Day 18

Tẽra Trazzie woke up screaming. The man she had killed had attacked her in her dreams again. This time he was with his wife and children. He had taunted her to kill him. He had insisted she do it in front of his left behind family.

“Tẽra?” Joe was woken by the screams.

“I’m alright. Sorry, I woke you.” Tẽra said.

“What are you dreaming about?” Joe insisted.

“The man I killed. He keeps coming after me, wanting me to kill him saying horrible things to me. Even trying to kill me sometimes.” She said feeling silly.

“The first kill is the hardest especially when it’s self-defense. Because you didn’t want to kill. You need to remind yourself of what really happened. Allow yourself to see it and remember it as it was, as it is. Don’t change it in your mind to spare yourself pain. Remember what happened. Then explain your actions to yourself. If you have dreams about him again, face him. Know that killing him was the right thing to do.” Joe said with one arm around Tẽra.

“I don’t want to kill him.” Tẽra said “It was by accident. I…”

“You saved yourself.” Joe finished.

“Yes.” Tẽra’s voice was faint.

“Remind yourself how he come into your space, how he had children with him all ready to kill you. They hurt everyone, even the wounded were attacked. It was not a nice person you killed nor was it a joy to kill him. But in doing so you saved others and you can continue to save others. He was a grown man able to make his own choices. He chose to attack you. He chose to try to kill you. He chose to hurt you. Now you must choose to value your life over his. You must decide that your work is worth living for and he killed himself, by your hand.” Joe said.

“I don’t have bad dreams.” Rosaleighm said.

“That’s because you wanted to kill them. Remember what I told you. We are all different, some are warriors some leaders, some normal people. We protect them by doing what they cannot and they help us by doing what we cannot. We all help each other and need each other.” Joe answered Rosaleighm.

Tẽra looked at the two killers. Joe killed and felt nothing. Rosaleighm found her voice after killing. But Tẽra felt like she had lost hers after killing.

She went to have a bath. Her new handmaid Gem brushed out her hair.

“Have you ever killed?” Tẽra asked her.

“No.” she answered.

“Would you?” Tẽra asked.

“If I had to. I wouldn’t seek it out. But I will defend myself.” She answered.

Tẽra went to have breakfast. She sat in the big hall all alone. The blood and brains were gone. The smell was gone but it just didn’t feel like a place to eat anymore. A servant brought her a slice of toast with berry jam.

“Thank you.” She responded.

The servant hurried out. Everyone was still so afraid of her. She was in the place of the most terrifying person in the world. It didn’t feel good to Tẽra.

She took her toast and ate while walking to the dining hall everyone else ate at. As she walked in there was silence. Everyone watched her as she sat down. No one spoke. A rat ran across the floor and its little feet sounded like drums in the silence. Otchulissa ran after it.

“As you were.” Tẽra said to the silent table.

Otchulissa chasing the rat was the only sound. Even the sound of breathing was absent.

Zazo broke the silence when he walked in.

“What slop are we eating today?”

Then he saw Tẽra.

“My queen, why are you here?” he asked.

Everyone waited for her reply.

“I didn’t want to eat alone.” She answered.

Zazo smiled.

“Come let’s get you some food.”

He led her to a table that was buffet style. Candles under big pots tried to keep things warm.

“This might not be as good as you are used to but it’s not bad.” He told her.

Tẽra looked at the variety of foods she couldn’t recognize. Pot of brown stew, pot of green rice like stuff, brown squares of something and purple carrots.

Tẽra took a carrot.

“Try this.” Zazo put a brown sloppy something on her plate.

“What is it?” Tẽra asked.

“Onions cooked in turnip soup.” He was happy about it.

“Oh.” Tẽra poked it with her utensil.

The sound of people whispering began to fill the room.

“They made it today. Quale stuffed with pears.” Zazo put a small chick sized carcass on her plate.

“You need to add the sauce.” He looked around. “No sauce today.” He was disappointed.

“I have enough.” Tẽra said “Please sit with me.” She looked around, “No one wants to be the first to talk to me and I think they don’t want me here.”

“We are happy to have you join us. Only surprised.” He responded.

Tẽra sat with Zazo and tried the food he enjoyed so much. She was not keen. The quale stuffed with pears was interesting. Hot fruit was not her thing and the pears didn’t taste like home. Then the onion in turnip soup was not her thing either. A whole onion was boiled in the same water as turnips and served as a meal. Tẽra realized why she ordered her own food every day and told them how to cook it.

