It’s a bizarre feeling when a dream feels like real life and real life starts feeling like a dream.

Ria gnawed at the end of her pencil.

A dream. Or not a dream.

A figment of her imagination? Or real-life people…stuck in a sea cave cell in an alternate world? Ria snorted. It sounded crazy even to her. And she had lived it! She paused. Or was it… dreamed it?

Dropping her head into her hands, the girl let out a defeated sigh.

Ria winced. The cut on her forehead still stung. Her fingers gingerly fixed the bandage her mother had frantically slapped on.

The cut was the one thing that convinced Ria that perhaps she hadn’t gone totally insane. That and the fact that the stupid chess piece was still in her pocket, right where she had stuffed it. The front of her forehead stung, but luckily, the head trauma from being beaten by a pole hadn’t transferred over. She wondered why some things could cross over and others didn’t.

A hand tapped her shoulder.

Shrieking, Ria turned, holding up her fists.

Krios stared at her, eyes wide. Ria blinked. Wait, no, it was Kris now, wasn’t it?

The football player held up both hands and backed up. “Hey, I don’t want no trouble.”

“Then go somewhere else.” Ria turned back to her papers.

Kris gaped. Had the girl… always had that sharp tone? He narrowed his eyes. Reaching out, he asked, “Hey, what’s with that cut, ow-!”

“Don’t touch me!” Ria slapped the hand away, eyes frantic and wide. Her chest heaved.

Students walking by stopped and stared.

The football captain raised an eyebrow, his beautiful face was a picture of innocent confusion. If it had been the Ria of just a few days ago, she would have swooned at the sight. Now, Ria could only think of the murderous look in his counterpart’s eyes. The glare as he stared down and threatened to end her life. Her entire form shook with uncontrollable terror. Ria couldn’t stop the trembling of her hands. She balled them into fists.

Breathing hard, the girl turned around. “I, I don’t feel so good. I…” She shook her head. Gathering her things, she left without a word.

Kris and the others stared. A buddy came to stand near him. He leaned an arm on Kris’ shoulder. “What’s up with her?”

Kris side-glanced the other guy. They blinked at one another and shrugged. “Time of the month?”

…

The cold water helped.

Ria splashed her face a few more times before turning the faucet off. The water droplets dripped down her face like tears. The girl lifted her gaze cautiously. As she stared in the mirror, her face stared back at her. Dark, baggy eyes. Messy hair wrapped in a bun. It was the same face. She was the same Ria!

Except for the red cut on her head.

The girl let out a weary sigh. Real or not, the experiences of Milror were over. It was done with. Time for a reality check and to move on.

No one had heard of a chess club. Throughout its entire history, Speculum Academy had never, ever had a chess club. There was no news of it on the website, and the classroom had been empty, posters and boards gone, when Ria succumbed to the urge to check. It was just as if they never existed.

“Get a grip,” she murmured. Her gaunt reflection stared back, almost disappointed. Ria closed her eyes and exhaled.

“I agree,” a honeyed voice chimed.

Ria’s head snapped to the side. She froze. Mouth gaping, she stared speechlessly at the sight.

Daphne Mele, queen bee of the school, leaned lazily against the door. Arms crossed; she stared down at Ria behind expensive sunglasses. Who wore sunglasses indoors? Ria shrugged internally. She also didn’t know why the other girl was creepily watching her. How long had Daphne been standing there?

Rolling her eyes, Daphne sashayed over. Her designer boots clicked against the tiled floors. She stopped in front of the sink next to Ria’s. The other girl was only half a head taller than Ria but there was something intimidating and cold about her presence. She brought with her a certain air that came from more than just the height difference. Daphne was better than you and the whole school accepted it like another law of the universe.

Ria seemed to be the only one that never noticed this fact. She inched away, going for the paper towels.

Daphne watched her impassively. “I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced.”

Ripping off some paper, Ria wiped her hands. “And I think we’ve already had this conversation before.”

The queen bee’s nose crinkled. “Oh, but that was before.” She approached slowly, like a predator stalking its prey.

Ria crumpled the paper. The nerve of popular people. Truly extraordinary, she thought. Just play her game, she thought. Plastering on a fake smile, Ria opened her mouth.

“Isn’t that right… Four?” Daphne’s eyes glinted.

The paper ball fell from the girl’s grasp. Ria spun around. “What did you just say?”

Daphne’s eyes narrowed but a pleased smile played on her lips. “Like I said. I don’t believe we’ve been formally introduced.” She leaned in and whispered playfully. “Four.”

Gut twisting, Ria stared at the other girl. “Who are you?”

