Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

-Phil-

Escape was something that needed to be planned. Down to the last minute, months, possibly years in advance. And even then, there was a chance it could go wrong. Someone could spill the beans, something could happen to set the overseers on edge-

A slave could get sold.

Everything was working against you when you planned on escaping.

Which is why Philza didn’t wait. He couldn’t wait. He had to leave that night when the wind was loud and the sky darkened by rain. His son was cradled close to his chest, silent as he slept on. Wilbur would be taken from him come the sunrise. He couldn’t let his boy, the only good thing in his shitty life, be taken away. To be locked away in some cage, far away from the sun, only to rot away in a darkened mansion.

His arms tightened further over the slumbering boy. His chest heaved heavily. There was no light in the night. He could afford a few minutes-

A howl ripped through the air, turning his blood to ice.

They already slipped the dogs loose? No it was too early-

Philza tightened his arms before bolting. He couldn’t rest. He had to run. If not for his sake, then for Wilbur’s. His son needed a chance at freedom.

The dogs were getting closer. He could hear them snarling viciously. Philza didn’t dare look back. He didn’t want to risk tripping over some root. No, his eyes were focused solely on the invisible line in front of him.

He had heard that the border was not but eight miles from his forced estate. He had run….was it six?....so long already….he forced his feet to go faster. He was almost there. He just had to get over the border-

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” The scream ripped itself from his throat when a dog’s mouth closed around his thigh. He tipped forward, Wilbur dropping from his arms. The boy stirred awake instantly, pushing himself back in fear. Philza caught the sound of his wails, which spurred him to fight the dogs faster. Even though the teeth and claws tore at him, he pushed them off. Threw them against trees, getting a bit of satisfaction in hearing those spines cracking. The world narrowed down to the little road that spanned the last few miles between him and freedom…..

He slashed at the dogs with his chipped claws. But they did the job, tearing through the dog’s flesh-

Would they honor the Treaty? Of course not. Philza was too valuable as a trophy and asset to let loose. His Master would not take letting him go lightly. Him or his son.

He just had to get across the line.

He just had…..he’d worry about everything else later.

Just….needed to-

His vision blurred for a moment, but he continued to fight. Wilbur had fallen silent. Philza could feel the weight of his innocent fearful gaze on him. He’d get his son to freedom.

Even if it kills him.

The dogs retreated, some of them lying dead on the road. Phil stood, breathless, as he grabbed Wilbur. He pushed on, past the border. Past the trees and the forests and the fences that popped up along his vision. His breathing was ragged as his gait slowed.

He couldn’t stop.

He had to-

Philza’s legs suddenly turned jelly, but he couldn’t stop in the middle of nowhere. Exposed. Unsafe

. They needed a place to sleep for the night. Somewhere he could…patch up his wounds….

He collapsed under a tree. He’d just rest a moment. The bark was rough, splinters cutting into his cheek was enough to ground him. Wilbur was still awake, but silent. He was such a good son.

“Hey, bud.” He rasped through his quickened breaths. “You…y-you doing okay?”

“Where are we going papa?”

“I….I do-don’t know.” Philza absently stroked his son’s beautiful curls. “Ju-just until we find som-somewhere s-safe.”

He could feel the warm blood on his skin. His vision flickered but he forced himself awake. Couldn’t fall asleep. He….had to continue. “K-keep your ey-eyes open, ‘kay Wil?”

“What am I looking for, papa?”

“Som-some wh-where s-safe.” With much difficulty, Philza stood to his feet. His clipped wings, mangled beyond recognition, flared open. But he couldn’t fly. His old masters made sure of that. A downed bird was a broken bird. He lurched forward, the world tilting a little too much but he kept on. His legs turned to jelly the longer he was on them, but the weight of his son in his arm reminded him what was at stake. He pushed forward.

“Papa! Look!”

Philza almost stumbled in shock at his son’s shout. That is until he followed his son’s finger, and, for once, hope fluttered in his chest. There was….there was a barn. It was an elegant looking barn, better looking than the one he escaped from- Safety.

“Oh.” The word left him a rush of air. Joy took him and held him like he held his son. Safety- “Good boy. Good job Wilbur.”

“I did good?”

“Did you-Oh you did very well Wilbur. Let’s-” He stumbled again but pushed on. “Let’s get inside. So we can sleep. So….yeah.”

He stumbled forward with renewed energy, pushing past the bone-crushing exhaustion he felt. The world zeroed down until all he was aware of was the barn in front of him. He heard the soft knickering of the horses. He pushed forward. Philza must’ve blacked out somewhere on the way, because he blinked and the next thing he knew he was on the floor inside. His blood was pooling around the hay. Half of his mind begged him to clean it up, so the master wouldn’t be upset. But his body cried out for sleep. Wilbur was pulling at his sleeves, babbling about the horses

. “N-not to-night Wil.” His tongue was feeling more and more like a wad of cotton, slowly becoming heavy with each word spoken. “We’ll rid-ride them to-tommo-”

“Papa?”

“Mmmm.” His head lolled to the side. When did he….end up against the wall?

“Are you alright?”

“Mmm. Just….resting my-”

Darkness took hold before he could finish.

-Kristin-

Kristin woke up to the sun with a smile on her face. She stretched hugely, yawning and rolling over in her double bed. WHen she sat up, the smile on her face grew even more as she beheld the day. It was glorious, perfect for a ride.

Too bad that Technoblade was out on early morning patrol. He would’ve enjoyed riding about with her. But alas.

She would just have to have her fun without him.

Smiling bigger than a cheshire cat, Kristin threw off the covers and quickly dressed in her riding habit. The spring mansion was far from a homey place, with her being the only occupant aside from her guards. But it was where she wanted to be. Her father would join her later and Techno would return after he had done his patrol. The man was far too paranoid for his own good, but Kristin had learned it was better than arguing with her head of guard.

A breath left her mouth when she stepped out into the sunlight. Perfect.

“Morning boys.” She greeted the men standing guard in the garden. They gave her a look she was more than familiar with. “Don’t worry. I’m just going for a ride in the field. I won’t be long.”

Those looks didn’t let up. But they did soften a bit. She all but skipped her way to the barn, throwing open the heavy wooden doors with a smile. The horses all whinnied and knickered in greeting as she strode in.

“Good morning, my friends!” She walked up to her favorite mare.

“Cinnamon, you’re looking particularly groomed this morning.” A whinny to the left side of her caused her to smile even wider.

“You too, Anarchy.” Kristin moved over to the salt-and-pepper stallion. “Jonathon did an excellent job on your coat. So sleek and shiny.” “That’s a pretty horsie.”

Kristin squealed at the sound of the voice, leaping back as though she was a startled cat. Her heart was jumping in her chest as she whirled around. And she didn’t believe her eyes. There was- A kid?

“Uhh.”

“I…I like your horsie, madam.” The boy said again. His tiny hands fisted the hem of his….rather ragged looking blouse. Those little brown eyes turned downward, hiding underneath his equally brown, very tangled curls. “They’re very pretty.”

Her tongue was stuck, her mind blank as it fumbled for what to say. Why was there a kid in the barn? Was he lost? But- The nearest homestead was fifteen miles away from here. And as far as she knew they didn’t have a kid.

“Madam?”

It seems like her brain short circuited back to working as she blinked, finding the boy kneeling before her. She blinked in shock at the sight of gray, fluffy wings peeking out behind him. Okay, he definitely wasn’t from around here. Seeing how avians were rarely seen around this area. Her father’s kingdom was made up of a mesh of all sorts of people, of all sorts of background and skill. But rarely are avians seen, especially an avian child.

Those beings with wings barely settled down long enough to create settlements. And very rarely was an avian child seen on its own.

“Are you lost sweetie?” Those little gray wings tensed up, but they remained mantled. That little head shook. “May I ask…..why are you here?”

The boy’s head shot up and Kristin nearly balked at the sight of the fear in those eyes. They slowly filled with tears as the eyes darted back down. “Pl-please my lady. We didn’t mean to break into your barn. My papa-”

Kristin felt something inside her squeeze in worry when the boy cut himself off. Trembling in fear. “Hey, hey, it’s okay-”

“No! We’re sorry! Please, please don’t hurt him!” The boy was all but crying. Whenever she knelt closer the boy scuttled back.

“Hey, it’s alright. I’m not going to hurt you. You…and your papa….aren’t going to get hurt. Is….is he hurt?”

The boy just stared up at her. Fearful. “Please. Don’t hurt us.”

Kristin knelt down all the way, eyes lowered and softened as she gazed at the boy. “I promise I won’t.”

“Pinky promise? Cross your heart?”

“And hope to die.”

“Oh. My lady, you’re too pretty to die.”

Kiristin couldn’t help the chuckle that pulled itself out of his “Well aren’t you a charmer?”

“I can’t be a charmer, my lady. Because I only tell the truth. And my papa says we have to always tell the truth.”

“You’re papa is very smart. Can I meet him? I think we could all use some introductions.”

“Uhm.” The boy’s eyes went to the little ladder going up to the loft. “He’s….sleeping.”

“Sleeping?” That heavy feeling grew just a tad heavier in her gut.

“He’s not feeling too good. Papa is always up before the sun because the Master wanted him to sing at breakfast. When he’s not feeling good he always….stays down.”

“Mas….ah. Okay. Why don’t we go and make sure your papa is alright? If he’s sick he needs a doctor, yeah?”

But. We have no money.”

“Don’t you worry about that, love. I’ll take care of everything.”

The boy before her was hesitant. Shifting before he nodded to himself. With a muttered apology, he took hold of her hand and pulled her towards the ladder. He scrambled upward, leaving Kristin to follow up at a slower pace. She stopped short when her head poked upward into the spacious attic.

There. There was a man. Up against the wall. Unconscious. Bleeding sluggishly from all sorts of wounds. Blond, tangled hair laid over his face, blocking his full features from her view, but Kristin could clearly see that the man was….not young but definitely not old. The winged boy crawled up to the man. Clearly these two were related. Kristin knelt next to the man, eyeing all the injuries and cataloging them the best she could.

“How long has he been like this?”

The boy’s face scrunched up in thought. “The moon was really high in the sky when we got here.”

Her eyes went back to the man. She brushed away the hair that blocked her view of his face. Her heart pulled tightly in sympathy at the sight of the pale, taunt face. Oh this poor man.

She turned to the boy, who looked at his father with such worry in his eyes that Kristin wanted to scoop him up and hold him close.

“What’s your name sweetie?”

“I’m not supposed to tell you that…Madam. I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

Kristin smiled. “Well, how about I tell you my name? Then we won’t be strangers. You are more than welcome to call me Krisitn.” Kristin smiled softly. The boy looked torn but he shifted. A moment passed before the boy was standing with his wings mantled, head tipped low.

“My name is Wilbur Soot Craft, my Lady. At your service.” Her heart cried out in sadness. This boy-- and possibly his father-- were slaves. How many times had those two simple sentences been beaten into this sweet little boy before her? How many whips landed on him to get him to look so perfect?

These two…

“Kristin is a pretty name.” Wilbur said with a cock of his head.

“And Wilbur is a very nice name.”

“Really?” Kristin nodded which made Wilbur beam even more. “My papa gave me my name! He said I’m not supposed to tell anyone though. Promise….promise you won’t tell papa I told you?”

“I promise. And what’s your papa’s name?”

“The Masters called him Birdie. But his real name is Philza.”

“Philza.”

“Are you gonna help him, Miss Kristin?”

“Yes. Yes I will.” She turned her head towards the loft ladder, trying to figure out if it would be worth it to carry him down. “We’re gonna need some help yeah? I can get my guards to take him to the infirmary-”

“No guards!” Wilbur wilted back almost immediately, like he was expecting a hit. His chubby hands slapped over his mouth, wings trembling minutely. The two stood like that for a moment before Wilbur slowly removed his hands, only to whisper out, “No guards, please. They’ll hurt Papa when they see-”

“When they see what dear?”

“Papa…Papa has. H-has a mark. On his shoulder. It tells other people w-who he belongs to.”

“Oh.”

“We’re…w-we’re no-not like you, Miss Kristin.” Wilbur whispered. His grip on his papa’s arms was tight. The man stirred but didn’t wake. “Please. He was gonna sep-separate us. Papa got us out. I don’t wanna go back. Don’t send us back. Papa will die if you send us-”

“Wilbur! Wilbur, easy. It’s okay. Breath.” She scooted closer to the boy, carefully holding her hands out but not touching him. The boy’s shoulders were heaving under the force of his panicked breaths, eyes slowly becoming more and more unfocused as the attack took hold. “Wilbur, I need you to follow my breathing okay? Just…follow me…”

She carefully took Wilbur’s arm in hand and placed his hand on her chest. Right at her heart. Kristin took a deep, overexaggerated breath. “In…..out….”

She breathed. Slow and easy until that glossy look left Wilbur’s eyes. The boy sobbed quietly as he pulled away from Kristin and into the chest of his father. Oh boy.

“Wilbur? I’m going to go get help okay?”

The boy just snuggled closer to his father’s chest. He looked at her with those giant brown eyes.

“Please don’t get the guards! We’re sorry for coming into your barn!”

“Oh baby….you’re not in trouble. I promise. Your dad needs help okay?” Wilbur just tucked his face into his dad’s threadbare shirt. Kristin took that as her cue to leave, all but throwing herself down the stairs and out of the barn’s door. And right into the chest of Technoblade.

“Oof.” The man exclaimed. Kristin just straightened, her face lightening up at the sight of the Piglin head of guard.

“You’re back!”

The man shifted, looking more confused by the second. “Uh yeah?”

“Oh thank the gods! Quick I need you to go and get some guards and a medic!”

“What? Why do you need…..” Technoblade glanced down. “Kristin. Why are your hands covered in blood?”

“It’s not mine, I promise.” Kristin grimaced as she wiped her hands on her dress. “There’s an injured man in the loft. He needs medical attention now.”

“Right. Why don’t I go and take him?”

“Ahhh….I don’t think you’re the most….friendly looking….faces….” Kristin tried to explain. She loved her friend dearly, but she worried that the overly large, muscled Piglin decked out in armor wasn’t going to endear the two avians to her.

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Techno pushed past her, ignoring her cries to stop. But he disappeared into the barn, leaving her to dart to the side door where the guards were standing. She just barely reached them, opening her mouth to order them to go to the infirmary, only to be cut off by the loud piercing shriek that cut through the air. There was no movement anywhere on the grounds when the shriek cut off, leaving Kristin to shudder as she turned. Something strangely protective flared inside her as she ran back to the barn with the guards right on her heels. She reached the doors right as Techno burst through the doors. Philza was in his arms, still unconscious and limp, but Wilbur-

Kristin stopped in her tracks. A chill went up her spine at the sight of the furious child in front of her. Wilbur’s wings and tangled hair was fluffed out in an attempt to seem more threatening, and his teeth were bared protectively. But while it seemed that Wilbur was trying to look more aggressive, once it clicked what this child was doing (and who he was doing it to) Kristin had to bite down a laugh to keep it from bubbling it up.

Techno didn’t look impressed. “What….are you doing?”

“I want my Papa back!” Wilbur stomped his foot, adding a hiss at the end for extra effect. “Put’em down!”

“Pft. I don’t answer to you-”

“Techno-”

“Yes you do!” Wilbur shoved his tiny thumb to his chest. “I’m a free person now! Free! Free people get to boss others around.”

“Not here you don’t.”

Wilbur stuttered, all of the fight leaving him. His wings lost their fullness, pulling back and wilting away. “What?”

“Techno-”

“This is an estate belonging to the King. I get to make the shots around here, because I’m the head guard. And I say that your dad needs help. And that’s what he’ll get. Whining will get you nowhere.”

There were tears in Wilbur’s eyes. Kristin was too stunned to speak. Techno harrumphed before he turned around and strode right into the castle. Kristin shook herself easily enough from her shock as she knelt, opening her arms up. There was no fear as Wilbur rushed at her, throwing himself into her embrace. She quickly scooped up the lad as he silently started to cry into her shoulder.

“It’s okay….it’s okay.” Kristin muttered. The guards bowed, though they eyed the situation a little warily. She smiled sweetly at them. All was silent as she traveled through the hallways, holding the tiny avian child in her arms with as much tenderness as he deserved. “You’re naught but skin and bones.”

“Hmmm.”

A chuckle left her lips.

“Tired?”

“Mmmm…hungry….”

“We’ll get some food once we’re done with the physicians okay?” Kristin carefully tightened her grip as the boy started to struggle. “Wilbur?”

“I don’t wan’ a doctor! They’re mean!”

“Wilbur, no one’s gonna hurt you here.” She gently rubbed a spot in between the boy’s wings and he went limp. It was quiet, the only sound being her steps on the polished marble. There was no sound from the boy in her arms, only the slight sound of his breathing. She turned into the infirmary, smiling softly at Technoblade as he loomed over the doctor. “I have another patient for you, Doctor.”

The elderly man stood, eyes twinkling. “Ah, Your Maj-”

“Eh. Let’s not do titles around these two. At least for now.”

“As you wish.” Kristin gently placed Wilbur on his father’s cot, allowing the boy to curl tighter against the still slumbering man. “Lord Blade was giving me the rundown on these two. But he said that you would have better knowledge?”

“....not really. But I can read between the lines easily enough.” Kristin shifted. “They’re escaped slaves, possibly from the neighboring Kingdom. Who they belonged to….I can’t say right now, but as far as I’m concerned, they’re free people.”

There was a pointed look sent Techno’s way. Not that he would ever return them to their previous masters. He too was once enslaved, forced to fight in the gladiatorial arenas until Kristin’s father freed him and offered him the position to be Kristin’s sword and shield. But she knew there would be suspicion on their true actions. War was brewing on the horizon, and anyone could be sent to spy, to kidnap, to even sabotage. Technoblade will no doubt keep an eye on them.

Kristin sighed at the thoughtful expression on her head captain’s face. There would be no love for the avians until they somehow proved they weren’t a threat. Which would be a right impossible task. She shook her head as she dispelled those thoughts.

“How’s the man?”

“Exhausted, my lady. Bleeding profusely from some deep cuts and bites, though they were not fatal or infected.”

“We have that to be thankful for, at least.” The words were still bitter. Sitting on her tongue tasted awful.

“Indeed. I will check the lad for you, but I can already tell he is the same as his father. Exhaustion, dehydration, malnutrition. They’ll need time, good food and liquids but they should be right as rain soon.”

“Will you go ahead and examine him for me?”

“Certainly.”

Kristin gently shook the lad awake. “Wilbur? Honey? I need you to open your eyes for me.”

“Mmm, I don’ wan’a wor’ in th’ orchard. I’m…. eepy.”

“Wilbur, you’re not gonna be working in the field….the doctor needs to look at you.” Kristin saw the moment her words clicked with the boy. The lad sat up in shock, fear in his eyes. “Wilbur-”

“No! I’m free! NO DON’T TAKE ME AWAY FROM MY PAPA!”

“Wilbur- Wilbur, no one’s going to take you away from your papa!”

But it was useless. The boy was screaming, screeching bloody murder as Kristin tried to get him to hold still. It got worse when the doctor stepped into view.

“Get him to stop.” Technoblade growled as he hunched over himself, clutching his ears.

“I’m trying!”

“Now laddie-”

“No! I’m not going anywhere!”

“No one’s going to take you away from your papa!” Kristin gently turned the boy around so that he could see his father. “See? Your papa is right there. You’re safe. You’re alright. You’re not going anywhere.”

Wilbur was sobbing silently, almost looking ashamed of his outburst. Kristin placed her hand right above his wings, scratching them slightly.

“You’re okay, sweetie. The doctor is going to make sure you’re not hurt like your papa. Okay?” The boy was trembling underneath her hand, but nodded. He turned, immediately latching onto her sleeve as the doctor approached.

“Hello, young sir.” The old man greeted him calmly. He knelt down and made eye contact, smiling. “You’re quite the strapping young man, aren’t you?”

Wilbur, shyly pressing his face into Kristin’s sleeve, nodded.

“Is there anything that hurts? Anything that aches or bleeds?”

“My tummy hurts.”

“Oh?”

“Hurts bad….”

“Would you mind if I take a look at your tummy?” Kristin could feel that little grip tighten further. But she felt the little boy’s head nod. “Okay, lift up your shirt for me.”

Kristin gave aid to the boy, helping him lift up his shirt just enough for his stomach to show. And she was very thankful she skipped out on breakfast. The boy’s stomach, collapsed inward from starvation to the intensity of where his ribs poked through the skin, was a canvas of black and blue and purple. Intense bruising up and down his chest.

“Dear gods-”

“Where did you get these, lad?”

Wilbur shifted his eyes down. “These….these were punishments. For my papa.”

Kristin made a strangled sound in her throat. She clutched the boy close, watching closely as the doctor poked and prodded. Eyeing Wilbur’s reaction to them. There wasn’t much outside a bit of flinching but the doctor deemed him well enough to not need anything outside some salve for the pain. Once his chest was smeared with the ointment, and wrapped in bandages, Kristin found a fresh shirt for him to trade out for the rags he wore. She held Wilbur tightly against her chest. She gently rocked the boy back and forth until he had nodded off. Then she turned. The attendants were quick and efficient, having all but wrapped Philza’s injuries. Wilbur was laid down next to his father, immediately snuggling up against the man.

The healer leaned forward and whispered, “May I have a word with you?”

Kristin nodded and they stepped off to the side. She recognized the look in the elder man’s eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s the man, My Lady. His wings are, how shall I say? In rough condition.” Kristin quirked an eyebrow, silently prompting to continue. “Well, I’d have to further inspect them but judging on oil build up, we can safely assume that the oil glands are infected.”

“What?”

“They haven’t been preened in quite a while. There could be build up underneath the feathers. As soon as we are able, they need to be preened, otherwise it could cause sickness. Quite possibly death in the worst case scenario.”

Kristin sighed, turning the information over in her mind. She swallowed. “Okay. Inform as many avians as you can and ask them to come to the estate. We’ll need someone who knows what they’re doing.”

“Of course.”

“Also please let everyone know to not refer to me as ‘Your Majesty’. At least not until we get more details. For now, I’m simply Lady Kristin. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a few things to take care of.”

She had turned around and was out of the infirmary, feeling her heart beating too fast in her chest.

Anger was never a feeling she truly felt before. Vengeance was never a thought that crossed her mind before.

At least, before now.

Now, she wanted to lead her own war party, and burn the kingdom down to the ground. Destroy the castle brick by brick.

But she couldn’t, because of diplomacy. Kristin sighed, ordering the guards to stay at the door. They saluted before leaving.

The trek to the training rooms was mostly a blur, trying to keep the anger she was feeling from boiling over. Thankfully, she was able to step through the door with that leash still on her temper. However when she grabbed a sword, it all became a losing battle. Kristin could hear herself scream as she pummeled the training dummy with her wooden sword. By the time she came back to her senses, her breath was short and her vision was spotty.

And she heard the sound of clapping. She whirled, glaring at Techno as he leaned against the door, slowly clapping with the look of absolute boredom.

“Good job, My Lady. You just destroyed a defenseless dummy.”

“I wish my father would already call the war.”

“And that would make things better, how?”

“Techno, you’ve been by my side for a long time. And we spend most of our time here, near the border.” Kristin threw another swing of her sword. It bounced off the remains of the dummy uselessly. “For how many summers have we seen slaves escape over the line? How many times have we seen those slaves collapse and die before they were able to take a breath of free air? How many of them had names that we didn’t know?”

“Kristin-”

“Those two in the infirmary need our help.”

