A Game of Crowns

“Dying is not romantic, and death is not a game which will soon be over...

-Tom Stoppard

Silver mist licked every surface. My hair hung limply under my dark cloak as I waited for the ceremony to begin. Three small lamps held by the Terran Trinity was all that lighted the space around us. We waited in the cold and allowed the slight chill of the morning to seep into our bones. Our small group consisted of only George and myself and the sisters. The ceremony was to be witnessed by no one else.

Rowan and his sisters had yet to make their appearance. It was the stripping of magic ceremony. They would endure a small amount of pain as the Terran Trinity removed the powers given to them by Xandra. Their time as the Trinity of Iron Forge had come to an early end.

Rowan had stepped down willingly, given his feelings and his sisters had agreed it was the best thing to do. They would have had to have done it eventually, but why now? Was it simply because the Terran Trinity was already here? Was there another reason I was supposed to be seeing?

Ivy and Willow stepped out of the thick fog and into our circle of light. Their white cloaks nearly touched the ground. Both ignored looking in my direction. I grimaced. Ivy’s and Willow’s conversation was still fresh in corners of my mind.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?” asked one of the twins.

“A temptress,” muttered the other.

“A queen,” continued the first.

“An idiot,” they chimed in together.

I rolled my eyes. “What do you want?”

“The real question is what do you want?”

I shook my head, not understanding.

It was their turn to roll their eyes. “Do you want our brother?”

I couldn’t stop the heat that rushed to my face. It may have given away more than I wanted but the truth still was that I didn’t trust him. Not only that, but I was to be Queen. I would not throw it away for a man who had treated me the way Rowan had. How could I trust him after everything?

I held my head high as I answered. “No.”

Their lips lifted as they sneered at me. “An idiot, after all.”

Rowan followed, looking as handsome as ever. Unlike his sisters, he did look at me. He stared straight into the deepest parts of me. Into the parts only he knew. That look alone made me want to forgive him, but I wasn’t ready. I pulled my eyes away from his celestial gaze. George pulled me close to his side, comforting my pain with his friendship.

The Terran triplets stood in front of Rowan and his sisters as they moved in sync, weaving ancient symbols through the air with their hands.

“We are here to strip the holy power bestowed upon you as the Trinity of Iron Forge. You will no longer hold a title or power of the Great Mother. You will be ordinary men and women, mere citizens of Iron Forge. Your duty is complete. May you live blessed lives in the shade of our Mother.”

Rowan, Ivy, and Willow closed their eyes and bowed their heads. A lavender and red hue circle appeared on their chests. Right where their hearts should be. The Terran triplets pulled their arms back sharply and punched through the glow in their chests.

My scream blended with those of Ivy and Willows. Rowan took it stoically and held in his pain. George stiffened next to me. We had no idea this was what it took to remove the power of the Trinity. No wonder the ceremony was closed off to anyone else. It was gruesome.

The Terran sisters pulled out a small orb of light from each of their chests. Rowan and his sisters sagged to the ground, gasping for breath. The orbs of light floated until they found each other and became one large ball of blinding light.

The Trinity sisters uttered a single word and the ball exploded and rained upward towards the sky. Just as the final sparks evaporated into the heavens, the mist cleared up and the world came into sharp focus.

The sisters nodded their head in George’s and my direction and left Rowan, Ivy, and WIllow on the ground, disappearing into the palace.

I wanted to run and help Rowan up and I nearly did, but George took hold of my hand. He knew how badly I’d want to go to his rescue and thankfully he stopped me before I showed how much I still cared. We watched on as some of the palace staff we requested aided them.

George and I walked in silence towards one of the smaller libraries in the palace. It had been a week since the final trial and it had become our place to talk and make plans for the future of our people.

We had agreed that certain things needed to be taken care of immediately after our coronation. We would need replacement Guardians for the palace and better security protocols. We agreed on finding the money to make Iron forge a one hundred percent electricity run territory and lastly begin a welfare program for veterans of the King and Queen’s army. Our veterans deserved more from us. Other programs would follow and slowly Iron Forge would rise.

George opened the door to our library and I removed my cloak. I snuggled into the armchair nearest to the fireplace.

“That was intense,” I stated.

“That’s an understatement,” he responded.

He wasn’t lying. It was not the ceremony I was expecting.

