The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Seventeen

“You’re certain of this?” Regina’s father asked, fixing Kalib with the most intense stare she had ever seen on his face.

“I would never lie about a matter such as this,” Kalib replied, shaking his head. “I volunteered to protect Princess Regina and I take my task seriously.”

“You haven’t exactly revealed who would consider killing her.”

“Because I suspect more than one person. I can’t exactly point the finger without evidence. But there was a strong odor of some strange substance, many times, while we were camped at the mountain. I didn’t say anything then because I thought it might have been the herbs and incense used for bathing.”

He spoke with urgency, though he kept his voice at a gentle whisper. Regina admired Kalib for all he was doing. He truly wanted to keep her safe.

“What do you propose we do, then?” she asked, trying hard to not show her worry about the situation. It was truly the first time, in a while, she felt this way.

“I believe we can draw them out,” he replied, sighing as he briefly glanced over his shoulder. The issue would be if the substance is poisonous. We do not have an antidote. Losing your life is one thing. Risking your life over this is different.”

“I risked my life with the volcano,” she gently reminded him.

“That was still different.”

“I believe I understand where Kalib is coming from,” Victoria interjected after been silent for a while. “Maybe there is a different of figuring this out.”

Regina looked into Kalib’s concerned eyes. His lips moved so slightly she almost missed it. It was amazing how neither her father or sister caught it.

“If you were to die, it would not be from poison. And not on my watch.”

Regina nodded and said, “I think I need to visit the Tree again.”

She urged Victoria to return to Anerathia with her father. She wanted her safe. At least until this particular threat was handled. Very few people knew she had a sister. Unfortunately, the Council had deduced the connection on their own. Regina always had her suspicions of the group. There was no denying it.

Visiting the Tree again would be tricky. Whether there was a chance to get there or not was the greater question. Because later that afternoon, the Council decided it was time to resume combat training. Regina’s training was not as difficult as it would have been. When she learned she would be sparring, she asked for Kalib to spar with her. While Adis and Arthos were reluctant to grant the request, Eadward gave in without hesitation. Her guess was he didn’t want to be on her bad side. Regina was not to be trifled with.

But the hours she spent sparring against Kalib left her sore and restless. He was an amazing spar partner. His patience was the bright side. What the Council did not say, he explained in depth. Her gratefulness for his presence grew with every passing day.

* * *

Regina sat in the study. Books open to various pages on the table. Each member of the Council stood all around. Kalib was to her right, just behind her chair. His hand was resting on the hilt of his sword. Always ready, even when he didn’t need to be.

“You excel expectations every day,” said Eadward, impressed. “You did not lie when you said you are a quick study.”

“Did you not believe me?” Regina teased in hopes of keeping things light, tapping her finger tips together. “Goodness, Lord Eadward. How distrusting of you.”

He inhaled and sighed loudly. Closed his eyes. Composed himself. When he opened his eyes, it was as if someone had flipped a switch. He was suddenly smiling and congratulating her. Wholeheartedly.

“We believe you are ready to take your place as queen-in-waiting,” Arthos explained, nodding. “This will give you a chance to slowly take up the mantle as queen and ruler of Xiphis. We will train you on how to handle minor conflicts and public requests. Then, once we believe you are fully ready, we will begin preparation for the official coronation.”

“Do you have a desired time line for all of this?” she asked, sitting forward to glance over one of the many open books before her. I suspect the Xiphisians are anxious to see me ascend.”

“Yes, well.” Adis cleared his throat. “The people will see quite a lot of you over the next several months.”

“Can you specify the number of months? ‘Several’ could mean any number above six.”

Regina glanced up. She noticed the way Eadward glanced at his fellow Council members. When he spoke, he was kind and hesitant.

“We think the training should take a minimum of one year.”

She met his gaze as she stood. Her authoritative stature caused the Five to bow, Respectively. This behavior took time to develop. They needed to respect her. It didn’t matter she was “just a princess”. Something in Eadward’s eyes told her not to argue.

“Very well,” she said, feigning resolve. “I accept the task to train as queen-in-waiting during the course of one year. However, I wish to put forth a single request. If the Council believes I excel further in my training, the time line must be shortened and the date of the coronation changed. Are we in agreement?”

