The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Twenty

Regina asked Kalib to explain their replaceings of the garden to Eadward. He was genuinely shocked. While he believed every word, he asked to be shown the evidence. Explaining part of his abilities included being able to detect the powers of another Elemental, warlock or sorcerer. He could even tell how long it had been since the event, as well as who had done it. Though he did not explain how this worked.

“Kalib is correct,” said Eadward, after walking around the entire garden. “This was done hardly four days ago. But I am not sensing Elemental essence of any kind. Whoever did this was careful and used stones of flint.”

“Do you suppose it was someone who knows about your ability?” Regina asked, her arms crossed over her chest.

“It is more than likely. I shall need to conduct my investigation by other means.”

She glanced at Kalib. From the look of his expression she could tell he was not pleased with what he was hearing.

“What precautionary steps do we take moving forward?” Kalib asked; Regina noticed the way he clenched the hilt of his sword.

“The highest priority is that no one else hears of what we know,” Eadward explained, his eyes bouncing between Kalib and Regina. “My recommendation is that you, Princess Regina, pretend to know nothing. Not only would it give off the illusion there is nothing wrong, but it will allow perpetrator a chance to try again. Master Kalib, you’ve already set yourself on the path of protecting the princess with your life. That does not change as it is where you belong. As head of the Xiphis Council, I will conduct this investigation on your behalf and report my replaceings to the both of you. Does this plan please you, your highness?”

Regina thought it over for a moment. Glancing every so often at Kalib. She trusted his opinion. He hadn’t failed her yet and she hoped it would never change. But Kalib’s gaze never met hers. His eyebrows furrowed in deep concentration. His mouth pressed in a thin line. Now and then, a thick strand of his while hair fell in his eye. Swishing with the gentle breeze.

“I trust you will keep me informed of your replaceings,” Regina began with a deep sigh. “Your recommendation and suggestion are appreciated. However, I believe you should have a second person to assist you in your investigation. Therefore, I should like for you to include my father. Though he is an outsider, he will greatly appreciate taking part.”

“I agree,” Kalib added, nodding. “He should be involved in all matters concerning his daughter’s safety.”

Eadward nodded, “Very well, I shall send for him when we leave this place. Princess, concerning your coronation. I do believe the benefit of making you queen-in-waiting. A trial period to allow you to learn and grow further. But if you wish to change the time line and push forward the day of your coronation . . .”

“I am not changing my mind just yet,” she shook her head. “We are in agreement. I will become queen-in-waiting. I do wish to learn as much as I can before becoming queen and ascending the throne. And I know I shall continue to learn even after the fact.”

Her statement was satisfactory for not just Eadward, but for herself as well.

“Furthermore,” Regina went on as she inhaling deeply. “I wish to confess something to you. If we are going to trust each other during this time, we need to be honest with each other.”

“Go on.”

Regina’s smile was apologetic as she explained to Eadward about her explorations through the hidden tunnels. He did not seem the least bit surprised. At least, not until she told him about the minor conversation she caught between Pritha and Galisa. However, she refrained from explaining how she heard Adis and Arthos through the wall. It was need-to-know information and would be fully disclosed at a later time.

“He would imply who?” Eadward asked, puzzled.

“I originally thought they were implying you would not let anything happen,” Regina replied, tugging her cloak closer; winter was coming and it had begun growing colder. “Whatever anything might have meant.”

Eadward frowned. He turned his gaze to the far end of the courtyard. He closed his eyes, shaking his head ever slightly.

“I shall look into this matter as well,” he sighed as he turned back to Regina. “Carry on with your day, your highness. This meeting never happened.”

Eadward bowed and disappeared through the garden. Regina turned to Kalib, accepting his arm as he led her in the opposite direction.

* * *

Regina was in her chambers. Lounging on her favorite sofa with her feet propped up on the nearby table. Kalib stood near the door. Which was currently open so he could hear thing happening in the hallway, and beyond. Regina did her best to not think of the surrounding doom. But it was not easy.

“Afternoon tea, my lady.”

Freydra appeared, carrying a silver tray with a crystal tea set.

“Thank you, Freydra,” Regina replied, watching the girl with only her eyes.

The maid brought the tray to the table, where her feet rested. She made a face at the feet, but Regina didn’t move them. She was comfortable and relaxed. Regina was not letting her worry overtake her thoughts. It was becoming quite the pleasant afternoon. Until Freydra dropped a cup of hot water on her leg.

“Ah!” Regina shouted and jump up, appalled over the silly mistake.

“My lady, I’m so sorry,” the girl’s trembled as she tried to sop up the hot liquid. Regina noticed the way her hands shook. How the skin of her neck turned scarlet red.

