The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3]

by Robbie Collins

"My Queen?"

  "What is their purpose?"

  "To honor you, High Queen."

  Laughing, but lightly so others wouldn't hear, she said, “Perhaps I should just have a large drawing done for every town in The Realm, such as the one in Rns'deln''. That way they could honor Me without Me having to be there. You could just carry the drawing into the room."

  Ann'wn was surprised, “My Queen? It would not be the same."

  "It was just an amusing thought, Ann'wn."

  The door opened and Ann'wn stepped slightly forward, then turned and held up her and The High Queen's hand, presenting her, “The Great High Queen of The Realm."

  Everyone in the room knelt and bowed their heads before her, “Great High Queen."

  As they looked up, they marveled at her beauty. She walked beside Ann'wn to the front of the room where she was met by Queen Lrn'drn'.

  We are most pleased and honored to have The Great High Queen of The Realm with us this turn. High Queen, you honor the Skr'kinges with your presence. To celebrate with us this eve are also the Women of the Winds and the Women of the Waters. Queen N'orn'nntil’ and Queen Ersh'delrin’ are here to honor you this eve, with us. Many cycles prior, the Deep Mystics placed much trust in you. And now, this many cycles later, you have more than repaid this trust, and it is now us that owe you, Great High Queen. You have served The Realm like no other. This eve, we honor you.

  She presented San'lr'in’ with a new crown, Please kneel so that I may place this new crown on your head, High Queen.

  San'lr'in's attendants quickly removed her crown, then she knelt down so that Queen Lrn'drn’ could place the new one upon her head.

  There is only one crown like this in the entire realm, Highness, and no other can wear it. The crown holds special powers of its own that will serve to protect you. Should another try to take it from you, the spells within will prevent them from doing so. This is The Crown of The Realm's True High Queen. Until the moment you no longer wish to wear this crown, you are The Realm's Great High Queen. No other can take it from you, and you no longer serve under the privilege of the High Council. This crown, along with the Jeweled Stone of Power will also help to keep you safe from mystical harm. With this crown, as with this necklace just prior, it is now displayed that you no longer serve us, High Queen. We serve you.

  San'lr'in’ was stunned, having thought that any such pronouncements were finished back at the Women in the Trees. She bowed her head to Queen Lrn'drn’ for a moment, then stood. She knew that the Deep Mystics had become pleased with her, but never expected any display of this sort, especially by them.

  She wondered what they knew that they were yet not telling her.

  Softly and slowly, she sent her thoughts, Thank you, Queen Lrn'drn'. I am truly overwhelmed by your showing of respect and loyalty to the position. I hope that I live up to your expectations, but will strive to do so, for all of us in The Realm. I will wear the crown with honor.

  Queen Lrn'drn’ responded, It is not to the position we give our service, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. It is to you. The position means nothing to us, and this you know well. It is to you, and you only that we give our full respect. She turned to all that were present, Long live San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Long live our Great High Queen.

  All those in attendance clapped, as was appropriate for the occasion. Then Queen Lrn'drn’ turned back to San'lr'in', I understand that in the Valley, it is custom that The High Queen begins the evening's entertainment by being the first to dance. Would you honor us in this fashion, High Queen?

  San'lr'in’ bowed her head in acknowledgement, I am pleased to do this for you, Queen Lrn'drn'.

  The musicians began the music when Lrn'drn’ nodded to them, while San'lr'in’ looked about the room for her Elf. When she found her, she smiled gently, going toward her.

  She held out her hand to her, bowing her head a little, “Will you do Me the honor of the first dance, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ placed her hand into The High Queen's, smiling at her, her eyes twinkling, “It is my honor, my Queen."

  San'lr'in’ held her gently to her, looking into her eyes, “You are beautiful, My Elf. And your gown is all Elfin. Shimmering in its own beauty."

  Sle'nel’ returned the look, “It is you who are beautiful, my Queen. It is as if your beauty grows upon each turn."

  San'lr'in’ pulled Sle'nel’ closer to her, speaking softly in her ear as they danced around the floor, “If what beauty I have pleases you, then I am well pleased. And I am grateful you are here with Me for this dance."

