The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Nine

Regina sat quietly in her seat. A chair designated to her as she was present in the throne room. The king and queen were taking advice from a full room of counselors. Her father stood next to her chair, his hand resting on her shoulder. Regina tried to make sense of everything taking place, but she struggled.

“Perhaps the Xiphis authorities could test for royal blood,” suggested the woman Regina was now calling her aunt. Her silken robes have neon green wristbands. Petite she as she was, she wore very tall boots, which laced all the way up to her knees. Her black hair was tied up with orange ribbons. They matched her orange spectacles, which she often pushed up the bridge of her nose.

“Testing for royal blood would be the ideal option,” added a gentlewoman in similar attire. “But the royal family has not been prevalent for decades. How would the Xiphisians whether her blood is a match?”

She was different from Glint. Her eyes often wandered to Regina’s father. Eyes as dark as his, perhaps even darker than her own. Any other person would have assume the worst of her. But her smile was so gentle and kind.

“That is Kinasha,” whispered Regina’s father, with pride, in her ear. “My wife. She wishes to be properly introduced when the session is over.”

Regina nodded, but said nothing. She was afraid to say a single word in the large room. In the midst of the large crowd. But then she thought of something important.

“Am I allowed to speak?” she whispered to her father, looking up at him. “I may have more information that would help.”

He smiled and marched to the center of the room. As if he’d parted a space of water, the crowd divided to let him through.

“If it pleases my king, my queen,” he said, folding his hands behind his back. “My daughter, the Lady Regina, wishes to speak her piece.”

“Of course,” they replied in unison. The king motioned to Regina with a gentle wave of his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the royal court,” he said, rising to his feet. “We present to you the daughter of the second Lord Bortælus, Lady Regina.”

She hesitated, but she rose to her feet and twiddled her fingers.

“If it is of any help,” she began, taking a tentative step forward. “The last king and queen of Xiphis had two daughters, correct?” She waited for acknowledgment before going on. “King Derek and Queen Bethany never shared the knowledge of their royal status with either of their daughters. My mother, Bridgette, had passed away. But her sister yet lives.”

A resounding gasp filled the air. Regina wondered if she was revealing such information too soon. But when she glanced at her father and saw the encouraging smile, she knew she was speaking within context.

“You wish to test for royal blood,” she went on, looking into each of the faces of the advisers. “Elisabeth Heartsword can provide a sample of her blood for a side by side comparison. Could she not?”

Aunt Glint was nodding with much approval, as was the other court members. Regina watched Kinasha join her father. She kissed his cheek, making his cheeks turn a light shade of pink.

“There is but one issue,” Regina said, turning back to the king and queen. “A reliable source instructed me to keep Beth unaware of her parents’ positions. As far as anyone knows, Derek and Bethany wished for this to remain the case.”

Murmurs and whispered filled the room as she said this. But the words were not muttered or mumbled. She was hearing every little conversation as though she were part of them.

“How does she know so much?”

“Her appearance is not much like Master Inanis.”

“Do you think she will obtain his abilities?”

“Is anything she says true?”

“Are we to believe the word of a stranger?”

Regina frowned, blinking back the tears as she returned to her chair. Her father saw the change in her demeanor. He said nothing, merely glanced to the queen. Regina watched how her eyes narrowed and she stood, her hands held up.

“Anerathians,” she said with a strong, attention-demanding voice. “I understand this is new and strange happenings. But as your queen, I will not condone such negative words toward Lady Regina. The proof she is, indeed, the daughter of Lord Bortælus is within her eyes. Look into them and declare what I say is not true.”

Regina held her breath. How did she know?

“This is a warning,” the queen went on, turning her gaze toward Regina. “Let this be the last time I should hear such words spoken toward anyone in this court. For I, too, was once a stranger to you. Yet you welcome me because my father was the one you called Emberhand. You know that I had no knowledge of this motherland. Lady Regina is to be welcomed as one of our own. Let her decide if she wishes to remain among us. Or take her right place as the ruler of Xiphis.

Warmth filled Regina’s cheeks, spreading down her neck and chest. Everyone stared at her. Some with expressions of wariness. Others with resolve and respect.

* * *

Regina was in her bedroom, sitting on the balcony with her new aunt. She shared stories of her childhood, telling her of times when her father was a boy. The conversation drifted to the present and Regina asked how the queen had gained her position on the throne.

“The times were very different when the queen first arrived,” Glint explained as a gentle breeze blew. “She came during a time of expectant war. Though the last ten-odd years have been spent in her absence, Aleia is wise and she loves her people. Had Auro chosen to marry another, things would not be as they are now.”

“How did she know to set the record straight?” Regina asked, bringing her mug of warm tea to her lips.

“The queen has many gifts,” her aunt laughed softly. “You said you had heard the whispered words as though they were spoken directly to you. Aleia can hear thoughts. She has the strength to connect minds with her own, and have silent conversations. She can even block out thoughts to keep things secret.”

“Telepathy?”

“Of a sort, I suppose. In relation to your theory of having enhanced hearing, I would not discount it. What other things have you noticed changed in yourself? Perhaps I can help narrow the possibilities.”

Regina nodded, “I don’t know if this is any part of it, but I have migraines and headaches, mostly. I often feel exhausted, even when I haven’t exerted much energy.”

“Do you replace yourself caught in dreams that do not make sense? Or perhaps some that are so vivid you cannot describe them.”

“Not always, but yes.”

“I should let Kinasha help with the research. She’s excellent at retrieving information.”

“She’s lovely. I see she makes my father happy.”

Regina fell silent, thinking of what it would have been like if she’d been raised by both Bridgette and Inanis. Would they have lived here, in Anerathia? On Earth? Xiphis?

