It’s wind anon! (Imagine me as the screeching seagull meme) just pushing through the week. Getting the test out of my mind—it just sucks because there’s always this one test that I completely mess up on—and as someone who has to deal with all honors classes and my grades tend to be good, every time I fail to meet up to expectations my stress skyrockets. (Imagine a world where grades don’t matter and school is learning based rather than mark based...) Family pressures too—okay, wind anon is done ranting.
The update! The drama—I was there the moment it updated and I saw the comments rush in and I was laughing real hard.
But my reaction to the update!
Osamu POV :0!!! The insecurity... “all it did was remind him that he was alone”— I empathize because gosh, that is so real.
The attachment to Meiko though... his emotional state is on a very unstable tightrope. “Osamu had Meiko and he used to have Daichi and Iwaizumi...” that entire section has all my red flags raised. He’s going to completely break when everything comes out.
The loud clang startled me though. I was like “!!!” But it was our YN! Our kind, wonderful YN!! Trying to get snacks wwwwww.
Osamu thinking YN is cute :0 I be having a lot of thoughts about that but him squishing it down is fair. He considers himself to be in a committed relationship (though Meiko does not reciprocate and I am ready to fight regarding that) but I can respect his devotion (even if it is very misguided).
But. “After all, you were the reason Atsumu hated him now and never spoke to him anymore.” My gosh. What do I even say about this? Because the blame is entirely thrown off. I mean, you mentioned before Atsumu had a specific reason for believing in you over Meiko so I’m still waiting for that but Osamu is thinking something wrong but it’s a human action. It’s so easy to blame people to make yourself feel better. And your brain can do it without you realizing the depths of what has been thought.
Osamu being angry (!!!) and being a complete utter douche. YN literally just wanted a bag of chips and you’re here, crowding them in the pantry and being hostile. I don’t have much to say about it because he realized his mistake but by then he already stressed YN really badly and I am...(long sigh).
Atsumu to the rescue. We appreciate Atsumu very very much in this house. It really sucks that Osamu and Atsumu are confronting like this—I mean, Atsumu has been fighting a bit and Osamu had not really been listening to Atsumu on his own end prior to this confrontation so I’m...exhausted and a bit sad in the “It can’t be helped” kind of way.
“Osamu allowed him to, too in shock and ashamed to protest, much less fight back.” It couldn’t be helped considering how everything developed but...it still hurts my chest a bit, y’know? And then Osamu tries to apologize and I’m ready (so so ready) for them to communicate because they desperately need to—
But then Meiko comes in (I am...ready to throw stuff at her. Lots of stuff. Packing peanuts. All squeaky and annoying and bad for the environment just like she is—or something like that, I dunno, I’m half dead because I’m dealing with cramps rn) and all my wishes for them to finally have that much needed conversation where Osamu can finally break down and cry—all my wishes are turned to ash like.
(Angry Wind anon noises)
Meiko rubbing her makeup all over Osamu’s shirt like he is a rag. What in the... And her 4 inch heels please, I cannot, why, I can’t deal with this, I can’t, don’t make me get close to her because I’m like Yachi (stressed out of my mind). Please don’t do this to me. But yeah, Meiko with her poor makeup that doesn’t stay on her face. What the heck....
And Meiko’s scent... gross. Like, brown sugar, cute, nice, baked goods do smell really nice, (ever add a bunch of vanilla extract to a recipe? It like, perfumes around everywhere, it’s insane and wonderful) but chances are (because it’s Meiko), it’s overbearingly sweet. Chinese food (I do not trust her taste in Chinese food to be frank), I happen to come from a Chinese family, I have Chinese food for dinner like everyday, it would take a lot to be able to get that sort of scent on you. And I do mean a lot. And hairspray??? Chemical? I do not,,, I,,, Osamu, why would you breathe that in? It’s gonna be real bad for your lungs? And we already know Meiko smokes as well—your lung health, please value it—
And then the Suna entrance. Wonderfully done fr0ggy!
Final thoughts, I am very much projecting onto Yachi rn. Yachi has been in the house for less than a week and she already has to deal with this. The company should give her a raise. My gosh.
Anyway, might as well do a thoughts/headcanon thing because it’s been a while and my mind is still on gem/jewel stuff (so hope you don’t mind!)
Okay, so Kenma I think would go with a warm colored gemstone, and citrine would work well with him! “Protection against evil thoughts” because we know Meiko has ramped up is insecurity and lowered his self-esteem.
I mentioned this before last time but Sakusa is definitely onyx. That black is iconic, and “sharpening wit” would make sense with his grace for word play and snark.
Akaashi is an interesting one...I think sapphire. I mean, sapphire can have many colors besides the classic dark blue, so that’s one thing, but it’s known for “loyalty and a pledge of trust” which Akaashi gave. I think it’s suitable for him.