“Why are you not eating?” Zazo asked.

The table was talking as normal but would often glance towards her.

“I don’t like it.” she answered.

“What do you like?” he asked.

“Food I can recognize.” She quietly answered.

“How about we go to the kitchens and see what you like?” he suggested.

Tẽra’s smile lit up the room. She forgot she was being stared at.

“Can we go now?” Tẽra asked.

“We can go whenever you want. You are the queen.”

Tẽra stood up.

“Lead the way.” She said.

Zazo and Tẽra went to the kitchens. The servants were terrified.

“My queen.” They all said scrapping the floor in a bow.

“The queen wants to try your delightful food.” Zazo said.

They looked up at her and away again.

“Is the queen angry with us. Was her toast not good?”

“Toast?” Zazo asked.

Tẽra smiled.

“Let me show you some food that I would normally eat.”

Tẽra had the servants make toast and Zazo tried it.

“Why would you want to burn bread?” he asked.

“Try it.” Tẽra said eagerly awaiting his response.

“It’s not bad.” He admitted.

So, they had the servants make a dish for each other to try. It was so much fun that Tẽra lost track of time.

* * *

Jessica Wildness woke up next to Drake. It was nice to sleep well and feel safe again. She studied his face and just visually took him in. Meeting him had changed her. She wasn’t sure how much but she knew she was different. She brushed her hand against his face fuzz.

Drake woke up. He smiled at her. He hoped that now she had calmed down they could make sense of what happened to her. He wanted to speak to Autumn and Chase who brought her back to hear their stories as well.

Drake got up and Jessica wanted to go with him. No one knew yet that Tẽra had ended the engagement between them so he needed to not be caught in a compromising situation. He called for Yair.

Yair came in. He had been unsure how to proceed the night before. He was the Viden to the crown prince. He was not an emotional man but the woman Jessica stirred emotions within him. Not romantic or desire, but frustration and irritation. She was a horse fly, biting and upset the normal good way things happened.

“Prince Drake. I apologize for the evening past. I cannot explain what came over me. Please forgive me for having emotions that compromised my service to you.” He apologized.

“Emotions?” Drake asked surprised “As much as I would like to hear about them, I need to know what happened to Jessica. She was almost dead when I saw her.”

Jessica looked at Yair.

“Are you willing to tell Drake what happened to me or are you too busy disliking me?” Jessica asked Yair still annoyed with him.

Yair tried not to let her irritate him.

“Drake would like to know what happened to you.”

Drake also sent for Autumn.

Jessica told Drake everything. How his parents left her with Black Beard, how the cat woman and her boyfriend saved her. But mostly the cat woman. How the little nose-less people rolled her down the hill and that a bear got her because of that. She told him everything and she talked so fast that Drake couldn’t ask any questions until she had told him everything, once in the highlights of importance to her, then in order of the events. She tried to leave nothing out.

Autumn arrived during all this. Once Jessica finished Autumn confirmed and filled in the gaps while Jessica was unconscious.

“What about the nose-less people?” Drake asked.

Autumn hadn’t seen them.

Jessica reassured them that they were not worth finding. They have a spider problems and little people issues. Like making others kill their spiders. Also, they were in the dark and they had no hospitality.

“You are a true friend to the Dragon Riders.” Drake said to Autumn.

“Oh, I don’t think your parents will agree. They paid me to keep her away. But after she got injured, I had to bring her back.” Autumn told him.

“What?” Drake was surprised.

“I know it’s hard to hear. Your parents. Both of them wanted Jessica as far away from you as possible. I took payment and didn’t keep my end. Am I still a friend to the dragon riders?” she asked.

Drake couldn’t believe it. He was hoping Jessica misunderstood things. But Autumn was telling him things that were even worse than what Jessica had told him and what she had confirmed.

“Thank you for bring her back.” Drake said.

Yair was silent. He didn’t want to be asked for counsel in this matter.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Where is Chase?” Drake asked.

“He threatened the queen, he is in the dungeon.”

“What! When was this?” Drake asked.

“Just after you left with Jessica.” She answered.

“Did he hurt her?” Drake asked.

Autumn smiled seeing the genuine concern.

“I stopped him.”

“Why are you so blasé?” he asked.

