The nursery was quiet as Aurora and Devrim entered. Having recently been fed, the twins were being cared for by nurses and other attendants. Nanny stood in the middle of the nursery overseeing the work. The princess was surprised, "Nanny, what are you doing here?"
Nanny curtsied and chuckled lightly. "Hello, Your Majesty! I am taking care of my new charges."
"What about me?"
"The new Empress does not need old Nanny here. You will be receiving ladies-in-waiting later today."
"Oh," the girl said sadly. The thought had not occurred to her that she might have to give up her Nanny. Her small lips quivered for a moment. "Take good care of my brother and sister! I'll be checking on you."
"Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you." Nanny bowed her head. Aurora hugged her caretaker for the last time. It was a tender moment, and Devrim felt like he was intruding. He cleared his throat awkwardly, bring
The other Councilmen looked nervous as Cafer stood at the end of the long table to address the future empress. The tension in the air was thick, but the Chief of the Council did not show his emotion. This girl was merely a child with power, and he would direct her in the proper way. Soon she would have to see his wisdom, as her mother had."Your Majesty, we received news that you have visited the nursery." Cafer began with a fact. If he could get her to agree to small things, perhaps he could coax her to his way of thinking."We have," the princess acknowledged."Then you are aware of the great danger facing us.""I do not follow you, Chief Cafer." Aurora scrunched her eyebrows.The chief humbly spread his hands, "Your mother did not name an heir.""She did not have a chance." Aurora countered."Traditionally the first born inherits the t
"Hold still, please, Your Majesty." "Your Majesty, please hold your arms out so I can pin the sleeves." "Which sash would you prefer, Your Majesty." On and on the servants and new ladies-in-waiting went. They poked and pinched the girl with pins and fingers. Aurora quickly lost interest in their nips and tucks. Instead she decided to focus on her three new lady attendants. They were all very eager and very…similar. All three were in their teens and stair steps of each other. Aurora finally decided they must be sisters. When she asked their names they curtsied and replied in turn. "I'm Anna." "I'm Bella." "And I'm Candela!" The third replied enthusiastically. 'At least they are in alphabetical order. I wonder if they have any more sisters at home,' Aurora thought. Their appearances were nearly identical. Each had chestnut eyes and rich, creamy skin. They had long broad noses and beautiful soft pink mouths. The only differences b
The morning leading up to the public announcement of Empress Zephyra's death was filled with hustle and bustle. A carefully selected crowd was allowed into the palace courtyard to witness the event. In addition, town criers were set in strategic places around Valiant to spread the news. Other messengers were dispatched to carry the announcement along with the two royal edicts to all the parts of the globe. The first edict pronounced a week of mourning in honor of Zephyra's passing. The second edict declared a week long holiday in honor of the new Empress, her marriage, and her children, the new heirs. "Is this really necessary? Why would people want to mourn someone most of them didn't like?" Aurora asked. She had no delusions about people's opinion of her mother. She had been sneaking around for years, hearing snippets of conversations never meant for her ears. Cafer could understand her concern. "It's not about affection. It is about respect. They will show respect
The wall swung open in the Empress's chamber with barely a whisper. Devrim peeked out his head with a mischievous grin. "Are you ready?" He asked. Aurora had been awaiting his gentle knock on the wall for what seemed like an eternity. She was clad in old play clothes that Nanny had made for her the year before. They were well-worn and comfortable. Anna had thought it strange when the princess had requested the clothes from her old room, but the lady had decided not to dwell on the mystery. It was not worth her position to question her mistress's quirks. Ducking her head into the passageway, Aurora winked at her co-conspirator."Let's go!"The pair were careful to not close the passage until they found the hidden latch that would open it from the inside. "That's what I was looking for last night," Devrim said sheepishly. "I thought I was back at my own room. We should probably mark our way as we go." The boy pulled out a piece of chalk and marked the girl's passage with
As the week went on, the Castle Valiant became even more sealed to the outside world than it already was. Only a few servants were allowed to interact with those who brought goods and services from Valiant and of those, any who spoke out of turn were promptly dismissed. Aurora noticed that the attendants who had been present during the twins' birth had been replaced with new nurses. Even the wet nurses seemed unfamiliar. When she commented on it to Nanny, the woman refused to look up from her knitting. "Chief Cafer took care of everything." In a lower tone she added, "Anyone who might have spoken out has been appropriately compensated." "What about you, Nanny? Were you compensated?" The rotund woman lay a finger aside her nose, "No. Old Nanny knows how to keep a secret." Aurora wondered if compensated meant paid to keep silent or something else, but was too afraid to ask. She didn't like that Cafer did these things without her knowledge. After she went agains
