Autumns Queen

Draft 1
Prologue
Prologue- V
He should fear her wrath.
He shouldn't go.
But he couldn't swallow his beliefs- or pride either.
He couldn't stand back and watch his people die while he lives a life of
luxury, celebrated by a court that hates his own, married to a woman whose sister he
despises. And yet, he couldn't help himself. He loved Camellia, the gods knew he
still do. He's doing this for her, he told himself. She would understand that he could
not let her sister kill his loved ones.
The faerie drew his cloak closer to his body as he flew, despairing of ever
forming coherent thoughts from the jungle that is his mind. Winter is harsh and
unforgiving, he could feel the chill seeping through his skin. Of course, the chill
may be partly due to the fact that he's going to Winter. The Winter Kingdom to be
exact.

The Winter Kingdom was radically different from Autumn. Where the
streets of Autumn are covered with leaves, Winter's was all snow. While Nantould
was modern with crystal towers that seemed to pierce the sky, and jeweled
connection towers for the FaeNetwork, Cish still retained a more primitive look with
its stone archways and low buildings made of snow blocks.
Here, fae were still afraid to go out when the darkness falls due to the
threat of the werewolves- damned humans cursed to be part-wolf and part-human
until the day they die. Their hairy bodies, wolf-like features and retained ability to
walk on hind legs make them a threat to younger faeries unable to fly high enough to
escape them and their insatiable appetites.
In Autumn however, they have been tamed, the royal family themselves
keep some of them in cages and paraded around whenever the fancy took them.
As he and his companion passed by, he saw buildings with frost-covered
window panes. He could see snowflakes falling, their intricately beautiful shapes
always different. It looks like a wonderland. It was dark and no one were in the
streets- a small mercy for his wings' design was distinctly Autumn, like two huge
maple leaves fused together- exactly like how most common Autumn folk's wings
would look like. There, he could perhaps blend in, here he would stand out, an
oddity among snowflake-like wings.
No one could know of his whereabouts. His best friend, the Autumn
princess, may have treated him like a brother, a future brother-in-law, but he knows
she'll turn on him the second she knows what he really was.
A traitor.
An enemy.
He shuddered as he thought of the various tortures his kind had to endure
because of her. Rogue fae she called them, as she seemed to think all of them are
inclined to be traitors. Abominations to society. Half-breeds if you will. A union of
different fae must produce a child of only one season- the season of the stronger
parent. He has two seasons- and therefore a half-breed, an abomination. And she
tortures the half-breeds she captures as well.
She inflicts mental and emotional tortures- an Autumn specialty.
Something he himself also possesed. A reason for the fae's fear of hybrids was the

incredible power hybrids have, after all. If only his kind knew how to protect
themselves from her, he wouldn't have had to do this.
Mutilates their wings so that they would have to walk- a mark of shame.
Since birth, they have always aimed to fly higher, but how could they achieve that
when their wings have been broken? It was akin to having your spirit destroyed. it
would leave you vulnerable to the wolves you created.
She strips them of their magic- the worst thing that can happen to a faerie.
There were some who could heal mutilated wings or do extremely advanced magic.
Another source of pride for the fae was their magical ability. Some of his kind who
haven't been broken by previous tortures were often rendered nearly dead after this.
She executes the strongest in public.To show them their place, her mother
said. To show that no one could beat those who were born pure-blooded. They've
committed treason, she always said. But what were their crimes? What sort of crime
that screamed treason? Is it because they were rogue? Their alliances uncertain?
Why he fell for her sister, he would never know. But Camellia was
different, he knew. She was kind and understanding and she would perhaps accept
his cause. She would understand that he's doing this for the family he was never
given. After all, her mother executed his birth parents. Only a stroke of luck brought
him to the notice of the royal family and gave him a way to plan his revenge.
Terra was the perfect predator- beautiful, swift, and alluring. A dangerous,
natural-born killer, just like her mother and brothers and her other sister, Sebille,
before she went mad. She was nearly impossible to describe. As icy as winter's chill,
and as warm as summer's breeze.
Thank the gods his own betrothed takes after their father, a wise kindly,
man of few words. Not nearly as complicated as her sister.
A voice interrupted his thoughts, "We're nearly there," his companion said.
Like him, Ryuk is also a hybrid-born of Winter and Summer. He himself is
born of Autumn and Winter. They are headed to the Winter Palace to meet with the
King. Dalton didn't trust Ryuk- he seems too secretive, like he's hiding something
really big. And Dalton had never seen Ryuk perform Winter Magic- he always
prefers his Summer side better. Like him, Ryuk was also connected with a Royal

Court- the High Court in his instance, which made him very valuable to the Winter
King.

They approached the King tentatively. Here is a king who's reputation is

every bit as fearsome as the Autumn Queen's.

"Hurry, his Majesty must not be kept waiting." Ryuk remarked

thoughtfully. "You are well acquainted with his famous temper."

"Your Majesty," they bowed.

The King nodded to the boy and his companion.

Dalton nodded. Everyone knew how the King turned ice statues out of
anyone who annoyed him. Those famous statues adorned his Ice Gardens. Dalton
still shivers at the thought of the first time he saw it. All those mouths, frozen in pure
terror, their bulging eyes...
For the rest of the journey, they flew in silence. The winds have ears and
what they must talk about is a sensitive matter.
They soon arrived and flew to the tallest tower- the Winter War Room, a
five hundred foot tall tower rising like an ice crystal from the gigantic palace. The
Winter Palace itself was tens of thousands of years old, and still retained a sort of
primitive look to it. Still, Dalton knew that inside it is a palace as modern as
Autumn's.
The sight that greeted him took his breath away- it is exactly what he
expected a war room to look like.The Autumn War Room is nothing compared to
this. Everything is organized, from the holo-maps to the FaeComms. Generals
gathered around a large table, strategizing in an orderly manner- cold and
emotionless perhaps but at least they get the job done. The technology, although not
nearly as cutting edge as Autumn's, was at least well-maintained. It was paradise for
a warrior like him.
The King is seated on an icy throne, carved from the purest ice, golden
fleur-de-lis adorning it, and a white canopy
made of the finest lace covering it. His gaze was as cold as the throne he is
seated on. Strange however, that his eyes seemed like cold fire, blue to be sure, but
fire nonetheless. He always thought only fae from the Dark Court has eyes like fire.
Perhaps marriage between races are more common outside of Autumn.
When he noticed the both of them, he beckoned them to come forward.

