by Sarah Noffke
“This is unheard of. Never have the unicorns—” Gillian cut himself off, pulling a pad and pencil from his suit pocket. He scribbled away as the unicorn in front of him stared at him with soft eyes.
“You’ve been given a unicorn to care for?” Gran asked, extending a hand to the little foal.
“Yes, I have,” Azure said, dismissing this at once, “but right now we need to focus on finding out who has been infected by this virus. I’m sure it’s a sizable population. We need to craft a speech—something that will put the people’s fears at ease and lets them know we are working on finding a solution. The infected will start to lose their magic soon, which means we need to turn our attention to finding a cure. But I also need to stop Emperor Frederick and the Duke of Terran. They’ll just keep trying.”
“You. Have. A. Unicorn,” Gillian repeated, his voice dripping with disbelief.
“Yes, Gillian. But I need to focus on my people. They’ve been infected, and need our help,” Azure muttered, thinking she’d pass out right then. She would need to rest before she set off for the mountains.
“Azure is always bringing home strange pets. Unicorns, pixies…gnomes,” Monet said, not at all looking impressed by the presence of the rainbow-haired unicorn.
Gran pulled back her hand when the unicorn touched it with his nose. “He touched me,” she exclaimed, turning to Gillian with wide eyes.
“He has a name,” Azure said dryly.
“What? How do you know?” Gillian asked, shocked. “Queen Azure, do you speak Unicorn?”
She shook her head, feeling the beat of a drum starting in her temples.
“No, but I speak your language,” the tiny unicorn stated plainly, his voice high-pitched like the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.
Gran started and stepped backward. Gillian clapped his stubby hands to his mouth. Monet simply yawned loudly.
“Yep, I totally guessed that was going to happen,” the young wizard said.
“Wait… Did he just speak?” Gillian leaned forward, staring intently at the unicorn, who seemed to enjoy the attention.
“I assure you he did,” Azure said, pulling her arm off her face and staring bleary-eyed at the scene before her. “Gillian, Queen Mother, Monet, will you please all welcome Blisters to the House of Enchanted? He will apparently be a resident now, since he says the stables are for horses.”
Gillian let out a gasp. “Of course stables are beneath this incredible animal. I’m appalled on his behalf that you even suggested it.”
“Yes, I suggested it. The House of Enchanted wasn’t constructed for a unicorn to take up residence in it. Even though he is small, we’re not used to hooves on our floors,” Azure said, turning her gaze on the unicorn. He batted his long eyelashes at her, trying to earn his way back into her graces.
“I’m sure that measures can be put into place,” Gillian replied. “A unicorn seeking residence with someone outside of their species… This must be a first. What a wonderful honor!”
“You have no fucking idea.” Azure pressed her elbows down on the table and cradled her head in her hands.
Gillian knelt. “Blisters, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. We will ensure you’re comfortable in the House of Enchanted.”
Gran smiled, bowing to the unicorn. “I’m also extremely grateful you’re going to live in our humble home. Welcome.”
There was a small silence where Azure smiled to herself. These two had no clue. Soon, though, they’d get it.
Blisters stared up at the gnome and the witch, blinking his adorable blue eyes. Then he opened his mouth, and their peace was forever assaulted. “Thanks!” the unicorn squeaked. “Man, it’s great to be here. I hate the woods. There are leaves and bugs in the woods. We have to sleep on the ground. The herd seems to like it, but they don’t know what they’re missing. I’m looking forward to sleeping on a down-filled mattress. Oh! And can I have my own bathroom? I love the idea of taking baths. Oh! And having manicures. And cuddling with elves. I’d like to have a cat, too. When is my first fitting? I want robes in periwinkle blue to match my eyes. And…let me see, I made a list of things I’d get once I was at the House of Enchanted.” The unicorn turned in a circle, his nose following his tail like that was where he left the list.
“Queen Azure?” Gillian said with a question in his voice.
“Yeah,” she groaned.
