There was many stories of The Desert Rose, the beauty stretched across Revaliir. The stories made its way to a man sitting at a bar in the town of Apoy. A man came in telling of the women he saw and the queens the resided there. He spoke little of the beauty that really lay in the city. Just that there was a streets made of golds and silver. Clyde interest peaked at this, he had never seen roads made of gold. It wasn’t the women that he was interested in, Clyde had no interest in women. The love he held on to kept him closed off. Margaret was still closed to his heart, even though it had been centuries since her death. He hadn’t been with anyone since and wasn’t planning on being with anyone now.

Clyde decided to make his way to the golden city. He was still slightly new with Revaliir and the wonders it held. Traveling across the desert on a horse he had rented was not as bad as many said it was. He had seen deserts with creatures that would come out of the sand and kill you in an instant. Stopping for a moment outside the jungle area around the city, he took a drink of his canteen. It was the last of his water but it clenched his thirst.”Just about there.” He said patting the horse's neck a few times before he started to move throughout the trees.

As the elemental made his way through the trees and bushes, he finally reached the gates of the city. The city was already becoming loud. “Maybe a celebration?” He thought to himself as he jumped off his horse and started to walk into the city. Two women stood besides the entrance, armed and ready to take down anyone that would harm their city. The guards stared at him as he walked through the gates and into the city. His dark green velvet coat was probably the culprit. Not many men worse these suit jackets or really were in suits nowadays. His black pants and shiny black soons seemed like they didn’t have one scuff or dirt. It was as if he wasn’t traveling at all.

Clyde was only a few feet into the city before the guards tackled him to the ground. The commotion caused the horse to run off into the crowds. “Now now ladies. If you tell me what’s going on I will be able to help.” He said into the gold stoned ground. “You are an enemy of our city! We are taking you to the Queen.” They pulled him off the ground and tied his hands together. “I am not, I assure you… Ma’am can you please be careful with that. It is very special to me.” He nodded towards the can in one of the guards hands. Most of it was a dark wood, but the top was a gold plated ball engraved with vines and roses. His favorite flower. They narrowed their eyes and looked to him then the cane. “Let’s go.”They said as they forced him to walk, he did so. One of the guards looked over to a woman nearby with eyes like her. “Tell the Queen we have one of Cryprus men.”  The woman nodded at the request and ran off ahead of them.


“What are you doing here?” One asked him. They’re eyes both watching him closely. “I am quite new to this island of yours. I’m here to see this beautiful city of yours.” He said with a smile as he eyes took in the beautiful roses and gold streets. The guard on the right kept her hold on him as she laughed. “Beautiful city? Men only come to see the women here. You come to spy us for Cryprus.” The elemental sighed. “I know not who this man is. Also, I am not a young man anymore. I have had the love of my life pass through my fingers and I do not seek another.” He voiced with an edge of sadness. The women both frowned at this. The hand loosened around his wrists as they said “Awe.” Almost in unison. With a sigh, they looked at each other. “We still need to take you to the Queen.” They stopped to look at him.  Clyde nodded at them. “I will see your Queen.” He assured them. With those words, the women untied him, the one holding his staff handed it back to him. “Thank you.” He said with a warm smile. The guards nodded and motioned for him to move, and he walked in between them. His cane clicking softly against the gold silver road.

It wasn’t long before he entered the room the Queen sat. He had never seen anyone more beautiful. She seemed to glow gold with her golden hair. Her heart was almost shining through her. He didn’t speak before the queen did. He showed her respect and bowed deep then straightened and waited for her to speak.

Lily was enjoying a nice cup of tea and a good book under the leaves of a blossoming rose tree, very special tree only found in Sularia. She had a lot on her mind and could only use this way to relax. She took comfort in the quiet and the peace for a few moments before the guards came in. “We didn’t want to take him to see the others, my Lady. We confused him for one of Cyprus’s men.”

Looking up from her book she studied the man. “Oh well, at least you are trying to protect us. That is the most I can ask from you. Taking him to see the others might have just gotten him killed or worse.” A playful smile was on her face as she closed the book and put the book and teacup down on the side table beside her. “Forgive them for being awfully rude, you see we are on high alert for my sister. Dangerous woman that is.”

