Chapter 28

"I am your guard Clara not someone you can boss around. I know you are already hiding something from me," Xander was annoyed already with Clara.

"I am not meaning to boss you around but I had to work up the energy to go down there. I wanted to make sure I wasn't doing it for nothing. I know you are my guard and I understand I can't hide stuff from you but if it's not something you can really be told," Clara scratched her head a bit.

"There is one way to make sure he won't tell anyone," Avery shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know how true this is but if you make a fairy swear to do something they have to."

"Yes that's true. Clara, I swear to protect you and in doing so not reveal anything to anyone else without your permission. To break this swear would mean my guard position. I listen to you first as I am your guard," Xander did a bow thing.

"Well that seemed way too serious. Fine fine let's go," Clara followed behind Xander. He led the way but it wasn't very far, maybe five doors down and Clara could hear the yelling from the hallway. "Oh this seems like a great time," Clara rolled her eyes. The guard at their door moved aside.

Clara opened the door with Xander and Avery following closely behind. The room went silent and Xander positioned himself right next to Clara. "What now Clara? Haven't caused enough problems?" Shoven was rubbing his head.

"So that's what all the yelling is over. Told you, you messed up this time. You should probably tell Lillian. It's bad to start on the wrong foot but you know that don't you?" Clara walked into the room further.

"I don't have to tell her anything and you brought him in here so how is that going to help?" Shoven moved his hands motioning to Xander.

"He won't say anything unless I tell him to. He swore to it so you can trust him," Clara looked at how the room was actually divided. Some over with Brento including Jackson. It was almost even.

"Well that's at least good," Shoven rolled his eyes slightly. "Besides that all you've caused it trouble Clara. You do whatever you want and that doesn't work in this society."

"What do you mean it doesn't work in this society? You really want to micromanage your people so badly? I will do what I want as long as it's not against the laws and if I remember correctly what I did wasn't wrong," Clara tapped her chin to imitate the whole idea that she was thinking.

"Just because it wasn't against the law doesn't mean you should do it," Shoven threw his hands up.

"Look I made the right decision and I'm sorry that you decided to make the wrong, but that gives you no right to be mad at me. I did what was best for myself and for other humans. Imagine what we could learn from the fairies and what they can learn from us," Clara laughed for a second though. She just had a realization. "Councilman Shoven, do you think humans are superior to the fairies? Honest question."

"What? No! How dare you ask that," Shoven yelled. Clara laughed after and looked to the empath in the council.

"Was he lying Councilman? Sorry I don't happen to know your name," Clara already knew the answer to that though. She read a psychology book, well actually two and had she actually been wrong he shouldn't have expressed so much anger.

"It's Peirce and he was..." Peirce looked away awkwardly before back at Clara. "He had all the emotions that are presented when anyone lies."

"Thank you Councilman Peirce," Clara gave him a nod before turning to Shoven. "So how dare I what? Ask a question or be right?"

"This is crazy Councilman Peirce you can't possibly think this. Why would I lie?" Shoven turned to his fellow council member but he was no longer on Shoven's side.

"I don't know why Councilman Shoven, but clearly it was a mistake to allow you onto the council. We cannot think of ourselves as a superior species," Peirce looked over at Clara and gave a nod. "I think you becoming a princess is great and we will discuss the issue at hand with Lady Lillian. I am sorry you haven't been able to act like a kid and can soon. You are fourteen now are you not?"

"Not yet, a few weeks from today," Clara smiled. "See you at dinner if that's all then? I'd like to spend more time with my family."

"Yes but we will have to discuss what's going to happen with your adoptive family okay?" Peirce wasn't smiling this time as it was a hard situation.

"Yes I understand that," Clara gave a small wave before turning and walking out. Xander and Avery followed behind. Clara shook her hands once out and sighed. "I gotta stop doing that but they were doing the wrong thing."

"You probably should stop doing that," Avery agreed walking up next to her. He put his arm around her shoulders and kind of side hugged her, "but you wouldn't be you if you let them do the wrong thing."