It was the evening before the coronation and presentation of the twins to the world. It would be a full and tiring day, and Aurora knew she should sleep. But knowing and doing are two different things. The princess sent her maids away after dinner and lay down on top of the blankets on her bed in her under clothes. It was far too much work to put on her night clothes, and yet in her exhaustion she knew she could not rest. Reaching for her collar bone, she ran her fingers along the delicate golden necklace which her father had given her. Her mind was empty and full all at once.A soft knock from the wall caught Aurora's attention. She sighed and sat up with a groan. Throwing on a thick green robe, she pulled the switch and allowed Devrim to enter."I can't sleep," the boy said when he saw her upset glare. "I don't suppose you want to go exploring?" The princess continued her death-stare. "Please? Devrim begged. "We didn't go last night, and there is still so much to see
When Aurora awoke, the night before seemed like a strange dream. Had it really happened? There wasn't time to dwell on her thoughts as a dozen servants burst in the room. "Good morning, Your Majesty!" Anna said brightly. "It's coronation day!" said Bella. "And don't forget the babies' naming ceremony." Added Candela. The fog in Aurora's mind slowly cleared as she had a light breakfast brought in on a tray. The sisters ushered their mistress into a tub of warm water and scrubbed her hair and skin until they shone. They dressed her carefully. While the announcement of Zephyra's death had been given to a crowd from a great distance, the coronation would be held in the throne room with some of the most notable royal families. Aurora and Devrim would be viewed at close range, which would be a truer test if they could pass for a more mature Empress and Emperor Consort. The ladies-in-waiting wrapped thick cloth around Aurora's torso, giving her a more womanl
After a wardrobe change, Aurora and Devrim took their places behind the curtain at the front of the throne room. The baby naming ceremony was important in the life of a royal child, and the tenth day was always when the names were bestowed. The fact that this day coincided with the coronation seemed ordained by the Fates. While the nobility was treated to music, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment in the grand ballroom, the servants transformed the throne room. The deep blue was removed and replaced with more white and gold: the colors of a bright future. Across the royal seal above the thrones, a white veil covered the crown. It represented hope and health. Everything was set.Nanny and another nurse brought the twins to their adoptive parents. The new rulers each received one baby in their waiting arms. Handing the baby girl to Aurora, Nanny could help but admire the new Empress's strength. She couldn't resist tucking a stray hair behind Aurora's ear. "I'll be watching
Alaron told the Empress his story. She was amazed by his words. However, it made his altered appearance make sense. His white hair had been gained by meeting the Maker while visiting the Mystic Spires, and his now silver eyes were earned in answer to his call."A Guardian," the Empress mused. "It is a high honor."The young man lowered his head humbly. "Not an honor I deserve, but one I will try to be worthy of.""But…it has been a year since all this happened." Aurora looked at him with a thousand questions in her eyes.Alaron nodded. "The Fates thought it best if I remained gone for a time. Let the world begin to heal. I spent the last year among the Fates in the Mystic Spires and got to know some of them quite well. But I knew that my time there had come to an end, and before I could return to take my place as a Guardian to help mend the world, I needed to mend our family first. That is, if you will forgive me." He bowed low again. "Will you?"There was a king painful silence. So l
The voice of the figure was one etched deep in Aurora's memory. It was almost as familiar to her as her own. It was the voice of a ghost now, yet the figure before her she was sure was flesh and bone."Clear the throne room," the Empress ordered.Nurlan stood behind her close to the throne with his hand resting lightly on his sword. "Your Majesty?" he asked, uncomprehending."Everyone out except him," she motioned to the cloaked man. "You may stay, Nurlan, if it eases your mind. And see if someone can find Hanna."The general quickly went to work. With the help of the other attending soldiers, every soul was removed from the room except the Empress, Nurlan and the mysterious figure. The man waited patiently, seemingly unconcerned with the flurry of activity his few words had caused.Aurora took a deep breath. While the figure had allowed them to be alone, she was still slightly scared that he might disappear at any time. "What forgiveness do you seek?""I seek the forgiveness of the
"Wake up! Rise and shine, Your Majesty!" Hanna said cheerily as she threw back the thick curtain that blocked the balcony. Light streamed into Aurora's bedchamber, but the woman pulled the covers over her head like a child. "You're back," the Empress groaned in a muffled voice. "I think it is sweet that you think I actually ever leave these days. Now get up!" Hanna yanked the covers back, but Aurora held on tightly. "Go away!" The stubborn woman wouldn't even open her eyes. She would not let the Fate win. "Where are my ladies-in-waiting?" "Anna, Bella and Candela are busy." Hanna answered unapologetically. "And my husband?" "He took over your very important duties and told everyone to let you sleep. It is a good thing I do not answer to him." Hanna fluttered her eyelashes innocently, but of course, Aurora did not see. Sensing the Fate would not give up her chipper attitude, Aurora pulled the only card she had left. It was, in the end, what made her unwilling to get out of bed "
