Lost Wings

34~ Royal Talk

Previously on LW:

Hailey checks in on Chase and makes sure Autumn is all right as well. Edwin, the royal advisor, tells her the king wants to speak with her since she has finished her chores.

Chapter 34

The king wasn't in the throne room, but Lynn told me I could find him in his office. I was grateful for that. I felt so small standing in the throne room when it wasn't full with people, and if Grandpa yelled at me it would be less scary if his words didn't echo off the walls.

The guards at the entrance saluted as a walked up.

"The king wished to see me. Can you tell him I'm here?"

I had previously thought these guards' only purpose was too stand there and look pretty, but I had learned they were also there to tell the king when he had visitors. I still believed they must be bored out of their mind. It wasn't like the king had many visitors in his private office.

"Of course, Princess," one of them told me. "Go in; he's expecting you."

"Don't say it like that," I reproached. "It makes it sounds like he's a super villain."

From his blank look, I didn't think he got the reference. I shrugged and walked up to the office's door. I knocked and waited for Grandpa's invitation to come in.

"Hailey, please have a sit." He motioned to the chair in front of his desk. "Have you had the chance to get something to eat?"

I nodded. He didn't seem as angry now. Maybe that was a good sign?

He sighed and folded his hands in front of him.

"Hailey, I know I don't have to tell you how irresponsible running off like that was." When I didn't answer, he continued, "I know you had personal reasons, and you felt justified, but you have responsibilities now. As a ruler, you must set an example. Acting erratically without a plan isn't a good one. Dragging your friends into danger it isn't either."

"Well," I hesitated. I didn't want to make things worse by talking back to him.

"Well?" he repeated.

"I mean, I didn't force them to go. And without them I'd never have succeeded. The fact that we stayed together is the reason we all got home safe."

"I know, and I'm glad you realize that. One cannot rule a kingdom alone. You must have people you can trust and rely on."

"I do trust them."

"Yes, but you must also listen to them." He sighed. "I know you hate being lectured, and for a good reason, but to lead people you first have to understand them."

"I... I think I do understand them. At least, better than when we left. And I understand why the royal family protects the land, and that a good leader keeps their people safe and has to know them well enough to say the right things to reassure them." I thought back to the fairy leader, and how effectively and calmly he had handled his village being under attack. "But," I admitted, "I'm not proud to have lead my friends into a dangerous situation."

"Next time, consider the consequences before you act."

Yes, Grandpa." I looked down.

"Don't look so glum. A friend told me this morning that nothing you learn from is ever a failure."

"Was that friend Edwin?"

"Did he tell you that too?"

I shrugged. "No, it just seems like the kind of wise thing he'd say."

Grandpa nodded. "I know. Do you think he has a book of quotes or something?"

"I don't know... but if he did that would mean he expected us to mess up in advance, which is a bit insulting."

"Hailey, expecting us to mess up is part of his job description." He smiled. "They just call it 'advisor' because 'nanny' isn't fancy enough."

I laughed. "I'd probably need at least three of them, then."

"Well, if you ever need help recruiting, Anselm once revealed to me the real reason he accepted the job: free access to all the royal banquets."

We shared a sad smile at the thought of the late advisor. I knew my grandpa missed his best friend incredibly.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," the king said.

A guard peeked in. "A messenger for you, Your Majesty. He's waiting in the throne room, unless you wish to see him here?"

"No, I will go, please give me a minute." The guard closed the door again. "Thank you, Hailey. I know this wasn't the best moment of your life, but I do enjoy talking with you. You're a smart young lady."

I smiled. "I like talking with you, too. And you're right. It was childish of me to act this way. I won't do it again. I do have something to tell you, though." He nodded in encouragement, and I continued, "In the forest, I found Mom."

He straightened up. "You did?"

I nodded. "Yes. She was... She was alive, but... It's hard to explain. She saved the forest and its magic, but in exchange she had to become bound to a tree, part of the forest's spirit, I suppose. I got to talk to her a bit. She seems... Peaceful. And she loves you."

Grandpa got up abruptly and went around his desk to draw me into a tight hug. When we pulled apart, there were tears in his eyes.

"Thank you, Hailey. With you, the goddess blessed me with a priceless gift."

I felt myself begin to tear up, too, but someone knocked on the door again. I kissed his cheek and smiled. "I love you, Grandpa. See you at dinner."

He answered my smile. "See you at dinner, Hailey."

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Yay, non-cliffhanger happy ending! (Which of course is the case for every single one of my chapter as you know.)

But anyway, since I spoil you, you get a happy chapter ending AND a cute animal!

Thank you to Maddie for the lovely picture at the beginning of the chapter as well (if you send me your username I can tag you) !

See you guys next update, for what is likely to be the last chapter! (My baby grew up so fast...)