Chapter 512 Intermission: Cy and Sickness
As the days passed, new symptoms emerged. His throat grew sore and inflamed, making each swallow a painful ordeal. The boy's appetite waned, and he struggled to find solace in a comforting sip of lukewarm soup. And his voice, once filled with youthful enthusiasm, had grown hoarse and weak.
A rash appeared on his skin, a red and angry eruption that itched incessantly. The boy's fingers scratched at his irritated flesh, leaving behind marks of discomfort. The itching only added to his distress, and he longed for a respite from the torment.
In the midst of his physical suffering, the boy's spirits also took a toll. He became increasingly withdrawn, his laughter replaced by sighs of pain and exhaustion. The world outside his window, once a source of wonder and adventure, now seemed distant and unreachable.
The balls of excitement sitting within each one of his eyesockets drooped with sorrow as he saw his friends playing outside. He wanted to play as well. But the second he climbed out of bed, he toppled to the ground. His head then swerved back and forth, looking for help until he finally saw me. n(-OVElb1n
It was my face. My younger face.
...
"*cough* *cough* *cough*... ugh... who would have thought I'd get sick again," I sniffled, wiping the runoff from my nostrils. My sinuses were so congested that it felt like goo was stuck inside my skull. At the same time, my stomach throbbed from the lack of food... something I thought I would never have to experience again.
"Are you alright?" A stunning figure asked.
In the heart of the grand royal bedroom, where the composition of water reigned supreme, a spectacle of unparalleled beauty unfolded. Nestled in the corner of this opulent chamber, shining with its aquatic motifs, the stunning woman with massive coral horns stood as a living embodiment of the sea's ethereal allure.
The room itself was a masterpiece of design, where every detail paid homage to the majesty of water. The walls were adorned with hand-painted frescoes that depicted the ever-changing moods of the ocean. From tranquil seascapes to tempestuous storms, the artwork captured the boundless power and serenity of the sea. The colors shifted seamlessly from serene aqua blues to deep, stormy grays, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the woman's presence.
Above, a chandelier crafted from iridescent shells and shimmering pearls hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, undulating light that mimicked the play of sunlight filtering through water. It danced upon the walls and floor, creating an ever-changing, watery ambiance that bathed the room in a soothing, dreamlike glow.
The floor, an intricate mosaic of marble and quartz, was a masterpiece in its own right. The marble tiles, in shades of ocean blue and white, depicted intricate patterns of waves and currents. Embedded within the marble were countless small pieces of quartz that caught the light like a multitude of sparkling stars beneath the sea's surface. It was as if one could walk upon the very ocean floor itself.
The woman's presence in this aquatic haven was a sight to behold. Her flowing gown, crafted from the finest silk, seemed to back and forth like the tides. It was adorned with delicate beadwork that glistened like drops of water hanging onto the end of a verdant leaf. The gown's hues shifted harmoniously from the palest aqua to the deepest navy, mirroring the colors of the sea.
Her hair, a crown of azure waves, cascaded down her back in a downpour of mesmerizing beauty. It moved as if it had a life of its own, swirling and twirling like ocean currents caught in a gentle breeze. Strands of pearls and seashells were intricately woven into her hair, adding to the sensation that she had emerged from the depths of the sea itself.
And then, there were her massive coral horns. Sprouting gracefully from her temples, they were a marvel of nature's artistry. Their colors shifted with an otherworldly luminescence, from the softest blush of pink to the fiery vibrancy of a coral reef at sunset. Each horn was adorned with intricate carvings that depicted scenes of aquatic life, from schools of fish to graceful sea turtles.
Her eyes, like two deep ocean pools, held a captivating depth and wisdom that spoke of a connection to the mysteries of the deep. They were framed by long, feathery lashes that resembled the swaying fronds of seaweed, adding to the enchantment of her gaze.
And as she stood in the corner of the royal bedroom, bathed in the soft, watery light, she seemed to radiate an aura of regal grace and timeless beauty. The room itself felt alive as if the very spirit of the sea had taken human form. The elements of marble and quartz, the sea-inspired artwork, and the ethereal illumination all seemed to bow in reverence to her presence.