“You’re the secret genius, or so I’ve been told.” Ria cursed Marcel in her mind. Blabbermouth sheep follower.

Daphne crossed her arms at her hips. “You tell me.” She tilted her head. “Who do you think I am?”

To the queen bee’s surprise, the other girl’s face went blank. Ah, Daphne noted, but her eyes are sharp.

Ria rubbed her wet hands on her pants. “What makes you think I would know?”

“Humor me,” came the response.

Lifting her eyes, Ria stared. She had never noticed it before, (because why would she) … but there was something in the way Daphne held herself. It was elegant, sure… but also extremely confident. And it wasn’t just the usual arrogance either. It was a boldness born of trial and experience.

“You know I’m Four so,” her voice trailed. A realization struck her. Ria’s eyes flashed. “You’re also a queen.”

“Not bad.” Daphne smiled without humor. “If you can guess my name, I’ll let you in on a secret.”

Sue her, but Ria had always loved puzzles. She had watched too many detective shows as a kid. There was also something about Daphne that rubbed her the wrong way. It made her ignore her instincts and ready to pick a fight.

Pacing around, Ria stroked her chin. “You could be Sica, but from what I’ve heard, she’s MIA and you seem to be quite up-to-date on everything. Plus, I’m guessing you’d be the last person to shy away from power.”

Daphne’s perfect eye-line twitched but Ria paid it no mind.

The girl continued, “Eres is said to be cocky. But she’s also bold and brash. She would have confronted me in the open, not in secret like this. So, that means you can only be…” Ria paused for dramatic effect. Daphne raised an expectant eyebrow.

“You’re Niamh!” Ria clapped her hands together, excitedly.

The eyebrow fell. “What?” Daphne’s face twisted into a scowl.

Ria shrugged, “You know, the evil queen? The one everyone curses but is also too scared to talk about?”

Daphne looked like she was about to burst a vein. Ria raised both hands in a sign of “So, am I right?”

Massaging her forehead, Daphne gritted out between clenched teeth. “No, you fool. I am not Niamh. I am-”

“Lady Rex.”

Daphne paused mid-rant.

Ria flipped her hair, and, wow, that was a weird motion she was never doing again. The girl rolled her eyes. “Just messing with you.” Internally, she wondered if she’d been spending too much time with Finn and Daisy. Their sarcastic mannerisms were starting to rub off on her.

Ria’s eyes narrowed. “Is Eres also from this world?”

“No, it is just us,” said Daphne.

“So,” Ria’s lips lifted, amused. “We’re basically the same?”

“Excuse me?” Daphne shook her head, looking incredulously at Ria. What was wrong with this girl? Daphne snapped, “I am Rex Finutar.” She puffed up like a peacock. “First queen of Milror, champion of the Tournament. Ruler of the Capital! Bearer of Scalae.”

Daphne glanced up. Wait, where did the girl go? Daphne spun around to see Ria heading for the exit. “Where, where are you going?” she stammered.

“Well, Daphne of Scaley or whatever. I’m Ria. Still the girl that sat next you for three semesters.” She sighed dramatically and listed on. “Champion of nothing. Ruler of nobody.” She reached for the door. “Goodbye.”

“Wait!”

Ria sighed but stopped. She stared expectantly at the peacock in heels rushing over.

Daphne tried to reach for Ria, but the other stepped back. The queen bee’s voice was low and serious. “Do you truly mean it?”

Ria’s brows furrowed. “What? About being queen of nobody? Yeah. I don’t care what the stupid paper said, I’m not a monarch or anything.”

“Stupid paper…” the other girl muttered; expression full of bewilderment. “Carmae is an ancient Milrorian artifact!” Daphne shook her head. “So, you do not wish to be queen?”

Ria crossed her arms. “Pretty sure I already answered that.”

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Daphne held out a hand. “Prove it.”

Ria shrugged, “Sure.” She dug into her pocket and pulled out the Sacred Piece. “This is what you wanted right?” Seeing Daphne’s shocked expression, she continued, “At first, I thought you were checking me out. But I guess you’ve actually been searching for this the whole time, right?”

Daphne didn’t bother giving Ria a response. She held out her hand expectantly. Ria reached over. She paused, “Will I be transported there after I give this to you?”

“No.” Daphne’s voice was flat. “The Sacred Piece has always acted as a portal. Since you’ve given it up, you won’t be pulled to the other world.”

“You will retain your memories for the time being.” Seeing Ria’s troubled expression, she hurried to add, “Just until the Tournament’s canceled and Admin officially deems you as unworthy. After that, you’ll lose all memory of Milror. Your life will go back to the way it was. You can live…. normally,” Daphne smiled encouragingly.

