The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Eight

It was turning early morning when Inanis, Regina’s father, arranged for them to take a portal to the Æmienix. She then learned Xander was a modern version of a bellman. He was considered quite young to have this position, but he did the job well. He thoroughly explained what would happen when Regina stepped through the portal.

“You should expect minor fatigue,” he explained with a kind smile. “And possible dizziness after your first trips through. This is not like portals from one town to another, here on Earth. This is inter-dimensional travel, which can cause injury when taken lightly.”

“After these last twenty-four hours, I believe I have endured far worse,” Regina said, returning the smile. “Thank you, Xander. For all your help.”

“It has been a pleasure, my lady,” he replied, bowing his head respectively. “If you should ever pass these parts again, I would be honored to service you.”

She nodded and followed her father. It felt strange to think of calling him this.

“Close your eyes,” he ordered as he placed an arm around her shoulders. “It is not safe to truly look at what comes next.”

She did as instructed. Though she didn’t like it much, she followed blindly as a gust of wind whipped at her unraveling braid behind her back. It felt familiar and yet so unfamiliar. When all was calm, and Father said she could open her eyes, she knew her journey had only just begun.

Colors. Everywhere she looked, she saw vibrant colors. The sky was so unlike back on Earth. Instead of blue with white clouds, this sky was an array of reds and pinks. Moons and planets, as well as a red sun, adorned this sky. They were surrounding by flowered hills and trees grew in various places. It was beautiful to gaze upon.

“Lord Bortælus.”

Regina turned to see a young man calling to her father. His pale skin seemed to glisten. His eyes reminded her of sapphires and his hair was white. Unnaturally white, though she saw no sign of it being artificial.

“Welcome back, Master,” he said, bowing his head before setting his gaze on her. “I trust your business affairs went smoothly.”

“Thank you, Kalib,” her father replied, squeezing her shoulder with his hand. “Please alert the princess of my arrival. And I request an audience with the king and queen, the Emberhand study.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Kalib bowed and gave Regina a final glance over before entering what appeared to be a tunnel in the side of the nearest blue-green hill.

“Strange,” her father muttered. “I have known that boy since he was a tot and I have never seen him stare the way he was just staring at you.”

“I’m used to people staring,” Regina replied as she followed him down the same tunnel. “But is that a bad thing? For Kalib to be staring?”

“No,” he chuckled softly. “Though I would not put it passed him to show an interest in you. Like your mother, you are quite a sight to behold.”

Her cheeks grew warm. The tunnel was dimly lit, reminding Regina of a secret passage in a film she’d seen with Victoria. Eventually, it opened into a grand corridor with walls of rose-gold and floors of onyx, and marble. Pillars of limestone supported the ceiling and silky curtains wrapped around them. Regina could not keep her mouth from falling open.

“Amazing, isn’t it?” she heard her father ask. She nodded, but could not compose her gawking. He chuckled beside her.

“Brother, you’ve returned,” came a feminine, authoritative but soft voice.

Regina turned and her gaze fell upon a beautiful woman. She looked like her father, only a female version. There was one difference, her eyes were more like black pearls than beads.

“This is who you mentioned?” she asked, offering Regina a smile. “She has your likeness, more so in the eyes and jaw.”

“This is Regina,” he spoke with a fondness and gentle, but firm hold on her shoulders. “Regina, this is the Lady Twileigh, or as her family is allowed to call her, Glint. Sorceress, teacher, and my favorite sister.”

“I am your only sister, you clot-pole,” the lady laughed and shook her head. “Forgive the fool, Regina. He’s quite a softy, really. I am glad he has brought you here. I hope we can become friends.”

Regina returned the smile, nodding.

“Uncle Inan!”

A girl about Victoria’s age came running up the hall and threw herself into Inanis’ arms. Regina suddenly felt like an outsider. But then the girl turned to her and smile. She had hair nearly as white as Kalib’s, but softer and definitely wavier. She stood nearly as tall as Regina’s father with a gaze of excitement and mischief.

“Mother and Father await you in the old study,” the princess said as she led Regina and her father down the hallway. “Oh, and how rude of me.”

She stopped and turned to face Regina.

“The proper introduction,” she said with a wide grin. “I am Astra, princess of Anerathia, future ruler of the Æmienix. I am the eldest daughter of King Auro Snowvale, and Queen Aleia, daughter of Emberhand . . . But please, do not call me by any such titles. They are far too bothersome to remember. And as the daughter of Lord Inanis Bortælus, you will only address me as Astra, and nothing more. Are we in agreement?”

