The Dark Forest

by Sarah Noffke

  Halting just short of the platform, Azure knelt, showing respect to the reigning queen. She hadn’t done that at the first coronation, but she was guided by a new instinct, one she’d acquired since dislodging her soul stone.

  Rising to stand, Azure looked straight at her mother, who smiled slightly. She held a staff with a clear orb at its top. “Azure Lydia Vladar, your people have asked that you rule our lands. The kingdom of Virgo has flourished under the monarchy for thousands of years. Witches and wizards from throughout the kingdom rely on the crown to support, protect, and ensure a long future for our people. Further, this position is important to the world at large, since diplomacy is a supremely important necessity. Do you, as my successor, agree to rule Virgo, putting the needs of your people before your own?”

  Azure swallowed something that felt like a hairball. “I do.”

  “Do you, as my successor, agree to risk your safety, health, and happiness to protect Virgo?”

  Azure lifted her chin up high, and without a doubt in her mind said, “I do.”

  “Then by the power vested me as the reigning queen, I bestow upon you the gift and the burden of the crown of Virgo. From this day until your death, you will be a servant to this land, but more importantly, to its people.” Emeri handed the staff in her hands to Azure, who took it, securing it close to her side. Emeri lifted the crown from the table and centered it above Azure’s head, onto which she gently lowered it. Its great weight now sat atop Azure’s head, and it was hard to balance.

  “You have taken a solemn oath, one that can never be broken. One that can never be disputed. One that forever places you in an incredible position of power.” Emeri leaned forward, kissing Azure on one cheek and then the other. When she was close to her daughter’s ear, she whispered, “You’re doing amazingly well. Just remember to breathe, now and always.”

  Azure released a smile, one that lightened her chest. After taking a step backward, Azure turned and faced the sea of people before her. It wasn’t the entire population of Virgo, but the thousand eyes that stared back at her made her realize how much responsibility had just been placed on her shoulders. Lengthening her neck in an attempt to keep the crown on her head, Azure smiled at the people before her.

  “People of Virgo, I present your new monarch. Queen Azure, may you rule this land with a compassionate heart, a clear head and a swift wand,” Emeri said at her back.

  The crowd stood in unison, breaking into applause. “Long live Queen Azure!”

  ***

  Silver platters of fresh dogfish filets, steak medallions, and stuffed chicken breasts adorned a buffet that stretched for twenty yards. Heaping bowls of mashed potatoes, creamed corn, roasted brussel sprouts, and glazed carrots punctuated the tables. Witches flocked to the baskets of warm pumpernickel rolls dripping with honey butter. Wizards stood in line for slices of cherry pie, vanilla mousse tart, or double ganache cake.

  “Fuck! There’s not a damn thing here to eat,” Monet said, arms crossed as he stared at the plethora of food.

  “No, there doesn’t appear to be a bag of Cheetos anywhere. You’ll have to make do with the freshest meats and fish, and sides made with vegetables picked today,” Ever said, straightening the collar of his suit. Next to all the robed witches and wizards he looked completely out of place, but that was typical for the Light Elf.

  “I know. It’s so fucking revolting. I’m pretty much like the Duke now. Why isn’t this coronation catering to my needs?” Monet scanned the crowd, having no trouble finding Azure. She was enjoying the attention as witches and wizards from all over Virgo paid their respects at the front of the banquet hall, where she sat on a throne, crown still atop her head. Such a fucking show-off.

  “She looks quite regal, doesn’t she?” Ever asked, following Monet’s gaze.

  “Who?” Monet asked, pretending to glance around. “Oh, you mean Azure. Yeah, I guess. She cleans up all right. Put an Orc in a nice dress and braid both his hairs, and I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between him and Azure.”

  Ever arched an eyebrow at Monet, his face skeptical. “I would never have guessed that the witch over there was the same one I met a few days ago in hiking boots, tramping across the Dark Forest.”