The air in the room was filled with a subtle, melodic hum as if the very essence of water had found a voice to sing her praises. It was a moment frozen in time, a living masterpiece that would forever linger in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to witness this captivating fusion of art, nature, and royal grandeur... otherwise known as myself. I was that witness
"It's rude to stare at a lady for so long..." The queen chuckled before sitting at the edge of my bed. Being so tall, you would think her weight would display even the slightest crease in my sheets, yet she just simply sat on top of it. It was so effortless like her body had been crafted from graceful feathers. "Is there something on my face?"
I diverted my eyes before plopping back down on the mattress. Sweat had already soaked my back and the headache ravaging my mind was more than enough to tranquilize the rest of my body. So, I just lay there, staring up at the ceiling while the queen gently rubbed my wrist.
"You must be wondering why you're sick... correct?"
"I guess..."
"Don't feel bad. Your body is practically impenetrable to all diseases and poisons by now. It comes with the stats of your status... it's just... your mind can be a horrible enemy."
"What the hell are you... talking about...?" I wheezed, nearly throwing up my lungs in a storm of coughs. My chest was itchy, yet I couldn't itch it. It was that feeling just below your ribs that made you want to rip your insides out, just to ease an ounce of that relentless feeling.
"You're homesick, kid. Simple as that."
A smile flickered through my mind.
"...I no longer have a home... not since I reached hell and not since I came here."
The queen's hand, slowly rubbing my wrist pressed inwards before pulling me up into a seated position. I still lay limp, but she kept right up... at least until she finished staring into my eyes. And it was uncomfortable alright; those captivating gems that have persuaded and manipulated entire nations.
"Home can be more than a place that you eat and sleep at. It can be a person... so tell me, do you miss anybody right now?"
I plopped back onto my sheets, the wet feeling of sweat on my back being sucked up by the cooling mattress. And as I stared up at the ceiling, a smile flickered through my mind once more, but this time, it stayed for half a second longer.
"I wonder what she's doing right now..." I muttered as my mind hazed over once more. The queen's hand shuffled over my face and proceeded to close my eyelids for me, while a blue mist calmed me down.
"I'll take that as your answer then."
There was her flawless porcelain skin that radiated a natural glow. Her complexion was so pure that it appeared untouched by the passage of time, and a gentle dusting of freckles across her nose added a touch of charm. Her most captivating trait was her brilliant, bright green eyes, akin to sparkling emeralds. These eyes seemed to hold entire galaxies within them, with flecks of gold and hints of aquamarine that danced when she blinked, casting a spell on anyone fortunate enough to gaze into them. Framed by long, dark lashes, they contrasted beautifully with her arched, naturally dark eyebrows, which were impeccably groomed and added depth to her gaze. Her eyes were both enigmatic and inviting, drawing people in with an irresistible allure.
Her lips were a soft, inviting shade of rose petal pink, their fullness enhancing their sensuous appeal. When she smiled, which was often, her lips curved with a graceful elegance that seemed to brighten the room. They were like the petals of a delicate flower, and their natural blush only added to her overall enchantment.
Her long, vibrant green hair ran down her back like a silken curtain, with dyed black tips adding an intriguing contrast. Each strand was a vibrant, lush shade of green, reminiscent of emerald leaves glistening in the sun. The black tips, like the night sky meeting the earth, added an unexpected edge to her appearance, hinting at her wonderfully fearless and carefree spirit. Her hair flowed with a graceful fluidity, catching the light and gleaming with a lustrous sheen. It seemed to possess a life of its own, responding to the slightest movement and framing her face in a way that accentuated her beauty.
This unique hair, combined with her striking eyes and captivating smile, created an unforgettable presence. She was a living work of art, a testament to both natural beauty and personal expression. Her overall aura exuded a timeless allure, leaving a lasting impression on all who encountered her.
"So... pretty..."