"Dalton," he said. "Ryuk, I trust you did not encounter difficulties in

coming here?
"No, Your Majesty," Ryuk answered, his head still bowed in respect. "Our
journey is quite uneventful."
The King smiled a cold smile that sent shivers through Dalton's spine. He
never truly liked the King, in fact if it wasn't for his thirst for revenge, he wouldn't
be there at all.
"I must congratulate you," he said, "For I have heard news of your
betrothal to the Princess' sister."
"Thank you Your Majesty," Dalton said respectfully, "Camellia is a
treasure."
"I'm sure," the King said. "Now, we must discuss our plans for the Autumn
Kingdom. Your betrothal has given me an idea actually. But first we must discuss
the Autumn Queen." Dalton didn't like the sound of that. His every instinct tells him
to run, yet he stayed rooted on the spot, like his wings refused to move, or even
flutter.
"I want you to poison her."
Dalton felt torn. Poison the queen who has always treated him like a son?
Poison his fiancee's mother?
She was the one who started all the terrible things that has happened to
your kind, a voice in his head said.
But Camellia will hate you forever.

"That way, our princess will be queen- which leads me to my idea."

He wasn't so sure. Once the princess becomes queen, the whole plan will
become ten times more dangerous and he will be surprised if he is left with his head
still intact. If she finds out, the marriage would be called off immediately. Perhaprs,
he could marry Camellia before Terra finds out he's a traitor.
The King gestured for the two faeries to follow him and led them to a
corner of the room where his son, the Winter Prince was strategizing with one of the
generals.
The Winter Prince has an icy sort of beauty with white-blond hair, ice-blue
eyes and a chiseled face. Briefly, Dalton thought of the Autumn Princess with her
own angelic beauty and warm personality that belies her true nature. At least, the
Winter Prince has none of her deceptive beauty. His personality, from what they
have gathered, reflects on his face. Cold and arrogant.
"Kailen," the King greeted the Winter Prince who had a bored expression
on his face, when he saw them approaching, he quickly said something to the
general and dismissed him, facing them.
"Finally decided to include me in the discussion Father?" Prince Kailen's
lips twisted into a cold sneer. Dalton didn't like the Winter Prince either, in his mind
she was like Terra, without the warmth.

everywhere, her reputation most fearsome- not as much as her mother's, but
infamous nonetheless. Her magic is strong, and only Royal Fae and few others are
immune (including him, of course). Her voice alone could make fae do as she says,
she can wipe out memories and change them. The infamous Autumnal mind games
and tricks- something he himself possesses along with the magic of Winter.
Maybe this prince would prove you wrong, the voice inside his head
said. Maybe he'll be strong enough after all. Besides, it'll be the greatest irony of all.
A joke on Autumn. Terra, the Warrior Princess giving birth to a hybrid.
"Dalton," the King said suddenly. "I want you to enlist the help of your
betrothed."
He gaped at the King. He admired his boldness and resolve, but this would
go too far.
"Your Majesty! Camellia would never-" he protested, faltering under the
King's steely gaze.
The fire in His Majesty's eyes seemed to burn brighter, hotter.
These aren't the eyes of a Winter King.
"Do as you're told." he said.

Ignoring the Prince's comment, the King continued. "Dalton's engagement

has given me an idea on how we can control the Autumn Kingdom-"
"Let me guess Father, you want me to court the Autumn Princess, gain her
love and trust, marry her, and rule the Kingdom through her." the Prince said, his
bored expression unchanged, his eyes betraying his acceptance of the plan as they
glistened with greed at the thought of taking over the Autumn Kingdom.
The king looked nonplussed. "Yes, son." he said, and then turning to
Dalton and Ryuk, he said with a cold sneer that mirrored his son's earlier. "We'll see
how this princess will react once she becomes mother to a half-breed."
Dalton isn't so sure the princess would be mother to a hybrid. The Winter
Prince may not be as strong as she is. After all, the princess' name is feared

I am a hunter.
Today, I came to hunt my most enduring prey yet: a nest of half-breed faeries.
They've been terrorizing the towns near the forests and are said to be planning a
coup. At least, that's what my mother told me since I was younger and new to this
kind of mission. Since, my mother is always correct, I've always believed her. After
all, there's no reason not to.
We weren't exactly sure about their numbers since they move in small packs. I took
at least twenty-five of our bravest companions- including Dalton, my sister's
betrothed and my best friend.

I.

Moving with grace and stealth, my companions and I scoured the vast forest in
hopes of seeing even a glimpse of the hybrids. I scoffed at myself, to think I should
be reduced to hoping for a glimpse of them, when two hundred years ago, I could
capture them by the hundreds. Of course that was two hundred years ago, times have
changed since then.

I am Terra, the Warrior Princess of Autumn.

I was born to fight. I have always been fighting for my kingdom. My kingdom
constantly under threat from the two of the most powerful- Summer and Winter,
although the most powerful- the High Court and the Dark Court themselves did not
currently pose a threat.
I am a warrior, an autumn faerie born and destined for the crown.
Since the age of sixteen- still practically a newborn by our standards, I've been
training to fight anything that threatens our kingdom. I have captured, tortured, and
killed countless hostile fae since then. And now, at the age of six-hundred eightyseven, I have become a living legend, and my name feared by faeries across the
land. Tales of my exploits have been circulated through various media, known by
everyone.

The hybrids have grown more sly and cunning, even more wilier. Unseen though
they may be, they still pose a grave and dangerous threat- an underground resistance
we must fight and destroy before it's too late. Their growing power must be checked,
for they were too powerful for us not to consider them a danger to our society.
Besides, they are creatures bound for the realms of the Dark Being. Creatures that
should never have been born.
"Any sign of them yet?" I asked Dalton, my impatience rising by the second. The
weather was uncooperative- harsh and blowing in all directions, scattering leaves in
our path.
"No," he replied, still scanning the horizon for any sign of them "But I think we're
close."
"We should be picking up on their scent by now." I said irritably. Once I see those
damned abominations, they shall suffer what so many of their kind had before. They

are dangerous and a threat. I could not afford to let them live when their loyalties are
unclear.

the most important of errands. If what was about to be said could not relayed
through FaeComm where the message could be intercepted.

While they conspire against me and my mother.

"What is it?" I asked. This better be important if it's keeping me from capturing my
prey. A wave of annoyance shot through my spine. I should have been following that
silhouette! I tapped my foot impatiently- a mannerism Ive had since I was a childas I waited for him to convey his message.

"Patience, we'll get to them soon enough." He said calmly, as he always does. Ive
noticed however, that his become more shifty, more secretive. It may have
something to do with his betrothal so I did not confront him about it. Theres
something off about him, however, and I could not tell what it was. Besides, I could
still count on him to provide sage advice.
But patience? What was he saying? I almost burst out laughing. We've been camping
for what? Three weeks now and still no sign of them? This is my longest hunt yet
and I'm losing patience faster than you can say "faerie". Besides, calm as he may
look, I'm pretty sure Dalton missed Camellia terribly.

