Princess Malia's Secret

"Hey, Mal!

It is not that bad.

We know how you feel, but please talk to us." Freda said after three hours since we left the place I called home.

Nick is still driving, and I am surprised I am no longer crying.

Having my two close friends with me is the only thing that keeps me sane.

Twenty-four hours ago, they informed me I was adopted, and now we are on the road going to a place where they keep on telling me where I belong.

"Thank you, Freda and Nick, but I hope you understand that this is not so easy for me.

Knowing that I am not human at all is far beyond my imagination.

How could I believe that?

I still can't." I said while I sighed.

Did I leave my adoptive parents in a quest to fulfill my destiny?

Crap!

How could my mother and father lie to me throughout these years?

They waited until I was eighteen to tell me the greatest secret of all time.

I think I am going crazy.

"Yes!

Mal, we understand, but if you have some questions, you can ask us.

Don't hesitate, and besides, we desire to talk about our plans before traveling to the academy.

Accept the fact that you are a fairy, the most precious one." Nick said.

"Where are we going?

Why can't we go directly to the Fairyland?

I think you two were warriors or soldiers.

Why are we on the road for hours?" I asked irritably.

"We need to go to the portal your real father made for you to be used for this occasion only.

We can't use any means of magic because we need to protect you.

He made this portal so that we can bring you back safely to Erthesia." Nick said while glancing at me with a look of sympathy in his eyes.

He's been so good to me so far, for the months that I've known him.

Being my protector, as he calls himself, I know it was not easy for him to leave his world to protect me.

He is the second prince of his kingdom and the leader of their own army.

I never knew that I was that important to them until yesterday; they asked me to go with them to rescue my birth father and mother, whom the king himself had imprisoned in his realm for many years, and to defeat the Dark King because of my hidden power that I don't even know if I have it.

They said I was the only one who could save Fairyland.

I only heard and read stories about fairies in books and movies.

Who could have thought they existed?

"So, if we passed through this portal, where exactly does it lead us?" I asked them.

"I think it is safer if we go to the Aeras Kingdom since our King prepared a place just for your arrival, including someone who can help to bring forth your hidden power." "You only need basic skills to summon your own powers, for it is needed before you can set foot in the academy.

We don't need your full power to be revealed because we can't trust anybody from the academy.

We don't know exactly who our allies and foes are." Freda said.

It is more complicated than I thought.

I don't have any ideas about their world.

How can I learn it in months?

They want me to be in the academy as soon as possible because the spell my father cast upon me will lose its power soon because of my coming of age; he set that spell for me to be hidden from the fairy world, to be away from his mortal enemy.

"Rest assured, Mal, that we will be here for you every step of the way; that is the oath we take before meeting you," Freda said with confidence.

"Do you ever consider me as your friend?

Or just one of your missions?" I asked them in a hurt tone.

"Of course, Malia, but our main duty is to protect you and keep you safe, and I want you to remember that whatever happens, we will always be your friend.

Everything we have done together is not fake; in fact, I don't have someone like you in fairyland.

I never thought that the assignment given to me by our King made me have a best friend; you are like a sister to me, Malia." Freda said sincerely.

"Do you know that the two of you are the only people I considered close to me in my entire life, aside from my parents?

But you all lied to me." I told them sadly.

They are both silent, and I know I hit them in the gut.

They were both accomplices of my parents' secret.

I know they have reasons for hiding it from me, but it still hurts knowing that I relied on them so much.

No matter how I tried to understand everything happening in my life at that very moment, it was still the same.

I felt like I was in a long dream I was trying to wake up from, but I just couldn't.

At last, we stopped in front of the well-known Zitca rainforest.

We all climbed out of the car.

I didn't bring anything since they told me it would be useless in the fairyland, plus it would make me homesick.

We get inside the jungle, and since my social activities are so limited, I feel so scared of the big trees surrounding us.

I am afraid that there will be wild animals that might attack us at any moment.