“I will return with a new cup,” she said, visibly breaking before Regina’s eyes. “I am truly sorry, your highness.”

Freydra picked up the broken pieces and hurried away. Leaving Regina to tend to her burned skin. Kalib, who’d been forced to remain “guard-like”, came to her aid.

“Are you alright?” he asked, moving the fabric of her skirt to assess the damage.

“I will be,” Regina winced when his fingers touched the tender skin. “Nothing a cold cloth won’t cure. “But you saw it? The strange behavior has only increased. She wasn’t like that before.”

“Do you want me to question her? Perhaps she knows something.”

“No. At least, not yet. Let Eadward finish his investigation. Then we can discuss this matter further. Until then, I think I require a new handmaid.”

Kalib met her gaze, staring long and hard.

“As you wish, my lady,” he said, nodding.

* * *

“Shoulders back,” Pritha scoffed as if she were speaking to an idiot, and not the princess. “Must I constantly repeat myself? Shoulders. Back!”

Regina rolled her eyes and squared her shoulders further. She was practicing her entrance to the great throne room. While it was not meant to be a grand ceremony, it was a ceremony nonetheless. Regina would be crowned queen-in-waiting. She would take on all the duties of a queen. She would handle matters in court, pass judgments, make new laws. And she would prove she was worthy of this honor.

“If you were to fall over your own feet,” said Galisa with a scowl. “Everyone will remember it. Until you make another mistake, then the people will talk of that.”

“And so forth,” Pritha added with a snicker.

“You’re supposed to be helping her prepare. Not setting her up to fail.”

Eadward entered the throne room. His hands behind his back. His expression challenging.

“Forgive us, Master,” the sisters apologized, dipping into an awkward bow.

“Leave us,” he waved his hand at them. “You’ve done your task.”

They hesitated, but Eadward gave them a pointed look and they shuffled away without a word.

“My apologies your highness,” he went on, turning to Regina. “They should know better.”

“I know they are not pleased with my existence,” she replied, shaking her head. “They’ve maintained a high position in the kingdom for many years. I do not excuse them for such behavior. However, I can see why they would reject me.”

“Of course, your highness. Well, the purpose of my visit is to inform you of your father’s attendance to the ceremony. His wife will join him.”

She smiled, “I am pleased to hear this. Thank you for informing me, my lord.”

Eadward bowed his head, glancing at the servants hard at work.

“It has come to my attention you wish to have a new handmaid,” he said as only his eyes returned to her. “Shall I send a notice through the kingdom, or did you have someone in mind?”

“No one in particular,” Regina sighed, placing her hands on her hips. “However, I wish to employ someone from the Æmienix. I realize this is an unusual request-”

“I would be honored to fulfill your request,” Eadward cut her off with an easy smile. “You have many friends and loved ones there. Perhaps your father can bring someone when he arrives for the ceremony.”

“Thank you, Eadward.”

He bowed and moved across the floor.

“Allow me to critique your entrance. Unlike your grand walk to be crowned queen, this entrance is merely a formality. However, your entry is meant to burn within the minds of your subjects. You are sending them the message you take your duties seriously. Which I know you do.”

Regina nodded and did a complete about-face out the doors behind her. She smiled at Kalib, who continued standing guard in the hallway. She faced the doors again, pretending someone opened them for her. She stepped with care, stand with princess-like authority. She walked forward, imagining people standing in a line as she walked toward the throne.

“Well done,” said Eadward when she reached the platform. “Do not see the reason Pritha and Galisa pressed you to practice. Master Kalib.”

Regina turned to watch her favorite guard as he entered the room. As usual, he walked with his hand on his sword. He paused just a few feet away from her.

“As the princess’ personal guard,” Eadward went on, walking toward Kalib. “You will escort her. It is not tradition, but in light of the present circumstances I believe tradition can be disregarded.”

“Of course,” he replied, nodding once.

“The tailor will dress you in Xiphis colors.”

Regina suppressed a giggle when the puzzled expression crossed Kalib’s face. He glanced down at his clothes. His long sleeved, leather jacket covered him to the waist, tightly tied with string at the left collarbone. The sleeves were narrow, reaching an inch beyond the wrists, and decorated with a double thread, woven lining from top to bottom. The jacket had a narrow, rounded neckline which revealed part of the rough shirt worn underneath. Worn with a light leather belt, which was held together by a simple knot. The leather belt was a functional addition, but had some decorative value. His pants were a simple yet comfortable fit, which were tucked into his hard leather boots. The boots were made up of an unusual leather. But otherwise were of common design.

“Something amusing, princess?” he asked, glancing at her with a smirk.

“No, not at all,” she replied, smiling innocently.

He narrowed his gaze but said nothing.