by Sarah Noffke
A black and white cat sat staring at the pair from the windowsill, and hissed, “Trifling little shit.”
“Nice language, Finswick. You know I didn’t mean any offense. You’re braver than an army of wizards from the Order of the Silver Griffins.” Monet looked over his shoulder at the feline, who narrowed his green eyes at him. “Too many damn things on this planet can talk back.”
The cat yawned. “Get a life. Quit borrowing hers.”
“If you two are done with your bonding… I am going to order you to be on your best behavior on the day of the full moons!” Azure exclaimed.
“Just sentence me to death, why don’t you?” He set down his cards, pointing a finger into the air. “Oh, wait…” He withdrew a small amethyst in the shape of a teardrop from a breast pocket. “I wanted to get your take on something. What do you think if I had my soul stone fashioned into a bracelet?” He positioned the stone over his wrist, closing one eye, trying to imagine it.
“I think you should put it into a choker,” Azure offered with a laugh.
“Jokes aside, I need to figure out what to do with it. Soul stones have to be worn at all times. Now, I have heard of someone who ignored that rule. My cousin’s uncle’s first wife. She turned to dust. No! It’s true! Quit your laughing. Maybe a braided leather wristband would be neat,” Monet said.
Azure looked at Monet’s soul stone with longing. What will mine look like? Maybe a teardrop like Monet’s, or heart-shaped like Gran’s.
“You worried about the stone appearing in your mouth when it’s time, aren’t you?” teased Monet. “Maybe you’ll be the first witch to choke on a soul stone.” He clutched his throat, pretending not to breathe.
Azure made a face at him. “I’ll worry about it when my magic is at full strength.”
“That’s almost here.”
“My mother has said more than once—”
“It’s a source of power and rejuvenation.” Monet finished her sentence, laughing.
“Okay, it just seems strange to me that a stone that is the source of my power one day appears like that out of nowhere. And in my mouth!” She shook her head.
“Nature is weird,” Monet agreed.
“You don’t have to wear it. Some Virgoans don’t. My mother, for instance,” Azure said. “She carries it in a velvet case in her pocket.”
Monet waved her off. “Of course I need to wear it. Everyone knows it’s best to keep the power of the soul stone nearby.”
“Or maybe it’s better to keep it hidden so it can’t be stolen. Remember those humans from Terran who stole a bunch of soul stones from our clan?”
“Supposedly. But it’s good to hear you thinking like a queen.” Queen Emeri was standing in the doorway in a long green silk dress with billowing sleeves. The chiffon matched the woman’s emerald-green hair, braided down her back. Feathers lined the collar of the dress, too edgy to be classified as truly Victorian. The witches and wizards were known to take the best of what they learned about Earth and mix it into their own fashion.
The dress was like most things in the House of Enchanted—elaborate and full of detail.
“Hello, Mother,” Azure said, staying seated as Monet quickly stood up.
He bowed slightly to the queen. “Hello, Queen Emeri. I didn’t realize you mastered the anti-aging spell. You look younger every time I see you.”
The queen pursed her lips, arching an eyebrow. “Nice try. You saw me yesterday. I like you despite your tendency to develop a rash whenever you get near real work. You can’t hide out in the House forever.”
“I’m thinking of asking Charmsgood if I can work in his shop, actually. Learn potions from the very best.”
“Well, you’ll have to find him first. It appears he’s gone missing, but he might just be off in the mountains or at the ocean scavenging for potion ingredients.” The queen was worried and the strain showed on her face.
“The kingdom of Virgo is large. Thousands of witches and wizards and still room to spare. He’s probably off in search of some ingredient. Or exploring the hillside. Or fishing in the pond Or...”
“Okay, we get it. You love this land. But don’t you ever think about what’s out there?” Monet caught himself and looked up warily at the queen.