She returned his bow and looked him up and down. “Might have been the attire or that you are simply a man that is new here. Men are quite rare in Sularia you see.” She held out her hands and smiled. “Give me your hand for a second.” When he gave her his hand her aura began to engulf him. “See? It doesn’t hurt him. He’s fine.” She reassured the guards who appeared at ease enough to leave him be with the Queen. “You’ll have to forgive them. They do mean quite well.”

She let his hand go without a second thought. “Do you want some tea? I can’t imagine you came to Arri to be harassed. Though a man in Arri would be harassed anyways.” She chuckled lightly and pulled a second teacup over to hers as if she was expecting company. “I will have to make it up to you for them disrupting your trip. Are you thirsty? The desert is tiresome.” 

She moved her golden skirts so she could sit back down and blinked a few times. “I would sit down if I were you. A troubled teenager is about to ruin my peace and quiet.” Lily was quick to help him sit down on the bench as her youngest child stormed into the enclosed courtyard.

“I want to leave the house. Mother, you need to let me out.” The girl stomped her foot and Lily propped her elbow up on the arm rest of the bench and put her chin on her hand.

“Please tell me how to parent more. You are not allowed out until I’ve dealt with the people trying to kill you. Do you understand how dangerous it is to have a not only an emotional teenager running the roads but a half-demon with a temper bigger than she is running the roads? Even in Sularia, I can’t protect you outside of this house.”

The teenager let out a frustrated yelp as she stared at her mother. “I am going to find a way out. I’m not as fragile or predictable as you think I am.” The girl stomped her foot and ran back inside the manor.

Lily chuckled lightly gave the man a wink. “Don’t try to open your bedroom window it isn’t going to work.” The teenager let out a frustrated scream as if that was exactly what she was going to do. “Oh my, what an interesting day this has become. I do apologize for my ill-mannered daughter.” She brought up a plate of scones and offered it to him. “Want one? They match the tea I am having today. I’m reading poems from Adeluna you see.” She motioned to the book at her side.

Clearing his mind of the thoughts of the Queen, he didn’t want to think those thoughts of a woman he would never want. His heart belong to another and would always. Even if she was long dead she stayed in his heart. One day he would have to move on, but not yet. He was content being alone. Content loving someone who was dead.

The Queen started to speak, he watch her set down the book and tea. He smiled at her apology. “It is quite alright. They were just doing their job.” He spoke with honesty. He wasn’t one to get someone in trouble He saw the good in everyone and the guards here didn’t do a thing wrong. They did they’re job and well.

It was when she asked for his hands, he almost pulled away. He hadn’t been touched by a woman in a very long time. He was reluctant at first until he looked into her eyes. She wasn’t going to harm him in anyway. With a mental sigh, he moved forward towards her and gave his hand to her. As soon as they’re hands touched, he regretted it instantly. They were soft and small like a woman’s hands should be. For a moment he didn’t want to let go, and then her hand was gone. His hand still tingled as he listened to her speak. “Tea would be amazing. Thank you.” He said and laughed at her comment. He only saw very few men on his way in. Mostly women roamed the streets.

Clyde took her order and sat down slowly. His hand moving over his coat to hold it as he sat down. As soon as he was seated he heard the scream of the teenager she spoke of. He sad quietly as he listened to the confrontation of mother and daughter. “Being a daughter of a queen must take its toll sometimes.” The elemental thought as he crossed his legs and began to think of a way to help the child before him.

With a nod, he grabbed one of the scones that were offered to him. He didn’t realize he was hungry until he saw the food in his hands. He had just got to the city and was planing on getting something to eat before the guards had took him here. “Now that is an idea.” He thought while laying his hand in his lap, the other was holding onto his cane across his lap. ”That is a great book. “ He commented with a smile, he had once read it long ago. “Also, It is alright. I have raised a teenager myself once. They do not like being cooped up in a house all day.” He paused and took a bit of the scone and then a sip of the tear in front of him. “I know of a perfect way for you to pay be back for that…Mishap.” He smiled while setting down the tea. “Why don’t your daughter and yourself take me on a tour of the city? Accompanied by the guards of course.” He said with a smile then finished his scone. "Oh! I am so sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I am Clyde Vladimir."

Lily chuckled towards him as he took a scone. “I am afraid it has less to do with her being cooped up and more to do with her wanting to get herself into trouble.” Thinking about his offer she brought the teacup up to her lips and thought on it for a few seconds. “I think that would be splendid. We’ll have to see what my child thinks of it.” She amused for the most part since the trouble should have gone to her and not from him. 