“I intended to bring Jessica back because the queen asked me to and I think I like her. She is not my queen but maybe half a friend.” Autumn said “I couldn’t let anyone hurt her. That queen freed us and she has honored her word to me. Also, I don’t like your parents. They were allies with my people and they let us rot in the mines for years. They could have saved us. They could have saved thousands of us. But they hid in the mountains and let us die. So, revealing their true intentions and getting rich at the same time really works for me.”

Drake had liked her, now he wanted to dislike her.

“We believed your tribe was dead and there was no one left to rescue.” Drake defended.

“You are a Dragon Rider. You have to say that.”

“Thank you for helping me, saving me over and over.” Jessica said to Autumn.

“Thank you for fetching my clothes.” Autumn replied.

Yair translated for them.

Drake had a moment to think about what just happened.

“Are you wanting to make an enemy out of me? I offer you friendship and you proceed to be hostile. Having allies is good.” Drake said to Autumn.

“Allies didn’t help me in the mine. I don’t need allies. I watch my own back.” She answered.

“If you treat everyone like they are your enemy you will need to watch your back.” Drake responded.

“How do you turn into a cat?” Jessica asked Autumn through Yair.

“I am a Lovac. We normal try not to let people know we can change but sometimes it happens.”

“Happens like you didn’t want it to but it happened anyways, like a sneeze?” Jessica asked.

“No, sometimes we need to change even when we are worried about our secrets.” Autumn answered.

“I am hungry and I want to see the queen. I think you should talk to your parents before seeing the queen.” Autumn said to Drake and then left.

“We need to confront my father.” Drake said.

The three went to ruling Prince Ryu’s room. They knocked on the door. Jessica stood in front so she would be the first person he saw when he opened the door.

Prince Ryu opened the door. Jessica was standing before him.

“This is why I should never open my own door.” He said.

“Father, is it true that you left Jessica with Black Beard?” Drake asked.

“Why do you ask me this?” Ryu asked.

He looked at Jessica knowing she must have told Drake.

“Father?” Drake asked “Did you leave Jessica with Black Beard?”

“Yes, it was the safest place for her.” He answered.

“Why would you say that?” Drake asked.

“She was safe, he thought she was the lost heir. No harm would have come to her. Without her you could bond with the queen and Dragon Rider’s would sit on the throne forever. With her here you would be distracted.” Ryu said.

“She almost died.” Drake said.

“She looks very alive right now.” Ryu said.

“Did you pay Autumn the Lovac woman to keep Jessica away?” Drake asked.

“These accusations are uncalled for. Remember who you are speaking to.” Ryu was defensive.

“How much did you pay her?” Drake asked.

“This woman Jessica is filling your head with stupid ideas. You have to stop being emotional if you are to be the ruling prince, or even king.” Ryu said.

“Swear to me you didn’t pay Autumn to keep Jessica away from me.” Drake insisted.

“Leave me. You come and trouble me while your mother is away. Do your duty as a son and have your mother brought back. Plead with your betrothed.” Ryu deflected.

Drake left with Jessica. He was angry, he knew what was said about his parents was true but he didn’t want to believe it. Their hurtful actions almost killed someone who hadn’t done anything to harm them and he cared about.

Yair stayed with prince Ryu.

“The Lovac woman told Drake about being paid to keep Jessica away. She and Jessica almost died.”

“I wish they had died. Two of my troubles would have been solved. I could then see about getting the Lovac tribe on my side and that girl would no longer have my son’s affection.” Ryu blurted in frustration.

“The queen has ended the agreement to bond.” Yair told him.

“Why?” Ryu was even more angry.

“You would have to ask her.” Yair answered.

Yair left after telling Ryu this. As his ruling prince, Yair was obligated to tell Ryu these things.

When Yair re-joined Jessica and Drake. Jessica asked

“I would like to speak with the queen.”

“You cannot simply walk up to the queen. There are protocols.” Yair said.

“Please let the queen know I would like to speak with her. She will see me.” Jessica insisted.

They went and ate in the hall. Everyone was talking about how the queen had eaten with them… well sat with them.

Drake was hoping to speak with Tẽra before the meeting so he could explain himself and save their bonding. Even though in his heart he was not sad. But he had started to like the queen and didn’t think bonding with her would be so bad after all.

* * *

The castle buzzed as none of the princes could find Tẽra. The queen was missing. Her killer woman was in the hall for the peace talks but the queen was not there.

Joe waited. It was not like Tẽra to be late.