“Encouraging my daughter, your future queen to run away, Monet? That’s a new twist.” She shook her head. “Some day, travel will be on the to-do list, for both of us. For now, we focus on Virgo and you focus on leading our people.” Your time is coming soon, my dear daughter.
A lump rose in Azure’s throat. I wish I had my soul stone.
CHAPTER TWO
The ambassadors from the surrounding lands met behind a closed set of double doors. Usually the House of Enchanted didn’t host people from outside their borders, especially anyone from the Land of Terran. However, it was only every two hundred years that a new witch became queen. This was even more of a special event. The queen was stepping down early after only a hundred years. It had only happened once before, with her mother, Queen Mother Sari.
The Virgo clan was strong, and contributed to the well-being of many of their neighbors. The Light Elves and the Gnomes looked to them for their expertise using herbs and applications of practical magic. The coronation was drawing interest from all over Oriceran.
“She’s still so young. A teenager in witch years. Why does Azure need to become queen so early?” The ambassador for the Crystals leaned forward from his place on the far side of the room so he could see the head of the table, the large crystals protruding from his robe. His frosted breath hung in the air, the firelight illuminating the mist in the large room. His hair was a shimmering silver, worked into multiple braids and pulled back into a thick ponytail.
“The same age I was when I ascended to the throne. Why my daughter ascends and takes my crown isn’t your concern. I have ruled the Virgoans peacefully for years, and now it’s time I step down.” Queen Emeri’s voice grew hoarse.
The queen spotted a creature sitting on the cupboard just behind the ambassador. She stood, pushing her chair out. The others in the room stood as well. A show of respect.
“Excuse me.” Queen Emeri swept from the room, her long green dress brushing the floor. She paused at the tall door and gazed at the animal perched on the cupboard against the far wall. The cat looked at the queen and slowly pushed a small glass vase off the shelf, crashing to the floor.
“Do it again and you become the new fall fashion,” whispered the queen, raising an eyebrow. The cat jumped down and strolled across the space, looking up at her as it licked its mouth. The queen opened the door and let the feline exit first, following close behind and pulling the door shut behind her.
She turned to find exactly the person she’d expected. “Mother, you sent your spy.” The queen pointed at the unassuming orange tabby.
The ancient witch wore a bright blue evening robe, although it was daytime. A clip with a lavender amethyst that matched her hair was tucked into her short bob. “I did.” There was a defiant sparkle in her eyes. “How else will I know what happened? You won’t tell me.”
The queen sighed. “Mother, you were once queen. You know I can’t tell you everything. The privacy of council meetings applies to everyone.”
“What I know is that if I hear about what’s going on, then I sleep better at night. You wouldn’t want an old woman fretting over these things, would you?” A smile grew on her face.
“Don’t pull the sweet old gran with me. Far too late.” Emeri pushed the cat away. He was still pawing at the door to the council room. The felines didn’t work for anyone, or belong to anyone either, but once they agreed to take on a task, they stayed on it. Stubborn creatures.
“Sometimes I think you’re trying to kill me with all the secrets you attempt to keep,” the queen mother said.
“We know you’re going to outlive us all. Far too ornery to bow out early. And you already know more than you should,” the queen said.
“I don’t know what
you plan to do about Azure’s soul stone.”
“There’s nothing to do until the damn thing appears. I know what you’re thinking, but we have no idea what it will look like.”
“Everyone may find out that child’s true heritage and then…”
“It could be fine,” snapped the queen. She took a deep breath. “But if it isn’t, she’ll keep hers hidden.”
“One indiscretion.”
“Don’t call it that. Don’t call it anything,” the queen said, icily. “I can’t imagine what you say about your granddaughter.” She held up her hand. “Don’t answer that. I’m not as interested as you might think.”
“Loyalty of your people can be fickle. I warn you…”
“Mine is not. My daughter feels the same. She will serve with the same compassion and grace…” I cannot worry about this right now. Not in front of you. The queen pressed her hand to her stomach, steadying herself.
“Are you alright?”