“And how do you know that they’re not plants?” Techno pushed off the doorframe, his armor clinking. “How do you know that they’re not spies or assassins?”

“One of those supposed spies is a child with bruises all over his torso in the shape of boots!” Kristin whirled around, feeling fury fly over her tongue. “Don’t forget Techno, that you were once seen with the same suspicion you’re giving them.”

That shut the piglin up for a moment. And at least he had the sense to look a little bit shamed. But that went away in a moment, eyes hardening. Kristin sighed.

“Send word to the entire household: Wilbur Soot Craft and Philza will both be treated as honored guests. No one is to lay a hand on them and they are to be given the utmost respect they deserve.”

“I’ll follow your orders on this.” Techno whispered. “But I will still have them watched. I will not risk the safety of this estate or the Crown because your heart was too big.”

“Do what makes you feel better.” Kristin sighed. She dropped the wooden sword in her hands. “I’m gonna go and take a bath. Possibly get some lunch. Would you mind sending word down to the kitchen and sending a small lunch for our two visitors?”

“At your service, M’Lady.”

Kristin strolled out of the room.

....

The afternoon was here before she knew it. And while she wanted to keep an eye on the two in the infirmary, she still had duties to take care of. Mostly paperwork on a new tax. Her father was a fair man, though with the onset of war getting ever closer, there was the expectation that money needed to be raised. For weapons, food, and soldiers. It wasn’t a large increase, although that could (and would) probably change come a few years down the road. One could only hope the war will be quick.

Although, the tax work was going slow as her mind continued to wander to the two in the infirmary. She had yet to receive word that they were awake, even as the son started to set and plunging the world into darkness. She sighed as she shuffled some papers around. It didn’t help her focus at all. Her mind whirled around as she tried to pull in the numbers in her mind.

Okay so if we take this percentage of the farmer’s income-

Maybe something happened to them-

But then they’ll come up short with the increase in seed-

What if they fled? What if someone came across them and threw them in the dungeon-

We’ll shift the tax burden over to the nobility….they’ve wanted this war from the beginning so they can hold most of the payment-

Poor little Wilbur is so thin the damp in the dungeon will kill him-

“That’s it!” She shouted. Slamming her hands on the desk, she stood up and left the room. The hallways were bustling with the evening cleaning shift moving about, lighting the candles in the scones. They quickly stopped to bow. Kristin nodded to them, smiling tightly as she moved with purpose.

“Your Majesty-”

“Not now Carl.”

“But, it’s about the avians in the infirmary-” Kristin screeched to a halt and whirled around on her second in command, eyebrows quivering in a silent questioning. “Well…well, Your Highness….we went to check on them, but the adult was awake. He freaked out on us and-”

“What happened?”

“He fled with the child.” Kristin felt the air rush out of her. Carl followed on her heels, hurriedly explaining, “We locked down the palace. No one leaves.”

“Make sure when you find them, you don’t corner them or make them feel threatened. They’re probably scared, and scared people get very defensive.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Kristin stood in the hallway for a moment, trying to peace through the thoughts that ran through her mind. She shouldn’t let the two leave the estate, for as injured and sickly that they are but she didn’t want them to think they were trapped. And where would an adult avian hide? Her first answer would be up high, somewhere in the rafters but-

The image of the man’s ragged wings popped into her mind, and she winced. There would be no flying with those wings. Maybe he could climb?

But Wilbur was with him, unless the lad was latched onto him like a koala.

There were so many places the two could hide in. It would take hours to find them.

She sighed as she chose a direction and walked quickly. Every moment she passed a servant she ordered them to search every nook and every cranny they passed for their guests. Kristin threw open a few closets as she passed them, pushing aside the coats and linen. After the fourth closet, she was starting to feel a little frantic.

She ran through the hallways best she could, locating Carl and Technoblade near the kitchens. They were conversing in front of a map of the palace, pointing out all the blind spots which could have been utilized for an escape.

“We’ve searched the back corridors and the servants' passages.” Technoblade was saying. “Guards are posted at every entrance. Their descriptions have been given out and now….all we have to do is wait.”

Kristin took a breath,“I don’t think they’ve left.”

Technoblade gave her a side look. “And why do you say that?”

“They’re slaves,” The words seemed to shock Carl, but Kristin continued, “they’ll know how to go unseen if there’s no one actively looking for them.”

“So we just give up the search?”

“We wait. They’re hiding somewhere. Probably waiting for a moment when they can sneak out of here without being seen. Guards on high alert with their description are probably not going to be an easy thing to get around. So…they’re waiting somewhere. All we have to do is wait.”

“That’s it?”

“Yes.” Kristin crossed her arms, quirking an eyebrow. Techno returned the look. “You keep the guards searching but after a while, make it discreet. Wait at anything that could hide two avians. Closets, servants’ stairs, etc. They’ll come out eventually.”

“Are you sure that’s not gonna scare them more? I mean….” Carl shifted his on his foot, “I mean, jumping out and grabbing them isn’t going to endear them to you.”

“We’re not gonna grab them. Just going to get their attention and explain things.” Kristin rubbed her forehead. “Wilbur, the little one, he’s going to be more receptive. To me at least. As long as you give them food or something like that, I’m pretty sure you can win them over easily. Or Wilbur.”

Kristin hadn’t had a chance to talk to Philza, so she felt that it was going to be a bit of a challenge trying to win the man over. Exhaustion fell over her like a blanket.

“Let me know when you find them. I’m going to bed.”'

“I’ll send a guard-”

“No I’m okay.”

“Kristin, you don’t know what they’re intentions are. Let me do it. Please.”

She sighed. “Fine. One guard.”

“That’s good enough for me.” Techno straightened, rubbing his hands together before walking off. Carl gave her a shrug before he followed. Kristin made the walk towards her rooms with heavy feet. So much had happened today, leaving an exhausted and strained feeling in her soul.

There was no reason to light the candles in her room as she collapsed into her bed. She wanted to sleep.

She had the moment of realization that she was still wearing her riding clothes but was too uncaring as she fell into a deep sleep.

....

Something woke her up. A little click, like a little latch. She sat up, slowly, peering into the darkness for the source of the sound. Nothing that she could see right off the bat-

Until the top of her chest at the foot of her bed rose up. Her breath caught and suddenly she was too afraid to move. Her eyes were locked onto the chest, watching as it slowly opened up. Kristin could hear some whisperings in the darkness. She shifted subtly, trying to grab ahold of the dagger that sits underneath one of her pillows.

The lid to the chest closed softly. Her eyes went wide at the sight of slightly glowing blue eyes, frantically scanning the area. Stopping only when they landed on her. It was like the eyes of a hawk landed on her.

And she was nothing but a rabbit or a mouse, wandering through the grass. She had caught sight of a predator, frozen in her place. Heart beating in her throat as those shining blue eyes continued to stare at her.

No one moved.

Until-

“Miss Kristin!”

And suddenly she could breath, drawing in a ragged breath as she recognized the scared voice of Wilbur.

‘Wilbur…..Wilbur. Is that you?”

“Miss Kristin!”

“Wilbur-” Protectiveness flared inside her. She stepped forward. “Let him go.”

Those shining eyes scrunched up, almost like the person was squinting. “No….No please…”

“He’s just a child-”

“He’s my only child! Please don’t take him!” The figure stumbled backward, hunching inward on himself.

The figure hit something, falling backward with a crash and a cry. Kristin scrambled forward, the door behind her opening up. Light poured into the room as the guard rushed forward with his sword at the ready. That only caused more panic from the figure huddling in the corner, screeching in high that had her recoiling. The soldier unsheathed his blade quickly, moving forward.

“My lady-”

“Stand down!” She threw herself in front of the sword. “Leave.”

“But-”

“That’s an order.”

The guard, looking hesitant, stepped back. And after another look, sheathed his sword. She turned back to the figure cowering in the corner.

The man, Phil, was staring up at her with those big eyes, watery blue meeting confident brown ones. Kristin softened her stance, kneeling down as slowly as she dared. Though it wasn’t slow enough for him to keep from flinching, hunching forward even more.

“Hey…there.” She whispered. “You’re Phil right?”

The man paled even more.

“Wilbur….Wilbur told me about you.” Kristin shifted so that she was sitting. “He’s a very nice kid, by the way. Very polite. Where….where is he?”

Philza started to shake his head. Frantic, panicked. Almost hysterically. “No….no…no please don’t take him, he’s mine! He’s my son! We’re free! We’re free! We made it across the border! We’re free-”

“You are free. Yes, that’s right. Wilbur told me about that. You’re safe here. No one’s going to separate you two, ever again.” The poor man looked like he was going to start sobbing. Kristin kept her face neutral, knowing that showing her fury on their behalf would bite her in the rear. “We’re here to help you two get better. But only if you let us.”

Philza didn’t let up. His eyes were still glued on the soldier looming just a few steps behind Kristin.

Without moving her attention, Kristin ordered, “Leave us.”

“But-“

“I’ll be okay. Ask Technoblade to meet me in my rooms please.”

“O-of course.” The guard puttered off, leaving her and the trembling birdman. Though it was hard to see him in the darkness, except of course for those almost glowing blue eyes.

“I’m uh…I’m a bit chilly. Would you mind…if I started a fire?” There was silence. Kristin hesitantly moved, and as deliberately as she could, kept her back to the man huddled in the corner. She remembered from years ago, one of her avian nursemaids would tell her how putting one’s back to another was a sign of great trust. The space between the wings, their most vulnerable body part, was faced towards danger where anyone could do anything.

She could feel the ripple of shock at the action, but decided to keep her attention on the task at hand. Which was quick work of course, the fire erupting to life with a soft “wooph”. Light and heat filled the room quickly and Kristin sighed in relief. She turned with a soft smile on her face, fully facing her new guest.

He looked worse in this light. The deep shadows caused by the flames deepened the sunkenness of his cheekbones, tightening the skin across his face and sinking his eyes deeper. His wings, tattered and broken in a way that tears her heart from her throat, curled around his front in a shield that no avian would ever try to do. The feathers were broken off, some hanging out in ways that look oh so painful. Kristin forced her eyes up and a smile on her face.

“There. That’s better isn't it?” The man didn’t stop trembling, eyes wide as his wings curled forward more. She cleared her throat awkwardly, shifting a little bit. “So. Uhm. Where’s Wilbur?”

“STAY AWAY FROM HIM!”

Kristin flinched back a bit. There was no doubt in her mind that this man wouldn’t hurt her, but she just saw that look of fear that crossed the man’s face as he realized he had shouted. He hunched in on himself further, curling something closer and closer to his chest.

“Fo-forgive me, My Lady.” He muttered. It sounded almost instinctual, hearing those words robotically leave his mouth.

“It’s okay. You’re in a stressful situation.” Kristin shifted a bit again. She quickly tried to think of some way to gain the man’s trust before Techno arrived. “Uhm…uh-“

Philza kept his eyes lowered, those blue irises glazed and glossy. Staring into the distance of some unknown horror. How does one go about gaining the trust of a former slave? She racked her brain.

“How are you feeling? Are you still hurting anywhere?”

Philza shook his head before whispering, “No…no, My Lady. I am functional.”

“That’s….” Kristin had to keep a short, self-deprecating laugh, “that’s not what I meant.”

Those blue eyes went up to meet hers. There was a shining light that seemed to question the true nature of her concern. He looked away before too much time had passed, shying away and averting his eyes downward.

“I’m okay, My Lady.”

Obviously he’s not.

But Kristin kept her mouth shut. Smiling even brighter she asked, “Are you hungry then? I can get some food sent up from the kitchen.”

Philza looked like he was about to answer, but was caught off by something that was squirming beneath his wings. A little brown tuft of hair popped up, quickly being pushed back down by Philza. That light of fear returned as the two adults made eye contact again. Philza struggled to push that head down, to hide it even more beneath his feathers.

But that tuft of hair didn’t disappear. It squirmed a little before popping up, and Krisitn smiled brightly at the sight of Wilbur.

“Miss Kristin! Can I get some food? I’m starving!“

Phil hissed as the boy nearly broke free of his cocoon. Wilbur pouted up at his father.

“Miss Kristin is nice, papa! She helped us in the barn!”

Wilbur tried to fight against the man’s grip. But the older avian held him tighter.

“Wilbur-!” Phil hissed something that got the boy to still. Kristin could see the hair on Wilbur’s head poof up and his eyes went wide. He snuggled up close to Philza, ducking down beneath the shield his father made.

Philza met Kristin’s eyes sheepishly.

“Please. Please let us go. W-we won’t bring any harm on to you-“

The door burst open and Technoblade entered in full gear, his sword drawn. Krisitn rolled her eyes at how dramatically her friend strolled to where they were huddled, though the playful smirk died down when she caught the panicked squawk from Philza. Techno stopped in his tracks, his eyes darting between the three.

“…what did I miss?”

.....

It had taken all her diplomatic skills to keep Technoblade from immediately interrogating the two avians, and to get Philza back down to the infirmary. The man was tense all the way there. His eyes, the bluest shade that Kristin had ever seen, darted here and there, jerking at the slightest of noise or anyone who dared to pass them in the hallways. She had to keep her voice bright and loose when Philza became too startled and tried to dart into dark corners to hide. She figured it was an avian instinct, to hide when the fear became too much. She didn’t laugh, nor did she chide them. It was clearly what Philza was expecting, as each time she gently coaxed them out of the corners, there was fear in his eyes. An expectation of pain out of retribution or anger.

It seemed like forever by the time they made it back to the infirmary. As ordered, the head physician was waiting for them, smiling gently. And thankfully, only bobbed his head in greeting to the two high ranking nobles. Then he turned to Philza and Wilbur.

“You gave us quite the scare, sir. I wouldn’t have recommended you moving about so soon.”

Philza’s mind seemed to short circuited at being called ‘sir’. Blinking owlishly before whispering hoarsely, “Sorry.”

The physician smiled, waving him off good-naturedly. “It’s alright. You are not the first stubborn patient to grace these halls. I mean, you should try to get this literal pig headed man to stay put.”

“That was one time,” Technoblade huffed.

Kristin chuckled. “And we will never let you forget it.”

The guard gave her an unamused look. Kristin only smiled back.

“Please, sir, take a seat on one of the beds. I need to see if any of your injuries reopened and I need to change your bandages.”

Philza seemed to hesitate, looking between the physician, Kristin and Technoblade. When his eyes landed on the doctor, he hunched downward, keeping his eyes lowered and whispering, “We….we don’t have….er, we don’t have any money. To pay for any of this.”

“Nonsense. The only request I have is that you follow my instructions.”

Philza nodded, wide eyed as he scrambled on top of the bed. Wilbur had dozed off during their walk, and stayed half asleep while the physician gave them both a once over. The avian man was silent throughout the entire thing, giving only short, one worded answers whenever asked.

Kristin watched them both with fascination. Specifically, Philza. Even as exhausted and tense as the man was, there was still a strength hidden beneath those eyes that were unlike anything she had seen before. A strength that belied his own timidity. A strength that was hidden, a strength waiting for the perfect moment to return to the surface and make itself known. It was a strength that drew her to the avian, strength that was smoldering like a nearly dead fire. She had no doubt that once stoked, it would flare to life like an inferno.

Her gaze shifted a bit and she suddenly found herself staring into that icy blue fire that sparkled with a bit of shyness. Philza shifted again, pulling his wings around him. The action caused a wince that Kristin wouldn’t have caught if she hadn’t been lookin at him.

“Are….would you like someone to look at your wings?”

That had Philza freezing even more. Eyes wide with barely contained panic, pulling his child and his wings closer. The man started to tremble, shaking ever so slightly.

“It would be an avian ... .someone else who’d be able to help without harming you or your son. We could have someone stand by-”

“No…no…no please…” Philza was whispering, rocking back and forth as his eyes grew distant. Trembling slightly. Wilbur glanced up, brown eyes shining with tears as Philza’s breathing picked up. Kristin shot a helpless look over to Techno who looked as confused and lost as she.

She swallowed. “It’s okay. Hey, it’s okay, we don’t have to do your wings if you don’t want to.”

Krisitn caught the physician glaring at her softly, shaking his head. But she powered on. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Okay?”

The man’s eyelids drooped. “I…I would like…sleep now. Please, my lady. Sleep.”

“Of course! Of course! If you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask.”

Wilbur threw himself against his father’s chest as he lowered himself down onto the bed. The man turned to his side, wings flaring out before draping over his shoulder. Kristin winced at the sight of the bedraggled wings, looking worse in the light.

“Majesty.” The physician hissed quietly.“

A word.”

Kristin followed the older man out of the room with Techno following closely. When the door closed, the old man whirled around, eyes wide and a bit furious.

“Majesty, he needs those wings attended to! As soon as possible! There are pores that are infected and they could get worse. In a way that is life threatening!”

“Calm yourself, sir.”

The physician took a deep breath. “Forgive me my Lady, but I should mention that if you wish this man to see more than a handful of sunrises, you will let me inspect his wings!”

Kristin glanced over at Techno. The piglin just quirked an eyebrow and shrugged, as if to say, What do you want me to do? I don’t want them here.

She sighed. “Very well. I’ll make arrangements for a few avians to come in and help out with whatever you need, doctor. Just….let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”

“Of course, My Lady.” The doctor gave a vast sweeping bow before heading off. She sighed as she leaned against the wall, rubbing her eyes tiredly.

“So.” Techno said, drawing out the ‘o’. “When do I get to interrogate them?”

She gave him a blank, unimpressed stare. Techno gave her one in return. “You better be kidding.”

“Do I ever kid?”

“This time you better be.”

“Kristin-”

“No, Technoblade. You’re not going anywhere near those two.” Kristin ran a fan down her face. “These people went through too much to even be a spy.”

“Or they could be really dedicated to the role.”

“Do. Not. Bother. Them.” Kristin straightened up. “That’s an order.”

Techno’s face twitched. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

Kristin sighed as Techno walked away, leaving her alone in the hallway, wondering just how badly this will all end.

-Phil-

These people were weird and frightening. Mostly weird, but he was still on edge.

They were too friendly, too concerned about him. He watched them carefully, eyeing them as he asked him if he wanted anything. A book or a puzzle. He would respond by shaking his head and curling in over Wilbur.

Philza never trusted people in power, since people in power were the reason why he was trapped in this situation. He kept Wilbur close in the near week they had been there. Also next to him, always in sight. Wilbur was content with that, until he got too tired of the hawk-like surveillance his father watched him with. But as much as the boy would wiggle and try to worm his way out of the infirmary, or try to sneak off somewhere, Philza was much too anxious for him to leave his sight.

No telling what would happen or where he could be taken.

Of course, Wilbur was getting bored. And when he was bored, Wilbur would whine. He was a kid, but he knew better than to draw attention to himself.

“Can I bring him a few toys to play with? Maybe a puzzle or two?” A nurse asked him one day. Philza pulled Wilbur inward, trying to keep his son from reaching out. He shook his head. “Are you sure?”

“I’m….I’m sure…ma’am.” His wings pulled forward over his son, wincing as the muscles tensed. The nurse smiled softly, waving her hand.

“You don’t have to call me ‘ma’am’. You can call me Carol if you’d like.”

Philza just put his face in Wilbur’s hair, trying to get her to go away. She did a few minutes later, thankfully not saying anything about a punishment for his rudeness. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to tell the Lady of the castle. He started to tremble, eyes turning all around the room. There was a fear that the Piglin guard (Technoblade was probably his name) could show up any minute and drag them to the dungeons. Phil could clearly see the distrust in that gaze whenever it darted to him or his son. And Phil didn’t want to give him any more reason to suspect them in any way.

They had to leave. But of course nothing in his life was as easy as that.

He winced as he straightened out his wings. The broken, useless feathers twinging as he shifted, the muscles aching when he flapped. He could feel the heat emanating from them. Wilbur looked at him worriedly, though Philza plastered on a big smile.

“I’ll be okay,” he assured the boy. But he could feel the fever behind his eyes. Getting worse and worse.

Liar, a voice hissed. You lie to your son, when you know you are practically on death’s door. You’ll be feverish and delirious from infection.

He shifted again, biting down a wince.

“I’m….fine.”

Wilbur still didn’t look convinced but he nodded all the same. He sat perfectly still, but his eyes wandered around the infirmary. There were a few other patients but mostly it was filled with assistants and physicians. Wilbur seemed content with watching their movements. Morosely, Phil remembered when he was a kid, watching the busy bumblebee move about the flowers collecting their pollen. It was an activity that would leave him fascinated with for hours until the busy bumblebee went home and Phil was called by his mother. Phil hoped that Wilbur would be content with watching the doctors move about for a while but no sooner had he sent up that prayer did Wilbur start to fidget. Wiggling this way and that, whining under his breath when Phil’s hold got tighter.

“Wilbur-“ he admonished.

“I’m bored papa!” He whined.

“I can’t let you wander off!” Phil glanced around to see if anyone had noticed the….scene his son was making. The gods were on his side as everyone went around their business as usual. But there’s no telling how long that would last. “We don’t know what these people are capable of! And there’s no telling what they’ll do to us if we disobey!”

“But Miss Kristin is nice! She says we’re safe here!”

Phil almost said that she could be lying, that there could be slave catchers on their way to drag them back into shackles. So he just growled slightly under his breath. His son didn’t get the hint and continued to wiggle and wiggle and wiggle until he managed to break free. As soon as his feet hit the ground, Wilbur was sprinting off. Phil’s eyes went wide. He stood to chase after him, to make sure he stayed where he was supposed to. But as soon as he stood, the world tilted on its axis and he collapsed.

“PAPA!”

Wilbur you can’t be raising your voice! He wanted to say but his tongue was glued to the top of his mouth. His body despised the thought of actually moving.

“-ir can you hear me?”

Someone was talking to him. Expecting an answer. He got some noises out, a vague assurance that he was still a little coherent but his body ached. Especially his wings. Oh gods his wings! They twitched and jerked but he couldn’t move them. Every action, every little motion sent them ablaze. His eyes opened, although he saw nothing. His breathing picked up as the cold fingers of panic seeped into his heart.

What did they do to his wings? They burned them, didn't they? Fulfilled all their threats and burned the feathers off because Wilbur was being bad or Phil was being bad and not following the rules-

He cried out when a hand gently plunged into his plummage, the gentle action being enough to set his entire appendage on fire.

Please, he tried to beg, please don’t take them! He’d die without them, please, I’ll be good, I promise!

He tried to scoot away from the number of hands that were growing in number. Each one more restraining or insistent. There was a shout for a Lady Kirstin or a Lord Technoblade and suddenly all breath left him. He couldn’t breath past the pure panic at the thought of the Lord or Lady of the castle being summoned to deal with him-

They’re going to take your son away. He’s going to be snatched and forced in a cage. He’ll be chained and whipped and shoved far away from the light. You’ll never see your son again. You failed him. All because you were WEAK-

With the last remaining reserve of strength he had, he threw the hands off him. But more took the places of the ones he shrugged off, and he only got a few steps before he was dragged backward. The hands were replaced by…..something leather, but soft. Wrapping around his wrists and ankles until he was on his stomach. He couldn’t do it anymore.

He placed his head down and sobbed. In between the hiccups, he babbled, pleading with those blurry shapes to please let his son go. Please don’t take away the one good thing in his life, to please not shove him away from the sky he was destined to soar through-

He didn’t want to die so far from the moon-

A cool hand, soft and uncalloused and so different from his own, found a place on his forehead. He immediately calmed, leaning into it when it shifted down to his unshaven cheek.

