HELVISA'S POV

"Hey Helvisa, tell us about your mother?"

Why did this boy ask me that. "There's nothing to talk about." I simply said and looked through his school homework. "The answer is wrong." I pointed at a mathematic question.

"What? Are you a mathematic genius?"

I shook my head. “I’ve lived for 500 years. I've been to school multiple times. Every year, I tend to learn a lot."

"Hey tell us about the world you came from." The girl said.

I sighed. I didn’t think they wanted to hear about my world. "There's nothing to talk about."

They both turned to Armina. "Armina, tell us about Helvisa's mother."

I swore. If she decided to say even a word about her, I’d break her neck.

"Hmmm... Helvisa's mother’s name is Hema. She's one of the most beautiful Valkyrie princesses ever born."

"Wow ..."

the siblings clearly would listen to anything Armina said now.

"She has long blonde curly hair and the bluest eyes ever. She's very kind and the most loving mother you’d ever meet."

The siblings wanted to know more, but I interrupted them before Armina could say anything. "Did you do what I told you to?" I asked.

"Yes, I did. Anyway, Helvisa's mother, she's ..."

I didn't let her finish her sentence. "What did they say?"

Armina sighed. "They said okay. They will be here by next week."

The boy actually covered my mouth and stared at Armina. "Tell us more about her mother." He insisted.

"Hmmm. Well, I guess you guys can ask her yourself in a few days."

I removed the prince's hand from my mouth. "What?"

"Your mother will be here. A few days from now."

I was speechless. "But how?"

Armina gave me a nervous laugh. "More like why. She said she had something to ask you."

I didn’t know what to think about this. I understood that she was coming for me. But why so sudden? This was so not her.

"Aren't you happy your mother wants to see you, Helvisa?" The princess asked me.

"I'm happy. But, it’s sudden. She was never like this before."

Armina chuckled.

I could sense she knew something that I didn’t. “All right Armina, spill it. You know something that I don't." I insisted.

"It wouldn't be a secret if I told you. You will have such a hectic life by next week. So I was thinking inviting Hema here will be good for you." Armina stood up and offered her hands to the royal siblings. "Come on, it's time for you two to have lunch."

The kids both exclaimed in excitement. They seemed to be close to Armina now. I couldn’t blame her, she was always so good with kids and old people. She was friendly and kind to one another. She also was reliable whenever I needed her.

"Is it true your mother will be coming here?" The queen suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Yeah. My mother."

"What's her name?" She asked.

"Hema." I turned around to face the queen who already sat on the chair.

"She's a demon as well?"

I shook my head no. "She's not a demon. She's a Valkyrie." Wait. Why was she in my room. "Excuse me, Gisele, why are you here?"

She chuckled. "Oh, first name bases already? You really don't want to call me your queen, huh?"

I shook my head. "If I do, you'll be so in love with me that you’ll have to marry me."

That statement made her laughed. "What makes you so sure about that? I do have a husband. You know. Even though he's been an ass all the time for this whole nine years."

I smirked. "Because whenever I show my affection, none of you female humans ever back down from me." I said.

Once again, she laughed. Well at least, she was laughing now. "Calling me as your queen is showing affection?"

I nodded. “Want to try? Sure. But, I'll make sure you will be in my grasp, and I’d have to kill the king for that." I leaned in to the queen. "I can also heal the most precious thing inside your body with my power." I placed my hand on her shockingly toned stomach. "I can heal anything." I whispered before smiling at how surprised she looked.

"You ... know?"

I nodded. "You can't hide anything from Reina's eyes of a siren. She used to hunt sailors in the dark, and she possessed the power to see into the dark. I forbid her to see into you and your kids. Don't worry about that, but with us this close and me touching your stomach, I can sense that you have some desire to be fulfilled.” I was waiting for her to push or hit me, but it never came. "A queen like you should be with someone who can protect and help you in ways he can’t. Armand doesn't deserve you. You deserve somebody with charisma and strength. Someone who can rule beside you. Someone who’d fight for this island’s sake in your honour."

"Like you?" She blurted out before blushing at me.

"Something like that. I guess. Quit torturing yourself with staying with him. Leave him and let him taste how hard it is to live not as the king but as a peasant. Didn't you see how hurt Gaultier and Elaria are when you cry every night?"

Her eyes widened.

"Your son told us everything, Gisele. His concern about your well-being shocked us four. He loves you and he wants to live happily with you. He wants to protect his sister and mother with his own strength." I hoped this little blabbering was enough to make her realise how worried Gaultier was for her sake.

"You have no idea how many times I’ve tried to chase him out of my life. But I'm not strong enough to do so."

Oh... there was some love, huh? “All right. If You want to continue loving a man who took your capability to have a child, let it be. But this I promise. If you manage to leave him and find someone better to be Gaultier and Elaria's parent, I'll heal your womb."

Her eyes suddenly showed some hope.

"Think about it, Gisele. Think about your kids." I smiled.

She froze right there as she saw my smile.