Suga...initially I was thinking pearl would match him in terms of appearance, but actually looking at my reference, turquoise would work really really well with him. “Protect from evil, maintain virtue, bring good luck”. Would work well.
For Atsumu and Osamu I wanted something that could represent their duality. My first thought was gold and silver. I mean, it’d fit in terms of appearance but I’m not sure that would be the best comparison. Gold doesn’t rust so it fits Atsumu who never fell for Meiko’s tricks. Silver has been said to vanquish dark/evil beings (vampires, werewolves, the classic silver bullets and stakes). It would be interesting to see if the comparison will apply to today’s update :D!
I like how my brain shut off and couldn’t remember anyone else for a second—anyway, Oikawa... every time I think of him, I want some hue of blue wwww. I guess Aquamarine “soothing influence” would work. Since he joined YN’s side, he has been able to see the big picture and be a voice of reason. He’s thoughtful and I think aquamarine which encourages long relationships is suitable because that is what he wanted. So yes, aquamarine.
Bokuto...is a tough one. I’m trying to still keep with their color schemes a bit. I think carnelian would work. “Health, luck, bold energy, warmth, joy”—it would represent him fine. It’s a bit more orange than I would prefer but it suits him so I think it’s okay.
Iwaizumi... emerald? I mean, he does suit green tones, and “rebirth, regeneration, new hope” would work just fine for him.
Right now my brain is complete mush and I can’t think of anything for Kuroo and Daichi. Like, Kuroo would be red, sure, but the more famous ruby/garnet I think don’t represent him fully because he is still rather contained. Hmm, would need to think about them more.
But I’d like your thoughts on this too :D!!
I wanna do something suitable for all colors for YN, so opal! YN has many different parts and colors and is overall a very vivid person—if you tilt opal, you see more and more faces and things underneath being brought into your eyes. YN may be seen from many different perspectives, but YN is always beautiful and amazing. So opal is what I think YN would be.
Anyway, I’ll end here :D! Need to eat lunch. Much love towards you fr0ggy! Make sure you eat and rest up too~ drink some water or any other fluid to hydrate! And keep warm too. Much love to all the fans and supporters and ask senders too! It’s really awesome seeing and hearing from all of you and seeing new faces with the old. Love the excitement and points you all bring up—makes my brain happy.
MAJDKD I NEED TO POST THE NEW CHAPTER BUT I HAD TO RESPOND TO THIS FIRST BESTIE ILY N I LOVE TUIS — I AM OBSESSED W THE CRYSTAL (??) STUFF??? IVE NEVER UNDERSTOOD IT BUT I THINK YOIVE EXPLAINED EACH GEM N WHY SO BEAUTIFULLY I AM IN LOVE W U KITH KITH UR SO LOVELY HAVE AN AMAZING DAY (sending u good vibes n anti-stress love >333)
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so i’ve reached a milestone . ive loved luke ever since i first watched the movies when i was seven years old and??????honestly my love for him hasn’t changed????? having said that , my love and understanding for his character would not have been where it is now without you guys. im just so grateful and balled over at the talent , creativity , and passion of everyone i follow and idk expressing emotions is not my strong suit so uhhhhhhhh yeahhhhhhhh ilu<333 im way too adh.d for this i stg
ZOOM ZOO M TO THE SPECIAL MENT I O N S
THE BLUE MILK ( the duplicates --- some id consider friends )
ooOooOh boy . you guys i cant even bE GIN to explain my love for y’all . i have the biggest duplicate angziety in the world . its in my nature i cant help it and honestly??????/all your interpretations terrify me bu t in a good way i promise bc theyre all so unique and well thought out and amazing and what makes it even wor S E is that all of you ( even the ones that i dont speak to all that often ) are the sweetest, most talented , sensitive , passionate individuals ive met online????? EV E R. also all these comments are genuine not sarcastic aslkjaksdnasl (forgive me im british i thin k everything sounds sarcastic)
@horizonwept : charlie????mY. G OD. your understanding and enthusiasm of our Son is unparalleled and?????? ik we dont speak that much recently b u T I WANT TO MORE????? everytime you post something i press mah lil face up to the screen and weepe t h . you’re also kind and funny and people just????? love u?????AND I lov e u too????? al SO you convinced me of lukes characterisation in tlj and tfa and honestly????im so s O glad u did<3 everythign u post is just so thought out and intelligent and i just. wish. i could do wht u do??? keep being amazing sweaty :’)