“I promise, he’s not going anywhere.” The voice was like cool clear water, cutting through the fog of pain and fever. When the hand disappeared he mourned the loss until it returned and the clear voice spoke again, “I need you to drink this for me okay? It’ll make you sleepy but when you wake you’ll feel so much better.”

You’re a goddess, he thought. I’ll do anything you ask.

There was a tinkling laugh, like a clear bell before something was placed under his lips. The goddess instructed him to drink, so he dutifully gulped down the slightly bitter water. His eyes suddenly dropped. Sleep sounded so good right now-

“W’l’b’r….”

“He’s gonna be okay. We’ll watch him while you sleep.”

“Hmmm.” Too tired for a more appropriate thanks, Phil’s head dropped and he slipped off to sleep.

-Technoblade-

Watch the child, she said. It’ll be a great bonding time, she said. Technoblade glanced down at the little child who was sitting next to him, silent. The Piglin eyed him suspiciously. Wilbur was the quietest kid he’s ever come across. Though it was true he never saw a lot of the kid since they arrived, always stuck in the healing wing with his father.

Who was now undergoing a procedure to clean up his damaged wings.

Fuck, Technoblade felt a little bit like an ass, but obviously he had to make sure the palace was safe. Krisitn’s father wasn’t well liked by their more powerful neighbors for his anti slavery viewpoint. There was no telling what would happen if Kristin was hurt… and Technoblade didn’t know what he would do if something happened to the one person who saw the good in him after all the bad that he had done.

But back to the dilemma at hand: a somber avian child sitting next to him with tears in his eyes, but who was quiet. He was far quieter than what most kids would be in this situation.

Fuck.

He glanced over, praying that Kristin would hurry up and ferry Wilbur away. Somewhere away from him.

Technoblade cleared his throat. Wilbur flinched.

Fuck.

He cleared his throat again.

“So. What….uh….what do you like to do?”

Wilbur glanced up at him, those big brown eyes twinkling with uncertainty and unshed tears before they turned forward. Those stubby hands of his clenched the pants he wore. Techno noticed that they were much better than the rags he wore when he and his dad arrived.

No doubt Kristin had them made, but it was a wonder that Phil would let Wilbur out of his sight long enough.

Techno gazed forward, his hearing picking up the frantic orders of the doctors, nurses and avians Kristin brought in to help with the procedure. He picked up some screeching, panicked and scared. He winced when it went silent.

A maid walked by, lowering her gaze respectfully and he gave a nod.

There was only silence.

“Papa is scared of people touching his wings.” Wilbur whispered.

Technoblade glanced over to the lad, eyebrow raised. He knew being a slave came with traumas and fears and paranoia. When he himself arrived at the palace, he was scared of the big open room he was given and slept in the closet for the longest time. Technoblade always felt uncomfortable with eyes on him, in big open spaces, anxious when he had his back turned to someone he really didn’t know.

He still doesn’t trust anyone he doesn't know. But that was more of an occupational hazard now. These avians, he didn’t trust them. He feared the safety of the one person that fought for him to get to where he was today, for the cause she was fighting for and the stubbornness and power behind her actions and words. Kristin had done a world of things for him, and he would be dead and cold in the ground before he would let any harm come to her.

“You don’t like me and my papa.” Wilbur’s soft voice broke through the whirlwind of thoughts that had suddenly become his mind. He glanced over and raised an eyebrow.

“And why would you say that?”

“You….” Wilbur shifted, his wings twitching ever so slightly. “You give us funny looks. Like how the bad men with whips would look when they suspected someone was about to run.”

Damn why did the kid have to break his heart like that.?

“I’m-”

“I know you’re not a bad man.” Wilbur looked at him with those big brown eyes, no longer heavy with tears. He stretched his wings a bit, and Techno noted that there were a few light brown feathers speckled in with the gray down.

“Papa doesn’t though. He’s had a lot of bad things happen to him. Before I came.”

“‘Before you came’?” Wilbur nodded.

“The Master bought me to keep Papa in line. But Papa said that it just made him fight harder.” Technoblade didn’t know if he should have been listening to this, or really if Wilbur was supposed to be telling this, but he kept his mouth shut and listened carefully as the boy continued. “Papa made sure I wasn’t hurt by the Master. I didn’t want him to but he did.”

Technoblade licked his lips, leaning forward before asking, “What made your papa decide to leave?”

There was barely a tremble of Wilbur’s bottom lip. The lip pushed out and immediately went back in. That small face, so full of emotion and worry, suddenly turned blank. It was shocking to see one so young but it wasn’t a surprise for Techno. He sees that face whenever he looks into the mirror after a nightmare.

“You don’t have to answer-”

“They were going to sell me.” Wilbur whispered. Techno had to refrain a sigh, knowing this story all too well. “Papa thought I didn’t know. But I was in the Master’s house a lot and they don’t think I listen to what they’re saying. I heard them talking about a buyer. For me. I had seen him around before but I didn’t like him. He was creepy, always looking at me funny. I didn’t want to go with him. Papa said that he wasn’t going to wait anymore.”

“Did he have a plan for escape?”

“I’m not supposed to talk about it.”

“Oh.”  When Wilbur’s eyes went wide, fearful, Techno rushed to say, “It’s okay! I’m not asking you to rat out your papa. I accept that you’re keeping a secret, and I won’t pry.”

Wilbur cocked his head in a way that made him look like a puppy. “You’re not like the Master.”

Technoblade chuckled mirthlessly. “I hope not. Since you told me a secret, can I tell you one?”

“You have a secret?” Wilbur leaned forward, then away. “Is it a good secret? Or a bad one?”

“Depends.” The Piglin captain made a show of looking up and down the hallway, before leaning in dramatically. “I wasn’t always the captain of the guard.”

Wilbur’s eyes went wide dramatically. “You weren’t?”

“Nope. Because I was a slave, just like you and your papa. Except I was a fighter.”

“Papa says that fighters were tough.” The expression on the boy’s face went dark. “The Master said they were dangerous.”

“Well, I don’t know about other fighter slaves, but I was certainly dangerous. I had a nickname in the Pits, where I fought,” he clarified at the confused look he got, “you see, I was called the Blood God. I was ruthless. Rarely lost a fight.”

“Really? Wow!”

“Yeah, but I wanted to be free. I hadn’t been born a slave; I had been taken in war as a prisoner. I knew what it was like to live without worry or hunger or fear. So when I was sold to a distant lord as a personal pet, I broke out of my chains while on my way, I killed the guards and escaped.”

“Where did you go?”

Techno chuckled at the boy’s enthusiasm and leaned back. “I ran into the woods, and hid there for six months.”

“That’s like-” Wilbur’s face scrunched up as his little brain struggled to count such a long time, “-a thousand days!”

“Pretty close.” Techno sighed. “I was cold, alone, and hungry. I hunted most of what I ate but stayed hidden. I didn’t know where I was, or if anyone was chasing me. But then…something extraordinary happened.” He had Wilbur on tenterhooks now, his eyes were wide and leaning forward on the bench. Techno smiled hugely. “I met the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Techno whispered. “It was almost like an angel.”

“Miss Kristin?”

“Yes, Miss Kristin. She helped me after I got caught in a bear trap.” Techno lifted his trousers just a bit, showing off the thick ring of scarring that was permanently around his ankle. “Nearly severed the muscle. But she helped me, nursed me back to health and when she found out about my skill gave me a choice: stay and be her captain of the guard, or I could live my life somewhere in her kingdom, free of the worry and suffering I had been accustomed to.”

“You became her captain?” Wilbur asked shyly.

“I did.” He glanced up, smiling a bit when he saw that the woman he spoke of was standing right at the door, a smile on her own face. “And I protect her with my life. Against everything that might bring her harm, keeping her safe as she did me. But what I’m really trying to say, what all this was about….I don’t actually hate you or your papa. I know your life because I lived your life before.”

“You just want to keep her safe like my Papa does me.”

“Exactly.”

Wilbur seemed to mull over his words, thinking deeply as a kid could. He turned, eyeing Kristin standing in the doorway. It was hard to see the expression on his face, but Techno could see that his wings were relaxed, not even a pinion moving. When Wilbur faced forward again, he fiddled a little bit with the cloth on his pants. There was a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Papa….” he started, slowly and unsure.

“Yes?” Technon prompted when the boy remained quiet.

“Papa always says there used to be a better world out there.”

“It still is a good world, Wilbur.” Kristin whispered sadly. “You just….started yours out with the wrong people.”

“‘Cept my Papa.”

“Except for your papa.”

Wilbur smiled softly. “Maybe he was telling the truth.”

“Oh?”

“If the world is a better place, it must be because you two are there.”

And damn didn’t that make his heart soar, the way he said those words so innocently and, yet with the surety of someone much, much older than him. He glanced up, and smiled when he saw that Kristin had a few tears shining in her eyes. Wilbur had her wrapped around his little finger.

“Ahem.” All three of them turned to see the head physician, looking extremely ruffled and disheveled. There were a few scratches on his cheek that were bleeding but he didn’t look too upset about it. “My Lady, the procedure is finished and the gentleman is resting comfortably. I recommend some quiet, and plenty of water, but he should be right as rain very soon. If he stays on his current round of antibiotics, then I suspect he’ll be able to fly again.”

“My papa is gonna be okay?”

The physician smiled. “Your papa is going to be better than okay. He’s sleeping right now, though, so we all need to be quiet okay?”

Wilbur nodded. Kristin smiled, “Thank you, doctor. Feel free to draw from the treasury to pay the avians.”

“Oh!” a voice drew their attention, and they all turned to see a blond avian woman coming out of the infirmary. The smile on her face contrasted with the ruffled clothing. “You don’t have to worry about paying us, Lady Kristin. What we do is pay enough!”

“Are you sure?”

“Very.” The blond avian bowed, giving Wilbur a wave, which earned a shy smile and a small wave. “Call us if you ever need our help again, my Lady.”

Techno saw Kristin bow before turning his eyes to Wilbur. He noticed that the boy looked uncertain.

“Wilbur?” Techno prodded as the avians left.

“My papa always dreamed of flying, but….” Wilbur’s wings puffed up. “They clipped his wings.”

“What?”

Wilbur glanced up at Kristin’s horrified exhale. Techno couldn’t help the small growl that escaped his chest.

“They made sure to keep them clipped. So that he wouldn’t fly off. That’s why we ran.” Wilbur glanced back to his own wings. “My own wings are too small for them to do anything about. But they promised-”

“You don’t have to worry about that anymore, sweetheart.” Kristin assured, kneeling down in front of the boy and taking his hands. “You’re under my protection now. And Techno’s. We’re not going to let anything happen to you two. Okay?”

“Do you promise, promise?”

“I cross my heart.” She dragged her thumb over her heart.

“Me too kid.”

Wilbur nodded, though the poor kid looked tired. Techno smiled softly.

“How about we go back to your papa and you can get a nap?”

Wilbur nodded again, this time though he was fisting his eyes as his wings started to flap in a lazy pattern. Krisitn opened her arms and the boy fell forward.Technoblade watched as he was carried away, though when they disappeared through the door of the healing wing, he frowned deeply. He had a plan but he had to make sure that Kristin was on board with it. There was no need to start an all out war.

At least not yet anyway. 

...

“You’re looking better.”

Philza turned around, his face looking much better after being out in the sun for a few days. Techno watched the two avians walk around the ramparts the last two days, watching them following Kristin as she made her rounds. Right now they were in the gardens. Philza was sitting on the bench, his eyes locked on Wilbur and Krisitn as they tilled the garden. Kristin was showing the boy what to do, what to pull and how to pull it. It was all very serene.

And then there was the oldest avian.

He was sitting on a stone bench partially in the shade, his face upturned towards the sky and eyes closed. His wings, already being used much more than when he came there weeks ago, were spread open.

He looked peaceful. Until Technoblade approached him and spoke.

While he looked better, there was still a haggard look, a tired appearance to that face. He was still very wary, sticking to the infirmary more often than not, but….

There was a sense of curiosity to this man that Techno knew it would grow if nurtured correctly. Especially when there was the library to be explored.

But that was another thing for another time.

“Uh…yes, my l-lord.” Philza shuffled his eyes downard, humble and submissive. “My wings….are feeling much better. I owe you and Lady Kristin a great debt, which I’m not sure how I will repay.”

Techno’s lips pulled in a line, not surprised at his knowledge that Krisitn was a lady, but he was thankful he hadn’t learned the real truth. That was an issue for Future Technoblade. For now, though he cleared his throat and waved the avian off gently, “Nah. You’re good. I’m sure all Kristin wants is for you to get better.”

“Thank you, My Lord.”

“Stop with the ‘lord’ business.” Techno snorted as he sat down next to Philza. He tried not to feel offended when the avian pulled himself inward. “I’m just a captain of the guard.”

“Oh, and if that isn’t the most important position in the palace.” He heard Philza mutter. Techno raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Wilbur’s peal of laughter reached them, and for a second, Philza’s eyes softened and lightened at the same time. He looked up, Techno following the man’s gaze. And his own lips pulled into a smile around his tusks.

Wilbur was covered in dirt, his cheeks smeared with it, like he tried to eat it. Philza chuckled as the smaller avian did exactly that: grabbing a fistful of dirt and shoving it into his mouth. Kirsitn was quick to stop him from swallowing but it appeared to be a game to the lad.

“He always had a strange habit of consuming things he’s not supposed to.”

“As kids should.”

“He-” Philza giggled, which surprised Techno enough for him to do a double take. He glanced over to find the avian doubled over, shoulders shaking and eyes filled with mirth. “He would eat sand of all things. Which isn’t good for a growing boy. But…..”

Those eyes were bright. Brighter than anything Techno had seen, even brighter than the polished sapphire in the treasury.

“He’s a good kid.” Philza whispered. “He deserved…..deserves so much more than what he was born into…”

Techno shifted, feeling suddenly uncomfortable with the fact that he had to deal with feelings. But Philza needed some comfort, and Techno….happened to be available.

Joy.

“But you got him to safety.” Techno pointed out truthfully. "You did the impossible: you escaped. You lived. And what’s better, you fell into the lap of someone who has experience in helping out others like you.”

“.....Wilbur told me about your past.” Philza whispered after a minute had passed. He glanced sideways. “About your time as a fighter in the Pits.”

“Yeah. Certainly not among my favorite memories.”

“....he said you were captured in battle.”

“Yeah. There was this rebellion. Nasty. It was costly. I had only just joined the regiment when we were ambushed. Most were killed, but the few hybrids that escaped the sword were taken into slavery.” He could feel Philza’s eyes boring into him.

“May I ask….?”

“I was not yet seventeen when I was thrown into the pit.” Techno turned, smirking dryly. “Since we’re sharing.”

“Seems only fair right?” Philza turned back to the scene before them. Kristin and Wilbur were now making daisy chains, chatting to themselves quietly as their hands deftly moved through the stems. “I was ... .maybe seven.”

That wasn’t surprising but Techno couldn’t stop the gasp that escaped his throat.

“There was a raid on my village. We’re not very good fighters, we avians, so it was a pretty quick fight. At least for the raiders. So many were rounded up and sold and separated. My mother…..she was strung up and whipped to death for giving me extra food. Her wings were cut off her corpse and sold to the highest bidder. I was sold at my first auction a few weeks later.”

“Oh. I’m….I’m sorry to hear that.” They lapsed into silence. Wilbur laughed and smiled, showing off his little daisy crown to Kristin.

“I never thought I’d be free again.” Techno sighed. He didn’t have to say anything. He knew that feeling. That feeling of hopelessness of the long nights, when freedom was far too out of reach. When it was just easier to give in and let go of hope and longing.

“But you are.” Techno whispered assuringly. He’d say it as much as he needed to. Until Phil understood.

“I know….but it still doesn’t feel real. I keep thinking that I'm going to wake up back in that cage and Wilbur will be gone-”

“PAPA!” Wilbur barreled towards them. “LOOK AT WHAT I MADE! LOOK WHAT I MADE!”

That sadness disappeared from Philza’s eyes as Wilbur got closer, holdling his very lopsided daisy crown. But the way Philza looked at it, you would think he had been presented with the most valuable of crowns, encrusted with the rarest and shiniest of jewels.

“Oh wow! Wilbur, that’s amazing!”

Kristin came up behind Wilbur as the boy chatted on, “I made it all by myself! Miss Kristin helped me a little bit but I’ve made it!”

“Looks like we’ve got a master craftsman on our hands!” Phil said. Wilbur's smile turned shy as he held it up just a little bit higher, his wings flaring out just a bit..

“I made it for you!”

Philza smiled as he lowered his head so that Wilbur could easily place the crown on top. The crown was far too small, and it nearly fell apart when Wilbur let it go, but Techno could see the large smile that pulled at Philza’s lips. It shone brightly of pride and joy.

“I love it.”

Wilbur gasped, and looking like he received a blessing of a god, started to bounce around, wings flapping as he was lifted up a few feet in the air. “WHOOPIE! HE LOVES IT!”

Kristin chuckled. “I think it’s very becoming of you.”

Techno gave Philza a glance and was shocked to see his face beet red. He could almost swear steam was pooling out of his ears. “Uhm.”

Techno snorted. “Real eloquent.”

Philza lowered his eyes enough to glare at him. There wasn’t any real heat behind it but it did throw Techno for a loop for a brief second. When he recovered, he started to chuckle, which in turn pulled a real smile from Philza’s lips.

“Would you join me for a walk in the gardens, Philza?”

“If your ladyship commands it.” Philza lowered his head deeply as he rose fluidly to his feet. He hesitated at Kristin’s side, turning to face him. “Wilbur, you stay with Lord Technoblade okay?”

“Da?”

“Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.” Philza, for the first time since arriving, turned his eyes up fully to meet Techno’s. “I’ll see you both at supper?”

“Yeah.” Techno rasped. “We’ll be there.”

“Good.” Philza patted Wilbur’s head before he trailed after Kristin. The two watched them go. Techno in shock and confusion and Wilbur with such glee.

“I think my da has a crush.” Wilbur whispered when Techno looked down at him with amusement.

“I think so too.”

-Philza-

It came to him as quite a shock that he and his son had been at Lady Kristin’s estate for nearly five months. They had slowly but surely acclimated to their new lives. To their freedom.

Wilbur was the quickest to settle into the life Philza had brought him to. He laughed and played and ran about causing chaos and havoc, usually with Techno right next to him if the piglin wasn’t on guard duty.

It took longer for Philza to settle, but he found himself getting used to his new acquired life in his own way. He and Lady Kristin often took afternoon strolls in the garden, chatting about anything and everything. She had shown him to the library and more often than not, if they weren’t strolling about and if Kristin wasn’t attending her duties, she would be found with Philza in the library, the two of them sitting in comfortable silence with their own stories in front of them. Philza was hesitant to read, especially in front of Kristin, as plucking eyes out of slaves was a common enough punishment for those that dared to turn them to the written word. But when nothing happened, he settled in comfortably to read the tales he had remembered his mother reading him before their capture.

Their routine was settled quickly and after almost two months, there was another feeling stirring in him. A feeling that took him another three to put a name to.

A feeling of safety and a sense of blossoming love for the woman that had saved them. He found himself stealing glances at the content face of Kristin, smiling softly when he caught sight of the little faces she would make unconsciously.

The pull of a lip when she got a good part, the tongue poking out when she was concentrating on a difficult piece of document. The little furrow of her brow-

Philza didn’t know where these feelings came from.

He shook his head, knowing that there wasn’t a chance in the Seven Hells that their relationship was inappropriate at best and forbidden at worst. Kristin was a noble. She had all those lords to choose from. They had more of a chance than he did. Better titles, lots of land and wealth.

What did he have to offer her?

Trauma. Fear. Nightmares and scars that showed his struggles through life. A child that wasn’t his own.

But he couldn’t deny he had feelings.

“What do you want me to say, Philza?” Techno said after Philza had spilled his secrets to him in the night. Kristin had gone to bed early, saying that her father was visiting and she wanted to be well rested. “You’ve got to tell her. I’m sure she feels the same.”

“How do you know?!” Philza poked his eyes over the back of the couch that sat in the living area of his rooms. Wilbur was asleep, tucked in the nest and unaware of the struggles of his father. Philza narrowed his eyes at Techno, his feet propped up and the piglin guard reclining in front of the fireplace. “Has she said something to you?”

“Maaaaayyyybbeeee.”

He narrowed his eyes even further. “Don’t tease me, Technoblade.”

“I won’t. Too much anyway.” Technoblade shifted. He glanced at Philza out of the corner of his eye, with his eyebrow raised. “I promise you, Kristin feels the same way about you as you do about her. She’s probably scared about you not reciprocating the feelings.”

Philza shot up, eyes bright and hope alive in his chest. It was such a strange feeling to feel after so long in the dark. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.”

“She…..she has the same feelings for me?”

“Yep.”

“Oh.” His claws tightened around the upholstery, but he was careful not to damage it. HIs chest felt tight but in a good way. “How do….how would I….would she…how can I woo her?”

It was a question he was mostly asking himself, but Techno threw back his head in thought. “You could….I dunno know….woo her like you would another avian.”

Philza went stiff. “I….I don’t know how.”

“Well, did your mother ever tell you how your father courted her?”

Philza glanced away, feeling strangely ashamed. If she did, he didn’t remember. His memories of his mother were vague. Her face was blurry at this point, her voice a mystery to him at this point in his life. She had died trying to protect him from the raiders. She had given him extra food that she had stolen, strung up in front of him. Taken the beating meant for him. How he longed to turn back the clock to see her again. He had been a foolish child back then, not really paying attention to the stories his mother would tell him; too insistent was he to play out in the field or with his friends. He gnawed on his bottom lip nervously, eyes darting around the room. He could feel the vaguest of instincts whispering in his mind. Philza suddenly perked up as he spotted a shiny, golden hairbrush that Wilbur always tries to smuggle into his bed at night. He could feel his pupils grow-

Shiny-

Must share-

Must give to mate--

Must give gifts to mate….yes,

shower mate with gifts, show our love.

“-ilza? Philza? Earth to Philza?”

He turned around and looked Technoblade in the eye. The Piglin guard looked a little uneasy. For some reason.

“Uhhh you okay there buddy?”

“Yeeessss.” He stood. “I’ll be back.”

That night was spent snatching and stashing all the shiny things that Philza thought that Kristin would like. He scattered them all over the estate, placing them where he was sure she was going to see them. While Kristin was busy with finding her presents over the course of the next week, Philza got to working on the dinner where he would ask her to court. It warmed his heart to see Kirstin wear the trinkets he scrounged. She alternated what she wore with the day, and Phil left her little surprises as he planned.

A flower here, a particularly shiny rock there. All to distract her from the dinner he was getting ready.

About two weeks after Philza started his little courting, he invited her to dinner. “

Oh! Of course! And….and would Wilbur be joining us?”

“N-no….he’s got his bedtime. It’ll just be the two of us.” Philza didn’t know why he suddenly lost all confidence but he certainly could feel his cheeks burning. But it was all worth it to see Kristin smile, albeit shyly.

“Well, then….I would love to join you for supper.”

Phil couldn’t stop beaming, but as the time for the dinner got closer and closer, he felt the nerves more and more. His hands shook as he strapped on his shirt, a plain but fine linen shirt and some nice trousers. He put a single emerald earring in his ear, an identical one resting in a little velvet box on his dresser. Wilbur looked at him from the bed, all ready to sleep.

“Is Miss Kristin gonna be my new momma?”

“I sure hope so.”

“She’ll be a good momma.” He said with a yawn.