***

"Helvisa?"

I froze when I heard that voice calling for me. When I turned, my mother was waving at me while Armina smiled widely beside her.

"Is that your mother, Helvisa?"

I slowly nodded at the prince’s question.

"She looks exactly like you!"

He was right, except she had long curly blonde hair while I had wavy hair.

"Are you going to stare at me, or do you want to hug me?" My mom said while opening her arms.

I held back my tears and hugged her body as tightly as I could. It’d been so long, and I missed her so much.

"You have your father's grip." She said while rubbing my back. "But ... this maid outfit. So not you, little one."

I pulled away from my mom. "Shut up, mother. Why are you here? I thought he forbid you to see me."

She placed a finger on her lips and winked. "He doesn't have to know. Besides, only idiots listen to that man. Armina said you've been weaker by the day."

Armina looked away and excused herself.

"Helvisa, maybe it's time for you to find your soulmate." Here we went again. She never failed to bring that up whenever we met each other.

"Mom, I'm only 500 years old."

Mom scoffed. "Helvisa, your sister is 300 years old, and she's married with three kids."

I sighed. "But she has no responsibilities.”

Mom crossed her arms. "And you do?"

"Gaultier honey.." Gisele suddenly walked in. "Oh, I'm sorry for my rudeness. I am Gisele Gavreau."

Mom smiled at her.

"She's the queen, mom."

Mom gave the queen her courtesy and smiled. "I'm sorry for my daughter's rudeness, your highness. She tends to have her father's attitude."

I didn’t need her to be this nosy.

"Wow. What a resemblance. You must be the Valkyrie princess."

Mother's reaction was speechless. "She knows?" She asked me.

I nodded. "Believe it or not, that little boy managed to see through us."

Mother knelt down in front of Gaultier. "Hmmmm..." she was staring at the prince’s features. "You remind me of someone I used to know back in the day. His last name is the same as yours."

"Gerard Gavreau?" Gisele questioned.

"Yes! King Gerard Gavreau."

Don't tell me ...

"That's my father." Gisele beamed. "Wow, you've met my father?"

Mom nodded. "You must be Gisele."

Gisele nodded. "He mentioned me?"

Mom laughed. "Oh yes, Gisele this. Gisele that. He was so excited when he talked about you. He and your mother, both were excited when they expected you. Too bad your mother didn't make it.”

Gisele gave my mother a soft smile. "I may not know her, but father always told me stories about her. She's my inspiration to be who I am now."

Mother patted her shoulder. "She's one of the strongest humans I've ever met. Trust me when I say she's even stronger than your old man." She laughed. "I'll be sure to visit their graves before leaving here."

I cleared my throat. "Is there anything you want for your surprise visit?"

Mother shook her head. "I miss you. That's all. How are you, Helvisa?"

Somehow, I was not convince that she was here for that reason. "Mother ..." I pulled her near me. "What is it?"

She sighed. "Your sister. She needs help. Her husband has no power to help her. Only you can because you are her younger sister."

"Retha? What's wrong?"

Mother went to a chair and sat. "She's very weak. Her poor health is getting worse. Her husband and I can't think of anything except to seek for your help. Since you have that healing power you possess, maybe just maybe you could help her."

Retha was sick? My older bubbly sister was sick?

"Her pregnancy went well, but when she gave birth, she lost a lot of blood. Since then, she's been sick all the time."

"You should help her, Helvisa." The queen suddenly said. "I will let you go for a day or two."

That was not the problem. "I am forbid to go back to our realm. Yours included, mother." That man cursed me before banishing me to this world. I clicked my tongue. If I defied him, the curse will literally kill me before I even step my foot in the realm.

"She can travel?" Armina asked. "I can enter the realm. I can transport her to this world. But, that will be hard work. If she can't handle the fatigue, she will die before meeting Helvisa."

I turned my gaze to Reina who was playing with Elaria. "Reina.." I waved for her.

"Yes?"

I leaned in to her ear. "Help my sister and bring her back here, okay?"

Reina nodded.

"You can use this right?" I touched her chest. "You can right?"

Reina nodded. "Yes, I can."

I smiled. "Armina. Bring Reina with you."

Armina offered her hand. "Shall we?"

Reina took her hand and literally disappear into thin air.

"Gisele, you should bring the kids away from here. I don't want them to see my true form."

Gisele went to her kids and explained to them that they had to go.

Eris apologised and closed the door. She turned to me.

"Do you need my help?" I asked.

“Yeah.”

I offered my wrist.

"I do need some energy. She lost a lot of blood after giving birth, correct?"

Mother nodded.

Eris rubbed my wrist before piercing her sharp teeth into my skin.

"More.." I commanded as she bit into my wrist even harder. "More..."

Eris began to growl, and I could feel her teeth sinking and sucking my blood.

"Enough."

She released my wrist and licked it thoroughly.

"Good job, Eris. Good job." I patted her head, and she smiled. I felt a sudden gust of wind inside the room, and my eyes landed on a very weak Retha and her husband. "Retha?"