“This unicorn…”
“Blisters,” she corrected.
“Yes, Blisters. He’s different, isn’t he?” Gillian asked.
“From what I can tell, he’s fully grown, obsessed with witches, and causes havoc wherever he goes,” Azure said, remembering that the bottom half of her robes was drenched from falling into a mud pit.
A laugh, clear and loud, rang from Monet’s mouth. “Oh yes, I was waiting for this one. Azure has adopted a special needs unicorn.”
“Hey, don’t call Blisters that,” Azure scolded. “He’s not special needs. He’s just special.”
The unicorn, who didn’t seem to mind Monet’s jab, curled up by the fire, warming himself after the long and eventful morning. The little guy had talked the entire fucking time they traveled back to the House of Enchanted. He was sweet enough, but left a little to be desired. And apparently he’d been given the name ‘Blisters’ because that’s what his incessant voice did to the unicorns’ ears.
“He has the magic of the unicorns, though?” Gran asked.
“Yes, as far as I can tell,” Azure said, lifting her head to regard the peaceful unicorn, who was already snoring like a Labrador taking a nap.
“Well, our water sources are healed, and we also have a new source of magic. I would count this as a win,” Gran said.
“Yes, but he’s going to be quite the drain on the House of Enchanted, not to mention that he’s incredibly annoying and accident-prone,” Azure whispered to the queen mother.
“We dealt with this when Monet was born, and we can do it again,” she said with a smile.
“How dare you compare me to a reject unicorn?” Monet scoffed.
“I think the comparison was actually quite kind to you,” Gillian said, and turned his attention to Azure. “I think it’s time that we craft a statement to the people of Virgo. This is going to be a difficult time for them, and they need to know what’s going on. But we can use Blisters to soften the blow. Any kingdom that has a unicorn at its disposal will appear more powerful.”
Azure had known that asking Gillian to be on her cabinet would be a good idea. “Yes, I think you’re on to something,” she said, winking at the gnome.
Chapter Seven
Gillian was right. The unicorn had been the key. Azure had stood on the stage and told her people about the water source, the virus, and their fate. The grave faces that had stared back at her sought to steal her peace. However, when she called for Blisters and the runt unicorn trotted onto the stage, the Virgoans forgot their problems.
Witches jumped in the air and wizards shouted louder than she’d heard them do in a long time. The crowd dispersed, the excited voices discussing a celebration to welcome the unicorn to the realm. They had other things to celebrate as well, like the fact that the other unicorns had purified the water sources, so they’d largely avoided a colossal attack from the Land of Terran. Yes, many had drunk the water or consumed herbs or food from the farm, but the magic loss would take time, according to Emeri.
Azure ordered that all the crops irrigated with the infected water be destroyed. It would set the people of Virgo back, but it was for the best. The fairies had agreed and decided to work through the night to prepare the farms for new seeds.
“It’s going to work out,” Emeri said, taking the place beside her daughter.
“I know. It just feels like a huge setback, and directly after my coronation,” Azure said, watching as a group of witches knelt by Blisters and took turns petting his soft mane. Unicorns weren’t known to be whores for attention, but Blisters didn’t seem to follow the protocol
of most unicorns. Actually, he broke every single rule regarding the majestic creatures.
Finswick stared at the display, his expression calculating. Azure reached down and patted the feline on the head. “Don’t worry. He’s not replacing you.”
Her familiar turned his gaze up to meet her. “I’d hope not. I’ve never made the request to have my own wing,” Finswick said.
“We didn’t give it to him,” Azure replied.
“No, but you gave him the oversized suite usually reserved for the Silver Griffins when they visit Virgo. What will you tell them when they come?” Finswick asked, his black and white tail flicking with anger.
“I’ll tell them that they have the honor of rooming with a chatty unicorn. They’ll be delighted,” Azure replied, knowing this problem with Blisters was far from over. Those damn unicorns had known what they were doing when they bargained. They had dumped Blisters on her, and the trail of issues he brought with him went on for miles.