“Yeah, she will.” Philza smiled softly as he swooped up his son and held him for a little bit. The boy’s head rested against his shoulder, his wings fluttering sleepily. He kissed his son, humming softly as he rocked back and forth. Soon Wilbur was asleep, and once he was tucked into bed and kissed one last time, Philza made his way out of the room and towards the dining hall.

All the while he was praying that everything went smoothly.

Kristin was already there, looking so much like the goddess that gave him and his son hope. He was shaking as he bowed shallowly and took his seat. There was a bubble of warmth when he noticed Kristin was wearing the amethyst and diamond necklace he had …..found….laying around the treasury. He took a breath, his fingers clutching the velvet box.

“Go-good evening, My Lady.” Philza whispered.

“‘My Lady’? Why so formal all of the sudden?”

HIs breath caught in his throat. “Uhm. I…I had something…important to ask you.”

“Oh?” A couple of servants came into the room, carrying the first course. Philza was thankful for their arrival, as it gave him a chance to gather himself and his courage. They placed the soups and cups on the table. Philza grabbed his glass and downed the alcohol in one gulp. Liquid courage flowing through him, he drifted his eyes upward and met Kristin’s curious gaze.

“I uh-” Philza fiddled with his fork, suddenly feeling very unsettled. He tapped his food under the table in no specific rhythm, trying to get the nervous energy out of him. “I…uhm wanted to ask something of you. If….if it wasn’t….too…out of line.”

“Of course.” Kristin leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concern. “You know you can have whatever you want, so long as it is within my power.”

“R-right. Uhm.” Philza couldn’t find it in him to stay seated. Without warning, he stood, his wings flaring out. He didn’t know what came over him, this sudden urge to move around in a way that was both natural and very strange.

He shifted, his head twisted this way and that. It was almost as though someone else had taken over his body, controlling him in a way that was hard on his aging body. He felt something pop in his back, especially when he spread his wings out completely to show off the now beautiful plumage. But he kept going. He kept dancing to the strange music in his head until it ended. He stood, out of breath and suddenly embarrassed as he took in Kristin’s shocked expression. His breathing was the only sound to be heard in the room.

“I-” He started. He shifted his back, wincing as the muscle pulled harshly in his wing. “I wanted to ask…..w-would you, erm.”

“Yes.”

Philza paused. “What?” Kristin was smiling. “Yes. I want to be yours Phil.”

“Huh?”

“I’ve gotten your courting gifts.” She gestured to the necklace. “I think you’re really sweet, and brave and strong, and….and I’m honored to be considered a potential partner for you.”

“R-really?”

“Yes! I thought that if I made the first move, well....it would've be inappropriate for me, seeing how there's a power imbalance. But you're asking and I would be honored to be your partenr. If ….you’ll have me.”

“Of course.” He threw himself down onto his knees, grabbed her hands and held them gently. “Oh! I have a gift for you!”

He snatched the box and held it up, opening it so that Kristin could see the earring.

“Just…one?”

Phil turned his head so the twin could sparkle. “I have the other one. My people did this when two would bond. At least, I think.”

“It’s beautiful.” Kristin gently took it from his hands and placed it in her ear. When she turned back to him, she looked so beautiful it felt like he couldn't breathe. “But uh….Phil, as happy as I am that we’re together, I’m….I’m not sure that my dad will like it.”

“You’re dad?” Phil felt the air rush out of him.

“I’m sure once he gets to know you, he’ll approve!”

“I mean…” He tried to look for the bright side. Philza smiled. “You're dad's a nobleman right? Ah...they're easy to please. I mean, at least he’s not the king.”

The way Kristin’s smile tightened, the way she shifted and awkwardly glance around had him looking at her with no small amount of fear.

“Kristin? He’s not the king….right?” Silence. “RIGHT!?”

“Phil….I have something to tell you.” Kristin shifted. “I’m….I’m not just a normal noblewoman. I’m…the crown princess.”

Philza was quiet. HIs breath came in short pants. He stood up and didn’t resist as the darkness swallowed him whole.

Chapter Text

-Techno-

Not since they had arrived at the palace had Techno seen Phil so agitated. He could tell there was some nervousness around him, being flighty and jumpy. Whenever he thought he was alone, Techno could see the struggle behind his eyes. Techno had tried to have a conversation with him, to see what he could do to help him with whatever was bothering him. But whenever he approached, Phil would scoot back, giving him a look like that of a deer in the sight of a hunter. It made him worry about his…..acquaintance but Phil would take advantage of Techno’s hesitancy and bolt.

He had to find out what was going on.

“Hey Kristin?” He poked his head into the woman’s office late one evening. The woman looked up from her piles of paperwork that sat stacked all over her desk. “Have a minute?”

“Oh thank god you’re here!” She groaned.

Techno raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”

“No, actually.” Kristin held up a handful of paper, groaning dramatically. “You’re saving me from the horrors of tax deals! Please! Save me!”

“As always, my lady!” Techno walked over to the door, pulling down the velvet rope. Somewhere in the small palace, he heard a faint bell ring. A few seconds later, a young servant appeared, head bowed and posture relaxed.

“You summoned me, My Lord?”

“Yes, Jessica. Could you please get us a tray of cheeses and some wine?”

“Yes My Lord. My lady?”

“That’ll be all Jessica, thank you. And you’ll be dismissed after this.” Kristin sighed tiredly. “It’s getting late and none of us should really be up right now.”

“Of course, Majesty.”

Techno and Kristin were left by themselves. Techno gave Kristin a raised eyebrow as she shuffled the papers into some sort of amalgamation of order. When Krisitn glanced up, she gave him an unamused look.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Kristin asked bluntly.

He smirked before pitching his voice up high, “‘It’s getting late and none of us should really be up right now’.”

“Wow you’re such a comedian.” She rolled her eyes. She went back to organizing her papers. “Oh great.”

“What?”

“You’re also broody.”

“‘Also’?”

“Phil’s acting flighty. And you’re acting snippy.”

Kristin made a face. “I’m not acting snippy.”

Techno gave her a look that he hoped to read, Really?

Kristin huffed, returning to shuffling her paper. He heard her mutter under her breath that she wasn’t snippy. Her brows furrowed for a second before she glanced up. “What do you mean Phil’s flighty?”

“I mean, whatever went on between you two the other night, it made him agitated. He’s pretty much acting like he did when he first came here. Twitchy, avoiding eye contact, hiding in unused rooms. I’ve watched him and it looks like he’s not focusing.” Kristin looked more and more troubled the more he spoke. When she remained silent, looking forlorn, Techno narrowed his eyes. “What did you do, Kristin?”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“You’re looking awfully guilty-”

“Technoblade!”

“Hey, I’m just saying that there’s something seriously wrong with Phil. And it started right after your conversation.” Techno held out his hands. “I’m just trying to help and if that means playing relationship counselor then so be it.”

Kristin groaned, throwing her head into her hands and laying them on the desk. Techno suddenly became really worried for his friend, when she picked her head up and looked like she was on the verge of crying.

“Kristin?”

“It’s my fault.”

“What’re you….?” There was a knock at the door. Techno knew that it was Jessica so he stood and met her at the door. He took the tray, offering a few things off it to the servant girl. She took her nibbles and left after a bow. He quickly poured Kristin a glass of wine and plated a few slices of cheese for her. Kristin was sniffling, her eyes ringed with red. She took the glass graciously, sipping it and then with a look, downed it in one go. She gestured for another one. Techno pushed the plate of cheese and meats towards her, prompting her to eat.

She had downed her second glass before Techno asked softly, “What do you mean it’s your fault that Phil’s like this?”

Kristin sighed. “I uh….hehe. I told him that I was the daughter of the king.”

“Oh.” Techno felt that made sense.

“And…he proposed just before I told him.”

Techno’s eyes went wide. “Holy shit.”

He didn’t realize that Kristin wore a single earring in her ear, an emerald and silver one that matched her complexion perfectly. Suddenly the questions that Phil had asked him the weeks leading up to his proposal made sense. He had asked him where Kristin liked to spend most of her time, what her favorite jewel was. At first, there were all sorts of bells that rang in Techno’s mind about those questions. Not the alarm bells that would ring to warn him of danger, but bells that made him wonder (correctly it seemed) as to what Phil was up to. He promised to keep an eye on Wilbur that night, and Philza had left in high spirits. Only to come back and quietly tell him to leave his child alone.

Techno swallowed. “You accepted.”

Kristin fiddled with her earring absently. “Yeah. I did.”

“You don’t….regret doing it, do you?”

“Of course not! I’m offended that you think I’m that shallow.”

“Now hang on-”

“No it’s….I’m sorry.” Kristin sighed again, putting her head in her hands. “I love him ,Techno. He and his son….they’re so precious.”

“I know.”

“Phil is different. Then any other slave that we’ve saved." Kristin stood up, pacing while she hugged herself. “He’s broken, shattered…but ... .at the same time, there’s this fire to him. He’s willing to throw himself in front of anything to make sure Wilbur was safe. And in the months that he's been here, getting better and comfortable, there’s a curiosity unmatched by our scholars. There’s a genius unknown to our inventors. Before his proposal, we were in the library, and I saw him looking at a book on architecture. He had this notebook, and he was doodling. I peeked at it….and Techno. This man has the most interesting ideas for all sorts of building projects! It would be so beneficial to the kingdom, all those ideas he’s coming up with. He’d make such a good consort. But I messed up because I waited too long to tell him.”

“You didn’t mess it up.”

“And how do you know that?” Kristin whirled around, her face twisted in soft anger. Her lip wobbled a bit. “I….I bet he’s taken out his earring.”

Techno paused, taking a moment to let Kristin have her moment. “He hasn’t.”

“Hasn’t what?”

“He hasn’t taken out his earring.” The look of hope on Krisitn’s face was enough to have his heart tightening in sympathy. “With all due respect Kristin, you’re overreacting. Phil’s probably overreacting to. I know he loves you very much, but...you've gotta remember that people like us, they hurt him before. I haven’t gotten the full story out of him yet, but I know he said he’s been a slave since he was a kid. Which means there’ve been countless people who thought they were better than him, and they most likely told him that. We’ve just got to give him time. And if Phil wants to leave...then that’ll be his choice. But just give him some time.” “I…” Kristin sighed. “I didn’t think about it like that.”

“Of course not.” Techno chuckled. “Because you’re tired and stressed out.”

Kristin nodded. “Yeah.”

“Get some sleep and we’ll talk about this in the morning.”

Kristin nodded again, sitting down on her bed. She curled up on top of the covers, curling up against the pillow. He smiled as he gently repositioned her so that she was at least laying on a pillow. He gathered the food up, with plans to take it to Philza and Wilbur before blowing the candles out.

The walk to the rooms of the resident avians was spent in complete silence. It certainly was tense, though he didn’t know why. Most of the servants had already gone to bed, but the late night staff was still hard at work, getting everything finished before they went to bed. Techno gave them all a nod, to which they returned with short bows. He made it to the door of the avian’s room, a clock somewhere down the hallway chiming ten and half times. Techno knew that Philza and WIlbur went to bed pretty early, although from what the piglin guard had seen during the last few days, he knew that the adult avian was having trouble sleeping. He gently knocked on the door, waiting a few minutes before knocking again. His ears twitched as he tried to see if he could hear anything behind the thick oaken doors.

When he couldn’t hear anything he called out, “Phil? It’s me, Techno. I’ve got some food if you guys want a late night sna-”

The door creaked open. Techno almost blew out a grunt when he saw that it was Phil standing in the doorway, dressed in his night clothes. Technoblade was immediately on guard when he noticed the almost blank expression on Philza’s face.

“Phil?”

The avian shuffled forward, stumbling forward in a way that had him extremely concerned. Techno reached out to touch him, but Philza jerked away, continuing his stumbling until he got to the wall. With his back to him, Techno could see that his wings were tight against his back, trembling as though in pain.

“Philza? What’s going on?”

The avian turned around, his face still concerningly blank. “W’l’ o’ ‘ain, n’ed pu’is’me’t.”

Techno set the food on the nearest table and approached the man. Philza was stumbling, his face contorting in pain every so often. He turned around, eyeing the bedroom. He couldn’t hear anything wrong with Wilbur but he caught the scent of the avian boy. Wilbur was safe, for now so he could turn his attention to the man in front of him.

He had some experience with sleepwalkers. One of his past bunkmates would always “make pancakes” late at night. But he never had to deal with anything as traumatic as what Philza was doing. He slowly approached the man from the side, making sure that he was in the line of sight of Philza.

“Hey Philza…..where are you right now?”

“Tr’d t’ es’ape.” Philza muttered. His face twisted into horrible agony, and he stumbled. But away from Techno. He tried to catch him but he whimpered as though he had been hurt. “M’s’er pu’i’h. F’et….” “

Feet? What’s wrong with your feet?” Techno glanced down, as though the floor was going to give him the answers he needed.

“F’et…s’ m’ch bl’d. N’d’d p’nish’d.”

Oh. Oh shit, okay. Techno cleared his throat. Straightening up, Technoblade slowly put his hands on Philza’s shoulders, tightening his grip when the man started to struggle. There was some begging, whimpering and some ragged breath, but Techno pulled Philza into a hug. Pulling him close with his back against his chest, Techno held him until the struggling ceased and Philza fell back into a deep slumber. He lifted up the man into his arms, gently tucking his wings gently as he could as he lifted him up bridal style. He turned, startling a bit when he noticed Wilbur standing at the door, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

“Mister Technoblade?”

“Yeah, kid. It’s me.” He assured him. He took a deep breath, as he carried the man into the bedroom. Wilbur was looking at him with a furrowed brow, his wings twitching anxiously.

“Is Papa sleepwalking again?”

Techno placed Philza on the bed, before turning to glance down at the lad. “What do you mean, ‘again’?”

“Papa always walked in his sleep whenever he was especially scared.” Wilbur crawled up into Philza’s bed, snuggling up next to him. “The Master and the Overseers didn’t like it when he did it. They would always lock him up in a cage if they caught him doing it.”

Techno closed his eyes. “That’s why he was struggling…”

Wilbur nodded. They sat there in silence for a few minutes before Philza started to whimper in his sleep. His face twitched and he thrashed. Techno moved almost instinctively to grab Philza’s wrists as they slashed. Philza cried out again, this time in a language that had Techno balking a bit. But when he stuttered, he was shocked to see Wilbur take his place. The boy threw himself into Philza’s chest, arms encircling the man in a hug. Almost immediately Philza calmed down, curling his arms and eventually his wings around the boy. Techno felt his breath leave him as he stood, suddenly feeling like he was intruding on a tender moment between father and son.

Wilbur peeked up from underneath the embrace, those brown eyes shining with tears. “Papa needs to sleep now, Mister Blade.”

He cleared his throat. “Right. Uh…I brought some snacks for you if you want it. I can….I can bring them….”

“Please.”

“Okay.” Techno quickly left the room, returning just as fast with the abandoned tray. He set it on the bedside table, as close to the bed as he could manage before he managed to dip out of the room before he had a panic attack. He all but ran towards his room, not stopping for anything until he slammed and locked the door behind him. Techno slid down until he was on the floor, his breath pulling at his lungs harshly.

Oh god. Oh God. .

Not for the first time since the two avians came to the Estate did he wonder what they got themselves into.

-Phil-

He was so tired. Philza…..

Philza was so frazzled and tired.

And from the way Wilbur stuck close to him, sending him worried glances, he knew he was possibly sleepwalking again. Wilbur wouldn’t stick close to him otherwise. The Master never did like him sleepwalking, fearful of the intentions that it would lead to.

What those were, Philza could never decipher. But either way, he was always punished for those episodes, harshly, so it made sense that Wilbur would stick by his side like glue.

To say he didn't know why he was so stressed suddenly would be a lie. Philza couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that Kristin wasn’t just a lady of the estate. She was a princess of the Realm. Heir to the Throne. Daughter of a King. And he had asked her to marry him. Him of all people. A former slave, branded and marked for a life of forced servitude, nothing more than living property who had no autonomy, who could be passed around to the highest bidder at the slightest of whim. A being who had a son that wasn’t of his blood.

Kristin had the pick of many suitors, all lords and nobles who could offer her so much more than him. But-

She still wore the earring that he had given her. Did that mean they were still courting?

What would her father think-

“Papa?”

Philza suddenly stumbled, feeling all the world at a distance and without lungs. HIs vision seemed to grow dark until he felt a little hand squeeze his hand. He squeezed back in response, grounding himself in that action. His lungs suddenly got the message that he needed to breathe, and air flooded him. The darkness on the edge of his vision disappeared. He blinked, discovering that he was on the floor, wings up and over him limp. Wilbur was pressed up against him, his small wings covering the both of them in a way that mimicked how he would comfort the lad in the dark of the night. Tears started to flow as shame filled him.

“Papa? Are you back?”

“Y-yeah. I am.” His voice was ragged. He swallowed.

“I hate it when you go there.” Wilbur was whispering. The boy had pressed up against him further, putting his cheek up against his heart, his fist curling into his shirt. “The Master would be very mad about it.”

“I know-” His breath caught in his own throat as he imagined all sorts of punishments that the sadistic man would’ve come up with. And he wasn't sure….if he hadn’t managed to escape with Wilbur, then there would be nothing left for him to live for. He pulled his son close. “Wilbur….Wilbur, you know you’re loved right?”

“Yes papa.”

“And I would do anything for you?”

“I know papa.” Wilbur turned up to him, eyes wide and innocent. “You’d always be there for me. And I’ll always be there for you.”

His lips started to quiver as he stroked the dark curls he’d come so familiar with. “How’d I get so lucky to be blessed with such a son as you?”

Wilbur was beaming. “You just got lucky, I guess.”

“That I did,” he chuckled. “That I did.”

The smile left Wilbur’s face suddenly, becoming somber and thoughtful. “Are you gonna marry Miss Kristin?”

“Uhm-”

“She’s still wearing the earring you gave her…..”

His brow furrowed. “That’s….that’s the plan.”

Philza gave the boy a playful glare. “How did you know about that?”

“Mister Technoblade told me.”

Philza broke out in a big smile. “You like Mister Technoblade huh?”

“Yeah! He’s big and strong and he lets me climb up on his shoulder and ride! He’s not like the overseers.”

“I don’t think there’s anyone here who's like that.” Philza felt the admittance fall out of his mouth like the summer rain. It had been something he had struggled with when they first arrived, that they were safe. A feeling that he couldn't remember feeling in a long, long time.

He was…..dare he say….also content?

His son had stability, safety. He would wake up in the morning with a bright smile on his face and songs in his heart as he faced the day. Philza could eat as much as he wanted, could walk the gardens without having to work it for long hours. He could read all the books his desire wanted, his curiosity craved, with no fear of his fingers being lobbed off or his fingers plucked. Wilbur and Philza could be the persons they hadn’t been in a long time.

Free.

Happy.

And Kristin…..

She could face the future with him. With them. He sighed. The looming conversation with the woman he had betrothed himself to would come later. Or rather sooner really, because there was no doubt that the news had swept through the estate.

His ears perked up at the sounds of footsteps. Someone turned the corner, a maid who had been following them all day.

“Excuse me, my lord.” The maid bowed deeply, leaving Philza deeply embarrassed. “But Lord Technoblade wishes you and your son to meet him in the library for luncheon.”

“Oh….of course.” Philza gathered Wilbur up in his arms as he stood and made his way through the hallways towards the library. He glanced behind him, noting the maid was still following him. He cleared his throat as he spoke over his shoulder, “I….no offense, dear, but I don’t need a maid following me.”

“But….you’re the future consort.” The maid whispered. “The Lady Kristin insists. And the Lord Technoblade….he wants a guard detail to watch your ... .humble person and son.”

“I…I’m not that important.” And I’m not sure Kristin wants me now.

“I’m only doing as I was instructed, Sire. If you have any problem with the orders, you may also take them up with the Lord Technoblade and Lady Kristin.”

Oh.

“Of course.”

“If you’ll forgive me, Sire, I must attend to my other chores. If you’ll excuse me…?”

“Oh, yes, yes. Thank you.”

The maid bowed and scurried off. That was new.

Philza noticed that since his proposal to Kristin, there was a notable increase in….personal servants, he supposed. They were all willing workers at the estate, that much was clear. Clearly well treated and well paid for the work they did. Philza admired them, but he didn’t think he of all people needed a personal staff. He was just…Philza. He and Wilbur were perfectly capable of cleaning up after themselves, He didn’t need such respect. Nor did he deserve it.

“Papa? Did you go away again?”

“Hm? No, I’m okay. Just ... .thinking is all.” He smiled down at his son. “Come on. We don’t want to keep Mister Techno waiting, yeah?”

“No! And I’m hungry! He’s gonna have food!”

“That he will.” The two were quick to make their way through the halls, weaving between the working servants easily as they got closer to the apartments of Technoblade. The route was almost easy to follow, as Technoblade lived near the barracks. Not quite the soldier’s home, but close enough that one would have to do a double take that this man was indeed a noble. His rooms were small, sure, but certainly held the entrapments of a noble soldier.

Philza knocked a couple times before a voice bid him entry. He pushed open the light mahogany door, and greeted Technoblade with a smile and a nod. The piglin nodded back, gesturing them both over to the table that was laden with food.

“I hope you’re hungry.” Techno said as he picked up a hunk of cheese. “They brought me far more than usual.”

“Oh did they?” Philza smirked.

“Yeah. It’s the weirdest thing.” Techno smirked back. His eyes went back to scanning the meal in front of him, that faux confusion. “It’s almost enough for one piglin head-of-the-guard, one skittish avian adult and a little troublesome fledgling.”

“Hey! That’s us!” Wilbur declared.

“So it is.” Techno swept his hand over the food. “Lunch is served, my friends.”

“YAY!”

Philza had to make sure his son didn’t eat all of the food before he himself could grab some. Wilbur was a growing boy, becoming more secure in the fact that food would always be available. Philza….he would have to take more time on that, though he did eye the platter more than a few times, debating whether or not he should go for seconds.

“So.” Techno popped a grape in his mouth. “What have you two been up to today?”

“Oh. Nothing much.” Philza picked at his roll anxiously. “We walked around the garden, moved about the estate-”

“Looked at the pretty pictures!”

“And we didn't touch any of them.”

Technoblade’s smile was genuine. “Oh I wouldn’t worry about touching them. YOu two will be up there soon enough.”

Philza choked on his roll as Wilbur whispered, “really??”

“Oh absolutely! It is custom for the Consort and heir apparent to be painted and their portraits hung up in the estate.”

“That’s not necessary-”

“Is papa consort now?”

“Well, he’s betrothed to Kristin, is he not? And Kristin is a princess and next in line to the throne.”

Philza felt his fingers become cold and numb as the room around him filled with white noise. He tired to keep himself grounded in the situation but he still couldn't get over his shock that he somehow had the gall to propose himself to the Crown Princess of all people-

“Philza?”

“Papa?”

Philza startled himself into the present, his watered wine sloshing all over his nice clothes. His cheeks burned as he quickly muttered an apology, kneeling to clean it up. But a large hand stopped him, a voice assuring him that the launders would take care of it.

He was lifted back to his seat gently.

“I’m…” His tongue was heavy in his mouth. He shook his head, clearing his throat. “I’m sorry. I got lost in thought there for a second.”

He could tell that Techno was giving him a look, but he ignored it in favor of snatching a piece of cheese. He stuffed it in his mouth, and while it was the finest cheese Philza had ever had the pleasure of tasting, it turned to ash in his mouth when he heard Techno speak again, “I’ve been requested by Kristin to assign you and Philza a guard detail whenever you two wander the grounds.”

Philza felt icy spread through him, his face going pale. The cheese turned to sand.

