For a moment, she wondered how things were going back home. Adam… She still didn’t know what happened to him and guilt riddled her mind. There was a faint hope that Noelle hadn’t gotten to him, if that was even possible. He’d always been there for her when she’d needed him most and she was so used to leaning on him. Adam was always stronger than her and didn’t need help from anyone. The thought of losing him gave her a chill. She’d be haunted by her despair and guilt if she never saw him again.
She made herself comfortable in the abundantly soft bed and felt herself start to fade into slumber.
“Esther…”
Esther Anna jumped. She looked around, but there was no one in sight, so she figured it was her exhaustion and fatigue causing her mind to play tricks. Once more, she lie back onto the cloud-like pillow in an attempt to surrender into sleep.
“Esther…”
She jumped up again and this time she stood up out of bed. “Who’s there?”
They better not be playing tricks on me… A grumpy thought emerged. They seemed to take a liking to her at the feast, after the king and Phillip gave their approval, so she figured this wasn’t the case.
“Hello? Anybody there?”
No reply.
The queen retreated to her heavenly bed and tunnelled deep into the warm sheets.
“Esther…” The voice beckoned again, a little clearer this time.
For now, the queen ignored it in favour of seeking the rest she desperately needed. She shut her eyes tighter, and waited for sleep to take her away again.
“Queen Esther Anna. Help me.”
It was louder, and the queen could not ignore it this time because the necklace she had on was glowing. She raised the pendant to her eyes and studied it for a moment, before it faded away.
Am I just dreaming? She wondered, staring at herself in the mirror across the way. A figment of a mind ravaged by fatigue was the most rational explanation for this.
A few minutes passed and she waited again for the voice to come but it never did. The queen lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, but couldn’t shake the feeling that she was not alone. It lingered for a bit longer, for what felt like hours, until she was finally able to get to sleep.
Present time. Kingdom of Tibethia.
* * *
By morning, the palace was awash with words of condolence. Everyone had heard of the dastardly act committed by the formerly beloved queen and the scandalous nature of it was to be expected. Everyone mentioned how the “wonderful and enchanting” Queen Esther Anna had turned out to be a conniving she-devil who murdered their king. Noelle’s soldiers raided the kingdom, and ransacked every house. They harassed the common folk in search of potential harbourers. There would be no mercy for the people foolish enough to offer safe-haven to the fugitive queen.
Their search came up empty, as if Esther Anna had vanished into thin air, and no account could be made of her whereabouts. The forests and surrounding areas were scoured multiple times over the course of the night and conclusions were drawn that she somehow managed to escape Tibethia. There was one major locale they had yet to search, and they were headed that way.
The Kingdom of Dormality.
Princess Noelle sent word to King Maurice to inform him of the death of her father. The old king received that correspondence and failed to respond; He tore up the letter with the command to capture his own daughter and return her to the people of Tibethia to face justice. Maurice knew that his daughter was not a murderer. Noelle anticipated this reaction and even threatened war if her request was not met. Reluctantly, King Maurice had agreed to detain Esther Anna and hold her at the palace in Dormality. Interrogation over Pierre’s death would be conducted there, and that stipulation held a tremendous part in his decision.
Noelle happily agreed to that. To her, it didn’t matter what the old king wanted. All that mattered was that Esther Anna would be out of her way. Not to mention, Noelle had Damien, who could penetrate any petty defence they thought to set up, and retrieve her. As an extra contingency, she’d set troops of Tibethian guards to patrol all paths that led to Dormality. The men were instructed to capture her alive, by any means. Nothing was said about what state she needed to be in. She just needed to be alive.
Some of them could hardly believe that the queen could commit such a heinous act, others were indifferent, and there were few who believed the princess’ story. No matter their stance, however, each soldier had their orders and would follow them regardless. Princess Noelle was proving to be an efficient ruler, even if the leading families were waiting to make their move on the throne.
Noelle stood in her room. She’d been looking through the window with a special blade in her hand. A new maiden making her rounds through the castle caught her eye and she smiled, knowingly. It was almost time for her rejuvenation bath and it she spotted the perfect candidate who fit her specific profile. The maiden was beautiful and her skin was flawless. From time to time, Noelle would find a girl in the kingdom to use for her baths, so others wouldn’t grow suspicious of a murder trend among the handmaidens at the palace. It had worked well, since the time between each rejuvenation bath went for months or even years.
The knife throbbed excitedly in her hand and she cooed at it as one would do to a child. It was like it knew that it would soon be fed. It was called the Stealer of Youth by the seaman who had retrieved it for her, and it was a special blade. The dark book had specifically mentioned it, so she commissioned some competent trackers to find it, with the offer of adequate monetary incentive. It had been worth every penny. The Stealer of Youth enabled her to harness the essence of her sacrifice. When used during the ritual of rejuvenation, their essence was released to her, making her skin seem as soft and pure as day she’d been born. She’d been complimented on her looks for years, even though many attributed it to the fact that she was only eighteen.