“Good of you to notice. I’m fine. Nothing for you to worry about, and that includes state business.”
Sari pointed a long, thin finger at the queen. “I was about your age when I resigned.”
“You were exactly my age.”
“Stepping down early is becoming a tradition. I get it. Being the queen isn’t everything. Yes, even I believe that, and greener pastures were calling to me. Besides, once the king was dead…” Her voice trailed off. It was her most tender place.
Tears came to Emeri’s eyes. I remember a time when all of this was different. Now, it may be too late. She pressed her hand to her stomach again, making herself take deeper breaths.
Sari’s demeanor had already changed and she stiffened her spine. Emeri was used to the transformation. Her mother had taught her how to reign effectively, but her warmer side died with Emeri’s father.
“Turning over the crown to you when I was two hundred years old made sense at the time. If you have figured out a way to toil late into the night crafting new spells, feel fortunate. My duties were more complex, and didn’t leave me time for such luxuries.” The queen mother sniffed, and picked at the front of her dress.
Emeri winced at the dig. “You have all the time in the world for luxuries now, Mother. Find a hobby, leave council business to me.”
“If I knew a little more you might find me to be a helpful ally, particularly in the days ahead.” The queen mother was smiling, but her eyes told a different story.
Always nice when you have to watch your back around family. “I want to be clear about this. Keep what you think you know to yourself, and stop sending your damn cat into council meetings. I want the humans to cooperate, and it’s already hard enough when they treat us like freaks. I can’t have your familiar interrupting meetings. Understood?” Queen Emeri spit out the words in a low, even tone.
The older woman eyed the queen, searching her daughter’s face for an advantage. “We don’t need anything from them.”
“Says you. They’re our neighbors on the far side of the Dark Forest, and the treaty states—”
“That we should all get along.” Sari cut the queen off, bored. “They treat us with such disrespect. I’ve tried with those people. You’ve tried with those people. Just take the offensive. That’s the best approach.”
“Thanks for the advice. Like I said, find a hobby.” The door to the council room swung open and the ambassadors for the Gnomes and Crystals marched out.
“Oh, I was just returning!” The queen’s face was flushed.
“That’s not necessary. We’ve finished and I must return to my kingdom.” The Crystals’ ambassador brushed past them leaving a trail of ice crystals in his wake.
Queen Emeri turned to the human standing in the doorway. Richard, the Emperor of the Land of Terran, stood tall in his charcoal gray suit, in marked contrast to the billowy robes worn by the wizards in Virgo.
“I’m sure Azure will make a fine queen.” He managed to sound sincere despite his contempt. That was rare for humans from Terran. His tribe had stayed like all the humans on Oriceran when the gates between Oriceran and Earth closed thousands of years ago. Countless generations later in Terran, petty feuds and disagreements between the two kingdoms had only made their resentment of Virgoans grow deeper.
“I’m grateful that you think so.” The queen waited for the punchline.
Emperor Richard cleared his throat, his voice tense. “However, your reasons for having her take the crown so early elude the council. It might benefit everyone if you were more forthcoming.”
“My reasons are none of the council’s concern,” she said, tilting her chin higher as her face took on a pinched look.
“Emeri, I’m simply trying to encourage you—”
“And, Emperor, may I suggest that next time,” she said, cutting him off and directing an outstretched hand at the man walking up behind him, “we only needed one representative from the Land of Terran. The Duke really didn’t need to accompany you.”
Behind Emperor Richard stood Phillip who was a darker, younger version of his brother. He stood there, impatiently, his trench coat neatly folded over his forearm. He attempted a smile, but it came off as more of a scowl.
“Queen Emeri, I heard the news about Charmsgood missing. Such a mystery,” Phillip said, shaking his head, a mock look of worry on his face. He unfolded the coat and pulled it over his shoulders, smiling.
