Lost Wings

33~ Handstands

Previously on LW:
Hailey, Chase, Autumn, and Bree head back to Sol, leaving behind Aiden, Aric, Zarasa, and their new fairy friends. However, when they reach the castle, the king's welcome is not what Hailey expected. He sends her to clean the kitchens as a punishment for leaving without permission, and Hailey has to leave before hearing what he says to her friends.

Chapter 33

As I expected, I found Chase at the training fields. I did not expect, however, to find him red-faced and doing a handstand against the wall of the shed in which they kept training dummies. 

"Um, what are you doing?" I tilted my head to the side.

"Well-" he flapped one of his wings to keep his balance- "The king and my commander decided that I would not be demoted or suspended since a soldier of the Aeolian army is not supposed to go against the orders of royalty -that's you- and that I did bring you back alive and well. However, I still disobeyed orders, and it was a really stupid thing to do in general, so I have to stay like this until I either pass out or Bree comes and finds some other painful thing for me to do."

"Wow." I could only say. My punishment was child's play in comparison, though I supposed my grandpa wasn't done with me.

"Yep. Have you heard about Autumn? The king sent her home and wrote a message to her parents."

I grimaced. "I hope she doesn't get in too much trouble. I'm sorry I got you guys into this mess."

"'s all right. We knew what we were getting into. Aiden got the right idea by deciding to come back later, though." One of his foot slipped against the wall, and he straightened up with a grunt.

"I'll talk to Bree. It's not fair you get punished for following me."

"Please don't. You'll just make it worse."

I frowned. "I'll talk to the king, then."

"Nope."

"Am I supposed to just watch you do this stupid handstand, then?"

"I'll have you know this 'stupid handstand' is pretty damn painful."

"Sorry."

"Parker!" A sharp voice cut us off. "Since you seem so comfortable here, having a chat with your girlfriend, maybe I should go ask Bree if she can supply tea and cookies?"

"Lance..." Chase muttered.

The blond boy bowed to me. "Princess. We're glad to have you back safe and sound."

I threw him a dark look and didn't answer.

"Don't you have something else to do?" Chase asked. "Also remember I'm still a superior officer, so I'd shut it if I were you."

"Well, actually... I've been promoted to leader of the Junior Troop Elite Archers, and since you're second in command..." He smiled. "Looks like we're tied. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll get a promotion soon." He studied Chase's position. "Or not. Well, nice seeing you, as always, but I've got to go."

"Wait. I've got to talk to you."

"We just did, and I'm pretty sure we filled our quota for the year."

"Lance. Really."

Lance sighed. "Is it really that important that we have to do it in person? You could just write it down and spare both of us lots of pain."

"Shut it for a bit and listen, will you?"

"Fine, I'm listening. But be quick, I've got a date in half an hour."