“What will you do now?” Emeri asked, her back straight as she stared at the gathering crowd. Witches and wizards were a naturally happy species, and had chosen to celebrate a victory tonight rather than a loss. That’s why Carlsbad was handing out ears of his roasted corn for free. A sweet witch named Kissmore was offering small cups of her spun sugar. And a traveling band of musicians were warming up, ready to entertain the gathered Virgoans with ballads.
Azure turned and regarded the House of Enchanted in the distance. She should be in there right now, reviewing strategies for how to cure this virus. She should be meeting with the alchemists. Exploring every solution. Instead, she turned back to her mother, who also needed to be saved from this virus. “Tomorrow I’m going to direct my resources to find a cure for the virus. I myself am going to venture into the mountains to locate the Book of Branches. Once I find it, I’ll seek out the rogue dryads. They’ll help us to stop the humans in the Land of Terran. Starting tomorrow, I’m not going to stop until I cure and protect my people.”
“And tonight?” Emeri asked, a smile in her voice.
“Tonight I’m going to celebrate with the rest of Virgo. If this is what they want, then this is what they’ll get,” Azure said, turning to Monet and cueing him.
From only a few feet away, he waved his wand at a cylinder stationed next to him. Something shot out of the cylinder, hardly making a noise. The next moment and the skies over Virgo were alight with bright green and red fireworks. They popped overhead and rained down toward the upturned faces.
“Oohs and ahs” rang out from the crowd, filling Azure with hope. This was right. Battles couldn’t be fought continuously. They needed celebrations in between, she thought.
Azure lifted her chin just as another firework graced the purple skies, lighting up the faces all around. Most were stationed on blankets or had conjured chairs where they could sit to enjoy the music and light entertainment.
Azure and Emeri remained standing, which is why the young queen noticed a bobbing figure moving through the crowd.
“Coming through. Move to the side,” Gran’s voice rang over the violin music softly playing.
“What is that old witch up to?” Azure asked, her mouth only partly open for the words she said to her mother.
“Oh, fuck!” Emeri’s eyes grew wide.
“What is it, Mother?” Azure asked, squinting through the darkness. “Is everything okay?”
“No, it isn’t,” Emeri said, pressing down the skirt of her dress, which was printed with large red roses.
Azure didn’t know what had disturbed her mother, but just then she noticed a figure charging ahead of Sari. Her heart flooded with relief. Maybe there was more to celebrate tonight. She bounded forward, running as fast as her long blue robes would allow her. “Ever!” she cried, smiling. “You made it back!”
The Light Elf smiled back at her. His jet-black hair was especially chaotic tonight, probably from his assorted adventures in the Dark Forest. She met him on a clear patch of grass and threw her arms around his neck. Maybe it was the recent infection, but for whatever reason she was especially grateful that one of her cabinet members had returned safely.
“You haven’t left for the mountains yet?” Ever asked, pulling back from her with relief in his bright blue eyes.
She shook her head, stepping back. “No, we leave tomorrow. There was an interruption.”
Ever’s eyes trailed to something just over Azure’s shoulders, his face going slack. “Does the interruption involve the most adorable unicorn to ever exist?”
Azure laughed, turning to find Blisters at her back. He’d apparently followed her—she was guessing that she should get used to that. “Yes, it kind of does involve this unicorn. Ever, please meet Blisters. He’s decided to take the room next to yours in the House of Enchanted. I daresay he might keep you up from time to time.”
Ever knelt on one knee, bowing his head. “O Majestic Foal, it is quite an honor to make your acquaintances. I’ve always hoped to meet a unicorn—”
“Hello, Ever!” Blister squeaked. “I’m not a foal. I’m considered middle-aged by unicorn standards. And since we’re pretty much roommates, I trust that you’ll help me to reach things that are stored too high. I’ll be especially excited to be fitted with a wand. I wonder when Mage Lenore will be dropping it off? And I’ve heard that there’s a wizarding game called ‘Elements.’ We shall play it every night before bed. At least seven times. And—”
Azure stepped in front of the unicorn, her face a bright shade of red. “And so now you’ve met the newest resident of the House of Enchanted.”
