Rowan stared at the man still with almost vengeance and ignored Lady Pandie entirely.
“Where have you been,” I asked Lady Pandie turning away from Amaryllis.
“Doing some vital business, nothing that you need to know of.” She said putting her hands on her hips. I had realized people had moved away from her. I almost wanted to laugh that they were running away from her snakes that had never hurt anyone.
She started petting one. I watched her then realized that Rowan was gone. I looked around for the small blond haired girl, but I couldn't find her anywhere. Amaryllis was talking to a few people in the corner including the burly man named George. I turned to Lady Pandie, “Watch her” I said pointing at Amaryllis.
She kept petting her snakes and gave a small nod, “Yes of course” She said.
I shoved through the crowd of people looking for Rowan, no Lumine would disappear like that without reason.
Finally, I saw her, she was standing next to a woman wearing beautiful colors that reminded me of peacocks. Rowan's dark earthy colors contrasted against the other woman's, and it made her stand out.
Walking closer, I began to hear their conversation form. Rowan held herself high and proud as she argued with the young woman. It was surprising to see such a young girl act like an adult. But then again so had I when I was her age.
I listened intently to their conversation. “I don't know who you're talking about, all I know is that you're not supposed to be here,” Rowan said putting her hands on her hips. It was funny watching the little girl boss around someone twice her age.
I could tell by the other woman's stance that she was also a Lumine, she looked protective against the crowd of people, and she was looking around every once in a while.
“It's not like I'm going to hurt anyone, I just need to find that missing Lumine Nate, it's important.” The woman said. “I have to warn him, and give him something that will help.” She said looking down at Rowan.
“Mary, you don't need to get in trouble with the Queen, you know she will find out that you are sneaking information to one of the fugitives, not to mention now I will be part of that list. Did you know there is an old lady too, she must know sorcery for nobody knows about her. I saw her hanging out with them. But that doesn't matter, you need to leave Mary, you're the only one I can trust.” Rowan pushed Mary away, but it barely did anything to the taller and stronger girl.
I walked towards them, and both girls turned their heads, I could feel Rowans glare face me when her eyes met mine. I ignored her and walked over to Mary.
“Why Hello Mary, I'm Nate, I heard you are looking for me?” I said. She nodded with a small smile on her face.
“Of course, Nate, I have some important things I need to talk about.” She said.
Rowan stormed off after she said “You are hurting your own safety, Mary, you have no idea what the Queen will do to you if she found out what you're doing. You won't be safe here anymore.” Then she left.
Mary nodded, “ I know what my consequences will be, that's why I will be leaving when the next sun comes up.” She turned her attention away from Rowan and gave me a small smile.
“Why don't we discuss our issues in a place more private than a ball,” she said. I gave her a slight nod.
“That would be fine.” We scooted away from the ballroom and entered many twists and turns of the hallway. I felt little comfort with the knife strapped to my leg.
Finally, May stopped. “Alright Nate, the Queen, is catching up to you, she has decided to take matters into her own hands. I was on the same ship as her when the Queen sunk your ship in Border Sea. Everyone thinks she is the real daughter of Rufus our last king, but really I am Rufus’ daughter. He only decided to train her as a backup just in case something happened to me; nobody knows where she came from. She took over as Queen on my first day because nobody saw my face yet they all believed her. If I said anything about it, I would be slaughtered. Father wanted power, not to take over all the kingdoms, because he fell ill he couldn't do anything to stop her with her new mission.” She said.
Her words rambled on, and a look of worry had crossed her face.
“Nate, this is dangerous she is evil. But as the real Queen of Lumine, I will grant you a gift that will help you stop her. This gift is full of evil so don't use it unless you have to fight against her.” She pulled out a thick sword, on its handle showed a small heart. And its handle was made entirely out of bones other than the heart gem on its handle.
“This sword makes you feel powerful, but once you let it go, it makes you seem weaker than before. It only starts working its power when you use it to shed blood then it will stop again when you let go. Remember this strength you feel is not real and it can take over once you have grown too weak, do not use this on the brink of death, you will still feel the pain, but your body will have so much energy that it will make you bleed to death quicker than before.” She said. I could see worry lines crease Mary’s face.
“You don't have to worry Mary,” I told her and grabbed the sword and put it in its sheath.
She nodded, “Thank you, you are my last chance, please get rid of this intruder and give me back my kingdom.”
I nodded and turned around to start walking back to the ball.
“Wait,” She said.
I paused and turned back around to face her. “This weapon was made for you, my father told me to give it to the one who would stop the person who took over my kingdom. You will stop her I know it, I would help you with your journey, but that would put you in more of a risk,” She said her voice was hoarse, and I could see tears in her eyes.
I nodded. “I know Queen Mary of Lumine” Then I turned around and walked back to the ball. I was ready for the last dance of the night.
XVI Waiting
Petunia
I sat in the small hotel room; I had put my name in as Hailey Douglas so not to be noticed as Queen Petunia of Lumine, just in case Amaryllis got this kingdom against me too.
