The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Sixteen

A gentle humming filled Regina’s ears. Aches and cramps irritated her limbs. Her head felt heavy. It was like she was hungover. But she no memory of going to any drinking parties. What happened?

“Wakie-wakie, sleeping beauty.”

Despite the complaining of her head and body, she opened her eyes and grinned.

“You joker,” she said, laughing softly and then wincing from the ache in her temples. “If it isn’t the other princess of Xiphis.”

Victoria smiled, I should get myself a fancy name tag,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. “Reg, I am completely in awe of what you did. From the moment I’ve arrived, all I’ve been hearing is the amazing admiration for you from your people. The Crazy Five are not pleased I showed up. But they can deal with it.”

Regina snorted, “I hope you didn’t come alone.”

“Oh, No. I came with your father. I have come to the conclusion that anything involving portal travel should be done with a companion . . . And possibly a personal body guard.”

Her cheek flared and she hid beneath her bed covers.

“I knew it!”

“Ssh, you goof!” Regina threw the covers away and clapped her hand over her sister’s mouth. “Vic, there are eyes and ears everywhere. You have to keep your voice low.”

Her sister nodded, unperturbed by the actions.

“They’re still not warmed up to the idea of having a princess, huh?”

“Not even in the slightest,” Regina sighed, shaking her head and shrugging. “Which is why I’ve been very careful about what I do or say. Whether I am in public or in private.”

“My lady?”

She sighed, “See?”

Regina rose from the bed, checked her sleeping gown to make sure it wasn’t riding up or misplaced. She winked at Victoria and unfurled her wings. When she was satisfied they were still in tact, they furled and she reached for the robe at the foot of her bed.

“I am decent,” she called to the door.

She held back a smile when Freydra showed in Kalib.

“I’m glad to see you recovering,” he said, glancing over his shoulder as Freydra left the room again. “And I have news.”

His eyes turned back to Regina and she saw the warning in them.

“Speak freely,” she said, motioning for him to come closer. “My sister should hear whatever you have to say.”

Kalib nodded, sighing as he acknowledged Victoria with a smile. He crossed his arms. Uncrossed them. Glanced around the room in visible nervousness.

“Kalib,” said Regina in a lowered voice. “What’s wrong? You’re not usually like this.”

“I’ve been told walls have eyes and ears in this place,” he whispered back. “It’s not an easy task to share important information when I know, for a fact, there is someone listening and someone trying to kill you.”

* * *

“I am so flipping intrigued!” Victoria whispered-shouted as Regina led her and Kalib through the tunnels. “A freakin’ secret tunnel. My sister’s life is at stake.”

“Not the time, Vic,” said Regina, snorting. “I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we’re not here to explore. You missed that train.”

She glanced down the dimly lit tunnel. Kalib had his sword out. He also held a strange electronic device. It was dark gray with a single, flashing, blue light on the very top. Regina wanted to ask about it, but it wasn’t the time.

“I have not explored beyond this point,” Regina explained as they emerged from the tunnel into the room where her grandparents’ portraits used to be. “So, I do not know where that leads.”

Victoria stood next to her as Kalib paused in front of the new tunnel. Regina watched him tilt his head. She bit her lip her lip to hold back the smile. She had already deducted Kalib could do most the same abilities she could. Hearing things other people couldn’t was definitely on the list.

Victoria tugged at her sleeve, making Regina look at her.

His ass, she mouthed, pointing a thumb at the subject.

Regina smacked her.

“Am I wrong?” her sister snorted, dodging the second attack.

“Shut up,” Regina countered, pointing to the subject of interest. “Victoria I love you. But-”

“Oh, how I love being an only child,” said Kalib, turning around. “What’s the quarrel?”

He wore a knowing smirk.

“Nothing,” Regina and her sister replied; thank heavens.

He watched her. Eyebrow raised as he tried to figure her out.

“This tunnel would bring us to your favorite room, your highness,” he went on, stuffing the odd device into the pouch the pouch tied to his sword belt.

“What room would that be?” asked Victoria, rubbing her arm.

“Blech, the Council’s study room,” Regina replied, shaking her head. “And he means it with sarcasm. The Crazy Five like to lock me up during lessons. I feel lucky to have Kalib for company now.”

“You should feel lucky,” her sister snickered.

Regina grumbled to herself and motioned for Kalib.

“Is there another exit, apart from the study? The Five are always in there. Even when I think they’re not.”

“Why not turning us invisible?” suggested Victoria.

“Our abilities don’t quite work that way,” Kalib replied thoughtfully. “But you’re not far off.”

He then licked his lips and Regina was distracted by the movement.

“I think we can replace our way to the armory,” he went on, pointing to the new tunnel. “ From there, we can replace Lord Bortælus and alert him of the . . . Situation.”

“Which would be the wise thing to do,” Regina nodded in agreement. “If you would, please, lead the way.”

Kalib smiled, extending his elbow her way.

“We must hurry,” he said as she hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow. Regina noticed the way Victoria smirked. She sent her sister a look of warning. Her sister winked as Kalib led them down the tunnel.

* * *

Several minutes later, Kalib pulled away from Regina and placed his hands on the wall before them. She watched him feel around. Pressing his palms gently to different spots. His eyes were as he leaned his head against the wall. Regina and Victoria exchanged a glance.

“Here,” he said after a long silence., stepping away from the wall. “Princess, how well do you understand your abilities?”

His gaze turned her way. A smile lit up his face.

“I learn something new every day,” she replied, ignoring her sister’s funny expression as she moved to stand beside Kalib. “What do you need me to do?”

“Oh, I don’t need you to do much,” the chuckle was back. “I just have a strong feeling you haven’t reached your full potential yet. You have more in you than certain advisers might think.”

“Oh, ha! Having wings was more than they expected. The looks on their faces were priceless. What more do you think I can do?”

“Come,” Kalib took Regina’s hand, pressing it against the wall. “You sensed the mountain’s groaning. You knew there was something wrong. Feel the wall. Sense the silent vibrations. Find what those vibrations mean.”

She nodded and closed her eyes. She cleared her mind of all distractions. Trying to ignore the tingle from Kalib’s warmth. She concentrated on the gentle vibrations. They were faint, but she felt them. They came from all over the palace above. She could almost formulate a visible image in her mind.

Regina could see the servants in the kitchens. Each of them humming and minding their own business. She then envisioned the foyer. A servant was dusting her grandparents’ portraits. Her father was standing nearby in thoughtful observation. Then she saw the study. Only it wasn’t the study she frequented. The Council gathered around a table. A map and many other papers were spread out between them. The expression on Eadward’s face was determined and steadfast. And conflicted? His was the only face Regina could see. The other Council members had the hoods of their cloaks pulled far down over their faces.

“There must be a second study,” she said, opening her eyes. “The Council is on the other side of this wall. If we turn back now, I know which tunnel leads to the foyer. Where my father is.”

She turned to Kalib. He was smiling. Regina returned the smile, trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach. She motioned for Victoria to follow and led the way back toward the main tunnels.