Flower Queen

by Lilliana Rose

  Braklen swallowed hard. The longer he sat in this room, the more nervous he became. “You’re not going to kill me, are you?”

  Triena looked up from running her hand over the jars of dried flowers. Her eyes glazed over, as if she wasn’t really present. “Of course not.” Her voice sounded distant.

  Braklen squirmed in the chair. “I guess that’s a good thing.” His stomach churned as he remembered the purging he endured each time he’d drunk one of the juices from the flowers. He’d fought hard in the darkness, clung to a tiny spark of light. But there was more.

  He had chasms in his mind, put there from when the Queens manipulated his memories to remove Triena. Some of those closed due to the reading she gave him, but at a cost. He wiped his hands down his trousers. Sickness crept up from his stomach and he swallowed the acidic juices.

  He couldn’t do this. He knew the pain of closing the gaps and even if reading the Energy wasn’t as painful this time, it was still going to hurt. He was done walking into the path of pain.

  “You’ll help me.” Braklen reached down to scratch the rabbit behind the ears, forgetting about the bite he received earlier. But the rabbit bounced out of the way.

  “Thanks, buddy.” Braklen sat back in the chair and folded his arms over his chest. “This isn’t going to work, you know.”

  “We have to try,” said Triena.

  “No, no, I don’t believe we do.” Braklen remembered some things, but a chilling blackness crept into his mind when he thought about each flower tea he had drunk, Wing Leaf and Gaia’s Tears. There was one more. He shivered.

  “Don’t be such a baby,” said Rangit. “This won’t hurt and won’t take long.”

  Braklen looked at Rangit. “You’ve had one of her readings?”

  Rangit simply glared back at Braklen with his one eye. The answer obvious. He had, and he’d survived.

  “Maybe you should stop her . . .” Braklen’s voice trembled as Triena rolled a dried bud from her palm into the cup.

  “Thanks for your vote of confidence, dear.”

  “Your reputation precedes you now. What else can I say?” Transfixed by the bud lying in the cup, Braklen was unable to look at her. She might well be the woman he loved, but she was also a powerful user of the Energy which he’d felt even if she hadn’t meant for that to happen. It had. He took a deep breath to get control of the fear building intensely inside of him. If only we could’ve stayed in bed.

  “You should keep thoughts like that to yourself,” said Rangit.

  “You shouldn’t listen in on something that’s private.”

  “Isn’t that a good reason for you to learn more about the Energy? You can shield your thoughts from us.” Triena placed a pot of boiling water on the table and sat down opposite him.

  “No.” Braklen would’ve reacted angrily if this wasn’t triggering him to remember the previous readings. He’d ended up unconscious and fighting for his life. “One bud? This really is a reading, isn’t it?”

  “Are you ready to start?” asked Triena.

  “No.” Braklen stood up. “And I’m not going through with this.”

  Triena glanced at Rangit.

  “And you can stop talking through the Energy or whatever it is you’re doing.” He went to move, but Rangit blocked him.

  “Sit down,” said Rangit in a commanding voice. Braklen’s Peacekeeping training kicked in and he found it hard to resist following a direct order. “This isn’t negotiable.” Rangit pushed Braklen’s shoulder forcing him down into the chair.

  “You can’t force me to do this. Why can’t I use the plant again? Jesleuma?”

  “It’s not long lasting, and we don’t want its effects to stop when we’re inside the castle,” said Triena.

  “I can always carry some with me and keep chewing it. I think that’s a good idea.” Braklen made up his mind. I’m not going to fall for their tricks.

  “Impotency is a side-effect,” added Triena with a matter-of-fact tone to her voice.

  “Well then, I don’t want to take any more of that plant.” He pointed at the cup holding the dried bud. “Is that Jesleuma plant?”

  Triena shook her head.

  “Well, what is it then?” Not that Braklen had any idea of the flowers and their benefits, but he wanted to be sure that this wasn’t Jesleuma, and he wasn’t going to be rendered out of action in the bedroom. That would be a disaster. And he wasn’t about to make such a sacrifice—Queens or no Queens.

  “Juinee berry. It won’t make you impotent. It will help you relax and connect with your soul.”

  “I’m pretty well connected to my soul as it is,” said Braklen. His stomach contracted as he stared at the flower. “I breathe, don’t I?”

  “A deeper connection. It will stop the resistance.”

  “I don’t think anything is going to make me feel all right about this. It’s just not going to work and I’m going to end up unconscious fighting for my life.” He glanced at Triena. “That’s what you do to me.”

  His heart fluttered at the sight of her, sitting opposite. He wanted to reach out and touch her. Instead he looked away, determined not to give into this process. No more readings for me.

  “Look at me,” said Triena.

  “Like that’s going to help.” His gaze caught hers and they locked together. Invisible warmth extended out from her and wrapped around him. The fear inside of him began to dispel. His stomach eased.

  “It isn’t going to be like before,” whispered Triena. The woman he loved. He felt the warmth of her love circulate around him. The resistance melted away and even though he didn’t want to do this, he found himself trusting Triena.

  “Good.” She slowly picked up the pot and poured the hot water into the cup.

