We went to the King's house and requested an audience with the Prince. What surprised me the most is that fact that we got sent away, saying he didn’t want to see anymore and to come another day. We insisted, but they were set in stone and nothing would convince them. Then out of nowhere, the Prince happened to walk near the entrance and overhear our conversation.

"How can I help you?" asked the Prince while walking down the stairs.

"We wanted to have your permission to temporarily leave the house land," I asked hoping to receive a favourable answer.

"Why is that and for how long?"

"To look for Daniel Vanburen and for an undetermined time. It could take five years like it could take five days," I shortly explained.

"I see... And for your friend? He will accompany you?"

"Yes, it's exact," Sebastian answered while taking a step forward.

"That will cause some problems..." he muttered. "Did you talk with your family on this matter?" he asked as he opened a door and let us in what seemed like an office.

"No... I didn't. However, I'm sure they will understand.”

"Talk to them first. Now and for the time being, I have to say a few words with Keith,” the Prince ordered as he sat down behind a huge desk.

Sebastian nodded and rapidly exited the room without adding anything. The Prince and I stayed silent for a few and it was uncomfortable. It felt so awkward.

"Keith, I was planning to come to see you, but you forestalled me. It is about your wings, once in a month, you'll feel some pain. It will be your wings trying to force their way out, but since they can't... You'll suffer... A lot," The prince explained as I shivered at that thought. I didn't deal well with pain. A simple stomach ache could make me cry. "However," he grasped a bottle before adding, "If you take these once a month, it'll become more… Bearable," I sensed his hesitation as if he was searching for his words.

I took the bottle and opened it. There were circular blue pills in it. I took one out and examined it closer.

"You should probably take one tonight before going to sleep because there's a little side effect. It'll make you sleepy and..." this time he really hesitated.

"You can tell me, my Prince. I prefer knowing it than not know what will be happening to me," I tried to convince him.

He sighed, "It'll make you sleepy and really horny like you were on heat. But if you immediately go to sleep before you feel the effects kick in, you'll perfectly be normal the next morning," he explained not seeming comfortable with the subject.

I now saw why he was so hesitant. Usually, the submissive’s heat will only appear after he finds his mate. However, if the mating ritual is not properly executed in the following days, our instincts will make us complete it. Or else, the dominant and submissive would be in constant heat and pain until they are mated.

We could say that my fate was similar. I will be in pain, be extremely tired while being horny. If I don’t sleep after taking my pills, I will become an uncontrollable sex machine. Please, God, help me. Don't make me sexually assault Sebastian. Please, I beg you.

"Why would you sexually harass me?" said my best friend making me shriek.

"I-I said that out loud?" I asked while blushing.

"Yeah you did, so what's all that about?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it looks like I'll suffer once a month because of my wings and to lessen the pain I have to take those pills, but they have some side effects. Like fatigue and me being a bottomless pit for sex," I resumed.

"That's good to know. I think I'll just have to chain you to a tree if you try to attack me," he half-joked before turning to the Prince. "Your Highness, I have my family permission. Here's the proof," he took out a paper with a pitch black feather.

The prince examined it and nodded when he was satisfied with the authenticity of it. "When will you be leaving?" he asked while reading some other documents.

"Tomorrow morning," I answered. I wanted at least say goodbye to my family.

"Here you go. I wrote an official document allowing to travel around all our Kingdom. In case you get interrogated. Keep it with you at all time. Who knows when you'll need it. And take this,” he put out two medium-sized bags.

We took one bag each and opened it to see what was inside. Gold, so many pieces of gold.

"My Prince, with all my respect, you can't actually be thinking to give us all this?!" I exclaimed shocked.

"Since you're going to find Daniel Vanburen, it is logic that I give you some help."

No matter what we said, the Prince was unshakable. Nothing could change his mind. With no other choice, we thanked him and went back to our respective home to prepare our luggage. But before that, we promised to see each other at the entrance of the forest at dawn.

"I'm home!" I said as I closed the front door.

Immediately, something warm hugged me. My mom had her arms and wings all around us.

"My baby..." she sobbed, "I was so worried when you ran away! I thought I would never see you again. Don't do that ever again. Do you understand?" she talked so fast that it was almost hard to comprehend what she actually said.

"Mom, please calm down," I said while hugging her back until she finally decided to let me go. “Mom, I have something important to say," I said more seriously.

"What is it?" she answered as her face stretched in worry.

"I'm leaving the homeland. In fact, I am leaving tomorrow with Sebastian," I stated as I realize that I pretty much launched a bomb in front of my mother.

"W-why? I-is it because s-someone hurt you? Or b-because of y-your wings?"

"I'm going to search for my… For Daniel," I explained as she fell to her knees.

I gently helped her to her feet before heading toward the closer chair. I sat next to her as Angela came into the house.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't find Keith..." she stopped talking as soon as she saw me with our mom crying. "Okay, what did you do?" she asked angrily with her hands on her hips.

"I said I'm going to quit the homeland to search for the traitor with Sebastian. We leave tomorrow." I explained unfazed by my sister’s temper.

She sighed and came to sit next to our mom. She gently rubbed her back as she said soothing words.

"How long will your journey be?" our mother finally asked without falling back into tears.

"I don't know... I only hope we will be able to find him soon enough. You will not have to worry about me. The Prince gave us his permission, and we have plenty of money to last at least 10 years. I'll try to send a letter as soon and as much as I can," I kneeled in front of her. I hated to see her crying. She should always have a smile on her face. She is more beautiful that way. "Please don't be sad. I promise you won't see the time fly and I'll be back before you even know it."

"I'm not worried about that... What if you do find him and he ends up killing you both? How could I have married such a monster?" she shouted to herself.

I lifted her chin and put my forehead on hers. The Prince gave us his permission, and we have plenty of money to last at least 10 years.

"Mom, don't worry. I promise to be back. Before I go, I want to see you both smile. Could you do that for me, like a departing gift?" I gently asked with my eyes full of tears threatening to fall.

My words seemed to have made her cry once again, but I patiently waited for her to calm down. Then, her cries became sobbing then, nothing. However, she hasn't been looking at me yet. But when she did, I saw her giving me the most beautiful and comforting smile I mother could ever give. Even her eyes were proud and loving. That was enough to make me cry a little and to smile back. I'll miss them so much.