The gentle, humid breeze was a welcome feeling over my bikini-clad body. It must have come from the south-west; I would recognise that feeling of home anywhere. The feeling of the Solista Isles.
Stop dwelling on the past Valare, it isn’t going to help anyone.
Sighing, I return to reading my book. My happy escapist place where reality doesn’t matter, and the political pawns in this book aren’t real. Oh, if only being a pawn wasn’t my harsh reality. At least the main characters in this book have interesting sex. Now that I would happily have as my reality over my recent ‘making love’ escapades with the sappiest King to have ever lived.
Before I could further drown in my self-pity, I sensed the physical presence of a five-foot five female with a slim yet powerful build approaching approximately fifty metres away. Luckily for this female, I was quite partial to her, otherwise this encounter wouldn’t end well. No one is allowed on my slice of ocean paradise; a wedding gift from Eliasson. This was my oasis. My space to just be me.
Feet stopping a metre to the left, Meredith unceremoniously dropped into the beach chair beside mine.
“Is it all organised for tonight?”
“Yes, Valare.”
“Thank the Goddess,” I said on a release of breath I wasn’t aware I was holding.
“It’s been some time, Valare. The people are eager for your return.”
“I know Mer, I know. I’m eager to return too. You know if I had it my way I would’ve never left.”
“I know that Val. The Solistan people know that too. This is bigger than all of us,” Mer’s tone notably softening.
“Bigger than all of us,” I muttered, “isn’t that just the story of my fucking life? Ironic really considering I am a Queen, yet this is still bigger than me. How? I rule a Kingdom, Mer. A quarter of the Fyriane continent. I’m by birthright a Salistyan royal. I’m tired of being helpless in all this mess. I was raised to fight, to use my magic gifted by the Goddess Wystia. Not use my body to ‘make love’ with a King who is too smitten to realise what is going on right under his nose!”
“You’re not simply helpless collateral in all of this, Valare, and you know it. Need I remind you of your tendency for these outbursts after your anniversary? When the illusion of what you thought your life was going to be like in the Solista Isles enters your mind again? Reality check – it’s been three years Val. You’re a Queen and have your part to play. Not to mention you’re the most powerful force with unmatched magic. Instead of complaining about the irony, put your big Queen boots on and start playing the game a little better, like we all are. Hell, I’ve had to learn how to be your fucking maid. Mazyr is a cook for Goddess’ sake. You know I love you. But you have no idea the amount of shit I get from the Solistans back home. Meredith, ‘lethally trained Solistan assassin and right hand to the most powerful Salistyan’, now acting as a maid to said powerful Salistyan, more commonly known as the Queen of Arlom. We both have our crosses to bear here, girl. I’ve got over mine,” I shot her a doubtful look, she screwed up her nose, flicking her straight shoulder length brunette hair away from her face. “Okay, mostly I’ve got over mine. The sooner you can get over yours, the sooner we can be done with the first move.”
My part to play, how could I forget… move number one: kill the King of Arlom. The predetermined power plays that were set into motion by my father years ago. It didn’t affect me at the time as it was never supposed to involve me. Hell, I didn’t even know that there were ulterior motives at play. I was the third heir in line for the Queendom of Salistya, mindlessly living my best life on the isles; blissfully unaware of my father’s intentions. Until that all changed. Mer is right, except for one point. The life I had envisioned was ripped away from me three years ago. But when my parents, the former Queen and King of Salistya, and my brother the heir to the Salistyan throne, passed away in a shock accident, that was the point I knew my life would never be the same.
The sudden deaths brought utter chaos to the Queendom, and a swift coronation of my older sister, Slaviya, to the throne. And since no crowned King or Queen can wed another royal to keep the equilibrium between the doms, this ended her impending nuptials to King Eliasson.
It was common knowledge this union was a political move to strengthen ties, as the Queendom of Salistya and Kingdom of Arlom were left vulnerable in the face of the strong union between the Kingdom of Marlyst and Queendom of Nyarelle. Oh, and the fact that Salistya refused to give up the Solista Isles to Arlom, despite centuries of the Kingdoms attempts to at least share the land with the Queendom.
