Her New Reign

by Larisa Long

  In an instant, I feel like new. No ache. No pain. “Amazing.”

  Blu grins proudly. “I know.”

  “Have I missed anything?”

  Blu shakes his head. “Just lonely with you unconscious.”

  I stand up and realize I’m still wearing all the necklaces. I look down at them. “Does anyone mind if I take these things off?”

  Blu jumps up. “You want to touch us for real?” He flutters around the room. “I need to prepare. There’s a list I have somewhere I must get. Supplies. Preps. Sugar.”

  Zash sighs. “Blu.”

  Blu looks at him like Zash has just grown horns.

  “It’s so …” I try to think of the words, but there are no words from my world about necklaces that could … I shiver. “They are creepy and aren’t they weird for you?”

  Blu shrugs.

  Zash moves his head this way and that.

  I look at Janx.

  “I don’t think someone like you having them is weird. Someone like that King. That was—”

  “Right. So, you wouldn’t mind if I took them off?”

  Blu and Zash shake their heads.

  How to take them off without …

  Zash blushes. “Let me do it. I can’t activate them.” He carefully lifts all the necklaces together and raises them over my head.

  I take a deep breath and look down for once not seeing those necklaces taunting me. “That was a lot of pressure wearing those. I was afraid that I’d accidentally …”

  They eye me waiting for me to say something nefarious, awkward or weird. Or all three.

  I shake my head. “Anyway.”

  Blu giggles.

  I glance around the room. “Where exactly is the dungeon?”

  Zash’s expression turns to worry. “Why?”

  “Can they get out?”

  Blu grabs his stomach. “That would be bad. Like cauliflower brownie bad.”

  Zash closes his eyes and shakes his head. “They are there. Not happy. But they are down there.”

  Janx moves closer to me. “I can make sure they never bother you again.”

  I take a deep breath. Then I realize something. Something creepy. “How long have I been here now?”

  Blu jumps up. “Why? What’s happening?”

  “Do we have a bathroom here? A shower.”

  “You want to shower together?” Blu jumps up and down again. “I need supplies. Sugar. Where’s my list?”

  Zash grabs Blu to stop the jumping. “Calm down and create the shower for her.”

  In an instant a glass shower appears in the middle of the room.

  Zash puts his hands on his hips and sighs. “Blu, put that in a separate room. With walls. No windows. Privacy.”

  “I won’t peek.” Blu places his hands over his eyes with his fingers so wide apart I can see his mischievous expression.”

  Thinking of being alone in a bathroom suddenly gives me the creeps.

  Blu’s slow grin becomes devious and he raises his hand. “I’ll make the sacrifice to watch you.”

  Zash shakes his head.

  “Fine.” Blu snaps his fingers. “Done.”

  I look down at myself. I feel clean. Even my hair is still damp. “You’ve done this for me before, haven’t you?”

  Blu nods. “Every day. Of course, you were usually so distracted with lusting over my body to notice.”

  I have different black boots and a different but similar black and red cloaky thing and another black dress, but this isn’t so tight and flairs at the bottom.

  “Easier for twirling,” Blu says. “And other things.”

  “Thanks. All of a sudden I thought of every horror movie where something sinister happens just when someone gets in the shower. How many days has it been here now?”

  “Twenty-nine,” Blu says nonchalantly. Then, he realizes what he just said. He grabs at his heart. “Twenty-nine? Twenty-nine. Twenty-nine!” He throws himself down on the chair and rocks himself back and forth.

  I immediately grab the milkshake he’d put down before and hand it to him. “Blu, drink. What’s happening?”

  “It’s almost thirty days,” Zash tells me.

  Blu’s wings quiver. He puts his hands over his head and continues to rock.

  “Blu!” I try to stop him from rocking, but he’s too strong. “Blu, it’s alright. Everything’s changed.”

  He shakes his head. “You don’t understand. If you—”

  A loud noise shakes the house.

  Chapter 12

  Zash and Blu jump up. Janx moves close to me.

