Demon's Stolen Strength

Aileen POV

Father... FATHER! Where are you?!" I ran as fast as I could through the stone halls. My feet hit the floor heavy and I almost tripped a few times. As I turned a corner I could hear the crash from my Mother's old vase tumbling over. The crash drowned out my cries for a moment.

"Princess, what's wrong?" I almost ran into Sir Kalum. My eyes were so blurry with tears I hadn't been able to pay much attention to where I was going.

For the faintest moment I hated Sir Kalum with a passion. He wasn't my father and I need to find my father!

My anger subsided quickly, being replaced by fear and desperation. "Kalum, please where is Father? You're his friend right? If anyone knows where he is then it has got to be you right?" When it was just myself and Sir Kalum I'd normally drop the 'Sir'. There were not too many people that I myself trusted, just like my Father. No, those dreadful horrible men killed any trust I had left in others. Sir Kalum is one of the only exceptions.

Sir Kalum's normally cheerful grin faded to a sour grimace that didn't look right on his face. "The King is busy in his study right now and cannot be interrupted I'm afraid. I could have someone relay a message to him if you please? But you may not see him at the moment."

"It's not me! It's Mother! Her sickness...it...it's gott..." I couldn't make out the words. My body was shaking so much and my mouth felt dry.

"The Queen has been sick for sometime now Aileen. There is no reason for your Father to be brought into this. I'm sure he will see her when he has finished."

Not that I'm proud of it, but I have always been a frustrated crier. Even though I was mad; down right pissed, all I could do was cry. Snot and tears dribbled down my face in angry hot streaks. Perhaps the pink of my face told my anger where my words could not. "It is time! I can tell Mother's eyes have grown dull and she keeps looking around aimlessly! The Queen is looking for her King! Take me to my Father NOW!"

I know it to be true. Mother's eyes would look at me then trail across the stonework, the painting, and her favorite little purple flowers. Then they would return to me. Her expression would soften as she smiled in my direction before continuing to look for him as if he would magically appear by her bedside. SHE KNEW IT WAS TIME!

"Sir Kalum, tell whatever one of Father's pawns you need to. Just let them know that the Queen is weak right now. She is not going to make it. Father should be there too. I know she wants to see him one last time." I got the words out passed my dry cracked lips.

One of the squires I did not recognize turned the corner and Sir Kalum barked, "the king is in his study, let him know the Queen is wanting his presence... That the Princess believes this to be her final day."

Relief filled me as the nervous looking squire started off to see my Father. My heart still hammered from how long I had been running, but at least now it was a bit at ease. Father would come to Mother and we could all be there for her last moments! I had just to get back to Mother.

Spinning on my heel I called back to Sir Kalum, "Come with me since you are not seeing to the King. I wish to be escorted back to my Mother's sick bed."

I did not wait on a reply. I had no reason to; I knew full well he would be following me. Even if his loyalty was to my Father, he always made sure I was cared for... Or perhaps he knew and feared what was about to occur. Perhaps he knew that I would fall into a depression or rage with the outcome.

Four turns, one passed my previously broken vase, a flight of stairs, and six doors took us back to where my Mother lay. Back to where she had been laying for the past six months. The room was more familiar to me than my own was anymore. Most of my twelfth year was sat next to my Mother. At some point during my run around search, new flowers had been placed beside her. For the past six months she always had that little purple flower at her bedside.

Mother's eyes instantly snapped to meet mine. Then just as fast they took in Sir Kalum. Her expression saddened as she took in his blonde curly hair, crooked nose, and soft smile. None of the things that matched my Father's description. Mother frowned disappointment clear on her face. I hated Father in that second. I blamed him for how she was feeling. I dusted off my dress and ran at Mother.

"Someone is going to find Father and bring him here! I made sure of it! Mother please just hold on a little while longer. I know Father will come when he hears. Mother please..."

She gave me a smile and picked that moment. Her eyes flashed around the room in one final search for Father. With my hand in hers and the lightest squeeze, she passed on. I'm not sure if even heard me say Father was coming. I could see no other reason her eyes would do another scan of the chamber.

When she died, I had expected Sir Kalum to leave and go get Friar Sean, but no. The very instant that she closed her eyes and rolled her head to the side; Sir Kalum's arms wrapped around me. At the same time, I screamed a ear piercing screech. My eyes burned as I more tears fell from my face. My whole body trembled in horror and misery.

Thinking back on it now, he probably did not believe me originally when I said it was Mother's time. Still, I couldn't blame him. Not when I needed someone with me. Sir Kalum's embrace felt warm and comforting. His hug was the only thing keeping me sane. There was no joking or playful smile on his face; he was genuinely concerned for me. That and sad about the Queen, his friend's wife, dying before him. I felt water from his own grief falling gently onto my face.

Once my crying calmed down Sir Kalum tried to speak with me, "Princess I know this is a hard time for you, just know that I'm hear to listen. If you don't want to talk, I understand too."

He was trying so hard to be understanding and give me what I needed. To this day I'm not sure if I said what I did out of spite for the dear King, or because I truly wanted it, "I don't want to be strong like him, if this is the cost. I wish you were my Father."

I woke up shivering in my blankets. I had dreamt of that horrible day again. Lately, I was really missing home. Six years and I am still no closer to finding my way back. I shifted back in the covers; soon my alarm would go off. Don't want to waste one of my only days off from the DSS! Still, I would have a few more hours until then. When I wake back up, I'll write another letter to Father. That'll help me relax from the unwanted memory.

Besides, a memory dream is still better than being forced to see Demon Lord Shiuku. That man has haunted enough of my night time taunting me, or touching me.