"I guess you are right. Have you met my adoptive family besides my mom being in for a few minutes?" Clara smiled and Avery shook his head no. "Come on then. I want you to meet them."

"I would love to," Avery smiled as well. Clara knew now where her room was so she'd use the connecting door.

They got to her room and she knocked on the door which was basically invisible before she opened it. "Hey mom and dad, I have someone I want you to officially meet." Clara walked in with Avery trailing and Xander behind that. He wasn't going to guard an empty room.

"Sure," her adoptive mom got up and walked over. "It's nice to meet you officially. My name is Mary," she offered a hand. Avery took it and shook it.

"Mines Avery. It's a great pleasure to meet you. Clara has talked so much about you guys," Avery smiled and Clara adoptive dad had walked over.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too. My name is Mason," her adoptive dad also shook Avery's hand. "How much trouble has our daughter exactly been?"

"She's been in a lot.. she accidentally flung me against the wall the first time we met," Avery said it laughing but Clara's adoptive parents looked stun.

"How do you accidentally fling someone against the wall??" Mary asked a little shocked.

"So we can move objects with our minds, telekinesis, and when we were playing a game to strengthen it I accidentally surged. I had no idea what it was and I blame Emmett for that one Avery." Clara added the last part but smiled thinking about it. "I was so upset that I'd hurt Avery. He was out cold."

"I guess I'd expect that. Anything else we should know about?" Mason went and sat down.

"Uh well I'm in a group that wants government reform.. technically I am the leader," Clara rubbed her neck. "I didn't have permission to go to the other human world when I went to save you. Avery didn't have that when he went to save me and it was the reason he got stabbed."

"You needed permission to save us?" Mason shook his head. "You shouldn't have needed that. Both your families were in trouble."

"Yes I got around it because Councilman Brento was with us so it's all good. I've not been the best but I'm trying," Clara laughed as she had thought about it all. So much had happened in such short amount of time.

"Well at least you are safe now. I wish we could stay here with you," Mary hugged Clara tightly.

"It's not good for you here. The other world is what you are used to and where others are like you. It's just not safe," Clara hugged Mary back. She had a soft smile before going back to Avery's side.

"Maybe you could come visit us?" Mason basically whispered the question.

"I don't know if that'll be possible dad. I will try really but after everything I've done I hardly think the council will allow it. I will try though for a long time," Clara had a tear fall down her face. The thought of leaving her family again when she had just found them was a horrible thought.

"No need to cry Clara. I'll sneak you over if you want," Avery joked as he wiped away the tear quickly. It did make her adoptive parents have a strange look.

"Yeah that's not happening," Clara rolled her eyes and elbowed Avery but smiled. "I don't think I knocked any sense into you."

"Nope," that got them all to laugh. They hung out for another two hours before supper was ready. Clara's adoptive sister was there but she was too shy to say anything with Avery there.

Clara was brought to dinner after everyone else. She was told it was because of her new status, any royals were to arrive last so her and Lillian would go in together. It was definitely a different tradition but it was alright.

They walked in about five minutes after everyone one else. Their seats were next to each other, Lillian was on Clara's right and Emmett was on her left. One person was missing, Councilman Shoven.

"Lady Lillian the council has something to talk about," Brento began looking at Clara though rather than Lillian. "It had been brought to our attention that while we were discussing what was going on with Clara someone tried to read your mind. That was why Clara put the barriers up."

There was a gasp from the few fairies there to serve the food and what not. "And I expect this is being handled properly?" Lillian asked with respect.

"Yes we did figure out who it was. Councilman Shoven will be removed from the council as soon as we have had a vote for a new council member. I am terrible sorry this had happened," Brento was relaxed about everything.

"Thank you for handling it. Is that why he decided to take his food in his room?" Lillian was relaxed too.

"Yes we thought it was best he not be out right now. We cannot predict what he will do and we do not want that responsibility on Clara to watch for transmissions. It's not fair to her," Brento gave a slight nod toward Clara.

"Yes that makes sense. Let's eat," Lillian smiled and the food began to come in. It was all fruits and vegetables just like how the rest of them are except for Clara's adoptive family, they were the only ones who ate meat. "This is amazing," Mary commented kind of quietly. She was near Clara.