My thoughts turned to Rowan. As if sensing the subject of my thoughts, George said,

“You deserved better than what he did to you.”

One of the many knots in my chest fell away. “Thanks, George. I know I do.”

George was an open and kind soul. The evening I poured out my heart and pain to him, he was consoling and caring. I told him everything from Tobias, my parents, Thomas, and Rowan. He told stories about his wife Lydia and shared that he has to work through the pain of losing her every day. His daughter being a beautiful reminder of the love they’d shared.

We spent the first half of the day together doing what we always did. We talked, laughed, and continued to get acquainted with each other.

“Are you ready for tonight?” he asked.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for such a role. Are you?”

“I feel the same. I do not want to be a disappointment to our people. They deserve someone who will fight for them.”

I nodded along, agreeing one hundred percent with his statement.

“I guess we should head back. I don’t want Georgiana scolding me for keeping you out late. Again,” he chuckled.

I smiled. He couldn’t be more right. “So, I’ll see you tonight then.”

He nodded. We both left that room aware that we’d soon be man and wife, king and queen, and a seed of hope for the future of Iron Forge.

I wandered through the palace before heading to my new room. It was bigger and more luxurious, to say the least, but it would only be mine for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, George and I would share a suite. We were both awkwardly aware of the duty we’d have to perform that evening and we’d been avoiding the topic vehemently. I tried not to think about if I could help it.

As I turned the corner, I ran straight into the Terran sisters. They stood eerily still watching the scenery through one of the many floor to ceiling windows. I cleared my throat, hoping to gain their attention. Their heads snapped in my direction as if they had been waiting for me to start the conversation.

“Ahh, you’ve arrived,” said one of the sisters.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” confirmed another.

“We have come to speak to you about our presence. Now that your Trinity has been stripped of their magic, we will be staying until the new trio can be indoctrinated into the life. We have found the next chosen Trinity. This Trinity will be rather different, but it is what the Great Mother has commanded. All will be revealed in a few weeks. Please convey these thoughts to the soon to be King George,” said the last sister.

Without so much as another word, they were gone. I turned towards my new room, ready for a true moment alone.

I opened the door to my new suite to find Georgiana and Thomas speaking animatedly. Thomas’s face was transformed into one I’d come to associate with his time with me. He had never shown that smile to anyone other than myself. A small kick to my gut left me speechless. A foreign twinge of emotion nagged at the edge of my chest. A part of me wanted to be angry at Georgiana for causing him to smile that smile.

They both looked at me with smile ridden faces and gleaming eyes. Thomas’s endearing smile crinkles only became more pronounced at my entrance.

“Well if it isn’t Iron Forge’s very own queen,” he said playfully.

He stood up and bowed exaggeratedly.

I laughed. “Oh, shut up, will you?”

“Never,” he chuckled.

“He was telling me stories of your childhood and one especially entertaining one of you involving a frying pan and a mouse.” Georgiana’s tinkling laughter erupted throughout the room.

Shame washed over me at my jealous thoughts.

I joined in their laughter and chided Thomas for his regaling of my childhood embarrassments.

“I hate to bring the good times to an end, but the reason I stopped by today was to tell you a quick goodbye,” he said all too seriously.

“What do you mean?”

Georgiana slipped out of the room.

“I’ve been called back to Clearwater by my uncle. He needs my help and I can’t ignore his summons.”

“But..but...but can’t you stay for the coronation?”

“I wish I could, Pen. You know I would if I was able.”

“I know,” I said sadly. “If you hear anything of my parents, please let me know,” I pleaded.

“Of course, Pen, and I’ll be back to visit. Nothing can keep me away. You know that.” He smiled.

His warm brown eyes gleamed with the truth of his words. In another life, he would have been my future and I could finally see what a beautiful life it would have been, to be married my best friend.

He stood and kissed my forehead and playfully nudged my chin. He left, taking a piece of my heart with him. Who knew when I’d see him again.

“You can come out now,” I called out. “I know you were listening.”

An unashamed Georgiana ambled out of the adjoining room. “What?”

I chuckled. “Nothing. I’m glad I still have you.”

“Can’t get rid of me so easily, your majesty.”

“Georgiana, I’ve told you a million times, call me Penelope.”