"Y-your m-mother, the Q-queen. She's been poisoned." He shivered uncontrollably,

fearing what I would do.

Poisoned.
Poisoned.

I say the last line aloud, and I saw Dalton's face turn morose for a moment before it
turned calm again.

Poisoned.

I wished this could be my lucky day. The day I could face my future subjects
triumphantly and say I've captured the leaders of those damn rogue fae.

I feel numb, my emotions swirling, mixing with one another. A dominant one rising
above all others.

A faint rustling of wings in the distance, as well as a silhouette in the shadows

capture my attention. I felt grateful for my uniform- designed to mimic any
environment and blend in, Autumnal magic allowing it to turn invisible.

Hate and vengeance towards the culprit.

I turn to the soldiers who were respectfully waiting for my orders, or my
announcement.

This is it. I'm close, I can feel it. I can sense it.
I took off flying quickly, following the silhouette not wanting to lose it as it moved
fast, but my mother's messenger stopped me in my tracks.

"We have to go back." I told them, swallowing my emotions as best as I could. A

wave of nausea settles deep in my stomach as I tried to hold back.
"What is it Princess?" one of them asked.

"Princess! We have an emergency!" he exclaimed, he looked flustered, like he didn't

know what to say- or how to say it properly. It must be really important if my
mother didn't simply send a FaeComm message. She sends her messenger only on

"My mother's been poisoned." I told them as calmly as I can, although I can feel a
lump in my throat. Even as thoughts were becoming jumbled in my head.

Murmuring and gasps erupted. I knew what they were all thinking. Who would dare
poison the Queen? Known for her iron fist- yet kindly nature, Queen Eolande was
beloved throughout the kingdom. Yes, she's known for her harsh punishments, but
she's never been unjust.
Who would dare risk her punishments?
Dalton looked angered, his face twisting into a mask of pain and rage. He had
always been so close to my mother, the bond between them akin to a mother and her
son. Yet, I noticed his eyes had an unfamiliar shine to it- not tears, I knew.
Something else. Yet it was not the time to dwell on that.

No. I must push these thoughts out of my head. My mother is young- only two
thousand and five hundred years old. She still has a millennium or two.
She won't die, I think desperately. She'll grow stronger and recover. She'll look like a
Warrior Queen again. She's Queen Eolande, she's strong, fierce, and beautiful. She
won't die yet.
She still looks so young.
She will not die.
She will recover.

She has few enemies, and they were the Royal Houses of Summer and Winter. Not
even the Dark Court is on bad terms with her.
It has to be them. And they better pray my mother doesn't die or they will pay a
terrible price.

She is strong.
She is my mother.
She is Queen Eolande.

When I arrived at my mother's bedside, she's considerably pale and weak. It was a
shock, after all, I remember my mother strong and fierce, a warrior queen. She
taught me hand-to-hand combat herself and now, her wings look dead, her auburn
hair has turned white, and her lips too. Her skin, the color of an autumn leaf,
lightened to a milk chocolate color. Her nutmeg-colored eyes look dilated and
everything about her screams of dying. Even in the clutches of Death, she still
looked like me somehow. I've always been said to be the younger version of her.
Funny how I'll soon be ushered into her shoes, and the mantel of queenship.
No. Not yet.
The scent of death was apparent in the room, its pungent smell clung to every piece
of furniture, the mantels, the velvet curtains, but especially apparent in my mother.

She will not die.

Death and disease must fear her, like everyone else.
As if sensing my thoughts, my mother took my hand. "Terra, I'm glad you're here. It
hurts, the pain...it's unbearable. The doctors say I don't have long to live..." Even in
pain, her voice is still firm and strong, like the Queen she was. Only thousands of
years of experience could produce that kind of effect.
"No." I shook my head. No, this can't be happening. I was too young, too
inexperienced. My mother was one thousand, six hundred and fifty years old when
her mother died.

Death was claiming her.

"...I'm sorry you're too young for this but you must listen carefully to what I will
say." Her eyes turned cold and hard, like they always do when she wants me to listen
carefully and not interrupt.
"Capture the rogue faeries and don't let the Summer and Winter kingdoms invade
Autumn, or else the balance will be destroyed. And, be wary of the fae around you."
she coughed, a terrible, hacking sound and she lay there quietly, like she's waiting to
die. "Take care of Sebille." Sebille was my sister who was locked up in her tower for
so long due to her fragile mind.
She smiled sadly and gave her final pieces of advice, "Remember, no food tasters.
Poison for us is for us, not the servants. Also, Death and disease fears no one. Death
will take you, no matter who you are or where you are from."
She then drew one final breath and died. The silence that followed was deafening. I
never expected my mother's death to be like this.
So quiet, so...final.
My mother, strong and brave until the end, never showing fear. Another reason why
she is admired. And yet, despite knowing that she died with dignity, I was unable to
stop the torrent of tears that freely flowed. There I was, the Warrior Princess- no,
Queen of Autumn, sobbing, clinging to her dead mother. I took in her appearance,
hair fanned out on the pillows, posture rigid and straight, her hands clasped on her
stomach. Even in death, she was regal.
My mother is dead. My mother, with her scolding tone, her fierce outlook in life, her
expertise in combat. She's dead and I won't be able to do anything about it, except
avenge her death.

Foolish hopes, my ascension must be announced.

I knew this, I've always been aware of my duty, like all of my subjects. We all have
our duties to fulfill, no matter how distasteful they may seem. I must wipe my tears
off my face.
But not yet...let me grieve...for now at least...
Seeing my tear-ridden face, but still knowing his duty, the herald said in a voice that
could perhaps be heard throughout the kingdom even without FaeComms, "The
Queen is dead! Long live the Queen!" Outside, the crowds were gathered, hoping for
a glimpse of the new Queen. In a few moments, I would step out and greet them.
As was the custom, the High Priestess placed a wreath made of laurels on my head,
symbolizing my ascension to the throne. My father and siblings were at my mothers
bedside, their faces similarly streaked with tears. But I knew we must look strong in
front of everyone. Let it not be said that the Royal Family of Autumn shows
weakness, my mother would have said.
Queen. I'm now the queen. As males, my brothers would never ascend the throne of
Autumn and I'm old enough for my duties now. With that, I rushed to wipe the tears
and face my new subjects with the same dignity my mother did when her own died
and she ascended to the throne.
I will make my promise good. Whoever did this to my mother will pay and I will
make sure he or she shall suffer a hundred times worse than what my mother
suffered.