@lstjedi : KAY!!!!!!! the founder of the lu k e slywalker group chat *g a sps* mah love. now i know youve been feeling a lil insecure recently about ur age and ur mental health has been acting up (belief me i know<3 ) b u T HUN NN Y listen up: you ar e the symbol of dont-judge-by-age policy bc honestly???? u have the skill, dedication, and maturity of people who are twice ur age. ur passion????? unbelievable. ur kindness????? one of a kind. ur maturity?????? uhhhh more than me. ur writing???? delicious. if youre feeling insecure about your age, dont. you are amazing and talented and dont u d A RE forget it<3 edit: also i love how you come onto the chat being the first person to talk and ur like ‘hi guys!!!’ and idk i just find u really sweet and friendlyasjdna,nda
@skyhcpped : ro!!!!!!! henlo there my frond. first of all wh ERE DO U FIND ALL THESE MEMES?????? im loving it keep going. we havent spoken much b U T the groupchat has brought us Together and thats the best thing ever bc i think ur just?????? so talented and ur understanding and love for luke (eveninmemes) is unparalleled. i love talking about our mutual Hate for re/ylo and a L SO i hope ur not still freezing on hoth?????if you are cold, wrap up warm, grab urself a hot chocolate if u like that sort of thing, run a bath, uhhhhhhhhh create a pillow fort, find a tauntaun and sit inside it. that was my survival lecture thanks for coming to my ted talk :))))) also the fact u are. literally. daredevil???? taking a s hot of vinegar and terrified a boy??? my hero, mah idol. i did a reverse thing where i dared (2) boys to take a teaspoon of vanilla essence and they did it (s o empowering ;)
@lightswept : riceeeeee. honestly how can anyone ever hate you???? we havent been talking for v long but omgskdnf you are so sweet and lovely and u deserve The World????? haters need to back tf up bc u are so Pu re. and ur also really attentive????? your writing is just so fluent and honestly??a full course meal. remember that i love and appreciate you and thats NEVER going to change<333 if u ever need to talk, i am always here even tho im shit at advice i will send u metaphorical cake and hugs xoxo
@hopegave : mY ITALIAN BEAN. look at us europeans yesiknowbrexit, awake when all the ‘muricans are sleep i n g asljdaksl ur honestly adorable??????like i cant even begin?????on the group chat youre so enthusiastic and capiTAL LETTERS and asjaklsdlka so Pu re??? and both of us gushing about snow ??????? iconic, truly. you, being the first person to call ne w york hoth????? also iconic. ITALY IS ONE OF MY FAV PLACES ON EARTH I GO THERE A LOT IN THE SUMMERASFJHSD b U T thats off topic. what i need to say is that ilu and ur enthusias m and friendliness and yeah?????? stay awesome
@dualsuns : LIAM IDK WHY IM TELLING U THIS BUT WHENEVER I THINK OF U I THINK OF WINE??????? m aybe its bc ur prose is so damn sophistica t e d????? its so fluent and makes s o much sense???? ur so good at narrating lukes thoughts its so obvious you have this amazing understanding of his character its !!!!!!!! and i seriously admire that/? like your voice is uhhh h on point . i can tell you take this seriously and care so much about luke (boi me too) and it shows???? in all ur hcs and ooc posts its all backe d up with quotes, love and analysis like damnnnnnnnn. i know ive only really interacted w you a couple of times in passing but id love to more????? ur amazing everythings amazing wow<3
@didntturn : hmm mMMMM Mm kylie. have we ever spoken????? i dont think so. i just admire u from afar :’) g U RL first of all ur hilarious???? idk i think we’ve got a similar sense of humour aklsdnanm its very british. also ur hcs t a KE MY BREATH AWAY. so muc h detail and love????? u clearly have a deep understanding of luke only us mere mortals can d REA M of<3 hope we can start talking bc i uhhhh adore ur characterisation and id love to discuss????? idk im gushinggggggg
THESE ARE ONLY SOME DUPLICATES I COULD GUSH ABOUT EVERY SINGLE ONE OF U UNTIL THE DAY I DI E
THE DROIDS ( mah main cretins )
@guiltslut : yh idk who u ar e :/ j K BINCH IK UR WENDO!!!!! mah main cretin :’) youve been by my side for 8 months (or was it seven???? i cant rememberasdkajsdk) which is an,, ,, , achievement. your writing is tasty af and ur enthusiasm unparalleled. i will always love and appreciate you<3
@smuglr : i have to put u on here bc we’ve known each other for over a year and thats kinda mcCrazy??? im sorry i havent kept in touch as much as i probably should have, but im more sorry for making u think i was on bath salts when i was quoting bad lip reading :/ honestly ever since the beginning ive admired ur prose so much???? its so good and attentive and poetic and fluent i just???? could gush about it all weak tbhhhhhh your graphics and aethetics are also ?????? amazing?????? im so happy that i know u and even after all this time i still love and appreciate u<33 Stay groovy mah frond
@primdoe : sO ik i havent known u for very long at all n this is probably like?????? a lil Extra?????? but im already in love. i could gush about ur oc for Yonks and just how passionate and attentive you are to her????? shes so detailed and cared about by many and you inspire me to put more detail into my own ocs askdjasmnd???? ur graphics and ps skills are just????? they water my crops honestly???? and the fact that you gave me one of your psds is the sweetest ilu??