“What’s wrong?” asked her aunt, reaching over to touch Regina’s shoulder.

“I always tell myself not to dwell in the past,” she whispered in reply. “And yet I went looking for whatever traces were left of my mother. I found a sister . . . And now my father and you. And yet I wonder what it might have been like to have them from the beginning.”

“Oh, darling dear. It’s perfectly alright to think of what might have been. But let me remind you that your sister, Victoria, would not have been born if your father returned to your mother. From what you’ve said, you cannot imagine not knowing her now.”

Regina smiled, nodding. “There is that. I would love for her to see this place. She loves intrigue and learning about things that should be considered unnatural. She is quite the opposite of me, I would say.”

“We shall have to bring her over some time. She is your family and she is welcome here.”

* * *

Four days had passed since Regina left Earth. She had been promised she could return to see Victoria, or have her come to Anerathia. But everyone was waiting for her to complete her Manifestation. It was necessary. Especially when she didn’t know what exactly was happening to her. Her mother was, supposedly, a Celestial. But if her parents were truly from Xiphis, it meant she could have been something else. Because Regina was only half Bridgette’s daughter, she also had her father’s blood. Whatever that detail might add, she wanted to be ready.

Regina was with Kinasha in the palace library, researching everything they could replace regarding Xiphis. Kinasha was a pleasant woman and Regina could see why her father had married her.

“Oh, look here,” said Kinasha, placing a very large book in front of Regina. “Written proof of your grandparents’ status. And here, beneath the names of King Derek and Queen Bethany, Bridgette’s and Elisabeth’s - Beth’s - names in the Heartsword bloodline. And here, this passage,” she placed another open book before her, “states the Heartsword family carried a particular mutation that developed into special abilities. Not much different from anyone here in the Æmienix, but what does make them different is they are, in fact, of Celestial blood.”

“Then what would this mean for me?” Regina asked, looking at each name in the family tree.

“Nothing terrible,” Lady Kinasha replied, with a gentle laugh. “It just means your Manifestation is unique and we need to prepare differently.”

As she said this, she flipped her fingers at the book they were not using, and every single cover closed on its own. Regina could not but gawk. Kinasha was amused.

“What would you call your ability?” she gestured to the now closed books.

“I believe the appropriate term would be Telekinetic,” Kinasha replied, turning her palm upward. As she did this, one of the cups on the table levitated in the air.

“Forgive me for being awestruck,” Regina smiled, utterly mesmerized by the action. “Everything is new but so amazing. I wish I’d known who I was before.”

The gentlewoman touched her hand, the cup still floating in the air.

“We cannot control fate,” she said with a shrug and gentle shake of her head. “ But Destiny will always bring us where are meant to be, when the time is right. As for you being awestruck, its a natural reaction.”

She nodded, “Inanis . . . My father mentioned each person being different when Manifesting. Would you mind telling me about yours?”

“Of course. Whatever I can do to help you transition would be my pleasure. Please do not hesitate to come to me for anything. I do with to be your friend, despite the appearance of my character. Makes for good intimidation tactic.”

“I wish to become friends with you as well. Based on how people have reacted to me, without knowing me first, I am not quick to judge.”

Kinasha’s expression softened. A grateful smile crossed her face and Regina felt a sense of connection to her. They continued their research until a steward came calling. Alerting them the evening meal was about to be served.

* * *

The dining room bustled with conversation and laughter. The royal family had their own table, but they also had others seated with them. Their table was next to where Regina was seated with her father, Lady Kinasha and Aunt Glint on the other side of them. The other Bortælus brother, Spiris, was also with them. As was his daughter, but Regina hadn’t caught her name.

“A certain young man can’t keep his eyes off our table,” Kinasha whispered to Regina from the other side of her father. “What is his name, Inan?”

Without being obvious, Regina glanced across the room to where said young man was seated with his peers. Her heart skidded to a halt.

“Kalib,” her father grunted as he sliced into the wonderfully dressed meat on his plate. “A good study with a wise head on his shoulders. His parents specifically wanted him to join the palace guard, he’s been tailing me for years. But I dare say his attention is not on me, love.”

“Indeed,” chimed Glint with a soft giggled. “I believe his attentions are upon the young ladies.”

“Surely, not me,” squeaked the daughter of Spiris, shaking her head. “I’m promised to Klaus.”

The conversation seemed to die after this statement. Yet Regina found herself sensing someone watching her in particular. Her gaze went around the room. Everyone seemed quite entertained and to their own devices. Until her eyes fell on the subject of her table’s conversation.

She bit her lip when she realized he was watching her. His piercing blue eyes of curiosity and something else. Regina wondered what he could possibly be thinking of, about her. She knew he could not hear her thought, but she noticed his lips moving. Forming words she could not quite make out. But then she heard them. Quiet and kind, and as clear as the conversation happening around her.

“I know you can hear me,” he said, “I’d like to speak with you again. Can you spare a few minutes when the meal is ended?”

She nodded twice, indicating she would meet him afterward.

“Do you remember the East courtyard?”

She nodded again.

“I’ll be there, waiting.”

Again, she gave him a subtle nod.

When the meal ended, Regina did try to make a clean escape. But Kinasha pulled her aside to inform her of the new replaceings on the Heartsword name.

“Seems your prolonged Manifesting is not all that uncommon,” she said, her eyes bouncing all around them; Regina didn’t quite understand what or who she was looking for. “Furthermore, this particular bloodline carries the most intriguing gene . . . Dear, what’s the matter? You look rather pale.”

Regina was squinting. Her vision was blurry. Her thoughts foggy. Ears pounding.

“I think I need to lie down,” she mumbled as everything went black.