Everyone thought I was so bad; I had never done anything wrong to them. I was always kind to my people, I taught them how to fight and kill and defend themselves, and we could be the strongest kingdom in the world.
I never knew why everyone thought of it as a bad thing. It was because nobody wanted to give up their precious culture as a farmer or a builder or an artist or a Ranger or an animal bonder or some scuba diver in the middle of the ocean. They didn't want to learn the art of fighting.
They didn't know the different types and how much thrill it gave you to see someone bleed because of you or bruise. They didn't appreciate our culture. We were always the bad guys because we could fight.
I gave a small huff of disapproval, it's okay I will teach them how to fight. Like how I was forced to fight and kill even though I didn't want to. It taught me a great lesson; It showed me how much power I could have over others with just a single kill.
I sat on the small uncomfortable bed going over my plans over and over again. A small evil smile lit my face.
Now all I had to do was get rid of Amaryllis and Nate, and my plan would be perfect. It never mattered if they told all the kingdoms of what I was going to do, that didn't matter anymore. If things keep going exactly as planned, I will have the two fugitives eating out of my palms at any moment.
I pulled my thick hair back in a ponytail and relaxed. The door burst open, and I jumped off the hard bed.
“What is it?” I yelled at the guard that stood there.
A small blush lit his face, and he stammered “The two fugitives we are looking for will leave by morning in a carriage through devil's hill. My guess is they will go to Ozeana first by taking the primary doc.” the man said.
My anger left me at the news, and I gave a small nod, “Yes, now get me a map. And the next time you barge into my room it will be your head on a plate” I threatened. I never carried out such threats for such small things, but the guards always respected me more after a threat.
The man nod
ded his head, and I could see the little amount of worry in his eyes. It made me want to chuckle in pity at such a desperate man. He scrambled out of the room.
I sat and waited for him to fetch me a map of the continent Grarien that held all 6 kingdoms. Finally, the man knocked on the door.
“Come in will you,” I said. The man hurried over to me and handed me the map.
I studied it well as the Lumine awaited my orders.
“Tell the people we will go halfway down Tidbit River and then stop to dock a luggage boat in between. The luggage boats usually stop at these points. Tell the men to prepare a small ship by nightfall to get down Tidbit River.” I said to him.
“Yes Queen Petunia,” He said as he folded the map back up and left the room. I looked out the small window and watched as people wandered around buying things from little shops oblivious of what was going on around them.
Such fun little people, hopefully, none of them fought back, or else we would have to kill them all.
I let out a small sigh. I lay down on the tiny bed and let sleep overtake me. It had been long since I had gotten enough sleep. But now that my plans are playing out perfectly I knew good sleep was bound to happen.
. . . . .
A large man stood over us. There were 10 little boys and girls around the same age as me. I was wounded while the others just looked scared. The man paced back and forth looking at all of us like looking for a pet.
I could smell the fear coming from the other kids. One kid was whispering prayers to go back to his family.
“What is this mut doing here,” He said looking down at my already injured body.
“She has already been trained sir, the only one other than that 8-year-old boy. We didn't know if you wanted to start out with the fresh ones.” The man in the corner said.
He nodded in acceptance as I glared at him.
He looked back at me and stared at me in silence for several minutes.
“Get this one wrapped up and take her to the room after she has mostly healed. Put the others in nearby training centers, we’ll have no need for them” The man said.
The guards nodded and took the others away before they picked me up and took me away too. I was too weak to struggle, I just wanted to get back to my best friend and tell them I'm all right.
Blood poured from my wound. They took me to a room where they bandaged me up. The walls were white, and the people looked down at me uncaringly. I wanted to yell I wanted to scream to tell them to let me go.
But I wouldn't let myself. I couldn't. I couldn't speak. My eyes started to close, and I couldn't keep away from the darkness any longer.
I sat in a dark room; I had no idea how long I had been here, hours? Days? Months? Years? It felt like forever. No light shone through the windows, that gave me comfort more than anyone knew. The only time I saw the light was when the man opened the door to make me kill again.
It stayed dark for a long time, I don't know how long. The door started to open, and I pressed my back against the wall. I forgot things, I only remembered a little bit from my past. I know I had a best friend, but I don't remember much else. Not even a face or if they were a girl or boy. Wait did I have two best friends?
Instead of the typical man I saw, I saw a girl, she was around 2 years older than me. The light blinded me, and it took my eyes a while to adjust. I saw that the girl had a knife in her hand. Tears ran down her eyes.
“He chose you,” she said. It was the first words I had heard in a long time. More tears ran down her eyes. “He chose you over his own daughter,” She said in almost a yell. Blood ran down her wrist. She threw the knife down next to me. “Free yourself, Go get out of here!” She yelled at me.
I didn't move, I just sat there staring at her. “Go!” She screamed her face grew red with anger. I grabbed the knife and gave her a small nod. I got up from my feet, and the chain yanked at my ankle.
I used the knife to unlock the shackles. Finally, I stumbled down the hall. A small trail of blood followed me. I took many twists and turns dragging my feet. It had been a long time since I had walked.
