by Sarah Noffke
Azure shook her head, as the silver half-moons on her robe gently swayed. “What are you supposed to do with it?”
“You eat it,” Monet’s face lit up. “Mmmm, cheddar dust.”
“You’re getting it on your robe. If it turns you orange, then it’s your own fault,” she warned. The worry over her mother and the virus rushed back, flooding her stomach with nausea.
“There it is again—that look on your face. What’s going on?”
Azure shook her head and stopped herself from speaking. She always said there was nothing wrong when the opposite was true. She always pretended to be happy when she was sad. She was always trying to be something she wasn’t, even with Monet. And that wasn’t going to stop when she became queen.
“It’s my mum,” she said, her voice breaking.
“Wow, you never call her that. What is it?” Monet asked, still gripping the bag of Cheetos.
“She’s…” An old witch bowed at Azure’s side, silencing her.
“Princess Azure, you’ve come to the market. What an honor!” the woman exclaimed loudly. She was wearing tattered robes, with a dark purple amethyst soul stone set into a barrette at the back of her hair.
Azure leaned over her, encouraging the woman to rise. “Really, it’s no big deal,” she said in a whisper.
“No big deal?” the old witch yelled, rising to a standing position. “Our soon-to-be queen has come to patronize our market. This is the highest honor. You, who could have anything, choose to buy from the traveling market.”
The old witch had attracted both the nearby vendors and shoppers. Azure scanned her brain for a spell that would knock the old bag out and possibly cause mild brain damage.
The crowd moved in, all their interest now centered on the young witch in midnight blue robes. She pushed back the hood to reveal her face. Might as well embrace the mob before they devour me.
“Good to see you all,” she said, backing up, all too aware of the smirk plastered on Monet’s face. “We were just heading back with our treasures. Take care!” The people stared in awe. Some rushed forward to try and touch her gown while others hung back clutching their hands to their chest.
“Soon every moment will be filled with the business of the people of Virgo,” Azure whispered.
Monet shrugged. “Is it really that bad?”
Azure felt her heel sink into soft dirt and turned around just in time to avoid a puddle. She hurried down the path to the House of Enchanted.
“You’re so fucking bad at accepting attention,” Monet said, laughing.
“And you’re so fucking forgetful. You’re still holding onto that Cheetos-thing.”
“So I am,” Monet dug into the bag and popped one into his mouth. He suddenly halted, not taking another step.
“This is unacceptable.” She pulled on his arm. “The horde of witches and wizards are still too close. That one witch was a little beefy and I’m pretty sure she could knock me flat. Come on, I’ve got to get back,” she urged, waving him forward.
“Will you give me a moment?” He sighed in delight. “I need a second to enjoy ingesting the very best thing I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.”
“Oh, for the love of… You need a life!”
***
“Let’s take this path back to the House. There’ll be fewer people. No one to see the majesty in waiting.” Monet kept looking down every alleyway between the small cottages that lined the path.
He’s looking for Charmsgood. “You’re worried,” said Azure. “Me too. Charmsgood has never been gone this long.”
“I’m half worried and half waiting to hear about his travels, sure he’ll be back. You know our people. We’re nomads at heart. It’s in our blood to travel.”
“Then you and I had a transfusion early on because neither one of us has ever ventured outside of the kingdom.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Not really.”
“Okay, our ancestors wandered to the mountains or the ocean, but they always found their way back here, setting up tents in the green hills around Virgo on their return.”
“Very poetic. But Charmsgood was a day wanderer, at best.”
They passed Trixie Flourboy’s pub. Her business was small but smartly constructed and used local resources like the grass fronds in the thatched roof. The furniture maker’s cottage next door was built of wood and was decorated with dental molding along the roofline and scrolls cut into the corners of the windows.
They were just passing Evandar Harlan’s patchwork house of different lumber when they saw something shimmering from a cluster of trees planted in his side garden. Evandar was the Headmaster for the Virgo schools and wasn’t home. Monet was a memorable graduate, still remembered for his antics.
Azure was provided with private tutors, since her lessons had to include the responsibilities of running a kingdom.
“Why are you smiling?” Azure looked past Monet at the shimmering light. “Oh!”
“Well, well, well. Look who has decided to grace us with her presence!” Monet bowed deeply to a white unicorn with a rainbow mane stepping out of the shadows. The land of Virgo relied on horses for labor and transportation, but unicorns were a different story. They refused to be owned.
“A unicorn visible in the daylight!” Azure watched in awe as the unicorn pawed the ground. Seeing one was rare, since they could cloak themselves to blend into their surroundings. The unicorn whinnied and Azure copied Monet, dipping into a bow. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she said.
The creature shook her head, whickering. Azure rose, and was astonished to find the unicorn kneeling to her, one of its front legs extended and the other bent.
“Well, I’ll be. I do believe this unicorn is showing me a sign of great respect,” Monet exclaimed, beaming. Azure rolled her eyes.
The unicorn snorted, lifted her head and shook it at him.
“I think she’s paying respect to the monarchy,” Azure said, inclining her head. The unicorn’s iridescent coat sparkled. “Thank you, majestic one.”