“I….but is that really necessary? I d-don’t th-hink that-”

“It’s customary for members of the royal family to have at least a few guards watching them. And with your and Wilbur's status as escaped slaves, and being this so close to the border ... .well we wanted to limit any rescue missions that might pop up.” Techno paused, but Philza couldn’t understand why. “Philza? Are you alright?”

“I….” He wasn’t. His breath was coming in short pants. “I don’t thin….didn’t think. I-”

“PAPA!”

“Philza…take a breath.”

He couldn’t. He would’ve thought ... .would've assumed that Kristin wouldn’t have allowed herself to continue to be engaged to such a horrible wretch as he. But to assign him a guard detail….

It was like the Overseers who would watch the slaves they thought would be ready to bolt. Ready with their clubs and cudgels, to beat the insolent slave-

Oh god was this Kristin’s game??

He stood, but his legs gave out, his vision tilted and flickering. He fell, but someone caught him. Why couldn’t he breath-

Tiny hands encircled his, pulling them down and him with them. His hands shook as he whined, wings trembling as they automatically assumed what the Master dubbed the ‘punishment position’. He waited with tears in his eyes, waiting for the pain to blossom on his still abused wings. Those tiny hands (Wilbur….that was Wilbur there, trying to ground him) continued to squeeze in a rhythm that he could easily match with his breathing. Another hand joined the tiny ones, repeating the rhythm until Phil became more aware of the world.

He swallowed. “I….i don’t need a guard detail.”

“You just had a panic attack, a pretty bad one at that, and that’s the first thing that comes out of your mouth?!”

“We don't need a guard detail.” Philza took a breath, coughing as the air got stuck in his lungs. “We….we are safe here. And once we leave- once we’ve gone, we’ll be safe.”

“True, but there’s always the risk of an attack. Always the risk of kidnappers coming for you or Wilbur.”

And if that didn’t once again take the air out of his lungs. “I'll ... .I'll think on it….”

“You’re going to be the next consort, Philza. And I know that scares you, but I’ll be there with you every step of the way.” Techno placed a comforting, very grounding hand on his shoulder. “I know it’s scary. There’s a lot of things you’ll have to know, but we’ll get you through it.”

How could he tell Technoblade that the fact that he was going to be ruling alongside Princess Kristin and his son will be Heir was too much in such a short period of time-

He was a slave a few months ago. A runaway. And now….and now-

He needs to process it all. He needed…..needed to speak with Kristin.

But later…Later.

“I….I might need to lay down for a bit.”

“Of course.” Techno helped him to his feet. “Would you require an escort back to your rooms?”

“No….” Philza didn't think he could make it back to his rooms, but he would spare Kristin the embarrassment of having her consort faint in the hallways. He turned his head up to Techno. “Would you allow me a nap in your room? And ask Kristin to look after Wilbur? Until dinner. At least.”

“Of course.” Techno looked worried. No, he couldn’t look worried. Philza shook his head as he shuffled over to the bed. “Take as long a nap as you need. Kristin and I will keep Wilbur entertained.”

Philza was shaking as he climbed into bed and settled amongst the covers. He hummed at the texture of linen sheets, nuzzling his face into the cotton pillows. It didn’t take long for exhaustion to take him down.

 -Wilbur-

The afternoon was bright, and very warm. And Wilbur loved it. He was playing in the courtyard with his toys that Miss Kristin had gifted to him. A few handful of soldier toys that he was currently making to march in a single file row. It reminded him of….some bad times but this time he was the one making them walk. Miss Kristin sat behind him on a stone bench, a piece of cloth on a wooden circle. She was humming to herself while she pulled thread through it. A boring grown up thing that a former mistress liked to do.

Wilbur fluffed up his feathers and shifted, trying to dismiss the thoughts that suddenly made him feel sour. He shook his head, turning his attention back up to Miss Kristin, mostly to the earring that was situated in her ear.

“Miss Kristin?”

Her eyes immediately went up. “Yes dear?”

“Uhm….” He shifted again, wondering if he would be out of line for this questioning. But he was free so…. “Do…do you love papa?”

“Of course I do.”

“Then….” Wilbur looked away. HIs cheeks felt hot with embarrassment. “I….I’m sorry, My L-er, Miss Kristin, I’m out of line…”

“No, no, no, Wilbur. It’s okay.” Miss Kristin put her work aside, and knelt. “You’re not out of line. You’ll never ask a rude or awkward question. I’ll never judge you. I promise.”

Wilbur looked into those brown eyes that held so much love for him and his papa that it made his stomach feel fluttery. There wasn’t anyone other than his papa that looked at him with that much love. He bit his lip.

“Wilbur?”

He blinked. “Uhm. I’m sorry, Miss Kristin. Uh, I was just wondering. If you…you love my papa, why does he act all weird around you now?”

Now it was her turn to look confused. “Did-didn’t your papa tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Well ... .I'm pretty sure he would like to tell you himself.”

“Papa thinks that I’m too young to handle big, important stuff.”

Kristin’s confusion turned into a soft smile. And that expression turned slightly sad. “Wilbur. Do you know what a king is?”

“Hmmm, it’s like a lord….only…more important?”

“Exactly.” She bopped his nose. He giggled. “And when you’re the child of a king, then that makes you a prince or a princess.”

“So, they’re important too?”

“Oh absolutely.”

“I’m confused…”

Kristin hummed thoughtfully, her eyes turning to the little soldiers. “May I borrow a couple of your toys?”

Wilbur nodded, eyes wide as Kristin plucked four of the soldier toys from the line up and placed them in front of them.

“Pretend this general is a king.” Kristin held up the very elegantly carved toy with the big hat, before placing it down. “And pretend this lieutenant is a prince.” Wilbur raised his eyebrow but remained quiet as Kristin did her thing. “Now, the King does most of the ruling while the prince, or princess, is busy getting an education. But then there will be a time when the King deems the prince to be educated enough to begin their proper training.”

“T-training?”

“In preparation to take over the kingdom.” Kristin gently assured. “The king takes the prince on diplomatic trips, makes them ambassadors, aids them with trade deals and such ... .I'll explain everything else later… and eventually the king either dies or decides to give up the throne, so the prince then becomes the king.”

“I’m…. i’m not sure-” Wilbur tried to wrap his mind around all those words and concepts. He was afraid to admit it but….”I’m confused.”

“It’s not for everyone.” Kristin whispered. “But….the point I’m trying to make, Wilbur, is that your papa is scared of me because I’m the daughter of the king.”

Wilbur gave her a look.

“When the king dies, I’ll take over.”

“So you’ll become the king?”

“I’ll become the Queen. And your papa will be my consort….and you’ll be my heir. Er. Next in line for the throne.” Wilbur felt so confused.

“So….You’re a more important lady?”

“I am.”

“And papa is a lord?”

“In a way.”

That he could understand! He perked up, smiling wide. “You mean, we’re going to live in this big fancy house?”

“We’re gonna live in a much bigger and much fancier home than this one.”

“Really?!” Wilbur’s little brain couldn’t imagine more wealth than the place they currently were in now. A bigger house? Bigger than this one?? But…. “Why is my papa scared? He’s really important now…”

“Your papa has had a rough life. And a lot of his sorrow has been because people thought they were better than he is.”

“But that’s not true! He’s much cooler than those stupid masters!”

“That’s right. And now, he’s suddenly higher than the masters that owned you and your papa. It….it can be a bit much, in such a short amount of time.”

“So…Papa isn’t scared of you?”

“I think he’s just a little…overwhelmed.” Kristin shifted a little so she was sitting flat on her butt, making sure she had his eyes. “You’re papa just needs some time to adjust. And then once he’s all better, then we’ll discuss other such important matters.”

Wilbur smiled brightly, plucking the general toy off the ground and cradled it close. “Will….will papa let me be a soldier? Like Mister Technoblade?”

“Ahh, I think that’s a conversation for a much, much later date.”

Wilbur chuckled. He looked at his toy again, brow furrowing. There was always a price to be paid for the smallest things with their former master. If his papa dared to ignore the old master, even though he would be stupid to do so, papa would be punished harshly. Wilbur bit his lips as the echoes of his papa’s screams sang through his mind. He turned back to his toys, and Miss Kristin returned to her sewing, but even with Kristin’s soft humming he couldn’t get his papa’s harsh screaming out of his mind.

But there was something that could distract him…..

He glanced behind him, noting that Miss Kristin was distracted. Hesitantly he shifted. He would just have to be quiet. He cleared his throat gently, picking up his toys and playing around with them.

“Bad bird….bad birds get pain….bad birds are disobedient birds….chirp, chirp….scream pretty bird…cheep chirp-chirp.don’t hurt me please….does the pretty bird wanna hear his child cry?....no….not him….take cheep me instead please…I won’t be bad, just don’t hurt Wilbur…..pretty bird won’t be bad? Pretty bird doesn’t want to be flightess? The lord may want a pair of pretty wings over the mantle….no I won’t be bad agai-”

Something clattered to the ground behind him. He flinched, turning around to see Miss Kristin staring at him with wide, watery eyes. He pulled back out of habit, waiting for that heavy hand to slap him across the cheek. But nothing happened. Miss Kristin just stared at him, with some tears falling down her cheeks.

“I’m….I’m sorry, my lady. I didn’t mean to make you sad. I can sing a prettier song….”

“Wilbur…” She whispered, sounding horrified. “Wilbur…where did you hear that?”

He looked down, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. He shifted a bit, his wings pulling in tighter and just shrugged. His cheeks felt hot….

“Oh.” The word was again whispered in such horror and heartbreak it made Wilbur’s own eyes burn a little. “Oh, honey…”

“Papa doesn’t like it when I hear bad words like that.”

“And you never should’ve had heard such things….neither should your pa-”

“Wilbur?”

He perked up at the sound of his papa’s voice, beaming as the older avian approached the two. Wilbur realized he suddenly didn’t want to be outside anymore. The sun was starting to hurt and there were bugs…. He felt tired. And he needed a nap.

“Papa!” He waved his papa over, the man swiftly picking him up and dragging him into his arms. Wilbur yawned hugely as he nuzzled his face into the crook of his papa’s neck.

“....thank you for watching him, Your Majesty.”

“It’s not a problem, Philza.” There was something in Miss Kristin’s voice. Something that sounded strained. “Really. I’m always happy to watch him.”

“L-lord Technoblade should be coming back from patrol any moment now. I….I need to take Wilbur for his nap now.”

“Get some sleep yourself okay? You look dead on your feet.”

Wilbur felt his papa bow shallowly before he was moving away. He waved goodbye to Miss Kristin before they turned a corner, leaving her in the garden. The walk back to their rooms was quiet but even Wilbur could feel the tense air that swirled around his papa. He clutched his papa’s shirt, burying his face into the crook of his neck, but even with the older avian humming a soft lullaby, he didn’t close his eyes.

“Papa?”

“Hmm? I thought you’d gone down for your nap.”

“Papa, why are you scared?” The steps faltered, but Wilbur kept his head rested. “I’m….I’m not scared.”

This time Wilbur did turn his eyes up to his papa, noticing the heaviness in his father’s eyes. A heaviness that always was there.

“Papa?”

“I’m…I’m not scared.”

He was twitching. Wilbur’s eyes went wide. His Masters didn’t like it when he twitched. Wilbur bit his lip, cautiously as he reached up and gently cupped his tiny hands over his papa’s. They stilled for a second, as though his papa was shocked at what he was doing. His eyes went misty. He wilted back, out of habit, WIlbur noticed.

“Papa….”

His father’s breath seemed to be stolen. His chest stuttered, lip wobbling as his eyes turned unfocused. Wilbur watched with sad eyes as he watched the blond avian drop to the bed, and then slide to the floor. Wings flaring out and then inward, cocooning him in a feathery darkness.

Wilbur crawled closer, gently putting his hands on the dark wings. The feathers were so much fluffier, becoming healthier since they’ve been here. They shone in a way that they never did. At least to Wilbur’s memory. He gently squirmed himself in between the wings, pressing himself right up against his papa’s chest, placing his head against the man’s heart. It was beating rapidly, like a caged bird. He curled his fingers into his dad’s shirt, breathing in the freshly washed linen.

He swallowed. “We’re okay, papa. I promise. Miss Kristin isn’t gonna hurt us. She loves you.”

His papa’s breathing was still fast. But it was slower than before.

“We’re gonna be okay.” He closed his eyes, letting the heartbeat of his papa soothe him into a deep sleep.

But it wasn’t long before he was jostled awake by his papa standing, placing him on the bed gingerly. He cracked his eyes open, blinking several times up at the figure standing over him. Broken claws started to comb through his hair in a soothing motion.

“You’re going to be safe here.” The figure whispered. They sounded broken. Sad. But Wilbur’s eyes were having trouble staying open. “I…I’m too broken to be here. Too shattered to-”

They cut themselves off with a sob. Or maybe it was a cough. Wilbur was falling back to sleep quickly.

“I love you, Wilbur.”

He drifted off.

-Kristin-

She sighed as she thumbed through the documents in front of her. They were documents of a non-important manner. But she needed something to take her mind off the situation. Her hands scrawled her signature at the bottom of each document, but her mind was wondering what she was going to do about Philza.

They would need to have a conversation. She was more than willing to give herself to Philza, because he was such a sweet guy. She loved him. And apparently he loved her back. She wanted to give Philza and Wilbur a home, a life of respect and joy and happiness.

But Philza was avoiding her. Scared of her, possibly. Maybe.

Probably.

Kristin had to put the papers down, and had to organize her thoughts. She needed to take a walk.

Clear her head.

She stood, and made her way out of her personal office, heading down a random direction. The palace was quiet, as the household staff was settling down for the night. Her mind quickly went to how much longer her father was going to let her stay out here. She still needed to write to her father to let him know about the situation and what had developed these past few months. He wouldn’t be mad. He cared about her happiness and never pushed for her to marry someone based on political advantages, even though they were but a small little kingdom surrounded by enemies. Kristin knew he would be head over heels for Wilbur. The little boy was just so energetic and happy and curious- Just like Philza. She smiled to herself. It all came back to the adult avian that she had fallen head over heels for. She took a breath as she turned a corner, stopping in mid stride when she noticed a familiar little figure standing in the middle of the hallway. He was looking sleepy and confused, looking around with his lips and wings quivering.

“Wilbur?” The little boy turned towards her and she noticed that his eyes were misty, tears pouring down his face. “Wilbur, what’s wrong?”

He padded towards her, throwing himself into her open arms and sobbing. “Baby…what’s the matter? What are you doing out of bed?”

“PAPA’S GONE!”

Her heart squeezed. “What?!”

“Papa’s gone! He’s not in our room! He was gone when I woke up and I couldn't find him!”

“Oh…sweetheart…” She pulled the boy further into her embrace, and stood. “We’re going to find him okay? Let’s go find Mister Technoblade, alright?”

“He’ll help?”

“Yes. Absolutely.” She all but ran as safely as she could with Wilbur in her arms. Fortunately, they weren’t too far from Techno’s quarters. Just near the soldier’s barracks, Kristin saw a lot of soldiers milling about, some of them preparing for the night shift. They all snapped to attention when they caught sight of her as she rushed through the throng.

“WHERE IS TECHNOBLADE?!” She shouted. The throng suddenly parted like the sea to reveal Techno standing in the middle of the crowd, designating the patrols for that evening. He whirled around.

“Kristin-”

“Phil’s gone!”

Technoblade eyes went wide. “What.”

“Wilbur said that Philza wasn’t in his room.”

“What- okay.” That panic that seemed to flood Techno at that statement, disappeared as he knelt down in front of Wilbur. “Wilbur? Was there anything weird about your papa before you went to bed?”

Wilbur started to shake his head, but stopped before whispering, “He went away.”

“Went away?”

“He couldn’t breathe.” Wilbur put his hand on his chest, wings fluffing up before pulling in. “His eyes went weird and he just….sat there.”

“Did he say anything? Was there anything off about the room?” The boy shrugged before shaking his head.

“Okay.” Technoblade glanced up at Kristin. Their eyes met and Kristin nodded.

“Wilbur? We’re going to go and get snuggled in the blankets okay? Mister Technoblade is going to go and find your papa.”

“I wanna go and help-”

“Wilbur, listen, there’s a chance that some bad people took your papa, and we want to make sure they don’t get you too.”

“I wanna go help and find my papa!”

Kristin held onto the boy as he started to struggle but he stopped when she gently rubbed the space between his wings. He went boneless. Kristin gave Technoblade a look as she took the boy back to her room.

A look that said he better get Phil back.

Kristin walked to her room with a guard detail right behind her. She didn’t want to tell them to leave her alone, they were obviously worried about the security of the castle. But she didn't want Wilbur getting upset. The boy was half asleep when they arrived in her room, so she set him on the bed and covered him with the fluffiest blanket she had in reach. It was getting a little chilly so she lit the fireplace.

“Please don’t be mad at papa. He didn't mean to run away..”

She glanced over to see Wilbur staring at her with those wide eyes of his. She smiled softly as she stood, making her way over to the bedside. “I’m not mad at your papa, Wil.”

“Why doesn’t he just say he loves you?”

“Because….” Kristin took a breath. “Wilbur, you know that you and your papa went through a lot right?”

Wilbur nodded. “Well, it seems that your father went through alot more before you came into the picture. And that doesn’t invalidate your trauma but…..Phil’s scared of feelings that he’s never had before. He feels loved and safe and wanted.”

“But he left me….” Wilbur’s lip was wobbling. “Does he still love me?”

“Of course he does. He would never leave you behind, not without reason.” Kristin sighed. “Why don’t you get some sleep huh? It’s been a long day. We’ll talk about this later, okay?”

“Wake me if you find papa?” Kristin smiled. “Of course.”

Wilbur sniffled as he snuggled deeper underneath the blankets. Kirstin waited until his breathing had evened out before she went to the door and asked the guard to bring her and Wilbur some food. He scampered off, leaving her to once again return to the bed where Wilbur was. When she climbed into bed, Wilbur immediately snuggled up against her, his wings scrunching up and before relaxing. She stared up at the ceiling for a long while, listening to Wilbur’s sleepy chirps before she herself drifted off into an uneasy sleep.

There was knocking at the door, which just barely pulled her from her sleep.

Kristin sat up, blinking away the drowsiness and the sleeping boy that still clung to her. “C’min.”

The door opened and Techno walked in. her heart leapt to her throat when she saw Phil asleep in his arms.

“Techno?” Kristin moved closer to the two, noting with relief that there weren't any wounds on either of them.

“He’s fine.” Techno assured, gently shoving past her and putting Phil on the bed next to Wilbur. The boy immediately curled around his papa. Kirstin sighed as Phil, even in sleep, did the same. She gestured for Techno to step outside into the hallway. As soon as the door closed, Techno explained, “Some farmer found him passed out in their hayloft and alerted the local peacekeepers, who then alerted me.”

Kristin frowned. “Did you….did you see any signs of…?”

The piglin guard shook his head. “No signs of foul play or kidnapping. I think he left here of his own free will and was planning on running away.”

“I’m thankful he didn’t get far. As awful as that sounds.”

“No, it’s not.” Techno sighed heavily. “Once he wakes up you and Phil need to have a conversation. I’ll watch Wil. He doesn't need to hear it. But this has to end. Your father isn’t going to want you to be staying out here for too much longer with the war coming.”

“I know.”

“So, you and Phil need to nip this miscommunication in the bud.”

“‘Miscommunication’?”

“You should’ve told him right out that you were a princess.” Techno sighed. “I should’ve done something too. But now you have an opportunity to correct this before it gets worse.”

Kristin lowered her eyes, but she knew that Technoblade had a point. She had let this fester too long and her not communicating properly with Phil had caused a lot of this. “Okay. I’ll do that as soon as Phil gets up.”

She rubbed her eyes, feeling the exhaustion seep into her bones.

“I’ll go and stand guard at the doors. The windows are bolted, and I don’t think Phil’s going anywhere with those wings of his just yet. But I’ll make sure he stays here long enough for you and him to chat.”

“Thanks Techno.” She patted him on the shoulder as she passed, before turning and adding with just a little bit of sarcasm, “You’re such a good friend.”

He shrugged. “I certainly try.”

Kristin smiled as she made her way out of the room, sparing one last glance at the sleeping avians before she turned the corner and made her way back to her room. When she got there and laid in her bed, she realized she couldn’t really sleep. Her mind was going too fast for her to actually fall asleep, so she settled for a light doze until the sky outside her window turned a pale pink. She sat up and made her way out of hte room, making a beeline straight for Phil’s and Wilbur’s. The guards were still there, Technoblade standing and talking with one of them. Kristin nodded a greeting, pushing past them so that she could open the door.

“Wilbur?” She called out.

The two avians were still asleep, although Philza was stirring awake. He opened his eyes, sitting straight up with his eyes wide. Kristin shifted on her feet.

“Uh, good morning…Philza.”

Philza looked away. “Good morning, your majesty.”

“You don’t have to call me that.”

“That’s your title isn’t it?”

“It is, but not to you or Wilbur. I’m just plain Kristin.”

Philza shifted, his eyes watching Wilbur closely. His wing twitched and Kristin turned her eyes away from the appendage.

“What do you want from me?”

“....I’m sorry?”

“You want something from me. Everyone in power does. I’m an Elytrian. One of the last. An Endling. I’m a beautiful little prize, perfect to stick into a pretty bird cage to sing pretty little songs.” Phil turned away, but Kristin swore she could see a tear fall down his cheek. “So. What do you want from me?”

“I want you to get better.” Kristin held back, eyes going to Wilbur. “Why…why don’t we take this outside? So that we dont’ disturb Wilbur?”

Phil was silent for a second, before he stood. He caressed Wilbur’s curls, gaze lingering on the boy. He turned and led the way out of the room with Kristin following. She kept herself back a few steps, so that Philza didn’t feel like he was being hovered over or cornered. She nodded to Techno who had slunk back into the corner with his guards. Kristin directed them to a sunroom, where the morning light lit the place up with warmth and brightness. She smiled at the beautiful little pieces of sea glass that were hanging from the chandelier. The way the light danced through the multi-colored pieces of glass was something to behold. Philza seemed surprised at the beauty of the room, if the way his shoulders tensed and then relaxed was anything to go by.

When he turned, he didn’t look at her directly. Just kept his eyes lowered.

“Philza-”

“I-”

They both gave a nervous chuckle.

“You…..you go first.” Kristin took a deep breath. “Wilbur was worried about you.”

“....I know.”

“He wondered….why you left him behind.” Phil looked down. He swallowed. Took a deep breath.

“Because…..I know he’d be safe here.”

“But not you?”

“Slaves eventually grow out of their cuteness once they hit a certain age. I’ve been long past that time.”

That was more of a punch to the gut than if Philza actually bodied her. “Philza….I’m not going to hurt you, or your son. Slavery is outlawed here. Has been for centuries. You crossed the border, you became a free man. A free man who can love whom he chooses. I love you Philza. These past few months I have found myself loving you in a way that I haven’t loved anyone before. I didn’t say anything because I knew you would be scared, and afraid but ... .Philza, I know you return my feelings. But you’re scared. I understand and I want to help-”

“Understand’?! You don’t understand a thing!”

She backed up, eyes wide as Philza all but snarled, wings flaring out in anger. “Philz-”

“I have spent the last two decades enslaved to people who saw me as nothing more than a pretty little trinket! I wasn’t a person to them. I was a collectible. A toy for them to play with and then discard when they got bored with me!”

Kristin was silent as he continued.