“Oh! It is quite an alright Clyde.” She gave a smile as she repeated his name. “I did not give you mine either. My name is Lily Rose and my stubborn daughter is Nymphaea Rose. You might even see my son floating about. Though he is the sweetest thing you could ever meet.” Lily seemed to appreciate how well behaved her son was, and it wasn’t just because of his age. “Speak of the devil and he shall come.”

A golden-haired boy with a complexion that matched his mother’s showed up. His eyes were more golden like the sun as he crossed his arms. “Mother, Nymphaea is up to something in her room. I hear a lot of banging about.”

Looking troubled Lily was about to get up when she turned to her new friend. “This is my son Rowan. I do thank you for letting me know ahead of time how troublesome Nymph is being. Thank you, dear. Can you take the tea and scones back inside? Maybe you could take the scones out to the back of the manor and spread them for the birds? I think they would quite like a nice treat like that.” Rowan nodded and was quick to take the tray out of their way.

“I think I’ll take you up on that offer. We can get you some real food once we get into the city. I imagine you are starving.” Lily got up and held her arm out to him. It was his choice to take it and it didn’t matter if he had. They were off going up the stairs to the room where her daughter was. It was quiet now. She knocked on the door before slowly turning the knob. To say the sight displeased her was hardly the top in the word list she had. “Damn it Nymphaea.” The window though it had been sealed with magic was smeared all over with blood from the looks of it.

“Where on earth did she learn a trick like that?” She was displeased as she beckoned Clyde to follow her in. She inspected the markings and the blood. “I guess she found out the blood of a half demon can neutralize the magic on the house. I’ll have to think of something else to seal her in next time.” She mused as she looked up at Clyde and smiled. “Looks like I’ll be showing you the city while we check things out. I can at least have my sisters be on the watch for Nymphaea out in the city.”

She took her dress up in her hands as they walked back down the stairs. “Rowan, my love?” He appeared as his name was spoken. “Can you go inform your aunties that Nymphaea has run away again. I would like her back in one piece and not hurt if you could.” He nodded and ran off. A chuckle left her lips. “My youngest child is quite the troublemaker would you say? Rowan was never as rebellious as she is though you could say it is in her half demon blood. Speaking of which, she must have taken her sword with her. At least she was smart enough to take that with her. Rowan is almost fifteen years older than she is. I did a fine job with him, I just wish I knew what I did wrong with Nymphaea.” There was a ponder. “Suppose being half demon was the first thing.” She chuckled and gave a wink to Clyde. “The things an idle mind thinks about.”

Taking him down to the marketplace, Lily kept him in arms reach. It was so busy with so many women around that Lily had taken his arm so they wouldn’t get separated. “This is the bazaar. So many things come through here. Both wondrous and dangerous.” There was dancing, food, clothing, other items all for sale right in the colorful bazaar. “I’m not overly worried about Nymphaea to actively look for her. Well as long as my sisters have their eyes out for her.”

The elemental didn’t take his attention off of the Queen before him. She probably had this presence with everyone she was with. She seemed kindhearted to Clyde but someone who could hold her own. His eyes moved to her hands. “No ring?” He thought to himself. “A woman that is Queen without a husband by her side. Remarkable.” He smiled at her. “Nymphaea is a very unique name.” he started to stand, but before he could the son she spoke of  walked over to them. “Lily Rose.” He repeated in his mind. It was a gorgeous name, but he wouldn’t let himself say it.

“Hello Rowan, my name is Clyde. Very pleased to meet you.” Clyde said with a nod as he took the tray away. The queen started to speak again and he stood with her. She held her arm out to him and he took it, looping it around his arm. He walked beside her as they made their way to her daughter's room. Being this close to her, he could smell the roses. It was calming. He walked up the stairs with her and they were soon at her daughter's door. As they entered, he let her arm slip away from his. His eyes glanced around the window she escaped out of. “We can always keep an eye out for her while in the city.” He assured her.

Taking her arm again in his, they walked down the stairs once more. When they reached the bottom she called for his son and he appeared. A small smile crossed his lips. He was always on call for his mother. His mind began to wonder. His daughter, the only daughter he had was gone. She was no longer Angelique anymore. She was a vampire without a soul and without reason. Maybe he should’ve told her long ago instead of waiting.