Finally, I saw a door with an exit sign. Two guards stood over it. I snuck against the wall feeling the moves come to me like old memories.
Though all my memories had dried up like stale bread, these moves came to me easily. I slid against the wall. I found a small part of the tile peeling off. I ripped the piece out of the floor and threw it across the floor to the other side of the hallway.
The guards ran to the other end of the hall looking for the source of the noise. I ran out the door. Fresh air hit my face. I didn't know where I was, the ground was made of cement. My feet were rubbed raw, and I stumbled across the cement. Townhouses stood everywhere, and I saw the strangeness of people fighting on the street. I limped away from the strange people so not to get caught. Warmth filled me at these people's weirdness.
I fell to the floor, where would I go? Was there any safe place? I don't remember much of my past. There was something green. I remember holding a knife. But I don't use it for fighting. What did I use it for?
I ground my teeth in frustration because I couldn't remember anything after the dark room. A tear rolled down my face, I remember smiling, I remember having fun, but with who and where?
I heard footsteps walk up behind me as I sat there. I know I got caught, but didn't care; I still had the knife hidden.
“How did you do it” I heard the man say behind me. He was the evil man. “You did a good job escaping, but did you really think we wouldn't find you?” He asked.
I turned around and stared up at him. “You are very smart, it's a shame, such a waste of skill, you have so much potential.” He said.
“I see you met my daughter Mary, she is very jealous because I don't think she is fit to rule my kingdom. I need to protect her, keep her safe from all this. Death is better than letting my daughter rule here. I need her to be protected, I want you to help me with that,” He said.
I didn't give him any sign of response, I just stared at him. “Who am I?” I said. I ignored the other stuff he talked about.
“Whoever you want to be,” He said. “I don't know who you were before or who you are now, but I know you can be whoever,” He said.
I stared at him, surprised he hadn't dragged me back to the dark little room.
I saw a small flower growing through the cement. It looked like it didn't belong, but it was strong enough to survive all the hardships it was given. It was a Petunia flower.
“Petunia,” I said. “I will be Petunia” He looked like he was in thought then he gave a small nod.
“Alright Petunia, welcome to Lumine, it's time for you to see what it's like to be in control,” He said. Then he turned around. I followed him warily.
. . . . .
I woke up with sweat on my forehead. I got up in frustration.
I got out of the outfit I was wearing and grabbed the simple black dress on the end of my bed. It ended to my knees, and I still had enough room to strap my knives to my inner thighs.
I smiled, thinking about how long ago I had learned to do that. I kept having dreams of the past that I didn't usually remember, Memories long ago forgotten.
They haunted me, showing me things I used to care about. I never remembered my family or my friends, didn't know who I was before Rufus made me Queen when he was too old. His daughter grew mad, but everyone thought I was her so they didn't notice.
Mary had claimed she should have killed me when I was in that dark room. I'm glad she didn't, because then I wouldn't have changed my kingdom for the better if she did.
Mary is just a simple Lumine now, and can go wherever she wants, and Mary stays as far away from me as posible, even if she's in the same room as me.
To be honest, she is a spoiled brat who wants what her father never gave her. He gave me the kingdom, just some girl he saved.
She was going to be Queen, she was for a day, but I knew what he really wanted. He wanted me to be Queen
, so I got rid of her.
I bet he appreciated it as much as I did. I smiled a little. I am a great ruler.
Though my consequences may be more extreme that just means they are always bound to listen. Finally, I saw the sun start to come up outside.
It's time to go, It's time to hunt my prey, Time to show them a lesson, to show them why they should never mess with Queen Petunia of the Kingdom of Lumine.
XVII Devil's Hill
Nate
Amaryllis was dressed in her normal traveling gear of long pants that didn't cling to her skin and a simple shirt and a vest. She was wearing her dark green cloak that had been washed.
Her black hair was in her regular braid, but I think she looks even more beautiful when it’s down. Her hair was so curly it surprised me.
Rowan was joining us on the trip. She stood next to Amaryllis like she was looking for comfort. She was wearing a small tank top that matched her blue eyes and pants that looked a little big. She also was wearing a sweater. The sleeves fell over her hands so she had to roll them up.
Lady Pandie was wearing normal traveling clothes. Snakes slithered on her and around her.
I was wearing ordinary clothes and had a belt around my waist that held my two swords, one that Mary gave me, and the usual one. I also was wearing the satchel across my shoulder. It held the pendant necklace and the mirror.
We got in the carriage. The sun started touching the sky. As the people who controlled the carriage shouted up there commands to hurrying up. I got into it sitting next to Lady Pandie. Her snakes slithered on my lap and traveled around my skin giving me shivers from there scales.
Amaryllis sat quietly with her hood on and looked out the window as we passed the kingdom. Rowan curled up by her side and laid her head on Amaryllis’ lap.
Finally, the sun had come up enough to make it seem bright, and the city shimmered with its many colors. People started walking outside and started completing their work and art.
The buildings became scarcer, and more Greenlands came into view. We could see the mountains pop into view.
Without Joy Page 11