by Sarah Noffke
The queen mother pulled her wand from her robes, flicking it at Azure. Because Gran had spells cast on her since she was a baby, she didn’t flinch. “There you go. The spell won’t affect you. Go on now, fix our water supply.”
“Right. Is there a spell in your grimoire you want to loan me for such a task?” Azure asked, indicating the book.
“Oh, there’s nothing in there that will come close to helping you with that nearly impossible task. You, and only you, have an alliance that can help you purify the water.”
The young queen’s mouth popped open, understanding dawning and causing her eyes to widen. “Oh, that’s right! You think…”
Gran nodded her head.
“What if I can’t find them?”
“Then we’re all screwed,” Gran replied.
“So, no pressure then.”
“Oh yes, much weighs on your shoulders, Queen Azure. And be swift. I can only make the Virgoans sleep for an hour.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Azure rode with her head down and her hands tight on the reins. She’d grabbed the first horse she found tied up outside the House of Enchanted. Its previous rider didn’t need the animal, since he was presently lying flat in the grass taking a pleasant nap. As Azure sprinted through the House of Enchanted for the exit she’d watched several witches and wizards drop, overcome by a sudden need to sleep. Gran was a damned crafty witch. She was grateful the queen mother was on her side.
The palomino slowed as they neared the woods on the northern border. Before the horse even halted, Azure threw her legs to the side and stumbled forward. She didn’t know how to find something that had always found her. Why was it that the unicorns were attracted to her? Their whole connection was a mystery to Azure, but she knew they were the only ones who could help her purify the wells.
She darted into the trees, not knowing where she was headed. Her foot caught on a root obscured by leaves and ferns, tripping her. Her palms landed in a patch of thorns. “Fuck,” Azure spat, panting. Blood ran down her palm, spotting the sleeves of her robe.
“Hello?” Azure called to the woods. “Are you out there? I need your help.”
She was losing it. How desperate had she gotten, that she was calling out to an empty forest for help? She pushed up to a standing position and trudged forward, forcing plants out of her way as she did.
The humans of Terran, and specifically the Duke, were responsible for this virus. This was the drastic action Emperor Frederick had promised, Azure realized. This was how they were punishing her for not turning her father Richard over to them. She should have been more prepared to defend her people. How many witches and wizards would lose their magic because of this? Would it ever be recoverable? Azure shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Right now she had to focus on a solution to their water pollution.
She’d already walked deep into the woods, and was now nearing the Dark Forest. There hadn’t been a sign of anything so far. Halting, Azure closed her eyes. She could hike through the entire forest bordering Virgo, but what she needed was for the unicorns to come to her. Pressing her eyes tightly closed, she focused on a single intention. It was full of peace, and so strong it made her smile despite her current circumstances.
In the distance Azure heard a twig crack, but she kept her eyes closed. Leaves rustled, and still she kept her thoughts centered on peace and love for all in Virgo. These thoughts she fed with an unyielding desire.
A breeze laced with lilac and moss hit Azure’s nose, making her feel that spring was blossoming. She closed her fingers into her palms, and felt a shiver run down her spine. Faith wasn’t something a witch or wizard from Virgo was encouraged to have. Spells and potions were built on strength and elements. However, in that moment Azure knew that she had to remain frozen and hold true to the idea that what she needed would be found.
A soft rustling sound swept through the air, and just then Azure felt a presence. She felt like she was at a banquet surrounded by the chatter of happy guests, their body heat making the space cozy.
She cracked one eye, and then both sprang open. Azure stepped back, not sure that what she was seeing before her was real. Rotating her body, Azure cast her eyes on the circle of unicorns that surrounded her. More than a dozen of them stood in the circle. Their glistening white coats reflected the morning sunlight streaming through the leaves overhead. They weren’t easy to discern from each other since each had the same rainbow mane and tail. Flowers and vines were threaded through their manes, which were plaited into various styles of braids. However, each had eyes of a different color. She peered at the unicorns, who all blinked back as her with strange wisdom in their eyes.