Pushing his thoughts away while he smiled down at the Queen. “Little girls are very hard to raise, but you have a bit extra. Boys tend to want to impress their mother any possible way. Girls on the other hand always want to do the opposite. One day she will want to be like you.” He said with a smile as he remembered how many times Angelique would run off. His heart would race when he would try to find her. “Don’t tell your mom.” He said with a laugh to her. “Okay, Uncle Clyde.” She would say to him every time and would not tell her mother.  His heart began to ache and he pushed away the memories. He couldn’t think of this right now.

It didn’t take them long before they reached the market. So many people gathered around. He didn’t want to lose Lily so he held out his arm for him to take and they walked around. The beauty of this place made him smile, roses decorated so much from vines to bushes. “Your city is beautiful.” He leaned to to her ear to say this because of all the noise. She heard her voice over the other voices and nodded, but he would still keep a look out for her.

As they passed a vendor near the dance area, he handed a man a coin then grabbed a single rose. Turning to the queen, he put the red rose behind her ear. “For your generosity.” He said to her with a smile. Looking over to the people dancing, he bowed to her and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?” She answered and put her hand in his. He lead her to the dance floor and tossed his cane to a little bow standing beside the dancers. He was watching with a smile on his face then catched the cane. “Hold this for me, son.” Clyde called to him then tossed him a coin. The boy nodded.

Taking Lilly out to the dance floor he put his arm around her waist and held her other hand. They dance along with the beat of the music, going around in a circle with the crowd or twirling her. His face was lit with a smile. They were having such a great time.

Lily chuckled just a tad. “Nymphaea means Water Lily. I promise it really isn’t as unique as it sounds.” But the queen had always loved the way it sounded. It was going to be Rowan’s name before she had found out he was a boy. What a shock that had been.

Thinking about what he said about little girls Lily smiled. “I can’t help but see her father in her. She is so much more than just me. I’m afraid she might never be me even if she wants. She is far too volatile. I think… that my greatest wish is for her to become her own person. Nothing like myself nor like Yaeger.”

Once inside the market place, her eyes lit up as she heard his words. “We always love to hear people say that. We work so hard on keeping our city ever beautiful.” A smile crossed her face as she leaned in and told him her appreciation. Once they were near the dance around Lily’s attention went off Clyde for a single second. That second was long enough for him to slip the rose into her hair and she blushed. She innocently, for once, stared into his eyes and gave him a smile as soon as she caught her breath. The man knew how to show appreciation that much was for sure.

“You may,” she took his arm as they began to dance around the dancing area. Many people came to watch them. It was so odd to see the Lady in Yellow dancing with a man that she showed some kind of interest. They danced on and off for an hour. They only took breaks to catch their breath. By the end of it, they were laughing so hard they had to hold each other up to catch their breath. Once they caught their breath Lily was stuck giggling as Clyde straightened himself and went back to acting proper with her. After giving some coin to a flower merchant she took hold of a bouquet of tiger lilies. “I think I know where Nymphaea is.”

They held onto each other’s arms as Lily led him out of the market and up behind the looming castle where the head queen lived. “My grandmother lives there. She makes sure we all make nice with each other.” They walked back rows and rows and different cemeteries. Each was lined with a different rose color until they reached the yellow one. She took him inside and towards the front there was Nymphaea. She was leaning against a lapis stone carved into a little girl. A crystal coffin was in front and the little girl inside was clearly visible. “We don’t lose children often and when we do.. we try to immortalize whatever bit we have of them.” Her voice was sad and low.

“What was she like?” Nymph spoke up as she as she heard them coming.

“Your sister was strong and direct. She listened well and enjoyed life. She was only six so I can’t give too much up… It’s been a long time since her passing. Eighty years? Seventy? Time knows no bounds when it comes to pain Nymphaea.” Lily bent down and put the tiger lilies on the grave. “I remember her words to me most. She told me when she was so severely wounded and we had no medics that she wanted me to end her suffering. A child told me that. My child.”

Nymphaea peeked up as if it was the first time Lily had actually said what happened. “How?”

“Human tribes out in the Harena that live off of scavenging who come through. They were doing a ritual of some sort. We were out playing on the outskirts of the oasis. I must have turned away for a second or two. She was gone when I looked back. It took us three days to find her. Angela was so busy with her deity problems that I couldn’t get to get to locate her. By the time we did it was too late. I made sure they would never take another child from here again but not after taking my child’s request.” Lily was pained deeply. “That’s why I am so strict with you.”