Joe worried because Chase had wanted to kill Tẽra, Joe was more than happy to kill Chase for Tẽra but Tẽra didn’t want any more people dying.

Joe understood that with her night terrors she needed time.

However, her night terrors indicated to Joe that Tẽra was not alright.

Autumn sat in the hall at the round table. It was nice to be back and feel the eyes of everyone as they awed that she had the queen’s favor.

It was unfortunate that Chase was locked up. She didn’t like it and she planned to asked the queen for his release. But the queen was… late.

* * *

When Keimoni awoke, he thought of Rachael. It was first light and the cold crept in and made itself at home in the barn they were all sleeping in. Keimoni went outside and looked around. The storm had broken trees and branches and leaves covered the ground. As the light touched it, it froze. A polarization had happened, everything looked better, crisper and more distinct in its color.

“Awake up!” he said shaking everyone.

Keimoni hurried everyone, he wanted to go to the castle and rescue Rachael with a search party of horses and dragons.

Once at the castle he could see something had happened.

He maintained his cool and asked for their guests to be given rooms.

Cascada, and Raiden looked around as they were taken to their rooms. The castle was big and made of stone. It lacked the homey feel they were used to. It felt a bit cold and uncaring. But it had amazing pictures on the walls.

“Lakisha, you should go and clean up. I will find the queen and get a search party going.” Keimoni said.

“What is going on?” Keimoni asked a guard.

“The queen is missing?” he answered.

Keimoni was disturbed by this news. He found General Nathan.

“General where is the queen?” he asked.

“Missing.” He said as if he was a dead man.

“Calm down, I have returned. I will find the queen. You can send a search party with horses and dragons to find Rachael.” Keimoni said.

General Nathan sent out horses and dragon riders to find Rachael.

Keimoni asked a servant.

“Do you know where the queen is?”

“I heard one of the washers say she was in the kitchen.” The servant girl answered.

“Thank you.”

Keimoni wondered why Tẽra would be in the kitchen? Then he wondered how she even got to the kitchen?

He walked in and found Tẽra eating out of the same bowl as Zazo.

He cleared his throat very loudly.

Tẽra looked at him.

Zazo looked guilty.

“My queen. The castle is in a panic, you are said to be missing.” Keimoni calmly said.

“Why would they think I am missing?” Tẽra asked.

“You are late for your meeting. The round table is waiting for you. Also, we have two people with us from the hidden swamp city. They have rooms and are getting cleaned up. We had a rough time getting here.” He informed.

Tẽra could see the dirty clothes and damp shoes. His hair was untidy and he didn’t look like he usually did.

Keimoni was always so presentable.

“I will go to the council meeting now.” Tẽra said.

Keimoni gave Zazo a look of distrainment.

“My queen since I am back may I join you in the counsel today?” he asked.

“Yes. Zazo, are you coming?” Tẽra asked standing in the doorway

Zazo followed Tẽra, and Keimoni burned holes in his back with his looks.

Keimoni went to clean up. He didn’t want to be late but no one could see him sitting with the queen while dirty.

Otchulissa ran after them, getting distracted by everything that moved on the floor.

* * *

Rachael walked into the castle. The guards looked at her strangely. They recognized her as she was always in and out, to and from the stables. But she didn’t know why they were looking at her strangely.

She went to her room and cleaned up. It had been so nice to have clean clothes and coffee with the wizard. But he had made her feel bad. She knew she was guarded. She always felt like she had to be the best, had to be better and not by being nicer than everyone else but by playing harder and winning at everything. She thought it was ambition and something good, something she could like about herself. But the wizard made her feel like it was something not to be proud of.

She went to find a mystic healer.

An older man was found with the sick. Rachael asked him to heal her.

She allowed him to see her, see her soul and inside her mind. It was scary for her. But not as bad as she thought it would be.

Rachael was roller skating in the park where she would always be. Her parents liked her when she did well. They would clap and praise her.

“It’s a nice memory.” The mystic healer said.

“It is.” She agreed.

Rachael watched her happy memory.

“Do you want to keep any of your old scares?” he asked her.

“No, make me new.”

“My name is Galen, what is yours?” he asked her.

“Rachael.” She replied.

“I like that name. It’s gentle yet strong.”

“Thank you.” She replied.

“There is magic within you. Be careful how you use it.” He told her.

“I think it’s from the magic book that healed James, he gave me blood so now some of it is in me.” She told him.

“Gave you blood. A blood covenant is a powerful thing. Never break it.” He told her.