The spell cast around the room with my mother's death must be broken, I knew. My
ascension must be announced. Still, I hoped against hope that it wouldn't be
announced just yet. That denying it would bring my mother back...

This moment that would define me in front of my subjects. If I slip up or do

something wrong, it would stay with me forever and guarantee that I would be
thought of as weak. I cannot be called weak, especially not now.
The roar of the crowd was deafening. Despite my reputation, despite all I've done, it
was gratifying to know that my subjects are on my side, that I have their approval. I
may be young, but I do have experience in combat and leadership. Soon, I fear, there
might be conflict.

II.

And yet, Ive done it. It seemed Ive aced my first challenge as a Queen. No sobs, no
vomit. Maybe no one would think to underestimate me.
I was a Warrior Princess.

My throat still heavy and thick with sobs, I made my way to the balcony to greet my
new subjects. Although obviously still in mourning, like I am, they tried their best to
greet me properly. I swallowed down the bile that was gathering in my throat and
tried to ignore the nausea I felt. It would not do to throw up in front of my new
subjects.
"Long live Queen Terra!" the crowd outside were chanting as enthusiastically as
they can. Even if I fear I might burst into tears at any given moment, I went to
address them.
"This is a period of great mourning," I managed to say while pushing down sobs,
"Today, we lost a queen who will forever live in our hearts. Although we are in
mourning, we must never forget those responsible for this. I promise you, whoever
he or she is, they will pay. They won't ever get away with what they did to my
mother."
I tried to hold my head up high, look as regal as I could manage. I imagined my
mother at her own ascension, how would she have looked like? My back was
straight, my posture. I applied all the training Ive had in this single moment.

Now, I shall be a Warrior Queen.

"Are you all right?" my father, the Dowager King Aelfraed, asked as he sat by me at
the garden. His eyes were red and puffy and he seemed to have aged a millennia. "I
fear this is all too much for you to handle.
I look at my father. The opposite of my mother, he had always been calm,
composed, and loving at all times, where my mother had conflicting tempers of fire
and ice, like me and my brothers, like majority of our subjects. When I was younger,
I would run to him when my mother scolded me for not measuring up to her
standards. His kindly face never fails to cheer me up, and I know he's suffering more
than any of us. After all, he and my mother were married for nine centuries.
"I should be asking you the same thing." I said, staring at the trees and flowers that
grew in our garden. My mother used to love them. When she wasnt with her
generals or planning the next mission, she would be here, conversing with the
gardeners and tending her favorite plants.
He looked lost for a long time, before he finally said, "It feels odd, that she's gone.
I've been with her for so long, I've forgotten how's it's like to live without her." he

smiled sadly, "I remember when you were born. It was such a difficult childbirth,
and yet your brothers and I saw how strong she is. When she was poisoned, we
thought maybe...she'll find a way to survive. That's what she is after all. A survivor, a
fighter. I never thought she would die so soon."
"None of us did." I said as gently as I could manage without sobbing. It was true, my
mother was at her prime. She was at her strongest- or at least, she was supposed to
be.
"She was always stronger than I was." he looked like he didnt know what to say.
"I've always loved her for it. Now she's gone...just like that."
"So will be the one who poisoned her." I gritted my teeth at the thought of an
unknown person, flying undetected, slipping poison in my mothers food or drink. I
must know who did this and why.
He squeezed my hand tightly, and looked at me straight in the eye, his gaze
unwavering and firm. "Do not let anger flood your heart and cloud your senses."
I decided to take his words to heart. There are things other than revenge to worry
about. Still, that does not mean I would let the suspect get away with what he did.
But then, I may forget his words and take rash action or do something I might regret.
Throughout the next day, condolences arrived from the nobles and Royal Houses
from each of the kingdoms- except the Dark Court, for they are too malicious.
Although I appreciated those coming from here, the High Court, and the Spring
Kingdom, I can't help but feel bitterness reading those coming from Summer and
Winter. After all, they are our enemies and it was plausible that they poisoned my
mother. If not, they must have felt relief or celebrated. I could almost see their smug
little smirks, their whispers...
"The new Autumn Queen is young, she would be easy to fight."

I could have sworn they poisoned my mother if I didn't have evidence that proves
the opposite.
For when I started my investigation with regards to the poison, I saw a different
story.
The poison contained crushed ice lilies and summer orchids. Since Summer and
Winter will never team up, I thought that someone is trying to pin the blame on them
to start a war.
That someone would have to be around here since the Autumn garden is the only
garden where every plant from all kingdoms can grow.
If my hunch is true, I must find who this someone is and capture him or her fast,
before he or she can create more trouble for all of us. And, if what I see is correct, he
or she was here in my kingdom.
Soon, I must find time to capture this traitor.
I hate this. I hate all of this. My mother hasn't been in the ground for more than a
week when the fetes and balls started. It feels like a betrayal.
I hated the dresses they made me wear. The long sleeves constricted my arms,
limiting my freedom of movement. If I was human, I would have tripped on the long
dress that reaches below my feet. It was designed to make me look elegant, but Ive
never been elegant. Ive always been a warrior. I would give anything to be able to
wear my uniform again.
And I would give anything to have my mother back.
I shook my head. There was no use dwelling on these things. I must stop thinking of
foolish things.
I'm the Queen now, whether I like it or not.

10

This latest fete is just as I expected: boring. Basically, everyone's moving around,
socializing, drinking and eating or dancing. All except for me. I feel awkward and
twitchy, aching to get back to the woods and hunt those rogue fae. I didnt belong
here with all the silly socialites, I belonged outside, in the open air and the scent of
the woods. I rolled my eyes at the lavish decorations, the crystal chandeliers, and the
mirror-like walls. So much extravagance for something I'd rather not celebrate. I was
swathed in silk, its sheer softness against my skin making me uncomfortable, as
used as as I was to rougher materials. My mother always told me that to experience
hardship is to appreciate the luxuries around you.

"All you have to do is to follow my lead."

There are royals and nobles from other kingdoms present. The heirs to the thrones of
all the other kingdoms are here. Looking at them, grouped together and chattering
away, I am reminded of our differences. I was brought up in a militaristic manner,
taught to fight in hundreds of ways. As they learn the art og diplomacy, I learn the
art of the sword. Not that I never learned diplomacy, but I never learned how to
dance.

Everyone applauded, but some had smirks on their faces. I sent them a glare until
they lowered theit gazes. Here, I am Queen and they must learn their places. My
mother always told me that.

