Lord flower Tyler spent his new morning in the flower fields; watering and planting new flowers in the garden. He preferred to be there, as his duties as heir were too much to handle for a normal day in Trench.

Bandito folk took notice that Tyler no longer wore the clans attire that was of normal custom. He wore the usual sunflower floral kimono with his black slip dress and ripped tights.

Flowers flourished the boy's fluffy brunette hair, and he always carried a single yellow flower wherever he went. No one knew it was one of the flowers Tyler held when his body was cold in the grave.

The flowers protected Tyler's innocence, but the visions of darkness flooded his soul.

Towards the end of the morning, Tyler met up with his husband Josh, who concluded a meeting with his top commanders; including Kai and Ari.

The couple visited Kai and Linh in their tent. Linh was on bedrest from the hard labor, but Anatoly was healthy and kicking like a goat.

Citrus and Gamma anointed the child the night before and proclaimed him to be the promised warrior, who will fight in the clan's future battles. Of course, Kai doesn't believe his son will take part in any battles if Dema is going to be defeated.

When the nursemaid took the little baby to be fed, Linh enjoyed her company with her closest friends.

"Our little son will grow to be beautiful and a brave warrior one day." Linh said.

Tyler learned of the betrothal agreement between the Ari and Olene's daughter and Kai and Linh's son and was excited at the idea of bringing the family together.

"Is it true Alysane will love your son?" Tyler asked.

"I believe so, little songbird." Said Linh. "Alysane loves our child already."

"Anatoly is only a week old, my love." Kai said. "Love takes time."

"Yes, my husband, it is true."

"How long does Dr. Uriel want you to stay in bed?" Josh asked.

"A few days." Linh replied. "The labor was hard. Dr. Uriel doesn't want me to develop birth complications."

"Oh, but you shouldn't!" Tyler cried; innocently. "You're a very healthy woman."

"Healthy women can be endangered, sweetling."

"War is coming." Kai added. "Dema will annihilate us if we aren't prepared. My wife needs her strength to take on the Bishops on the battlefield."

"Just like how you struck down my mother." Tyler said.

Linh froze in silence. It had only been a year since the battle took place, but she had not known Tyler had learned of this. Josh never told her himself.

"Tyler, I-"

"Don't trouble yourself, Linh." I know you had to kill her. It was to release me from my curse."

Linh could not go on.

"I'm afraid I need to rest."

Josh took his little husband outside. Linh grabbed her husband's hand and laid her head upon his palm.

"That poor child knows it was me."

"You did what needed to be done, my love." Said Kai. "Wren Bondarenko was an evil bitch, just like her wicked cunt of a husband."

"Our little flower lord is not the same anymore, husband. He is changing."

Linh was right.

~

Later that evening, Tyler and Josh took part in a council meeting over supper. Petruso and Dasha served the members hot beef stew with garlic potatoes and onions.

This was not Tyler's favorite dish, but he helped himself anyway. After all, he was the heir and the flower's maiden. He deemed himself a great ruler alongside his lord husband.

The wind was blowing cold, but Tyler's supper and black coat gave him warmth. It made the meal taste better and more pleasant.

Tyler observed the council members that were present at the table. Jenna and the ladies of court were happily chatting of news of gossip. Kai and Ari were drawing battle plans, and Olene fed little Alysane, who was sitting on her mother's lap.

Tyler felt alone, but was courteous as a child. He kept his head held high and presented himself as the flower who would one day reign dominion over all of Trench.

If only his strange visions would leave him in peace.

Finally, Josh stood up to initiate the meeting.

"Council members, war is approaching us. We must be prepared for whatever comes with it. We must be ready to defeat Dema and Lord Nico's forces. If you have any suggestions, now is the time."

"We are writing them now, master!" Ari said; excitedly.

"Put us on the vanguard." Said Kai.

"You will be." Lord Josh replied. "You are my second in command and best fighter."

"Who all can fight?" Asked Jenna. "We surely need more men and women who can wield a torch. Linh is still recovering and I am the only woman who can fight."

"We will arrange training sessions with any Bandito who volunteers to join our army." Lord Josh answered.  "We do need more people."

As the suggestions continued, Tyler sat and listened on. His hands clutched the handles of his chair, and his legs crossed and revealed his black tights.

"Oh, maker." Tyler thought. "If I could suggest an idea, to act as the heir the people deserve, maybe I can make a difference."

But, the poor boy could not fight. All he could do is speak to nature and wield a sword of flowers, which is the mere symbol of his mind. Tyler was nothing more than the flower child who survived death and is now the dutiful husband of Lord Josh.

After the meeting was over, Dasha came over to Tyler with a pie in her hands. It was time for dessert.

"Would the lord flower like a slice of raspberry pie?"

Raspberry pie was Tyler's favorite, but he wasn't hungry anymore.

"Save me a slice for tomorrow." The boy said. "I'm not hungry anymore."

Dasha nodded, then started serving the rest of the council members at the table. Tyler, feeling tired, reached over and took his husband's hand.

"My love, I want to make my leave for tonight."

"Dasha made some pie, darling." Josh replied. "You never refuse her dessert."

"I know. I'm just not feeling well."

Tyler was telling the truth. He felt the dark parts of his thoughts starting to take over.

"I'll have Olene give you some Nembutal. That should help."

Nembutal. The sleep drug that relieves poor Tyler from nightmares. What good is that going to do for him?

"Okay, my love."

Tyler kissed Josh and left the council tent. He walked down the village road; clutching his black coat close to him. The night was dark and the air was freezing cold. Torches were lit wherever he walked.

For the first time, poor Tyler was all alone. He was not himself.

Tyler was no longer the innocent flower.

~

hi everyone! it's me, hannah! my blood chapter 5 is here! thank you so much for reading it!

i love tyler's character development and his transformation as a flower. i hope y'all do too! feel free to leave any questions, theories, and suggestions for this story!

i have a new job! i'm working as a part-time customer experience coordinator at tjmaxx! this is a position i really wanted at the other store, and im so thankful for this promotion!

school is starting back up in a few weeks, so updates might slow down on top of working part time, so please bare with me.

thank you so much! y'all are awesome! stay safe and healthy! <3