Monet stepped forward with a glint in his eyes. “Azure is cool and all, but I’ve got quite the noble mission. I’m in the market for some unicorn hair. Do you think you could loan me a strand or two?” he asked, earning himself a contemptuous glare from the unicorn.
She lowered her head, her horn pointing at Monet. The message was clear.
“Don’t pay attention to him. He just wants to create a potion that will make him more attractive. Monet hasn’t gone out with a witch in many double full moons,” Azure said.
“I have been incredibly busy, that’s all,” he said, scoffing.
The unicorn lifted her head and shook her mane slightly, her eyes glowing.
“I can tell when he’s lying, too.” Azure laughed.
The unicorn bumped Monet hard with her horn before retreating into the patch of trees, becoming invisible as she walked.
“She really got me.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Well, if that isn’t a good omen about the upcoming coronation then I don’t know what is,” Monet said as they passed the last house on the cobbled street. They only had to head over a large green hill and past the stables until the House of Enchanted would be in view.
“Yes, and I can only hope that the unicorns don’t have an agenda like everyone else,” Azure said. All types of beings made requests of her mother. Everyone needs something.
CHAPTER SIX
The sapphire satin dress complimented Azure’s hair, which hung in ringlets down her back. The dress was embellished with lavender beads around the bodice, and the sleeves draped just below her shoulders.
“It’s exquisite,” her mother exclaimed from behind her.
“It’s enchanting,” her gran declared.
“It’s heavy,” Azure complained, twisting to look behind herself in the mirror. The dress was backless with a train that would take several wizards to carry.
“Part of bein
g queen is looking the role. However, it’s only a part of it. Most of it comes from here and here,” her mother said, pointing to her head and her heart.
“Emeri is correct,” her gran said. “Though, Virgoans need a queen who looks powerful as well as acts that way.”
Azure took a step forward and felt the dress tug her backward. “I will need the strength of an Orc to drag this thing.” She pulled her wand from her cleavage, the only place her mother would allow her to keep it when she was formally dressed. Her hair wasn’t an option this time.
Usually Azure stashed the wand in the mound of curls piled on her head, but for the coronation her hair would remain down so that the crown would sit squarely on her head. She waved the wand at the train of the dress and it lifted a few inches off the ground, hovering there. As she turned back, she barely caught the look of longing in her mother’s eyes.
Shaking it off, the reigning queen started for the door. “The ceremony starts soon. Please get into position.”
***
The torches in the hallway outside the ballroom crackled at Azure’s back, making her feel like she’d jump out of her own skin. What a sight that would be! She was almost at the doors to the ballroom, and the room behind her was silent. The muffled sounds of a melodious tune could be heard through the doors, signaling the ceremony was close.
Azure suddenly felt drunk from the music, or maybe it was the flames. Or this fucking dress, seeking to cut off my air supply. Shouldn’t queens wear garments that preserved their life, not stole it?
Azure tugged at the bodice of the dress, trying to negotiate a place for her boobs. My boobs are practically holding up my chin. She quickly dropped her hands as the gigantic double doors both swung open.
She hiccupped as she raised her chin to find a thousand faces staring at her. On either side of the long red aisle sat witches and wizards, young and old, from all over Virgo. Their faces were beaming, eyes excited as they stared at the witch who would soon be their queen.
She caught her mother’s eyes at the far end of the hall and remembered herself, clasping her hands in front of her. The proper position to trudge down the aisle and accept the rule of her people. I can do this. I am up to this task.
Azure took a step forward confidently, her train magically lifted and easily following behind her. I can do this. I can lead my people.
She smiled, aware that every single Virgoan was checking her out as she approached the front. The two chandeliers that lit the chamber were enchanted to resemble the two moons of Oriceran, and the walls were spelled to look like the surrounding forest. A fresh breeze smelling of lilac and moonflowers completed the experience, making Azure truly feel like she was outside tonight.
Monet was buzzing in his seat like an overexcited Pixie, waving his hands at her. Beside him sat Gran, wearing a silver dress that buttoned all the way up to her neck. Her mother, the queen stood alone at the front of the room, a long emerald-green diamond-encrusted cape draped over her shoulders and down her back, her maroon lipstick contrasting nicely with her green hair. At her side was a small pedestal with a pillow and a silver crown atop it. The rare crown of the Virgoans, only worn on special occasions and encrusted with the soul stones of past monarchs. Over the years it had become so heavy that no spell could make its weight bearable. The silver base of the crown was covered with lavender amethysts. Each was small, about the size of the tip of a finger. They almost completely covered the crown, symbolizing their lineage united with magic.
Azure halted at the front, a step away from her mother. The queen smiled down at her daughter.
“For tens of thousands of years…” Queen Emeri began, her voice loud and clear as it rang through the hall. Azure tuned it out, her throat suddenly dry, as if it would crack at any moment. A strange tickling sensation hit her at the back of her mouth and she shivered, her eyes widening. The queen noticed but only paused her speech.
“The Virgoans have lived in peace protected by…”
Azure couldn’t focus on the coronation speech. Something is wrong—really fucking wrong. She put her hands to her throat, but stopped and put them back down. I’m choking! I can’t breathe!
