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Part 11

Jeremy rose, stretching his wings and groaning. Humans didn't have them which meant the beds weren't the least bit comfortable for him to lay on, and he lay there for the longest time just pondering life. He struggled to fix his wings by fluffing them but they shy away from his touch. He grabbed at a comb and brushed his hair.

Where was Skye? She had said she'd meet him after he awoke (and they knew when they were awake). Jeremy glanced at the door, squinting a bit because of the Sleep in his eyes. It was closed firmly and he noticed there was a small note on the door.

'Out for a walk' it read, 'I'll try to be there by 10,'

Jeremy slammed his fist down on the wall in fury. Typical of Skye to ditch him as usual. Of course she would! He snarled angrily and forcefully sat down in his bed. Ever since they were banished, Skye had been distant. Why? He didn't know and intended to find out.

There was a small tapping at the door. Jeremy grunted, "Come in," and it cracked open to reveal Marley. She let her eyes widen at his wings but shook it off.

"Did what happen last night...really happen?" She asked as soon as her foot touched the inside of the room. Nervousness was clear as day on her face and Jeremy averted his eyes. "Are you really a Faerie?"

"Of course I am!" Jeremy snapped, making Marley flinch. For a short moment he was proud that he'd done it, "You do see the wings?"

"I do. Could just be stapled on though." Marley mused, glancing wearily at them with fascination. "What ever. Skye's back. She was looking at the Sunrise last I saw her. She is an early riser."

Jeremy sighed. "We all are." He murmured.

"Why?"

"To see the Sun rise. All is Faeries should have been used to the magnificent colors in the sky but we could not. Every morning, we awoke at 6, and just admired the view." He mock fainted. "I miss that place. I wonder how it is now."

"I've never seen it there. I cannot be much help..." Marley said, adding a small pouting gesture which meant she wanted to help. It never occurred to Jeremy how much the girl might actually like him.

"I know. I'm sorry for gushing about it so much." With that he turned and fell back asleep in as comfortable a position he could get.

The Seelie Queen sat on the edge of her throne, a small smile brewing on her lips. She'd done it. The two Faeries she despised were gone. No more of the ruckus that Skye created. None.

She looked down on her beautiful Nation of Faeries flying to meet their partners, or get to their jobs. It all seemed so organized, and quiet.

And boring.

After she had kicked out Jeremy and Skye, there had been no one to look after, nothing for the Queen to attend to. So for many days, she sat on her throne, and just stared at the Faeries repeating themselves daily.

A servant came with foods for the Queen to try. She noted his nervousness by his nose twitching uncontrollably. He was afraid she would send him away too. Without her crown, she didn't seem to be appreciated all that much.

"Why is it so quiet, Fern?" The Queen mused, plucking an unidentified berry off of the platter the trembling Faerie held. She sank her teeth into it and its juices flooded into her mouth.

Fern shook his head, "I-I'm not sure, Your Highness." He turned slightly and shifted so the platter stayed in his hands. "In my opinion, I rather like the quiet."

Feather's nose wrinkled. She sure didn't. "I wish I did not have to banish Jeremy and Skye. They were two of my Favorite Faeries." Gracefully she reached for another berry but couldn't reach so she acted like she was trying to stretch. What she said was only half true. She despised Skye.

Fern looked back at the Seelie Queen, clearly horrified, "I thought I was your favorite, my Queen!" He quickly bowed in front of her once more, his green hair falling into his face to hide the obvious scowl.

Feather hid back a smile. She loved when they fought over her. It gave her a sense of power. "Of course, Fern!" She mock gasped. She couldn't let him know how much she disliked young Faeries, "I am just using that as a...cover story. However, many of the Fae are wishing to have the two back."

Fern didn't look up. He heard the lies in his Queen's voice and didn't understand why. Turning away with platter in hand, he avoided her gaze, "I must be going. You know...school." He abruptly stepped off of her platform and flew back to the bakery.

"That kid is Complicated," Feather sighed, before lying back and resting. The last thing she saw before she lost consciousness is the face of Jeremy burned into her mind.