Legend of Antalasia

Chapter 5

Under a light cotton sheet, she radiated heat like an ember that popped out of the fireplace. Her cheeks flushed red, striking a stark contrast with her pale skin as she lay limply on the bed. Her eyes fluttered and in a feverish hallucination, she mumbled, "No Papa. Stop killing. Stop."

"Your Highness, the princess shall recover soon. She's healthy and I don't foresee any problems," informed the Royal Doctor.

With a grim face, King Charles simply nodded, dismissing him.

"Charles, witnessing the massacre must have been too much for her. She's after all just a child. I'm sure her fever will abate soon. Fret not," said the Queen gently.

Her words bounced off the King's head. He sat quietly by Antalasia's bedside as long as he could, silently praying for her recovery. But his duties called him soon.

On the second night as Elizabeth stayed awake watching Antalasia in desperation, she heard a low moan. Blinking her eyes in a daze, she croaked hoarsely, "Water." Her sleep driven away, Elizabeth watched carefully, hoping she wasn't dreaming. "Water" croaked Antalasia.

With a soft squeal, Elizabeth poured a glass of water and supported Antalasia's feeble hand as she quenched her parched throat. Every swallow seemed to cool her body more. Tired, Antalasia fell back into a deep restful sleep.

The fever had broken and the sheets grew damp from sweat. Elizabeth called the maids to change them and through it all, Antalasia remained fast asleep. The Queen's heart melted when she realized that Elizabeth's first words were to call the maids for Antalasia.

Days passed and Antalasia was recovering quickly. Excited to have another playmate, Michaelo squealed happily, "Lizzy, come play chess with me."

"Michaelo, her name is Elizabeth, not Lizzy," reprimanded his mother.

"Oh Mama, it's too much of a mouthful. Let's play Lizzy," said Michaelo, much to his mother's chagrin.

Lizzy didn't respond to Michaelo instead, quietly stared at Antalasia. Antalasia blinked encouragingly. Lizzy smiled happily and scurried to the chessboard. Enthusiastically, she asked, "How do I play?"

Antalasia came up to her and began explaining the game, much to her brother's annoyance. Frowning in jealousy, Michaelo glared at the chessboard.

"Stop sulking Michelo. Lizzy doesn't know the game. Someone has to teach her. Don't act like a brat and play," said Antalasia sternly.

Weeks passed quickly and Antalasia was back to normal. One day, as Antalasia walked to the dining room for breakfast, there was an unexpected loud screech.

"No. I want to wear riding clothes. Not THESE," shouted Lizzy.

Peeking into Lizzy's room, Antalasia found clothes strewn all over. It was shocking to see a pigsty in the castle.

"Oh Princess," bobbed a maid, embarrassed by the mess and haphazardly darted around the room, gathering the clothes.

"Lizzy! What's going on here?" asked Antalasia.

"I want to dress like you. I don't want to wear gowns," she cried.

Antalasia was stunned. She never thought anyone would want to emulate her. "Alright, how about I change out of these clothes. I'll wear that blue gown and you can wear the long yellow gown," she said, feeling a strong sense of responsibility to be a good role model.

Lizzy sniffled and nodded satisfied.

Soon the girls changed and joined Michaelo for breakfast. "Michaelo, stop glaring at Lizzy. What's wrong with you," scolded Antalasia.