“You came…” she said, breathless.
In unison the herd stepped forward, tightening the circle around her.
“I need… I’m asking for your help,” Azure stuttered, and she twirled again, trying to make eye contact with each of the majestic creatures. “The streams and therefore the wells of Virgo have been infected with a virus that robs us of our magic. I know… Well, I’ve heard rumors that your horns can purify. I was hoping that you’d help us heal our water supply. If you did, I’d be forever grateful.”
The animals continued to gaze at her, none of them shifting their expressions after her request. Not one unicorn moved. They were like statues, staring at her, measuring each second by her heartbeat.
“You should know that even before this I would have given you whatever you desire. However, if there’s a special request I can grant now, then I will. The people of Virgo will be forever in your debt, and I, as their queen, am happy to do whatever it is you ask. Please, I just need you to save my people. We can’t survive without water, and we won’t live long without our magic…” Azure’s voice trailed away. What else could she say? The unicorns already seemed to know her, since they could find her whenever she was looking for them.
A humming grew louder from in front of Azure. Sparks flew up just as a tiny blonde-headed pixie popped out of a unicorn’s mane.
“Buzz Buzz!” Azure exclaimed, strangely happy to see her.
She flew forward and circled Azure’s head, her blue wings working double-time. The little pixie muttered faster than ever as she soared briefly and landed on Azure’s shoulder.
“I’m guessing you’ve been all right,” Azure said.
The pixie took off again and flew in front of Azure, hovering in the air. She nodded and pointed to the unicorns around them and nodded again. She made motions with her hands as if she were forming a small ball. She swung her arms back and forth like rocking a baby and then threw the imaginary bundle back at the herd, turning to Azure and nodding profusely—like any of that made sense.
“So they are going to help me?” Azure asked, her voice uncertain.
Buzz Buzz nodded adamantly.
A long exhale brought Azure’s shoulders down. “Thank Merlin!”
The unicorns unfroze and parted in front of her, moving to the side. Behind them Azure noticed something small curled up in a patch of green plants. She squinted, taking a step forward to make out what it was. The object stirred and lifted its head. A tiny unicorn foal stared back at her, its bright blue eyes regarding her with a deep knowing.
“Oh, wow!” Azure exclaimed.
Buzz Buzz flew in front of her, pointing at the small unicorn and then at Azure.
“Wait… Me? They want me…” Azure stuttered on the words, not sure this was computing or ever could. “They want me to care for this young unicorn?”
Buzz Buzz nodded her head, her eyes wide and a smile covering her face.
“But why? I mean, I’m grateful, but why are they trusting one of theirs to me?” Azure asked. This didn’t make any sense.
Buzz Buzz simply shrugged and flew toward the herd, disappearing into a unicorn’s mane.
Azure stared at the unicorns, who were all waiting for her answer. “Ummm… I’m thrilled you’re going to help me. And if you want me to watch over this baby unicorn in return,
then I’m happy to—”
A cloud of dust cut Azure off, and she threw her arm across her face to protect her eyes. The unicorns had turned in unison and thundered in the opposite direction, not even waiting for her to finish her sentence. Hopefully they would all spread out and dip their magical horns into the streams and wells, purifying Virgo’s water source. Azure trusted the unicorns. And if they wanted her to care for the young colt before her, then that’s what she’d do.
The unicorn rocked forward and then backward, making his way to his legs. Once on his hooves, he stared up at Azure with an affectionate expression.
“Hey, little one. I have been given the honor of caring for you,” Azure said, kneeling and staring at the unicorn.
The foal raised its head, nestling its cool nose against Azure’s and licking it sweetly.
She giggled when she pulled away. The unicorn stared at her with his large blue eyes. They would disarm the most hardened warrior.