Retha weakly turned her head to me. "Hel... visa." She didn't even have the strength to say my name.

"Shhh..." I placed my hand on her head and smiled. "Everything will be all right." I assured her.

***

"She's fine now." I said while removing my hand from her chest. I looked up to my mother. I felt so tired after doing this ritual, but at least, Retha seemed to be okay now. I simply just slumped on the chair and closed my eyes to even my breathing. "Armina, take them home. It's best before she even wakes up." I suggested. I felt someone's hand was on my cheek. When I opened my eyes, it was my mother.

"You've done so much for her, little one. Oh, I'm sorry. Not so little anymore." She smiled. "I thank you again Helvisa."

I waved it off. "It's fine, mom. Are you going back to Valhalla?"

She gave me her sad smile. "Apparently so. I'm sorry I can't stay longer. I never knew this scar was so deep before."

I smiled. "That's why Armina could cover it up for only a few days. He used his cursed sword to do so."

Mom looked as if she were about to cry.

"It's fine, mom."

She stood up and hugged me before she went back to her own realm. "I must say, Helvisa. That queen, she's so fond of you. Maybe she's your mate after all." My mom joked.

I thought. "Shut up. She's married."

My mother winked. "Well, marriages can be broken." She said before disappearing into thin air.

"She's right. You know." Reina appeared out of nowhere. "The queen. She seems to have taken a liking to you."

That was bull. "Oh, come on." I went to the bathroom followed by Reina who was leaning on the door frame watching me wash my tired face.

"Why are you so afraid of being in a relationship?"

I turned off the water tap and faced her. "Because I don't want anyone to die. Not anymore." She looked like she wanted to apologise, but I didn't let her finish when my lips were on hers. "Come to bed with me. Since Armina and Eris went to send Retha home, we can sleep together. Let Armina and Eris sleep in the other room." I lay on the bed and patted the empty space beside me.

She started to take off her uniform and went to bed only with her undergarments. But before she lay next to me, she unhooked her bra and let it down on the floor.

"Very nice rack."

She blushed and lay next to me.

"It's been awhile, huh." I whispered. I could feel her nod her head. I wrapped my arms around her stomach and just relaxed my mind for a change. After the countless hours of trying to heal my sister, I lost every bit of energy I had. I felt Reina’s hands on my scar.

"Does it hurt?" She asked.

"Nope."

Her fingers were on my lips. "What about here?"

I shook my head. "Not at all. Hey Reina. Do you think they will be angry at me?" Her low but steady heartbeat echoed in my ear as I laid my head on her chest.

"Oh yeah, they will. We left without saying a word, now, we seek for their help. They'll be lecturing you." She chuckled.

I sighed and closed my eyes as she played with my hair. "Let them be. I deserve it. Somehow."

"Aren't you afraid?"

My mind wandered to these allies. "Nope. Nothing scares me anymore. These scars are the evidence of those fears." I kept a tight hold on her stomach and buried my head in her neck. "Good night Reina." I said before dozing off.

I was awakened by the fresh smell of blood in my nostrils. When I opened my eyes, Reina was nowhere to be found. That was when I heard someone taking a shower in the bathroom. I was surprised to see a glass of blood on the bed side table. When I sniffed what was inside, it was human blood.

"Oh, good morning." Reina smiled as she walked around the room only in her birthday suit. ”Armina managed to gather some blood for you on the way back. She said to let you drink some when you woke up. Bon appetite." She smiled and picked up her maid uniform and put it on.

I finished the blood in one go and went to the bathroom to prepare myself for the day.

When I was all done, I went out and met up with Armina and Eris.

"Have you taken your blood?" Armina asked. She was more like a mother than a friend to me.

"I did." I simply replied.

"Good. Now, the queen summoned for us. Charlene informed me earlier this morning."

I let Armina lead the way.

Upon arriving at the war room, I heard the queen and some other voices discussing something behind the closed door.

Armina knocked before pushing the door open. "We're here, your highness."

Two aged men stared at me for no reason.

"Ah, meet Noah and Armel, my personal advisors."

The others greeted them but not me.

"I'm sorry for summoning you all this morning, but we have to discuss this report that Armina provided me with. One question, are you girls serious about this?" The queen seemed to have some doubt in our capability.

I nodded for Armina to take over this pointless discussion.

"If I may say so, your highness, we were not lying when I handed over the reports. I can assure you they gave us the ok." Armina even showed them the hand signature.

Once again, the queen looked back at the reports.

"Impossible. These people... they are all from such big countries and kingdoms. How is that possible for this little island of Gavreau?" This guy named Armel pointed out.

"Oh, we have some connections of some sort. Helvisa can be such a woman when it comes to this kind of stuff." More like I slept with each and every one of them. "All we can do is wait for next week. I can assure you the Grugary kingdom will not take over this island as long as we're here." Armina convinced the queen and her advisors.

She was right though. What could we do or say, we already promised the prince, to protect his mother and sister at all costs.