Before she could answer he broke the link and they were back in the room used for the sick.

Rachael looked in the mirror. She was beautiful again. Her long brown hair was full of life and it shined better than a shampoo advertisement.

“Thank you.” Rachael hugged him.

The old man smiled.

Rachael went to the next room and checked her scares. She had none. Not even the lightning bolt on her thigh. The brand on her back was smooth soft skin. She was physically perfect, no blemishes.

“Thank you, God.” She said to the heavens.

Rachael then went to the food hall. Where everyone stared at her. Once for the wow factor and again for an unknown reason.

“What is going on?” Rachael asked.

“You’re missing. There are people on horses and dragon’s looking for you.” Rosaleighm said.

“You speak?” Rachael blurted.

Rosaleighm nodded.

“Since when?” she asked.

The child shrugged.

Joe walked in behind her.

“Hey you look a lot better.”

“Thank you.” Rachael said “I was hoping to speak to Tẽra.”

“Tẽra is in session. Keimoni was worried about you. He had men on horses and dragons sent to find you. It was the first thing he did. He didn’t even bath first.” Joe told her.

Rachael smiled.

“Did they find you?” Joe asked.

“No. I did meet the wizard. Can’t say I like him. But he knows what he is talking about. I think.” Rachael said.

“You don’t like him?” Joe asked.

“Doesn’t just say it. Talks in long stories.” Rachael said.

“Did you find a crystal?” Joe asked.

“No, but the hidden, secret swamp city is real, and they are interesting.” Rachael nodded “Joe, how do you know who to kill?” Rachael asked.

“Are you planning to kill someone?” Joe asked.

“I am thinking about it.”

“If you want to kill you need to have no emotions about it. You cannot kill for yourself.” Joe said.

“You kill for you!” Rachael defended.

“Yes, and for others. I kill anyone who gets in my way. I didn’t do drama and excuses and so on. I don’t need to hear why, or I am sorry, or admit to what they did. Talking gives them time to throw you off. But I think you are like Sugar. You want to hear it. You need the other person to know you bettered them. That will get you killed. Do you know why I have never killed Sugar?”

“Because you haven’t had a chance?” Rachael ventured.

“No, because Eddie my boss said I must never kill her. She may not die by my hand. Why he wants her alive I do not know. I don’t need to know. I just do. She lives and she talks her way out of killing me every time because she needs me to know she beat me.”

“I have never missed a kill. Half of Sugar’s kills, get away the first time.”

“Why don’t you not want them to know you are better?” Rachael asked.

“I know I am better. That’s all that matters. They will be too dead to have an opinion. What use is a dead man’s opinion?” Joe asked.

“Could be satisfying to hear.” Rachael said.

“And then?” Joe asked “Who else hears this confession, the crying or groveling, or pleading, or negotiating? Who cares once they are dead? Dead is dead. No coming back, no payments, no opinions that matter, just dead.” Joe said.

* * *

Tẽra entered the hall of the round table. All the other members were already there. They were anxious and on edge. Tẽra’s kitchen visit had taken up time, more than she or anyone expected. But like a true royal she made an excellent recovery.

“I have had some time to truly think. I have decided that representatives from different tribes and different regions should form a permanent council. This council will handle smaller matters and counsel on larger matters. Your parents, or prince’s may attend these meeting until a permanent representative is appointed. However, whoever is chosen to be part of the council, they will be required to live in the castle. I know you will need time and to send letters. Take today and do what needs to be done. Tomorrow morning, we will meet again and discuss things further.”

The room was silent. They were all stunned, she comes in late and then gives them such a big opportunity and responsibility.

Tẽra added,

“I will no longer be solely responsible. We all will be.”

Drake rushed after Tẽra.

“Tẽra, my queen, I want to apologize for last night. You do not need to end our bonding. Jessica is an important person to me, but I would never want to be unfaithful or cause you hurt.”

“It’s alright. You don’t need to explain. I know you are a good man. However, your parents would love me to be dead. Your red-haired friend could easily be crowned queen.” Tẽra said.

Drake sighed, “They would rather see her dead.” He sounded sad.

“When I said I like you, I meant it. You have surprised me and you are better than I expected. But the truth is…”

Tẽra was cut off by Jessica.

“I am so happy to see you. Thank you for sending someone to get me. I need to tell you how the Dragon Rider’s left me with Black Beard.”

“Pardon?!” Tẽra was stunned.