The queen sized up the Emperor’s brother. “It’s interesting how things from Earth—new fashions, new gadgets—keep appearing in the hands of the people from Terran. Given the treaty.” She reached out and removed a short hair from Phillip’s coat. She held it up with a victorious smile. “This appears to be from a breed of dog I haven’t seen on Oriceran.”
“How could you know that from a single strand?” Phillip scoffed.
“Magic makes the world go round.” The queen stared menacingly at Phillip. “Careful what the prophets see. They are a feisty bunch and take it personally when the treaty is stretched to the point of breaking. Illegal portals to Earth, goods smuggled back, clothes, pure bred dogs and who knows what else. Busy, busy, busy. Tell me, how is the Dark Market doing? Rumor has it they’re selling cheap knock offs these days.” She fingered the edge of the jacket over Phillip’s shoulders as he pulled away, curling his lip.
“I don’t find it necessary to trade in a filthy bazaar. Be careful about a loose tongue. Sometimes, it can be cut out,” Phillip hissed.
Good to know. I will keep that in mind. The queen whispered into his ear. “Beware a bitch with a wand. Lots more can get cut out.”
CHAPTER THREE
Azure was cooped up in the house all day and relished the fresh air as she trotted through the grounds of the large estate. The entire day had been filled with lesson after lesson. The day still hadn’t come to an end but she appreciated that the agricultural lessons were outside under the blue sky.
She walked past the stables, lowering the hood of her robes, enjoying the wind tangling her blue hair. Finswick, the black and white cat strode beside her, but she pretended not to notice him. She finally turned to the cat at the archway leading to the farm.
“You know you can’t come with me.”
The cat wrinkled his eyes at her and spun back toward the House, his tail arching angrily in the air. He swept it back and forth. The cat raised a paw and shot a spray of silver sparks at the ground.
Such a drama queen. “You know it’s not me. It’s the fairies—they’re afraid you’ll eat them,” Azure shouted to the retreating cat. “Oh, so we’re not speaking? Nice!”
He’ll get over being left out. Or I’ll make it up to him. Another promise I’ve got to keep. Worth it. I love that furry familiar.
Hurrying past a field of young sweet potatoes, Azure headed for the green house on the south end of the farm. She spent many an afternoon as a young witch hanging upside down from the magical apple trees in the orchards on the far side of the farm. Monet used to chase her across the hay bales that bordered
the area between the stables and the gardens. Finswick always warned her where Monet was coming from next.
“You’re late.” Finnegan, the old wizard who tended to the greenhouse didn’t even look up as she came inside.
“You always say that, and it’s never true.” She hoisted her orange-colored robes as she hurried in his direction.
The old wizard sat hunched over a large pot, his fingers deep in the moist soil. “The little fuckers have been hiding from me all afternoon,” he said, digging until he was elbow-deep in the dirt.
“Maybe you’ve offended the mars bees traps by calling them names.”
Finnegan shook his long turquoise hair. He dug deeper, his face pinching as he did. “These assholes don’t have feelings.” His hand was nearly at the bottom of the giant pot, his beard resting on the top of the soil.
“Care more about my bees, and these damn plants are deadly, luring them in with their hypnotic scent.” He dug around again, a shoot wriggling out of the way of his hand. “I have to say they are incredibly useful in a sleeping potion or even a tonic for gas. Come closer, take a look. Oh, wait, there’s one…” His finger grazed a curling, green shoot as it dug deeper, just out of reach.
“Dagnabbit!” He sat back for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm and center himself. He looked up at Azure. “You have to feel where they are. All of magic is about how you feel. Can’t get your emotions under your sway, your magic will go all higgledy pop!”
“What are you trying to do?”
“Get em to the surface. They don’t grow to full maturity until you coax them to the surface. This batch is just a bit more stubborn than most. They might have caught the bug,” Finnegan said, pulling his hand from the soil with defeat written on his face.
“Bug? You mean bee? I thought you weren’t feeding them bees,” Azure said, handing the wizard a towel.