Nick was walking ahead of us, and he halted in front of the most enormous tree I had ever seen called Giant Seq.

"It is time for us to go, Malia.

Are you ready?" Nick asked me.

"Yes, Nick," I answered in a low voice.

Nick asked me to stand beside him while holding my left hand, and Freda sat at my right side, holding my right hand.

"Just close your eyes, Mal; it may irritate your eyes since you are new to this." I followed Nick's instructions, and I heard him say words I didn't understand.

I can feel the wind beneath my feet, and then, in a swift moment, we are in a vortex.

I screamed like a lunatic because I thought I was going to die because of the dizziness I felt.

I felt Nick's arms around me.

He hugged me the entire time until it suddenly stopped, and I felt like I was going to vomit all the food I ate during my last meal, but I never told them the reason I wanted to look brave in their eyes, even the whole world is spinning, and I have to get hold of my footings.

Nick put his arms on my shoulders to steady me and whispered.

"Welcome home to Erthesia Land, Princess Malia, and you can now open your eyes." I make sure I am standing in the proper position for what I have experienced; it feels like hell going into this world, but when I open my eyes, I am speechless by the beauty that lies before my eyes.

We are in a meadow filled with different beautiful, colorful flowers, and there are so many butterflies everywhere.

I can't help but feel like a child again.

I chased the butterflies, laughing and turning around.

It makes me think I am finally home.

I never had a chance to have this kind of carefree feeling, for my parents never allowed me to go even to a nearby park.

I love plants, that is why we have a beautiful garden at home.

When I finally stopped, I found Freda and Nick laughing at me, and I smiled at them genuinely, my first smile after I learned the truth about myself.

I looked around, and I could see a forest not far from where we were, and in the distance, I saw a beautiful castle.

We have a time difference because it is almost twilight in this new place.

"We better hurry to arrive at dinner time in our kingdom, and I will just ask a bird to deliver a message of our arrival." Freda summoned a bird by just whistling; that beautiful creature appeared, listened while Freda whispered in her ear, and took off toward the castle.

"Wow!

That is so cool.

Communication is not so hard here.

All you have to do is find a bird.

It seems no need for cellphones in here." I speak, and I am still astounded by their abilities.

"It is the classic way, Malia, for the normal fairies, you can do more than that since you are royalty." Says Freda, smiling at me.

Again, this is another metaphor I need to understand in the future.

I hope I will enjoy the power they are talking about.

I hope I can really save Erthesia Land instead of bringing it to its downfall.

As we entered the Castle, the guards on duty greeted us warmly, and I still couldn't believe that my best friend was one of them.

She is a soldier in this kingdom.

I feel like I am in Medieval times because of the design and materials used within the castle.

Outer and inner stone walls surround the Keep.

There is a big fountain in the courtyard and a beautiful garden.

Freda led us to the north wing of the castle.

A beautiful maiden greeted us, and she opened the room with a king-size bed.

"You stay here, Malia, and we need to see the king," Freda told me.

I just nodded since I felt so tired from walking.

I collapsed on the big bed after my friends left.

The beautiful lady stood at the end of the bed, still bowing her head.

"Hey!

Miss, you can leave me now." I told her.

That is the time she raised her head and looked at me in the eyes.

" My lady, I am here to bathe you and to change your clothes." She said to me shyly.

What?

Is this for real?

"Miss, you don't need to do that.

I can take care of myself.

Please leave me." I said, smiling at her.

"The king will get mad if I will leave by your side, my lady." She said uncertainly.

"Look, I am not used to it, okay?

I mean, when I was a little girl, my mom used to do that, but now I am a grown woman, but if you insist, stay here but do nothing, I can do it myself." She nodded and placed a beautiful light green long dress on the bed with undergarments on it.

She walked to the far corner near the door.

I asked her to sit in the chair near the vanity table, but she insisted on standing still.

When I enter the bathroom, I can see the sizeable round bathtub full of water with flower petals on the surface.

I stripped my jeans and tee shirt together with my underwear.