"The food here is different to what you are used to even from the other world but I hope you don't mind it," Clara smiled before she tried it as well. It was different to what she was beginning to get used to as well. It was sweeter and nothing was bitter which was maybe on purpose. The only thing that she didn't exactly want to try was a purplish colored mash.

"That's the best part, " Lillian whispered when she noticed it was the only thing Clara had yet to eat. "It looks gross but trust me. It's a fruit called clarid berry, they are native here."

"Okay," Clara picked at it a bit before try it. It really was the best food. It was so gooey; tasked like pecan pie and caramel but it definitely didn't smell like that. Clara couldn't exactly describe it's smell. "You are so right. It reminds me of my favorite dessert from the human world," Clara whispered back with a big smile.

"Well now I know one food to make sure is prepared," Lillian smiled back and chuckled a little. "How is it for everyone? I know the food isn't custom for you."

"It's really good. I've only really had fairy food once before years ago," Maddox wiped his face while he was talking. He was polite and sat very straight which Clara thought was probably something she should do too. "My favorite then had been the sturgies vegetables which I am glad was here."

"Which one was that?" Clara didn't know the names of anything she'd really eaten. She just kind of ate it.

"The greenish one," Maddox clarified and Clara nodded. "What'd you think of it?"

"Oh it was okay. I preferred the clarid berry mash thing," Clara stumbled over her words before laughing. Maddox joined in too.

It's not like the table was quiet. Everyone was having their own small conversations about everything and anything from what Clara overheard. Xander was seated at the table but not as close to Clara. He was towards the end which he didn't seem to like from the glares Clara kept seeing. She knew that he didn't like being so far, he was responsible for her life so it was a usual. Brento was definitely right about one thing, she could never escape him as a guard. He was fast first off and he paid attention to everything. Clara could see his head turn to focus better on one of the different conversations, listening for threats even if it was her family.

There was a loud rumble that shook the castle and Xander was immediately on his feet going to Clara's side. "Well that is a strange occurrence. It doesn't shake too often so it should be fine," Lillian reassured everyone. "You can sit back down Xander."

"You shouldn't have sat me so far from Clara my Queen. I do not judge your decision but it is hard to protect her from so far," Xander was quiet about his issue but Clara could still hear him.

"Xander, dinner is your time off tonight to celebrate such an amazing event tomorrow. The other guards can handle it just fine," Lillian gestured towards one of the doors. It was protected by two guards.

"There are no nights off in a guards duty and you should know that. I'm standing guard for now anyways. Something feels off," Xander went to Clara's left. He wasn't next to her but close enough to be felt.

"Sorry I was hoping that he would be able to relax tonight. He worries because he knows you so well which I know must be weird. It is my hope that you will make sure he gets enough breaks while guarding you," Lillian added the last part really softly. It was only for Clara to hear.

"Of course there is a second Fairy guard. He is right though, something definitely doesn't feel right.." Clara made a small gesture herself but it wasn't for Lillian. She was making sure her best ability was in fact fine to be used.

"Well if you say so. I'll have guards do a sweep to set you at ease," Lillian beckoned for a guard at one of the doors. She whispered the orders into his ear so no one could hear even if they already knew what it was.

The guard left and Clara assumed gathered more guards. The table went silent except for the hitting of utensils on the plates or a shuffle movement from the guards. They seemed just as skittish. Everyone was waiting for the guard to return with good news but to search the castle would take hours so it was just being patient. They had all finished dinner now and were heading back to their rooms.

"I'll heal Avery now. I think the poison is still left but it is small amount that doesn't affect him at all. While that's good and all there is no telling if it will begin to," Lillian smiled as she was standing up.

"Yeah that makes sense. Avery come on," Clara motioned for Avery to follow and they went back to Clara's room. It was the closest and Lillian wanted to be quick about it.

"This won't wear you out like it did Clara okay Avery?" Lillian wanted him to be comfortable with that she was healing him.

"Oh yeah I am fine with whatever. Clara's healed me before so it's fine," Avery was relaxed which was good.