  They danced while ignoring those around them, as if the music was only for them. When the dance was complete, San'lr'in’ held onto Sle'nel's hand, slightly apart from her, and said, Let the entertainment begin for all.

  As the next dance began, Sle'nel’ said, “I am most proud of you, my Queen. Who in all The Realm has accomplished such as you?"

  San'lr'in’ ignored the statement, “Is this collar typical of the Elves, My Desire?"

  "They tell me it is."

  Her gown had the same long ‘V’ design, but also had a small standup collar somewhat around her neck, showing off her long neck. The High Queen bent over slightly, removing the collar just a little, and placed a tender kiss upon the Elf's neck.

  "Intriguing."

  "Great High Queen? May I have the honor of dancing with your Elf?"

  San'lr'in’ looked at who was speaking, “Queen N'orn'nntil'. It is good to see you once again. Sle'nel', you have met Queen N'orn'nntil’ of the Women of the Waters.” She gave Sle'nel's hand to her.

  Sle'nel’ bowed slightly, sighing, “Queen N'orn'nntil'. It would be my pleasure."

  The High Queen sat at a small table, leaning back into her chair. An attendant brought her some food, but except for a few bites, she ignored it, watching the dancing. Queen Lrn'drn’ came and sat with her, speaking to her of The Realm.

  "You are exceptionally beautiful, Elf. It gives great pleasure to dance with you. If you were not The High Queen's, I would ask for you this instant."

  "Thank you, Queen N'orn'nntil'. You are most kind. Tell me of your domain."

  Sle'nel’ looked over to her Queen, noticing that she was speaking to Lrn'drn'. She was disappointed that her Queen was so engaged, when suddenly, San'lr'in’ stole a glance at her, her eyes heated in their desire. Sle'nel’ was pleased, noticing her Queen's look, and knowing what it meant. She made some teasing movements with N'orn'nntil', but meant solely for her Queen.

  Ann'wn and Mil'der'in were dancing together, yet trying to make sense of their feelings for each other, “I love your strength. I feel safe in your arms. Hold me tighter."

  Ann'wn pulled Mil'der'in closely to her, wishing she were dancing with The Healer instead of Mil'der'in.

  Mil'der'in placed her head against Ann'wn's shoulder, breathing in her odor, “And I love the smell of you. It has been long prior since I felt as such for another."

  Ann'wn knew she desired The Healer, “You are beautiful, Mil'der'in, and in truth, I have great desire of you. But I cannot make such a commitment as this to you."

  The dance ended, and Queen Ersh'delrin’ came up to Sle'nel', “It would give me great honor if you would dance the next dance with me, Elf."

  Sle'nel’ sighed quietly, “Of course, Queen Ersh'delrin'. It would be my pleasure.” She looked back to her own Queen, comforted in seeing that San'lr'in’ kept watch over her.

  As she danced, she stole glances at her Queen, amazed at her need of her.

  "What is it like to be The Great High Queen's lover?"

  "What is it like to be The Realm's only Elf?"

  "Did The Great High Queen not take you from your former lover, The Highest of Woden?"

  Sle'nel’ danced, politely trying to avoid Ersh'delrin's questions, answering them as briefly as possible. The dance halted, but Ersh'delrin’ demanded, “Please. Just one or two more, Sle'nel'. It would please me well."

  Sle'nel’ sighed, but consented, not knowing how to handle this most deman
ding of Queens. The next dance ended, but another began right away, and Ersh'delrin wouldn't let her go. Sle'nel’ gave in, thinking that her own Queen was yet busy speaking with Lrn'drn'. She closed her eyes when she heard the soft, but sweet and sad refrains of the next dance, wishing she were with her own lover.

  San'lr'in’ came over and bowed her head to Ersh'delrin, letting her know that she now wished to dance with her Elf. Without a word, Queen Ersh'delrin gave Sle'nel's hand to her. She took it and moved into Sle'nel's yet slowly dancing body, fitting into it as if they had been dancing the entire eve. Sle'nel’ opened her eyes for a moment, then closed them again as she leaned gratefully against her Queen's shoulder, now thinking the music perfect.

  She looked up into her Queen's eyes, seeing that they stared back lovingly, “You save me yet again."

  "I will always be here for you, My Desire."