I felt so relaxed when I soaked myself in the water.

It smells of different flowers that make my mind at ease.

When I finished my bath, I changed into the light green dress and found myself mesmerized by my image in the mirror.

I am unsure if it is because of the dress or because I am in a fairyland.

I can't believe what I am seeing.

My hazel brown eyes became more captivating, and I could see my face glow.

My long, straight, honey-blonde hair is so vibrant.

I can see that my lips are in full color.

Even without lipstick, they are so red and luscious.

What is happening to me?

The dress fits perfectly.

My boobs are emphasizing its full size.

I looked like a magazine model.

So this world is something.

I was combing my hair when other servants came, and they brought mouthwatering food and wine.

I devoured the food immediately and realized if I stayed in this land longer, I am sure my body statistics would drastically change.

The food in the fairyland is very delicious.

How come Freda never misses this place?

Maybe she did; of course, she couldn't tell me because she was forbidden to tell me anything until my 18th birthday.

The servants left after I said thank you to them, and I told them I wanted to have a rest.

I was looking at the castle window admiring the lake under the starry night when I heard pounding on the massive wooden door.

I opened the door, dazzled by the beauty in front of me.

"Hello, Princess Malia.

I am Halena, the queen of Aeras, and Your Royal Highness King Robert, and this is our son, Crown Prince Hale." They all bow down before me, and I don't know what to do.

They are all standing there with their splendid glory, and I feel like a fool, for I don't know anything about curtsy or anything about meeting the royal family.

So, I stand there motionless and still captivated by their beauty.

When Nick and Freda came into view, nodding at me as reassurance that I would be okay, I felt more confident.

"Sorry, Princess Malia, I wanted to give you a feast in your honor, but we must be careful.

The Dark King might have spies anywhere, and that is the crucial part, so it is better to be careful than sorry." Said King Robert.

I feel more at ease now that my friends are around.

"Welcome to our Kingdom, Princess." Said Prince Hale.

He is so handsome.

Nick is right.

After all, the people in this land are all good-looking.

"Your Royal Highness and Your Royal Majesty, thank you so much for your hospitality.

I am so sorry for my lack of knowledge about Royalty.

I don't know how to greet you properly." "No need for formality, Malia.

We are your Godparents, so technically, you are like a daughter to us.

You looked like your mother.

Everything about you reminds you of Queen Thalassa, and your mother is known to be the most beautiful fairy in the whole Erthesia Land.

That is why the dark king wanted her to be his queen." Said the King.

I can feel their sincerity, and I am so glad that I am welcome in their kingdom.

"Now, as much as I want you to stay here with us, Malia, I can't do that because you need to be at the academy to be safer; of course, when your power comes out, you need to be strong and ready." He said.

"We have seen your wings, and we know how powerful you are, even when you are still very young.

Your father knew your destiny; that is why he called for us immediately." He said calmly.

" Now, I will be the one to put out the first layer of the spell since it is necessary for you to blend in.

I am sorry, dear, and you will study at the academy as a commoner.

Still, I requested better accommodation for you since you can't share with another common fairy.

You are royalty, after all." The King looked me in the eyes.

"Now, Malia, please stand straight.

This kind of spell is so simple and easy, and you will not feel anything." Then the King put his right hand on my head.

I didn't close my eyes, and I saw the flowing of bright light from his hand going to my whole body.

Suddenly, I ascended from the floor.

I am appalled to feel the appearance of wings on my back.

I keep flying because I don't know how to control my wings.

"How can I stop myself from flying?" I asked no one in particular.

I am at the ceiling and looking at them in disbelief.

They were all laughing at me because I looked like a lizard trying to crawl on the ceiling.

"The power comes within yourself, so try to concentrate and control it, just like the way you control your legs when you are walking and your hand when you are writing.

It is a part of your body, Malia." King Robert declared.

"You can hide your wings if you want to.

You should practice controlling your emotions because when you are in danger or when you are angry, it will trigger the appearance of your wings." He added.

