Discovery: Altera Realm Trilogy

by Jennifer Collins

  Helen

  Helen headed into the library as she had every day for the past three weeks, prepared to sit for a while before declaring that Syney must still be feeling sick. It had worked pretty well and even elicited a few "Make sure she gets well"s from random people in the library. But today she stopped dead in her tracks as she walked in. Syney was there, her nose in a small leather-bound book. Helen almost jumped for joy. She dropped her book on the desk and sat down across from Syney.

  Syney looked at her and smiled. "Hey, teach."

  "Syney." Helen returned the smile. "How are you? I mean, really?" she asked quietly. "Before you left, you...well..."

  "I'm good," Syney placed her hand on top of Helen's. "It's all better now. I promise."

  "Well, I have to say that I'm over the moon that you're finally back. My mother has been on my case about your being sick. We have to start planning the coronation before she cancels it completely."

  Syney laughed. "Helen, calm down. One thing at a time, OK? What do we have to do to plan the damn thing?"

  Helen took a deep sigh. "I'm so happy you're back."

  "Me too."

  "OK, so I've been working with Noelle on the clothes. They're all ordered and ready to go. So all we have left is the ceremony itself, like the prayers you want and the music. You also have to choose a crown. Oh, and you have to choose your witnesses."

  "Isn't everyone going to witness this thing?"

  "Well, everyone in the palace, and then you have to be presented to the rest of the Village," Helen said, pulling out the notebook she had been using for all things coronation. "But the witnesses are a tradition. They're almost like sponsors. You have to choose five people who stand up with you. They each have to present a reason for you to become seated queen."

  That was always Helen's favorite part of any coronation. She loved all of the symbolism that those people represented. She had been to a few coronations, including her own when she was crowned seated princess. All royals in the Head of House lines were crowned when they turned sixteen. Her coronation had been one of her most amazing moments. She couldn't believe it had been almost ten years ago.

  "You know, this would be much easier if I'd actually seen one of these things," Syney said, looking over the pile of sheet music Helen had handed her. "I don't even know how to read this stuff."

  Helen nodded. "You're right. It would be easier." She sighed. Syney needed more than just her to help plan this thing. She needed other people who also had been to coronations. She could ask Cass, but her little sister had retreated into her room and barely had come out after Raine had been put to death. Helen had tried to talk to her, but Cass just stared at her and walked away. She was worried, but she didn't know what to do. Having her help with this didn't seem like the right idea. Adanna was totally out of the question. Helen would have expected some nasty comments if she even asked. So who else was there? Someone outside of their royal line? Maybe...

  "Maybe we can work on this later, with some...people who have been to coronations," Helen said slowly. She hoped like hell that Syney would fill in the blanks.

  Syney nodded. "Cool. Who you got in mind?"

  "Um... We could do a private dinner. Just the four of us."

  Syney stared at her. "Sure, the four of us. Yeah, that sounds good."

  Helen smiled. "Great! We'll come by your room then. Around seven?"

  "Uh-huh."

  Helen gathered her books and told Syney she would see her later. She hurried out mainly because she wanted to tell Leaf as soon as she could. The idea of this double date really excited her. She knew he was in the gym. He had a training session in the middle of the day. But she also knew he could easily slip away for a few moments if she caught his eye. She stopped in the doorway of the gym and tilted her head to the side when he saw her. It was their little secret code. She headed straight into the storage room down the hall, making sure no one saw her go in.

  A few moments later, Leaf walked in. "Is everything all right?"

  "Everything is great. I just wanted to tell you that we have dinner plans."

  He tucked some of her dark brown hair behind her ear. "We usually do."

  "Not alone this time."

  He let his hand drop as he stared at her. "What did you do, Helen?"

  "Nothing! I swear! I was just planning Syney's coronation with her, and we decided we should get some help from people who have been to one of our coronations. And from there I just suggested that me, you, Syney, and Hunter have dinner."