“I have fought and fought and fought…..until I couldn’t anymore. I became content that I was gonna die as property, buried in an unmarked grave and forgotten. Then Wilbur was given to me. I couldn’t let his fire go out….I suffered through beatings and torments for him. So that he didn’t know the suffering I went through. The pain. I got us out. I pulled us over the fence and through the woods, and I endured the dogs….just so that he could be safe. Meanwhile, you sat in your pretty little palace, being waited on hand and foot. So don’t tell me you understand!”

Philza was breathing hard by the end of his rant, his chest heaving. But his legs were wobbly, and Kristin could see his hands trembling when he brought them up to rub at his face.

“You’re right.” Kristin admitted. “I don’t understand what you went through. But my feelings are still the same. I will take you. I will take you as you come. Scarred. Traumatized. Scared. Sick, healthy, wealthy, or poor. And, because I can see that fear in your eyes, I will always take Wilbur too. Just as he is now.”

“But….but why?”

“Because you and Wilbur deserve happiness.”

Phil looked down, almost ashamed. His lip trembled as he turned his gaze upward, his eyes looking misty. He sniffed and their eyes met. There was a spark that zapped between them. Kristin smiled. She reached forward slowly, allowing him the chance to pull back. When he didn’t, she gently placed her hand on top of his, grasping it.

“You’re going to be okay, Philza. Wilbur too. We just…need to communicate better, yeah?”

Philza gave a watery chuckle while he nodded. He took a moment to collect himself, wiping the tears away.

“Why don’t you and Wilbur lay down for the rest of the day? It’s been ... .quite the past few days.”

“Yeah…yeah…” Philza stood and started to make his way out of the room. He froze at the door, wings drooping as he turned around. “I’m….sorry. About this.”

“I suggest you’d apologize to Wilbur instead of me.” Kristin whispered. “He was very scared.”

His wings drooped even more. His face shadowed heavily with sadness. Kristin saw his lips and legs start to tremble. He turned away, but Kristin could hear the sobs that fell from the man’s lips. Kristin took a step forward, rushing forward quickly as Phil collapsed.

“I….I am such a failure as a father!” he sputtered out. “No you’re not-”

“He …he should..should’ve been living a life… much better than this…” Phil was hunched over, his head buried in his hands. “I should’ve…done more-”

“There’s nothing you could’ve done. But what you did, it was enough, Philza.” Kristin gently placed her hands on top of his shoulders. He didn’t recoil. “Wilbur understands what you’re going through.” “He….sh-shouldn’t be the parent…”

He wailed. “I should be the one to protect him-”

“Techno!” The captain came in at her shout, but thankfully he didn't have his sword drawn. His eyes just landed on Phil having a breakdown in the middle of the room.

“Phil?” Techno whispered. He knelt down, speaking softly into Philza’s ears. Phil curled away, trying to crawl towards the closet, but Tehcno held him firm. “It’s okay….it’s okay, Phil. It’s just me.”

Kristin’s heart broke to the man who was so beaten down in his soul. She had seen what the effects on slavery had on a person, their soul and psyche damaged. The mind could take so much torment, but the soul….it was harder to repair.

“Take him to lie down with Wilbur. I’m going to write to my father and see if he can withhold his visit for a little longer.” Kristin ordered quietly. Techno nodded as he gently lifted Phil upward into his arms. She took a deep breath, and moved to the next room. The paper, quill and ink were set out. She sat down, pulled the quill out, thought for a moment and started to scribble.

-Phil-

Phil stared down at Wilbur as he played happily with his toys. The boy had so many toys now, donated to him by the servants of the palace. HIs wings fluffed outward before pulling inward.

He cleared his throat as he moved . “Hey….uh…Wilbur? Could you come here, please?”

Wilbur looked up, those big eyes of his sparkling in the light. He scooted forward, until he was wrapped in Philza’s arms. He smiled down at his son, his child in every way but true blood. He stroked those beautiful brown curls, so much softer now that he was able to wash it regularly.

“Papa?”

“Wilbur-” He swallowed his tears. “I’m sorry I scared you. I’m sorry I left you.”

“You promised to never leave me. Did I make you mad?”

“No, no, no. You’d never make me mad…..” Phil took a breath. “I’m….I was just….”

He sighed. Wilbur was still staring up at him with that innocent gaze. Waiting patiently, just like he was taught.

“I have no excuse, Wilbur. But I’m so sorry. I didn't mean to leave you, I didn’t want to. I was scared. I’m still scared.”

“But Miss Kristin and Mister Technoblade aren’t mean.”

“I know that, but…..I’ve been scared for so long that I couldn’t see that we were safe. I thought….I feared that I would have to make such a hard sacrifice, ripping you away from this comfort.” Philza gazed around the room, clutching his boy closer to him. “You have grown up so much, so quickly. You deserve to be a little boy for as long as you can. You should…play in the garden, with your toys, well-fed…..well-taken care of in a way that I can’t do on the road.”

Wilbur was silent, his eyes sparkling with tears and his bottom lip jutted out in a slight pout.

“You shouldn’t have to take care of me, Wilbur.” Philza stroked his son’s forehead, scratching his scalp. “You should be a child. And you deserve a good life.”

“But so do you, papa.” Wilbur stood up and threw himself against his chest. “You’ve been through a lot too. And I want to take care of you! We’ve always had each other and that’s enough for me!”

“Oh….” He felt choked up, returning the hug. His eyes filled with tears and he felt like a little knot in his chest finally came undone, melting away in the wake of the love he felt for all those around him.

His son, Wilbur.

Technoblade, a protector he’d never expected.

And Kristin…..

“Papa?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you gonna marry Miss Kristin?”

Philza gave a wet laugh. “If she’ll have me.”

“I think she loves you too.”

The talk he had with Kristin a few hours earlier rang in his head. He smiled. “Yeah, I think she loves me.”

“And Mister Technoblade?”

“I think he tolerates me.”

“He’s the one who gave me this!” Wilbur crawled off Philza’s lap, reaching for a book that was next to the toys. He handed it to Philza, beaming up at him with pride. Philza forced a smile on his face as he beheld the book. It was a children’s book, a familiar one that many of his former master’s children would have. Something simple, a picture book about a hero who had to learn truthfulness and honor. “He says that he’ll teach us how to read!”

Philza felt his breath catch in his throat at that declaration. He felt that tingle of fear, familiar and habitual, before he smiled brightly. “He’d help us with that…”

“Yeah! And he said that he’ll teach me how to fight with a sword!” His hand covered his mouth. “....I wasn’t supposed to have told you that.”

Despite himself, Philza chuckled. “We’ll have to discuss that later. For now….I think you’ve deserved a treat.”

Wilbur gasped, his wings fluttering happily as he bounced excitedly. “Treat??”

Philza smiled as he turned his son around. The boy’s wings were in an awful state. He hadn’t taught his son how to properly care for his wings yet, but….maybe it was never too late to learn.

He spoke gently to Wilbur, carding his fingers gently through the feathers. He straightened them, admiring the fact that the gray fluff was slowly becoming outnumbered by light brown. Wilbur will be learning how to fly soon- Philza’s breath caught in his throat at the realization that he would be able to teach his son how to fly……

He’d be able to fly.

His fingers stuttered to a stop at the realization. His own wings will be healed in time for Wilbur’s first flight lesson. He’d….he couldn’t believe that he’d be able to feel the wind under him again, taste the clouds and climb higher than the stars….

Philza couldn’t breathe, but this was different. This was a feeling of euphoria that was hardly ever felt before. Wilbur was so in his instincts he didn’t notice that his father had stopped. He swayed from side to side before Philza scooped him up, bringing him close to his chest. The boy cooed….cooed and chirped in a way he didn’t before….laying his head down and drifting off to sleep.

He turned his head to the window, where the stars were shining brightly in the night sky.

A smile pulled at his lips as he pulled his son closer. It felt like everything was finally settling in. He wasn’t naive enough to think that all their problems were behind them. But it felt like the worst part of the storm had passed them.

-.-

“Phil, would you stop pacing? You’re making me nervous.”

Phil sighed, huffing as he stared at himself in the mirror. He was decked out in such finery; it was hard for him to concentrate on anything else. The shirt was the nicest linen he had ever touch his skin, the waistcoat and overcoat especially made to accommodate his wings. The colors of dark green and black were well suited to him, with a sash of royal purple draped across his chest.

“I’m so nervous.”

“Really? You don’t say.”

Phil pouted, throwing a glare at Techno. The piglin guard just shot him a smirk. “You’re going to do fine-”

“But what if I forget my lines?! I’ll be the laughingstock of the entire estate!”

“You’re not going to forget anything.” Techno glanced down at his cuffs, making sure everything was tightened and secured. He looked good in his ceremonial uniform, very tall and confident.

Unlike Philza and his nervous appearance.

“Phil.” Those giant hands landed on his shoulders, gently turning him around. “You’re going to be fine. Just take a deep breath.”

“I ….” He took in a deep inhale, pushing past the panic that clung to him. He wasn’t getting cold feet, not at all.

But he was a bundle of nerves. The wedding was going to be one of the most celebrated events in the village and they had come from all over to witness the ceremony. All eyes were on him and Kristin today in an event that was going to be one of the happiest of his lives.

He glanced up at Techno, and he was sure the panic was clear on his face despite his best efforts.

“Do you want something to eat?”

Phil fluttered his wings, swallowing. “I don't ... .i don't think I c-can eat…uhm.”

“Just something small. We don’t want you to pass out because your blood sugar dropped.” Techno went to the door, and asked the guard standing outside to fetch a small snack. Phil sat down, trying to manage the butterflies in his stomach.

The food arrived and Phil dug into it like he hadn’t eaten. “Slow down…you’re going to choke.”

Phil smiled as he swallowed.

Once again that comforting hand landed on his shoulder. “You’re going to be fine. This is all just a formality.”

“An expensive formality.”

“Eh, people like spectacles.” Techno sat down next to him. “My point is: you and Kristin know you love each other. And that’s what this is: a public show of your love.”

Phil nodded. Techno had a point. Once they were wed, things would be a little easier. When they stand before Kristin’s father, there won’t be anything he could do about them. Phil and Wilbur would be protected underneath Kristin and Phil….Phil would protect Kristin with his life. Techno will protect Wilbur….

Everything will work out.

There was a knock on the door.

Techno opened the door. There was a servant boy. “Sire, it’s starting.”

Just at that moment, there was the sound of organ music filling the space just outside the door.

Techno turned around. “It’s starting.”

“Yeah, I heard.” Phil dusted off his shirt, standing a bit shakily. Techno held out his arm, giving him a raised eyebrow. He couldn't help but chuckle. He let his face go slack. But he could still feel the nervousness that still coursed through him.

He stood side by side with Techno, facing the door. Phil could hear the music on the other side, the typical organ music that would accompany weddings.

Never in a million years did he think he’d hear the music playing for him.

The door opened and all the anxiety left him in a rush. A sense of peace settled over him, the feeling that this was exactly how his life was supposed to be.

He took a step forward.

The ceremony was perfect. Wilbur was dashing in his new regalia, though he looked very uncomfortable. And Kristin-

Later in life, Philza would never recall most of the ceremony, only just how gorgeous Kristin was, looking like she had stepped down from the heavens to grace him with her love. The kiss they shared sent sparks of happiness through him, a sense of joy that was so overbearing he couldn’t breath.

“I now pronounce you, husband and wife.”

Life could not get any better than this.

Chapter Text

-Phil-

It was hard to believe that just over a year and a half ago, Philza was considered property. A thing to be traded, bought, used and passed around. Trained to look pretty in gilded cages and made to sing for the masses dressed in finery and gold.

If he was told then that he would have the power and the rank of those that made him suffer for the longest time, he would’ve laughed in your face for being so stupid.

Now…..

Now though-

It was hard to reconcile with the fact that he was now over those lords and ladies that had kept him from being treated like a person, that he was now the Prince Consort to High Princess Kristin. He and his son now had wealth beyond imagining, and power and…..

He had to take several days to process everything. Especially after he and Kristin officially tied the knot. For several hours, Phil was stuck in a semi-comatose state, trying to wrap his mind around everything.

The blissfulness of it all came to an end when Krisitn’s father, Phil’s father-in-law, wrote and instructed her back to the capital city. It all came crashing down, that honeymoon euphoria evaporating in the sun like winter frost. He was now wrapped in panic, faced with the inevitability of meeting his father in law- the HIGH KING- face to face. He had to stare down the possibility of being rejected, his fresh marriage annulled and he and his son banished.

It kept him up for hours, unable to sleep even with his instincts yelling at him to wrap his son and mate in his wings and sink deeply into sleep. But he couldn’t.

All his fears kept him up, staring up at the dark ceiling. The only thing that kept him completely spiraling was the soft sound of their soft breathing. Eventually he managed a light doze, but that meant he was far from looking forward to the morning. It came far too early, and far too soon from Philza’s tired opinion.

He had to wriggle Wilbur into the coach after hours of getting him to pack the small traveling trunk he was gifted by Kristin.

He couldn’t wait until they got on the road.

Phil scowled as he heard Technoblade chuckle behind him. “Look at you, looking all excited.”

He gave the piglin the stink eye.

“Nervous?”

“Tired. Didn’t sleep well.” He turned towards Wilbur. “Wilbur slept well though.”

“Hehehe, yeah. Don’t worry though, he’ll sleep hard enough on the ride.”

“If he doesn’t get sick first.” He heard something clatter behind him. When he turned he saw Techno dangling a small bag with a smirk.

“Ginger candy. For any….stomach issues you guys might have.”

“CANDY?!” Phil winced at his son’s exclamation, feeling a rush of air leave him as a tiny body slammed into him. He chuckled as he had to wrangle his son out of reach of the little sack Techno was still dangling in front of his son like a carrot on a stick.

“That’s for later, Wilbur!”

“But I want one!”

“Wilbur, honey, listen to your father.” Kristin’s voice chided. Phil scowled as, almost immediately, his son went limp in his arms and chirped out an ‘okay!’ before he jumped back to the window. Phil turned and gave his new wife (and god did that send flutters of intoxicating happiness through him) a look while she smiled brightly.

“You handle him so well.” He said with a smirk. Kristin just gave him a shrug.

“Are we ready to head out?” She asked Technoblade after giving Phil a quick peck on the cheek.

“Yes ma’am. We’re ready to roll out, as soon as Your Highnesses are.”

Phil’s breath stuttered in his chest. Fortunately, Kristin took charge, but he was watching her take charge. He was going to have to do that eventually. He was now Prince Consort, married to the High Princess.

His stomach twisted tight enough that he popped a piece of ginger candy into his mouth. Techno noticed, but thankfully didn’t say anything. Phil took a deep breath before hauling himself into the carriage. There was a moment of innate panic where his bird brain overlay an image of a cage over the fine detail inside of the carriage. When Wilbur pulled him into his seat, the image disappeared. He adjusted his large wings to where they lay on either side of him, and Wilbur was tucked tightly against his side, but where he could still see out the window. Philza smiled even wider when Kristin snuggled up right next to him.

“You let me know when things get a little too tight for you and Wilbur and we’ll stop.”

“You’re too good to us.”

“And you’re a free person, Philza. You and Wilbur. And free people have choices.” Kristin snuggled up on his other side, and his wing automatically draped over her shoulder as she laid her head down. “It’ll be a long ride back to the capital. We can make frequent stops.”

Techno knocked on the window, announcing they were about to head out. Phil and Kristin nodded. At their signal, the carriage lurched forward and they were off.

Phil took a breath as he turned, watching the estate fade away. He ignored all the people that lined the streets of the village, waving and cheering as the carriage and army moved past.

He jumped when he felt a small hand squeeze his.

“What’s wrong?”

“Is there any way we could stay here?”

“Philza….”

“I’m serious.” He turned away from the fading castle, and turned his eyes forward. His hunched his shoulders, the urge to hide growing stronger with each passing second. All the concerns he had suffered during the night came back full force and this time he couldn’t distract himself. He sighed. “What if….what if your father doesn’t like me? Or Wilbur? What if he’s upset with your choice of husband? What if he banishes us-“

“Phil.” Kristin’s voice was strong and sure. Strong and sure enough that he had his gaze glancing up. He was shocked at the look of love that was shining in her eyes. “My father will not throw you or Wilbur out. Nor will he banish you. He’s…..just going to have to get used to the fact that he’s got a son-in-law like you.”

“Really?”

“Really, really. You and Wilbur are going to win him over like that.” Kristin snuggled up close to his chest, and he pulled her even tighter. Wilbur was still for the time being, but his eyes were wide as plates as he watched the scenery pass by them.

“What are we going to do if he does….kick us out?”

“Hmm. Well we can always elope. Fly to the woods and live in the trees.”

Phil smiled. “That’s nice.”

He laid his head on top of Kristin’s, and finally let the lull of the carriage drag him off to sleep.

The day passed by in a blur.

They spent most of the time on the road, only stopping to refresh the horses and to stretch their legs. Wilbur would snuggle up with both him and Kristin throughout the ride, though whenever he was awake, he would complain about his tummy ache. Phil gave him a few of the ginger candies that Techno had handed them. They seemed to help but not improve Wilbur’s stomach issues. It wasn’t until nightfall when they stopped, just a few hours from the palace.

Phil’s anxieties had returned in full force as the army set up camp. And although he was thankful they were far from any territories or countries that allowed slavery within their borders, that still didn’t squash worry about how Kristin’s father would react.

He couldn't help but pop a small handful of ginger candies as he readied himself for bed. He nearly jumped out of his skin when two slender arms wrapped around him.

“You’re too tense.” Kristin whispered. “Just….thinking.”

“About my father.”

Philza swallowed. “Yes.”

“One could almost say you’re obsessed with him.” She gently placed a kiss on his shoulder. “You’re going to do fine. I promise.”

Phil licked his lips nervously. “What is it?”

“It’s just….I never….it’s been a while since I had witnessed a proper ceremony between two Elytrians….” Philza turned and brought out the special feather he had been holding on to. “But, I know that the newly weds give each other feathers….it’s a a symbol I think….of- of our love. It’s something- sp-special to my people. I-t means th-that we can’t be separated. Until Death, of course.”

“Oh Philza….”

“The ladies…they braid the f-feathers in their hair.” Philza shifted on his foot. Kristin’s hands wrapped around his.

“I would be honored to wear the feather, Philza.” Krisitn’s tone took on a light, happy note. “But I’m afraid I don’t have a feather to give to you. At least not one of my own.”

Phil laughed. “That’s okay! We’ll figure something out.”

Kristin beamed as her delicate fingers gently braided the feather into her dark brown hair. The sight made his heart flutter even more, hsi body floating on air as he embraced his wife and planted a kiss deep on her cheek. She giggled as she hugged him back, dragging into their shared cot. Wilbur came in a minute later, hauled in by Techno.

“Here’s the little gremlin.” He announced as he dropped the grouchy-looking child in the middle of the cot. “He’s very cranky right now.”

“Thanks, Technoblade.” Kristin said with a smile. The captain of the guard snapped a salute before returning to his post outside the tent. Phil rolled over so that his wing draped over the two most precious people in his world. The lights were extinguished inside the tent, plunging the three of them in darkness.

“Papa?” Wilbur’s not-so-soft-whisper pierced through the darkness. “I can’t sleep.”

“Just close your eyes, WIlbur.” Phil whispered. He was tired. He had dozed throughout the day, but staying up late the night before weighed heavily on his bones.

“But I can’t.” He felt his son snuggle up closer to his chest. “It’s so dark in here.”

“It won’t be dark too much longer if you just close your eyes and sleep.”

Wilbur whined, but the sound petered off unexpectedly. He cracked his eyes open to see his going limp. HIs boy stretched hugely before trying to merge with him and falling into a deep sleep. Phil picked up his head and gave Krisitn a smile. His wife returned it with a cheeky little smirk.

“He’s going to sleep well tonight.” She said, Phil smiled back.

He pulled his two loved ones closer and felt himself sleep heavily for the first time since they hit the road.

X

The morning came far too early for Philza’s liking. Although he was far better rested than he was the first morning they hit the road, this one particular morning was spent getting everything ready for their ride through the capital. It would be around noon when they entered the city, but Kristin told Phil and Wilbur that it would be prudent to get their fancy clothes on since they wouldn’t be able to stop until they arrived at the palace. At first, Philza protested against wearing the very fancy clothes that Krisitn and Technoo laid out for him, a suit made for their wedding ceremony. A suit of fine, dark green fabric with a space cut out of the back to allow freedom for his wings and embroidery in red and gold all over the fabric.

A suit that was far fancier than anything Philza had owned before. His fingers trembled as he tried to buckle his belt.

“Philza?”

He glanced up to see Kristin standing behind him, wearing that beautiful dress that they had married in. A shining dress of purple linen, overlaid with a sparkling chiffon, shifting like the night sky when she moved. His heart thundered in love when he beheld her, looking every bit as radiant as the morning he first laid eyes on her.

“Philza? Are you okay?”

“Uh…”

“Oh my gods, you’re having a stroke!”

“Wait? No, I’m fine. It’s just…you look….you look gorgeous.”

Kristin’s panicked face melted into something soft, a smile that continued to pull at his heart. “And you’re such a handsome gentleman. You and WIlbur both.”

“Papa, this suit is stuffy.” Just then Wilbur’s little head popped out from behind Kristin, pouting as he adjusted his coat. PHilza chuckled as he opened up his arms. Wilbur threw himself into his embrace, his little grey and light brown wings flapping a little.

“But you look so handsome in your suit, Wilbur.” Philza said. He pulled his son away from him, chuckling as he tried to smooth back his wild and unruly curls. “You’ve got to make a good impression on your grandfather and the people.”

That pout deepened. “I’ve got a grandfather now?”

“Yes you do, my little songbird,” Kristin chuckled as she joined the group hug. “And he’s gonna love you.”

“Will he give me presents?”

“Oh most definitely. He’s going to spoil you rotten.”

“Eh…” Philza didn’t know how to tell his wife that wouldn’t be a good idea. Nor did he know how he would tell his son not to be too excited because there was a chance the king would throw both of them out the minute that he discovered that they were both former slaves. He swallowed as he felt his stomach twist a little, but he took a deep breath and forced a smile. That smile turned genuine when he noticed that his black feather was braided into Krisitn’s hair, the dark strands almost camouflaging the feather. But when it caught the light, it shimmered with the rainbow.

Kristin caught his eye, and they both held each other’s gaze. That is until Wilbur started to talk, chattering about getting on the road as soon as possible so that he could get his presents from his new grandfather. They laughed as they gathered a few things. A few minutes later, the camp was broken down and they were once again on the road.

It was only a few hours before they could see the capital city, the tall spires of the palace reaching high to the heavens. That was the first thing that Philza spotted in the distance, seeing it long before the front gates or even the city itself. And while Wilbur laughed and cheered as the city got closer and closer, Philza felt those familiar fingers of panic curl inside of him. Tighter and tighter, they encircled his heart like chains and he blanched. He was reminded, at the worst possible time, of the first time he was brought to his last owner’s home, shackled and in a cage. He felt his claws dig into the fine wood of the carriage. His teeth slammed on his tongue to keep down the bile that was climbing his throat.

A hand touched his shoulder. He automatically clasped the grip, and felt his lungs relax.

He gulped in air as their entourage stopped at the front gate, stopped by a command from the guard. He couldn’t exactly hear the conversation but he could hear Techno’s words loud and clear to the guard that sat atop the watchtower.

“I have here the High Princess Kristin, her new husband, the Prince Consort Philza and young prince Wilbur. We have returned at the behest of the King.”