I watched them sadly, envying how close they seemed to each other, while I only
had my siblings and soldiers for company.
One of them excused himself and approached me. Judging by his handsome, cold
features, I could tell he's Damien, the Prince of the Dark Court.
"Will Your Majesty allow me this dance?" He asked, bowing and holding his hand
out to me.
I looked down, embarrassed. "I don't know how to dance," I said. "My mother never
saw fit to teach me." I felt another pang of sadness. Maybe she would have taught
me eventually if she were still alive.
He smiled slyly in response. "It will be an honour to teach you."
I looked up. "Really? You will teach me?" I caught my brother Alberich's gaze and
he nodded, as if saying I should not offend th

He lead me towards the dance floor and we started to dance. At first, my gait was
awkward, nearly tripping several times. However, the prince taught me patiently
until I could dance a little.
"Thank you." I said, smiling a little. The prince had been gracious and kind
throughout the dance, something that I did not expect. However, I would see him
glance at Sarine, the Spring Priincess from time to time.

The prince bowed and rejoined the others, leaving me alone to my thoughts.
After some time, faeries started to look at me expectantly. Some were even
muttering to themselves. A few of the older nobles huddled amongst themselves. I
caught a tidbit of their conversation- they say I'm too young but there are no
alternatives.
Father looked at me and raised his brows. He pointed to the podium at the center.
Fae had already gathered there.
Right. The speech. How could I have forgotten?
I hasten to fly towards the center of the ballroom, where a platform was erected with
a podium.
Clearing my throat, I began "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming tonight. A
little over a week ago, my mother died and I suddenly became Queen. It was a dark
moment for me, as I was lost and confused. I was too young, and so is my mother.
None of us thought this would happen. I thought I still have a thousand years and
perhaps a few more hundred years before I become Queen."

11

They were getting bored, I could see, but fae are too polite to show it, unlike those
wretched mortals my brother Adrian liked so much.

Loosening up a bit, I placed my right hand into his own as he led me to the center. I
sincerely hoped I could remember what the Dark Prince taught me.

I continued, I did not make this speech for nothing, whether they like it or not, they
will listen. "But then, I thought about you, all of you. My new subjects. I knew you
need a strong Queen, which is why I stand before you now, trying to present the best
image I can present to you. You are the reason why I stand before you now and say:
I will be a strong Queen and nothing and no one should dare harm my kingdom and
my subjects lest they face the terrible consequences I have for them."

"Now what?" my brother Adrian asked after the ball. His real name was Crion, but
he changed it when he went to the mortals' dimension to learn their culture. He has
always been the odd one in our family. The one always travelling between
dimensions, via the portal at the town of Rimmors.

Applause erupted. They never expected this from me. They expected an Ice Queen.
Well then, I'm sorry to disappoint those haughty social climbers and court hangerson, but if they want an Ice Queen, they better go to the Winter Kingdom.

Adrian slammed his fist on the table, his amber eyes darkening in anger and
frustration.

"I asked the servants, they were drugged." I said, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"How can we avenge her if no one remem-"

I am fire for Autumn has always been fire. My temper must always be like cooling
embers of a flame, instead of a blazing one, unless necessary. I am also like ice, for
Autumn's season precedes Winter. My temper, when not like fire, was a cold chill, a
breeze. My anger, it was said, was even more frightening when cold than hot. Then
again, our fae tend to fear the cold more than the heat.
For the realms of Death are cold and the realms of the Great Being are warm.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness," the royal messenger arrived. "this came recently."
He then left soon after.
The letter looked old-fashioned, and antique-looking. Obviously, someone used a bit
of magic to make it look that way. Oddly enough, it looked like a mortal could have
written it. I wrinkled my nose in disgust at the poor choice of words and use in
language.

A voice interrupted my musings. "May I have this dance?" He asked.

The message was written in fancy script and said:
Turning, I saw the Prince of the High Court, Prince Ryuk. He was much more
striking in person than any images would show. The glittering lights reflected upn
his golden hair like a halo. His eyes shone like the bluest skies.
"Your Highness does me a great honour," I said, praying that it was the right thing to
say.
To my surprise, he laughed. "There's no need to be formal, Your Majesty, " he said,
winking.

Queen Terra,
How does it feel to be Queen? Scared of the responsibility aren't you? Don't worry,
you won't have it for long.
By the way, congratulations figuring out it isn't Winter or Summer- looks like your
brain works after all. What a shame though- I was hoping to start a war. Oh well,
I'll have plenty more chances for that.

12

Beware princess- I mean Queen, you'll never guess who I am. After all, would you
think someone who's near you will be a traitor? And once you find out, it will be too
late.

I could take on any challenge.

As I finished reading it aloud, my brother trembled in fury. His fists clenched and
unclenched ay his sides as his mouth drew into a thin line. His eyes bored holes into
the parchment, as if he wanted to wrench it from my grasp and tear it into a million
pieces.
I threw the letter to the flames hastily, no one should know about this, considering
the gossip networks so readily available via FaeComm.
"It isn't enough that he killed mother, and now, he wants to kill you too?" he raged,
fire building in his eyes. "Who would be next? Father? The rest of us? We will find
this traitor, and he will be executed."
"He's probably just someone the Dark Court sent to threaten us." I said, a bit unsure.
Yes, the Dark Court is malicious and evil, but murder isn't their thing. Physical
agony, yes, mental breakdown, yes, emotional anguish, definitely, but murder? No,
they don't do murder. They would say murder is too final a thing and go on about
how much better it wasto drive a victim insane instead.
"Or the rogue fae." I added. "It's probably just them, trying to frighten us."
"Maybe," he said, although he looked doubtful , not really believing that there isn't
real harm.
Maybe, I am afraid, trying to convince myself that I could face this challenge when
I couldn't.
I slapped myself mentally. I am Terra, Warrior Queen of Autumn, I could do
anything, conquer anything.

III.
"Your Majesty, we have a problem." General Rhiannon said as we were strolling
about in the garden. She looks tired and worried, judging by the lines that appeared
on her face and the dull, tired look in her eyes- like she hasn't gotten a good night's
sleep in a while.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The sprites report a great threat." she said gravely. "The Winter kingdom is
planning an invasion."
I stopped in my tracks. No, no, they wouldn't dare. The High Court would protect us.
They were bound by our oath and the one thing that they could never get: our portal.
"Titania and Oberon...." I muttered under my breath. Glancing all around me, I saw
that the Court faeries are busily chatting and going about on their own business and
didn't seem to hear. Good, the last thing I need is a kingdom of panicking fae.
Besides, the High Court would protect us.
"Would never allow it." she assured me. "Unfortunately, they are...ah, preoccupied at
the moment."
"What do you mean preoccupied?" I demanded. "The Winter kingdom as you say is
planning an invasion and The High Court is preoccupied?" I almost spit the word
'preoccupied'. What would be more serious than this?