“Well, that was before you were going to be crowned queen,” she answered honestly.

“You can be formal in front of others if you’d like, but in private let it be Penelope, please.”

She smiled. “I can do that.”

“Good. Now tell me, where is Killian today?”

A light blush tinted her already glowing cheeks. Pregnancy became her.

We sat in the gorgeously decorated sitting room adjoined to my bedroom.

“He’s around. Thank you for allowing him a room in the palace,” she smiled graciously.

I waved away her thanks. She knew I’d do anything for them.

She continued, “I think he’s spending the day with Tobias. They’re catching up.”

“That must be nice,” I added lamely.

Georgiana fiddled with the edge of her pressed uniform blouse.

“What is it?” I asked.

“I was wondering if you were ready to tell me what happened between Rowan, Tobias and yourself,” she rushed out.

I sighed. The betrayal was no longer a raging fire of pain and I realized I was ready to share it. So I did. I told her everything. She gasped when I reached the end. She couldn’t believe Rowan’s betrayal either, but it was very real. The pain was real. The broken trust was real. The end of my first love was real. I wouldn’t let it make me bitter and unable to trust again. I wouldn’t let it break me. I would do what I could to move on. I was ready to heal.

After that conversation with Georgiana, I was in desperate need of a walk and time to ready my thoughts for the coronation. She begged me not to wander too long. It was nearly time to begin getting ready.

I went to the one room I would always find peaceful, even with all that had happened there. I found the glass room. The stars would be visible now and it would be exactly what I would need.

I shut the door behind me and stared up at the sky. The inky black expanse and bright twinkling lights did something to my soul. Their unfaltering firmness soothed my fast beating heart. My body swayed to the music pouring in from the throne room. The musicians were practicing.

I moved further into the dark room and boxed my arms into a dancing frame, shutting my eyes. The actions pulled a distant memory from my mind and just as he did that night he pulled me into his arms now. I didn’t need to open my eyes to know it was him. My body recognized him before I did.

A flood of emotions overwhelmed me but I held my eyes firmly shut. I allowed him to pull me into his arms and allowed my back to be held firmly against his chest as we moved to the smooth pull of the music. Dejavu ran rampant. His warm breath caressed the curve of my neck and his hands held firmly to my waist. My head naturally fell back against his shoulder. He pressed his face into my hair and inhaled deeply. A sharp painful tug pulled at my chest. I crossed my arms in front of my waist and held onto his hands holding me. I enjoyed the moment while I could.

The music came to a slow ending. We stopped moving but we had yet to let go. I could imagine the raging intensity behind his cobalt eyes.

How had I blocked out these feelings? This chemistry. Was it because I was scared of being hurt by him again? Why did I have to realize this now? It was better to be kept in the dark.

I let go of his hands on my waist and without looking back, I left the room. It was a goodbye, I told myself.

Only a goodbye.

Georgiana rushed to help me get dressed, the whole while complaining about the amount of time I’d given her to work with. I forced myself not to think about my moment with Tobias in the dark. Nothing good would come from thinking about it.

I was ready within the hour. How Georgiana managed was beyond me. I looked into the mirror and for the first time, I could truly imagine myself as queen. My mermaid style gown was gorgeous. Ivory silk clung to my body, thick buttons lined down my back to below my hips, and my hair was expertly curled, hanging loosely around me. Deep red stained my lips and black kohl-lined my eyes. My marking from the Great mother shone proudly from my cheek.

I felt gorgeous. Georgiana had done it again.

“Ready?” she asked.

My voice was a trembling mess so I settled for a nod.

George and I waited in the small office that stood to the side of the throne room. The chatter of many voices could be heard. George paced the small space until I forced him to take a seat. I picked at my nails until he took a hold of my hands in his. We held each other together.

The time came for us to be announced. Time seemed to be ticking quicker. Walking down the entryway and knowing everyone was here to watch us be crowned was thrilling and nerve-wracking. Killian held a beautifully dressed Georgiana around the waist, Viktorya wore a familiar sour expression, and Tobias’s eyes blazed brightly. I turned my gaze from him quickly.

Ivy and Willow watched from a corner. Rowan stood handsomely between them. A sadness at what could have been entered my heart, but George’s firm guidance held me from drowning.