  “Oh, you should see her when she has a bad hair day. She’s fucking atrocious,” Monet said, reluctantly picking up a plate and tossing a piece of steak drizzled in its own thickened juices on it. “I’m going to try and choke this down. The—”

  “No, you aren’t,” a voice said at Monet’s back, pinching him by the ear and dragging him toward the front of the room. He turned his head just enough to see the short woman with a lavender bob pulling him.

  “Leave off, you senile old woman. What are you doing?” he yelled.

  “You’re going to pay your respects to the new queen before you chow down on her food,” the queen mother told him.

  Monet tossed his plate on a nearby table as he allowed himself to be towed forward. Sari let him go when they came to the line waiting to approach the throne. “I was going to congratulate Azure as soon as I’d had a bite to eat. My blood sugar is low.” He held up his Fitbit, as if that gave proof of his depleted condition.

  Sari shook her head and turned to Gillian, who stood in line just before them. Two wizards were in front of him, one currently offering his hand to Azure. “Can you believe this bum? I have no idea why Azure keeps him around.”

  “Obviously for my charm and good looks.” Monet winked at the old witch.

  “You’ve yet to look into a mirror that wasn’t enchanted with a handsome spell, have you, dear?” Sari asked.

  “Isn’t it time you took to your bed, old woman?” Monet asked, affectionately staring down at the witch he’d known his whole life.

  “I daresay I have more gumption in my little finger than you have in all your bones.”

  “Thanks to your damn witchcraft! Seriously, have you considered my offer to review your grimoire for mistakes?” Monet asked.

  “I have, and the answer is still no, but I will allow you to stop by and review potions with me. With Charmsgood gone, we need someone to take over for him, and since there are no acceptable replacements, we’ve randomly chosen you.”

  “I would, but currently I’ve got plans to help Azure keep this bloody kingdom afloat. She’s got no fucking clue what she’s doing, and no one competent besides me to help her.”

  “You mean Queen Azure.” Gillian cut in, stressing the queen part. “You’d do well to remember that your lifetime playmate now holds one of the highest positions on Oriceran. It might be a game to you, young wizard, but she has quite a role to fill.”

  “Oh, I did it for a while. It’s no big deal,” Sari said, waving the gnome off and giggling by Monet’s shoulder.

  Gillian turned, stepping up to the throne. He bowed low. “Queen Azure, it’s an honor to wish you well on your coronation day.”

  Azure’s face flushed red as she reached forward, encouraging the gnome to stand. “Gillian, what are you doing? Would you stop that?”

  The gnome straightened, wrinkling his large nose. “Your Majesty, you’re going to have accept your role as Queen. That means people will offer respect, which you need to embrace.”

  “My people would double over laughing if they thought obeisance was necessary. However, my friends had better stay upright, or I’ll have no one to turn to when I need to relax like a normal person.”

  Monet and Sari continued to giggle behind the gnome’s back, as if they’d had one too many glasses of moonflower champagne. Ever gazed over their shoulders, watching the proceedings with indifference.

  “Your Majesty, you may want to be treated like a normal person, but that’s something you’ve never been. And now it’s especially true,” Gillian said, making another low bow in front of Azure, which only sent Monet into a bigger fit of merriment.

  “Gillian, I do appreciate the show of respect, but a queen does not lead alone, and therefore she shouldn’t be given too man
y indulgences. Those on my cabinet will help me lead. Should they bow every time they see me?”

  “Well, no, but they are the closest part of your team,” Gillian said, straightening his bowler on his head.

  “Exactly. So stop bowing, since I’d like you to be on my cabinet and therefore on my team,” Azure said, sitting back in her throne, a mischievous smile on her lips.

  Gillian’s mouth popped open and then slammed shut and his large green eyes widened a bit. “But… Queen Azure, I can’t be on your cabinet. I’m a gnome.”

  “I’m fully aware of your species,” Azure told him, her voice amused.

  “Azure, Gillian is correct. The cabinet has always been made up of witches and wizards from Virgo,” Sari said, all the laughter gone from her face.

  “There’s no law dictating that cabinet members must be selected from Virgo’s witches and wizards, correct?” Azure asked.