Be damned all who dare presume to oppose me.

13

"The Dark Court, ma'am," she said, her face betraying no emotion. "They are being
more aggressive than ever."

The Autumn Queen is dead. The new one is too young.

We could defeat them with ease.

"They are always aggressive, I see no reason why-" They are the Dark Court. Of
course they would be aggressive. Its their job to create malice. For the gods sakes,
if the High Court needs to create excuses, couldnt they come up with something
else?
I was unable to finish my sentence since the royal messenger came in.
"Madam," he said. "The Winter Court decided to send an envoy carrying a
message-"
What now? An envoy telling us about their upcoming invasion and that we don't
stand a chance against them? I have more problems to worry about than a petty little
envoy.

Enemies. They are enemies. Always and forever.

I received the Winter Prince in my Throne Room. Despite the Autumn season being
closely related to Winter, our customs are strikingly different. For example, there
males inherit the kingdom. Our manners, it seemed, are different as well. I may have
been a warrior, but I was by no means a savage. Nor was I a spoilt brat as the Winter
Prince was proving to be.
"Your Majesty," the prince bowed in a mocking manner, his ice-blue eyes cold and
emotionless. "I thank you for receiving me in your kingdom despite the tense
situation between our kingdoms."
Tense doesn't even begin to describe the situation.

"-the Winter Prince, the heir to the throne. He came with a proposal for Your
Majesty."
The Winter Prince, huh? This might be a bit interesting.

"Your Highness," I said through gritted teeth, in what I hope to be a calm manner, as
to not show my irritation and enmity. A Prince of Winter has no business here, lest of
all its Crown Prince. "Is always welcome in our kingdom."

Memories of the ball came to mind. He was handsome, I remember. A bit cold, but
also very elegant. I felt crude in comparison.

"Thank you, madam. I come with a proposal from my kingdom." He said, his eyes
shining with what I assumed to be mischief.

What proposal? A truce? An alliance? With the Winter kingdom? They will have to
kill me first.

A proposal? I unwittingly lean forward on my gilded throne, waiting with a baited

breath to hear what he has to say. All the courtiers in the room are staring intently
now, their gazes fixed on the Prince and I. His proposal might change the fate of our
kingdom.

The nerve of them coming here.

I could almost see their smug little smiles when my mother died, when they sent that
letter telling me about their condolences. The ambassador even told me about the
things he heard.

"My sovereigns, my most gracious father and mother, the King and Queen, sent me
to propose a preposition- an alliance."
An alliance? My courtiers shook their head in disgust.

14

An alliance with Winter? Impossible! My mother would have been rolling in her
grave. Still, I kept quiet in order to hear what he's going to say next. I raised a finger
and looked at the courtiers sternly in order to silence them. We must not appear rude
to the Winter Prince, it simply would not do.

I will not be a mother to one of the creatures I hunt and kill.

I will not be mother to an abomination.

"An alliance through marriage."

I will not kill my own child and I cannot be a hypocrite. I have a reputation to
uphold.

Marriage? With the Winter Prince? Did I hear correctly?

On the other hand, the idea of toying with the Winter Prince is appealing.

How incredibly laughable.

"Perhaps, it would do you good to remember the rogue fae." I said.

And illegal, in my kingdom at least. Theres no way I would break my own law.

"Fae royals are of sturdier and stabler stock than most."

I, my nobles, and the various courtiers at court were all shocked into silence. Never
has this happened in the thousands of years of fae history. Royals usually marry
nobles- even commoners of their own kingdom but never other kingdoms- most
especially rival ones. Not even for political alliance was this done. Especially since
this sort of marriages show which is stronger- something that causes much discord
between kingdoms.

He's persistent, I have to give him that but I'm not happy with the idea of marrying
him. It would give him far too much political advantage. Besides, a royal marrying
someone from another kingdom is unheard of and would carry much gossip and
taint.

Not to mention the hybrids.

"I've always thought myself Your Majesty's equal in power and magic." His nerve
amused me. A mere prince telling that to a queen!

"It would come to pass that one of us might emerge to be the stronger one."

I struggled to find my voice for a few minutes. After I recovered from my shock, I
said as calmly as I can "Surely you would want traditional gifts for alliances?"

Marrying fae of another kingdom is highly illegal in my kingdom.

He laughed, "Parcels of land? Faerie slaves? The pets you call werewolves? Nay,
human royals intermarry. Why not fae?"

He raised an eyebrow arrogantly, shocking me and my courtiers by showing an

appalling lack of respect. Im sure you could always change them.

Why not fae? It's wrong, that's why! A child born of two different seasons? It would
be unpredictable! A child born of different seasons usually takes after the stronger
parent's season. Two royals of different seasons would compete to be the strongest
and this may cause strife between them. Or, if they are equally strong, the union will
produce a rogue faerie.

That wouldnt be so easy, I said coolly. It was true. A change in our laws must be
unanimously approved by the Council.
I still see nothing wrong with a hybrid child.

15

The courtiers drew a collective breath. The Prince was saying that a child of a union
between us will be a hybrid.
I decided to throw him a bone. You may try, I said finally. Convince my Council
and I of your worth.

"Your kingdom is very beautiful." he said thoughtfully, making me smile as I

remember the images of his kingdom I once saw. It looks quite old-fashioned when
compared to ours. Beautiful yes, in a different way than ours. A cold kind of beauty.
One that seeps into your skin and makes you shiver.
"Likewise, I've heard that your kingdom is also very lovely." I said, forcing a smile.

Some of the older courtiers scowled at me, while the younger ones were looking on
with keen interest. I could just imagine what the conservatives think.

The rest of the conversation went smoothly and I knew what tactic I must employ: I
shall gain his trust and find out what secrets he's hiding.

Unacceptable.
I, of course shall never trust him.
Unbelievable.
He's the Winter Prince.
I made up my mind. He may try, but he won't succeed.
The enemy.
Of course, I'll play with him first.
Forever and always.
I decided to meet the prince in the Autumn gardens. Once there, faeries flew away,
as if they knew I wanted them to. However, they made sure that they are still in my
line of sight in case trouble arises.
"I apologize Your Highness, but I must be blunt, is your kingdom planning an
invasion?" I asked, regretting it immediately as I mentally kicked myself. Asking a
visiting diplomat if their kingdom is planning to attack yours was practically a
suicidal tactic.
The Winter Prince smiled and chuckled lightly, "No madame, those are merely
malicious rumors most likely spread by the Dark Court. And please call me Kailen."
I smiled back, still a tad suspicious with his actions. I've never seen the Winter
ambassador- or any of their fae for that matter smile like that. "That is a relief to
hear, although I am very sorry I listened to such rumors. Likewise, you may call me
Terra."

