamed happily. "She's sneezing up a storm, but she's awake."

"What's she doing now?"

"Resting." Roland answered. "But she is rather parched of thirst."

"With that being said, I need to go." Lydia dashed down the hall. Eezeyal ignored Wormwood and flew after her.

"Where are you going?" Miranda called to her.

"TO SEE DOCTOR MERR! I NEED TO ASK HIM SOMETHING!"

"Just make sure you're back for lunch!" Roland advised.

"WILL DO!" Lydia and Eezeyal disappeared around the corner.

Roland laughed heartily, "That girl never seems to stop."

"She always did have an immense amount of determination." Miranda remarked.

"That she does your majesties." Cedric agreed. "If you will excuse me as well." He bowed. "I have work of me own." Cedric meandered in the opposite direction of Lydia. Wormwood landed on his shoulder, trilling deeply. "Indeed, Wormy." Cedric rumbled under his breath. "Things are turning out better than I hoped." He stifled his laughter under his breath. "Princess Lydia – that girl AB-SO-LUTE-LY loses her cool when it comes to her younger siblings. However she compensates with her attention to detail." Wormwood shrugged his shoulders, having to agree. "Now let's see how she does when she believes her time to be running out."

($)

Knock-knock-knock, the wooden door thumped. Merr-Lin parted himself from his medical book and placed it back on its shelf. He slid down the ladder from the second floor of his workshop. More like a giant library with a work table in the center, and a patient's room in the back.

His place of business was located in the middle of the village of Dunwity. True Roland could get a royal physician. But Merr-Lin was highly recommended and admired amongst all who were treated by him. Plus he happened to be a good friend of Baileywick's.

Merr-Lin opened the door to a pleased and smiling Lydia. It warmed his heart to see such an expression. "Ah yes…Princess Lydia." He recalled. He bowed his head and swept a hand inside, "Do come in."

"Thank you, Doctor." Lydia entered with her satchel around her shoulder and Eezeyal on her head. She was rather amazed by Merr-Lin's workshop. The giant sky light shined down upon the work table, and the dozens of scattered papers and beakers on the ground. It reminded her of her room back at school.

"Can I get you anyzsing, your highness?"

"Nothing, thank you." It embarrassed Lydia to have someone call her Your Highness. But…it was a necessary formality. At least she assumed it was. "I need to ask you about Amber."

"How is she fairing?" Merr-Lin asked anxiously.

"She woke up 30 minutes ago."

"Zat's good to hear." Merr-Lin strode to his work table and pulled out a chair. "I am pleased to hear she is doing somevhat better." He remarked, gesturing to the chair. Lydia bowed her head and graciously sat down. "Please forgive me for not getting back to you sooner." Merr-Lin sat himself down across from her. "I am having trouble ascertaining ze characteristics of her affliction to make un accurate diagnosis." Eezeyal shuffled to the table, sitting on the edge.

"That's why I'm here." Lydia replied animatedly. "Amber started sneezing and seems to be thirsty." Lydia reached into her bag and removed a folded up slip of paper. "Not to mention this dust was on her clothing."

Merr-Lin retrieved the paper from her. He reached into his cloak pocket and donned his glasses. Opening the paper he looked upon the dust quizzically. Pine green dust with a hint of powder blue, "Grass blades of ze Everland Glades mixed vith sea horse scales," He muttered to himself. A black spice for a zesty impact, "Common house hold pepper." Then finally he noticed tiny leaflets. Red in color with a hint of orange. "Leechy leaves." Merr-Lin's eyes widened.

"I'm not too versed on dust or other manner of potion making. But it seems too coincidental that this dust was on Amber and she suddenly became ill."

"You vood be correct, Young Majesty." Merr-Lin darted to a stack of books sitting on his reception desk. Lydia followed him with her sight anxiously. "Zis is most definitely not a coincidence!" He announced excitedly. He wrenched book after book from his pile. Lydia and Eezeyal dashed over to him, watching intently as he rifled through his books. "Ze mixture in which ze ingredients were combined to create is an old vun!" He explained, sifting through page after page in each book her came across. "So old, it has not been used since my father vas ze town physician."

