Under a light cotton sheet, she radiated heat like an ember that popped out of the fireplace. Her cheeks flushed red, striking a stark contrast with her pale skin as she lay limply on the bed. Her eyes fluttered and in a feverish hallucination, she mumbled, "No Papa. Stop killing. Stop."

"Your Highness, the princess shall recover soon. She's healthy and I don't foresee any problems," informed the Royal Doctor.

With a grim face, King Charles simply nodded, dismissing him.

"Charles, witnessing the massacre must have been too much for her. She's after all just a child. I'm sure her fever will abate soon. Fret not," said the Queen gently.

Her words bounced off the King's head. He sat quietly by Antalasia's bedside as long as he could, silently praying for her recovery. But his duties called him soon.

On the second night as Elizabeth stayed awake watching Antalasia in desperation, she heard a low moan. Blinking her eyes in a daze, she croaked hoarsely, "Water." Her sleep driven away, Elizabeth watched carefully, hoping she wasn't dreaming. "Water" croaked Antalasia.

With a soft squeal, Elizabeth poured a glass of water and supported Antalasia's feeble hand as she quenched her parched throat. Every swallow seemed to cool her body more. Tired, Antalasia fell back into a deep restful sleep.

The fever had broken and the sheets grew damp from sweat. Elizabeth called the maids to change them and through it all, Antalasia remained fast asleep. The Queen's heart melted when she realized that Elizabeth's first words were to call the maids for Antalasia.

Days passed and Antalasia was recovering quickly. Excited to have another playmate, Michaelo squealed happily, "Lizzy, come play chess with me."

"Michaelo, her name is Elizabeth, not Lizzy," reprimanded his mother.

"Oh Mama, it's too much of a mouthful. Let's play Lizzy," said Michaelo, much to his mother's chagrin.

Lizzy didn't respond to Michaelo instead, quietly stared at Antalasia. Antalasia blinked encouragingly. Lizzy smiled happily and scurried to the chessboard. Enthusiastically, she asked, "How do I play?"

Antalasia came up to her and began explaining the game, much to her brother's annoyance. Frowning in jealousy, Michaelo glared at the chessboard.

"Stop sulking Michelo. Lizzy doesn't know the game. Someone has to teach her. Don't act like a brat and play," said Antalasia sternly.

Weeks passed quickly and Antalasia was back to normal. One day, as Antalasia walked to the dining room for breakfast, there was an unexpected loud screech.

"No. I want to wear riding clothes. Not THESE," shouted Lizzy.

Peeking into Lizzy's room, Antalasia found clothes strewn all over. It was shocking to see a pigsty in the castle.

"Oh Princess," bobbed a maid, embarrassed by the mess and haphazardly darted around the room, gathering the clothes.

"Lizzy! What's going on here?" asked Antalasia.

"I want to dress like you. I don't want to wear gowns," she cried.

Antalasia was stunned. She never thought anyone would want to emulate her. "Alright, how about I change out of these clothes. I'll wear that blue gown and you can wear the long yellow gown," she said, feeling a strong sense of responsibility to be a good role model.

Lizzy sniffled and nodded satisfied.

Soon the girls changed and joined Michaelo for breakfast. "Michaelo, stop glaring at Lizzy. What's wrong with you," scolded Antalasia.

Never having had Antalasia scold him, Michaelo slumped and frowned sulkily.

Feeling sorry, she suggested, "How about we go to the practice grounds after breakfast?"

Still refusing to look at her, Michaelo grumpily said, "Okay."

After breakfast, the children began making their way to the practice ground when the Queen came across them and froze. "Antalasia! You are wearing dresses. I'm so proud of you," said the Queen calmly, but her eyes sparkled and face glowed with happiness.

Antalasia rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Lizzy was copying me."

The Queen looked at Lizzy speculatively. "Lizzy, Antalasia has etiquette training in the evening. Join us," she ordered and walked away.

At the practice grounds, King Charles and Prince John were already practicing. Antalasia watched with a new found respect for the sword and the power behind it. She waited patiently for her father to call her for a practice round.

Hours passed, but the King still did not invite his daughter. With growing discontent and hurt, she watched quietly. Even Prince John began to feel awkward. "Father, why don't you duel with Antalasia," he suggested hesitantly.

The King regarded John under hooded eyes. "Antalasia, do you want to practice?" he asked quietly, without turning towards her.

Her temper sparked and she replied coldly, "I believe I have other commitments with Mother. Please excuse us." The short-tempered little Princess stormed out with Lizzy on her heels.

King Charles was unsure of how to treat his daughter. He wondered if dueling would bring out nightmares. The misunderstanding and unwillingness to talk only created distance between the father and daughter. Queen Eliza, on the other hand, was ecstatic. She watched proudly as Antalasia for once, put effort into dancing, singing, understanding current affairs and learning customs of the surrounding nations. Antalasia continued practicing, determined to be a good role model for Lizzy.

After an unusually busy month, the family dined together for the first time since the Karas incident.

"Seriously, does that half-breed have to be here?" asked John scornfully, arriving late as usual.

"Stop it, John. Treat her as a sister," admonished the Queen. Turning to her husband, she asked, "Isn't that right dear?"

King Charles hummed. Antalasia's lips thinned in anger. She was furious that her father was ignoring Lizzy. But before she could say anything, hot drops fell on her face.

Turning to the side, she watched in shock as soup dripped down Lizzy. The poor girl was drenched with little pieced of carrot, potatoes and beans all over her hair and dress. It was disgusting.

"Michaelo, what's wrong with you?" scolded the Queen.

"What? The bowl slipped," said Michaelo nonchalantly.

Antalasia glared at him and snapped, "How can it slip across the table?"

Michaelo glared back. "I hate her. She stole you. You don't play with me anymore. You don't duel. She took you away and mimics you. She's just a copycat," he sneered.

Queen Eliza said sternly, "Enough. Go to your room and reflect on your actions. Now, Michaelo."

Michaelo left but over the next few months, his naughtiness only increased.

Tired of his patience and tolerance tested every day, the old man drenched in foul-smelling liquid strode angrily into the Queen's quarters. The Queen looked up in surprise to see who had dared to enter without permission. "No more, I've had enough. Forgive me, my Queen. I cannot teach anymore," announced the tutor and walked away in a huff.

"Stephanie, tell me what's going on and don't leave anything out," ordered the Queen, looking at her personal maid.

The poor maid whimpered. Praying that the Queen wouldn't punish her, she said, "My Queen. It's Michaelo. Everyone is afraid of him. He put a snake in the tutor's room yesterday because the tutor praised Lizzy. Today, he drenched the tutor in some foul smelling liquid."

Furious that Michaelo was becoming uncontrollable, the Queen went in search. Finally, she found him near the horse shed. As she drew closer, she watched in shock as little Michaelo sneaked up behind a soldier and pushed him into a pile of manure.

"Michaelo! What are you doing?" she screamed.

"He played with Lizzy," said Michaelo adamantly.

"That's enough Michaelo. What's your problem with Elizabeth? Forget her. Just play with Antalasia," said Queen Eliza.

"Big sister? What should I play with her? She's just lost in her books and ignores everyone," said Michaelo coldly.

The Queen watched in frustration as Michaelo walked away, not realizing that he had raised a valid point. Antalasia had truly withdrawn into herself. She no longer interacted with anyone except the bare minimum. She would just nod and do as asked. Most of the time, she would remain in her world of books. Having given up her dueling sessions, the distance between King Charles and Antalasia had grown and sadly, both were too proud to take the first step.

Thank you for reading so far.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Please vote if you liked it.