“Why is it so important that the Tournament is canceled?” asked Ria.

Seeing Daphne’s hesitant expression, the girl pressed, “Come on, I just want to make sure I’m not helping with the end of the world or something.”

“You aren’t.” Pursing her lips, Daphne admitted, “The Tournament was designed to be Milror’s way of ensuring peace. But all it really does is disrupt everything and cause mayhem. It destroys stability in the name of renewing the Balance.” Daphne shook her head. “Without Carmae’s power, you can’t go back. And if you can’t go back, you won’t form a court. A kingdom can’t compete without a court.” She smiled tightly. “Crisis thus averted.”

Shrugging, Daphne added, “You wouldn’t want to go through all that trouble just to lose anyways. Makes it easier on everyone.”

Ria was silent for a long moment, mulling the information over. Her fingers tapped against her knees.

Finally, she sighed, “I’ll give it to you.” Daphne’s smile grew. “But on one condition.”

“Not sure why there are conditions, when I’m helping you but all right,” Daphne gestured for her to continue.

Ria swallowed, “There’s a group of prisoners. They’re locked in a sea cave on the edge of Oceanport.” Her voice softened. “Promise me you’ll rescue them. Rescue them and set them up with a good life.”

“That’s a big ask,” Daphne hummed. “I would be intruding on another kingdom’s territory.”

Ria barked out a disbelieving laugh. “Don’t even try that.” Controlling herself, she bit her lips. “Come on, you’re the queen of the most powerful kingdom. This is an easy ask.” Raising the Sacred Piece, she added, “I still don’t get why it’s so important for you to have this, but if you don’t give your word, I-”

“Fine.” Daphne set a hand behind her back and held out the other once more. “I promise.”

Ria stared into the other girl’s eyes. She was looking at a queen. An actual person with power. Staring down at the chess piece, Ria tried to send her thoughts across space and time to the others. This is the best I can do, guys. She sighed. Hopefully, it was enough.

The girl paused. Why did she almost feel sad parting with the Sacred Piece? Carmae grew warm in her hands.

The silver chess piece dropped into perfectly manicured hands. Ria brushed past the smirking girl. The bathroom door slammed shut.

Lady Rex stood alone. She held up the chess piece and stared at it. The infamous Carmae. “Didn’t think it’d be that easy,” she grinned. Daphne stared at the balled-up paper towel. All it cost was a few freed prisoners. How ironic.

Daphne looked at the closed bathroom door. “You would have made a good queen… too bad it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Pocketing the piece, the queen adjusted her skirt and gave the mirror a final look. She brushed a stray piece of hair back.

Boots clicked against the tiles. The door opened again and slammed shut.

Crisis averted, indeed.

…

It was surprisingly easy to return to a life of normalcy. Ria yawned. The history teacher droned on and on. Her voice was a monotonous backdrop.

Ria leaned her chin against her hand. She glanced around.

Kevin sat two rows across from her. Their eyes met. The boy quickly looked away.

Ria took back what she said. Life was… mostly back to normal.

She dropped her head, cheek pressing against the cool desk.

Finally, the bell rang. Ria packed up her bag. When she got to the front, she turned towards Kevin. “Hey…” she tried.

Kevin shook his head. “Not supposed to talk to you.”

“Said who,” asked Ria. Seriously, was Isha going to be this petty?

Kevin gave her incredulous look. “Who do you think?”

Ria shrugged, “Your girlfriend?”

The basketball captain snorted. He shook his head and walked away.

Ria stared at his retreating form. Was that a yes or no?

“It's Daphne’s order, stupid.”

Ria jumped.

Marcel stared at her with thinly veiled disgust. Ria hadn’t even noticed the other standing there. She shuddered, imagining the older Marcel’s cold and also very disgusted expression. Huh, she realized, the two were more similar than she’d realized.

Before she could ask, Marcel got up into her face. She stuck a finger in front of Ria’s face. “I don’t know what you did to her, but you better stay the hell away from Daphne.”

“What?”

“Plus,” sneered the other girl. “If anything, you should be kissing the ground Daphne walks on.”

Stay away… and kiss the ground she walked on? Ria wasn’t sure it was possible to do both. And she told Marcel so.

Eyes flashing, Marcel gritted out. “The only reason you’re able to stay scot-free after that mess you pulled with Kris”, she jabbed Ria in the chest, “is because of Daphne!

Ria’s brows were bunched, she mouthed ‘scot-free’, bewildered. It took a moment for everything to sink in. Slowly, she pieced it together. “So, you’re telling me, that Daphne told everybody not to mess with me?”

Marcel gave a single nod.

“And you all,” Ria paused, “just, did it?”