"Does that mean you can't make a cure?" Lydia asked apprehensively. "Amber…"

Merr-Lin pressed a finger to her nose. "I never said zat." He corrected her. "Please try to have a little faith." He chuckled. "You may be a sorceress of magic, your highness, but I am ze sorcerer or ailments and remedies." Lydia blinked confusedly. "In other vords," He slapped a book of herbs and remedies into her hands, "Help me sift through my books and ve'll have ze affliction in no time."

"How do I know what to look for?" Lydia opened the book.

"Ze powder." He answered confidently. "Ze ingredients are ze key." He pressed a finger to her forehead, "And use zat noggin of yours."

"Yes sir!" Lydia nodded firmly. Eezeyal saluted. "Okay…you said…" She hummed pensively, "Leechy leaves, scales of a seahorse, pepper, and grass blades of the Everland glades." Lydia reached into her jacket and pulled out her wand. "Stand back." Eezeyal and Merr-Lin did just that. Lydia breathed in and out, removing the apprehensive cloud filling her mind with worries and doubts. "Seahorse scales and pepper spice! Leechy leaves – those are nice," Power marshaled to the tip of the wand, sparkling with a needle luminescence, "Combined with grass of the Everland Glades! Come to me books! What concoction was made?" She cast the spell with a firm flick of her wand. Volleys of streaming hands soared throughout the workshop. Each one grabbed hold of a book and removed it from its shelf from both the bottom and second floor. One, two, three – dozens of books swarmed around Lydia and Merr-Lin, flipping and their pages of the ingredients requested of them. When the spell was completed, The books drifted neatly to a random place in the workshop. The floor, the chairs, the table, upstairs – everywhere.

"Wow…" Lydia remarked with disappointment. "That was certainly climactic…but not what I was hoping for."

"You vill find most situations in life a similar to zis." Merr-Lin remarked. "Zat is ven you buckle down from zare and finish what you started."

"Then let's get to it." She glanced to a clock. "It's 11:00. Hopefully this won't take too long."

"30 books." Merr-Lin announced. "Zare are 30 books for us to sift through."

"Then let's get started." Lydia pulled her sleeves up.

The books were divided between Lydia, Eezeyal, and Merr-Lin. One after the other, page by page, the three searched the pages of herbs, ailments, and other manner of medicines to learn what was afflicting Amber. Sea dragon scales and leechy leaves, but with salt and no blades. Everland Blades with Sea Horse scales, but there was paprika. It always came close, but no dice.

The more failures they suffered, the more Lydia began to feel the guilt weighing on her shoulders. This ordeal with Cedric was growing out of hand and she hadn't even been in Enchancia for a week. What's worse is, so far, two members of her family were drawn into the unplanned rivalry. Just like last night. Cedric pulled off an amazing comeback. AND HE WAS PLAYING! She wondered…DREADED…if that's how Cedric is when he's not serious, imagine what he'd do to her tomorrow.

"If you continue to vorry like zat you'll get vrinkles." Merr-Lin commented, not looking away from his book, "Such an expression is unseemly for a lady."

"Sorry…" She rasped. "I'm just a little concerned."

"Our research is only taking time. Do not think us failing." Now Lydia was weirded out. Did the good doctor know how to read minds? "Vith each miss we learn somezsing."

"I don't understand. You make it sound as if we are succeeding."

"Zsink of it as us expanding our knowledge." Merr-Lin pointed to her book, "Ze page you are on teaches you how to make an elixir zat vill make you lighter than air. Perfect for your duel tomorrow."

"You know about that?"

"Everyone in Enchancia is bustling about it. As am I."

"Well…" Lydia closed her book with a sad sigh, "I'm not sure I want to do it anymore."

"Oh? Vye not?"

"Cedric, the one I'm dueling," She opened book number eight, "He's proven to be a powerful adversary. I don't think I'll measure up to what everyone is expecting."

"Zen don't." Merr-Lin advised. "To please ze opinion of ozsers is pure folly." He placed a book back in its place and grabbed his ninth. "Ze only one you should please is yourself. So long as you believe in yourself and believe your talents to be up to ze snuff, you vill be triumphant even in defeat."

"Do you get this stuff from a fortune cookie?"