Behind her, Blisters could be still heard babbling, although a group of witches were trying to lure him back in their direction.
Ever stifled a laugh. “You’ve been busy while I was gone?”
“Yes, but we’ll discuss that later. I want to know about you. Were you successful?” Azure asked.
Ever nodded, staring around. “I’m not sure where he got off to, but yes—”
A slap, loud and clear, rang from only a few feet in front of them. “You fucking coward. Would it really have killed you to stand up to that bastard?”
Azure spun to find her mother standing squarely in front of her father, her hand high in the air. Richard’s face was turned to the side, his palm clapped to his jaw.
“She didn’t…” Azure said.
“I do believe that she did,” Ever said, bolting forward to place a wedge between Richard and Emeri.
Curious witches and wizards turned their attention to the pair, their greedy eyes interested in the drama ensuing between the two.
Azure, who had never known her father, found it surreal to see him standing before her mother. He looked healthy enough, although his clothes were threadbare. His brown hair was disheveled, but he wore a slight smile.
“Emeri, you haven’t changed a single bit. You are still as fiery as I remember. I’ve wished to say that to you for so long, but I couldn’t without attracting unwanted attention from the council,” Richard said, his eyes twinkling. This guy had a fucking death wish, Azure realized, watching as her mother pulled her hand back farther, her eyes vibrating with fury.
Azure bolted forward, carefully pushing her mother back. “No violence,” she whispered.
“But he—” Emeri started, pointing a finger at the man before her.
“Doesn’t matter. I need the people of Virgo to accept him, because he currently isn’t safe outside our borders,” Azure said in a hushed voice, helping her mother through the crowd.
“Azure, I wish you would have told me you were bringing him here.”
“I wish I’d had a chance, but things have been happening too fast.”
Emeri turned her eyes to Richard, who was now behind them. Ever would cart him off and take care of him. She shook her head before returning her gaze to her daughter. “It’s just been so long. And after everything that’s happened…”
“I know. There are many bridges that need to be built, but Richard isn’t
our enemy. Actually, he might be in a position to help us attack Terran and protect our people.” Azure gripped her mother’s hands, looking deep into her eyes. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but I need you to help me with this situation, not make it worse. Please try to accept Richard, because if you do, then the people of Virgo will. It will be a great milestone if our people accept a man from the land that recently poisoned them.”
“Not just a man, but the previous emperor of that land,” Emeri said.
“Exactly. Because they know I’m half his. I need them to trust him because he represents part of my leadership.”
Emeri nodded, fondness taking over her expression. “You are so wise, my dear daughter. And yes, of course. I’ll do whatever you need to keep the peace in Virgo.”
Chapter Eight
Blister nudged the chair out from the table where the cabinet members sat discussing matters of the realm. All eyes watched as the runt unicorn rammed his head into the side of the chair, tangling its legs with those of another chair. A loud screeching noise echoed from the chair every time another attempt was made. Azure knew they should be strategizing, but strangely she couldn’t tear her eyes from this scene.
The unicorn grunted victoriously when the chair finally slid back from the table. He rocked back on his hind legs and pressed his hooves onto the seat. With pure determination in his bright blue eyes he jumped up on the chair, but the force caused it to rock back and land with a crash on the floor.
“I’m okay. I’m okay,” Blistered cried, scrambling to a stand.
“Wow, it’s like a car wreck. You don’t want to watch, but you can’t look away,” Ever said, shaking his head.
Undeterred, Blisters slid his horn behind the back of the chair, trying to lift it upright.
“Yes, Azure is awarded with the most majestic creature on Oriceran and he just happens to be a special needs unicorn.” Monet stared unblinking as Blisters wrestled with the chair.