16

IV.
"Can you believe it?"
"The nerve!"
"This has never happened before!"

I laugh inwardly. Of course not.

You're Winter, I thought. My people will never ever accept you.
Instead, I clapped his back and said reassuring words that made me feel false. "Give
it time," I said. "They'll accept you soon enough." They never will...
Except if doing so will prevent a war.

"Will she actually accept his proposal?"

"What if she produces a half-breed if they get married? Oh the irony!"
All around the kingdom, these were often heard, I was told. Gossip spreads very
fast, as I knew before, especially with the FaeComms, and the main gossips at court
probably flew as fast as their wings could carry them just to spread the news. What
they wouldn't do for gossip, I don't know. Everyday, I could hear those annoying
courtiers giggle to themselves and whisper. As if they thought I could not hear them.
"Your kingdom is full of interesting people," Kailen remarked, his eyes showing
that he meant irritating not interesting.
"I suppose so," I shrugged. In a kingdom full of interesting people, normal becomes
interesting.
"News spread fast." He looked around, trying to see if there are any nosy courtiers
spying on us. There weren't- I sent them away this morning, warning them not to
come near us.
"Of course," I said proudly. "This is the pioneer kingdom in technology and
communication after all."
"They don't like me," he said thoughtfully, like he cares.

Five Weeks Later....

In the weeks that have passed since the prince's arrival we've grown to know each
other quite well. So well that Ive started to enjoy his company- a fact that surprised
me. I smiled to myself as I sat in my study, looking over at important documents that
needed my signature.
"Your Majesty," my lady-in-waiting, Lady Annaliese entered nervously.
"You look pale," I remarked, scrutinizing her features. It was true, she looks deathly
pale, like something troubles her deeply. Her hands were shaking as her wings
fluttered with lightning-fast speed.
"It is the prince, madam, he is being most unreasonable." she's biting her lip now.
"What do you mean unreasonable?" I asked gently. She's afraid, I could tell, and I
didnt want her to be even more afraid. She was the second mother figure I had, and
the only one I have left.
"He's been making outrageous requests on the Council of Five, my husband says."
Ah, so that's why she looks so afraid. Her husband, Lord Alric is a member of the
Council , and she rejoices in his triumphs and weeps at his sorrows. He usually

17

spends time between Court and the barracks, and on the rare occasion he was at
Court, he makes sure to know every significant thing.

If he could marry her and kill me, the throne would be in effectively his. No, he
cannot marry her.

"What requests?" Surely he would not ask for anything too outrageous. This was
still my kingdom after all. A visiting diplomat cannot simply make any demands that
would be deemed improper.

Better me than her.

"Ma'am, he says that if he will not have you, he will marry," she drops her voice to a
whisper, "your sister!"

I would be the better choice.

"But she is betrothed!" I exclaimed. Surely he couldn't mean Camellia?

"Your other sister ma'am, she said, frowning.

She wouldn't be able to handle him, not with her present mental condition, but I can.

I wouldn't be a puppet, subject to Winter's every whim. Yes, if marrying means

preventing a war, maybe I would marry him.
"Sister," I greeted her warmly, as I always do. After all, we've always been close, as
our age gap was only ten months apart, she's practically my twin.

Sebille? My dear little sister who had always been so mentally fragile?
I said nothing, instead, I waited for Lady Anneliese to say more.
She started fidgeting, "And if he doesn't get what he wants, there will be war. Or so
he implies.
War. That terribly ugly word.

Her room, was richly furnished as is befitting a princess. Luxurious velvet curtains
hung in the windows, her bed looks neat, and draped in gold with a gilded gold bed
frame. Today, she was sitting in her chaise lounge, her eyes having that faraway look
in them. I noticed how she looked startlingly alike to the Winter Prince, with her
pale skin, nearly white hair, and ice blue eyes. A genetic mutation, Ive always
thought. Autumn Fae do tend to look like a mixture of all seasons- even non-hybrids.
Perhaps recessive genes from my fathers side.
"How are you?" I asked, flying over to the bed where she was seated.

My other sister, Sebille, has been locked in a mental facility since the age of two
hundred. She has always been mentally unstable and fragile. There was once a time
when she could fight with the rest of us. She was an extremely capable and adept
warrior who was at par with me, until one day, she snapped and lost her mind. We
don't know how and why it happened and we're still trying to find answers.

She didn't respond, maybe today isn't a good day. As I turned to leave, however, she
said "Wait. You came to tell me something, didn't you?"
Ah, she's simply thinking deep. She tended to do that sometimes, the times when she
was almost normal, almost sane. It gave us hope, these temporary lapses, made us
believe she would come back to us.

She also comes after me and before Camellia which means...

18

"Yes," I admitted after a short pause. After all, there is no use trying to hide
something from her. "The Winter Prince proposes marriage to me, and if I refuse, he
demands to be married to you or there will be war."
She nodded, maybe she's stable today. "So if he kills you, he can take the throne in
my name." She looked almost amused at the notion. If she was like what she used to
be, she would have scoffed and laughed it off. Maybe even throw in an insult or two.
"Yes, most likely," I wondered what she thought of that.

She didn't respond, instead, she turned and stared into nowhere again. I took that as
my cue to leave.
Before I was out the door, I noticed her sitting in a corner, rocking to herself gently,
humming a tune. A tune I recognized as one of the lullabies my mother used to sing
when we were younger.
I will find a cure, I promised her silently. The Winter Prince wouldn't be able to
exploit your weakness.

She was quiet for a while. "I'm not going to marry him," she finally said in a firm
tone, sounding, for a moment, like her old self- proud and stubborn. "How cruel, to
use my mental instability like that. If he can't marry the Queen, why not the crazy
sister, is that what it is?
"Don't think like that," I said, grasping her thin, pale hands. "You won't be unstable
for long. My doctors are working on perfecting a cure." It's true, we've been working
with the best doctors in the realm, trying to find a way to heal Sebille's broken mind.
In fact, we've also worked with priestesses but each time, they only said:
"When the shadow falls
over the great kingdom,
she will rise again
and avenge all who were wronged,
restore the queen to her rightful place"
We've never understood what it meant but I've always held a guess and that frightens
me. What if the queen was me?

V.

19

FaeTech belongs to Autumn. Always had and always will. Such is the way of this
world.

