Page 16 of Celestia, Year Four

The guards knew that Prince of Darkness showed up whenever he pleased, enough times that they weren't surprised by his random drop-ins.

"Morning. The Queen is exhausted. I'll be putting her to bed. Ensure all meetings are rescheduled to the afternoon. If she doesn't get enough rest, she'll fall ill. If anyone has a problem with it, they can speak to me directly. I won't be leaving her side until she's gotten enough rest for her body to function normally. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" they replied.

The swaying motion returned, and I listened to the gentle footsteps that I knew were Lucian’s.

How can he show compassion to those who hate him so? They look at him as an evil creature, yet his heart is full of love and compassion. Why can't they see it? Why are they blinded by the appearances of his people and unable to see their true nature? To see the purity in their souls. Why?

Lucian lowered me to the bed, and I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't. Something soft pressed against my lips, and I wished I was strong enough to kiss those loving lips back.

Does Lucian realize that no matter what the others say, I still love him?

"Rest, my Blessed Love. They cannot accept what they won't allow themselves to understand… and… that's okay. I won't riskyour health for them. Please, sleep. We will figure something out for the best… as long as I can still be by your side. As long as you love me like you do every day."

A tear streamed down my face, making me realize I was crying, but I couldn't fight the darkness any longer.

I love you, Lucian. I hope you know that.

Who knew if he heard my thoughts or not, but before my mind accepted the plague of darkness, something brushed my cheek and I heard him whisper.

"I love you, my Queen. As long as you're with me, I won't allow them to taint my vision of this world."

THE DARK WORLD

~CELESTIA~

"BiBo."

"Momo, stop poking her cheek. She's going to wake up," Odion mumbled.

"Bi… Bo?"

Odion sighed. "I don't know if she likes being poked when she's asleep."

"BiBiBiBi."

"You really don't need to start singing," Odion grumbled.

"BI!"

"No. Don't start jumping on the bed. Celestia's still asleep."

I rolled over to sleep on my left side. "Five more minutes," I mumbled.

The room was quiet, and I heard Odion sigh. "See, Momo. You're disturbing her."

"BiBo." I felt something crawl onto myright side, and I slowly opened my eyes to see spiral eyes staring at me from an upside-down glance. "Bi… Bo."

I just stared at the doll, wondering where it had come from.

Maybe I'm dreaming still.

"Momo. You're going to freak her out like that if she wakes up."

"Bo?!" Momo replied and lost her balance, falling over and landing next to my body on the bed. I gave her a smile when she hesitantly glanced my way.

"Are you always this hyper in the morning?" I wondered.

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