The Curse of Thir

“Are you alright Xylee?” Princess Naveen knelt beside her and attempted to help her up, but Xylee pulled away, her face full of terror.

“Is there pain? Call a physician Gelnane...” Naveen felt panic, she had never seen such a thing before, and she was certain she never wished to see it again.

“There is no need to call anybody, Princess. The pain is no longer within her body. Besides no physician could possibly help, the enchantment is... unique.” Xylees body shook at the thought of the pain.

“Perhaps, Princess, something sweet shall calm her? I could call a kitchen servant to bring you some of that dark chocolate from Ashail?”

“Yes... please do, she looks frightful.” She stood up. “Come inside and sit down Xylee, you’ll be far more comfortable.” Looking up at the princess then at Gelnane, his eyes spoke of necessary obedience. She quickly stood up and scurried inside. There were two comfy very snug looking chairs, one close to the window and fireplace, the other by a dresser. She chose the one by the window and sat down without a word. Her hands shook and she felt beads of sweat trickle down her forehead, the fire was gone but her recollection was fresh.

“Gelnane,” Princess Naveen took his arm and pulled him out of sight, Lady Francis, Naveens plump personal handmaid and matron, squealed in fear at the sight of Xylee and managed to form her body into the corner she occupied. Which was quite a feat to be seen.

“What... what was that exactly Gelnane?”

“It was magic Princess, Tree-Beast magic. Is it not what you expected?” His voice wavered from affection to monotone deadness as he spoke.

Xylees’ ears twitched as she listened to their words.

“...no...It was not.... it seemed so horrible...”

“Well I doubt your father would have been satisfied with anything less than that.”

“But... it seemed so cruel Gelnane. Can it not be lessened?”

“Naveen, you need to understand this. Your father is not wrong when he says that it might be danger to you, to all of us. Precautions must be taken. She is unique, and she might be here for other reasons besides your entertainment. You are to keep that in mind, always. Her desire may be revenge or something equally as unappealing, but in all my years on this earth, I have never seen anything quite like her, more human than beast but far more beast to be human. An oddity I desire to learn more of.” Naveen attempted to protest but Gelnane cut her short.

“Yes I understand how it can be seen as cruel, I did not entirely agree with the way things where proceeding all those years ago. But no creature on Thir is beyond hate. Keeping her close is better, you never know what might have happened if Ruiter had killed her it could have brought forth something else something worse,” his voice trailed off in thought. “I can learn more about whatever she might be, even if it is merely the correct manner in which to execute her without any such consequences, hopefully the King shall see the wisdom behind my impulse. Your impulse however should be reigned in.”

Naveen had nothing to add, she had been outdone by Gelnanes logic.

“Promise me you shall use the word if you ever feel threatened by her. You must remain safe, you are truly important to the Kingdom; you are the last of the Tyres blood line, not even your children will hold the same power as you. So promise you’ll use the word.”

Listening intently, Xylee waited for the Princesses reply.

“...Yes, I promise I shall use the word Gelnane.”

“Good, now,” Gelnane straightened himself up, “I take my leave then Princess, I shall send the chocolate up with some milk. Oh yes and two guards shall be posted at your door. Permanently. That is if you continue to insist on having her sleep here. Good day Naveen.”

Xylees’ ears had fallen and pushed themselves back. She had no idea what was to happen now, and to make matters worse the fire had cleared the fog and ice completely, but with it went whatever she had been trying to figure out. Her mind now only held fear of the future.