Noelle strolled through her room and stopped at the wardrobe. The mirror within it contained had symbols carved into it, each representing a specific spirit, and it was called The Mirror of Lies, another artefact procured by the seaman who’d brought her the knife. It had been unused for a while, tucked away inside her wardrobe. Unused until last week, that is. The murky surface of the mirror swirled as she watched, until a face began to form within the mist. Once the occupant formed in full within his makeshift prison, she saw his angry glare cast through the magical glass.
It was the man she found wandering the palace in search of Esther Anna, and instantly recognised him. She’d wondered how his kind had gotten into the palace, but it hadn’t mattered, she was searching for Esther Anna and that meant they were affiliated.
Oddly enough, he had seemed to know things about her, things only Esther Anna could have told him. She’d relished his look of terror as the mirror had sucked him in, trapping him within the confines of its realm. She knew what he was and she wondered it Esther knew. It didn’t matter however, knowing the kind of person the queen was, she would feel obligated to come back for her friend. He was her secret weapon, should the army she’d sent after the queen fail to apprehend her.
Adam stared at her angrily and she smiled, waving her hand over the mirror surface, muttering some words, he gradually receded out of sight and the mirror became clear. Anyone who’d passed would have seen it and dismissed it as the backup mirror of a vain young Princess.
She loved being underrated.
A maiden knocked before entering the room. “Prince Hardy has arrived, your highness.”
Prince Hardy was Noelle’s fiancé. Their engagement was arranged; Noelle and Hardy were betrothed at birth, and were slated to be married soon. He was the Prince of Solestia, which was currently under the rule of his uncle, since his parents died long ago. He was a lanky young man, with short brown hair and an unsightly moustache maintained only because Noelle found it funny, once. He was twenty-one years old, but could have easily passed for a younger man due to his babyface and childlike features.
No
elle dismissed the maid with a nod and her shoulders dropped. She didn’t have the energy to meet with him. Encounters with Prince Hardy always proved to be mind-numbingly dull. There was an upside to their partnership, however. He was her puppet and did whatever she commanded, no questions asked. She smiled as she recalled how she’d put a total obedience spell over him. It had been one of her earlier attempts at spellcasting, and the effects were exactly what she imagined. No matter what she suggested, Prince Hardy was powerless to resist. She had fun during the initial stages, as she tested her control, but eventually she became bored. Noelle tried to remove the spell, but as it failed, the effects were permanent. She was to be married to a mindless minion.
The scent of his cologne wafted into the air around her. She made a sour face, cringing at the smell but that look quickly melted away as she turned to watch him walk in.
He opened his arms wide and she waved him off, she was not in the mood for unnecessary body contact. “My darling…How are you?”
Noelle’s eyebrows furrowed at the question and she failed to hide the bitterness in her tone. “My father just died. He was murdered by my step-mother. How do you think I am?”
“I’m sorry, but that’s why I rushed over. I brought gifts.” Hardy moved beside her and placed his hand on her back try and move her towards the door, but she stayed firmly planted in place. He stepped back with a sigh and shrugged. “I…I will have them take it up to your room later.”
“We have still haven’t been able to find her. The queen. The disgusting person, my father’s murderer is roaming free and you’re asking me what’s wrong? Bringing gifts here as if that will make things better?” Noelle lashed out at him.
Hardy frowned, upset with himself that his princess was upset. “Well, I can… I’ll dispatch my men to scour the lands for her. Just say the word, and I’ll make it so. My uncle will not reject me for it, especially if he knows I’m helping you, my lady.”
After her devilish smile faded, Noelle turned to Hardy and nodded. “Yes. Yes, that will be very good. I need as many men after her as possible. She must not escape!”
Prince Hardy nodded eagerly, a sparkle in his eye at her answer. He would send for his men at once. He would do this for his love. He leaned into Noelle’s caress as she stood before him, and he closed his eyes in sheer ecstasy at her delicate touch.
Poor, stupid boy. You really are beyond saving… Noelle thought, as she peered up at him. Once he opened his dull eyes, she lingered there for a moment before gently patting his cheek. “I’d like to be alone now.”
He obediently nodded, and took his leave.
The princess could hear him giving orders to assemble his men, and a smile curled over her lips of sheer delight. Everything was going according to plan, though only one obstacle remained.
She wondered why Damien had not reached out to her yet. It was unlike him to stay this long in pursuit of his quarry. He should have retrieved his target and completed his mission by now. It was a woodsman against a runaway queen! The fairy situation might have complicated things, but she wouldn’t be able to hide among them forever. Esther Anna would return and the woodsman would be waiting. Noelle smiled at the thought of holding Esther Anna’s heart in her hands. It was so thrilling, a shudder of pleasure rolled up her spine.
Then, her expression darkened as she remembered her attempts to find the entrance to the fairy lands. One after one, Noelle tried every spell in her arsenal, but nothing gave way. Nothing worked against their defences. Instead of letting it bother her too much, Noelle was more intrigued at just how powerful the fairy magic was. It would be beneficial to her plans, if she managed to break in and make them submit to her. That’s a thought…
The dark book would wait for now, as Noelle decided to seek out an update from the captain of the guards. As she walked towards his post, her mind flashed back to the girl she’d seen. The beautiful maiden, and a gorgeous addition to her line-up of victims. She would provide the youthful essence for her next rejuvenation bath.
