As a new song began, I glanced towards my mother and noticed she was now dancing with a council member of about her age and they were smiling at each other. Then I saw a look on Bryden’s face as he watched. Kieran leaned over and spoke something to her father, and he looked towards her frowning, and she smiled at her dad. He then shrugged and looked back at my mother and began to stroll towards my mother as she danced with this other man. Bryden tapped the other man on the shoulder, and they both turned to look at Bryden.
“Galen, look!” I said and pointed with my head in their direction. Galen looked over just as Bryden took my mother in his arms and began to dance. “Yes!” I whispered, and Galen asked me. “Are you happy now?”
I smiled brightly and answered, “Very. This is a big step for them.”
I looked over to see them gazing into each other’s eyes and smile. They danced great together as they belonged together in which they do.
“Look how happy they are in each other’s arms.”
“I see that.” He said as he glanced at them then back at me. “Now that you got your wish let us enjoy the evening.”
“I will now.” I smiled and glanced their way one more time and noticed how close Bryden now held my mother like in a possessive form. And she laid her head on his shoulder.
“Now I am happy,” I whispered.
2 Tayren race
Back on Kaihu, I was sitting in my favorite chair reading a book as Galen was off in his study on a conference call. Since the time we took over the palace and with the help of my mother, I had it redecorated to get any signs of Lucas out. It feels more bright and cheerful. I love our home now. My chair sits next to the fireplace only it was too warm to light a fire.
Tomorrow will be busy for me as I need to make rounds to different villages and do my Queenly duties. It is nearing night time, and in a little while, I love going out to the balcony and admire the site. Only in spring and summer the night sky and the land glows.
It is a fantastic sight to behold. The glow of different colors reminds of a movie I once saw on Earth. It also reminds me of that special field of Galen and me back on Earth. Wow, all that seems so long ago. We did find out that unique field was planted by Luziann, as that was where she picked her herbs for her healing drinks. That was why that field glowed, as it was flowers and herbs from our home world. I have gone back periodically to Earth and visited Sara. She and Craig still see each other, and it sounds like it is getting serious. I am happy for her. Amanda only knows I got married and moved away. She wouldn’t understand all this.
Jason and his father are still locked up on Valaisha and I never once went to see him. I don’t know if he was only under the influence of the darkness. Or if it was a volunteer thing, and it would break my heart if it were volunteered, so I stayed clear.
Of course, each time I go and visit Earth, I must have security with me because of my status. So, I don’t go often. I do invite Sara here at times, and it thrills her to see the other worlds.
I set my book down and went over to the doors and opened it leaving it open as I walked out on to the balcony. I took a deep breath and released it and looked around. The night was coming, and the life was happening all around. That is what I call it, the world coming to life. I am also getting used to the different wildlife here and just like on Earth they are drawn to me. There was a light breeze tonight, and I leaned against the balcony railing. I was standing here loving my home that I help to rule.
When I felt arms wrap around me and I leaned back against the love of my life. He kissed my head, and together we stood there admiring our world.
“How did it go?” I asked loving his arms around me.
“As well as expected.” He said kissing my head again while holding me tight as we rocked lovingly together.
I nodded and said. “Good I am glad.” I turned and faced this man of mine. “My mother was telling me about races they used to hold here.”
“Races? What kind of races?” He asked still in my arms.
“Tayren races. She had won a few before she and my father were married. She was younger than I am.”
“That sounds fun. Why are you bringing this up?” He looked at me intently.
“According to my mother, it was an activity all three worlds did and how it brought all closer together. I have been thinking that we could revive the sport.”
Galen thought about it and nodded. “Sounds fun. That would be a great idea.”
I smiled, “I want to race in it.”
Now he stared hard at me. I stood my ground.
“My mother said she would train me. Nothing will happen to me. I promise.”
He squeezed me tight. “Alright, alright. As long as it is your mother who trains you.”
I squealed and jumped up and kissed him, and all he could do is hold me still from my excitement, but when he did he kissed me passionately, the kind of kiss which always makes me weak in the knees. I held him tighter, and he deepened the kiss. He lifted away enough to smile at me, and I knew what that smile meant, and I returned the same secretive smile that meant fun. He lifted me into his arms and carried me to our room and on to our bed. Making love only gets sweeter, and this time was no different full of pleasure and joy and passion.
Next day as I rode Eazy into the village of Murif with my entourage of bodyguards, groups of the villagers came running and waving and cheering.
I always made sure that when we visited villages close to the palace, I would make time with Eazy and ride her in. I still get amazed at how the people react to her as they only seen tayrens and not Earth horses. So, my riding Eazy gives the children a treat.
I always allow the children to come and pet her. I dismounted and began to lead her through the streets. The guards’ rode tayrens, but not in flight since Eazy is not a flyer. As I led my horse through the streets, the little children came from all directions to greet Eazy and me. I smiled at them as they handed me flowers and got all giggly when I let them pet my horse. To see the royals out and about among the people always assured them that all is right in the world. I am coming to love my people more and more. They been so kind to Galen and me and accepted us as their King and Queen.
