The Hidden Lands

Chapter 1- Leaving

Introducing the new model for my cover, my 8-year-old cat, and the dictator- sorry queen- of my house, Bella 

Beatrix

I stood on the dock waving as my husband's airship ascended into the cold Faellen night. His visit to Gravlin was short but it gave me time to get my story arranged. Rowan leaned against the railing and shouted his goodbyes, in that very un-kingly manner I loved so much. His Primordial white hair and pure blue eyes overflowing with excitement. No matter what happened next, I wouldn't get to see him again, the thought was nearly enough to cripple me, but I forced a cheerful expression to cover my face until the blimp was out of sight.

A small chubby hand reached for mine and I reached down and pulled my son up to my hip and let him wave one more time at the small spec on the horizon.

Later that evening I handed the small prince off to his nursemaid and gave him one last kiss on his pudgy cheek. As he rounded the corner, I let my smile drop for the first time since I realized what needed to be done.

I found my brother waiting for me outside my room, his guard's uniform was rumpled and his auburn hair looked like he hadn't combed it in a fortnight. He was the only one who knew the full extent of my worries. Rowan could very well be killed in Gravelin, this was our first contact with the small island nation since the war with Bronz a hundred years before, but I had even more to worry about. If my evening went according to plan he would not go to Gravelin "Are you ready Kollin?" I asked him as I stepped into my room.

"Not remotely, but yes your majesty," he added with a hint of humor," The plans are set and we await your signal," he told me, the pain evident in his tone. At least there was that, he would not have to fake his grief for the death of his Queen and sister.

Kollin left and I changed into a sturdy set of leather pants and a matching jacket. I laced up the small guard's boots that my brother had brought for me, and sat at my desk and began to write.

To her Majesty Queen Beatrix,

I am sorry to inform you of a grave accident. King Rowan's airship suffered engine failure and, in an attempted field landing, the blimp exploded. His majesty is believed to be dead. As we were unsure of whom to address this letter, please pass this on to the proper officials.

The Citizens of Faellen in the town of Dale two miles North of Port Delphi

Gurlange was close enough that a runner could have delivered it in under two hours and the ship would have already passed it.

The note was short and the cause of my alleged death was cheesy but it seemed a small enough representation of my love for the King to leave him with. I only hoped that Kollin would carry out his part in the bargain. His grief would be equal to mine though, I had waited far too long to set this plan in motion and he had seen the proof of our second child already. He was so excited, hoping for a Primordial child to carry on the line, since Willy had inherited none of his father's ability. But I doubted that this baby would be any different, my Deltoran heritage might interfere and I was not ready to make him face that.

I slung the small travel bag over my shoulder and crept up the spiral staircase to meet Kollin. I handed him the note. I stepped up onto the window ledge and every so slowly stepped forwards into the air and onto the back of the phoenix horse Kollin had saddled for me. To everyone on the Ulecide sea I would be declared dead, everyone but Kollin that is. Wilbur would grow up without me, but he would have Rowan.

Rowan would hate me for this, like I hated myself for this, even if he believed me dead but Kollin would help him. This was better, I tried telling myself, though the plan scarcely made sense to me. I would run to Middle Earth, far past the point where anybody would know who I was, or anything about the Faellen Queen. I would raise my baby as a normal child, they would never know about his or her Primordial father. I fingered the necklace Rowan had given me on our wedding day five years ago, trailing my finger over the simple infinity loop. I bit back my tears and flew straight South without glancing back at Kollin who, as soon as I was out of sight, would raise the alarm that I had thrown myself into the moat after being told the King had died, and then that would become the truth as everyone knew it.