  "That won't be an awkward table in the dining hall."

  "Oh, ha. You're making jokes now." She lightly swatted at him. "I told her we'd meet them in her room."

  "This isn't a good idea."

  Helen sighed and put her hands on his chest. "I hate the fact that I can't tell anyone how much in love I am with you. Syney and Hunter already know about us." She paused, looking up at him. "It'll be nice not to have to pretend anything and just be together, at least for the night."

  Leaf pulled her toward him into an embrace. "For the record I still don't think this is a good idea. But I'll come."

  Helen smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're going to have fun! I promise!"

  Which is what she kept saying to him as they carried four trays of food to Syney's room. She glared at him as she kicked at the door, since their hands were full. "Could you not look so grumpy?"

  "This is uncomfortable, so you get an uncomfortable face," he grumbled.

  Helen rolled her eyes as Syney opened the door.

  Syney smiled at them both. "Hey, you two! Come on in," she said slowly but a little too excitedly.

  Leaf and Helen walked past her as she shut the door behind them. Hunter jumped up from the couch and took the trays from Helen. He and Leaf set the trays on the small table between the two couches and took a seat on either one. They both looked at each other briefly before looking at their respective...girlfriends. Helen wasn't sure if she was OK with the term, but what else could she call herself? His lover? While technically correct, she didn't like that word either. She shook the inner debate out of her head and sat next to Leaf, while Syney sat across from her. The four sat in awkward silence for a while. Both men shifted uncomfortably while Syney smiled at all of them.

  Finally Helen could no longer take the silence. "OK, so we could all just sit here silently, or we could just act normal, which doesn't seem like such a bad thing, right? We're all friends. Nothing's changed."

  "Friends with benefits," Syney said, which earned a stern look from Hunter. "What? I can't joke? It's how I defuse awkwardness."

  "I thought it was funny," Helen said.

  "No, you didn't, but thanks." She looked over at Hunter and Leaf. "Helen's right. Let's just relax," Syney said, opening one of the trays and eating a forkful of food.

  Both men followed suit, slowly and silently. Helen smiled. This wasn't going exactly the way she wanted, but at least it was happening.

  "So...confession," Syney said around some food. "I had no idea what you were talking about this afternoon. I was a little scared that the other two you wanted us to eat with were your mother and Adanna."

  "Oh." Helen looked at Hunter. "I assumed Hunter would have told you about Leaf and me."

  "It wasn't my place to say anything," he said, glancing up at Helen.

  "But I think it's great!" Syney exclaimed. "You two are perfect together." She placed a hand on Hunter's thigh.

  "So are you," Helen said, mimicking the gesture on Leaf's leg.

  Both men stood up in a hurry.

  "You know this is just—" Hunter started.

  "A bad idea," Leaf finished.

  "OK, OK," Helen said. "No relationship talk. Just coronation stuff. Let's go over the music."

  "Right!" Syney reached over and grabbed the stack of music. "Which ones—sit down, both of you!" She continued when they both complied. "Which ones are the usual?"

  "Usually during the actual crowning it's 'Suscipiat Novum R
egina,' " Helen said, pointing to the top paper.

  Both Hunter and Leaf scoffed.

  "What? Not good? This is where I need help, guys," Syney said, looking at both of them.

  Hunter sighed. "It's...not very pleasant to the ears, especially Lycin ears."

  "It's high pitched and a little screeching," Leaf added.

  "Well, then, that's out," Syney said, moving to the next song. "Um, 'Novum Regina Oritur'?"

  "It goes on forever," Hunter said.

  "I have to agree on that one. Adanna had that for her crowning as seated princess. She wanted more time for people to stare at her," Helen said, taking a bite of her food.

  "Is there any good music here?" Syney asked, shuffling the papers.

  "What about the song you used?" Leaf asked, looking at Helen.

  "I actually liked that song," Hunter agreed.

