The Queen

by C. J. Abedi

  “What do you mean?” She looked over at me. “Caroline?”

  “Just listen, mom,” I told her in what I hoped was a calm voice. “I promise it will be okay.”

  My mom said nothing but I could hear how quickly she was breathing.

  “You see, my gentle lady,” Odin went on, “your daughter is no ordinary girl.”

  I met my mom’s gaze and reached out to take her trembling hand.

  “Your daughter is a Queen.”

  Chapter Seven

  “Your mind is the garden,

  your thoughts are the seeds,

  the harvest can be either flowers or weeds.”

  —William Wordsworth

  Roanoke Island, North Carolina

  The Year of our Lord, 1587

  Eleanor Dare

  I should have known that with great happiness, comes great despair.

  The two are often paired together.

  As there can truly never be one without the other.

  When we announced our engagement the entire village was elated. New beginnings in our new land. A union, and a time to rejoice, which we especially needed in this land where we were surrounded by the unknown. We celebrated for days and began the process of planning our simple wedding.

  It was such a wonderful time, and it brought our entire village together. It felt as if every member was joining us in this union, taking part in every precious moment.

  Arthur began to build us a home that we would share with the promise that it would be complete for our wedding day. I didn’t know how it happened so quickly but before I knew it, in a small and simple ceremony, in a beautiful lace gown, I walked toward him, straight into his arms, into a life with the man of my dreams. There was nothing that could take my joy away from me. I had even lulled myself into pretending that the threat from Arthur’s people was not a great one. That we would be able to live out our lives together in harmony, away from the madness of our former worlds.

  That’s the problem with fantasies. No matter how badly we want them, they never resemble reality.

  We settled into married life easily. In fact, we could not spend enough time together. We never had enough.

  At night we spent our time wrapped in each other’s arms talking about the future, a life beyond the island, possibly having children and returning to England, and during the day we snuck kisses and touches when we thought no one was looking.

  One day, I was out and about the land on my daily ritual of picking my medicinal herbs, as the villagers had begun relying on me to heal any wounds or pains they had. Since coming to Roanoke I had realized that I was quite gifted in this department and helping anyone I could gave me such great pleasure.

  I set out on my usual trail, singing to myself. To my relief, the day wasn’t as hot as it had been; a cool breeze blew in and around me. I stopped for a bit and lifted up my skirt, allowing the refreshing air to hit my legs. I spotted a bundle of lavender and reached down to pluck some stems. It was sure to provide a calming effect for anyone having trouble sleeping.

  I was so immersed in my work that I didn’t notice the shadow that fell over me like a dark cloud.

  “And in his final hours he will think only of you,” a husky voice said from behind me.

  I almost screamed when I turned and faced the woman. She had translucent pale blue eyes, weathered skin, and white hair that was stormy around her thin face. A sudden chill ran up my arms. She didn’t just look at you, she seemed to look through you.

  She reached out and touched my light brown hair. I was incapable of moving as she twisted it around her gnarled fingers as if it were made of silk.

  “Who are you?” I asked, though I knew she must have been from Arthur’s world.

  “The question is not who I am but what I am, my dear Eleanor Dare.”

  “How do you know my name?” I whispered.

  “Come now, child,” she said. “You and I will not play such games. It’s unbecoming. Now, take my hand,” she reached out for me.

  I stared, unsure. There was something about her that unnerved me, but strangely I was not frightened for my life. I was mesmerized, entranced by her, and unable to control my own movements.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “I won’t know until I touch your hand,” she replied solemnly.

  I took her hand. Within a second, the clouds above gathered together and turned dark. A storm was upon us. A bolt of lightning flashed in the sky; the magnitude of its power rumbled through the land.

  It struck inches away from us. Once. Twice. Three times until I lost track of all the bolts that flashed around us in a frantic dance. Hitting the ground as it violently crashed beneath our feet, and then suddenly we were surrounded by a circle of flashing electrical light.

  The woman raised her arms above her head and called out in a grave voice.

  “I am Brighid, of the Tuatha de Danann,” she began. “Here me Gods above, show me what I wish to see.”

  I tried to move back from the furious energy that moved around us, but I was incapable. Brighid’s eyes turned an even paler blue and began to glow like aquamarines out of her frail face.

  “Your love will bring the destruction of one kingdom,” she called out into the night. “Your love will bring about the end of days for many Fae and humans, alike. It shall change the course of human and Fae history forever.”

  I could not speak.

  “She is inside your womb at this moment,” Brighid said as her eyes moved to my abdomen. “Your daughter will birth another who will bring certain death and resurrection. They will call her Queen. During her reign she will be united with the one true leader of both Kingdoms. But he is made of half the night, and darkness throws a suffocating blanket over light.”

  She hurled the words at me so quickly, I didn’t have time to digest them. I went from absolute elation over the possibility of being pregnant, to fear of the unknown, and finally to sheer panic.

  “Your daughter will not live long,” Brighid said harshly.

  My hands moved to protect the child I had already sensed was there. I had been waiting to tell Arthur, for the right time, even though I felt he somehow knew.