As I walked slowly among the children and people, I looked around me and saw a little face frowning in a doorway of a shop. I stopped walking and dropped the reins as Eazy always stays put, and I walked over to the sweet little girl and knelt to her level.
“Hello. What is your name?”
“Brandy.” She answered shyly.
I smiled at her. “Hello Brandy. Why are you so sad?”
“Because they say I too little.”
“Too little?”
“Uh, hu, too little to run to pet your tayren without wings.”
“Why you are not too little,” I said smiling. “Hey, how about I let you ride as I walk beside you?”
Her little eyes brightened up. “Really?”
“Yes of course,” I said standing and reaching for her little hand. She took my hand, and as I walked towards, Eazy she skipped alongside me. We walked up to Eazy, and I lifted the sweetie onto her back, and she sat there all smiles.
“See, I not too little.” She said all excitedly.
I smiled and continued to walk through the village waving and accepting flowers and small gifts handing them to my handmaiden which also accompanied us on this visit. She is more of an assistant than a handmaiden. At the end of the main street of the village, there was a beautiful view of the mountain range Zorric in the distance.
We got to the end, and I helped little Brandy down off Eazy, and I reached around my neck and took off a necklace I had worn today. I placed it on the little girl’s neck, and she glowed with happiness.
“For being such a big girl,” I said smiling.
She looked at the crystal necklace. “Thank you.” She said beaming. I kissed the little girl’s cheek and waved bye as I mounted my horse to head to the other village near Crystal Lake.
It is a l
ittle distance away, but Easy can handle the walk. So, we headed off Southeast from the village Murif towards a more extensive community called Ramion. It will be there I am to speak to the people and assure them we are safe and at peace. It took about an hour to get to the village of Ramion. Once I arrived there, they had set up a special luncheon for me. I am to speak to the people after that. I have never been a speaker before, so with coaching from my mother, I had to learn. Every time I did a speech, it gets recorded and played later, sometimes it is shown live.
After a nice lunch which I enjoyed, it was time for me to take the stand on the pedestal and give my speech. I stood there looking at each face looking at me, and I smile. “I would like to address the good people of Kaihu, Cainya, and Valaisha. That on this day as Queen of Kaihu, I assure each, and every one of you, that we see no issues or problems in our near or far future.
The peace that we have accomplished in the past year is secured. Many of you already know, we are now involved in peace talks with our neighboring world of Amadoria, and as of current seems to be quite successful.” I paused looking around. “I promise as Your Queen I am here to protect the needs of the people. As is my Husband, your King. I Thank you, and God bless.”
Loud cheers and applauds went up along with whistles. I raised my arm and waved and smiled. My guards were there and escorted me away. As we stepped out of the door children began to run towards me to greet me. I bent down and hugged a few and accepted more gifts and flowers. I waved as I mounted Eazy and we began to head back to the palace.
Halfway back I couldn’t help it I begin to run Eazy and jumped a few obstacles as I missed jumping her. The poor guards had a time keeping up with me, and so did my assistant on a tayren of her own. It was the first time I decided to do this, and it had been a long time. I could hear the head guard named Roblyn shouting “Your Majesty, please slow down.”
I finally did and stopped so they could catch up. “I apologize, Roblyn. This was just something I grew up doing on Earth. Eazy girl here needed a good run.”
“Yeah just please let us know when you plan to do something like that again.” He said.
“Alright, I will.” So, from there we went back at a slower pace.
Maydra, my assistant, was walking beside me. “I never saw anyone ride like that, Your Majesty. I am impressed.”
I smiled at her. “Thank you Maydra. That is how people on Earth ride horses.”
“Impressive indeed.” She said softly as we continued heading back.
Once back I went into my and Galen’s room and to my closet grabbed a clean outfit, laid it out on the bed and went into the bathroom to shower. I stripped down after turning the water on and adjusted the temperature. I stepped into the large shower and went under the spray wetting my long hair. I heard a noise just then in the bathroom and froze.
The shower was a private walk in, as I stood there not knowing what to expect, Galen peeked around the corner, and I jumped. “You frightened me,” I said laughing.
“Might I join you?” he asked smiling and stepped inside already naked.
“You may,” I answered placing my arms around him. He wrapped his tight around me and bent to kiss me.
“How was your day?” He asked me.
I brought his head down to me and kissed him again, “I don’t want to talk right now.” I said softly and kissed him more passionately.
I was sitting at my vanity brushing my hair, as he came up and kissed my neck. “Mmm, I love when you do that,” I said with a slight shiver.
He stood behind me, his hands on my shoulders and smiled at my reflection. “I watched your broadcast. You did well with keeping it simple.”
“That is what I was going for.” I looked at him and noticed he looked as if he wanted to say more.
“Alright, what is troubling you?” I asked putting down my brush.