Stubbornly Nymphaea looked away. Lily gave a sad smile and chuckled. “Though you are much more like a weed than a flower. You would be hard to kill.” Nymph looked back for a second to make a face. It was always like her mother to try and lighten the mood after dropping something so heavy.

Before she knew what happened Lily felt a harsh pain in her side. She moved her hand to her hip and felt something wet. Pulling it up she discovered it covered in blood. "Nymphaea get away from the stone and into hiding now!"

They’re laughs filled the air as they danced. Clyde didn’t even notice the people staring at them. He stared into her eyes and laughed with her. Her smile warmed his heart like nothing he had ever felt. It was almost new to him to have a woman smile at him like she was. The stering of feelings inside him did not want to be pushed away. The elemental decided it was time to let go and have some fun with a woman. For the first time in a while he smiled and smiled with all his heart.

Clyde laughed with her as they finish dancing, he leaned into her and she did the same. He felt her skin of her shoulder under his fingertips and straightened up. Margrett flashed before his eyes, the time they danced, their only dance. Clearing his throat a few times, he did a short towards her. “That was a wonderful dance, Your Highness.” He smiled down at her. He kept himself from blushing at her giggle, she was laughing at him. She soon turned away and to the vendor with flowers. As she did this, Clyde walked over to the boy from before “Thank you.” He said as he handed the boy a few more coins.”Your welcome! Thank you!!” The boy called out to him then handed Clyde his cane back and ran off to buy whatever he wanted.

Clyde laughed at bit as he saw the boy run over to the vendor with wooden carvings of toys. Hearing the Queen’s voice, he turned towards her and nodded. He took her arm in his and walked beside her out of the bazaar.

They past a castle and she finally spoke. He nodded to show he acknowledged her as they continued to walk.

As they walked along the cemeteries, he looked at all the different flowers that seemed to change with every cemetery. A frown came over his lips as he saw the graves. His brother and wife now laid in their own graves, and so did the woman he onced loved. At least one of his family still lived. Turning away, he looked ahead of them until they reached the yellow. As they walked inside he spotted her daughter instantly next to a beautiful coffin. His heart started to ache as he looked upon the scene before him. As Lily began to speak to her daughter, he let her arm slip from his and stepped back. They needed this moment together. “Nymphaea needs to understand….” He thought to himself as he stood quietly watching them. He heard every word and felt sadness for the queen. She had lost a child, and no one should ever lose their child. He knew what that felt like.

“I miss you, Angelique.” He thought to himself as her face appeared in his mind. She was still alive, but she was no longer herself. She didn’t want anything to do with him. “If you would choose, you would want your mother back… I would choose her too…” He thought to himself as he looked at the two of them.

The sudden feeling in his gut told him something was off. The area was quiet for a moment, not even a bird in the distance. A gloomy feel filled the area.  It was then he heard something fly past him. A gasp left his lips as he saw the arrow fly passed him and into Lily. Turning around quickly, he saw a man in the cemetery across the way. Gripping his cane, his eyes glowed slightly. The man burst into flames and started to scream as he fell.

Then quick footsteps came from beside him. Turning around two men came at him, they’re attire black and a mask over their faces. “Shit.” He was caught off guard and tumbled to the ground. He took one with him and took the top of his staff off and stabbed him in the chest. Standing up, he slipped his blade back in its place. He saw the mask attacker heading to Lilly. Seeing her blood angered him. Flipping his staff around he swung the ball towards the man to hit him. He stumbled to the ground only to recover. He stood with his feet apart and his hands out to the sides waiting for Clyde to attack. With a smirk Clyde came at him, he used the top of his cane to punch the man. He move to the side to miss the dagger coming to his face. Then he saw his opening. Clyde’s hand came up to grip the man’s neck. Smoke seeped out from between his fingers. The masked man struggled to move as he was lifted up into the air. He couldn’t hold back the scream that was caused by his burning flesh.

The mask man soon grew limp and lifeless from death. The anger flowed out of Clyde as he dropped the man to the ground and hurried to Lillys side.”It’s going to be okay…” He whispered to sooth her and lifted her up, taking care not to touch the arrow. He didn’t bother going to her house, it was to far away. He hurried to her grandmothers.

It only took a few moments before he reached the doors, kicking them open he yelled, “The Queen has been shot!” Then people rushed to their side to take her from his arms. He hoped she would be okay. Looking down at his hands, stared wide eyed. Her blood was on his hands.