He seemed to smile at her, then he opened his mouth and a loud burp ripped from him. “Thank you, Queen Azure,” the unicorn said, speaking in a way Azure had never witnessed or heard of a unicorn doing, “but I do believe you haven’t been given an honor by caring for me. Rather, according to my herd, you’ve been given a burden.”
CHAPTER SIX
Monet tapped his fingers against his mouth before pointing at the tiny unicorn, a curious look on his face. “Don’t look now, Azure, but I do believe you’re being followed.”
Azure halted in the cabinet room and blew out a breath. The warmth of the fire and the moment of silence were more than welcome. “I’m fully aware. I did tell him to wait outside the House of Enchanted, but he wouldn’t have it.”
Gillian slid off his seat and trundled over to where Azure stood at the front of the room, an expression of bewilderment covering his face. “You. Have. A. Unicorn,” he said, his words abbreviated.
“So it would appear,” Azure replied, throwing herself into the nearest seat. Exhaustion had taken over her brain.
“And the water source?” Gran asked, standing and staring down at the two-foot-tall unicorn.
“It’s back to normal. However, we need to strengthen security measures at the border. We can’t have that happening again.” Azure turned to Monet. “You didn’t drink any water recently, did you?”
He scoffed at her, his eyelids heavy. “You know I don’t drink that crap—only liquid that gives me a buzz. Gillian and I share that preference.”
Azure was suddenly grateful that the people in her cabinet were a bunch of drunks. And Ever was away retrieving Richard, which meant he was safe.
“You. Have. A. Unicorn,” Gillian stated again, his voice full of awe.
“Yes, it was a part of the agreement I made with the unicorns. They would purify our water and I would care for this little one,” Azure said. She sank down in her seat, covering her face with her arm to block the light in the room. This moment of peace wasn’t going to last for long. That damn unicorn was simply biding his time, enjoying the attention he was getting from the gnome and the queen mother, who were both hovering over him.
“This is unheard of. Never have the unicorns—” Gillian cut himself off, pulling a pad and pencil from his suit pocket. He scribbled away as the unicorn in front of him stared at him with soft eyes.
“You’ve been given a unicorn to care for?” Gran asked, extending a hand to the little foal.
“Yes, I have,” Azure said, dismissing this at once, “but right now we need to focus on finding out who has been infected by this virus. I’m sure it’s a sizable population. We need to craft a speech—something that will put the people’s fears at ease and lets them know we are working on finding a solution. The infected will start to lose their magic soon, which means we need to turn our attention to finding a cure. But I also need to stop Emperor Frederick and the Duke of Terran. They’ll just keep trying.”
“You. Have. A. Unicorn,” Gillian repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief.
“Yes, Gillian. But I need to focus on my people. They’ve been infected, and need our help,” Azure muttered, thinking she’d pass out right then. She would need to rest before she set off for the mountains.
“Azure is always bringing home strange pets. Unicorns, pixies…gnomes,” Monet said, not at all looking impressed by the presence of the rainbow-haired unicorn.
Gran pulled back her hand when the unicorn touched it with his nose. “He touched me,” she exclaimed, turning to Gillian with wide eyes.
“He has a name,” Azure said dryly.
“What? How do you know?” Gillian asked, shocked. “Queen Azure, do you speak Unicorn?”
She shook her head, feeling the beat of a drum starting in her temples.
“No, but I speak your language,” the tiny unicorn stated plainly, his voice high-pitched like the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.
Gran started and stepped backward. Gillian clapped his stubby hands to his mouth. Monet simply yawned loudly.
“Yep, I totally guessed that was going to happen,” the young wizard said.
“Wait… Did he just speak?” Gillian leaned forward, staring intently at the unicorn, who seemed to enjoy the attention.
“I assure you he did,” Azure said, pulling her arm off her face and staring bleary-eyed at the scene before her. “Gillian, Queen Mother, Monet, will you please all welcome Blisters to the House of Enchanted? He will apparently be a resident now, since he says the stables are for horses.”
Gillian let out a gasp. “Of course stables are beneath this incredible animal. I’m appalled on his behalf that you even suggested it.”