Kealie stood by her nanny wearing a lovely yellow gown and her smile was all for George. Kealie would be mine too. The thought was terrifying but exciting. I would be equally responsible for the small girl.

A familiar set of cold eyes drifted through the crowd. My steps faltered. George tried to pull me along but my feet were solidly planted. Those hate filled eyes loomed closer to Kealie.

Her name burst from my lips. My scream startled everyone into action. Guardians burst through the doors and began accosting the crowd. George’s eyes widened as he realized what was happening.

I ran to Kealie. All the guards were being held back by Thelonious’s Guardians. Opal and Diamond appeared out of thin air, leading a small band of white-clad Guardians but none of them were near enough.

Thelonious held Kealie’s nanny by the hair and gruesomely ran a blade across her throat. Blood poured from her open wound. Kealie’s terrified screams were all I could hear. George fought the crowd to get to her. Somehow I had managed to find a clear path to them. Thelonious caught my wide-eyed gaze.

His lip pulled into an ugly sneer. Instead of going for the child like I thought he would, his strides were aimed at me.

I pulled the blade I’d snuck into my wardrobe. I’d been carrying the blade ever since his escape. I cut a slit through the silk of my dress, freeing my legs. I was nearly in front of Thelonious, but George had somehow beat me to him.

Thelonious pulled out a shiny black piece of bronze and aimed it at George. An explosive pop made everyone stand still. Thelonious grinned gleefully. George turned to face me slowly, holding his stomach.

He removed his hands, revealing his white dress shirt soaked with red. He fell to the ground with a thud.

“George,” I screamed.

The next moment was one I’d never forget. With deadly accuracy, I aimed my blade at Thelonious. In between breaths, I let it fly, landing securely in his throat. He fell to his knees. I didn’t wait to see if he died. Instead, I ran to George’s side.

Kealie was crying in the background. The chaos seemed to be ending. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I held my dying friend. His lips moved but no sound was coming out. I leaned in close and he whispered.

“Take care of my Kealie.”

“Of course,” I sobbed. “You know I will.”

He took his last breath, eyes staring at the ceiling. I forced his eyelids closed.

“Daddy,” Kealie wailed from Tobias’s arms.

Relief flooded my chest at the sight of him. He was safe and he had somehow managed to wrangle the kicking and screaming girl.

Opal and Diamond appeared in front of me, forcibly pulling me from the room. I frantically scanned the crowd for the people I loved, but couldn’t find their faces.

They pulled me to a room I’d never been to before and stood guard. Both refused to say a word as they vigilantly kept watch.

I stood in the middle of the room not knowing what to do. My hands were covered in George’s blood. The Terran sisters entered the room with their own guards.

“Are you ready to swear allegiance to the people of Iron Forge?” they asked urgently.

They didn’t wait for my answer. Instead, they pulled an onyx blade from their robes. They chanted in the holy language and cut their palms.

Blood magic.

One of the sisters took a hold of one of my trembling hands and uttered a few more words before slicing open the palm of one of my hands. I couldn’t even wince in pain before they all took turns holding my hand in their injured ones.

A gold burst of light surrounded me as the voice of the Great Mother blessed me through the light. A second later, the light was gone and I was back in the room.

One of the Terran sisters placed a crown on my head and bowed in respect. Opal, Diamond, and the other guards hit their chest with a closed fist and proudly chanted, ‘Long live the Queen.’

And just like that, I was Queen.

I fell into the nearest stuffed chair and sagged into its cushions. Opal and Diamond briefed me on the chaos and list of dead. Four people had died that night. George, two of our Guardians, and Thelonious.

I closed my eyes and I could see George falling the ground clutching his stomach. My throat ached with the effort of holding in my sorrow. I was on lockdown until the castle had been swept for any remaining hostiles and the wait was killing me.

One of the sisters stood from their corner and slowly inched closer to me. ”There is a matter that needs to be discussed.”

“What is it?” I asked, exhausted.

“The matter of the king.”

“George?”

"No, your Highness,” she said sadly. ”He was not crowned. You are without a partner. Iron Forge is without a king.”

“Meaning?” I asked, afraid of the answer. Were they really saying this to me mere hours after George’s death?

"You’ll have to marry within the year,” she rushed on.

My gaze hardened as I muttered the next words.

“Like hell I will.”