Wings

Chapter 36: Casper

"Anastasia?"

The lump under the covers grumbled something in response. I walked over from the doors and gently prodded the sheets. The creature made a hissing sound. "Leave me alone."

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

"MnMMMN," came the angry retort.

My hand made its way to the back of my neck. I could feel the heat rising within me. "I uh... I think I might um... Y'know... Kinda like someone..."

Anastasia instantly threw the covers off of her. Her hair was a mess, as was her complexion, but there was a fire within her eyes unlike any I had seen a while. It's nice to see her back to herself. Somewhat, in any case. "Who? What're they like? Are they cute? Nice? Come on, you're killing me!"

I chuckled. "It's a girl... She's the sweetest person ever. I don't know, maybe I'm just being shallow or something..."

"No such thing. No, not with you."

"A-alright. I'm still not sure myself, but I can't help but try and catch a glimpse of her anytime I see her. She's gorgeous and super sweet, and... and...." I trailed off, knowing my cheeks were red. "Oh my god, she's just the best." I hesitated and Anastasia punched me. "Ow!"

For the first time in years, Anastasia was grinning, clinging to every detail. "I haven't seen you in love, well, ever! Oh, it's so terribly romantic!" She stopped and cast me a sly glance. "I know exactly who it is."

I blanched. "O-o-oh nooooope okay..."  I sat down and brought my knees up to my chest and crosses my arms over them, burying my head in the crook of my arms. "She's just... amazing. I like everything about her."

Anastasia put her hand on my back and whispered into my ear, "Fangirl."

I squeaked without my consent, blushing furiously. I flipped a pillow into my hand using my wing and threw it at her. "I had to learn to be one somehow!"

"How dare you accuse me of such pastimes?!?!" Anastasia laughed and threw the pillow back at me.

A strong knock interrupted our play. A Silvercloak entered. "My majesties, I apologize for interrupting. Matters of state require your attendance, my Lady."

Within a second Anastasia had lost all life within her. "Yes, of course. Thank you. Arrange for the Duke and Countess to meet me in the throne room in an hour." She turned to me. "Brother, you may like her, but remember your position. As a Prince, you have a reputation to upkeep." Her eyes momentarily softened. 

The Silvercloak bowed and held the door open as Anastasia exited. I watched her go and felt myself deflate. No, not now. I have matters to attend to. I walked to the bathroom and spruced myself up. I fluffed my wings up, scowling at how the newer feathers threw off the prestige of my elegant, older ones. 

I walked out and- woah- a Slivercloak! Just a normal guard. Perfect! 

"Hello, dear sir. How are you today?"

The Silvercloak hesitated, slightly confused. "Sir, all appears to be well within the castle."

"That's good, but how are you? Is there anything I can help you with?"

He stiffened and nervously looked around. He had never been addressed like an equal by anyone. He had always been a servant. He didn't know how to react. "Erm, Sir, I am as well as I can be. My shift is going well, therefore there is no need for assistance. It is gracious of you to offer."

"No problem. Please, let me know if you need anything." I started to walk away when the Silvercloak nervously spoke again.

"My liege, would it be any trouble to be permitted to have a..." He trailed off, sweating.

"Continue, no such thing as a silly question!"

"A.... Day off?"

I laughed, which prompted him to stand at the ready, ashamed. "Of course! You have a royal pardon to take as many friends as you want to enjoy as many days as you would like. We all have to have a break sometime!"

He was shocked. "Thank you, Sire. Thank you! But what of the Queen?"

"I'll deal with her. No punishment shall befall you for having fun. In fact, your vacation may begin immediately. We've always had too many guards doing guardy things for no reason other than pizzaz. Let me know when you get back, Mr..?"

"Learon. Drien Learon, Sire."

And with that my new friend was off to grab his friends and enjoy a day for themselves. I grinned as he sauntered off. The Silvercloaks really do deserve more credit than anyone gives them. I turned and continued on my way.

The castle was glorious and majestic and yada yada yada. Whatever. I always enjoyed something a little simpler. I rode the wind to the outskirts of the city, beyond the walls. Here the fields of wheat glowed golden in the gentle light of the sun. The greens of the forest created a softer, homey palette. Houses were clustered together in their own communities. People were scattered throughout the fields, their bare backs muscular and darkened from years of hard work.

I landed near one of the houses and gently tapped on the door. It was abruptly flung open. The cries of a baby flowed out. Within the doorway was a dark-skinned boy. He had gorgeous almond-shaped eyes and haphazard energy. He burst into a grin when he saw me. 

"Ma! Cas is here!" A middle-aged woman made her way to the door. The boy continued. "Ma, can I please go with him?"

She eyed me up and down, a frown on her face before she swooped me into her arms. We briefly hugged. "'Course you can, Jordan. Just make sure you don't get into trouble."

"Thanks, Nana!" I gave her my biggest smile and she smiled back. Jordan grabbed my hand. 

"C'mon Cas, I have something to show you!" He ran toward the fields and I followed. The wheat came up to our shoulders. I kicked off my sandals at some point and was running barefoot. Jordan lead me through a complicated maze of sorts. At the end we were in our little secret area; the nook. This part of the stream was secluded, hidden by thick brush and trees. 

"Last one in the stream is the loser!" I shouted. We both sprinted toward the stream. Jordan won. He hurdled into it, splashing me. I laughed and used my wings to splash him back.

"Agh! Cheater!" He chuckled. We went around splashing for a while. We eventually crawled out and collapsed on the bank's soft grass, panting and giggling. 

"Oh, man. It has been way too long!" I stretched out.

"You can say that again."

"Oh man. It has been way too long!" I repeated. We both chuckled. The sun was high overhead. Noon. We lay in silence for a while, enjoying the peace that came with company. After awhile I spoke. "What would Nana think if I helped with the chores?"

Jordan started to wheeze. "Casper, your muscles aren't used to this line of work. You'd be out within a minute!" He saw the look on my face and quickly added, "Don't even think about magic! If you tried to help using magic you would turn the crop into pumpkins!"

I laughed. It was true! Last year I tried to help and turned an entire field of corn into gourd. Man, they were not happy! I did get my sis to change my mistake, though.

Jordan sighed. "Cas, I don't want to be a downer or nothin', but it's getting stressful."

"How so?"

"Ma don't talk bad easily, but I heard her one too many times. The Lords of the land are demanding more and more. They don't understand that we have to provide for ourselves too. Cas, I'm scared. They won't listen."

I sat up and stared Jordan in the eyes. "I swear, I will talk to them. That's just wrong. You can't exploit people like that!"

Jordan violently nodded. "I know, right?! Thanks, dude. It means a bunch that you would do that for us."

I hugged him. "I won't let them continue to hurt our people. Now, about those chores..."

We got right to them. I mean, we didn't get much done but it was something. I had to leave after that, so I said my farewells and flew back to the castle. I said hi to a few more people, got some homeless folks a meal and a job, just normal daily stuff. But the castle was the last place I wanted to be.