  “The dungeon.” Zash looks to me. “I don’t want you to go down there, but we’re safer if we’re together.” He nods at Janx then returns his attention to me. “Blu will go first. Then me. You follow and then Janx. They can’t get to you if we’re together.”

  We all follow Blu down a hallway I didn’t know was there. He stops in front of a wall, puts his hand on it, and it becomes a door. He glances back to me and grabs my hand. “Mera, if I’m not back in twenty seconds, mourn me deeply.”

  Zash sighs. “We’re all going together, Blu.”

  “I know.” He leans close to me and whispers, “All my chocolate recipes and potions are hidden in the secret compartment in the kitchen.”

  I smile thanking him for making me laugh even when I’m scared to death.

  He winks at me. “Anytime.”

  We follow Blu down a winding stairway lit only by torches.

  “Why does this look like a dungeon out of the movies? And why no electricity?”

  “I had to work quickly, and electricity is not my expertise,” Blu admits. “Besides, I think it provides the appropriate dungeon vibe. Is that the right word?”

  We arrive at a rounded wooden door. Blu puts his hand on the doorknob then jumps back. His wings flutter back and forth. “Can’t do it. Too scared. Zash, can you open it?”

  Zash grabs the doorknob and throws it open. In the small room that’s covered from floor to ceiling in brick a huge cage takes up almost the entire space. Unfortunately, it’s empty.

  Janx moves around me and studies the cage. “They didn’t break out. Did you spell this?”

  Blu nods while nervously glancing around. “You sure they’re not hiding or invisible or under something?” He grabs my hand and places it on his chest. “I have two hearts, but I can only put my hand over one at a time.”

  I laugh. “Your heart is beating super fast.”

  He nods. “It’s the sugar.” He grins at me. “Plus, you’re touching me.”

  Zash closes his eyes. “I don’t sense them here at all.”

  Blu shakes out his hands and wings. “That was close. Wait.” Worry creeps up again. “Where are they then? Can you sense them?”

  Zash shakes his head. “They are not close.”

  There’s a knocking upstairs.

  Blu grabs me quickly. “What in all the realms is that?”

  Zash looks at me. “Stay close.” He looks at Blu. “Do not let her out of your grasp.”

  Blu nods and grins at me mischievously.

  We follow Zash back up the stairs. Blu grabs me from behind and matches my movements and footsteps exactly. Janx follows.

  Zash tells us to wait in the hallway. He walks out and stops quickly. “Queen Cyl.”

  Janx gently moves Blu out of the hallway so he can close the door. The door immediately disappears.

  Zash glances at us. “It’s okay.”

  Blu continues to hold me as he walks me to the room.

  Standing in front of us is a girl of my age with long pure blonde almost white hair.

  She smiles at me with confidence. “Queen Mera. I am Cyl.”

  She’s ethereal and graceful like a ballerina. She’s the first that actually looks regal with the most beautiful white and golden cloak and matching crown.

  Cyl notices my attention to her outfit, and she looks down. “Gold thread. I think that’s what makes me look more like a Queen.” She motions to
a man with spiky black hair and the lightest blue eyes. It doesn’t hurt that he lines his eyes with black eyeliner to further accentuate the blue.

  “My eyes are blue as well,” Blu whispers to me. “Or did you not notice? Or wonder why I have my name?”

  I poke him in the ribs which makes him giggle.

  The man bows to me. “Queen Mera, I am West.”

  Zash moves quickly in front of me. “Risq’s brother.”

  I tense.

  Janx immediately steps beside Zash which further shields me.

  The vampire laughs. “I see my reputation or at least his has preceded me. Trust me, I’m nothing like my brother.” He gasps. “A dragon. Rare.”

  “It’s okay.” Zash moves so I can see.

  Blu continues to hold onto me.

  West looks between all of us but focuses his attention on Janx. “Forgive my rudeness. Dragons are … amazing.” He then looks around. “Just the three of you? You finally lose the witch and the vampire?”

  “We had some issues,” Zash says.

  “I can imagine. But, you replaced them with a dragon.”

