Once I verified the hive had been moved inside the shard, I stepped back inside and closed the portal. I was beginning to love that ability.

My freedom was short lived as Queen Seraphina immediately confronted me. The arrival of Regina Apis, the Royal Queen, had stirred a storm of uncertainty within her.

“Gavrin, my liege,” she began, her voice a soft murmur amidst the rustling leaves, “the presence of another queen within these borders… am I to believe that my efforts have fallen short? That I have failed you in my duties?”

I turned to face her, my gaze softening as I took in the sight of her downcast posture, a stark contrast to her usual regal bearing. “Seraphina,” I said gently, reaching out with a hand that conveyed warmth and reassurance. “Your work here has been beyond measure. The strength and prosperity of your colony have been instrumental to the growth of this realm.”

I paused, ensuring my words took root. “Regina Apis and her swarm bring abilities that complement, not overshadow, the remarkable contributions you and your kin have made. This is not a replacement nor a reflection of inadequacy, but an expansion; a joining of forces for the greater good of all who dwell here.”

The ant queen remained silent, absorbing my words, the gentle rhythm of my voice like a balm to her churning thoughts.

“I would have thought jealously and inadequacy were human traits, my queen.” I continued with a soft chuckle, “I am a little relieved to know it is a thinking creature’s disease. But in you, I see only strength, loyalty and a fierce dedication that requires no comparison for validation.:

Queen Seraphina lifted her head, the multifaceted eyes that had once shown with the certainty of a ruler, now glistening with a vulnerability that had no place in the heart of a queen. “And yet,” she whispered, “to share your faith and your kingdom with another…”

“To share is not to divide, Seraphina, but to multiply,” I replied, my voice carrying the conviction of a king and the kindness of a friend. “Your place at my side and in the heart of the shard remains unchallenged. Together, with Regina Apis and her bees, we will achieve wonders befitting of your noble lineage and her ancient magic.”

Queen Seraphina’s antennae lifted, a gesture of resolve as she processed my affirmation. Slowly, the weight of doubt shed from her shoulders like leaves in the wind, and her stature rose once more to that of a queen; a queen assured of her worth and her king’s esteem.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Then let us welcome our new allies,” she said, her voice regaining its commanding timbre. “For the strength of the Verdant Hollow lies in unity, and I shall stand as its unwavering guardian, as I have sworn.”

I smiled. “I would appreciate that, my queen.”

I could almost swear Queen Seraphina’s mouth quirked into a small smile at my words.

“This wasn’t the only reason I approached you, my liege.” Queen Seraphina said. “My workers found the mushrooms you left laying around and I am ready to show you what they are.”

“I had forgotten about those.” I said. “There were found in the forest, I was planning on testing the effects.”

“No need, Sire.” Queen Seraphina said. “We ants are well versed in herbal lore, especially with mushrooms and other fungi.”

Queen Seraphina led me to the dimly lit caverns were the mushroom farm was kept. The air smelled of earth and the magic in the air was heavy.

She began to describe each mushroom and what they did. “These are Mana Buttons. They are common mushrooms and absorb ambient mana. They are good for granting a slight boost to regeneration when consumed.”

“This is the Cremini of Clarity.” She gestured at another one. “The mature variant will clear the mind upon ingestion, sharpening mental focus and providing a boost to spell power. It will be several more weeks before they are mature. The mana in this dimension is very conducive to growing mushrooms, my liege.”

She continued down the line. “This is the Portobello of Power, this increases physical strength when consumed.” The caps had grown enormous and were the size of an umbrella.

“Slow down.” I called out. I started forming little label cards from pieces of stone and earth. I began labeling the beds with the properties of the mushrooms.

“I will need to bring Kim here.” I said. “She should see these mushrooms.” I turned to Queen Seraphina. “I have a human friend, she can make amazing food with these ingredients. I would like you two to work together.”

“That is fine, my liege.” Queen Seraphina said. “All glory to the hive.”

“That’s new.” I said. “Glory to the hive.” I responded back.

We continued down the line of the mushroom garden. There was the Shiitake of Shadows, the Oyster Mushroom of the Gale, Enoki of Elegance, the Morel of Mystique. There were almost too many to list. But I kept at it.

Finally, when we were done, Queen Seraphina looked at me with a knowing gaze. “Our fungi are more than just food; they are a melding of the natural and the arcane, offering gifts that extend beyond the culinary.”

I was astonished with how fast Queen Seraphina had organized the mushrooms. She headed towards another area. “Come along, my liege.” Queen Seraphina beckoned me. “There is more that I must show you.”

“There’s more?” I asked in surprise as I followed after the queen. She was strutting now, I guess she was satisfied with my reaction.