"Fairy healing powers is different than humans Avery," Lillian warned.

"Did Clara tell you about hers? She can heal anything but it becomes her burden and it glows," Avery pointed out. "Also she can heal minds with it."

"Really? The minds one is definitely something I can't do. Mine doesn't make me bare the burden but I have a limit to how much I can heal. It wears me out with too much," Lillian opened the door to Clara's room but quickly stopped Clara. "Go back to the dinning room."

"Why?" Clara instinctively whispered it but Lillian just shoved her with an arm.

"Get Xander but just send him here," Lillian wasn't really moving her mouth.

"Let me go in there with you," Clara was talking as quietly as she could. "Avery go get Xander but stay in the dinning room."

"Clara," Lillian grumbled.

"You really want me to let you seem terrified and walk in there alone?" Clara crossed her arms and motioned to Avery who left. "Plus whatever is in my room so they know I'm here."

"Oh whatever," Lillian rolled her eyes and began to walk in and Clara followed closely behind.

It was an ogre waiting there. "Clara I really wasn't expecting you to be the unexplained guest," the ogre smiled but never took his eyes off of Lillian.

"Why are you here Sachure? Haven't you tormented my kingdom enough?" Lillian was furious but also seemed threatened.

"You still haven't stopped researching a cure on a poison that isn't supposed to have one. We agreed that we would stop attacking once you stopped researching. You haven't held up to your deal," the ogre had destroyed the wall to get in. A massive whole was right beside where Clara's bed was.

"I never said we'd stop. There is no reason for you to have an incurable poison and haven't you done enough! You already destroyed the Royal line forty years ago," Lillian's voice was raised loudly and that's when Clara remembered. Her adoptive family was probably right next door.

Clara quickly put up boxes around the closest people including Lillian. It was straining but she had to keep her families safe. She had one around the council too and everyone could hear what was going on. "Sorry this is just a precaution. It is obvious you aren't here to have a talk," Clara stepped forward a bit just to show she wasn't afraid. Clara was in fact terrified but that would do nothing, she didn't have the energy to protect herself even though she'd already decided not to protect Xander.

"You would have that right but this has nothing to do with you. You are best to leave while I'm being kind. Other wise you'll just be collateral damage," the ogre also stepped forward but Clara kept herself still.

"Collateral? Do you think every guest here is considered collateral if they don't leave?" Clara asked politely enough and it was a question that could have consequences.

"Yes this is a fairy and ogre matter so any other human here whose choice is to stay is collateral damage," he seemed so proud of himself saying that. He was holding himself high but Clara had no idea who he was in the ogre world.

"Well guess that includes the council too. They heard that as well," Clara walked over and looked out the hole behind the ogre. "My best suggestion is that you leave while you still can. The fairies are feeling rather generous today."

"The council is here?" the ogre was obviously a little shocked.

"Of course. They wouldn't want to miss the event tomorrow. Now let's get going okay? I'll show you the proper way out and you can get your ogre buddies out of here. I think the fairies are still feeling generous," Clara smiled and turned towards the door as Xander walked in. He had a weapon in his hands this time but Clara had no idea where it came from honestly.

"What is going on?" Xander looked at Clara before rushing to her side.

"Just showing the ogres the proper way out Xander that's all," Clara began to walk out of the room with the ogre following.

As they walked down to the main floor others began to join. It was definitely an odd sight for most, a human with her fairy guard leading very angry ogres out of the fairy kingdom. More and more ogres joined the line as the first one gave the order to. Fairies put down their weapons and let it happen. Once to the edge of the main city which was also the entrance to the fairy kingdom Clara stopped and faced the first ogre.

"Look I don't know who you are but I'm pretty sure the council will be over to visit the ogres soon. Be prepared for that," Clara stepped aside to let them pass.

"I am the heir to the throne for ogres. My father asked me to do this but I guess we weren't paying close enough attention," he turned and walked away after that.

Clara was drained from the shields and how far they had to reach but it wasn't too bad. Boxes were way easier than walls since she had to focus to keep walls up.