  "Oh, really? That was very nontraditional. I was pretty sure I saw steam come out of my mother's ears."

  "That's perfect! I'll use it!" Syney smiled.

  "It was a song my father sang to me when I was a girl. There's a story that went along with it about a young girl who finds her prince." Helen felt her face grow warm as she glanced at Leaf.

  "Even better," Syney said quietly. "So I want to ask all of you something." She paused. "Would you be my witnesses?"

  Hunter and Leaf both shifted but stayed quiet.

  Helen smiled. The thought was so nice that she didn't want to burst her bubble, but she had to. "I would be honored, but..." She looked at Leaf and then Hunter. "...witnesses have to be royal, and Magic Users."

  "Is that a rule or just a custom?"

  Helen thought about that. She wasn't sure actually. It had been done that way for as long as she could remember, but that didn't mean it was required to be that way.

  "Let's just say it's law and drop it," Hunter said, looking at Syney.

  "Let's not. I mean, I don't actually like many people in this place, and only two of them are royals, so I either have non-royals or people I don't like," Syney said firmly.

  "Go for it," Helen said with a smile. "You're here to change things. Let this be one of them."

  "So will you both be witnesses?" Syney asked.

  "Yes," Leaf said quietly. He smiled at Helen.

  Syney looked at Hunter, who was still silently looking down at his food. "You're the number one person I want up there with me," she said softly.

  Finally he sighed and looked at her. "Fine. I'll do it. But you have to stop making so many waves. Start picking your fights wisely."

  "He's right," Leaf added.

  Helen rolled her eyes at them. They always knew how to make the mood get very serious. After that decision they flew through the rest of them, and Helen smiled at her progress. She was excited to show her mother. The comfort level also rose as they continued to talk. The boys even started to make jokes about past coronations and what they really thought about the whole ritual. For the first time since Helen and Leaf had started seeing each other, she felt completely comfortable. She loved it and wanted more, if she could have it.

  Leaf

  Leaf stared at the map of the Realm on the table in front of him and clasped his hands behind his back. The stance had become second nature to him when he had become a Royal Guard. It showed that he was at attention without being too aggressive. Right now he was worried. He had never had to organize a mission of this scale. He had no doubt he could do it—and effectively—but the whole idea of sending out three squadrons of troops where they couldn't easily call for help or reinforcements made him uncomfortable. The report of Shifter activity and the awakening of the Daemons, however, made the mission necessary. They needed to strengthen their defenses, and this was the way to do it. There would be two different stations. One would be up north, on the border of the neutral territory. The other, the more dangerous, would be set up along the east border of the Magic User lands, which directly met the lands claimed by the Shifters. He already had chosen a commander for the first and assigned him a squadron. They were scheduled to leave the next day. The other mission was a little trickier. He wanted to send a commander he trusted explicitly, and he only felt that way about himself and Hunter. Unfortunately neither could do it because of their duties at the palace.

  He looked over at Hunter, who was reviewing the list of the two squadrons for the second station. He knew one name would catch his friend's attention, and he waited for it.

  "You're sending Fern?" Hunter asked, looking up. "Why don't you have her command?"

  Leaf narrowed his eyes at him. "Not the reaction I was expecting."

  "She's good."

  Leaf shook his head. "She can't think quickly enough."

  "Who do you want?"

  "You, but that's not going to happen." Leaf looked back down at the map. "It's too dangerous to risk so many."

  "Maybe, but you have to do it. How about Ridge?"

  Leaf grimaced. This wasn't going to go over well, but he had to ask. "What if you stepped down as Syney's Protector?"

  Leaf looked up and met Hunter's gaze. "She's the only reason I'm officially allowed in the palace."

  "I know, but you've proven yourself. You're perfect for this. You care enough to protect all of them."

  Hunter shook his head. "I can't. Please don't ask."

  "Had to try. Ridge might be good."

  Hunter pointed to a section along the border. "I would have them set up here. There are some hills that could be used as protection for a camp. It also would give cover for surveillance."