Lily may not have been a healer but she understood when she wasn’t hit in a major spot. Enough time around Angela had taught her a few things. The first was that she was gentle. The second was that the normally calm Lily was now even calmer. Nymphaea was in the most shock as she ran over to her mother in a panic. “Nymph panicking gets us nowhere fast.”

“Mother! You’ve seen shot please act like it!”

“Oh, I’m not dead nor am I dying.” Lily managed a smile through the pain as Clyde gently picked her up. Before she knew it he was kicking open the doors of the main castle. The surprise on her face as the one who greeted them was the very best person they could have run into.

“Damn, when you said Queen been shot I thought it was Toya learning her lesson.” The goddess tilted her head and stared at Lily. “We’re going to need to get that out. Follow me, Nymphaea you might want to stay out.” The goddess led them to a bedroom and she had Lily put on her side. With a firm hand, Angela began to pull the arrow out. Lily made a displeased noise.

“You are wiggling it on purpose! You are cruel you know that.” The look on Angela’s face spoke otherwise. “What is it?”

“The arrow is barbed. If I’m not careful I’ll shred you right up. To make matters worse there is a poison at the base. Not that we should be overly worried about that but, they really did want you dead.” Angela worked for a long time making sure the arrow came out as clean as possible. Lily choked back a few tears and the goddess stared at the wound. “Well you ruined a dress, you have a possible scar, and you have a male friend. You aren’t going to die either. Quite the day you’re having.” The goddess moved to a dress and pulled out a nightgown. “Wear this. You might have to help her change once I start to patch her up.”

Angela took off Lily’s dress and the queens barely cared that Clyde was there. “Be a dear and hand me that salve over there in the drawer. I know I keep some in this room just in case Toya hurts herself.” She instructed Clyde. As soon as the man returned with it Angela began to slather it all over Lily. “Sunlight and lots of it. It will help heal the wound with minimal scarring. I’m going to have a few guards sent over to Kirika and make sure she is alright. Though I imagine they still haven’t caught onto to our little plan just yet.” Angela looked up at Clyde. “My name is Angela, I’m an older sister of Lily. Queen of the Red Court. Goddess of Life and Earth, yadda yadda.” Angela waved her hand softly. 

“Do you think you could be a darling and watch my little sister for a few days? Make sure she gets the salve on at least once a day, change her bandages, makes sure she gets sunlight. Rosenites without the sun do not heal. Our bodies are not like vampires, we can’t just intake blood and make it all go away.” Angela told Clyde a little bit about Rosenites before getting out bandages and slowly wrapping them around Lily. She made sure they were tight but not enough to hurt.

“Why don’t you just give him a nanny position. Honestly, you know I listen.” Lily gave an apologetic look to Clyde. “I’m sure he doesn’t want to babysit me for a few days. That is being irresponsible Angela.”

“Well, I don’t have the time to and neither does anyone else. If someone doesn’t step up soon I’ll send you to the healing ward at the college. No one wants that.” Angela smirked as Lily rolled her eyes. “Healer’s orders.”

Clyde didn’t expect himself to kick down the door. On the way to the castle, he couldn’t help but start to think the error might be poisoned. Their attackers wanted her dead and would try anything to do it. They had followed the queen's daughter to the gravesite and waited. They could’ve killed Lily’s daughter at any moment and succeeded but they waited. “They wanted only her dead. And if they didn’t succeed they have to have a way for the mission to…..the arrow is poisoned!” With that thought, the elemental was rushing and ended up kicking open the door. He hadn’t been this worried about anyone in a very long while.

As they entered, it was the redheaded Goddess that greeted them. It wasn’t his first time to meet a god, so he nodded towards her. He wasn’t one to get giggling or be an awe of a deity. They were just like them but ten times better. As the Goddess turned and walked away, he followed. It was only a few moments before they reached the bedroom. He laid her gently on her side to not move the arrow.

Stepping back, he stared in silence and watch the Goddess work. Lily spoke and the elemental was about to laugh if it wasn’t for the look on the Goddess face. She explained about the arrow which made him frown, he was right.

As soon as Lily started to be changed, he immediately turned around with a blush. Luckily he was the turned around or they would of seen. Putting his cane in front of him, he laid both hands onto of each other on it. He was never once to try and peek at a naked woman without her consent. He wasn’t a young man anymore and had manners.