With slow progress, the prisoners and the victorious army headed for Valiant. Since the city was still empty of human citizens, there was no fanfare or grand welcome for them. That was fine; they were all just happy to be one step closer to being home.Only a small skirmish awaited the Imperial Army from those left behind. The palace was easily reclaimed without the catastrophic results of the last battle fought there. The sight of the large human force in the wrong shade of blue made the gnomes flee immediately, and those left of the ill-named New Emperor's Army only put up minimal resistance.The servants on the inside of the palace, seeing their rescuers in sight, freed those in the dungeon and set off a myriad of traps and clever devices that had been left behind by the scientist but never deployed.One such device covered the unlucky recipient in a slimy goo that made them slip and slide, never able to stand in that area again. Renat was thoroughly chastened for it later and force
Brinn hurried to Ithel and her father in the corner of the tent. Out of respect for the king, Zoltan had a curtain hung around him, so it was only natural that Aurora had not spotted him and Ithel earlier."Father, I thought you were dead!" Brinn said a she rounded the partition. Her face went from hopeful to grim."I may yet be," Zoltan answered with a gentle smile. "However, the unicorns think I shall live, even if I am not exactly whole."Zoltan's body from the waist up seemed normal enough, but his lower half and legs looked horribly wrong. His legs and feet twisted awkwardly, and his pelvis was much flatter than it should be. The boulder from the giant had done irreparable damage."Oh Father!" Brinn eyes were wide with fear."It is not as bad as it looks. Well, maybe it is, but I do not feel any pain." The king received a cup of water from a servant. With Ithel's help, he sat up slightly to drink. The elven princess just stared, not knowing what to say or how to comfort her fathe
Brinn used her keen hearing to listen for her husband as she scanned the carnage of the battlefield. Alvar was many things, but quiet was not one of them. She was sure that with enough patience, she would hear the elf she was searching for.Along the ground, some fairies were popping in and gathering up the wounded and taking them to the healers. Other fairies had the more difficult task of collecting the dead. Separately she passed by elves who were still gathering the gnomes in groups to hold them until the peace talks were complete.It was amazing how quickly things had been organized. Brinn realized that these plans must have been made before the battle began because neither the fairies nor elves seemed to need direction or supervision.Even more amazing was the new King of the Gnomes. The timid, mousey gnome that Brinn had witnessed at the palace when she was pretending to be Mairwen was gone. The difference was night and day.Lukoss was walking around and ordering his new subjec
Justum considered her words. "I cannot control how you feel," he answered at last. "But the victory is yours. It is over. We will leave you to your tasks."Aurora stared past him with empty eyes. He was right about one thing. It was over.Turning to his fellow Fate, Justum held out his hand. "Your mission is complete, I assume," he said with an arched brow. "Either way, your banishment is over. Will you be coming back with us?"Hanna smiled demurely, "As welcoming that invitation was…" Her face changed to be one of concern as she looked at Aurora. "Now that I am permitted to see the Empress, I shall stay a while to make sure things run smoothly."Expecting an argument, Aurora was surprised when Justum simply nodded. "I understand."He turned to the fiery-haired woman and bowed respectfully. "Farewell, Your Majesty. May the rest of your reign be a peaceful one.""Thank you," Aurora curtsied, her years of training taking over. She then moved forward toward the Fate holding her son.Just
The entire company of the Fates exited through the celestial portal and filled the sky with their terrifying presence. Their light magic emanating from them was oppressive even to the other magical creatures.As soon as Hanna grabbed the Empress's arm, Aurora blinked and was instantly across the field beside the slowly waking Cafer. The Fate slapped the magic blocking cuffs on the gnome and stepped back as he came to his senses.Cafer grabbed his head, unsure of what had happened. The last thing he remembered was being blasted by a light before everything went dark.He had seen, but been unable to process, the source of the light on the other side of the battlefield. Whatever it was had power beyond anything he had ever seen.As he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a reproachful look from his least favorite Fate. He instinctively tried to use his earth magic to repel Hanna. That is when he noticed the cuffs on his wrists. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded as he stood to hi
Mairwen and Nurlan had finished dispensing with the leprechauns and were monitoring the capture of the dark blue troops. Minor skirmishes were going on here and there, but overall the New Emperor's army had surrendered."I want to know how Mother and Father are doing," the princess told the general. They both glanced behind them and toward the sea. They could see neither of the battles clearly. However, they could hear the sounds of war wafting over the Beachy plains and see that at least some of the ships were still floating in the sea. The Emperor and Empress still had work to do."A fairy will come and get you once it is safe," Nurlan assured her. "Until then, we will stay put."Mairwen sighed and bit the inside of her cheek. "The waiting is harder than the battling."Not wanting to contradict the princess, Nurlan shrugged. "The time certainly seems to go slower when nothing is happening," he mused.Listening quietly, Eira was glad for the moment of peace. There were far too few of