“Roblyn told me you took a chance on Eazy this afternoon.”
“I gave her a good run and jumped a few obstacles. She hadn’t had a good ride like that in a long while.” I turned to face him more. “Was that so wrong when there is no sign of trouble?”
He pulled me up and hugged me. “Rayna, it is not only the fact of someone coming after you. What if Eazy spooked and you fell or something. Anything could have happened.”
He was cradling me as he spoke.
“Alright, I promise to be more careful. Anything else?” I asked hugging him tightly.
“Just this.” And he kissed me passionately rekindling our flame.
I was sitting in my study and chatting with my mother on a video call. “So, you talked with Galen about tayren races?” She asked me as I was sipping on my drink. “Yes, and he said as long as you teach me it was alright. How is the verdict about reviving the races coming?”
“Derrik and Kristana are all for it. So, when do you feel ready to train?”
I smiled. “Is tomorrow to soon?”
Sitting at dinner with Galen I brought up about the races. “My mom said your parents are all for the race.” I took a bite of dinner before continuing. “It seems we will be reviving the tayren races. My mother is ready to train me beginning tomorrow.” I sipped my drink.
“Tomorrow huh?” Galen asked taking a sip of his drink.
“Yeah, I checked my schedule, and it is a free day for me.” I smiled feeling excited.
He seemed to sense my excitement because he smiled. “If you are happy, then I am happy. Just promise me you will be careful.”
“I promise; I will be careful.”
At the stables on Valaisha, my mom was giving me instructions on how to race.
“You go slow at first as to let your opponents believe they have the advantage. As you near the halfway marker, you can allow your tayren to have a little more speed but not all yet.
There is a particular marker I always use as a guide as for when to release the reins and lean as close to the neck you can get for air flow. You will then feel the speed of your tayren, and she will know what to do. That is my secret, and I pass it down to you.”
“I want to try it now.” I smiled all ready to go.
My mom laughed and mounted her tayren, and I mounted mine. “You are very excited about this aren’t you?”
“You have no idea,” I answered as I patted Selest’s neck. “Ready mom?”
“Lead the way sweetie.” She said following me in the air.
Once in the air, I had to ask. “What are the markers like?”
“I wondered when you would ask that one. The markers hover in flight and don’t move. They will mark the sky where you fly, turn and head back. We can travel the route of the race right now if you like?”
“You know the route?” I asked her slowing, my tayren down.
She answered as she slowed to my pace. “Of course, I know. I used to race a lot, and the route was always the same. We have the original map of the track and the locations of each marker. Once I take you around the route, I will show you where the halfway marker will be placed and where the marker will be when I let loose my reins and lean.”
“Sounds good. Will you show me the map?”
“After we are finished here I will show you the map.” She said as she took the lead to show me where the starting marker will be placed.
“Okay, this is the starting point. There will be two starting markers one on each side. There and there.” My mom said pointing to the locations. “These markers have a sensor on them and go off the moment the first tayren crosses the finish line.”
“So, the starting is also the finish as well?” I asked.
“Yes, they are the same. Now let’s go this way, we will take it slow so I can point out where the markers will be placed.”
My mom pointed out every location of the markers I need to know and after we did a practice run so I can get the feel of the track. We then went back to the palace, so she could show me the map. Once inside we went to her study, and she opened a file cabinet and spread out on her desk the map of the tr
ack. As I was studying the map, my mother disappeared for a moment and came back carrying a box.
“These are the trophies I won, and these are pictures taken of me.”
I began looking at them, and one particular photo was almost like looking at me. “I look more like you, mom. I see it in this photo.”
She came up and hugged me looking over my shoulder at the photo. “I remember that one. That was taken two days before I was to meet your father for the first time. I was so nervous, and this was my last race.” She spoke nostalgically gazing at the photo. “I just turned nineteen.”
“How old were you when you first raced?” I asked her as I looked at the photos.
“I was fifteen years old when I first raced and was hooked.”
“When did you meet Bryden?” I had to ask that question.
She smiled and had a faraway look. “We grew up in the same village and attended school together. He was my best friend, still is. Our families didn’t approve of our friendship because my family was of noble blood, and he was considered a commoner. Because of my status, it was arranged from an early age that I would marry the Prince.” She turned and looked at me. “I loved your father the moment I met him, and I never regret the time we had together. I got you, and now I am the ruler of Valaisha.”
“You miss dad, don’t you?” I asked placing the things back into the box.
“Of course, I do, very much.”
“I wish I had known him.” My mom hugged me tightly. Then as she pulled away, she took my hand. “Come this way.”
3 The Past
My mother led me to a room with a big screen on a wall. “Sit here,” she said as she indicated a seat facing the screen. I watched my mother walk to the back of the room and pick something up from a table then walked back and sat next to me. She clicked a button on the device that looked like a remote, and the lights dimmed.
Valaisha Defenders: An Incredible Fantasy (Gateway Trilogy Book 2) Page 2