"I vent to D.F. Langs ze ozser day. Very helpful fortunes." Lydia burst into hearty laughter. "Zat's better." Merr-Lin commended. "Just find a reason to laugh, and all hardships will lighten."

Lydia managed to silence her laughter. She ran a finger under her eyes, drying the tears. "Thanks Dr. Merr-Lin."

"Anytime, Princess."

"Call me Lydia." She offered.

"Very vell zen, Miss Lydia."

"SCREE! SCREE!" Eezeyal screeched excitedly. Lydia and Merr-Lin whipped their heads around to him. Eezeyal flew to Lydia grasped a large clump of her hair.

"Okay! Okay!" Lydia trudged along.

"Quite ze tenacious bird." Merr-Lin laughed, following after them.

"You have no idea." Lydia was dragged to a book Eezeyal was studying. "Let's see…" Sea horse scales, Everland glade grass, pepper, and leechy leaves. "Oh! He found it!" She announced happily. "The dust is called…Strep Powder?" Merr's eyes widened.

Strep Powder – A powder which strikes its target hard and fast. Inducing a fever, unconsciousness, exhaustion, and a green tongue which brings an immense thirst to ones throat. Some sneezing may occur.

"YES!" Merr gasped. Lydia and Eezeyal jumped. "Zat's vhat it vas!" Merr ran for his pantry and grabbed each fruit that he had. "I must be getting old if I forgot zat!" Three strawberries, five grapes, a slice of pineapple, orange, and apple, half a pomegranate, and finally a slice of mango all in a decorative paper bag. "Here you are." He handed the fruit to Lydia.

Lydia inspected the bag derisively. "What's this?" She asked impatiently.

"The remedy for your sister." Merr answered with a smile. Lydia and Eezeyal tilted their heads. "Just make sure to add a mint leaf in zare, blend it all togezser vith ice, and serve it to your sister. She'll be right as rain by ze next morning."

"Wait…" Lydia needed to think about this for a moment, "A smoothie is going to cure Amber?"

"Yes. For you see strep powder is intimidating in name only. It's actually just a cheap prank to give someone a head cold."

"WHAT?!" Lydia roared. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I WAS PANICKING OVER A HEAD COLD!" Her glare shot to the clock again, "I SIFTED THROUGH BOOKS FOR THREE HOURS FOR A HEAD COLD?"

"Indeed." Merr responded in king to her sudden outburst. "Whoever put zis powder on Princess Amber meant no harm. Zey merely wish for your sister to rest and rejuvenate her body." He tried to laugh to lighten Lydia's mood, "But zey sure gave you a run."

"And now that rat turd is going to be given a run himself!" Lydia stormed for the door, clenching the wrapped up fruit.

"Make sure you zsank zis person." Merr advised from afar. "He taught you a valuable lesson!"

Lydia stopped just as her hand grabbed the door handle. "What lesson is that?" She snapped.

"Ze lesson of not making a mountain out of a mole hill." Merr clarified with a soothing tone. Lydia felt her rage subsiding. "You assumed Princess Amber vas afflicted with an incurable disease. Had you done a little research, you vood have avoided all of zat. Lydia's shoulders dropped. Her hand hung loosely on the doorknob. "Were you still so tense, you never would have narrowed our search to such a small bundle of books nor sought out my help." When she thought about it, Cedric – inadvertently – taught her a lesson. Keeping calm under pressure…brought on by psyching one's self out. "I hope you vill put zis into practice during your duel tomorrow."

Lydia nodded her head with a tender smile. "I will. Thank you again!" Lydia ran out of the workshop. The door closed behind her, bringing a smile to Merr's face.

"Young people." He laughed.

($)

Baileywick received the ingredients given to Lydia and blended them together as instructed. He made sure to add the tea leaves as per instruction, tasting to make sure it would meet Amber's pallet. Odd after taste. But it would suffice if it would make her better. Baileywick too was flabbergasted that it was nothing more than a simple head cold. Lydia never mentioned the powder. Again there was the matter of proving it came from Cedric. Likely the clever sorcerer erased all traces of his involvement.

Roland and Miranda were overjoyed that Amber's affliction was nothing more than a common cold. The only perplexing question was how it struck her so rapidly. Oh well. Such a thing was innocuous at the moment. So long as Amber would be well was all that mattered.