  Cyl watches me. “Impressive for such a new Queen.” She looks Janx up and down. “A very handsome and immensely strong dragon. And he has already pledged his undying loyalty to you.” She shifts her head back and forth as she studies him. “And you’ve already given your heart to her.” She returns her attention to me. “Very impressive. You must be special indeed. I was also your age when I was chosen.”

  Chosen instead of taken. That’s an interesting spin. Blu’s grip around me tightens as if he’s apologizing with his hug.

  Cyl motions to another man who is with her. “This is Kaoz.”

  He has longer black hair, darker skin and translucent eyes. “Queen Mera.” He bows a bit, and all his bracelets jingle. He’s wearing a shiny black jacket over a silky white shirt that is open to reveal thousands of necklaces of every shape and size.

  “A witch,” Blu whispers to me.

  Kaoz grins. “I am from an ancient family. Very unlike your human witch hybrid you used to have here.”

  “And I’m Vix,” the dark haired, brown eyed absolutely stunning woman says, as she steps forward.

  “Succubus,” Blu whispers.

  Vix smiles. “That I am.”

  I glance at them. Each looks like they stepped off the runway. “You’re beautiful,” I say, without thinking. “You all are.”

  Vix grins. “That is one of the reasons we are all still alive.”

  Kaoz grabs Cyl’s hand and kisses it. “That and we were lucky enough to have chosen this compassionate beauty who showers us in the best of everything.”

  West looks at me. “I’m glad you finally chose well.”

  Zash clears his throat. “Yes, we did not have much luck with the previous ones.”

  Kaoz studies Zash. “Choosing Queen Mera. That was your doing not the hybrid witch.”

  Zash glances at me and hesitates. “Yes, I chose her. I knew before we met her that she was the one.”

  Interesting. Did not know that.

  Blu holds on tighter.

  Cyl looks around me at Blu. “You, indeed are very lucky, Blu. I’m afraid beautiful faeries suffer greatly in a world of demanding and sadistic humans.”

  He nods. “We are all lucky.”

  Cyl looks me up and down. “What is my former world like now?”

  I realize someone has spoken to me. “I’m sorry. When were you … chosen?”

  Cyl thinks a moment. She frowns and looks to Kaoz.

  He whispers something to her.

  “I’ve been in this world so long I forget. I was born in Virginia. 1838?” She glances at Kaoz who nods.

  I step back a bit. “Wow. Yes, things have changed a bit since then.”

  Cyl narrows her eyes. “The war that was rumbling?”

  “The civil war? Yes, fought and finished.” I hesitate. “Mostly finished. Still issues.”

  Cyl smiles. “Queen Mera, I will not take up your time. I just wanted to introduce myself and my beautiful immortals. My door is always open should you need anything.”

  “Thank you.” I watch them leave and wonder if I’ll ever be as graceful as Cyl. “She’s so beautiful.”

  Blu snorts. “You do not need to worry about that. You are beautiful as well.”

  “You are ours,” Zash says, smiling at me.

  West runs back inside. “Sorry, Queen Cyl has invited you to join us nan.”

  I flinch. “Nan?”

  He glances again at Janx, bows and leaves.

  Zash turns to face me. “I’m sorry I never told you.”

  “I thought Arc chose me.”

  Blu shakes his head. “He had the worst taste. We trusted Zash.”

  Zash moves close to me, but I flinch. “What is a nan?”

  Zash hesitates. “The narrow apres next. About ten days from now.”

  Blu lets go of me and gasps. “I need to prepare. Gather supplies. The sugar. I’ll need my lists.”

  Zash grabs my hands. “Please forgive me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He closes his eyes. “I thought you’d hate me. We were desperate, but we should have given you a choice.” His body tenses, and his pain is excruciating to witness. He can’t even look at me.

  I study him. “Just one question, and I’ll drop it.”

  Zash entwines his fingers with mine and pulls me close to him. “Ask me anything.”

  “Did you give the others a choice?”

  Zash’s startled expression quickly turns to guilt as his body tenses again.