  The High Queen couldn't look away from her Elf's eyes, mesmerized by their golden twinkling. She stared at her lovingly, but also with great desire, “Why do I find breathing so difficult when I am with you?"

  "And yet I am only able to breathe easily when I am with you."

  The dance ended, with another beginning right away. The High Queen kept dancing with her lover as if the music had never ended, not wanting to separate from her for a moment.

  "You have breathed life into this feeble heart of mine, My Elf."

  They danced with no realization that others were now watching the intensity of their togetherness. Even Sam saw that there were no forces in the entire realm that could separate these two, beyond death itself, and wished she could feel as such for another.

  They danced around the room again and again, seeing only each other, San'lr'in’ looking at her Elf with such an intensity that it surprised even Sle'nel'.

  "I was wrong, my Queen."

  "Wrong? In what regard?"

  "You do take my breath away."

  After many more dances, Sam and Uthrn approached them, “May we have a dance, my Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ wasn't pleased at the interruption, but looked to her Elf for the answer, “What say you?"

  Sle'nel’ nodded.

  Sam took Sle'nel's arm, while Uthrn took her Queen's.

  "You are beautiful, Jandra."

  "As are you, Sam. How fares your relationship with Uthrn?"

  "You are also an excellent dancer."

  "I have always enjoyed it, but never knew I enjoyed it this much. There were so few opportunities in Woden. That, and you didn't much like to dance."

  Sam laughed, but pulled Sle'nel’ closer to her, “I have never seen such as between the two of you. She makes you happy then?"

  "Does Uthrn not make you happy, Sam?"

  "I but think it is me, Jandra. I want what I have not, until I have it, then I no longer want it."

  "Have you discussed this with Uthrn?"

  Sam pulled her even closer, feeling the warmth of the body she could no longer enjoy, “I will. And I do love her well enough, but ... I am afraid, per my usual."

  Sle'nel’ laughed, “Perhaps you should just take the risk, Sam. You might find yourself surprised. Uthrn seems to love you well enough. Is this so?"

  The High Queen was trying to readjust herself to Uthrn, someone who she had never prior danced with, nor had wanted to, “Are you prepared to ride with My Black Guards next turn?"

  "Yes, High Queen.

  "And how fares your relationship with My sister?"

  "It would seem she yet desires your Elf."

  "Have patience. Give her the moments she needs to come to this decision herself. It cannot be forced. She desires not Sle'nel’ further. She is just cautious."

  "Really, my Queen? You think as such?"

  "I do. Sle'nel’ is her friend. She now just looks to her for advice, and strength."

  "I will keep this in mind, my Queen."

  After the dance was completed, The High Queen took her lover's hand back into her own, “Dance with Me again, My Desire?"

  "It would be my pleasure."

  They danced once again together, and once again seeing only each other.

  "Have you yet given thought to my question regarding the Elfin Lour'den’ Ceremony?"

  "Give Me until Sansthera, My Love. I am not placing this aside. I know well of its importance, to both of us, but I need to consider this well. I have had other issues on My mind. At this moment, though, you and your beauty keep Me from all thoughts, except those concerning your eyes, your beauty, and My own pleasure in your company."

  "You are most beautiful this eve, my Queen. This new necklace and your new crown are also quite amazing."

  While dancing, Sle'nel’ moved her finger slowly between her Queen's breasts, where they were exposed, “And I am yet mesmerized by these gowns of the Valley, and am most pleased by them. They give much opportunity for exploration."

  The High Queen shuddered slightly at the teasing, “No more pleased than I, My Desire."

  The music was beautiful, and Sle'nel’ noticed how her Queen seemed to be moved by it, “You respond to the music, my Queen."

  The High Queen laughed lightly, staring into Sle'nel's eyes with an increasingly heated intensity, “Place no wager on this, My Elf. It is you that I respond to, most definitely."

  Chapter XI

  Sansthera

  "No. I will not enter. I saw the way they looked at each other last eve, and I fear I will only be interrupting them."

  "You are a coward."

  "I see you not entering."

  "But I am only a Healer. You are supposed to be a brave warrior."

  "You saw what she did to me. To you, she only says to leave. Me? I get life-lasting scars."

  "You are yet a coward."

  "Give me two names of those unafraid of her, then."

  "The Elf."