  Even though Braklen wasn’t looking into Triena’s eyes, he remained calm. She’s done something to me already. The panic of what might happen to him if he allowed himself into the Energy Field didn’t return.

  He looked down into the cup. He no longer feared this process but he still had doubts. Men didn’t read the Energy. They didn’t have the skill. The long purple leaves of the bud unfurled gracefully. “I don’t think this is going to work.”

  “Concentrate on the leaves,” said Triena. “Allow your mind to unfurl. Be open.” Her voice soothed him.

  Braklen took a slow, deep breath, watching the five petals unravel. How is this going to work? Tendrils of purple hues flowed as the juices from the flower seeped into the water. He focused on the forming patterns. His vision blurred without him realizing.

  Don’t think, came her voice.

  His mind didn’t process that Triena hadn’t spoken aloud. I can’t think. Focused on the flower opening, his logical mind was distracted and he didn’t realize he’d used the Energy. He was almost in the Energy Field.

  All he could do was watch the petals extend upwards as their cells filled with water, mesmerised. Spice scents wafted upwards and helped him. Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Flavors that reminded him of Margory’s spiced wine.

  The memory came into his mind. She’d made the wine during cold winters and heat from the drink would go deep inside him, warming his soul. He imagined drinking the spiced wine now, with the grape aftertaste, the spices relaxing his body and soul. The feeling of being intoxicated drifted through his body, unlocking something inside of him.

  Drink. Triena’s soft thought, like a spring breeze, moved into his mind but didn’t break the trance.

  Feeling as if in a dream, yet aware that he was moving. Braklen reached for the cup and drank. The spice flavors flooded him with warmth. He placed the cup down and closed his eyes. This was nothing like what he had experienced before.

  His mind quieted towards sleep, but he remained aware. Maybe I can do this.

  He
felt Triena lulling him towards her, showing the path he needed to go into order to reach the Energy Field. The vibrations she sent to him through the Energy came to him in the form of a song, the melody directing him.

  He followed the tune she sang to him. He’d gone much further than he thought was possible. The juice of the flower absorbed into his body and quickened the process, making it easier for his mind reach out from the physical constraints of his body. He felt free. His awareness moved like a bird escaped from a cage. He adjusted to the sensation of being buoyant.

  Concentrating on the notes, he moved towards Triena, and suddenly found himself surrounded by darkness. There in front of him was a door, wooden with fine metal worked hinges. Without thinking he opened it and stepped through. The music was louder and he moved toward the sound. The vibrations from each note drew him in.

  Then he saw her. A light in the darkness morphed into an etheric version of Triena. He paused to soak in her image. White blouse, black corset and a short dress that emphasized her curvy hips. Brown hair curled around her shoulders.

  You look beautiful.

  She dipped her chin and looked up at him. Then he noticed the crown. A white delicate design sat on her head. It looked great on her. She was a Queen like she was meant to be. It suits you. He motioned towards the crown.

  Triena smiled. So does yours.

  Huh? He focused his awareness on his head. What have I got a crown for? Then he remembered the dreams. I chose this. He moved his etheric form, shaking his head. The added weight from the crown was difficult to feel, but he knew it was there. He sensed it. And he remembered the choice he’d made. It’s there forever now.

  A reminder we are to lead together. Triena moved gracefully around him, sending ripples over his etheric form. Excitement built within. He wanted her as much here as in the physical form.

  As one. Here, in the Energy Field, he could see why Triena wanted him to learn how to use it. It’d be an advantage for when they met and fought the Queens. And the dreams he’d been having told him that they certainly needed an advantage to face the Queens. And the Priests.

  He folded his arms around Triena and felt their energy mold together as one. We will overcome them.

  We will try.

  Together. Their two forms melded to form one vibration.

  As one. The strong vibration they formed rippled in the Energy Field, changing the molecules around them, making them move faster and faster. Then the pattern changed. It stilled in perfect balance.

  They naturally pulled their energy forms apart. Braklen had seen Triena before in this state, but he’d thought it was a dream. A damn good dream he wished was repeated. And here he was. With her again. If felt right. More than right.

  See, it’s not that difficult.

  What? He found himself hovering next to her, still trying to get the hang of how to move in the Energy Field. He reached out for her again. His movement was awkward and he missed her.

  You need more practice. She moved towards him.

  But Braklen wasn’t thinking about her any more. I can read the Energy. He whooped with excitement. The fear he’d experienced before was completely gone

  Concentrate.

  He didn’t heed Triena’s warning and celebrated. I can talk to you now. I can listen in on your conversations. He jumped into the air. I’m not going to be the only idiot in the room who can’t use the Energy.

  The action broke the balance he’d formed between the Energy Field and the physical world. Braklen was pulled violently back into his body. He opened his eyes. The room swayed as if he’d spent the night drinking.

  He just managed to turn away from the table fast enough and vomit, his stomach juices spilling over Rangit’s boots.

  Chapter 5

  “You’re going to clean these.” Rangit stepped back from the pool of vomit on the floor.

  “It doesn’t smell much worse than you do already,” said Triena.