I followed what the king said, and slowly, I could go back to the floor.

"That is enough for now, Malia.

You are new to this, and your environment influences your character in the human realm, so this might cause you to feel tired.

Tomorrow, Prince Nick, Freda, and Prince Hale will start your training." Said the King with authority.

They all said goodbye and left except for Freda, and as usual, she was my guard.

I am shocked when I notice she is wearing her soldier uniform.

"Why are you wearing that?

Aren't you going to change into your pajamas or nightgown?" I asked her.

"No, Princess, I am your royal guard now, and we are here in our kingdom.

I will be punished if I do not follow the protocol." She said.

"You mean you will not sleep at all, and you will be standing outside that door?" I asked her, pointing at the door, and she nodded.

"Freda, we are friends.

You can sleep beside me like before during your sleepover at my house, and we used to do that.

We can do it here." I am begging Freda to sleep on the bed beside me.

"I am so sorry, Mal, we are in the kingdom.

I can't do that.

Now, have a good night's sleep, and if you need anything, I am just outside your door." She said and walked away from me outside my room.

She closed the door without saying another word.

I was not able to control my emotions.

I wept for hours; the emptiness I felt inside was killing me, and the uncertainties that I was facing were scaring me.

I can't accept that my friendship with Freda is a barrier now.

She is my only best friend.

I suddenly miss my home, and I look back at some of my memories in the human world.

Five Months Ago.....

In the Human World.

"Help!!

Please help me!

Stay away from me all of you!!" I am so tired, but I keep on running and shouting at the same time because they are still chasing after me.

I feel tears running down my cheeks.

"Malia!

Wake up!

Hey honey, please wake up!" I heard my mom shouting my name, and she is shaking my whole body.

I opened my eyes and I feel so relieved that everything was a dream.

"Same dream again?" My mom asked.

I nodded to her while trying to wipe the tears away.

"I am just confused mom, why in the past months I experienced the same dream all over again.

There were so many of them chasing me, they were wearing black robes with black hoods.

I can still feel it Mom, I don't understand, why it seems like I am in a different world.

It feels so real." I said in a whisper.

"Well, the good thing is, it's only a dream, you are safe Malia, and remember, my dear, no one will hurt you, your Dad and I will never let anyone harm you." My mom said, then she put my head on her chest stroking my long hair.

"Yes, Mom, but I am so scared, every night I don't want to go to sleep anymore, since I don't want to experience the same nightmare again.

I always pray before I go to sleep mom, but why it keeps on happening."

"Go take a bath now Malia or else you will be late for school." Mom said.

I don't have a choice but to get up and take a shower fast.

I eat breakfast with my parents.

They are both going to work, and they will just drop me at the school entrance.

Every afternoon I go home with Freda, my best friend since first year high school.

We will ride the train from the city.

It makes me wonder why my parents allow me to commute as long as Freda is by my side.

Without her, I have to wait for them at the campus.

When Freda, and her family first moved into our town, our parents became fast friends and just like us we became best friends overnight.

We are inseparable.

We are not considered rich, but my mom and dad have a good job.

My dad is a professor and my mom works in a bank.

We are not also poor.

We don't have everything but I have everything I need.

I am happy and contented with our lifestyle.

I am happy for what I have.

We have our own car and our own two-story house.

I have a spacious, beautiful room because I am an only child.

"Malia child, your Mom and I will be coming home late tonight, just order something for dinner." My Dad said.

"Don't worry Dad, I can take care of myself.

I will just cook, or eat bread and fruits." I replied to him.

"You take care Malia and always close the door, and don't let any strangers get inside the house." Mom said.

"Mom, I am almost eighteen, my birthday is fast approaching.

Guys, I am not a child anymore.

Why are you always worried about me meeting strangers?"

"It is for your own safety Malia, don't let us worry okay?

You are our only child that is why we want you to be safe."

"Yes, Mom!

But don't you know it is ridiculous?

