Winterfall

The next thing on my to do list was to talk to Queen Eleanor, Queen of Emerald Cove. I was more nervous talking with her than I was with King Alaric. At least with King Alaric I had a connection with outside of our formal relationship. Queen Eleanor on the other hand, it was a rocky relationship outside of our formal relationship.

I mean we got along decently well but I could sense some hesitation on her end with pushing our friendship forward. It almost mimicked jealousy or spite. Then again, Queen Eleanor was known for her edgy behavior as she often butted heads with her own council.

The three of us, Alaric, Eleanor, grew up together. Often visiting each other’s kingdom’s for sleepovers and a variety of royal events. Alaric was the oldest out of all three of us by ten years. He was the first of us to take the throne as his parents were more than willing to hand him the crown. I always believed that was due to his ability to detect a lie. As it proved handy on more than one occasion.

Queen Eleanor was the middle of us three. Her ability proved to be a greater tool on the throne than off it so her parents granted her the crown early too. Whereas mine had never surfaced yet so I had no reason to take the crown of Winterfall just yet.

Eleanor was more, I would say rougher than Alaric and I. In a way she had to be as her council consisted of a lot of old folks that were stuck in their ways. No matter what change she tried to make they typically refused her, which brought on her edge of darkness so to speak. She isn't evil by any means but can mimic that of Theo’s aura of fear and turn the tides in her favor.

Queen Eleanor’s orb of communication swirled with a variety of colors that correlated to spring. Various greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks swirled in the orb. And her stone, shimmered just the same.

I cleared my throat and sent this message to her, “Queen Eleanor, I ask your presence for a brief meeting. I have some troubling news and would love to discuss it with you properly.”

I waited around for what seemed like hours but was only a few minutes before I heard her harsh voice echo through the stone, “this better be important Maria, I was busy. Go to the communication orb immediately.”

I sighed in relief. The harshness in her tone I was used to as it is how she always sounded. I just had to hope that she would show a bit of sympathy when I tell her everything.

I walked over to her orb and waited a brief second before she walked into view. Queen Eleanor had lush blonde hair that flowed in waves down her spine, her brilliant green eyes mimicked that of fresh spring as hints of gold danced within them, and her black dress fit her body just right. Eleanor wore a flashy rose necklace upon her neck and a pair of black rose earrings to match. Her skin was flawless and shimmered a bronze color.

She sat back on her throne and sighed, “what do you want Maria?” She sounded annoyed. Well, I am fucked. I thought to Théoden as her demeanor always made me nervous.

I cleared my voice in hopes of not sounding hesitant, “I have some news I would like to share with you.”

“Which is?” She asked as she began to tap her fingers on the arm of her chair. She was definitely the impatient type.

“Marcel Blackvale, King of Summer Crest.”

I watched as her eyes shifted slightly. “What do you know about him?” She snapped.

“I know he is a devil high lord of the fourth ring of Hell.” I tried to watch her body language. She didn’t seem surprised. Something, told me she knew.

“What about it?”

“He is trying to take my kingdom by forcing my hand in marriage and I want to stop him.” I told her with as much confidence as I can.

“Huh. You? Do you even have any allies on your back besides that guard of yours?” I almost depicted a hint of jealousy here.

Ouch.. that was a bit brutal. I thought to Théoden who I could tell was now watching. “Yes, King Alaric.”

“Of course he would, he adored you and still does.” She said without hesitation. That I knew.

“Eleanor, I couldn’t help but get the vibe that you are not surprised at all by this course of action.”

“To be honest Maria, I am not. I learned he was a devil shortly after he took over Summer Crest.” I stared at her in shock. “Shock isn’t a good look on you Maria. Look, I would have told you if I knew what was going on in Winterfall. The last communication we had was a month ago. Now I find you are getting married to the devil?” She honestly sounded hurt.

“To be fair I didn’t tell Alaric until today. Communication has slipped my mind with everything that has been going on.” That was the honest truth.

“I’d say understandable but we could have been helping you long before this Maria.”

“I get that-”

“No, let me finish.” She said as she interrupted me, “Maria, we grew up basically like siblings. You are my sister despite having other parents. If I had known any of this, I would have helped you as I know you would have helped me if I needed it. As you are a sweetheart and that is just what you would do.”

Damn, I felt terrible now. I really need to step up my game and start doing things more properly. “I am sorry for not telling you about this sooner but I am telling you about this now.”

“And I appreciate the information Maria. What would you like of me?”

“I would like your kingdom’s support when the time comes. I have Alaric’s and I need yours.”

“And you got the support.” She said with a smile.

“Thank you Queen Eleanor, I appreciate it.” I told her. “Let me fill you in on a few more things.” I told her about Crimson. I told her about Marcel. I told her Theo and I’s brief plan that we have to take care of things. I even went as far as telling her about my powers and how I am training with Theo to develop my skills. The only thing I left out was my love for Theo, however I think if Alaric knows Eleanor knows too.

“Huh, that is a lot to take in Maria. First, I am happy that you are developing your power. A skilled Queen in the fields is something the Isle’s needs. Put you with your guard and you two are a force to be reckoned with.” The Isles are what we called our four kingdoms combined. “I think we shall call you The Queen of War. Yeah, I think that fits.”

My face flushed a bit. “Well, I still got to learn my skills before I can be the Queen of War.”

“Fair enough.” She said, “is there anything else I should know about?”

I thought about it, “did I tell you I will be a part of my council?”

“I think you left that bit out. Your council needs it.” Eleanor said.

“I have heard and have witnessed first hand.”

“Is that it? I do have a meeting to get to. My own council is being a pain in the ass.”

“That is it. It was great talking to you Eleanor.” I gave a gentle smile.

“That goes for you too. I got to run now but try not to be a stranger Maria.”

“I will try.”

The orb faded and I was left alone in the communication room.

You did great Maria.

Thanks. I was nervous about this one.

You handled it well my love.

Now what?

Relax.

I could use some relaxation. So I made my way back to the kitchen to grab a quick snack before I headed back up to my room.