Page 14 of Journey to the Elderoak
“It’s how the new queen is chosen. Every hundred years, or sooner if the previous queen meets an untimely death, women who deem themselves worthy compete for the crown. We call it the Sovereign Rite.”
“Only women?”
Astrid nodded. “Onlywomen.”
“I like the sound of a kingdom ruled by women,” Ava said. “So, which one of you won?”
“We both did,” Soren said, her hazel eyes bright. “The rite is brutal. Violent. When we reached the top, we were prepared to kill each other.”
Astrid reached over and grasped her wife’s hand. “The goddess we worship, Umis, reveals a cerodinite crystal at the top of the mountain, which is what you see in our crowns.” Ava looked at the purple stone glowing atop Astrid’s head. “Whoever reaches the top is deemed worthy to rule. This time there were two crystals.”
“Umis wanted you both to rule,” Ava said.
“Yes. It had never happened before,” Astrid explained.
“That’s amazing.”
The staff cleared the plates in preparation for dessert andthe conversation switched topics, but Ava’s anxiety returned and she got lost in her head, knowing the official talk was coming. Shifting in her seat, she tried to go over what she wanted to say in her mind, hoping she wouldn’t stumble over her words.
“Ava?” Soren asked from across the table, startling her back to the conversation.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t hear you. What was that?”
Astrid suppressed a smile as Soren responded, “It’s alright. I said that dress is stunning on you. I knew it would be perfect.”
“Thank you.”
“Your Highness,” Corvus said. “I’m so sorry but I noticed some brutal looking scars on your back.”
Ava’s hand moved to her lap, and she fidgeted with her dress. “Yes,” she answered. “What about them?”
“Well,” he hesitated. “How did you get them? Would you be willing to tell us the story?”
Casimir tensed. “No, she will not,” he said, sudden anger in his voice.
“I apologize. I meant no offense.” Corvus held up his hands. “I was only curious. I should never have brought it up.”
“It’s alright,” Ava said, as the dessert was being served. It was time. “While I won’t go into detail about how I got my scars,” she looked at the queens, “it leads us to an important discussion. Where do you stand in this war, Your Majesties?”
“Are you saying your scars are related to the war?” Astrid asked.
“Yes. And while we’re here to honor our trade agreement, we’ve also come to ask for your help.”
The queens watched her. “Go on,” Soren said flatly.
“Our army is preparing to fight against the daemon forces. But we can’t do it alone. With your strength and skills in mining and weapons, we could use your help.”
“Have you discussed this with any other kingdoms yet?” Astrid asked.
“No, but we plan to approach Caelestia as well.”
Soren leaned back in her chair and took a sip of wine, looking at Ava over her silver goblet. “Our kingdom has remained safe from Deidamia’s forces due to our location. Why should we risk our army to help?”
“Why wouldn’t you?” Ava asked, taken aback. Surely, they weren’t going to refuse.
“You tell me, Your Highness,” said Soren. “You came to make your case. So, make it.”
Ava’s confidence waned. She couldn’t believe she was doing this poorly already.