Taking control of conversation was a goal Regina could now scratch off her list. She had become very good at it. If she allowed the Council to lead everything, she would never get her words across.

“I replace this request fair,” replied Eadward, nodding. “The Council agrees. Was there anything else?”

“No,” Regina smiled, shaking her head. “That was all. I think I would like to retire to my chambers. Until the evening meal.”

The Council bowed their heads as she followed Kalib out of the study.

* * *

Regina stood on the balcony, Kalib at her side. They were watching the sky as it changed to evening. Xiphis sunsets were amazing. Unlike on Earth, the sky here was not blue. It was more of a boysenberry-tawny color. The sun was a blazing ball of coral, fire and rosewood. And because this sky was so unique, it was like watching a painter at work.

“You shouldn’t need to wait a year to become queen,” said Kalib, shaking his head. “My great-grandfather must be rolling in his grave. He would agree with me.”

“Was he part of the royal court, back in Anerathia?” Regina asked, leaning on the banister.

“No,” was his slow reply. “My lady, he was part of the founding families of Xiphis. Nisroc Frostdust was my great-grandfather’s grandfather.”

She paused in surprise, turning her gaze to him.

“You’re a descendant of the Frostdust family.”

Kalib nodded, pinching his lips together.

“Father’s side?”

Another nod.

“Does anyone else know this about you?” she asked, lowering her voice to a secret whisper.

“In Xiphis, I’ve only revealed this information to you,” Kalib sighed, glancing back to the now fading sunset.

“Kalib, to me this means you deserve to be captain or general of the royal guard.”

“No, I don’t want it. I am happy to protect you with my life, Regina. The Frostdust bloodline were captains and generals in the royal guard and the army, yes. And I was trained my entire life for the position. It just never became of importance for me to return to Xiphis. Until now. It’s why I volunteered when no one else did.”

Touched by his words, Regina reached for his arm, making him look at her.

“Kalib,” she said, smiling. “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me this.”

“You trusted me first,” he whispered back. “I suppose we’re even. For the time being.”

“I suppose we are. But now, I am very intrigued to know more about you and the Frostdust name. Reading about the founding families has to be my favorite part during history lessons.”

Kalib’s grin spread wider. As the stars came out, the moon began to shin, everything felt perfect. There was no fear or worry on Regina’s mind. Just peace. Pure bliss.

* * *

Several days later, Freydra helped Regina get dressed for her coming out ball. Her first appearance in front of the royal court. Her mulberry gown reached the floor. Trailing behind her with a long, veil-like piece. It was very delicate and laden with nearly invisible, light purple pearls. Regina felt like it might tear if she accidentally stepped on it. Her black hair was loose and pinned with a more pearls with a lattice lace. Huge diamonds adorned her ears and neck. Tiny gemstones decorated her eyes and cheekbones.

The woman in the mirror was a complete stranger. Regina was used to seeing herself as less. She could hardly recognize herself. She wanted to cry.

“Oh, your highness,” laughed Freydra, softly, as she brought out a handkerchief. “You should not have a reason to cry. What’s the matter?”

Regina made a very not-princess-like sound as she dabbed her eyes.

“I’m not me,” she said, motioning to the mirror. “I don’t look like myself and I’m surprised at how . . . That woman is royalty and I think she’s beautiful.”

“My lady, you were always beautiful. All I’ve done is enhance your beauty to match the occasion. You are perfect, Princess.”

Regina smiled her gratitude. She fanned her eyes to avoid messing up the wonderful eye paint. She then followed Freydra to the door. Kalib was waiting in the hallway. She didn’t take much notice to what he wore. Because the expression on his face held her attention.

“Your highness,” he said, clearing his throat as he bowed. “You look beautiful.”

He straighted and extended his hand to her. Her cheeks grew warm as she slipped her hand into his, letting the nervous feeling slip away. They then walked the halls until they came to the entrance of where they needed to be.

Two soldiers stood guard at the double-doorway. One of them gave the door a gentle knock with his knuckle. And on the other side came a loud voice.

“Presenting her royal highness! Princess Regina of Heartsword. Daughter of Bortælus.”

Kalib gently released her hand as the doors opened.