Toxic Love part 2

Trapped in a cage for months. I have endured much in this time but had never hoped for anything except escape or death.

Yet here I am laying on soft bedsheets. Working with the queen these past few months was very beneficial. She's much kinder...and gullible. I just need to keep behaving for now before I can escape.

I stare at the window in this room. That will be how I escape. Tonight will be the perfect time. She came in, fed me as usual.

To be honest I may even miss this. Our time together was nice. Getting free food and lodging despite the poor accommodations. Though now that I have a bed it does feel quite nice. The room she's provided me makes me feel more like a guest then the prisoner I am.

Yet my wings twitch in anticipation of my freedom.

"Are you even listening to me?"

"Sorry, I am just tired" I frown sitting up to look back at the queen"

"You- can't you just give me your name?"

"We've been over this" I yawn

"Then... what about a nickname?"

"What is your obsession with this?"

"I never know what to call you"

I think on it. Of course not my name...or a shortened version of it in case she guesses it. Something she can't use against me...I look around till I see the bed banisters carvings, "Call me Hawks"

"Hawks?"

"Why not. Better than bird man"

"Fine, Hawks, this is your new room. I trust you keep it clean. I'll still be bringing you your food and you are not to leave this room"

"Yup, this is my new cell" I relax on the bed again

"Its...well...its better" she tried, "Now I need to go. I have business to attend to"

"Fine by me" I shrug barely peeking an eye as she left.

Now for my plans. I've noticed the guards rotate around 9 here. That's going to be my time to ditch this place.

It didn't take long at all. When the time came I was excited opening the window. I leapt out and started to fly, "Ha! See you later suckers!"

I smiled wider as I passed the outer wall! I'm home free! I am-

Pain. My wing locked as I suddenly lost air. I flap my wing through the pain but it was useless unable to keep up. I was falling before I knew it.

This is it. This is how I die. Falling from the sky I once called home. Everything faded to black in a flash.

A small moment. I open my eyes but shapes blur. Someone is talking...no...commanding. My head is laying on something soft. I look up expecting to see the sky but someone lingers above me.

I know that voice... it's the queen. Did she come to see me die? She's yelling at me isn't she? She sounds upset. My cheek is warm. I place my hand over hers burying my cheek into her hand more.

I'm so tired. My ears are ringing too. I slowly slip back into unconsciousness seeking its comfort from the pain in my body.

By the time I wake up again, sunlight floods the room. My head hurts...scratch that. Everything hurts. I look down to see the bandages on my body. I must have fallen through the trees.

Though my eyes wonder to find a much different sight. The queen kneeled by the bed rests her crossed arms on the sheets and head laying in them as she sleeps.

I can't imagine it being comfortable. Though I can't think why she would bother staying by my side. I try to move my arm but pain rips through my body and I wince.

Though looking at my hand...I have no gloves. I open my mouth widely curious...there is no more muzzle.

This...idiot. She has left herself vulnerable with a predator. I could easily use my venom on her. She could die so easily.

I stare at her sleeping form. So much trust for what reason? I release the breath I didn't know I was holding. I can't hurt her. Look at me, I can't hardly move.

Besides that...her warmth still lingers. Her hand pressed upon my cheek barely sits in my shakey memory yet it alone stands in my path.

"Queen?" I try to wake her but can't help keep my voice soft to not startle her.

She woke up looking confused until meeting my eyes, "You're awake, how are you feeling?"

"Honestly...a lot of pain"

"Im...so sorry" she mumbled

"Why apologize? This is my fault. I tried to run"

"And my guards should have let you. I never imagined one to try and shoot you down"

"So that's what happened...my wing...is it?"

"You'll be fine. The Doctor removed the arrow and has bandaged everything. Even your wounds from falling is mostly from bruises with a few Knicks here and there"

"At least that's good to hear...but moving my arms hurt"

"You fell backward from the sky so your wings and back took the brunt of your fall"

"No broken bones?"

"A miracle"

"I see" I mumble, "Im...hungry"

"I'll get you something"

She left and all I could do was lay there...its odd. But laying here like this...I realize this is quite lonely. All I am left with is my mind.

She is back soon after she left with a full meal. I stare at the tray confused, "That's quite a lot?"

"You need to heal and get your strength back"

"I can't lift my arms"

"That's fine" she plucked a berry from its stem and pressed it to my lips.

I startled momentarily but ate it gently. One movement... that's all it would take. One sharp jerk and I could bite the hand that feeds me. Yet I don't. I take each bite. Slowly. Gently. I stop my venom flow as well for the time being. If I were to accidentally knick her- I refuse to let that happen.

