The Another Dimension: Human RealmH E R AWe hadn’t even crossed the county line, and I regretted hopping in the car. For a fleeting moment, I fantasized about turning the sleek Honda Accord around and heading back home. The throbbing in my head kicked in about ten miles back when Keia, my best friend, started diving into the info she had pulled from the Internet. Cruising down a dusty highway in the summer heat with a busted air conditioner, I kept repeating Keia’s mantra. “You only live once.” Or, as she likes to say, YOLO, especially when I hesitated, like those words held the key to everything. I mentally kicked myself for getting sucked into Keia’s chaotic world, filled with terrible planning and awful places to stay. “Just remember, this was your idea,” Keia said, glancing up from her notes. “No way. I suggested a medieval restaurant for dinner and a show. You’re the one who wanted to hit up a Renaissance fair. You’d think I’d have learned my lesson after last time,” I gru
H E R AI pulled my long hair back into a ponytail to beat the heat. But deep down, I wondered if the Gitana Queen was as amazing as the pamphlet claimed and if there were scouts keeping an eye on the crowd.If that was the case, I want to throw them off the scent. A little thrill of excitement bubbled up at the idea of tricking some cheesy palm reader. This weekend, I was determined to find my fun wherever I could.Vendors were scattered all around, selling all sorts of goods. Most of the stuff didn’t really have any use for me in the modern world. There were amulets, lucky crystals, and fancy gothic crosses meant to keep evil spirits at bay.I realized I was missing some medieval essentials, like a tin cup and a knife. Those would be pretty important if I wanted something to drink.The drink options were limited to just three: water, beer, and wine. The vendors were more than happy to serve you, but you had to bring your own cup. No paper cups in sight.One vendor told me that if I
"Your words are as false as your outfit. Why are you trying to pull a fast one on me?" Aurora leaned back, revealing only her weathered hands, which she folded neatly in her lap. Hera held her chin up defiantly. "I have no idea what you mean." Despite the heat outside, a chill settled in. "Oh, I think you do," Aurora said, waving them off with a flick of her wrist. Hera and Keia exchanged puzzled glances as they made their way to the door. Just as they were about to leave, Madame Aurora called after them, "Let your hair down, dear. That’s how you should present yourself while you’re here." Hera spun around, taken aback. "Come back tomorrow," Aurora continued, her gaze locked on Hera. "I’m eager to read your palm." A smirk appeared on Hera’s face. She figured the next thing would be a request for cash. "Save your coins. Who knows? The stars might just favor you both and make your stay worthwhile." Hera’s jaw dropped in disbelief, and Keia nearly pulled her out of the tent. Auror
Hera felt the drunken gaze sweep over her body, lingering on her chest. At that moment, it hit her—she might as well have been wearing a sign that said, “I’m a virgin, come and get it.”Disgusted, she turned on her heel and stormed away from the smirking guy, grabbing a forgotten pencil and quickly tying her hair up in a messy bun. A quiet corner beckoned her.It was nearly midnight, the time she promised Keia she’d call it a night. Just a little longer to go, and then she’d be free. One down, three more to get through. Swapping her wine for water, Hera settled in, closed her eyes, and started counting down the minutes until she could escape.Gelo approached Thomas with a grin that said it all.“Found one, did you?”“Yes, and she’s a real stunner,” Gelo replied, finishing his drink. “Don’t wait up for me, old man.”“You know where to find me. Just make sure she’s of age, Gelo. We don’t need any trouble here.”“Ah, you worry too much. Good luck, dude. Looks like the pickings are slim t
“Wait.” Hera ducked back into the tent, nudging Keia, and whispered, “Get up.” Keia groaned and rolled over. Hera yanked the blanket off her. “Come on, get up!” Peeking outside again, Hera saw the guy still waiting there, and the crowd was getting bigger by the second. “Just one more minute.” She quickly threw on her dress and shot a look at her friend’s bloodshot eyes. “You got us into this mess,” Hera grumbled through gritted teeth. “Got us into what?” Keia rubbed her eyes awake. “There’s some dude out there claiming we’re royalty or something. Get up and deal with it.” “What? Royalty?” Keia’s eyes widened. She jumped out of her blankets and peeked outside. “No way!” she exclaimed, excitement bubbling over. Keia threw her dress on in a rush. “This is amazing!” “This is just great…” Hera cut off her own complaint and stepped outside. The moment she did, the men bowed, and the women curtsied. “Oh, fantastic.” Keia bumped into her, saw the crowd, and clapped her hands
Handfasting really spills up the games. “She’ll be a stunning prize for whoever wins,” Jude said, munching away.“So, who are the knights?” Gelo asked, scanning the room.“Anyone with a horse can join in, but Aurora’s crew always comes out on top. Most of these weekend warriors don’t really know how to play like knights do.”Thomas and Gelo shared a knowing glance and a quick nod.“I need to chat with my friend alone,” Hera said to the Neanderthal, but he didn’t move an inch. “If I’m going to go along with this, I need some space.” He didn’t even crack a smile. “Listen, as your queen, princess, or whatever, I command you to leave,” she insisted, pointing toward the tent’s entrance.Realizing she was losing her grip on the situation, Keia chimed in, “Hey Bruce?” She tugged on his arm. “Ever heard of PMS?” That finally got him to step outside. “There,” Keia said, brushing her hands together. “You just have to know the right words.”“I thought he’d never budge.”“It’s not too bad,” Keia
Or maybe they messed up her plans. Thomas couldn’t shake his father’s warning from his mind. “Don’t underestimate Gitana. She’s been around for five hundred years before going into hiding. She’ll want youth like a lover who wants freedom. And she won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get it. With her powers back, thanks to the virgin, she could wipe you out with just a thought. Gitana will come back here and wipe us all out if she gains strength from your death.”This time, Thomas realized they were playing Gitana’s chess game, and unlike before, she already had the bishop on her side. While Gelo rode into the woods to fetch their armor, Thomas talked with the fairgoers.The women were practically swooning over his accent. His smile had them stumbling over their words. Once he figured out where Hera’s tent was, he focused on finding its vulnerabilities. He created an entry point or, more importantly, an escape route for her. Then he set off to find Hera again. He spotted her in th
They came to a halt when they stumbled upon a stream. The water flowed gently, creating a soft, soothing sound. Trees provided shade from the afternoon sun, and wildflowers flourished along the banks. He got off the horse and effortlessly lifted her down.“Damn, we lost them!” Hera exclaimed, doing a little jig. “That was awesome!”“Happy to help, my lady.” He took a pack off his horse and led it to a grassy spot to munch.“You can drop the formalities. I’m Hera, not ‘my lady.’” She handed back the cape she had been wearing.“Right, I know your name.”“Then why call me ‘my lady’?” She watched him spread the cape on the ground for them to sit on.“It’s tough to call you anything else with that outfit.”“Is your accent for real?”“Nope, it’s genuine.”“So, you’re from Van Zanth?” Hera settled down, crossing her legs.“Yep.”“I guess all the women in Van Zanth dress like this, and you call them all ‘my lady’?”“Not all, but I respect those who deserve it.”He was a bit odd but incredibly