The knife hidden in her cloak throbbed with anticipation and she tapped it affectionately. It was only a matter of time now.
Guards bowed as she walked past, but she paid no attention to them. Her mind was on more critical issues. Her plan was coming to a head.
Present time. Fairy Kingdom of Fandrela.
* * *
Prince Phillip paid close attention as Esther Anna told him about the voice she heard the night prior. He was genuinely interested about the glowing necklace, and asked again and again if he was certain she’d seen it glow.
“I didn’t sleep well, though I managed to get a couple hours in early this morning. Even then, I was restless.” She explained, stifling a yawn.
“That’s just…unusual. You said this has never happened before?” He asked again, to confirm.
She nodded.
“Alright. Well we’re going to watch and see if it happens again and then we’ll deal with it.” The prince was on his feet at once and he offered his hand to her. “For now, let’s go. I’m starving.”
The meal was marvellous, and Esther Anna ate more than usual. She wondered about this new-found appetite but found no real explanation for it. Maybe it was the seasoning in the food or the mystical allure of her new locale, but she enjoyed it all the same.
On their way back to her room, Prince Phillip took them on a slight detour to chat. She agreed to follow him since the day was nice and she had still not gotten used to seeing the large flowers and vegetation she admired so much. On their stroll, an adventurous young fairy flew past them, riding a bumble bee. Esther Anna watched in awe, as the boy hung precariously off its back, laughing and joking with glee. He didn’t have a care in the world, and she envied that. After a couple of loops, the bee landed on a nearby flower and the boy flew off its back and returned to his friend who was also watching that stunt.
“Kids.” The prince said with a smirk.
“Why do I have a feeling you were exactly like that when you were that age?” Esther Anna raised an eyebrow.
“I was not!” He said in mock offence, and they both burst into laughter. “Okay, maybe a little. I used to get into a lot of trouble as a kid. We rode the bees, just like that kid. We would taunt snakes and do engage in races with some particularly sting-happy wasps. Childhood. Fun times, right?”
“Yeah, I guess.” She shrugged. Her childhood wasn’t terrible, nor was it fun. It was safer, than anything. After losing her family members, there wasn’t much room for fun to be had. Esther Anna didn’t have many friends, other than her brother. If it weren’t for him, growing up would have been far less enjoyable. Her father tried his best to be there for her, but his kingly duty wore heavily on him and stole him away most of the time. Still, Esther Anna knew he tried and she loved him for all his efforts.
They walked into a clearing, past some fairies in a corner who were playing a strange game. Phillip explained that the only objective of the game was not to be the last person holding the pebble when the caller decided to speak. Esther Anna laughed as she recalled a game like that from her kingdom. The fairies caught sight of him and a couple of them flew over. They crashed into him and wrapped their little hands around him. The prince submitted to their playful attack and laughed as he crumpled to the floor with the kids on his back. He gave a fierce roar to attack them as their monster and they dispersed, screaming and laughing to get away from the prince.
The sight of him with the children melted her heart. He looked so comfortable and it was clear that the children really loved him. One of the little ones walked up to her. She offered a kind smile but there was interest written all over his face.
“What happened to your wings?” He pointed at her.
Esther Anna gasped in shock and inspected her back for wings, playfully going along with it.
He tittered and flew to his friends, happy to inform him that he’d discovered a wingless fairy. They discussed this amongst themselves before giggling again and returning
to their game.
Prince Phillip straightened his clothes and scabbard as he walked to her, though his hair was dishevelled. “Those little terrors attacked me and you just stood there! I thought you were supposed to be my backup!”
The queen giggled, “One of the kids asked me what happened to my wings.”
He nodded, “Yeah. Most of the youngsters haven’t heard of humans before. Their parents haven’t, either. I guess that means you’re a big deal around here. The human guest of the royal house.”
Esther Anna considered the possibility of a fairy entering the human kingdom and knew that customs or the welcome itself, would not be the same. She imagined the men of science prodding and probing for information. Other folks who were against magic would not take kindly to them, either.
“We’re here.” The prince stopped and smiled.
They were at the edge of a lake which glittered much like everything else in Fandrela. It seemed bigger than any body of water she had ever seen and she had to remind herself that it was because she was smaller now. The glimmered over the water’s surface. It was a gorgeous sight to behold.
“Let’s go,” Phillip wrapped his arm around her and without warning, lifted them both off the ground to take off in flight.
Esther Anna held tight to the prince as they flew to a flower, that stood so tall it reminded her of the towers back in Tibethia. She staggered a bit when they landed, and readjusted herself to regain her footing. The shoes they made her were made of a soft material too, so that helped with her landing. She twirled atop the giant flower, simply beaming. Everything about this place was lovely.
“I come here sometimes when I need to think. My mother used to bring me here when I was a kid. I’d play with others or she’d teach me how to magically rope in some fish.” Phillip breathed out longingly, as he lost himself in that pleasant memory.
Magic and Shadows: A Collection of YA Fantasy and Paranormal Romances Page 102