There was a moment of silence, and Phil squeezed the hand at his shoulder to ground him. And then….then there was the sound of a squeaking gate, the carriage jolting-

They were going to be arrested, Wilbur and Philza pulled out of the carriage and forced into chains and thrown into cages-

The guard was saluting as they passed underneath the overhang, and into town. Philza took a deep breath, almost sagging against the window pane. Kristin was whispering something reassuring but his focus, once cleared of panic and apprehension, soon landed on the town itself. The buildings, from what he could see as they moved up through the street, were made out of white, bleached stone, and hay-thatched roofs that looked well put together. The stones were made of new cobble, making it an easy ride as the group traveled. The citizens were well dressed and looked well fed, all of them smiling and waving as they passed. Philza hesitated before waving back, which earned him brighter smiles and more enthusiastic waves.

It seemed that the word of their arrival had taken the city by fire, as they approached the city center only to be greeted by a roaring crowd. Philza’s eyes went wide as he beheld the masses he was going to rule over, all of them waving little flags and handkerchiefs. But as soon as the crowds thickened, they thinned considerably when the palace gates came before them. The iron gates swung open without them coming to a stop, and the opening courtyard loomed before them. They drew to a stop and Phil felt any and all remaining confidence flow out of him. He made a move to open the door, but stopped when Kristin’s hand landed on his.

“Wait for Techno.” She whispered. “There’s a….protocol to this.”

Phil swallowed nervously, feeling far too out of his league and way in over his head.

“Don’t worry,” she gave him a peck on his cheek, “we’ll learn everything together.”

“Okay.”

“Papa….who’s that?” Wilbur’s question had the two adults swiveling their heads to where the young avian was pointing. Phil felt his head swim as he beheld Krisitn’s father….the King…..emerging from the front castle door.

“That ... .Wilbur….is your grandfather.”

Wilbur turned his head back to him, his little eyes wide. “My grandpa?”

“Yes and he’s going to spoil you rotten.” Kristin was beaming, although Philza was feeling far from the same. Techno’s face loomed in the window suddenly, the door opening. The piglin gave a heavy bow.

“Your Majesties.” He said. Even with his head bowed, Philza could see the sly smile on the hybrid’s face.

“Thank you, Captain.” Kristin took the hand, and slid out of the carriage. She landed softly, stepping away and allowing Wilbur to clammer out behind her. Philza hesitated a moment longer, gathering his wits and nerves before he slowly slid out of the carriage and into the sunlight.

-Kristin-

There was nothing like the rush of coming home after being away for so long. Kristin was thankful for her little respite from the duties of court, as having done so this time around led her to meeting Philza and Wilbur. But as she beheld her home, the place of her birth and the seat of her family’s power, she couldn’t help but take a deep breath, allowing the sea-heavy air fill her lungs once more. She turned to Philza, her smile bright, but dimming a bit when she beheld the look of barely restrained panic in his eyes. He held onto Wilbur’s hand tightly, his dark wings shimmering as they enveloped the boy in a protective way.

Kristin followed his gaze until they landed on her father. She took hold of Philza’s hand, and gave it a light squeeze in a silent message.

Follow my lead and you’ll be fine.

Techno took the lead in front of the little trio, his armor clattering lightly together as he led them forward. She was thankful for the Piglin hybrid, seeing him so at ease and confident fed Philza more in those few minutes. When they were at the bottom of the stairs that led up to the front of the palace, they bowed deeply. Kristin curtsied, biting down her smile when she noticed how awkward Wilbur was looking and how in awe he seemed. Once she had straightened, she let go of Philza’s hands, quickly climbing the steps and embracing her father. He gave her a strong embrace back as she inhaled the combination of pine and parchment that made up her father’s familiar smell.

“It’s good to see you back here, safe and sound, my little dove.” He whispered.

“And it’s good to be back here, papa.” She whispered back. Kristin gently pulled away. “I have so much to tell you. But first thing’s first: I want you to meet your new grandson.”

Kristin turned around, smiling softly as she beckoned her husband and son. Techno gave Philza a nudge when he remained rooted at the spot while Wilbur rushed towards her. She gently took the boy’s shoulder when he tried to hide behind her. His wings were quivering as her father examined him, kneeling down to get a better view of the lad. Kristin’s father smiled.

“Aren’t you something else.”

“Mis-er….Mama says that I’m a person now.” Wilbur whispered. The King smiled.

“Of course you are. And you’re such a handsome young man. Your father must be proud.”

Wilbur’s wings puffed up slightly. “My papa is always proud.”

“And will he come forth and speak with me about my new grandson?”

Kristin turned around, noting that Philza was still rooted where he stood, just a couple of stairs down. She held out her hand, noting with no small amount of worry that his entire body was trembling and his face was pale.

“Philza?”

The elytrian blinked. Once, twice, thrice before he stepped upward. He made it to right next to Kristin, his eyes still clouded with fear but very defiant as he took her hand and raised his eyes higher. There was a hardness to them, a look that dared retaliation at the defiance in them. Phil’s jaw was set, his wings tense against his back.

“You must be the new Prince Consort.”

Philza’s throat bobbed. His voice was hoarse, but it didn’t tremble when he said shortly, “I am…..Your Highness.”

“Well. Kristin has told me quite a lot about you.” The King straightened, puffing out his chest, but not in a haughty way. “I must admire you for all you’ve gone through, lad. And all that you’ve done to see that your boy was safe. You are very much welcomed here and I look forward to having you around.”

Phil gave a stuttered nod, his eyes never leaving the ground. Kristin had to force a smile on her face as she gave another bow, with Philza and Wilbur following.

“Captain Technoblade, please show my daughter and her family to their rooms. Get a nap, and freshen up. I would love to see you all at dinner tonight.” “It would be our honor to be there, sire.”

“Very well.” Kristin’s father gave a wave to the crowd, dismissing them without a word. Kristin pulled Phil and Wilbur through the front door of the palace, her heart growing warm as the two gazed upward with awe and wonder. Although they were both oohing and aahing, Philza looked far more overwhelmed with everything. Especially when he noticed the line of servants that bowed at them as they passed. She saddled up next to him while Wilbur ran forward to catch up with Technoblade.

“You’re doing really well.”

“I-” He cut himself off, biting on his lip anxiously. “I….Uh…I don’t think…..”

“Deep breaths. Take it one step at a time.” Kristin grabbed ahold of his hand. “I know my dad looks…..harsh but he’s a good man. Everyone loves him and he adores you and Wilbur.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“He’s my father, Philza. I know him really well.”

Philza’s lip wobbled for a second and his eyes went strangely misty. Kristin’s heart tugged at the sight.

“Take it one step at a time.”

She could see the trembling in her beloved’s wings.Technoblade led them to their room, a spare guest suite that was usually used for visiting diplomats. Kristin sighed as she threw herself onto the bed, laughing as she bounced on the soft, down stuffed mattress.

“WHOA IT’S SO BIG!” Wilbur shouted as he ran through the halls of the suites. His wings flapped as he slid to a stop, laughing loudly as he launched himself upward and fell into a bed. Philza was far from settled, his eyes trailing over the high vaulted ceilings, his wings pulling inward to cradle his shoulders.

“I’m going to get ready for supper.” Techno announced, unaware of Philza’s uneasiness. Kristin nodded, but as soon as he was gone, her attention went back to her husband. “Philza?”

His shoulders started to shake.

“THIS PLACE IS SOO COOL MAMA!” Wilbur came flying down the hallway again, tossing himself back onto the bed she was on. She laughed a little, the mood darkening as she turned her attention to PHilza. Wilbur noticed it too, his face scrunching up into a scowl. “Papa?”

“Philza? What’s wrong?”

“I….hm…..can’t breathe-” His legs collapsed underneath him..

“PAPA!”

“Phil!” Kristin rushed to his side, gently touching the man’s shoulder as he heaved a breath. He clawed at his throat, putting tears in his dress suit. His eyes were wide with panic and it was clear that he had no idea what was happening. “Phil…..Phil, can you hear me?”

She got a pathetic whine in response.

“Philza, I need you to breathe with me okay?”

She took his hand in hers, and placed it on her chest right above her heart. Krisitn took an exaggerated breath in. “Breathe in, please. Like this. Deep, steady breaths.” P

hilza took a breath. One that was shallow and stuttery. He whined, his eyes widening.

“It’s okay….” she assured quietly. Softly. Kindly. “Try again. Like this.”

It took them several tries to get it right, but eventually, Philza was slumped against her, hugging her like a lifeline. But at least he was conscious. At least he was still breathing. “Are you still with me?”

She felt him nod against her chest. Kristin smiled softly as she gestured for Wilbur to join the hug. “Papa? Are you okay?”

“Yeah….yeah, I’m fine.” There was clearly a lie in those words, but Philza gave him a smile nonetheless.

“You’re shaking.” Kristin noticed. “Lie down.”

Phil sat down on the bed. Kristin sighed. “Wilbur, why don’t you go and wash your hands? We’ll be going to dinner soon.”

Wilbur looked unsure, hesitant but one glance at his father had him nodding and darting away. Kristin sat down next to Phil, gently touching his hand. He flinched but Kristin held on firmly.

“What’s going on in your mind, honey?”

Phil kept his gaze forward, gnawing on his lip as he shifted. His lip wobbled. “I can’t believe…..that….I…”

Kristin sat quiet, waiting patiently.

“.....I’ve been a slave…..all my life. And if you told me…that I….would be here- of all places I-”

Phil sniffed. He coughed, quickly wiping away the tears that had gathered around his eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s alot.”

“I know.” Kristin gently rubbed his shoulder. “You know, we can always stay in tonight. Have dinner sent up. Make our excuses to my father-”

“No. No, I’m okay to go to dinner.”

“He’ll understand-”

“I’m okay. Really. I’ll be fine. Just gotta…..get myself pulled together.” Philza nodded to Kristin as he stood. “Is there another restroom in here or….?”

“Just in the back.” Krisitin watched as her husband left, leaving her alone with her thoughts and prayers.

-

Dinner was a very tense affair. The air could’ve been sliced with one of Techno’s precious swords and the piglin would still have trouble getting the blade through. Phil and Wilbur constantly looked towards Kirstin for help on their silverware, looking far too overwhelmed at all the forks and spoons before them. Her father was shockingly understanding and surprisingly patient. Not that she expected any difference from him, but just to see him patiently talk Wilbur through the difference between a salad fork and his dinner fork.

Philza was a different kind of overwhelmed, but he was quieter. More reserved but no less panicked in his wide eyed appearance. His wings were pulled tightly against his back, flicking out every so often. She placed a hand on his, giving him a subtle looks of reassurance as dinner continued. Dish after dish was brought out, and with each new one, Philza and WIlbur would get such wide eyed looks of amazement. Especially when their plates were placed in front of them. It was clear by the look on her father’s face that the looks of amazement weren't lost on him either. He cleared his throat after the main course was set before them.

“So. Philza.”

The man snapped to attention, his wings tensing up even further as though they were trying to disappear into his body.

“What uh…..” Her father seemed to flounder for a moment, and Krisitn realized the normal dinner time conversation topics weren’t going to go over very well. “Uh…what’s your….favorite color?”

Kristin gave the king a look that she hoped to read as, really?

Philza looked like a deer in the cross hairs of a hunter, his back rigid and body as tense as a spring.

“Uh….I’m not…really sure.”

“I KNOW MY FAVORITE COLOR!” Wilbur announced. She watched Philza as he shot his son a warning look. Whether at the volume or outburst, she was unsure. But the boy just continued, “It’s red!”

“Oh?” Her father looked a little relieved at the statement. “Why is red your favorite color?”

“I don’t know! It just speaks to me!” Wilbur’s smile was wholesome. It made Krisitn smile. Then she turned to Philza, looking forlorn, poking at his food with his fork. He hadn’t eaten a whole lot by the looks of it and it broke her heart to see how nervous he was. Nervous enough to not be eating his food.

Her eyes went to her father and WIlbur, who were surprisingly deep in a conversation about something. They were distracted though, that was all she cared about.

“Hey,” She whispered to Philza. He tensted. “How are you doing?”

HIs wings twitched. His eyebrows furrowed and there was a faint tremble in his hand. “I…”

She placed her hand on his. “If you need to go back to the rooms, we can. You don’t have to stay here.”

Philza shifted in his seat, his eyes going up to the king. He nibbled at his bottom lip. “I’m….okay. Maybe.”

“Okay.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. A silent assurance that she was there for him. Philza’s chest heaved a little. It seemed to stutter in his lungs, but he straightened up a little bit more.

“-and then the laundry lady had me redo all the clothes!” Wilbur was saying. Kirstin smiled.

“Father…..I was thinking that maybe we should enroll Wilbur in some classes. Etiquette and the like. Maybe Philza can join.”

“Ah, yes. I didn’t even think about that!” He slapped his head, looking sheepish. “I’ll get in contact with a tutor first thing after breakfast.”

“Uh-”

“Yes, Philza?”

Philza closed his mouth with a click and all the color drained out of his face. Kristin was worried he was about to pass out into his spaghetti. “Sorry…..s-sorry Sire. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re alright, Philza. You can ask whatever question you want.”

“That’s right.” Her father added a little too enthusiastically. Philza hesitated for a moment, pushing his food around with his fork as though that would give him courage.

“What…uhm….I can’t….afford a tutor….”

“Philza-”

“Don’t worry about payment.” The King waved off his concern. “I am the king, and you’re the Crown Prince. I think that it’s important that you and your son have the education you need in case, gods forbid, something happens to me. I’m sure that Kristin will be more than happy to help you two out.”

‘That’s right.”

“And, if you’re up to it, I’d like you to take you on my rounds. Show you how to take the reins.” Kristin hoped her face was telling enough. It was, seeing how he quickly added, “At least if you’re okay with that…..and after you get through a chunk of your lessons.”

“Excuse me, Mister Grandpa King.” Wilbur spoke timidly. “But…papa and I can’t rea-”

“Wilbur. Be quiet.”

“Oh…that’s right. Well, we can easily remedy that too. I’ve got some of the best tutors that can help.” A thought struck him. “I just realized…..you two probably need a therapis-”

“Dad.” It was very clear that Philza was looking overwhelmed. His eyes were wide and his face paler than she ever saw it. He shook so visibly that Kristin had the call for a medic on the tip of her tongue.

“I….may need to…uhm-”

Kristin caught him as his legs crumbled beneath him. Wilbur cried out, rushing to his father’s side. “Phil?”

“Papa?”

“‘M okay.” There was a stuttering breath from the man, his hands shaking as he brought it up to his head. “Just….need a moment.”

“I’m sorry…..did I overwhelm you?”

“Yeah. A little.”

Kristin sputtered out a cough of shock at the snarky reply. But she pushed through it to help her husband. “I think we need to shelve this conversation when we’re all a little more ... .settled.”

“Oh. Right. I’ll uh….I’ll have some dessert sent up?”

Kristin’s face was starting to hurt from all the looks she was giving her father. He gave an embarrassed chuckle.

“Silly of me to suggest that. You two have a good night.”

“Thanks dad. Have a good night as well.” Kristin helped Philza to his feet, the man trying to give an awkward half aborted bow before stumbling after her. Wilbur followed, saying his little goodbye with a flap of his wings.

The three headed back to their room. Kristin sat Philza on their bed before tucking WIlbur in after he got dressed in his pajamas. It didn’t take long before the boy drifted off. Nor did it take Philza too long either. By the time she returned to her section of the apartments, Philza was fast asleep. At some point he had thrown off his jacket and collapsed on top of the covers. Kristin kissed his cheek as she snuggled up against him. Philza turned over and held her.

It was the best feeling in the world. She smiled to herself, snuggling up close to her husband. The ceiling of her room has a familiar umbrella over her. Kristin was still smiling when she fell asleep.

 -Leonard-

The tension at the breakfast table was thick, as it had been for the past several days. Leonard glanced over at his daughter, gently chiding Wilbur for his slightly messy self. He smiled, noting how happy she was. She practically glowed with motherhood as she firmly, but gently, wiped away some of the syrup that was slathered over his face and hands. Then his eyes turned to Philza. The man was much more relaxed compared to how he was when they first arrived days prior, but he was still pretty tense. It seemed his training had kicked in, the thought turning the King’s stomach as he watched as Philza’s gaze seemed to drop automatically to his plate whenever his gaze turned that way. His wings tensed, covering his shoulders almost like a security blanket.

There was a timidity to the winged man. But Leonard had hoped to find time to spend with him, to see the potential Kristin wrote about.

“So.” His voice carried away all other conversation, with all eyes turning to him. He patiently spooned another helping of flapjacks onto his plate. “What are everyone's plans for today?”

“OH OH!” Wilbur raised his hand. HIs little wings flared out and slightly poofy with excitement. “I’m gonna go and have my lessons today! I’m gonna learn cursive and how to write a letter and how to read a map and how to walk like a prince!”

“But you are a prince, WIlbur.”

“I know! But I’ll be a proper prince after these classes!” Leonard chuckled. He turned to the Elytiran. “What about you Philza? How are your lessons going?”

The man’s shoulders hunched further upward. “F-fine, si-sire. Th-hank you fo-r as-sking.”

Kristin’s face twisted in sympathy at the same time Leonard felt his heart squeeze.

“Philza…..” Kristin touched the man’s hands, causing him to flinch minutely. “You’re alright here. This is my father. He hasn’t done or said anything that would cause you or Wilbur pain.”

“Mama is right papa! Grandpa is amazing!” Wilbur threw himself off his chair and all but toddled towards Leonard. He quickly scooped the boy up, laughing as those scrawny, small arms threw themselves around his neck.

“You’re the best grandpa in the whole world!”

“Aww aren’t you sweet!” Leonard smiled upward, but Philza’s face was far from the happy expression supported by Krisitin. “Philza?”

The man stiffened even further, if that was possible. “Good, m-my Lord. Th-they’re go-going goo-good. Tha-nk you f-f-or yo-your generosity.”

“You’re more than welcome, my friend. Anything for the family.”

Kristin was giving him a look, so he toned down his smile just a bit. “I was wondering….Philza….if you could make some time between your lessons to join me on a walk.” “Si-sire?” “I would like to get to know you a little better. Talk with you about a few of the duties I wish for you to take upon.” If it was possible, Philza went even paler. Shit. Leonard cleared his throat, the rest of the meal continued in silence. When it was concluded, the king took his leave, heading to his council chambers to begin discussions of war. It was the start of a long and arduous day, where there was nothing good discussed. Only war, high possilbity of death and taxes. He rubbed his forehead as he leaned back in his chair, giving his aching back a respite from being hunched over for several long hours. How Philza managed it with those wings of his….. Leonard glanced out his window, watching as the sun danced across the glass. Oh how he wished he was out and about in the warm sun, instead of in the dusty, damp hall of his study. HIs eyes lingered on the rough draft of the proclamation of war. A document he was hesitating to finish and sign. With one little stroke of his pen, one flourish of his signature, he will condemn hundreds of men to their death. He knows that many would go willingly. Many would see the justness in the conflict, their kingdom having been founded on the basis that all were free. The cries for war had steadily grown on both sides, but more so in his kingdom. There were many of his population that were former slaves, those who were once sold and used like property. One of them now lived within the walls of the castle and was married to his daughter. Another one was his new grandson, and prince. Leonard had read all the documents and letters that Kristin and Captain Technoblade had sent. He had taken Technoblade’s concerns to heart but couldn’t see Philza or Wilbur as those who would sabotage anything. Philza was certainly broken enough not to do anything like that. He sighed, his eyes turning to the document on his desk. He cleared his throat and stood. Leonard would go get some air. “I’m going on a walk,” He announced to the guards who stood at his door. They snapped to attention when he walked by, but their swords relaxed at his announcement. “I wish to have company. Someone please fetch my daughter’s husband and ask him to meet me in the gardens.” “Yes, sire.” The guard to his left scurried off. Leonard made his way through the castle and to his private gardens. His shoulders relaxed as he took in the heavenly scent of the flowers partially in bloom. He sat down next to the small creek that sat in the middle of the garden, right in a shaft of light that fought through the leaves of the canopy. Here he was no king, he was just Leonard, father to a wayward girl and a deceased wife. Footsteps behind him announced the approach of the company long before the guard’s could.

“Sire, the Prince Consort, Philza.”

“Thank you, my lad. You are dismissed.” Leonard turned in his seat. The winged man looked pale in the sunlight, heavy bags under his eyes. “Philza! Please come take a seat.”

There was a moment of hesitation, until Philza took a step forward. He bent down, like he was about to fall to his knees, but a quick correction from the king had him sitting on the bench next to him. There was a ruffling of feathers, as the man’s wings were pulled inward. Leonard smiled.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes, sire.”

Leonard waved off the title, not missing the flinch that Philza barely suppressed. He awkwardly cleared his throat. “I am simply Leonard here. Tender of the garden and guardian of memories.”

“Me-meories?”

“Of my late wife. Did Kristin tell you about her?” There was a shake of Philza’s head. Leonard smiled softly. “I didn’t expect her to. She was so young when my dearest passed. Sickness of the lungs took her. She loved this place. When I came to the throne, she helped me build this place from the ground up. Carved our own little place where we could just be husband and wife, away from all the stresses of the Crown.”

His gaze was fixed on the pond, but his attention was held by the past. The sound of laughter pulled at him, mingling with the little windchimes that danced somewhere in the distance.

“That will be what you and Kristin will have to shoulder once I’m gone. But when I’m gone and you feel the pressures of the Crown on your head growing, you can always take it off and come here.” He took a breath, chuckling a little when he glanced over and saw the look of confusion on his son-in-law’s face. “Ah but you’ll have to forgive me. I’ve been feeling far too introspective recently. It comes and goes when you’re my age. You must tell me how your lessons faire”

“They….” Philza looked shocked by the change in conversation but managed to recover himself well enough. “Very well, Si- er……Leonard.”

“Good. Your tutor tells me you've taken an interest in architecture?”

“Yes.” Philza hesitated again. Leonard waited patiently, noting that it looked like Philza wanted to say something else. “I ... .I've been reading up. On the history of your kingdom. Or architectural history. There are some words that ... .whose meaning…escapes me, right now. But it’s fascinating.”

“Ahh, well I’m glad you’ve found a hobby. I myself wasn't too keen on architecture. Mostly focused my attention on gardening and sculpting. Maybe you’ll build something grand.”

“Oh….uh, I wouldn't presume.”

“Nonesene. You’re the Prince Consort now. A man of truly noble blood, more noble than the most noblemen in my court.”

Philza sputtered. “No, no I’m not I swear! I wouldn’t-”

Leonard raised his hand. “Peace, please. I meant…..not what you assume I meant.”

There was a lull in the conversation, punctuated by the stuttered breathing of Philza as he tried to subdue his panic. Leonard’s eyes went to his throat, where, just below the tied cravat, sat the scarring of a collar that was once wrapped around his throat. A collar that designated the man as a piece of property, with no thoughts, actions or words of his own.

“Philza….I’m sorry for what you and your son had to go through.”

While that wasn’t what he wanted to say, he knew that it would be rude to ask what kind of work he was forced to do as a slave. But it knocked at his mind, a psyche and wouldn’t let him sleep. Wilbur would stare up at him during breakfast or wave at him and greet him in the hallway on his way to his lessons, and his heart would squeeze at the thought of that little boy being abused.

“Your son is such a sweet boy.”

“Wilbur saved me.” Philza whispered. “He gave me hope that we could get out of there, that we could actually escape. I never….thought….never thought that I would actually…..be….uhm.”