SPACE SHIPS ( the i-admire-from-afar-but-also-interracted-with-in-the-ims-and-loVING IT-so-far-even-tho-im-shit-at-replying???? category )
@aequitia , @astrmech , @awokeforce , @baelnc , @deadlymarch , @elanere , @hopehrt , @rystolo , @scintist , @sunworn .
SUNSETS ( the i admire and havent interacted with yet *__* )
@dynste , @entropiet , @ersoic , @flypulse , @forcebled , @galasymph , @greysistance , @jaigsight , @midlapse , @tiefighting , @resistijo , @roseared , @starkniight , @theforcetm , @rotichor , @scorpyre .
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In Sickness and In Health Ch2 - shalaska - pureCAMP
A/N - first of all i would like to wish the happiest of birthdays to nymph, i love u grandma!!! <333
second of all, thanks to tiff for letting me get this in when it didn’t work! ur an angel
hope u enjoy!!
Around an hour later, or as Alaska was learning to judge time, eight coughing fits later, Miss Michaels re-entered the room. She was lucky to have just missed another one of Sharon’s violent attacks, and the princess had lain back down on her bed, her skin practically grey and her chest heaving. Alaska tore her gaze away from the sick princess and to Miss Michaels, who seemed to grasp what had just happened instantly upon entering, but said nothing about it. She probably knew Sharon didn’t want her to make a fuss.
“Are you ladies hungry?” Miss Michaels asked them. “Sharon, Her Royal Highness has requested that the two of you join them for dinner.”
That didn’t sound like an unusual request – at least, not to Alaska. Surely it was fairly normal for the eldest princess to sit and eat with her family, as well as the poor woman who’d offered to try and help her. However, Sharon raised her eyebrows and struggled to prop herself up onto her skinny elbows, apparently shocked.
“She’s not keeping me quarantined? Shit, she really must think she’s sending me off to my death.” The princess deadpanned.
Miss Michaels smiled sadly. “You know it isn’t like that, dear. It pains your mother to keep you away from the family, you know it does. She only does what the palace doctor advises.”
“And a fat lot of good his advice has done,” Sharon muttered softly, but she relented despite her bitter words. “I guess I’d like to say goodbye to them. They’re not too unbearable. Mother Dust, will you-?”
She didn’t need to finish her question. Miss Michaels let the door she was leaning against close behind her as she walked towards the bed, helping the twenty-four year old to her feet and supporting her as they stood. Alaska could see that Sharon’s entire bodyweight was resting on Miss Michaels, her muscles straining as she tried to hold her own but was too weak. It was no surprise that Miss Michaels could still walk with ease; when Sharon had nearly collapsed onto Alaska after her first coughing fit, she’d weighed nearly nothing. Alaska got to her feet to hold the door open for the two, and quickly followed as they left.
The dining room, just as Alaska expected, was lavish and rich. There was a long table directly in the middle, laden with gleaming silverware and dishes, with the King and Queen seated at opposite sides and the two younger princesses sat together on one side. Instantly, the smell of warm, fresh food made Alaska’s stomach rumble beyond belief. None of the prepared dishes had been revealed yet, but the smell alone told Alaska she would never eat like this again.
She took her seat next to Sharon, who was helped down by Miss Michaels. The princess, contrary to Alaska, didn’t seem all too thrilled about the prospect of eating such an expensive meal. When she noticed Princess Adore watching her, Alaska saw the older princess cross her eyes and stick out her tongue, winking when her sister started to giggle. It was only a small thing, but in her current state it obviously took a lot for her to try. Even so, her forced positivity faded as soon as it had appeared.
“Thank you for joining us, you two. I think it’s always pertinent to have a good meal before a journey.” The Queen smiled brightly, though it faltered slightly at her daughter’s less-than enthusiastic expression.
“Me too. Haven’t had one of those in a long time.” Sharon mumbled darkly.
Alaska sucked in a breath at the sudden change in the overall atmosphere. Just like that, the sick princess had the power to completely switch the mood. Princess Adore ducked her head down, refusing to make eye contact, whilst Princess Laila glared at her older sister. Sharon stared stonily back, unfazed by the negative reactions she was receiving. In the mean time, the King and Queen eyed each other nervously, not sure how to approach the situation. All three princesses were upset, and they had a guest to deal with on top of that. Alaska stayed quiet, doing her best to give the royal family a little bit of peace.