The union was the best result for Arlom, as Salistya allowed the Arlom children to follow in the customs of the Salistyan’s; a custom that has been followed for centuries. Each year, all fourteen-year-old children move to the Solista Isles, joining the Solistan forces in their infamously rigorous training to become exceptional warriors. On the first new moon after the trainees’ sixteenth birthday, the Goddess Wystia gifts the child her magic in the form of enhanced physical capabilities. The child spends the next three years on the Solista Isles honing their magic. The best and brightest are identified swiftly and trained elsewhere to become assassins for the royals – known as Sol – much like Meredith and myself. Those who receive regular training in those three years either decide to return home or stay within the Solista Isles, knowing that the royals have the right to call in their service in the Salistyan army at any time. Or they simply reject their pleas to stay on the isles. And let’s be honest, that happened most often, especially with the females who hold favour in only one of the elements. They were sent straight to the breeding programs.
I was one week off finishing my training in the Solista Isles when my parents and brother passed away. I had planned to stay back, marry the love of my life, embark on confidential missions when an assassin was required, and enjoy life on the Solista Isles when I was not on missions. I was naïve to think being the third in line meant that I could essentially avoid any form of royal duties. That was made very apparent when, six months later, as the next in line for the throne, Queen Slaviya made the call for me to step in as the new bride for King Eliasson. This would continue the assassination plan my father had begun.
One year later, we were married. And here I am, the day after the second wedding anniversary. At least the day after our anniversary turned into a holiday for the Kingdom of Arlom. Which meant I could spend the whole day by the ocean whilst Eliasson is away for the night on a boys’ fishing trip. Translation: I’m able to leave for the isles as soon as the sun sets. Home sweet home.
“Copper for your thoughts?” Taking one look at me, Meredith hesitated. “Actually no, don’t tell me if it’s a continuation of your wallowing. I should be the one wallowing having to listen to your late-night antics last night after not getting laid in forever”.
Rolling my eyes, I retorted, “Forever? Please. I know you and Eliasson’s second-in-command got it on not four nights ago. From the way Mazyr was talking, your satisfaction level screamed a five-star rating.”
“That little gossiping shit,” Mer muttered, throwing her water bottle in the sand. “I’m just doing my duty in creating strong… connections with our allies,” she threw me a wink. As an afterthought, she added, “And four days is forever Val.”
I burst out laughing. Trust a mage to say that. We were sensual by nature and had specific… needs of the sexual kind that required regular fulfilment. Because of these needs, it wasn’t abnormal for a mage to have multiple partners to satiate their desires. “Now, now Mer, don’t be too upset with him. He was trying to make me feel better that one of our own was having a raunchy time. It may have just come at the cost of your privacy. But let’s not forget the barracks on the isles, there was no privacy there nor any shame.”
“We were sixteen and had just found independence out of home, Val. Totally different,” Meredith shot back.
“Hmmm perspective is a beautiful thing, isn’t it?” I teased, before soberly continuing. “Sex is sex, Mer. Whether you’re male or female, whether you like doing it with a male or female. Hell, why not both? Either way, there is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed. It’s a normal part of life, so good on you for having a good time and going after what you want. I shall live vicariously through you in my wise old married age.” I may or may not have attempted – and failed – to sound legitimate at the ‘wise old married age’ part.
Mer rolled her eyes, “You’re twenty-two, Val. Not sixty. Plus, we all know you have the capacity to get a little side bang occasionally.” Raising her voice before I could interrupt, Mer continued, “And don’t you even try lying to me. I know that half the reason you’re going to the isles tonight is to have a little rendezvous with him, away from watchful eyes.”
Releasing a breath, I remained quiet. Not because I wanted silence to convey that I thought she was right, but rather the current state of my sexual deprivation was so dire that the word rendezvous was enough to stir some serious emotions inside of me. In a certain region. Down below. We all know where.
Watching the sun slowly set over the horizon, it was time to go. I had a home to visit.
“Speaking of rendezvous, I need to take my contraceptive remedy. Goddess forbid I’m with child to an Arlom heir.” Grimacing, I stood up and reached my hand down. Clasping my hand, I helped Mer up, our hands staying intertwined as we walked up the beach back to the royal quarters.
Before we were in earshot of Arlomans inside the quarters, Meredith halted my movements.