Philza lapsed into a silence, a tense and thick silence as he lowered his head. But Leonard saw the tears shining in those eyes. Saw the lip wobbling in a way that tugged at his heart. THe man looked to be contemplating something.

“Philza, you don’t have to-”

“They….kept me in a cage, most of the time.” Philza said without warning. “Most of the masters. They kept me in a cage, in their palace or mansion. Sometimes, they locked me away in the dungeons or some other dark place. To torture me or just to laugh at me. I don’t know. Those were the times that I wished I’d died the most. I would pray with all my heart for a guard to get a little too rough or maybe someone to forget to bring me food. I would feel my soul withering away.”

“Philza-”

“I never felt like I had a chance of living free until I was given Wilbur. One of the stupidest mistakes of the masters. He was something that I fought to protect, vehemently. When I heard talk of him being sold to some creep….I just couldn’t….I would’ve died before I let them take him.”

“Who was your master when you escaped?”

 -Philza-

Philza didn’t want to speak that bastard’s name.

Didn’t want to even think about him. He was the absolute worst master that Philza had the displeasure of being sold to. And Philza had suffered at the hands of many bad owners, those who were too high off their own importance to realize how pathetic they really were. But the last master was a real piece of work. He had dreams that helped him cope with the torment and the torture and the suffering. Dreams that he ached to act on if only because he feared what would become of Wilbur.

Dreams that had him sneaking a bit of poisonous plants in his dinner. Or maybe letting in a venomous snake or critter. Maybe, in the darkest dreams he held close to his heart, he imagined taking a knife from the kitchen, and plunging it into the man’s back. They were right to give him Wilbur, for while it made him fight harder for their freedom, it also stopped him from doing something that would get him strung up on the rafters as an example.

HIs stomach clenched dangerously, filled to the brim with the richest food he had ever eaten. He tried to be careful at meal times but the fact that he had access to such lovely food….it was hard to resist. His eyes wandered around the room that the king- his father in law- had allowed them to stay in while their proper rooms were being prepared. According to Krisitn they were almost done. It was almost nerve wrecking, though Philza had to chuckle at the thought of being nervous about moving into a new room. These were twice the size of the room he slept in at the estate, and a dozen times the size of his slave quarters.

…..he wondered what would happen to the place that he and WIlbur slept in. He wondered why he even cared. Maybe he had some fond memories, as few and far between as they were. Those long nights holding Wilbur close to him while he himself stared up at his beloved sky. Those times were special, when he could forget they were property, and just imagine they were free and poor. But free.

And happy.

Wilbur was so happy here. Philza was too. They are both respected here, treated with kindness. They……they were people here. With status and power and money.

Philza smiled softly to himself as he fiddled with the bed covers. He stretched as far as he could without waking Kirstin up. The sun was up but the sky was heavily overcast, the threat of rain hanging in the air. Phil always loved the rain, the sound that it made on the roof. And with the added roll of thunder, and a slight chill in the air, Phil could stay in bed cuddling with his wife all day. But his day was booked until sunset.

He was going to help his father-in-law out with preparations for the upcoming ball, learning the ropes of ruling so he could be useful for Kristin when she eventually took the throne. After his morning lessons, he would be with the King in the throne room, greeting all those important diplomats and ambassadors. He would greet them, show them that he was the new Prince Consort. Then later, at the ball, they will all acknowledge the three of them as Heir and next in line for the throne. It would be a lot but Phil could handle it.

He could. He had to.

To show his father-in-law he was capable.

Because he will be ruling with Kristin eventually. Side by side, taking control of a kingdom that spanned miles and held millions of citizens.

Oh boy he might’ve been way over his head here.

He shifted again. This time, Krisitn hummed in her sleep, snuggling close to him. Her face twisted into a scowl. “You’re so cold.” She muttered.

“I’m an avian.” He muttered. “Comes with the territory.”

“We’re going to have to make sure our rooms have a lot of big fireplaces.”

He felt her feet brush up against his. She winced.

“What?”

“I’m gonna make you some thick woolen socks to wear to bed. Your feet are so cold.”

Phil chuckled, pulling his wife in closer. He was staring into her face a she woke up, her beautiful eyes heavy with sleep as she met his own. She smiled. “What are you smiling about?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Am I smiling?”

“Like an idiot.” She placed a kiss on his lips. “But you’re my idiot.”

“Oh, you’re such a lovely wife. Always gifting me with such lovely words and compliments.”

“Hmmm.” She snuggled closer. They both perked up when they heard the door to the adjoining room open up and the little pitter patter of tiny feet entered the room. Kristin sat up, the smile on her face brightening up. “Oh hey there Wilbur.’

“‘S so cold.” he muttered sleepily. His wings were droopy as he climbed into bed with the two of them, fitting right between them.

“I know you’re still sleepy, Wilbur,” Kristin whispered as she stroked his fluffy bedhead. “But we’ve gotta get up. You and your papa need to get to your lessons.”

Wilbur’s face scrunched up. “But I’m warrmmm.”

He burrowed his way underneath the blankets further, trying to get further away from the cold air. Philza would be included to agree with him, but he was excited for his lessons today. “We’ll get us some breakfast brought up and we’re gonna get some cocoa.”

“Hmmmmm.”

Kristin gave him a look and Phil only shrugged. “He’s never been a morning person.”

“Oh really?” Kristin chuckled. She kissed him on his nose before leaving the warmth of the bed. Philza pouted at the loss of the extra warmth, before sighing as he decided she was right. He kissed Wilbur’s forehead before following his wife. He allowed her to wash up first, so while he waited he got WIlbur up. The boy was very sluggish, much like how he was feeling. But the sooner they got moving the sooner they would be warm.

“You’re up,” Kristin announced as she left the bathroom, clean and dressed in her warmest clothes. “And it’s my turn to get him going.”

Phil nodded. He quickly washed, before dressing in his warmest robes. The material was soft on his skin, softer and finer than anything in his life.

It still was hard for him to realize how far they had come. He swallowed down his tears.

By the time he had exited the bathroom, Kristin had somehow gotten Wilbur dressed and was already starting to eat. She smiled.

“Maid brought the food while you were in the bathroom. Flapjacks and syrup and bacon and hot chocolate!”

“Look papa! Hot chocolate for breakfast!”

“I see!” Phil smiled as he took a mug from Krisitn with a thankful smile. He pulled up a plate, shoveling as much food as he could. His stomach tightened so he didn’t go in for seconds. It helped that when he looked up, he realized the time. He was going to be late if he waited any longer. He needed to go.

“Wilbur, be good.” He kissed his son’s forehead one more time, gave Kristin a deep kiss (much to Wilbur’s playful disgust) and left. Technoblade was waiting for him outside the door. “Prime Above in Heaven!”

“Nah, just me.” Philza gave the man a dead panned look. “Har har. What are you doing here/?’

“Well, the King figured that with all the important people headed this way, it might be a good idea to make sure that the Prince Consort and Co. are protected.” Phil continued to give him a blank look. Techno sighed. “Twenty-four-seven armed guards when you’re out and about. There’s gonna be a constant watch on all of you.”

“Oh.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve hand picked all the people who’s going to be watching. I trust them. All of them.” “It’s….It wasn’t that.” Phil walked down the hallway with Technoblade keeping stride. Hard to believe that they both started off wary of each other. He took a breath. He could feel something shifting in him, a little break in his soul as he continued to look back on his life and what it was. Standing on that precipice of greatness that he never thought he would achieve. It was all…. Nearly too much. “It’s just…” “Overwhelming. Too much. Alot.” “Yeah.” Phil stumbled a little bit as he awkwardly bowed to a couple of maids who did the same. He chuckled with uncertainty as he moved on. “Was it the same? For you I mean?” “I guess. But transitioning from slaves to captain of the guard is a lot different than slave to Prince Consort.” “Yeah, it’s a lot different.” They stopped outside the classroom that Phil met his tutor in. “Guess this is me.” “Great. I’ll be out here.” He leaned against the wall. Philza nodded with a smile. He took a deep breath before he entered the room. He didn’t know why he was always nervous with the lessons, but they were rather interesting. The elytrain advanced a little more in his reading, finally getting to the architect books that had drawn his eye the first day here. Back then, all he could do was ogle at the drawings and the beautiful script that sat beside the drawings. He couldn’t understand what they were saying, but thanks to his tutor, he knew. The drawings were that of an ocean temple. It was a nearly impossible thing to do, the tutor mentioned while he was reading off the descriptions. “One would have to drain several dozen leagues just to build the base of this thing.” He said with a sniff. Phil gave him a hopeful look. “But I assume that with the right dedication, one could accomplish it.” Phil made the mental note that that was how he would be remembered. He’d have to learn as much as he could before he did it, but he would do it. The rest of the lesson was spent with him being distracted but he pushed through it until mid morning when he was dismissed. The tutor bowed deeply, making Phil blush, but he bowed back and met Techno at the door. The piglin handed him a sandwich that some servant had delivered while he was working. “I’d recommend you eat on your way to the throne room.” Techno suggested as he moved. Phil scrambled to catch up with him. “We’re running a bit late.”

“Oh…I didn’t think I ran that long?”

“You didn’t but the dignitaries are starting to arrive. And it’s good to not diplomacy to keep people waiting.”

“Right.” Philza felt himself walk just a little bit faster. They arrived at the throne room doors pretty soon, Philza’s eyes landing on the eagle embossed on the heavy wooden doors. The guards stationed at either side of the door glanced at them.

“The Prince Consort is here for his meeting with the King.”

Philza gave an awkward smile. The guards didn’t say anything, only nodded and opened the door. They swung open and Philza nearly turned around and headed back to his room.

The throne room was ginormous, the ceiling stretching high above his head. It was very much like a cathedral, but….so much more grander. He couldn’t help but gawk at the bright and colorful tapestries, the stained glass windows and beautiful wood that made up the interior of the most important place of the palace. He walked forward, his legs suddenly wobbly as he approached the throne where Kristin’s father was. He wasn’t sitting on the throne, but rather standing right in front of it, speaking with someone whom Phil thinks was his advisor. She was a petite woman dressed in a nice light pink dress. Her brown hair was done up in an intricate hairdo that looked like it was defying the laws of gravity.

The king turned, the conversation halting as he realized that Phil was there.

He bowed deeply, raising to see a huge smile on the King’s face.

“Philza, it’s good to see you.” King Leonard gestured to the woman. “This is my advisor, Tina Katezen.”

“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness.”

“Oh….please, call me Philza. Everyone does.”

“Tina here helps me keep everything straight schedule wise. Which reminds me.” Turned to her. “How many dignitaries have arrived.”

Tina scanned the paper. “Uhhh, looks like all but a handful. They’re waiting for you now.”

“Excellent.” King Leonard clapped his hands together. “Now, Philza, I’m going to give you a brief rundown on what we’re going to be doing for the next several hours.”

“Uuhhh,” He glanced over at Techno. The piglin just shrugged and moved so that he was standing behind one of the smaller thrones. “Don’t worry, it’s not as exciting as I’m trying to make it sound.”

Philza was directed to the thrones, the king sitting in the large one and him being directed to sit in the slightly smaller one off to the side. “This is where we’ll have the ball in a couple of days. We’ll have Kristin and Wilbur here for that.”

“It’s….beautiful.”

“It is, isn’t it? Are you into architect?”

“Yes sire, I am.”

“Oh please, call me Leonard. At least when we’re in private. We’re family now.”

“Right.”

“Now.” Philza almost balked at the smile the man gave him, “Let’s greet these self-important pricks so we can all get on with our lives.”

-

By the thirtieth representative, diplomat, dignitary, and ambassador, Philza was ready to pull his hair out. There was a lot of smiling and grinning and ‘thank you for coming all this way’. Philza didn’t have a clue as to where half of these people were coming from, the names of the countries went right over his head. When he was able to, King Leonard would lean over and whisper a very brief synopsis about this kingdom or that country. Not enough for him to get a full picture, but enough for him to not look like an idiot and cause an international incident.

Everything was going great. They were almost done with the line of dignitaries.

“Introducing His Lordship, Tyrion Malcom.”

Philza felt his breath leave him at the name. No….no he couldn’t-

“Your Royal Highness!”

It was him. Philza startled to tremble as the man dressed in finery that was far too tacky. He sauntered forward with a lot of swagger that had too much effort put into it. Philza glanced over at King Leonard, his face dark. Keep your cool, Philza. Just…act like you don’t know him.

“Lord Malcom. What are you doing here? Last I checked, your estate was located in territory that’s currently on the edge of war with mine. And yet you have the audacity to show up here in my throne room?!”

“We’re not at war yet, so I thought I’d do my due diligence., Your Highness.” Those eyes went to Philza and he had to fight to keep his breathing even. He had to fight the urge to scurry, to lower his eyes, to cower. He didn’t want to anymore. He wanted to stand his ground.

He’s a Prince now. Royalty. Lord Malcom bowed to him.

But oh he wanted to cower so badly.

“So this is the new Prince Consort.” Lord Malcom’s eyes traveled up and down his body, much like when he was at the auction. “Gotta say, I’m not really impressed.”

“You will show the Prince Consort respect.” Technoblade growled from behind the throne.

“Or what, piggy?”

The growl that Techno released had his feathers standing on edge.

“Captain. Stand down.”

“Listen to your master, little piggy.”

“Lord Malcom. You are a guest in my home, and I request that you respect my son in law and my captain of the guard.”

“Very. Well.” Lord Malcom gave Philza once over, intense and slimy. He had to bite down on a tremble that wanted to snake its way through his body. “My Prince. I look forward to seeing more of you.”

The man bowed, stalking out of the throne room. PHilza barely restrained himself long enough for the doors to be closed and the King to order no one else to enter. When those words were processed, Philza stumbled forward, his breath catching in his throat. He felt a hand grab his shoulder but he shrugged it off, the touch like fire.

He heard his name being called. All he heard was the thrumming of his heart and the words of Lord Malcom.

You are so precious Birdie. We love to hear you sing.

You messed up, Birdie so now you’re going to be punished.

What did we say about sleepwalking? I hope you know everything you’ve done will be punished.

I’ll hurt that brat of yours if you don’t do as I say. Or would you rather take his punishment?

Someone touched his shoulder and he felt himself bristling. He hissed, slashing his claws out.

“WOAH! Easy there Philza-”

He hissed.

“Phil……Phil, it’s me, Techno. You’re safe.

” Philza pulled in a shaky breath. His claws dug into the armrest of his throne as he tried to return to the present. His heart beat in his chest like a running horse. He trembled as he turned his eyes up to Technoblade. “Philza?”

“EVERYONE OUT! NOW!”

He winced at the shout, pushing himself into Techno’s chest. The piglin tensed, hesitating for a moment before wrapping his arms around him. Philza felt shame build in him as he started to weep into Techno’s chest, dampening the fine fabric of his shirt.

“What happened? What’s wrong….?”

“It’s him.” He rasped out in between sobs.

“It’s him….he’s here…”

“What? Who’s here….” Techno went quiet. “Oh.”

“What?”

“Lord Tyrion Malcolm…..”

“What about him…..” The same realization seemed to dawn on the King too.

“He’s my former master.”

-Kristin-

“How the hell is he not in chains!?”

“Because of diplomatic reasons-”

Kristin slammed her hands into the table. “To hell with ‘diplomatic reasons’! My husband and son- your heirs by the way- are at risk with that asshole who used to enslave them walking around!”

“Kristin-”

“Stop. Just-” She took a breath, trying to pull her anger back in. She glanced over at the two frightened hybrids who sat in the corner. Philza hadn’t said a word since the meeting with the diplomats. He had returned to that state that he was found in, all those months back in the barn on her country estate. Quiet, on edge. He held his son close to him, not letting him leave his sight for anything. Kristin could tell that Philza’s sudden change in mood was also upsetting Wilbur. They both kept quiet as the scene in front of them played out.

“We need to arrest him.” She stated. It was clear that she wanted this to be over. Not for her sake, but for her husband and son. And for all of those slaves that he had sold or killed like they were nothing. “Now.”

Her father sighed. “We need to be cautious how we go about this.”

“Why?!”

“Because if we do this wrong, we’ll wind up with a war that we’re not ready for.”

Her father shifted, placing a hand on his forehead and rubbing it down his face.

“I’m not going to wait.” Kristin pointed to her husband, who had his wings tensed up and shielding him and Wilbur. “My family is in danger.”

“You should listen to your father.”

Kristin whirled around, her eyes wide.

“Phil-”

“He’s right. No point in going into a war half cocked.” He pulled his son closer. Wilbur looked up at his father with those wide brown eyes that seemed to shine with unshed tears. There was fear in them, fear that Kristin hoped never to see again.

“We’ll keep you under guard. Twenty-four seven.” Kristin stated with finality. “Your lessons are going to be held in your rooms and no one enters without permission.”

“I don’t want-” Philza bit off his statement with a wince.

“What?”

“I don’t want to be kept in my room.” Phil whispered. “It’s….too much like-

” When his lips wobbled, Wilbur pushed himself deeper into his father’s chest. “We’ll be okay papa. Mama is just trying to keep us safe from the bad man.”

“I know….I know…..” The room entered a state of awkward silence, where the only sound was Philza’s sniffling.

“We keep the round the clock guard.” Techno stated. “He doesn't go anywhere by himself. And neither does Wilbur. They move around with a strict schedule that no one has access to except us. We keep an eye on Tyrion Malcolm and if he steps a toenail over the line, we arrest him. Sounds good to everyone?”

“I wish we could arrest him now and beat the shit out of him, but yeah. I guess that works for me.”

“Good.” Techno stood, giving a quick bow to the king before dismissing himself. Her father left soon after, making a point to tell Kristin to keep herself safe. Then it was just her, Philza and Wilbur. She sat beside him, gently placing a hand on his knee.

“Everything is going to be okay.”

“I want to believe that.” Philza’s arms tightened around Wilbur. “But it seems that no matter how far I run, I can’t get far enough away.”

“You’re safe here. Okay? You’re protected and safe and we’re going to figure this out.”

“Okay.” Something about the way that Philza spoke, the tensense in his shoulders made Krisitn uneasy. And the way that he smiled, and how it didn’t reach his eyes, made something in her stir. “I think we should head to bed.”

“But it’s ….barey evening?”

“I know but we’ve had a busy day.” He handed Wilbur to her, then left to go get ready for bed.

“Papa’s scared.”

“I know he is.”

“I’m scared too. But I know you’re going to keep us safe.”

“I’ll certainly try, Wilbur. I’ll try.”

She’ll try her damndest to keep her family safe.

-

The ball approaching left her feeling more than a little uneasy. She saw Lord Malcolm throughout the palace on several occasions, and each time she spotted him, her face would twist up into a scowl. He would, in turn, give her a blood boiling smirk. His eyes then would slide over to Philza and that smirk would deepen. She wished him death a thousand times in a day alone, but she knew she couldn’t touch him without cause.

She sighed as she tried to focus on the task at hand.

Seating arrangements.

Kristin sighed. This was one of the most tedious situations that her father had to put her on. She just knew it was a punishment for her speaking out and arguing with him, but she couldn’t help the feeling that something was going to happen. Something bad.

She forced herself to focus.

It took about four hours for her to grow short with the arrangements. When she realized she was throwing darts at the names that she realized that it was time to take a break. So she took to the hallways to clear her head.

Only to have Technoblade turn a corner and grab her.

“Techno?”

“Wilbur and Philza are missing.” She felt herself freeze. “What?!”

He pulled her forward, rushing down the hallway as fast as they could. “We know who probably has them. I have my guards scouring the castle-”

“I assume you have everything on lockdown?”

“You should know me by now.” Techno snarked. “The guards are keeping an eye out on all the entrances and exits, and all of the diplomats are accounted for in their rooms. And yes, they’re confined to their rooms until further notice.”

Kristin clicked her teeth shut. SHe knew the other diplomats weren't responsible. She knew automatically who was though.

“Where’s Lord Malcolm?”

“As of right now….unaccounted for.”

“We need to find him. He has Philza and WIlbur.”

“Right….and we’re trying our best.”

“You’re not trying hard enough-” She stopped, her ears straining and her mine whirling with all sorts of plans. She didn’t want to listen to the thoughts that said that they were gone forever, that Philza and WIlbur were once again stolen away, chained and whipped. She couldn’t listen to those thoughts, because she would lose herself to those thoughts, panic.

Panic wasn’t something they could afford right now.

A thought came to her. “They haven’t been seen have they?”

“No….?” Technoblade sounded unsure, until- “The catacombs.”

“The Catacombs.”

“I’ll go round everyone up.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, Kristin-”

“He’s my husband and son.” Kristin pulled the hybrid down by his collar. “I’ll be damned if I’m not going to help them.”

Technoblade hesitated, like he was thinking through what he was going to say. But finally he whispered, “Okay.”

Kristin let go of his collar and allowed him to jog away. She followed closed behind after she caught her breath. She couldn’t panic. Phil and Wilbur needed her.

She followed Technoblade and a handful of soldiers down into the entrance of the catacombs, where they followed the winding path of the water. They were halfway from the palace when they all heard the shouts of WIlbur echoing off the walls. Kristin felt like her heart stopped and her world crumbling around her. She ran forward as fast as her legs could take her, stopping short when she saw them.

Wilbur was bound, but yelling at Lord Malcolm and his cronies as they held him at knifepoint. Philza was still nowhere to be seen, but Kristin felt that he was in the bottom of the boat that carried them further away from her. She screamed as Lord Malcolm backhanded her son so hard he almost went flying out of the boat. SHe launched herself forward, almost flying herself, until she landed in front of Lord Malcolm. It was a miracle that she managed to do that, a feat that she would never be able to repeat again in her life.

But her mind on protecting her husband and son. Without thinking, she stabbed her sword through the man’s heart. He didn’t get a chance to say anything, his eyes wide as he gurgled blood.

“This is for Philza, Wilbur and everyone you’ve ever hurt.”

He slumped down to the ground. Dead before he hit the floor.

She sighed as she turned around, pulling Wilbur into a hug. Philza was lying on the floor, as she suspected. There was blood on the side of his head, which she worried about immensely.

“Techno! We need a medic!”

“MAMA!” Wilbur wailed. He struggled against his binds but when a guard sliced through the ropes, he threw himself at her. She hugged him tight.

“It’s okay baby….I’m here.” She pulled back, and knelt next to Philza. Her eyes went up the medic. “Well?”

“He’s going to be okay. Going to have one nasty headache, but he’ll live.” He went to directing the other guards to take Philza to the medical ward. Kristin spat on Lord Malcolm’s body, and watched with Wilbur in her arms as they arrested his cronies and led them away. She placed a kiss on her son’s head.

“Let’s go.”

X

Lord Malcolm had jumped the two avians in the hallway while they were on their way back from a meeting with the king. Kristin brought up the issue to her father in front of all the diplomats and representatives that had gathered and there was appalling gasps throughout the room. Many had agreed to help with the war effort, since they knew Lord Malcolm’s eldest would take over his throne and go to war against Kristin’s kingdom. Philza was quick to recover and be the first one to volunteer for the army. Kristin forbad it but her father thought it would be a good idea. That last night with her husband, Kristin gave him her favirote piece of jewelry. A Wither Rose stuck in amber.

“It’s for protection.” Philza took her hand and kissed her knuckle gently.

“You’ll watch Wilbur for me?”

“I will.” She took a breath. “Don’t be a hero?”

“I would never even dare.” The way he said that with a cheeky smile had her lightly slapping him on the shoulder.

While she was listening to him sleeping, Kristin couldn’t help but feel that their adventures were just beginning.