The King was the first to speak again. “Now, come on Sharon. Didn’t we talk about this with Miss Michaels just the other week?”
Sharon nodded slowly. “Oh, right. Yes, we did. Being more positive in terms of my attitude and towards life in general.” She paused, coughing violently into a napkin before facing her father again. “Wow, I feel better already.”
“Sharon!” The Queen chastised.
“Sorry.” Sharon muttered sarcastically. “It was just a joke. I don’t feel any better.”
Sensing the tension in the air, Miss Michaels and a few other servants who were lingering by started to serve the meal, their bustling around effectively distracting everyone from the dispute. As far as the eye could see, there were rich, seasoned meats, steaming vegetables, aromatic bread and all kinds of deep crimson and purple wine. There was no doubt in Alaska’s mind that this meal alone probably cost more than her entire house. When the plate was handed to her, she decided to follow suit along with the rest of the family and inhale as much as she could – of course, trying her best to look as polite and meek as she could whilst doing so. As soon as everything had been handled out, Miss Michaels moved towards Sharon.
“No, Miss Michaels. Stop. We’re not doing this.” She told the woman, waving her away. “I don’t – not in front of…”
Through a mouthful of wine, Alaska turned her head to watch Sharon gesturing towards her sisters, her eyes fixed on Miss Michaels. The oldest princess didn’t have a plate in front of her, but one of the servants had placed down a bowl filled with some kind of soup instead. It didn’t look very appealing, and Sharon didn’t appear to want to eat it.
“You need your energy, Your Highness.” Miss Michaels insisted, sitting down beside her. “If this is the only way to do it, then so be it.” She lifted one of the spoons from the table.
Sharon pushed her hand away yet again. “Stop it! This is undignified, I’m not doing it. Leave it, I refuse.”
Across the table, Laila raised her eyebrows. “Since when have you ever had dignity?”
“Fuck off, Laila. I didn’t realize we’d invited you into the conversation.” Sharon snapped back at her.
There it was again, the mounting tension that occurred every time Sharon spoke. Alaska wasn’t sure if the family had always been like this, or whether it was just Sharon’s mysterious illness adding to her irritability, but either way it was extremely uncomfortable to witness.
The King finished chewing and frowned. “Sharon, language! Laila, don’t provoke your sister. We asked you to join us for dinner before you leave so we can spend some time together, but you’re more than welcome to return to your room to eat if you’re going to be so negative.”
“Language, my ass.” Sharon swore, prompting all the eyes at the table to widen. “Excuse me for not wanting to sit here and be fucking spoon-fed soup at the age of twenty four because I’m too fucking weak to hold the goddamn spoon steady. I would literally prefer it if you locked me in that fucking bedroom to eat as I have been the past few months anyway, considering I can’t fucking keep this solid food down any longer and it makes you all so goddamn upset. Let Miss Michaels take me back upstairs so I can be fed this shit like a fucking baby without getting stared at. In case you forgot, I’m sick, not fucking invalid.”
By the end of her rant, Sharon’s voice had become hoarse and strained, like it didn’t want to work any longer. Her ashen skin was inflamed and red, and her chest heaved up and down with the effort it had taken. Alaska froze, holding her breath without even realizing as she waited. Her gaze fell upon the Queen, so similar in appearance to all three of her daughters, her gloved hands clapped over her mouth and tears shining in her eyes. The King slammed his fork down onto the table.
“Look what you’re doing to your family! Look at your poor mother, she doesn’t deserve to be treated the way you’re treating her. Why do you think we agreed for this young lady to help you? So that you won’t be sick and you can stop tearing this family apart!”
Sharon coughed loudly, ducking her head under the table, and resurfaced with her face even redder than it was before. “Look what I’m doing to the family?! Look what this illness is doing to me! I can’t fucking feed myself, if you didn’t get that. I’m not tearing this goddamn family apart, I’m being isolated from it whilst whatever fucking disease I have tears me apart! Is it so hard to understand? But by all means, let’s worry about mother, shall we? Let’s worry about Laila, and Adore.”
The King breathed heavily, his own skin growing red with anger. “So you don’t care about your mother? You don’t care about your sisters? Your future as the Queen of this kingdom?”
“No. I hope this journey kills me.”
With a shuddering gasp, the Queen stood up from her chair, quickly taking Laila and Adore under her arm and whisking them out of the room with her. Alaska’s cheeks were heated, flushed from the awkwardness of being the only human barrier between the King and the princess. She heard a loud sob, and then the door closed behind the Queen and the two younger princesses.