  Sari thought for a moment and shook her head. “Well, no. It’s just a bit unorthodox, is all.”

  “So I have complete control over who sits on my cabinet?” Azure asked.

  “Of course. A witch from Virgo or a wizard who has adopted our ways is always a great choice. Consider Evandar, Finnegan, Trixie, or any of the other business owners. They all have experience,” Sari offered, her tone unusually serious.

  “I’ve considered, and I’d like Gillian to be on my cabinet.” Azure turned her attention to the gnome. “If you’ll accept, of course. The decision is yours.”

  Gillian looked at the queen, batting his eyelashes several times as if he couldn’t bring her into focus. “I’d… Well, I’m not sure… I mean to say… I would be honored, Queen Azure,” he finally finished, bowing low.

  “Very good. Then stop bowing and such, and treat me like you did before,” Azure said with a satisfied smile.

  “I can’t fucking believe it. That stunted little secret-keeper gets to be on your cabinet? I’m not going to even tell you how unfair that is,” Monet said, charging forward to wave a finger in Azure’s face.

  A smile broke across her mouth. “I believe you just did.”

  “Do you want to put that witch Rikki on your council, as well? She’s a deaf-mute, so she’ll offer just as much information as Gillian.”

  Azure lowered her chin, her eyes on the gnome. “I have faith that Gillian will share pertinent information when it’s necessary.”

  “Oh, faith! That’s what you’re relying on now?” Monet threw his hands in the air and stared at the ceiling in surrender.

  “I am. And my faith has told me that you’ll make a perfect Chief of Staff, but if you prefer I ignore it, I’ll ask someone else,” Azure said, a teasing quality to her voice.

  Monet yanked his chin down so he was staring at Azure straight-on. “Chief of Staff?”

  She nodded, her eyes intense.

  “Don’t play with my emotions,” Monet warned.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it. You’ll have to actually work, and you will rarely be able to sleep in, but the pay will be adequate—”

  “I accept,” Monet said, crossing a boundary no one had previously dared and throwing his arms around Azure’s shoulders, holding her tightly.

  He pulled back and pecked her on the cheek before turning to face the room of celebrating witches and wizards. “You aren’t as screwed as you thought you were. I’m going to fucking rule this land!”

  Azure pressed her forehead into her hand as she waited for Monet to walk away. When she lifted her head, she stared at Ever, two steps down. The corners of her mouth lifted as she held out a hand to the Light Elf.

  Ever took her hand, leaned over it, and pressed his lips to the back of it before returning to a standing position. In the lapel of his black suit he wore a forget-me-not that matched his blue eyes.

  “It looks like you’re not wasting a single minute before getting to work as Virgo’s new Queen.”

  “I know you probably think I’m crazy, making Monet Chief of Staff. But I really trust—”

  “I don’t think you’re crazy at all. I’ve watched you face many obstacles, and you’ve made sound decisions every time,” Ever interrupted with a crooked smile on his face.

  “Oh, good. I’m glad you support my thinking, because I intend for you to also sit on the cabinet. Will you accept?” Azure leaned forward, her face suddenly serious. “I know you have the Dark Forest and whatever other places you like to haunt. And there’s your life on Earth, and Merlin knows I shouldn’t have a Light Elf who opens illegal portals on my staff, but…” She pressed her lips together, rubbing them as she stared at Ever. There was no way to finish that sentence. In her heart, she knew she could trust Ever to advise her. That was what she needed—people she could depend on.

  “Queen Azure, you’re not going to like this one bit, but I have to do it.” Ever sank into a low bow, sweeping his hand in front of him. He leaned forward on one knee, extending his hand. “It would be my honor to sit on your cabinet.”

  A smile as dazzling as the diamonds laced through Azure’s hair sprang to her lips. “You’re right, I don’t like that bowing and kneeling crap. Thank you, and please get up now.”

  “Absolutely,” Ever said, standing again, his movements trailed by sparks. “And I’ll be happy to advise you as long as you don’t mind me popping off every now and then to go on random secret adventures.”