I raised an eyebrow in question.
“I know this time of year is difficult for you Val. I want you to go enjoy yourself on the isles tonight, forget all your worries,” Meredith stated, a sincere look on her face for a split second before the face of the trained Solistan assassin took over. “When you come back, the Sol in Arlom needs to come together and plan how we will execute the first move. It has been two years, the first round of the Arlomans magic is starting to be gifted on the isles. We can only hold off correspondence with their parents for so long. The secrets of the isles can’t be released. Not until he’s taken care of and the Kingdom of Arlom is under your reign. Your sister is becoming restless, and we all agree that avoiding the Queen of Salistya’s… outbursts, for lack of a better description, is in everyone’s best interests. Including yours. Push comes to shove, despite their loyalty with Salistya as their official ruler, the Solistans have always seen you as their rightful heir. You have trained with us, laughed with us, and fought with us. It’s time to play the game and avoid conflict. You know the time is upon us.”
Turning fully to face her, knowing the same reflection of an assassin was showing on my face, I said, “I know, Mer. It will be done.”
She gazed intently at my face, trying to see Goddess knows what. After a moment, apparently happy with what she saw she subtly nodded, kissed her three middle fingers, placed them on her chest and bowed as a sign of respect in the presence of royalty. But we all know she wouldn’t have bothered with that had there not been guards watching our every move. “For the Goddess Wystia, and the Queendom of Salistya.”
Kissing my three middle fingers and placing them to the middle of my brow, the third eye of Wystia, “Protect our family,” I finished.
Meredith straightened her back. “I’ll see you in an hour, Queen.”
Nodding my head, I resumed my path to the royal quarters, ignoring the guards surrounding the outskirts I head straight past the living area up the stairs and straight into my sanctuary. I loved my quarters; a place that I can call my own in this foreign Kingdom. I went for a minimalist coastal vibe when decorating my room. A bed, day bed and some bedside tables with ocean blue cushions and decorations to make the light weathered-wood furnishings pop. And of course, I insisted on some tropical indoor plants, to acknowledge my ties to the isles. It helps to keep me grounded.
I loved laying in my bed, looking out the glass doors that lead to my personal balcony. The natural light casted from the sun when it was setting landed perfectly in my room. One of the small, yet magical moments in life that I soaked up as much as I could. The only thing that may rival my love for that sight is the closet next to the balcony. My wardrobe, filled to the brim with everything a girl could ever want. Sometimes it wasn’t all bad being a royal. Granted, those times were highly infrequent.
Taking a direct turn past my bed, I stepped out onto the balcony, and enjoyed the sunset and the last of the south-westerly breeze.
Butterflies in my stomach appeared as I allowed myself to be excited for my upcoming trip to the isles. I would’ve loved to have gone first thing this morning when Eliasson disentangled himself from the bed and left for his fishing trip. I had to restrain myself from leaving right that second.
Our marriage may have solidified a political union, but Eliasson didn’t confuse being smitten with letting his guard down. Smitten, but not stupid. I always had guards on me. Knowing what I know I guess I can’t blame him; though it is highly inconvenient, frustrating, annoying…the list goes on.
This leaves me with a less than ideal situation; forcing myself to be out and about in Amarald so as not to raise any suspicions. However, when it came to night-time no suspicions were ever raised, as the minute I stepped foot in this Kingdom, Eliasson knew where I stood regarding night-time events. They are always to be limited unless critical. The definition of ‘critical’ had to be heavily negotiated, but I managed to get it down to unavoidable dom events, including visits and forums with the royals of the other doms. It’s not that I don’t enjoy being out and about at night; in the Solista Isles this was a very common way of living, but I needed to provide myself an opportunity to explore the Kingdom and return home frequently and undetected. Also, sometimes a girl just needs some time to herself. For me, this time is needed every day. Some may say I was anti-social, but I like to call it ‘self-care’. And maybe a tad selective as to who I spend my time with outside of royal obligations. People are exhausting.
