Chaos & Order

Chapter 10

Aliyah put on her cloak as she walked out the castle doors, pulling her hood up while making sure her face was covered. Though she heard nothing, she knew Siel was just behind her. Even after he told her, she still felt his presence to be a source of comfort as she walked through toward the garden and her secret place.

When she came to the hedges, she removed her hood and knelt down. Before long, she was crawling through the passageway and made it to the other side. Waiting for her were the colorful flowers and serene pool of crystal blue water. She sighed in contentment before looking around.

"You can stop hiding yourself, Siel." She called out.

"Apologies." Siel said, becoming visible a few yards from her.

Aliyah waited for a moment, but realized he wouldn't be coming any closer. A little dejected, she sat by the side of the lake, "You've been invisible since last night."

"I'm sorry. I thought it would be best to let you work things out." Siel said.

"Work things out? What do you mean?" She asked her guardian, confused.

"After the conversation, I thought you would appreciate time to yourself to work out your feelings."

"I'm fine, Siel. Nothing to work out." Aliyah said, staring at the water.

"That's good." Siel said, standing a fair distance from her.

Aliyah sighed before looking back at him with a smile, "At least I finally know about my mother. Who she was and who I am, I mean."

"Xavier finally told you, I see." Siel nodded, "Good. Good."

"Yes, he even told me about the first time they met. Funny to know both of my parents were rebellious."

"Your mother was more of a free spirit, yes." Siel nodded.

"I'm guessing you were the one who always followed the rules." Aliyah said, jokingly.

"No, that was our teacher. I'm...somewhere between." Siel said, "Rules should be followed, but some can be bent."

Aliyah smiled at him, "Speaking of teachers...now that I know I'm also an angel, will you teach me how to use my wings? I always wondered what it's like to fly."

"I could try." Siel nodded, "You may even be able to use auras as well as magic..." he halted before chuckling, "On second thought, forget that part. Otherwise, I would be out of a job."

Aliyah laughed as she stood, "We have until nightfall. So, how about now?"

"It's...tricky." Siel said, "Not that I'm unwilling to, I just don't know how. The best way I can think of is...Aliyah, if someone asked you how to make your heart beat, could you tell them?"

"Huh, that's....hard to answer." Aliyah said before laughing a little, "But I trust you, Siel. You'll figure it out."

"I'll try, yes." Siel nodded with a chuckle.

Aliyah laughed again, "You'll be a good teacher."

"Maybe...maybe." Siel said, "Sorry I can't be of more help for now, though."

"It's fine." Aliyah said, looking out toward the lake while Siel kept his distance.

The princess just kept staring until she saw something shiny beneath the water. Without thinking, she took off her shoes and walked into the water. Siel gave her a brief glance, but couldn't sense anything dangerous at the moment.

As Aliyah carefully waded to the edge of the shallow end of the lake, she stopped. She saw something lying in the muddy bed of the lake. She tilted her head in curiosity before reaching in to grab it. The moment her hand touched the item, she suddenly slipped. With a gasp, she fell into the water.