  “And my grandchild?” I could only whisper. “You said there was another—”

  Brighid leaned forward and stared at my abdomen. She placed her hands on me.

  “Her life will be one of great sadness. And she will sacrifice much.”

  I was shaking in terror.

  But she didn’t relent and began pointing an accusatory finger at me.

  “Pain is inevitable when you seek out desires that are not meant to be.”

  “I didn’t seek anything out,” I cried.

  “Do not lie, Eleanor Dare,” she whispered. “You knew all along what a treacherous path you walked.”

  D

  I took the stairs up to Caroline’s room. She had been in there for quite a bit of time, gathering her belongings and no doubt recovering from events that had unfolded in the previous hour. I was sure that I was the last person she wanted to see, but I wanted to help her. Even if I just stood by the door, staring in.

  After the dust had settled and Caroline’s mom had regained her composure, she began asking questions. One after another, each of which Odin answered and Caroline confirmed with grace and dignity. This news was so difficult to process. It was incomprehensible, out of any ordinary experience, but Lisa handled it well.

  It was obvious that she was looking back on their time with Caroline and finding questions, missing pieces to the puzzle that had been her life. It was as if she had always sensed something was different about her daughter and now, after all these years, she realized that her gut had been correct.

  Caroline turned in surprise when I knocked on the door to her room, her hair whipping across her beautiful face.

  “Sorry to bother you,” I said, clearing my throat.

  “Just wanted to see if you need any help up here.”

  She turned and
went back to zipping up her suitcase. “I’m fine. Thanks.”

  I stepped inside and leaned against her desk, running my hand across the edge.

  “For what it’s worth, I think it went pretty well downstairs.”

  “Those were definitely tears of joy,” she replied sarcastically. “Every parent loves hearing their only child is in grave danger.”

  “We’ll protect you, Caroline.”

  “Who’s going to protect her?” she said, reaching down to grab her backpack. “Especially now that she’s decided to keep this from my father because she doesn’t want to add to his level of stress.”

  “What’s yours is mine.”

  “That’s just it, Devilyn. I don’t want to be your burden anymore. I don't want you to use magik to protect me or my family.”

  Before I could reply, she brushed past me, our hands skimming against each other in the process. She lugged her backpack and suitcase along without looking back. Even when I reached out to help her, she shifted forward, moving quickly down the stairs. She was so strong, yet so incredibly stubborn. I followed behind, and couldn’t help but smile.

  Two could play this game.

  Downstairs, Odin and I thanked her mother and headed out to the car. Caroline lingered behind for her goodbyes. As soon as she set her suitcase and backpack down, I grabbed them and pushed past her.

  I could tell she wanted to protest, but I threw her my infamous “don’t mess with me” look as she rolled her eyes.

  “Devilyn, before you head out, can I have a word with you in private?” Caroline’s mom called out.

  “Of course. I’ll just put these in the trunk and will be right back.”

  Caroline hugged her mom and ran toward the car with Famous following behind. As she approached, I saw tears making their way down her face. It crushed me. I wanted to brush them away, along with everything bad that stood in our future. Brush it away like the evil dust cloud that had followed us since we met, lingering, thick and murky.

  “I can only imagine how you feel Mrs. Ellis.”

  She closed the door so that we could have a few minutes of privacy. When she faced me her eyes were wild with worry and fear and she seemed to search my face as if she was looking for salvation.

  “My feelings are paralyzing, Devilyn. As a parent, to be in this state is unnerving. To know that I can’t do anything to protect my child is agonizing. The only option I have is to look to you.”

  “So promise me,” she said in a hoarse voice. She took hold of my arm and looked up at me.

  I tried to offer her as much comfort as I could.

  “I will take care of her,” I vowed. “She is my responsibility.”

  “Do you love her?” she asked searching my face for the answer.

  I closed my eyes against her knowing gaze.

  “Answer me, Devilyn.”

  “I do,” I whispered softly.

  “Then after everything I’ve heard tonight, everything that you and your grandfather told me to be true, you know that you cannot be with her?” Lisa Ellis said with fervor.

  It was the last thing I expected.

  “Yes,” I nodded in acceptance. “I know.”

  She wiped the tears that were streaming down her face away and then pulled me into her arms.

  “Keep her safe,” she whispered to me. “And then you have to let her go.”

  She stepped back away from me and opened the door, leaving me with words that would haunt me forever.

  We all remained silent as I started the car.

  We each battled our own demons.

  Each of us immersed in a different vision of what the future would bring us. I shared a few quick glances with Caroline in the rearview mirror. Both of us were no doubt thinking the same thing.

  What would become of us?

  We hadn’t spoken a word the entire drive home. There were no words left to say. Once we were safe behind the magikal iron gates I began to relax. Odin’s fortress was impenetrable. It was riddled with magikal spells from old lore. The tension in my shoulders lifted. At minimum she would sleep safely tonight.

  As per usual, the doors opened before we entered the home and I wasn’t surprised to see Tatiana waiting for us. She looked relieved when she saw Caroline and actually gave her a hug.

