The Ruler's Rift

Beginning of the End

Later in the month, Mystearlia's sun rose on the final day of preparation. Ships already filled the skies, descending onto the snow where they let out their passengers. Crowds formed and grew, marching into their tents like ants to their hills.

Celeste's senses swarmed her almost as much as her servants and wardens did. Mystearlia groaned at the new pests on its skin, and the queen's underlings pelted her with questions. "Your majesty, should we calm the guests about the blood ring?" One asked. Another added, "Your majesty, the fifth lightbulb on the twentieth branch of Mystearlia's eightieth tree is out, should I fix it right away?"

The queen tried to answer everyone, her tongue nearly flicking between her fast-paced words. Her throne room had never been so crowded, up to the sconces in people.

A warden ran in and split the herd, banging a pot and pan while yelling, "The Leafleffish are coming! The Leafleffish are coming!"

"Ugh, great," Celeste growled. "So Excuptero is here. And you, quit banging!"

The warden's cookware ceased to clank, but the remaining crowds didn't quiet down. Long, golden hair shimmered between the clustered bodies, bringing hope to Celeste. She sighed in relief when Amber pushed past chefs, wardens, decorators, and even the butlers. "Okay, everyone, okay, let's give her majesty some air!" The assassin boomed. She reached her niece and ushered her out of the crowd. The two slipped out of the throne room and found refuge in the corridor, where fewer people buzzed.

"How are you holding up?" Amber asked. She fanned Celeste.

"I just heard that Excuptero and all of Leafleff arrived..."

"Oh," Amber said, failing to hide her grimace.

"Ugh, and do they have to ask me about everything?" Celeste said, nearly pulling her face off. "If a light is out, just go fix it. Why wouldn't I want that?"

"They mean well," Amber laughed. "Have you eaten anything?"

"More like anyone..."

"Is Nova out of willing disciples?"

"Not even close."

"Good. Do that, clean yourself up, and meet me at the courtyard in an hour."

Celeste agreed and hunted down Nova. She informed her that a sacrifice was needed again, and she was promised to have that need met. Before long, Nova introduced Celeste to the next loyal follower who was thrilled to become her sustenance.

No matter how many of them she fed on, their eagerness to be deveined stunned her. She wouldn't question a good thing too much, though, and she took the follower back to her quarters. Soon, her teeth were deep in the victim's neck and her tongue was even deeper. It pulled out the network of thin, slimy tubes with ease. The poor woman's heart had been displaced from her ribs by the time Celeste had finished eating, and her skin had gone pale and shriveled. The vampiric empress was loath to return to the masses, but the hour neared and responsibilities called.

After Celeste cleaned up and stepped out, Nova swooped in. "Was that one to your liking?" She asked, tail swishing.

"Yes, she was fine," Celeste answered as the two traversed the corridor. "It would also be to my liking if you'd greet the guests outside."

"My pleasure, your majesty," Nova cooed. She bowed her head and then split from Celeste's path.

The queen hurried past her subordinates to the courtyard. Morning sun made the snow glitter gold, and the obelisks had been outfitted with spiraling lights and dangling, ornate decorations. Tents speckled the distant fields, and folks loitered between icy branches and regal sculptures. Celeste breathed deeply - far fewer people than in the throne room, thankfully.