  "That is only one. Give me another."

  The Healer sighed, “You win. I will do this thing, then."

  Surprising both The Healer and Ann'wn, Sle'nel’ opened the door, “I can hear you arguing even deep inside the room. The High Queen thinks you are both cowards."

  The Healer entered, laughing, “And my High Queen would be correct. Good morn, High One. Your attendants wish to enter so as to prepare you for the journey. May they enter?"

  The High Queen smiled from the bed, looking contented, “Have them enter, Healer. How was your eve?"

  "Pleasurable. But not such as yours, it would seem."

  "It would take My Elf to make it as such."

  Sle'nel’ looked annoyed, “The guards place wagers, San'lr'in', on how many of our moments are intimate. And now all are afraid to enter our room because of such, too? Is there to be no privacy in our intimacy? Would they like a secret room to watch by?"

  The High Queen rose, going to her lover, “They are just amazed, My Elf, and perhaps slightly jealous. The guards are always amazed that a High Queen could have any intimate moments."

  "That, and you used to kick your one-eve lovers out even prior to the moon's full rise."

  Sle'nel’ looked surprised, “You did as such?"

  The High Queen rolled her eyes, “Not always."

  "In truth, not always. Just most of the moments. Often, they would enter, and within a few moments, they would exit quickly, carrying their garments. She would not even allow them the moments to place them back on."

  Ann'wn laughed, but then choked it back in when she saw her Queen look at her. The Healer also laughed. Sle'nel’ just looked at her Queen, “Is this truth, San'lr'in'?"

  "Not always. Just when they had no ability."

  Sle'nel’ looked at The Healer, “Did this occur to you, as well?"

  San'lr'in’ went to her Healer, placing her hand on her cheek, “No. This one is a most excellent lover. We had other issues. And you, My Healer, should not be giving away My secrets, or I will tell yours as well, as it is highly known that directly after you take your pleasure, you also do the same, scaring them away with the ingredients to your potions.” All
were laughing, and while Sle'nel’ and Ann'wn were doing so, The High Queen quietly said to her Healer, “Why do you come this morn, to Me?"

  "I have need to check on you."

  "Why? Do I look ill?"

  "I am told that you yet have bad dreams, from the transfer of powers."

  "So? If not these, then I have others. What makes these so different?"

  "These twist the mind, my Queen. We must work to rid these from you before they begin to take over."

  "I am almost afraid to ask how this is known."

  "And I will not tell you, anyway."

  "It is easy enough for Me to find out."

  "It would please you not, and it is better left alone."

  "We must leave and have few moments. What is it you wish?"

  "Enter into your meditations for me. I will begin to heal you within these."

  "We have not these moments. We must leave."

  "Begin, my Queen. We do more this eve."

  They left after all the preparations were complete, and all their farewells spoken. It took quite a few moments, as all the Waifs wanted to say their farewells to Sle'nel', fearing they wouldn't see her for a long while.

  They were finally on their way to Sansthera, yet another distraction to their main destination. As to their usual practice, their journey remained free from conversation. The High Queen was well frustrated in their journey now, finding that they traveled overly slow due to the numbers they had traveling with them. The Black Guard and the Private Guard were now with them, as well as the five sorcerers, the scholars, and Young Sele'. Since her elite guards were now accompanying them, San'lr'in’ insisted that Erthrn's guards return to Rns'deln'.

  Sansthera was well out of the way of their travels to El'fs'nd'lle, but The High Queen hoped it was worth the journey. She worried whether Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was honest in her plea, but took the risk, knowing that her sister would most likely be unable to win any battle against her. Sansthera was southwest of El'fs'nd'lle, and five turns hard-travel from it. Their present journey would take them three-to-four turns to reach Sansthera, and San'lr'in’ was already tired of what seemed like constant travel.

  Since the elite forces now traveled with them, Ann'wn used some of them as scouts, sending them off in all directions on a continual basis. Sle'nel’ was excited to reach El'fs'nd'lle, but was also excited about seeing more of The Realm, finding it beautiful. After the Skr'kinges', the land had changed to high meadowlands, with wild flowers all about them. Another magnificent mountain range stood before them, but well over two-turn's journey away, and many small mountain streams meandered through the large valley they traveled through.