Regina pinched her lips together. A laugh was building in her chest and she worried it would be a disrespect. But someone beat her to it. Her father howled beside her. A deep bellied laugh escaping his lips.

“You’re incorrigible,” he said, shaking his head as he crossed his arms.

“A fair payment for all the years you kept secrets from me,” Astra replied with a smirk. “You will need to forgive me, Regina. Your father enters new territory in bringing you here. He may have had practice in tending to my upbringing, but I have parents of my own. I do think you are far more . . . Grounded than I shall ever be.”

Her attention was pulled away as the smile she wore became different. Regina did not know this princess well enough yet, but she could recognize such smiles. Were it not for her father pointing toward the door, which was suddenly before them, she would have turned to watch Astra greet someone. Undoubtedly, a love, but other things were far more pressing. Perhaps she would see the princess later. She had a feeling she would like her very much.

* * *

An older, male version of Astra greeted Regina with a firm handshake. His eyes friendly and a unique shade of green.

“Welcome Regina,” he said with a similar smile to his daughter.

“I trust your first portal experience was not too terrible,” added Astra’s mother as she took Regina’s hand into both of hers. “I remember my first experience. I believe I passed out.”

She was wonderful. Regina didn’t even know her, but she knew she was a wonderful soul. She should have been a bundle of nerves, but she felt complete peace. With everything that had transpired in the last forty-odd hours, Regina felt she was adapting far better than she could have expected.

“Do not hesitate to ask for anything,” the king went on, placing his arm around the queen’s shoulders as he gently pulled her away. “Any family of Inanis is family to us.”

“Thank you, your majesties,” Regina replied, nodding.

They turned to her father and the mood shifted. Not a single word was exchanged as she, awkwardly, stood watching the different expression on each of their faces. It was only for a few minutes, but it was quite long enough. They were having a conversation with only their eyes.

“Not my best of manners,” her father spoke with an apologetic tone.

“Inan,” said the queen with a forgiving smile, using the same nickname the princess had. “I thought we agreed past wrongs are always forgivable.”

“We are still in agreement. But I apologize all the same. The reason I’ve requested this audience is this. Regina is Manifesting. She said it began when she was fourteen, but it appears prolonged.”

Concerned gazes turned her way. Even though Regina was an adult, she felt small and helpless all of a sudden. But the way the queen looked at her was with understanding. Not pity.

“Would it be due to Earth’s atmosphere?” she asked, glancing at her husband. “This was the case with my Manifestation.”

“But extensive prolonging,” he replied, shaking his head. “It seems, forgive the term, unnatural. Each person is different, but this is a new level of different. Inanis, you said her mother wasn’t quite of Earth, correct? Regina, what do you know of your mother?”

Regina inhaled slowly before she spoke.

“According to my half-sister,” she explained, going over everything she’d learned. “She was a Celestial. I believe her family carried angelic blood . . .”

She trailed off, remembering a vital detail Shana Vanderbell had shared with her.

“You know something else, don’t you?” her father asked, resting his hand on her shoulder. “What is it?”

She blew out a breath.

“Bridgette’s parents were the king and queen of Xiphis.”

Revealing this information changed everything. The king and queen began writing letters to ambassadors all over the continent. Not just in Anerathia, but in the smaller countries and in Xiphis as well. Regina did not know the contents of these letters, but all she could assume was they were to alert the people of Xiphis to her existence.

“You must be exhausted,” the queen said with a sigh as the couriers left with the letters. “We have prepared for you a room within the South wing of the palace. This is where the Bortælus chambers are. I will take you myself.”

She extended an arm to Regina, which she took with a slight hesitance. They left the study and walked through many hallways. Regina didn’t wish to ignore the queen beside her, but her attention was drawn to all the different sights and sounds.

People bustled about in laughter and conversation. Some were hard at work, dusting and polishing all inanimate objects. Children played and ran around. Some chasing, or being chased by, animals of all sizes and colors.

“Here we are,” said the queen as they passed an arched entryway. “Your chambers are through here.”

They entered a large room with six doorways. There were painted portraits on the walls, but Regina didn’t have time to admire them. The queen led her into the room, thanking some of the maids as they hurried out.

“Wow,” Regina gawked at the red and purple room.

There was a canopy bed. She’d always wanted a canopy bed but couldn’t afford it on a consultant’s salary. The windows were huge.

“I hope you will be comfortable,” the queen gave a soft laugh.

“It’s perfect, my lady,” she replied as a wave of exhaustion hit her and she yawned. “Forgive me. I don’t think I’ve slept since the day before yesterday.”