  “We’ll consider it vacation time,” Azure said in a conspiratorial whisper.

  “Enjoy your night, Queen Azure,” Ever said, retreating down the steps. He turned at the bottom, his eyes roaming over her long blue ringlets and flowing dress. “And may I just say, you wear the part of queen just as well as you do the role of avenger.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Emeri directed staff to remove her personal effects from her erstwhile office the next day. Azure had thought that the hand-off of queenly duties would take place gradually, but they were dumped straight onto her shoulders the day after her coronation.

  “Under different circumstances I’d ease you into the role, but...” her mother’s voice trailed off as they strolled through the House of Enchanted.

  “You need to preserve your health, isn’t that right?” Azure asked, hoisting the front of her long blue-and-white-striped dress to climb some steps.

  “I’ve pretty much recovered as much as I think I will. My strength is back, but yes, I’d like to take a much-needed break. And you have your gran and your cabinet, so you’ll be fine. And I’m always here if you really need me.” Emeri paused outside the main audience chamber.

  Inside the chamber, Azure would act as Queen. “It’s okay, Mother. And I never got a chance to thank you for what you did.”

  Emeri’s face tilted to the side as her emerald-green eyebrows knitted together.

  “You gave Duke Phillip your soul stone in order to keep my father’s species a secret. In order to protect me.”

  “Oh, you know about that! I guess you would,” Emeri said.

  “Yes, I know. You gave up a part of yourself for me. Even then you were protecting me.”

  “You’ll understand one day, if you ever have your own children. A mother would do anything for her offspring. There’s no one more deserving of a sacrifice than your own child.”

  Azure nodded, not really able to do much more than that.

  “Your father…” Emeri began, a question in her eyes.

  “He sent a message to me this morning. He’s all right at the beach for the moment. I’ll have someone bring food and supplies to him today. I’m not sure how much longer he’ll need to stay there, but it will be at least until I know it’s safe to bring him inside our borders. Maybe once things have died down a bit. I don’t want to upset any of our people by bringing the emperor of Terran here.”

  “But you said he wasn’t responsible for the virus, right?”

  “From what I learned, Richard wasn’t responsible for any of the ill conduct in Terran. He can only be charged with being lax. I think he spent most of his time
with his head in the clouds, examining maps of Oriceran.”

  “That sounds like your father,” Emeri said, fondness whisking across her face.

  “It might be best for everyone if I just give him enough provisions to travel the globe. Then he’ll be out of my hair and off on a journey I know he’ll enjoy. He’s been released to do what he’s always wanted, in a way.”

  “You know I don’t think of giving up the crown the same way, right?” Emeri asked.

  “No, I know you forfeited it early. I know you enjoyed being queen, but things beyond your control dictated your choices.”

  “I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it. Being cooped up here wouldn’t have been my first choice,” Emeri said, turning her gaze to the carved pillars in the hallway. “Your father and I dreamed of traveling, but that was before we realized we both had separate duties to our respective peoples.”

  Azure recalled that this place she’d loved all her life, the House of Enchanted, was now her prison. Most days she’d be confined to the house, to rule the people from this one location. She gulped, already feeling claustrophobic.

  “I must be going. There’s a court full of people waiting for me to hear their concerns, issues, and pleas,” Azure said, turning to the door which only the queen entered through.

  “You’ll be great,” Emeri said, squeezing her daughter’s shoulder before sweeping past her down the hall.

  ***

  Azure hurried through the inner chamber to a long oval table, where her cabinet would meet in the future. She charged past the bookshelves and the black and white cat who was eyeing her like she’d stolen his food.

  “I know I’ve been busy, Finswick. I’m sorry,” she said to the feline, who jumped down from his perch and followed her. She’d had no time for her familiar since she’d been back in Virgo, and by the look on his face he was going to make her pay for it. “I’m so sorry that my suddenly becoming queen has caused you such inconvenience.” Azure yanked open the door on the other side of the chamber and immediately pulled back an inch or twelve. In the court sat benches and benches of witches and wizards, all of them staring at her.