  Leaf looked at him.

  "If things were different, you know, I would be first in line for this," Hunter said. "But I just can't. I...need her to breathe."

  Leaf understood exactly what he was saying but didn't want to vocalize it. As much as he enjoyed their dinner the other night, he wasn't comfortable saying these things aloud. "Understood."

  "How's the planning?"

  They both looked over as Fern walked into the room.

  "Good. You'll be stationed along this border. Haven't chosen your commander yet, but I will," Leaf said, indicating the spot on the map.

  "I look forward to it." She turned to Hunter. "Do you have a moment?"

  Hunter nodded. "Good luck," he said to Leaf as they walked out of the room.

  That, he did not envy. For him, as head of the Royal Guard, being with Helen was a little easier. He wasn't paired and never would be. But watching Hunter walk away with a woman he was promised to after he had just spoken of the woman he loved made Leaf feel for his friend. That wasn't the best situation, even without the forbidden romance. He shook his head and looked back at the map. He needed to figure this out and soon. He had a bad feeling. Something was going to happen, and he needed to have the palace and the Village locked down for when it did.

  Fern

  "We haven't had an opportunity to speak in a while," Fern said, as she and Hunter made their way down a hallway. She didn't care where they ended up; she just needed the time to talk. She wasn't very happy with the way their relationship had been going for the past month. She had made many attempts to speak with him, but he seemed never to be around, always on duty with Princess Syney. That in itself wasn't too shocking, but she'd had a feeling for a while that something wasn't entirely right with their relationship—his and the princess's, that is. She didn't want to come right out and say anything; she simply was biding her time until she found something concrete to speak of. But in the meantime, there was one aspect of all of this that she needed to take care of.

  "I've been busy," Hunter said, keeping his gaze in front of him.

  "Of course. How is the princess?"

  "Well."

  Fern studied his profile for a moment. He obviously was trying to hide something from her. She wasn't sure whether it was something illicit, or whether he was still angry with her over the incident at the Great Lake. "I've been stationed with the troops setting out this month," she said.

  "I know."

&
nbsp; "I believe we will leave right after the princess's coronation."

  "I know."

  Fern put a hand on his arm to stop him. "I want to have our Joining ceremony before I leave."

  He looked over at her, his face showing no emotion.

  "It makes the most sense," Fern said. "There isn't any expected return date. We could be out there for a long time. It would be nice to have a family to come back to."

  Finally he took a deep breath and nodded. "Fine."

  "When?"

  He looked away. "The evening of the coronation. Everyone will be here already, including your family."

  "Sounds acceptable. I will look forward to it." She gave a short bow and headed away from him. When they had first been paired, he had seemed excited about the prospect. She couldn't help realize there was no enthusiasm now. She tried not to dwell on that as she made her way to the gym. She always had found a good workout was the cure for most things, even uncertainty.

  Hunter

  Hunter never had been comfortable in a bathtub. He preferred showers, which were quick and served their purpose well. But as he stared across the tub at Syney, he felt a newfound fondness for the thing. He rubbed her foot and felt his pulse pick up as she laughed.

  "I'm ticklish! Stop!" she yelled, playfully slapping some water at him.

  He laughed back and moved his hand to her calf instead. "How was your day?"

  "OK. Picked out my crown with Helen. It's really pretty. I made sure they put purple stones in it. I missed you, though. I like Reed, but he isn't good for quick kisses in the shadows," she said with a smile.

  "I hope not. I would hate to reassign him."

  "Did you get everything done with Leaf?"

  He nodded.

  Syney smiled and bit her bottom lip. He loved when she did that. It usually meant she was nervous.

  "What is it?" he asked. "I made sure to lock the door—both doors actually."

  "It's not that. I, um, had this crazy thought this morning. I was feeling pretty sick after breakfast. Had a quick flash. I thought I might be...pregnant or something."