Lydia allowed Baileywick to give Amber her drink. There was something she needed to take care of.

($)

Knock-knock-knock! "Yes, yes! I'm coming!" Cedric snarled impatiently. He violently unlocked the door and wrenched it open. A swift foot slithered behind Cedric's feet. "WHAT-" A hand gripped the collar of his robes tightly, shoving him backwards. The foot tripped his feet from under him, bringing the sorcerer crashing to the ground on his back with a painful thud. "GAH! WHAT-Ugh…" A strong sense of déjà vu overcame him as a wand was put to his neck again. Lydia had Cedric pinned to the floor by his collar. Her left knee was pressed into his thigh, preventing him from kicking out.

"Again you forget your place, wench!" Wormwood growled. He clawed his talons into the edge of the table.

"Hold it right there, Tap Worm!" Eezeyal perched himself beside Wormwood. "Let these two work out there little dramaturge!"

Lydia's eyes burned with insulted rage. The tip of her wand was pressed firmly into Cedric's neck, yet he chuckled at her. His arms were raised in false surrender again. "I see you discovered my secret." He mocked her.

"A head cold?" Lydia hissed. "Amber's in bed because you tried to give me a head cold?"

"I never said the powder was lethal, now did I?" He teased her. "You merely assumed it was due to your resentment towards me."

"Remember how I asked you not to patronize me?"

"Do you recall how I stated you would not strike an unarmed man?" He countered. Lydia was caught off guard by the question. She swallowed nervously. "Yesterday pitted us against one another and today was a test!" Cedric latched a hand to Lydia's wand wrist, "A test, I am proud to say, I learned much from!" He yanked her arm viciously, tossing her aside. Lydia slid across the floor. Her head touched the bottom of a work desk, bringing her to a gentle halt.

"LIDDY!" Eezeyal ran form her.

"Now, now!" Wormwood whisked into Eezeyal's path. "Let these two work out there little dramaturge, shall we!" He mimicked.

"Ow…" She massaged the back of her head. "AH!" She cried out in fear.

Cedric strutted to Lydia slowly, towering over her ominously. Lydia scrambled back. "I now have a strong knowledge of your strength!" Dread flushed through her body when her back touched the desk. Cedric knelt down and grabbed Lydia by the collar of her uniform, "As do I have a firm grip on your weakness!" He brought her close to his face. Lydia could see into the deep sea of pitch black. The animosity…the hatred…it gripped Lydia by the neck. Choking her. "Come tomorrow I will demolish you and your precious chicken there, and then you will writhe in the Underworld with Hades knowing I will subject your family to the worst tortures that not even the Horned King would dare use!"

Lydia bit hard on her lip, trying desperately to regain control over her quaking body. "Pretty presumptuous of you to compare yourself to the best of the worst, isn't it?" Lydia retorted defiantly. Her voice shook with the fear and anger radiating.

"Presumptuous or not, PRINCESS," He snarled her title with disgust, "I will make you regret not taking my offer." Cedric rose to his feet, dragging Lydia to hers. He dragged Lydia to the still opened door. Eezeyal flew after them, "And once I've won our bout," He shoved Lydia out of his lair. Eezeyal flew next to her, "My finale will be severing your ties with the forces, and turning you into the pitiful human I know you to be."

Lydia gritted her teeth. Beads of nervous sweat fell down her brow. Cedric closed his door. The sound of the lock clicking closed echoed throughout the hall, sending chills rolling down Lydia's spine. Her legs quaked in petrified fear. For, possibly, the first time in her life…she was terrified. And yet…there was…a hint of courage.

Eezeyal tugged on her hair, urging her to come along. Lydia shook her head from her daydream. She scoffed at the closed door then stormed down the stairs. "You gonna be okay, Sugar Bee?" Eezeyal asked, sitting on her shoulder.

"I'll be fine." Lydia's voice trembled. "I'm just…hungry." She lied. Well partially. "I missed lunch."

Not my best chapter. I can admit that now. But I needed a sort of filler in order to pick up after being gone for so long.

Hope you guys enjoyed it! See you next time!