Guessing there was ten minutes left until the sun went down, I left the balcony and headed towards my bed where Mer had laid out a pair of casual high-waisted emerald culottes and t-shirt that fell just below my chest, revealing a sliver of my stomach. A strategic pairing by Mer as the Queendom of Salistya’s royal colour is green, and it was always wise for the Queen of Arlom to show up to the isles in an outfit that reflects her origins. Knowing where the Solistan loyalties lie, because of this so-called ‘Ophiscair Prophecy’ (that apparently had something to do with me), it’s still wise to never assume unequivocal support for the most powerful mage who now sits on the Arlom throne. I may despise my father and his hideous lessons growing up, but if there was one thing I took away from them, it was to not trust anyone. “Everyone has their own motives,” he would say, “spies are around every corner you turn, and when you think you can trust someone? That’s when you can’t”. Now, I wouldn’t say I didn’t trust anyone, but I damn well made it difficult for others to earn it. If my own sister – my own blood – can fuck me over, why wouldn’t someone else?
A voice interrupted my thoughts, becoming increasingly louder the closer it got to the door. “Now, I don’t want anyone disturbing us tonight. It’s a tradition for the Queen and I to have a girl’s night on this holiday. Anyone who disturbs us is subject to the Queen’s wrath. Do you hear me?” Silence was all I heard before a confident ‘Good’ ended what appeared to be a one-sided conversation held by Meredith.
A knock on the door was the only warning I had before Meredith rushed into the room holding up two bottles of champagne and glasses. Clearly, she was ready for her party for one tonight. I don’t envy future Meredith and her hangover tomorrow. It’s lucky that problem is strongly sitting in the ‘her issue’ category.
Shutting the door before any of the guards could see me in my clothing, Meredith not-so-gracefully plopped herself in the daybed across from my bed.
“So…,” Meredith started, blinking innocently at me, “since you’re getting your rocks off tonight, I’m hoping you left one of your fabulous books for me? You know, of the erotic kind. Guy chases girl, girl denies him, he fights harder to win her over, she eventually gives in, sexy times occur … and all that good stuff.”
Huffing out a laugh, I finished putting on my sandals and straightened up. “Left bedside table, bottom draw.”
“Oh, you’re a doll.” Eyes lighting up like she just won a card game against Rynelle (which never happens), Meredith excitedly raced over to the bedside table.
“And you’re a sicko. You know the rules: bath water flowing so no one can hear that it’s just you having a drunken erotic party for one; stay away from the balcony; and you’re restricted to the daybed for your evening … activities,” I stated on autopilot as I gave myself a quick once over in the mirror. Because I have, in fact, gone through the rules routine too many times to count.
Meredith rolled her eyes. “Yes, mum. Gosh you used to be fun. This is how I know you need alone time with him. How long has it been anyway? Six months?”
“I stopped counting when it became depressing,” I muttered.
Laying back on the daybed with the fabulous book in hand, Meredith opened the champagne bottle and decided to completely forego the glass and take a massive swig straight from the bottle. This reminded me of the fourteen-year-old girl I met all those years ago, a complete juxtaposition from the lethal assassin she is now.
After chugging what looked like a good quarter of the bottle, Meredith looked up. “Alright, get your sexy ass out of here. Everything is under control, and I’m two seconds away from finding the best parts of this book and having a good old time. I know it hasn’t been that long since we were in the barracks, but I’d like to think we’ve moved past sharing common spaces for moments such as these. But if you want to take a trip down memory lane, be my guest and take a seat.” With a wink, Meredith proceeded to open the book just as she’d said.
“Thanks Mer, I’ll see you in the morning just before the sun rises.” I don’t particularly feel the rest of her comments required a response.
Before turning to leave, I couldn’t help but add some snide to my goodbye. “Oh, and Mer?” I said innocently.
“Mhmm?” She didn’t even look up, too engrossed in finding ‘all that good stuff’.
“Remember; you’re my maid and must clean all the sheets tomorrow. If there’s shit out of place, you can count all your gold that the Queen will spontaneously decide all areas of her royal quarters need a deep clean,” I smirked.
Looking up with an expression on her face that promised revenge, Mer grabbed the champagne bottle and was about to throw it directly at me. “You little …,” but I was faster. Shouting a quick ‘love you,’ I was still laughing as I swiftly teleported out of the room and straight to my real home.
To be continued…
Chapter Three will be released from the Fyriane Press on Friday the 2nd of February.