“Not a problem. If you need anything, ring the bell.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s our pleasure, Regina.”

The queen left the room, closing the door behind her. Regina approached the bed, biting her lip as she touched the satin sheets. She threw herself into the pillows.

* * *

Regina was swept away by Astra the following morning. The princess had decided she wanted to introduce all of her friends. Said it would help clear her head before the chaos truly began. Regina was brought to a hidden courtyard where they were met by a young woman with brilliant eyes and hair not nearly as dark as her own. Younger than she, but mature and bright.

“Lorelei is the daughter of my father’s childhood companion,” the princess explained when introducing her best friend. “We practically shared cradles. Do you have a friend you’ve know since childhood, Regina?”

Regina shook her head. “I was, what one might say, a loner. I was mocked for being different and for . . . For looking different.”

Lorelei scoffed, “Why should you be mocked?” she asked, crossing her arms. “You’ve a lovely face and we’ve only just been introduced, but you’re very likable. Is it customary for people of Earth to have such prejudices?”

“Have you learned nothing from our single adventure two years ago?” Astra asked, shaking her head. “Please forgive Lorelei, Regina. We have been taught how people on Earth vary from all beliefs and opinions, and manners. But perhaps the people we’ve met there were more agreeable than the people you were forced to endure.”

“Agreeable, is that all?”

The three young women turned to replace a young man with a white grin coming their way.

“I thought you were returning home,” said Astra, her tone growing soft with adoration.

“I was,” he replied, nodding as he stood between the girls. “But then I would miss all the fun. Your father invited me to extend my stay.”

The princess beamed and cupped his cheek as she sensually kissed his jaw. Lorelei made a gagging face, earning her a gentle shove from Astra. Regina smiled at the scene, but she felt a little uncomfortable. Once the display of affection was over, she was able to continue socialization. Lorelei murmured about Astra and her suitor being in the honeymoon stage. Regina understood what she meant. The princess seemed to have the desire to jump her man’s bones.

This place was growing on Regina. She liked the people and the view. And just being there.

“Do you have any suitors, Lady Regina?” Lorelei asked as they fell behind the princess.

“None presently,” she replied, sighing with the shake of her head. “My focus hasn’t been on romance these last several months.”

“Understandable. I, myself, haven’t had time for men. Training for my position as the princess’ personal guard has been top priority.”

“What’s that like, if I may ask?”

She smiled, “I enjoy the thrill. But Princess Astra is my most cherished friend and I would give my life protecting her.”

Listening to Lorelei talk in this manner struck a chord. Regina never felt such loyalty. She knew she and Victoria were growing closer as sisters. But not to the extent of giving their life for one another. Perhaps not yet, but she wished she could feel it.

They were passing through a different garden when the faintest sound caught her attention. The sound of footsteps. Gentle and slow as they pressed against the grass. The exhale of breath. A calm hand resting against an upright surface.

“Is everything alright?” Lorelei asked, breaking Regina from her trance.

Regina snapped her gaze to the other girl.

“I’m fine,” she told her, nodding. “Lost in thought, I suppose.”

The girl appeared convinced and went on leading her toward the gate at the other end of the garden. Regina glanced over her shoulder. In the corner of her eye, she saw the flash of a head. Too swift and therefore too blurred for her to see any features. But she felt no fear. She was the newcomer. Perhaps a gardener was watching with curiosity.

Regina hurried after Lorelei, replaceing her in one of the many hallways. Speaking to Kalib. She stood slightly to the side, not wanting to interrupt their conversation.

“Lady Regina,” Lorelei turned to her with a smile. “I know you must have seen him already, but allow me to properly introduce you to Kalib. He comes and goes, but spends most of his time tailing Lord Bortælus. Your father, more specifically.”

“Lady Regina,” Kalib bowed his head, but never broke his gaze. “I trust you are replaceing your first visit pleasant.”

“Quite pleasant, thank you,” she replied, nodding. “It’s very different from what I am used to, but the sights are amazing.”

“Oh!” Lorelei beams, “Kalib, you must show her the falls. Lady Regina, they are the most beautiful in all of Anerathia.”

He was about to reply when a young boy came running toward them.

“My lady,” he said, grinning at Regina. “You are invited to court by their majesties, the king and queen. Your father is waiting for you.”

She smiled back at him. “Thank you; will you take me to him?” she asked, bending down to his level.

“This way, my lady!”

He took her hand, tugging her away from the others. Regina sent them an apologetic smile. Not oblivious to the smile on Kalib’s face.