“Yes, I suggested it. The House of Enchanted wasn’t constructed for a unicorn to take up residence in it. Even though he is small, we’re not used to hooves on our floors,” Azure said, turning her gaze on the unicorn. He batted his long eyelashes at her, trying to earn his way back into her graces.
“I’m sure that measures can be put into place,” Gillian replied. “A unicorn seeking residence with someone outside of their species… This must be a first. What a wonderful honor!”
“You have no fucking idea.” Azure pressed her elbows down on the table and cradled her head in her hands.
Gillian knelt. “Blisters, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. We will ensure you’re comfortable in the House of Enchanted.”
Gran smiled, bowing to the unicorn. “I’m also extremely grateful you’re going to live in our humble home. Welcome.”
There was a small silence where Azure smiled to herself. These two had no clue. Soon, though, they’d get it.
Blisters stared up at the gnome and the witch, blinking his adorable blue eyes. Then he opened his mouth, and their peace was forever assaulted. “Thanks!” the unicorn squeaked. “Man, it’s great to be here. I hate the woods. There are leaves and bugs in the woods. We have to sleep on the ground. The herd seems to like it, but they don’t know what they’re missing. I’m looking forward to sleeping on a down-filled mattress. Oh! And can I have my own bathroom? I love the idea of taking baths. Oh! And having manicures. And cuddling with elves. I’d like to have a cat, too. When is my first fitting? I want robes in periwinkle blue to match my eyes. And…let me see, I made a list of things I’d get once I was at the House of Enchanted.” The unicorn turned in a circle, his nose following his tail like that was where he left the list.
“Queen Azure?” Gillian said with a question in his voice.
“Yeah,” she groaned.
“This unicorn…”
“Blisters,” she corrected.
“Yes, Blisters. He’s different, isn’t he?” Gillian asked.
“From what I can tell, he’s fully grown, obsessed with witches, and causes havoc wherever he goes,” Azure said, remembering that the bottom half of her robes was drenched from falling into a mud pit.
A laugh, clear and loud, rang from Monet’s mouth. “Oh yes, I was waiting for this one. Azure has adopted a special needs unicorn.”<
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“Hey, don’t call Blisters that,” Azure scolded. “He’s not special needs. He’s just special.”
The unicorn, who didn’t seem to mind Monet’s jab, curled up by the fire, warming himself after the long and eventful morning. The little guy had talked the entire fucking time they traveled back to the House of Enchanted. He was sweet enough, but left a little to be desired. And apparently he’d been given the name ‘Blisters’ because that’s what his incessant voice did to the unicorns’ ears.
“He has the magic of the unicorns, though?” Gran asked.
“Yes, as far as I can tell,” Azure said, lifting her head to regard the peaceful unicorn, who was already snoring like a Labrador taking a nap.
“Well, our water sources are healed, and we also have a new source of magic. I would count this as a win,” Gran said.
“Yes, but he’s going to be quite the drain on the House of Enchanted, not to mention that he’s incredibly annoying and accident-prone,” Azure whispered to the queen mother.
“We dealt with this when Monet was born, and we can do it again,” she said with a smile.
“How dare you compare me to a reject unicorn?” Monet scoffed.
“I think the comparison was actually quite kind to you,” Gillian said, and turned his attention to Azure. “I think it’s time that we craft a statement to the people of Virgo. This is going to be a difficult time for them, and they need to know what’s going on. But we can use Blisters to soften the blow. Any kingdom that has a unicorn at its disposal will appear more powerful.”
Azure had known that asking Gillian to be on her cabinet would be a good idea. “Yes, I think you’re on to something,” she said, winking at the gnome.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Gillian was right. The unicorn had been the key. Azure had stood on the stage and told her people about the water source, the virus, and their fate. The grave faces that had stared back at her sought to steal her peace. However, when she called for Blisters and the runt unicorn trotted onto the stage, the Virgoans forgot their problems.