  I try to escape his grasp, but he tightens his grip.

  “Why did you not give me a choice?”

  He rests his forehead against mine. “Because I was selfish. I already loved you. If you didn’t agree, it would have killed me. I wouldn’t have been able to give you up, and I couldn’t survive in your world.”

  Again I try to move away, but he doesn’t let me out of his grasp.

  Janx is beside me in an instant as is Blu.

  Blu touches Zash’s shoulder. “Zash, you have to let her go.”

  Zash nods and releases me. “I’m sorry. I would never hurt you.”

  I back away and look at Janx. “I’m fine.”

  Janx looks between me and Zash. “Are you sure?”

  I nod.

  Zash shakes his head but won’t look at me. Tears fall down his face. “Please tell me you can forgive me.”

  Blu puts his hand over his heart as he looks at Zash and touches my shoulder before walking away.

  I nod at Janx. He too steps back but keeps his eyes on Zash.

  I grab Zash’s hands. “Don’t keep things from me. That’s what Arc did, and that’s why I didn’t trust him.”

  Zash finally looks up at me. The pain in his eyes almost cripples me.

  “Are you sure I’m not an empath because the way you’re looking at me is incapacitating.”

  He shakes his head. “No, you’re not. You’re lucky. The fear you had when I couldn’t let you go … your pain when you realized I was the one who took everything away from you.” He looks in my eyes. Then he quickly shuts his eyes. “The way you’re looking at me now.” He takes a deep breath and bows his head. “That’s more painful than the worst torture they ever put me through.”

  “Zash.” I let go of his hands and lift his face up to me. “Just give me time, okay?”

  He nods.

  “Please open your eyes.”

  He slowly opens his eyes and studies me. His breath catches.

  I wait. “What do you see?”

  He looks away from me. “You’ll just need time like you said.”

  Chapter 13

  I wonder what else Zash sees, but I won’t push him. “Can you help me with something?”

  He nods.

  “Are there books for the laws here?”

  He blows out a breath. “That’s a weird subject change. Blu?”

  Bl
u is busy in the kitchen but snaps his fingers, and a desk appears by the window surrounded by a bookshelf full of law books.

  I walk over to them and pick one of the books up. “Will I be able to understand the language?”

  Blu nods. “I had them translated.”

  Janx studies Zash. “Tell me I don’t have to warn you.”

  Zash shakes his head. “I shouldn’t have held onto her like that.”

  “You know I will protect her from any and all threats.”

  “Yes.” Zash sighs. “You won’t have to protect her from me. I promise.”

  Janx finally moves away from Zash and returns his attention to me. “Why are you interested in the law books?”

  “She was going to be a lawyer back in her world,” Zash answers, as he watches me intently with the saddest eyes.

  “She was accepted at the best university and was going to major quadruple or single triple or something.” Blu shakes his hands as he stirs another milkshake. “Bottom line, she’s super smart. Obviously, as anyone can tell.”

  I frown. “Thank you?”

  Blu jumps back when he sees my frown. “What’s that look for?”

  “Usually compliments arrive right before demands.”

  Blu tightens his lips together while his wings flutter. “Chocolate. That’s what I demand. Always. Oh, and you. Actually you first. Then chocolate.” He looks up at the ceiling as if he’s thinking. “Then you. You. You. Chocolate. Then you again.”

  Zash sighs and shakes his head.

  Janx walks over to the desk. “What are you thinking?”

  I shrug. “Not sure. But maybe I can figure out the rules and laws here and change them or circumvent them or something.”

  Janx nods. “Smart.”

  “They don’t have universities or colleges or certificates or something here do they?” Then I think about it. “Wait, what is this place even called?”

  Blu gasps and looks at Zash. “Have we never told her? That’s rude.”

  “The truth is …” Zash shakes his head. “We have no idea the name. It’s been lost to history. The species who lived before the humans came never wanted to go by the name the invaders gave, and the original was lost.”

  “How did humans come here?”

  Blu and Zash glance at each other and then at Janx.

  “Another thing lost?”