“They want me gone. I don’t know why.”

Tẽra gave her a ‘really you don’t know’ look. Followed by a strong ‘I don’t believe you look’.

“I didn’t harm them, I just told them what they needed to hear. They cannot really want me dead for telling them they don’t look after their people.”

Tẽra shock her head.

“You can’t just blurt out stuff and hide behind it being true. There are consequences like powerful people disliking you.”

“They needed to hear it.” Jessica defended.

“Jessica, I wish to speak with Drake alone. I will meet with all the earthlings later, for lunch. Then you can talk with me and tell me everything. Now however is not the time.” Tẽra said.

Jessica left. She didn’t like being dismissed like a child. But what Tẽra said did stick with her. Maybe she needed to be a bit more, clever in how she told the truth.

“You were saying?” Tẽra said to Drake

“You were saying how you are sure you do not want to bond. I know Jessica can be out of line, but her intentions are good and she has tremendous courage.” Drake said.

“I am not offended. Jessica and most earth people have rough edges.” Tẽra took a deep breath.

“I am not blaming your parents. Please do not think I am so easily intimidated. We might have been great but your mother is fetching the lost heir and I promised to step down if he or she was found and it is confirmed that she lives. You have been kind to me, now let me be kind to you and free you. Choose someone who will be a great…” Tẽra didn’t know what to call it, “partner” she settled on.

“Someone who can be a leader to your people. I am about to be nothing but a bad memory. Don’t get tied to me.”

“You are ending our bonding and calling it a kindness? We are to be bonded in three days.”

“I will tell everyone tomorrow morning. I am hoping your mother will be back with the lost heir and everyone will be happy. I would no longer be a suitable match for the crown prince. I would like us to be allies, but if you are offended or hurt, I understand.” Tẽra said.

Drake kissed Tẽra’s hand.

“You do not do things as expected. However, we are allies and that will not change. You are different than expected.”

Tẽra smiled she walked the castle thinking about everything. She was hoping, even praying that the lost heir would return with the Skiopia princess.

Rachael came running up to her. She hugged her.

“Ummm” Tẽra said not hugging her back.

“I am beautiful again.” Rachael said.

Tẽra observed the beautiful face, shiny hair and blemish free skin.

“You are looking better.” Tẽra said.

“I am better.”

Rachael told her a little about meeting the wizard and that the swamp city was indeed real just like Lakisha had said.

They talked and discussed things. Tẽra used Rachael in that moment as a sounding board. Rachael also talked and they had a good chat and catch up.

Tẽra went to Autumn and asked her,

“If I free Chase, will he tell everyone who I am? Will he try to kill me again or stir people up against me?”

Autumn thought about it.

“I don’t know. I am sure he will tell our tribe about you. I don’t know if he will try to kill you again.” She answered honestly.

“Should I release him?” Tẽra asked Autumn.

This was what Autumn wanted but now she wasn’t sure it would be the right thing. She couldn’t control him and he was so angry that he was stupid in his actions.

“I don’t know.” Autumn said.

“If you want him free, say so now. I will free him even though he tried to kill me. I will do it for you.” Tẽra said.

Autumn’s heart sank.

“Leave him locked up. Maybe only a few more days.”

Tẽra then when to meet the new people, Cascada and Raiden. They were not as she expected. Not filled with anger but rather a desire to help and live-in peace. Tẽra asked Cascada to please join the council. Even if someone else was sent to represent their home, their city. She wanted Cascada’s pure gentleness and tenacity offering guidance.

Cascada was thrilled and so Tẽra started to make new friends.

* * *

Rosaleighm with her new found skill went to town. She killed everyone who threw things at her, who chased her away when she was hungry and those that scared her because they could. She believed she was taking back her power. She was doing what Joe did, kill those who got in her way.

She enjoyed it. She liked the looked of surprise and fear that flickered in people’s eyes before she killed them. She truly went to town.

She returned to the castle very pleased with herself.

* * *

Rachael found Keimoni.

“I heard there was a search party sent to find me, and that you are the one who sent it.” Rachael flirted.

“You are the queen’s friend, how could I not.” He was all matter-of-fact, unemotional.

“I hear you did this while not looking so good.” Rachael prompted.

“Are you planning to thank me?” he asked as if busy and pressed for time.

“Thank you.” Rachael said, “I met the wizard.” She added while walking away.

She wanted to get him to stop playing hard to get.