Tears filled Sharon’s eyes. “I – I didn’t mean that. I didn’t…”
Without another word, the King abandoned his seat and followed his wife out, leaving just Alaska, Sharon, Miss Michaels, and a few other servants in the room. In the silence, it felt glaringly empty and wrong, and the servants quickly got to work clearing everything up. Sharon bunched up her napkin and threw it across the room, sinking lower into her seat and crossing her arms over her chest. Her dull blue eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
“I always have to fuck everything up.” She cursed, uncrossing her arms again to presumably feel for a napkin, before dabbing at her tears with her sleeve. “Where’s – oh fuck it, whatever.”
Tentatively, Alaska reached out, placing a hand onto Sharon’s shoulder. The princess instantly whipped her head round, her watery eyes meeting with Alaska’s and then hitting the floor. Not quite sure how far she could push it, she gently squeezed and mustered the courage to speak.
“Hey, don’t… you didn’t, uh, mess everything up. You can still talk to them, right? We’re not – we’re not leaving until tonight. You have time.”
Sharon scoffed, wiping away one of her tears. “Time is the one thing I don’t have. Besides, they don’t wanna talk to me. Not after that.”
Alaska frowned. “But don’t you see? They’re upset at you because you’re talking about dying, and the last thing they want is for you to die. They care about you.”
“I don’t care about them.”
Miss Michaels interjected, pulling Sharon to her feet and enveloping her in a hug. Sharon seemed to shrink even more in the older woman’s embrace, sobbing into her chest.
“Why are you crying, then?” Miss Michaels asked softly. “If you don’t care? Or are you lying to poor old Mother Dust?”
Sharon sniffed, saying nothing.
“You do remember what happens when naughty princesses lie to me, don’t you?” There was a hint of teasing in her voice. She held Sharon at arm’s-length to grin at her, poking her skinny ribs through the dress. “Surely you remember.”
Alaska wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard Sharon laugh ever-so-quietly. “Mother Dust. Don’t.”
Before Alaska even knew what was happening, the princess was shrieking and giggling, and Miss Michaels was grinning as she poked and prodded at her, finding all the ticklish spots she presumably knew from her childhood. Alaska laughed along with them as she watched, interested to see how long Sharon could withstand it before she crumbled. In only seconds, she was begging for mercy from the servant, ripping herself free and clinging onto the back of the chair for support. For a few moments she was doubled over, trying to catch her breath, before the fit of coughing overtook her once more. Alaska looked away just as the dark blood began to stain the tablecloth.
“I guess I sh-should apologise to them.” Sharon said as she straightened, her voice muffled by her hands. “Or – or something. S-So I don’t leave them w-with bad mem-memories of me. Miss Michaels-”
Without needing further instruction, Miss Michaels rushed to Sharon’s side, helping the princess to her feet once again and supporting her in taking a few tentative steps. After the first couple, Sharon waved her away and began to walk unaided, if slightly shakily, towards the door her family had exited through not long ago. Alaska, suddenly lost in the midst of a palace with a princess and her family troubles, got up to walk next to Miss Michaels. The older lady was hovering behind Sharon a little, cautious in case she were to lose strength.
Things definitely hadn’t gone as Alaska had expected them to. She’d never been a part of the archetypal family – two parents and some siblings – but she hadn’t expected the royal family to be so… normal, she supposed, in their interactions. In public, they were formal and of the utmost politeness to everybody else including each other, yet in the comfort of their palace it was almost as though they weren’t royalty at all, just normal folk. Sharon swore more than some of the rougher boys in the orphanage where she, Courtney and Willam had grown up. Yet she was a princess, not common blood like they were.
The group made their way back through the door they’d first entered through, Alaska’s eyes first falling upon the winding staircase and then the long marble corridor stretching out toward what she presumed was the garden. One of the doors was ajar, open just enough to reveal a bit of light coming from inside, and some low voices talking. Not hesitating for a moment, Sharon pressed on, leaving Miss Michaels and Alaska to follow and linger awkwardly in the doorway as she walked in.
“It’s not right…” Adore was muttering, sat on the floor in front of a tall white dollhouse. The younger princess looked upset, her dark hair falling in front of her eyes and a doll clutched in her fist. In the corner, curled up in an expensive-looking gilt chair, Laila sulked and watched her sister play.
“I know it’s not.” She said bluntly. “What can I do about it?”
Neither girl seemed to have noticed Sharon’s presence, as though she were a ghost in the room. Upon approaching the dollhouse, Sharon dropped to her knees and took hold of one of the discarded dolls, her hair torn completely off. A smile made its way onto her face as she ran her thumb against the doll’s bristles, eye to eye with Adore.
“Remind me of her name again?” Sharon asked softly.
Adore looked up at her, smiling back somewhat nervously. “Polly.”
Sharon chuckled. “Right. She used to be my favourite, you know. You know what I did with her?”
Adore shook her head at her sister. “What did you do?”
