To The Queen.

Turning to the door on the left, Xalendra braced herself best she could, raising a hand to knock. Kylia stood in the hall behind her, anxiously fidgeting in a manner much like the princess herself. Taking a deep breath, she gently knocked, hoping it would wake only her mother.

There was silence, and Xalendra looked to the half-glazed eyes of her handmaiden as she waited. Their bodies just couldn't stay still, and every movement made it all the harder to try. She knocked again, and there was a shuffling sound before the door opened and the Queen appeared.

Queen Winnith was a proud woman, even in the middle of the night. Though she'd been Queen a number of years by now, she was still very much in her prime. Her appearance didn't differ much from Xalendra's own, simply looking more mature in some aspects. The woman was surprised to see her daughter at her door so late, but barely showed it.

“Mother, we need help,” the princess said, arms crossed tightly. Winnith glanced to Kylia before stepping aside and letting them enter her bedroom with a nod.

“It must be urgent if it cannot wait 'til morning,” Winnith said wearily, lighting a lamp. “And the both of you need help?” She eyed Kylia suspiciously.

Xalendra nodded stiffly. “Very urgent... and yes.” She shared a look with her handmaiden. “There was... a fairy...”

Winnith's eyes slimmed. “A fairy?” she repeated. “What kind?” The suspicion she held seemed to grow.

The princess swallowed back her rising need. Her mother seemed to accept the idea easily enough. “It called itself a... love fairy...” The look she shared with Kylia next was one of shame. Winnith seemed skeptical, but understanding.

“You must get your bad luck with the fae from your father,” the Queen said offhandedly as she moved to sit on her bed. “I'm surprised one would be so deep within our kingdom, and far from its own, but it's not impossible.” She sighed. “What exactly did it do?”

Xalendra averted her gaze, needing to make an effort to stop her hands from straying. “It- It- It cursed me... It cursed Kylia, as well.” She noticed Kylia's composure was stiffly resolute in the presence of the Queen, even despite the magic. “Very badly, it seems...” The princess glanced at her mother for a moment, the embarrassment making her aware of every haywire function of her body. Winnith looked on expectantly. “We've fallen in love with each-other!” she confessed, screwing her eyes shut.

Kylia's composure broke into uncertainty, and the Queen appeared doubtful. “Love?” Winnith said. “Dear, I think it's apparent that your affliction leans toward something else entirely.” The woman's face fell into a concerned, yet resigned expression. “I wouldn't know as much as your father, but he's... educated me on some of his experiences. I think you're cursed with only lust.”

Xalendra felt as though her face grew even redder than it already was. “Then how do we fix it?” she said, wanting to move on.

“I'm afraid I don't know. I was a young lady once—I understand suddenly having new desires,” the Queen said, appearing wistful. “But when it comes to magic, I am powerless. You two were cursed together, then?” she asked, once more suspicious.

Xalendra nodded. “We, uh... were, yes.” She did her best to keep her eyes away from her handmaiden. “I can only feel better... with her.” Now she allowed herself a momentary glance, seeing it met anxiously.

“I see...” Winnith said with a nod, looking to her lap. “Such consummation before marriage is quite frowned upon, Xalendra.” Her eyes returned sadly.

“I- I'm sorry!” the princess plead. “This curse is driving me mad!” She clutched her skirt tightly, breath coming fast.

“If you cannot control yourself,” the Queen said, “I'll have **** but to organize a ceremony, so your acts will not tarnish your soul.”

Xalendra looked to Kylia, mouth agape. She didn't think her handmaiden had come to a conclusion such as 'love' as she did, and it made her all the more embarrassed. She didn't know if she would be able to go much longer without... sating the curse again, but if it meant marrying Kylia to do so...