  Famous, on the other hand, growled at her and nipped her leg, but Tatiana wasn’t bothered.

  “Completely justified,” she said to the tiny Pomeranian. “I did try to end your life.”

  He showed her his teeth as Tatiana bent down to smile at him and patted him on the head.

  “You can thank me later,” she said. “Look at what my evil little plan got you—immortality. Lucky little bastard.”

  Caroline actually laughed.

  “You don’t look too bad,” Tatiana said as she gave her a once-over.

  “I feel fine, actually,” she admitted. “Just a little tired.”

  “Well, I’ll show you to your room. You can stay in the room right next to mine. Or even with me?”

  “She doesn’t need to stay with you, Tatiana. It’s not a sleepover and she’s not ten years old,” I said firmly. “She can take the guest room upstairs. I want her close.”

  Tatiana gave me a smirk.

  “The one two doors down from yours?” Tatiana said. “How convenient.”

  Caroline’s eyes locked with mine in annoyance.

  “It’s not like that, I promise,” Caroline rushed out to Tatiana. “Not anymore.”

  Tatiana looked over at Caroline then to me.

  Really, brother? She said silently to me.

  Really, I replied.

  Odin, who had remained silent through the entire exchange, finally spoke up. “Why don’t we all retire for the evening. I imagine Caroline is exhausted.” Odin clapped his hands together. “Don’t you all have school tomorrow?”

  “The day after tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter anyway because Caroline is not going back,” I stated.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Caroline asked angrily. “Devilyn, I am going to school. In fact, I am more than just going to school. I’m going to live my life exactly as I lived it before, which means I refuse to stay hidden away here forever.”

  Tatiana couldn’t mask her surprise. She actually smiled at Caroline with respect. She was the last person I wanted to influence Caroline.

  “It’s too dangerous.” I tried to keep my voice soft and soothing. “Especially now, after everything that’s happened.”

  “How long do you want me to stay hidden?”

  “Why are you arguing this point?” I asked as I slipped my fingers behind my neck needing to alleviate the pain that would soon be making its way up my neck and into my head to form a migraine.

  “How long?” she pressed.

  “I don’t know, Caroline. As long as it takes—”

  “Absolutely not. I’m not going to allow my life to just go by while I miss out on everything because of Alderon or Puck!”

  “Father, please talk some sense into her.”

  “I think we’re all tired. Let’s get some rest and regroup in the morning, after we’ve had some time to clear our heads,” Odin said softly.

  I remained silent as I tried to search for the right thing to say to her.

  “I don’t need to clear my head, Odin. I need someone, just one of you, to listen to me,” Caroline pleaded. “I know you are all putting yourselves in grave danger because of me. They might capture me again, even if I stay here. They might get their wish tonight or tomorrow or a month from now. I can’t stop living my life, or whatever remains of it, because of this fear. Did you see my mother’s face? I can’t have her get sick because of me. No more. No more hiding. I won’t allow fear to run my life. Listen, I will stay here because even I understand that two or three heads are better than one, but I can assure you that it won’t be forever.”

  She reached down and grabbed her bags, then made her way toward the stairs.

  “I want them to come for me. I
n fact, I dare them to.”

  Odin and I stood there in silence. She was no longer the girl I first met. She was someone entirely different. And if possible, I loved her more.

  “Well done,” Tatiana said proudly.

  “Tatiana!” My voice was sharp.

  “Don’t take that tone with her,” Caroline snapped at me. “We are done discussing it. After all, I’m the Queen, right?”

  I knew my eyes had lit up in anger.

  “Children,” Odin said as he clapped his hands together. “My children. As I said earlier, let us go to bed tonight with the peace in knowing that we are well-protected here and when we wake up it will be a bright new day.”

  “I won’t change my mind tomorrow,” I said.

  “And I won’t change mine,” Caroline retorted.

  She met my gaze evenly.

  Fearlessly.

  She didn’t know what the strength in her eyes did to me. She didn’t know how it made me feel inside. Not only was I proud. Her defiance actually challenged me. Even my sister with all her insolence always backed down from me when she saw I was angered. But Caroline was my equal in every way.

  “Caroline, can you stay with us forever and put my brother in his place at least once a day?” Tatiana asked gleefully, snapping me out of my trance. “It’s just so spectacular to watch.”

  “Tatiana,” Odin warned. “Play nice, daughter.”

  “Not in my nature,” she replied and to my surprise grabbed hold of Caroline’s bag. “Come on, sister,” Tatiana said to her. “I’ll show you to your room. We’re going to have so much fun.”

  Caroline smiled back.

  “Good night,” Caroline said. “And thank you for everything Odin. I am indebted.”

  Odin stared back at her with love, while I stood in the foreground wishing that she would look at me with the same appreciation and even love.

  “I am at your service, my queen,” he said.

  But Caroline didn’t even bother to look over at me. She just followed my sister up the stairs, with Famous trailing behind them. Tatiana’s musical laughter followed. I knew she was fully aware of how annoyed I was by Caroline’s stubbornness and now, the two of them—