The Goddess spoke to him and he nodded, he hurried over to the drawer she spoke of and grabbed the salve. As he head back to the queens, he averted his eyes from the naked Lily, but as soon as the nightgown was pulled over her shoulders he was able to watch what was going on.

Hearing the Goddess voice made the elemental look up at her. She was introducing herself. He bowed slightly with a nod. Then suddenly she was asking a favor of him. He was only staying a few days but now it was prolonged. He nodded, “Yes, Milady I can.” He said with a small smile. He was looking forward to spending time with the queen and it didn’t matter he had to stay longer. Clyde almost laughed at Lily’s comment. “It really isn’t a bother.” He said simply as he looked down at her.

Clyde looked away and walked over to the window. His eyes glanced at the cemeteries. It was only moments before he was carrying her in and someone was trying to kill her. They wanted her dead and they weren’t going to stop. “The masked men are going to keep trying to kill you, I can be a nanny and your guard.” He turned around and smiled softly at Lily.”

Lily was about to reply when the door got kicked in and almost off its hinges. It was the youngest of the five sisters and there was amusement in her eyes. “Honestly Toya that was rude,” Lily spoke up as she was dressed.

“Fuck off, thought Angela was the one bleeding out. It’s not any fun if it’s you. You can’t even fight back.” The youngest strolled in and looked around before checking Clyde out. “Masked men? Bullshit, not just any man.” She picked up the arrow and inspected it. “Poison doesn’t kill us just so you know,” Toya amused herself with the arrow. “Volcan!” She yelled and a man ran up to the door. “Find out how they made it into the city. We’ll figure it out from there.” The man ran off.

“You know… you are awfully rude. Are you sure you weren’t raised by wild animals?” Angela crossed her arms and stared at the youngest. 

“Would have been better off if I was raised by animals than a bunch of no good spoiled rotten primadonnas.” She stared at Lily and Angela. The sisters sighed and stared at the youngest.

“How are you in charge of the armies and tactical decisions?” Angela took a jab at her.

Toya’s face twisted a bit. “Fuck off. I’m better than you at least if I was paying attention this wouldn’t have happened. Now I’m not stupid Angela. I know you know what the fuck is going on.” The acquisition was thrown at the goddess and suddenly the room had grown thick with power.

“If you are going to accuse people I would make sure to be in my face when you say it.” Angela’s words had barely left her lips when Toya did, in fact, get in the Goddess’s face. “Fine, we found Cyprus.”

Toya threw a punch at thewoman and hit Angela square in the face.  “That is something we needed to know. How dumb do you have to be not to realize how dangerous that woman is?! No wonder they went after Lily. Cyprus is a bitch trying to pick the weak of us off first. Just focus on doing whatever it is you’ve been doing. I guess I’ll fix Arri.” She growled at her sister before Angela took Toya’s arm and threw her into the wall.

“Don’t think this hasn’t been hard for me either. I’ve been trying to fix it but I cannot by myself.” Angela wiped the blood coming from her lip off. “Until further notice, everyone who comes into the city who we don’t know is to be watched.”

Lily sat up the best she could. “Only you are capable of that Ang. The rest of us will have to use other resources to try and stop whatever is going on.” She moved to the end of the bed and Toya made her way out. “Where are you going?”

“My daughter left Arri and went to Mamlak with her kids. I’m retrieving my grandchildren and making Keira come home. I’m also going to ask a favor from a friend.” Toya slammed the door on the way out and Lily sighed.

“Did you have to keep that a secret?” Lily looked up at Angela.

“I didn’t have a choice. The situation is rather complicated. I’ve only just found out myself.” Angela frowned a bit and gathered a few potions for her. “Make sure that Lily takes these and gets out in the sun for walks. She should be healed up in a few days. The poison should give her a fever but other than that it should be fine. Rosenites are immune to most poisons and those that affect us… well, I’ve taken precautions should it be one of those. I’ve got to explain to our grandmother why there is a nice sized crack in the bedroom wall now.” Looking at where she had tossed Toya and she shrugged. “Not that she expects better of us.” Lily nodded and watched Angela leave.

“Well, this has gotten exciting. Cyprus is one of our sisters. The bad egg of the group. Toya is just misunderstood but she cares for us. She just has a hard time showing it. Where Cyprus wants to see all of us and the world burn.” Lily tried to pull herself up off the bed. “We should get back to the Yellow Court so I can show you around. You are staying with us for a while after all.”