  Braklen dry-retched. The room smelled pungent, which turned Triena’s stomach. She had a spring of quem handy and smelled that to stay grounded.

  “I don’t smell that bad,” said Rangit.

  “No. You smell worse,” said Triena. “It wouldn’t hurt you to shower, or put on clean clothes. Plenty of clothes on this ship.” She tried not to think of the passengers that had been imprisoned by Captain Ri’s manipulation.

  Braklen groaned. His body swayed. “I’m dying.” He bent over with stomach convulsions.

  “You might be a little more sympathetic towards me now with my space sickness.” Triena kept the sprig close to her nose. “That’s basically what you’re experiencing now.”

  “I’m sure this is worse.” Braklen wiped his mouth.

  “Yeah, well you can clean my boots now,” said Rangit. “I don’t want to smell like this.”

  Triena looked at Braklen with concern. There’d been a path already in his mind which had taken him to the Energy Field. She wanted to know how it had gotten there.

  He must have been given Queen’s Heart, thought the rabbit.

  By who? A friend?

  Doesn’t matter. At least it helped us.

  Triena nodded, agreeing with the rabbit.

  Braklen’s skin turned an ashen shade with a hint of green. He wasn’t up to doing anything except sleeping.

  “Come on.” Triena went to help Braklen. “It’s rest for you. You have to be ready to try this again. You didn’t actually get to read the Energy.”

  Braklen groaned. “No.” Weakened by the experience he let Triena help him up. They moved slowly to the door. She stumbled under his weight as he leaned on her. She could tell he was completely drained of his Energy. We should’ve taught him some basics first.

  You think? thought the rabbit.

  Shush, you. I didn’t hear you pipe up with the suggestion before.

  “What about my boots?” asked Rangit, a look of horror on his face.

  “Clean them yourself. And while you’re at it, you can clean the room,” answered Triena. “I’m sure the rabbit will help you.”

  Like hell I will. The rabbit bounced out of the room quickly.

  “This is the thanks I get?” grumbled Rangit.

  “You haven’t done much. And remember, you betrayed me.” Triena glared back at him over her shoulder.

  “It was an act,” yelled Rangit after them.

  Triena continued down the corridor. She helped Braklen onto the bed, the scent of their love-making thick in the air. He fell asleep straight away, snoring softly. It took all her resolve to walk out and not climb in bed with him. She was experienced at using the Energy and accustomed to moving between the physical and psychic realms, but he wasn’t. He’s going to sleep for a long while.

  Hopefully not too long. You need to get him to try again. The rabbit hopped into the room.

  Well, you weren’t much help in the Energy Field.

  I was there. Someone had to be the smart one in the group and keep a lookout.

  Anyone around? She couldn’t believe they’d been so careless.

  Not sure. Seemed that there was something going on elsewhere, but I’m not positive. The rabbit jumped up onto the bed. Luxury.

  What do you mean you’re not sure?

  This idiot here made a bit of a commotion and left near drained of Energy. I had to do some quick repair work to the Field.

  We should’ve been more careful.

  Yes. The rabbit snuggled into a ball. Keep a look out. They know you’re close.

  Queens or Priests?

  Both.

  Great. At least we will be arriving on Earth soon.

  Then the real fun will start.

  Braklen stirred in his sleep. Triena tore herself away. She had her own things to do. And she wante
d to gaze into the Energy to see if she could find their enemies.

  She went back to the reading room. One of the benefits was that it was on the same level as her room and she didn’t have far to walk. I don’t have far to go to get more of the special blend. The temptation shivered through her body. Even though she wasn’t tired, she felt like having a brew.

  Sounds like something I should taste. The rabbit’s thought entered her mind.

  Addict. Triena built up the walls around her mind to keep him and Rangit out of her thoughts. She was more restless now after knowing that Braklen could go into the Energy Field. She hadn’t thought he’d get that far.

  What does this mean? She stepped through the door to the reading room, a place that had caused her so much stress when Captain Ri was in charge. The remnants of the stress fluttered on the edges of her aura.

  Rangit had finished cleaning. White sage burned to help hide the acidic smell. “I didn’t sign on for this.”

  “Neither did I.” Triena cleared the cups away and straightened the table. She hadn’t put up her hand to ask for a skill that was considered abnormal, or to be the most wanted woman on the Queens’ list. Now, she needed to stand up and not just claim her skill but also use it.

  “Why did you sign up?” Triena still swung between trusting him and not. After all, he was an illegal trader. “Surely you’d stand to lose a lot more if the Queens aren’t in power.”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “Maybe I have a moral compass inside of me after all.”

  Triena laughed. “You’ve got many things inside of you and I’m sure they’re all rotten.” She set the kettle to boil. “Tea?”

  “Sure.” Rangit sat at the table. “My mum was a Queen.”

  Triena nearly dropped the cup she was holding. “Really? What, and you want to take revenge because you were born a male and not permitted to join them?”

  “No.” He took a deep breath. “It’s more complicated.”

  Triena sprinkled black tea with some quem, mint, and lamini leaves. There was a lot of work to do in the Energy Field over the next few days. They needed their strength. They also had to teach Braklen. “You don’t say. What happened to your mother?”