Marcel nodded again.

Ria sighed, crossing her arms. “Huh,” she breathed out. Creepy, she thought.

Marcel stared at the girl. Who knew what was going on in her head? Huffing, she shoved her way past the other, purposefully bumping into her shoulder. Ria stumbled back.

Crossing her arms, Ria’s eyes followed Marcel’s form, sashaying away. Well, wasn’t that a familiar walk…

Focusing back, Ria opened her bag and grabbed her lunch. She paused. Gone were the days when she would have leftovers. Every meal seemed like a blessing. The plain ham and cheese sandwich looked absolutely delicious, even now. Her grip tightened. Hopefully, Daphne had already freed the others. She smiled. Ria could imagine Daisy stuffing her face with sweets in a fancy castle. Finn would likely be reprimanding her (and pocketing small fancy trinkets) and Old Luce probably disappeared and would be found years later in the wine cellar or something of the like.

Yeah, they would be good, Ria reassured herself. They were in the most capable hands, after all.

Ria pushed down the uneasy feeling that weighed her down whenever she thought of them. Look how much power Daphne had in Speculum, she countered her worried mind, freeing a couple prisoners would be nothing for an actual queen in Milror! They would be fine, she reassured herself.

Ria bit into the sandwich. For some reason, it didn’t taste quite as good as she thought it would.

…

Lady Rex stormed into the castle. Trailing behind her were her loyal ladies-in-waiting and Lady Marcel.

Marcel sniffed. “Stupid farmers.” She flicked her long sleeves. Elegant dresses may be a custom of the royal court, but it was something she found hard to adapt to. She sniffed. Even after all this time. “Such pompousness.”

Lady Rex pursed her lips. “As long as they listen, we can continue to let them squabble amongst themselves. What else did I miss?”

Straightening, Marcel cleared her throat. “As you know, the Court of Farmers raised their taxes on the foodstuff in Oceanport. There was some resistance but Krios led a group out to squash them.”

Rex huffed a disbelieving laugh. “A resistance? Let me guess. They threw some mud and tomatoes?”

Marcel smirked, “It’s almost as if you were there, Your Highness!” Then, she sobered. “But I don’t like it.”

The lady’s face darkened. “Since last I was there, the Port Dogs have gotten more brazen. The taxes and the attacks by Sea Raiders and bandits have made many of them homeless, but more importantly, reckless. Combine that with the return of Four, I feel-”

Lady Rex waved her off. “Do not fear.” She smiled, tapping Marcel’s shoulder. The other woman froze. “Oceanport may have its hiccup, but it is no longer a great concern to us.”

“But can the Puppet Ministers truly hold them?”

“It is common knowledge that we control the ministers at Oceanport but the Citadel and Court of Farmers collect tributes.” Rex shrugged, “And even if they did mind, they’re too hungry to do anything or care.”

“Still, if they continue to raise the tariffs, the Temple may complain of unfair judgement on our part.”

“We have told them not to overstep, but the fools refuse to listen.” Lady Rex sighed, “Estate gets the taxes and the Citadel receives the manpower for their trades. How much fairer can we get?”

Lady Rex picked at her nails. “Oceanport has no one to vouch for them. And it’s not as if Eres or the Court of Idiots will say anything.” Lady Rex studied them. Huh, she hadn’t realized her pinky was chipped. She asked, “Any update on Eres?”

Marcel bit the inside of her cheek. She had not been looking forward to this part of the conversation.

“Eres decided to restart a lot of their old mines.” Marcel lowered her head guiltily. “I apologize, my queen, I know you dislike such talks but you realize if we stop their production, the Citadel would sooner become our enemy than give up their Dust reserves.”

Brows furrowing, Lady Rex asked, “But how are they re-opening? I thought the veins were depleted?”

Marcel shook her head. The spies had relayed all they knew. It seemed not even the Citadel knew how the old veins were being replenished. Not that it mattered to them, valuable Dust was money.

An older servant approached; head bowed low. She curtsied. Turning to address Lady Rex, she murmured. “My lady, her ladyship is here to see you.”

Eyes widening, Lady Rex's fist tightened. “Her ladyship? Why did the Temple not notify us before?”

The servant didn’t dare offer an answer. She coughed and added, “She mentioned wanting to see the items.”

Lady Rex turned sharply to Marcel. “How is the search for the Port Dog refugees I told you about?”

Marcel shrugged. “No sight, my queen. There’s too many to look through, but we can devote more efforts toward-”

“No,” Rex cut her off. “If news of this gets out to Eres, we’ll have more trouble.”