“Why would the wizard meet with two earth people?” Keimoni exclaimed “His own people need him.”

“His people are all people.” Rachael replied as if she had reached a higher plain of existence.

“Maybe we can meet later and talk about the wizard.” Keimoni said.

“Maybe,” Rachael shrugged, “Maybe not.”

Keimoni kept his aloof composure.

“Then when?” he asked.

“Now.” Rachael said.

“You have no place else to be. I mean if you do, go, don’t let me hold you back.”

“As you wish. Tell me about the wizard.” He urged.

Rachael leaned in close her check bumped his and her nose touched his ear as she whispered.

“See for yourself.”

“I could be killed, lose my place next to the queen and all for a kiss.” He scowled.

Rachael kept her face near his,

“A kiss can be more than just a kiss.”

She kissed his neck softly, just touching the skin with her warm breath slowly moving over his skin.

“A kiss should be fun, not just… taking what’s in their heads.” Rachael said.

Goose bumps covered Keimoni’s neck.

“But as you said, it’s not worth losing everything over.”

Rachael was nose to nose with him.

Tẽra came into the passage.

“Seriously!”

Annoyed she turned and walked away

Keimoni’s heart sank. He would lose everything anyways and he didn’t even get kissed. He wasn’t guilty.

Rachael ran after her.

“Keimoni and I have something but we did not kiss.” Rachael said.

Tẽra kept walking.

“I was teasing him. We didn’t kiss, it’s not a big deal.” Rachael said.

Tẽra stopped walking.

“Not a big deal. What is a big deal?” She asked.

“You’re upset. But you don’t need to be.” Rachael tried.

“If I hadn’t disturbed the two of you then would you have?” Tẽra asked.

“Maybe,” Rachael shrugged, “Probably not, after all he has to start trying again.”

“We are leaving, you are leaving. Why start something you don’t plan to finish? In fact, what are you doing? What are you hoping to get? Keimoni will stay here, knowing everything he got from us. Are you willing to compromise earth for a kiss?” Tẽra was very annoyed.

“Keimoni won’t betray us. He will protect us and earth. Plus, if I chose to stay with him or he comes with me, then a kiss will not be so big a deal.” Rachael justified.

“Kiss him and both of you will sit in the dungeon with the real queen.” Tẽra said.

She walked off. She was angry because she had told Rachael personal stuff. Things she didn’t want others to know, things she didn’t want Keimoni to know.

Rachael was shocked at how Tẽra responded to the whole thing. After their chat earlier she thought she and Tẽra were good and, on their way, to being earth friends.

‘No!’ Rachael thought.

She went after Tẽra.

When she caught up the queen was hiding behind a door. Taking deep breathes and talking to herself.

“I don’t know why you are so upset. Surely you know there is something going on between us. After our talk I thought we were good. So, what is this display about?” Rachael demanded.

Tẽra composed herself.

“Do not forget who you are speaking to. You may be Rachael Ceronio, but I am royalty, on earth and here.”

The words of the wizard came to mind. Rachael calmed herself.

“I want the option to be involved with Keimoni.”

“What! Why?” Tẽra looked sternly at Rachael “I do not want Keimoni knowing my business. I want to have the right to choose who I share things with.”

Rachael then understood why Tẽra had reacted as she had.

“Keimoni will know everything about me, everything I know he will know. However, has he not shown loyalty and discretion in our sensitive earth matters? Even after Joe cut off his ear, he stayed and has been here for you and me. Don’t deny me the option of a real relationship because you are afraid and uncomfortable.”

Rachael paused and continued,

“Think about it, do I really know things about you that cannot be shared over time?”

Rachael took a deep breath.

“At least think about it. Would it really be so bad if you agreed to let Keimoni and I have a chance?”

Tẽra listened to everything Rachael had said. It was true that Rachael didn’t really know anything that was big. Except that she was not engaged to Prince Drake. She didn’t like feeling vulnerable and like there was no one she could trust.

“I will think about it.” She answered Rachael.

Rachael smiled.

“I’m sorry if you felt I was betraying your trust with Keimoni. I really would like us to be friends.”

“I am sorry I overreacted it’s been a very rough week.”

“For you and me both.” Rachael said.

“Do you really like Keimoni?” Tẽra asked.

“I do.”

“Then be with him. But I will not be telling you anything I am not willing to tell him from now on.” Tẽra told Rachael.

“Thank you.” Rachael said.