I Knew Her As August

eight: sunday morning

"Nicolette Sage, if you do not sit up this instant."

Nicki jolted awake from her mother hissing in her ear for the fourth time. She was finding it nearly impossible to stay awake in their routine Sunday service; the hymns were far too slow and the speakers were completely dull, and her yellow church dress had so many layers that it cradled her like a warm cocoon.

She rubbed her eyes and tried to pay attention, but her mind soon wandered off into her daydreams. The taste of the drink with cherries, the glow of the dancing lights, the chill of Wyatt Omen's rough hands, the comforting smell of leather and smoke in Gus's car — it was all fresh on her subconscious. It oozed like a fresh tattoo, bleeding into the tunnels of her mind to make a permanent mark.

Her irritated mother kicked her chair and Nicki tumbled down back into reality just in time for the closing song.

The village angels made their way out of the chapel to enjoy the rest of their holy day. The people bowed to Copenhagen as they passed, thanking their king for the beautiful day. He spoke to each and every one of them, trying to remember names and faces.

Nicki and her family made the quick journey back to the castle once the last villager found his way back down the hill. They were meeting for lunch with Captain Milo in the back garden, also part of the routine.

The yard was a lovely place for an afternoon picnic or morning brunch. There was a koi pond and waterfall that separated the seating area and the badminton net. Nicki had spent many summer days out there when she was younger, when her father was alive. She remembered Copenhagen chasing her with a bug in his hands across the grass while she squealed with terror. Now it was only used for formal meetings or a ceremonial lunch, like today.

Nicki watched a pair of monarch butterflies play with each other over the lilacs while Captain Milo retold the story of when the late king saved a Brazilian village by restoring their well and bringing joy back to the land. It was a good story, but Nicki already knew how it ended.

"Why don't Angels go on missions like that anymore? There are still lots of people out there who need help," Tulip asked while she nibbled on the edge of her sandwich. She had listened to Milo's story with a sparkle in her eyes, hanging on to every word.

"We have to make sure we take care of our own first. Our breed is a dying race that must be protected. It is too pure to leave it out for the entire world to take advantage of. The world is a greedy and dark place. The Demon shadow has done well in poisoning the minds of the weak, turning them into hungry, dangerous animals." Milo recited this like he was back in the church, his words had a warning that held everyone on the edge of their seat.

"He's right. We've had too many close encounters with Demons as it is," Gwendolyn scoffed, stirring her tea.

Nicki turned her attention back to the tea party, the butterflies disappearing into the blue sky.

"One unlucky incident shouldn't mean we never interact with the world again," she complained. The queen set her cup down with an unnecessary force that told Nicki to shut her mouth.

"Nicolette is right mother, we learn from our mistakes and now know what we need to do to keep us safe in the human society," Copenhagen chimed in, sounding like a scholar.

"And what do you suggest?" his mother asked with a kinder tone. Of course she lets him speak, Nicki grumbled.

Copenhagen took a sip of his own tea, setting the blue china down like it was a baby bird.

"Well, Nicki's attacker had no idea she was the Angel princess. Surely, if he knew then he would not have risked attacking, or even approaching her. He would know that she has a group of guards on the ready to protect her," he stated  his plan with triumph and an unwavering confidence. Such beaming confidence could hardly be ignored by the party, both the queen and the captain weighed over his words in their heads. They exchanged words with only their eyes.