"You must understand," I said calmly while we were flying in the palace gardens,
discussing the peace treaty. "We can't give you part of FaeTech. My people won't
stand for it, and neither will I."

FaeTech had been around for centuries- no, millennia.

"Why not?" he demanded. He obviously looks irritated, and ran his hand through his
silvery-white hair.

FaeTech is our world's version of human technology but older, more efficient, and

"Because," I said as patiently as I can, "FaeTech is our symbol. The symbol of what
power Autumn has. FaeTech runs on Autumn magic. FaeTech belongs to Autumn.
Additionally, it would be against the laws of our land.

more advanced. FaeTech runs on magic, Autumnal magic- Nolecho, and the other
kingdoms have coveted our hold on it since it was first introduced. No wonder really
since FaeTech was what ran our world. However, none of the fae from other
kingdoms had the ability to create Nolecho- thus ensuring our monopoly. It had
often been said the FaeTech made us neglect our true calling- in nature. I don't pay
them much attention- FaeTech, after all relied on nature, we do still pay attention to
it from time to time.

And, the Winter Prince apparently wants some of it as part of his outrageous
requests to prevent war. A foolish request as the secrets of FaeTech were heavily
guarded by inventors and scientists. In fact , our laws insisted that they travel to the
other kingdoms in order to install the necessary technology. No outsider was
allowed access to this information.

FaeTech is Autumn. After all, it was powered by balls of fire and energy that bursts
from our palms.
"What if I tell you that you may bring about war?"
War. The magic word again. I felt grateful we were alone that day, lest anyone else
overhears. In fact, it seemed no one dares to bother us while we chat like this.
"Is that a threat? May I remind you that you are in the Autumn kingdom as our
'guest' and I can turn you from guest to hostage in less than a minute?" The moment
I uttered those words, I regretted it immediately. What sort of Queen threatens to
imprison a diplomat for petty matters?
"Are you threatening me?" he hissed, his icy eyes hardening.
I laughed uneasily, "No. I am merely reminding you where you are and your
position here." You can be my prisoner...
I am after all, the Queen. I could do as I please to an upstart prince, I reassured
myself. I could say anything I want as this is my kingdom.
You must act with tact and decorum, I remind myself. Don't get ahead of yourself.

20

He bowed stiffly, "In that case, I wish to retire. This conversation tires me."
I waved my hand. Go on then, we may continue some other time. I felt a wave of
sadness rush through me. How unfortunate he had to destroy what friendship weve
established. Or perhaps, this was his plan all along. I couldnt be sure of anything
these days.
Later that afternoon, a War Council was called. As one hasn't been called for
centuries, my curiosity was piqued. What could be so important that one had to be
called?
When I got to the War Room, it was definitely not what I expected.
First, I would never have thought that the War Room would be so...neglected. And
the Palace servants were only cleaning up now.
For the gods' sake! This is the Autumn War Room! Our army has been said to be the
best in the world! Surely, the War Room and Council deserves better than this? My
soldiers deserve better.
The place was crawling with rodents, pests, and a pixie or two was scavenging for
pretty parts. The technology was in a terrible shape. It was all outdated and I'm not
even sure we support that kind of ancient technology anymore. Aside from that,
quills and paper was scattered and ink spilled. The screens even had cracks, the
holo-maps no longer work. Everywhere was pure and utter chaos. Like the
werewolves have ransacked the place. Indeed, I wouldn't be surprised if the
werewolves were able to ransack the room, after all, it was in a state of such neglect,
I wondered if anyone paid attention to it anymore. Except today of course.
Funny how hearing that the Council had been called could send them cleaning and
fixing everything fast. Have they heard of my conversation with the Winter Prince?

When the servants saw me, they curtsied and bowed. "Your Majesty, we apologize
for the neglect. We thought that we wouldn't have to use the War Room for another
century or two." the Head of the Servants said sheepishly.
"That's what we all thought," I said as gently as I can, "but surely you could have
cleaned up and updated the technology? Never mind, I'll just hold the meeting
elsewhere. Meanwhile, I expect this room to be cleaned up, the technology updated,
and looking like a true War Room. Understood?"
"Of course, madame, he said, his head still bowed.
What kind of kingdom am I running? The only thing good here is the military and
technology, the rest was a mess.
I decided to hold the meeting in my dayroom instead. While it was nowhere near the
War Room two hundred years ago, it at least is clean, spacious, with all the modern
technology.
"Why did you tell the Winter Prince he could be our prisoner?" Adrian raged, his
wings turning a shade of deep red to reflect his anger. "Are you seeking trouble?"
"Be mindful on to whom you speak!" I raged back, even though I knew he's correct.
I should have never said that, it was like courting danger.
"As you yourself should also! The Prince is a diplomat and could have told his
father about your threat!"
My face and wings flushed scarlet. Of course he knows. Of course they all know.
My blunder could have been made public.
Before we could throw fireballs at one another, the other members of the Royal
Family and the Council arrived, chatting nervously.

21

"Before we begin, may I ask who decided to call this meeting?" I asked, looking
around at the gathered faces, wondering who it might be.
"I did," my brother Alberich, who was usually so quiet said in an urgent tone. And
yet, I can see why he would call this meeting. As the head of our Intelligence
Network, he might have discovered something important.
"Why son?" Father asked. I could tell his curiosity was piqued with the way he
leaned forward, intent on listening to every word he would say. Father had thrown
himself in military matters as a way of coping. Odd as it might be, I thought it might
help. It might remind him of Mother.
I noticed how haggard my brother looked. His hair, the color of nutmeg was untidy,
he had bags under his eyes like he hasn't had a good night's sleep in a while and he
looked sickly pale. "My spies discovered a connection between the rogue fae, the
'new threat' and the Winter Kingdom."
"What is it?"

"The rogue fae should never be called rogue. They were fae of mixed blood, they
have a community of their own and are extremely overprotective of their own kind. I
found out that their resentment of you and our kingdom runs deep, and they
volunteered to be Winter's newest Super-Soldiers, to avenge their kind."
Those hybrids again. It seems that they shall never cease to plague me.
"What is the extent of their threat to us?" I asked, agitation running through me.
It seemed all my mistakes have resurfaced to haunt me. And yet, I remember the
promise I made to my mother on the day she died. While I have no intention of
breaking that promise, I am still struggling to figure out what I must do to the
countless scores of hybrids across my kingdom. As of now, we decided to
experiment with Maeryl, making it a town where hybrids can live without fear. A
town where they could be part of our society, live like we do.
He ran his hand through his hair in agitation. "Sister," he said "they're not planning
an invasion. They are invading."

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