She clasped her hands. It would just have to be a loss. At least she tried. “Send a reminder to the ministers in Oceanport to be on the lookout, but we cannot afford to waste more resources on this.”

“Yes, my lady.”

“Focus your efforts into searching for you-know-who, and get me someone that knows why the Citadel’s mines are returning.”

The servant coughed softly. “My lady?”

Rex nodded. She gave Marcel a final look, saying “I’m depending on you,” before walking off with the servant.

Marcel breathed in deeply. She turned to one of the ladies beside her. “Get me some ink and paper.”

Flicking her sleeves once more, Lady Marcel stalked off.

…

To the bewilderment of her mother, Ria refused to sleep in her room. It had started the first few days after her return. Be it the couch or the kitchen table, the uncomfortableness was better than the risk.

The first night she ventured to sleep in her own bed (after a very long argument with “the lady of this house, Ria!”)… the whole thing was surprisingly anticlimactic.

After tossing and turning, Ria woke in a few hours only to find everything the same.

Maybe Daphne was telling the truth, she had realized.

Sighing, Ria crossed her arms behind her head. Her feet hung off the edge of the bed. Life was back to normal. Ria groaned. She had to give a stupid speech tomorrow. Maybe she could fake a stomachache?

The girl turned to her side, snuggling into the comfortable mattress.

As she drifted off, her thoughts jumbled together. Stomachache or super long bathroom break? Beginning of class or near the end? Nap now or… wake up?

She flipped over to her other side, curling in on herself. Why was it suddenly so cold? Ria shivered. A window had likely been left open.

Maybe she should practice the speech, just in case?

“Guys! I think she’s waking up!” a loud voice whispered.

Ria’s brows crinkled. What?

“Praise Admin!” another voice called.

There were sounds of shuffling as bodies made their way over. The warmth of several forms crowding around her was nice. They blocked the wind. Sounds of jangling chains filled the air. Ria paused. She mouthed a curse.

Ria’s eyes snapped open, blinding herself momentarily as they adjusted to the brightness. She blinked at the familiar pirate boy in front of her.

Finn’s smirk greeted her. “Welcome back, Your Highness.”

Ria slowly pushed herself up. When she pulled, her arms were stuck. The girl glanced back. Her hands were shackled to the bars of the cart, just like the others. A small form barreled into her. Ria choked at the impact.

Daisy smiled excitedly up at her. Ria looked around. Old Luce offered a half-wave. Daron was in the back and Freya was nowhere in sight. The others gave her a nod.

The group was secured in a cart, or better known as “the moving wooden jail cell”. The road was bumpy and the floor of the cart was quite uncomfortable. But Ria couldn’t focus on those things at the moment.

So much for practicing her speech.

“How do you feel?” someone asked.

… Ria blinked.

Great question, she thought.

Suddenly, the cart came to an abrupt stop. Ria and the others were jostled forward.

“Take a look at your new home, Port doggies!” the driver called. He laughed cruelly.

Ria stared up at the sight. Her eyes widened. Turning her head, she took in the scenery. Her jaw dropped open in awe.

Before them was a large stone wall. Behind the wall was a great mountain city. Clouds graced the top. A thin layer of snow sat on top of the roofs. Towering stone structures lay against the mountainside. People walked up and down the cobblestone streets lit by giant bowls of fire.

Guards flagged the line of carts and horses through the wall. The animals brayed as they began to pull once more, trotting forward.

The wall was thick, with more guards stationed inside. It took a minute before they even emerged on the other side.

A large town square filled with people greeted them. Ladies in fancy dresses with wool coats draped over their shoulders and men with velvet hats and thick jackets filled the area. Children wandered around, cheeks round and rosy. The smell of roasted meat floated through the air. Numerous taverns and restaurants lined the corners of the well-lit and clean streets. It was a place of wealth and prosperity.

Ria’s eyes were drawn to the large statue in the center of the square. It was twice the size of a grown man. The statue, a growling wolf with diamond eyes, stared down at her. There was something lifelike in the way the stone was carved. From the detailed lines on its face to every perfectly sculpted hair, it was a sight that was beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

“Where are we?” Ria murmured.

Finn tore his eyes off the butcher shop. “Well, Your Highness.” He wiped the drool on the corner of his mouth. “Consider this your first diplomatic trip.” Finn shook his head in disbelief.

“Welcome to the Citadel.”

The massive doors of the wall creaked. Ria glanced back. Guards shouted. Levers and ropes were pulled and operated. With a final noise of protest, the gate slammed closed behind them with a resounding thud.

An unbidden thought came to mind. Ria couldn’t help the ironic laugh that bubbled out of her.

So much for not being able to travel without Carmae.

Daphne was either a liar or just plain stupid.