I think within the whole population of the entire school, I am the only one who is not allowed to commute alone." I said to them in a disappointed tone.

"We will not argue about this anymore Malia just don't commute without Freda by your side.

That is an order that you need to follow." Dad said with finality in his voice.

"Okay dad, whatever you say." I keep quiet until we have arrived at the school entrance.

I kissed them both on the cheeks before I climb out of the car.

"Hi Malia, what's with the face?" Freda asked me after I have met her in the library.

"You know as usual, my parents reminded me this morning to only commute when you are around.

What is wrong with them Freda?"

"I can't believe they treated me like a child until now, I am turning eighteen soon for God's sake."

"Well, to make you feel better I love to accompany you everyday Malia.

It doesn't bother me at all." Freda said.

"Yes, I know about that, but I also want to be an independent woman.

Mom and Dad never allow me to go shopping alone.

Can you live with that?"

"What if I will start dating?

You will be there to witness my first date and my first kiss?

Or worst my parents will be my bodyguards."

"I feel so lucky to have them as my parents, but sometimes I feel suffocated.

And I am so sick of it.

Why they are always afraid that something would ever happen to me?"

"Do you think my parents have mortal enemies?

And they are so scared that I will become their target." I said to Freda while shaking my head.

"I don't know how to answer all your questions Mal, but I am sure your parents don't have enemies for they are good people."

"Just think about it that they only want you to be safe at all times okay.

At least you have me Malia."

"Of course Freda I am always happy to be with your company.

I never complained hanging out with you.

I just don't get it why they are so strict, by the way I dreamt again last night, it was more vivid compare on the previous dreams, I can tell now what they are wearing, it was so creepy Fred, I totally freaked out this morning.

Good thing my mom wakes me up just in time." I said to Freda, I still shiver just thinking about my nightmare.

"I think you should stop choosing horror movies every time we watch Netflix, maybe it triggers your dream." She said smiling at me.

"I don't think so Freda, there is something about my dreams, I think it is trying to give me a message, but I am afraid to continue my dream, that is why every time I am dreaming those bad guys running after me, I do my very best to wake up before they can catch me." I said to Freda feeling like a fool again, I am just glad that she never get tired listening to all my qualms.

"Malia it was just a dream, okay?

No need to worry, just relax and let us enjoy our senior year together, we have been dreaming about this, since we were in the first year.

Remember the times we impersonated some hot cheerleaders because we wanted to be like them?

It was hilarious, looking back at those moments of our innocent days, and now we are hoping to be in college, time passed by too quickly." Freda said looked amused.

"Yes!

Freda, I remember every stupid things we have done together, how I wish we will forever be in high school.

Thank you for making me feel better, you always have that kind of energy within you.

Every time I feel sad, hurt or lonely, you just simply talk to me about anything, and then I will feel good again.

How did you do that?" I asked Freda in bewilderment.

"I just did nothing Malia, you are just used to me giving you advice and comfort, now let us go to our first class, I think we only have ten minutes to spare, move your ass now, or we will be late.

Don't overthink it."

"I think there are reasons behind their protectiveness and maybe they will tell you when the right time comes, besides only our parents know what is best for us.

It only means one thing though, they love you so much, and be happy about it." Freda said while we are walking towards the direction of our first class.

"Yeah!

I know, I am glad we are still in the same section.

I can't believe that we managed to be classmates since we are in first year."

"Well, we are both honor students, I can't imagine going to class without my best friend, you know?" She asked me with a wink.

I almost tripped when we reached our classroom for our first period, Literature.

One of my favorite subjects.

Upon our arrival, the class is almost full.

We don't have a choice but to sit at the back of the classroom.

"Well, I guessed everyone was excited to be in the senior class." I said to Freda in a low voice.

We just arrived on time.

I sat on my desk and our teacher came in.

"Alright class, welcome to your first day of school."

"I hope you will enjoy my class for the rest of the school year.

Now please get your book and turn to page one."