“I ripped all her hair out.” Sharon grinned. “Then I was forced to give her up, because there was a baby in the house who wanted to play with her.”
She jerked her head in Laila’s direction. “And then Laila put her all back together again. Gave her beautiful soft hair, repainted her face all delicate and sweet, even sewed clothes for her. And then –” Adore was starting to giggle at Sharon’s repetitive story. “I was thirteen, and there was another new baby. That little baby grew up, started to play with the doll, and then?”
For her finale, she jabbed Adore in the arm with the hairless doll. “She proceeded to tear out all her hair. You’re a little devil, just like me.”
Adore smiled.
“My little mini-me. Can you promise me something? Can you promise that whilst I’m away, you’ll be a little less devilish? Only whilst I’m gone. Then when I’m back, I’ll play with you and you can be as devilish as you like. Is that a deal?”
Adore was silent for a moment, as if she was thinking. Then, in a sudden rush of affection, she flung her arms around Sharon’s neck and hugged her tightly. Sharon faltered, clearly not expecting it, before hugging back.
“I promise.” Adore whispered. “You’re gonna come back and play?”
“I will. I just gotta get better, and then when I’m better, me and you can wreak havoc in these doll’s lives.”
With some difficulty, the princess straightened, ruffling Adore’s hair before making her way over to Laila. On closer inspection, she held a heavy book to her chest, and was scanning the pages far too quickly to be actually reading them. It was clear her gaze was firmly planted on the pages to avoid interacting with Sharon, but even in her weakness she had such a commanding aura; Laila had no choice but to look up.
“Listen to me,” Sharon began, sitting in the chair next to her sister. “Will you listen?”
Laila’s grip on her book intensified. Her knuckles were practically trembling with the effort. “No. Won’t you just go on your journey so you can hurry and die, just like you said?”
Sharon sighed. “Laila, please. Listen to me.”
The middle princess closed her eyes, her face screwing up. “I’m all ears. Make it quick.”
“I’m sorry. I snapped, I didn’t mean to upset you or Adore like that. Do you believe me? Can you trust me?” Sharon’s questions were peculiar. Alaska frowned from the doorway as she tried to figure out what was happening.
“I can trust you.” Laila said stiffly. “Is that it?”
Sharon shook her head. “No, no. Can I trust you? I have to say something important, and I can’t trust Adore with it because she’s too little. I can’t trust mother or father, because they won’t react properly.”
Laila nodded, a little impatiently. “You can trust me.”
“Good.” Sharon swallowed. “You know – you know I’m not healthy. You know there’s a good chance that I’ll… you know that to me, tomorrow isn’t a guarantee. But you, you’re strong. Mother may say you can be grumpy and moody – which you are – but you’re sixteen, we all were. However, I need to know that I can trust you to do my job.”
“Your job?” Laila cocked her head, momentarily confused. Sharon took hold of one of Laila’s hands, freeing it from the grasp of her book and clinging onto it.
“You need to be fair, and kind, and thoughtful, and forgiving. You and I both struggle with those, that’s why we argue. We’re so alike.” Sharon smiled. “But those are the characteristics that a queen needs, so she can be a good ruler. You need to be able to take on that role, for me. Do better than I would do.”
Laila’s eyes filled with tears, which she tried to hide with an angry frown. “B-But you’re going to be queen. You’re the oldest.”
Sharon wiped at her own eyes. “And I’m also the sickest. You know – t-there’s a chance I won’t – I won’t make it to… to my coronation. So you – you’ll have to do it. Promise me you’ll do that.”
“I promise.” Laila reached over, similarly to Adore, to hug her sister. The moment was sweet and brief, and soon enough the pair pulled apart and Sharon got to her feet for the last time. Her face wore a melancholy smile as she walked towards the door where Alaska and Miss Michaels were stood, stopping about halfway. She sighed heavily and turned around to face her two sisters a final time.
“I love you, both of you. I’m sorry if I didn’t say it enough. I love you.” She finished, and ducked out of the door before the tears threatening to fall could spill over.
Realization hit Alaska like a freight train. Sharon was saying goodbye. She hadn’t dared to utter the word itself, knowing the emotional turmoil it would bring with it, and instead had addressed each sister personally. Saying her own goodbye in a way that would take them a little while to figure out. Alaska guessed she was hoping that they wouldn’t realize she’d been saying goodbye until she had left. Even so, her words had a very final note to them.
“Mother Dust, get Miss Dujour and Miss Creme to collect some of my basic things, tell them to get as little as possible. Just that fucking pot, a spare dress and my money, I think. I don’t want to make the horses carry too much, we’ll take a local everyday carriage.” Sharon ordered, and then halted. “And, uh… don’t – don’t tell my parents I’m leaving. Not until after we’ve left. I don’t want to face goodbyes with them.”