She placed her hands back on her throat, a hoarse gasp escaping her mouth. Something is caught in my throat! Her eyes watered and she was only half-aware that her mother had stopped talking and was staring at her in dread and shock. Why are you shaking your head?
Azure forced a cough, but nothing came out. Her body was shaking. Her throat on fire. Her chest felt like it was about to explode. She clapped a hand against her chest, feeling her wand between her boobs. That won’t help me now. What will?
“Her soul stone!” someone yelled.
“She’s about to dislodge it!” another sang.
“No,” her mother said, face frantic.
Azure finally coughed, as air moved past the thing in her throat and she got some relief. She doubled over, wishing someone would help her. Slap a hand against my back or something. Get this grapefruit out of me.
The stone nicked her throat as it formed. She pressed her hands into her stomach hard, trying to force the air out of her midsection. Push this fucking stone out!
“We’ve got to get out of here,” Azure’s mother whispered in her ear, her arm around her shoulders and leading, no, pushing, her forward.
Azure’s feet moved. She was still bent over, her chest burning. Her body vibrating as each cough rocked her. People were closer as she neared the aisle and her mother was nearly dragging her now.
She coughed again, spitting down the front of her gown. Her chest felt like it would explode. She coughed, hard an overwhelming pain came over her, followed by incredible relief. Out of her mouth popped her soul stone. It fell into her hand, and the slippery object nearly glided through her fingers. Azure’s eyes were watering and her nose was dripping. Her heart beat frantically. She inhaled a steadying breath, aware she was at the front of the crowd of smiling witches and wizards.
“To see a soul stone emerge is an amazing experience!” someone exclaimed.
“It’s a great sign, that our new queen has gotten hers on her coronation day!”
Azure tried to raise her head and smile at the sea of expectant faces, but was too curious about the stone in her hand. She opened her palm to find something she wasn’t expecting.
There were gasps from the crowd.
Sitting in the palm of Azure’s hand was a small round blue amethyst.
CHAPTER SEVEN
A murmur went up from the crowd.
“What happened? What can you see?”
“It’s an amethyst of the wrong color!”
“That’s not good.”
It was in fact a strange shade. Everyone in Virgo had a lavender or dark purple amethyst, never blue.
Azure held the small gem in her palm, picking it up to examine it. She felt exposed. This gem is my power, waiting for me to use it.
The crowd around her was clamoring. The queen was failing to quiet the growing angry voices. “Why do they care about the color of my soul stone? So it’s blue! Everything in Virgo is full of color, so why can’t my soul stone be blue?” The words came tumbling out in a whispered rush but her mother ignored her.
“Take her away.” The queen pushed her toward the queen mother.
Sari moved fast despite her age and was at Azure’s side quickly, a worried expression on her elegant, aging face.
“I feared this would happen, but your mother—” the old woman said in Azure’s ear.
“Feared what would happen?” Azure interrupted, still clutching the stone in her palm to prevent it from slipping out.
“It’s nothing. This will get sorted out, one way or another,” Gran muttered, shifting her eyes to the crowd. “Getting out will be tricky.” Red-faced witches and wizards blocked the exit.
“This is an outrage!” A short round witch yelled, stomping her feet.
“Why is this an outrage? Because it’s blue?” Azure whispered. Gran was
pulling her away from the crowd. Monet took her other side, his hand on her back as if he were trying to steady her. Fainting is not an option. I’m the new queen. I have a responsibility.
“She can’t be queen,” a wizard said, leaning on his cane, frowning.
“I realize this has come as a great shock, but if you’ll allow me to explain…” The queen spoke from the front of the crowd, as the first few rows quieted down. The back was still ranting.
“I always intended to tell you the truth,” said the queen.
“What truth?” Azure asked her gran in a hushed whisper.
More grumbling in the crowd. More stomping. The queen raised her hands, quieting them down.
“I know it has come as a shock that my daughter, your soon-to-be-queen, is only half witch,” the queen said, her voice clear and defiant.
Azure’s hands clapped to her mouth. Half witch? What? How is that possible?
“That’s not the problem. It’s what makes up the other half!” a wizard screamed.
“Yeah, it’s blue!” another yelled.
“What does the blue mean?” Azure looked at her grandmother. She was steadily eyeing the crowd, still regal and defiant, standing straight.
She didn’t have to wait for a reply. Someone else in the crowd shouted, “We won’t have a human as our queen. Not ever!”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Queen Mother Saria rarely used her magic on others. Today was an exception. She pulled out her wand and aimed it at the crowd, whispering an ancient spell. “Forget me ever once, ever twice.”
Instantly everyone fell silent. Some scratched their heads as if they were trying to remember what they were doing, and one by one they headed for the door, finally giving Azure some peace.
“That won’t hold them off for long. You’ll need to slip through the crowd and head upstairs to your room, where you’ll be safe.” Saria waved Monet forward. “Go on, escort her up there in case one of those dimwits breaks free of the spell and realizes they haven’t left the kettle on back at their huts.”