Deadly Magic

Alice Princeps

I wake up and look over to where Daemon should be sleeping. Oddly he's not there. I sit up. Swing my legs out of bed and stand. Too fast and I grip the bed post. I steady myself and make it to my dresser. I put on a bra underwear and some pajamas. I stumble my way to his office and then lean against the door frame.

He's at his computer. He looks up. I'm shocked. He's not any less beautiful but he must've stayed up all night because he has circles under his eyes. I swear his 'beard' grew. Like its been weeks but its only been a few hours. He smiles but a crease forms between my eyebrows. I put my hands on my hips.

"Did you stay up all night?" I purse my lips. He nods. Scratches his head.

"Sorry. I meant to sleep but I have so much work to do." He returns to his computer. I walk over and then stumble.

He's out of his seat in a second. I managed to catch myself on his desk. He helps me regain my balance. Then he hugs me. He grips my arms and puts his forehead against mine. "Be careful, please." It's obvious that he's worried so I nod against his head and he hugs me again.

I pull away. "You need some sleep." Using the support he gives me I manage to get us to the bed. He lays down and I tuck him in. I crawl over him and, then, lay next to him, on top of the covers. I rest my head on his chest and he plays with my hair.

Soon his breathing slows and his hand falls away. I slowly, gently get off the bed. I decide to wander the house.

First I stumbled but as I continued to walk I became graceful. I walked the halls and soon came upon a room that was full of blue.

The walls were sky blue and the carpet was a beautiful shade of light blue dulled by a gray. The covers and pillows were a dark blue with stars and diamonds and glittering pieces of glass on it. There was a single window and the window sill was painted the same color as the walls. Underneath the window was, what I would guess as, a custom made, blue telescope that also had diamonds and stars on it. I looked up and I saw a(basically) map of the solar system, including the dwarf planets.

I smiled. This must be a child's room but why would Daemon live with a child. As far as I know he doesn't have siblings. I walk over to the bed and sit. I rub the covers. I stretch out and before I know it I'm out like a light.

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I feel a shake on my arm. I wake up, expecting Daemon but instead I see a sweet little girl. I sit up, rub my eyes.

"Excuse me, but you are in my bed and I don't like it. Had you asked I would've let you stay, it's not like I'll use it any time soon. But it really bothers me so can you get up now, please."

She seemed to be getting frustrated so I complied. My knees shook as I stood and when I took a step to move I collapsed. I rolled over on my back.

"Are you okay? If you want I'll get Daemon." I nod. It's only a minute when Daemon appears in the doorway. He rushes to my side. I feel his arms slide behind my back and knees. A minute later and we're in his room and he lays me down on the bed.

I rush to explain. "I'm sorry. I don't know whats wrong with my legs. It seems they can't hold my weight." I smile sheepishly.

He shakes his head. I think I gave him such a scare he's incapable of speech. The little girl, who stands in the doorway, face as pale as a sheet, caught my eye. I smile a friendly smile at her. "You can come in. I'm sorry if I scared you. I didn't mean to."

She walks in slowly, with her head down, as if she's going to get into trouble. "I'm sorry. I didn't know you weren't well. I..." She looks away.

"It's okay. You did nothing wrong. I promise you won't get into trouble." I grasp her hand and she looks startled. I bring it to my face and lean into it. We both smile. "What's your name, sweet heart?"

"Alice. Alice Princeps. I'm Daemon's sister. Who are you?"

"Daemon's old friend, girlfriend, and soon to be wife and queen." Her eyes get big and her face turns red. She turns to Daemon.

"Why didn't you tell me about her?! Is it that you don't trust me?! I don't even care no more!" She storms out of the room. I sigh. Drama comes with children.

Daemon caresses my face. I smile. Poor baby, he really is incapable of speech. I rest my hand on his face and he leans into it. We close our eyes. I feel a shift in the bed and I look over to see Daemon laying beside me. I turn to lay my head on his chest. We quickly fall asleep.

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I'm woken up by a pat on my arm. I open my eyes and come face to face with gray ones. Alice.

Tears stream down her face and she clings to a rabbit. She's shaking like a leaf. I sit up and wrap her in a hug. "C-c-can I s-s-s-sleep w-with y-y-you?" A fresh wave of tears flow. "I had a n-n-n-nightmare."

"Of course you can," I say and scoop her up. I lay her between us and she gets under the covers. When she's settled I wrap my arm around her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She looks horrified at the idea. She shakes her head and I don't press further. "What's the bunny's name?"

"Kyla. She loves to talk and she's really nice."

"Really?"

"Mhm. But she's scared right now so she won't talk as much."

"Aaww. What a shame. I would've loved to hear her voice. Anything I can do to make that happen?"

"Mmm. You could make her laugh or make her feel happy. She'll forget all about her sadness and fear. Try it?"

"Well, I don't know any good jokes but I might be able to make her happy. I have some good news, or what I hope is good news." I lean in and whisper, "I'm pregnant and you're going to be the aunt. Also, when me and Daemon get married, I'll officially be your older sister."

She gasps and she smiles so wide I almost forget she's not Cheshire Cat. I laugh and then the doll literally begins to talk.

"Oh my gosh! That's great! You're finally gonna have an older sister and maybe even a younger, somewhat, sister! That's so awesome!"

I laugh. "Well she can actually talk. Faerie magic is amazing. I've never loved it so much." She smiles and we slowly drift off.