Miss Michaels nodded slowly, taking her orders with no response and setting off up the tall staircase, calling the names of the other servants on her way to find the King and Queen. Once she was completely out of sight, Sharon let out a long breath and slumped against the banister.
“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
Alaska’s heart ached for the princess. “Saying goodbye? I could only imagine.”
Sharon nodded. “Yeah, and –” She lifted both of her hands to her mouth, coughing. “H-Holding back all th-these c-coughs.”
Just as Alaska was about to speak, Sharon held up one finger to stop her and spat into a nearby plant pot, the dark blood from her lips blending in with the almost black soil. Alaska winced, doing all she could to avoid sucking in a breath through her teeth. She was pretty sure that the last thing Sharon wanted was her pity, so she tried to keep it internalized.
“Shit. Sorry, Alaska. I suppose you’ll be lucky if you don’t have to put up with all of this for very long.”
Alaska shook her head fiercely, taken aback. “Don’t! God, Sharon – I can deal with a bit of blood if it means I could possibly save your life. I’m not heartless.”
Sharon laughed. “Of course, I forgot. When you spend your whole life in palace balls and surrounded by other royalty you don’t experience much selflessness. We’re bred to be selfish.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.” Alaska stated firmly. “You don’t seem selfish. You were sweet to your sisters, and in a way you’re sparing your parents the pain of a goodbye. That’s pretty selfless.”
At her words, Alaska saw the princess brighten a little. It wasn’t much, certainly not enough to bring her back from the darkness she’d fallen into, but for a second Alaska saw it. The old glow in her skin, the old twinkle in her eye and the old joy of her smile. It flickered back like a candle in a thunderstorm, snuffed in an instant. But for a short while, it had burned. If she had to, Alaska would spend fruitless hours relighting that wick just to see the slight glimmer again and again.
Sharon was speechless. She stood up straight, using the banister for support, her mouth open slightly as she took in what had just been said. Alaska’s eyes were drawn to Sharon’s parted lips – her thick, full lips – and her heart rate quickened. Almost instinctively, after spotting a minute remainder of blood on the princess’s mouth, Alaska drew closer. Her thumb gently brushed across Sharon’s lips, a delicate and tender movement carried out inches from her face. Neither of them broke eye contact. Neither of them spoke.
“Your Highness, I have your –”
At the sound of a peppy, energetic voice, Alaska swiftly drew back, Sharon recoiling in the same fashion. Her eyes landed upon a dark-haired servant, who wilted under Sharon’s gaze and clamped her lips shut.
“Uh, sorry…” Alaska muttered, feeling her cheeks grow hot. “You had, um, blood. On your lip.”
Sharon nodded slowly, unable to meet Alaska’s eye. Her cheeks coloured, a fierce scarlet marring her pale skin as she focused her gaze instead on the servant who had approached them.
“Miss Creme? Ah, you’ve got them. Good, hand them here. I just need –”
Sharon spun around, only to find Miss Michaels had joined Miss Creme, holding out a bag and what appeared to be a long black coat. After putting the few supplies into the bag, Sharon slipped on the black coat, pulling the hood up over her hair. The fabric was loose, obscuring most of her dress and leaving enough room for the princess to hide her features, if she wanted to. She adjusted it with trembling fingers and stared ahead.
“Guess we’re leaving.” Sharon mumbled. Her back was turned from the gathered servants, so only Alaska could see the tight-lipped grimace on her face. “Off in search of a witch who might not even help me, should we find her.”
At her bitter tone, Miss Michaels surged forwards and pulled Sharon into a hug, resembling a motherly embrace as the princess melted into her. A few moments passed before Alaska noticed Sharon’s body juddering, indicating she’d finally cracked and started to cry.
“Come on, little Shazzy.” Miss Michaels whispered, rocking her. “There, there. No more tears. You have to get going, okay? I want you back here, bright and beautiful and healthy as always. There’s my little girl. Now, now. Please no tears.”
Alaska couldn’t believe this was actually happening. In mere minutes she’d be out of the palace, Princess Sharon by her side, ready to embark on a perilous journey in hopes of finding a witch to cure Sharon’s illness before time slipped right through her fingers. The success would not only save a life, but provide Alaska with some sort of stability and hope for the future. Money that meant she wouldn’t have to toil as endlessly as she did. Security that meant she wasn’t always sticking out her neck for everybody she cared about. Perhaps even a friend.
Miss Michaels waved Sharon away with a tearful smile and a gentle push, sending the two on their way. Alaska took one last long, lingering look at the intricacy of the palace before turning away completely, descending the steps and not looking back. Her shoe touched down on the regular soil of the kingdom’s land, and her quest to save the princess had officially begun.
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