It's as I take my final bites a question comes to mind. One so stupid it stumbles from my lips before I can think about it, "Am I still beautiful?"

She looked stunned. She froze at the question while I feel mortified. How could I possibly just ask that?

"Yes, you are still my pretty bird" she muttered

I wince when my injured wing twitched.

"You need to rest. I'll let you be for now" she stood

"Wait-"

She stopped and my mouth went dry...I have no reason for her to be here...to take her time. Yet I want it. I don't have anything to convince her yet I ask anyway, "Can you stay? Just until I fall asleep?"

"Sure. That's not a problem" she sat back down on the chair next to the bed.

I have nothing to talk about...nothing I wish to ask in fear more idiotic questions seep out. I just seek her presence while I lay here.

Though when my eyelids start to get heavy I fight it trying to stay awake just a little longer. Though it is a useless game as sleep always wins.

She visited more now. Not just for meals but just to be. I never thought I'd want that. My body healed quickly, my wing on the other hand was going to take time. As the summer grew cold and the leaves started to fall I found myself standing in a hall... all alone.

I have been...free I guess. I am not confined to a room or a cage. Yet I remain here.

"Hawks, what are you up to?" She turned the corner crowded by her advisors all with their own paperwork.

"Less than you appearently"

"Just some event. Nothing fancy" she signed off on a document before waving the person away

"Whats the event?"

"End of harvest. Winter is soon so we host a big ball. Use it to establish trade for the winter"

"Sounds boring"

"Exactly" she groaned, "Up to my eyeballs in work"

"Any way I can assist?"

"No, it's fine"

"Then maybe we can have tea together in the garden later?"

"Im sorry Hawks but I actually have a tea I need to attend here soon"

"Then can I come with?"

Now I'm kinda feeling pathetic...yes I'm free but...I don't want to be alone. I think about my life before here and can remember being unsure where my next meal will come from. Harpy society is not archaic by any means, we have proper government and housing but some of our rules and what is taboo... I am starting to like it here.

Not even because it's better though. It's just...less lonely with her.

"Come with? I mean...I don't know. It's just the estate a few miles away but... are you comfortable with that?"

"Of course. I don't have an issue. As long as I'm treated the same as you" I smile

"Its a lot more women though. Men don't usually attend these events"

"But I like tea, and sweets"

She raised a brow but nodded, "Fine. But please stay by me at the event?"

"No problem"

That's what I said yet here I am a bird out of the sky. I've never felt so...grounded. so many people. Women in expensive gowns all looking at me...whispering.

"Hawks, come on" she pulled my arm leading me to the table to sit.

The other ladies of the table looked fearful yet curious. Some gave a cautious glance at my gloved hands. The white leather seeming to not be enough for them.

"Its a pleasure to attend" I smile

The ladies seemed to darken... they are staring at my teeth no doubt. It's not even as if they are that much different. The sharper teeth not as grotesque as they act.

I take a deep breath to calm myself. I then see a fork of a sweet treat appear before me, "Hawks, you must try this!"

I let a more organic smile slide across my face, "Is it good?"

"Why would I share otherwise?"

"Exactly? Shouldn't you hoard what you enjoy?"

"Fine. Taste this and tell me if you think it's disgusting?"

I relent and take the bite off the fork. It really is sweet. Sweet with a bit of tartness in the strawberry.

She scoffed, "You could have taken the fork yourself"

"You offered it to me, what can you expect" I roll my eyes

"You to feed yourself, you are not a child"

I stick my tongue out playfully at her. She cackled about to use the fork herself when I suddenly startled grabbing the fork, "No!"

Eyes turned to me suddenly. I awkwardly take her fork my heart in my throat, "You...we shouldn't share utensils...it's dangerous"

"The venom that bad?" She sighed grabbing a second fork

"It's...risky. I don't want anything bad to happen cause of me"

"Fine fine" she took a separate bite of cake with a new fork

"My lady, aren't you scared of the venom?" One of the ladies of the table whispered quite loudly

"I hardly think about it" she shrugged, "He's just a man with some feathers. Nothing to fear"

"He's got claws doesn't he?" Another stared at me

"So does a house cat" she mumbled before leaning over to me, "I can't always stick up for you. Come on, speak up"

"I...I don't mean anyone any harm. I just... wanted tea and sweets" I mumble

"And tea and sweets he shall get" she affirmed pouring my cup for me.

I could hear so many whispers but...her smile and meaningless chatter seemed to drown them all out.

I slowly relaxed and enjoyed myself as I realized everyone else seemed to disappear.

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