The (Weird) Life Of A Teenage Necromancer

Queen of Fire

The Queen's smile widened. "Ah so you have heard of me. I can't say I'm not flattered, even after all these centuries my name still garners recognition. Do tell, how twisted have the stories of myself and my kingdom become?"

Kate opened her mouth but closed it again. She decided to stay silent.

Queen Nuriye silently regarded the pair with amusement before rising from her throne. Besides her Asraen tensed as the Queen approached, her blood red skirts sweeping the ground with a whisper. Kate forced herself to keep still and refused to look away. The Queen stopped in front of her.

It was hard to tell how tall the Queen was when she had sat on her throne but as she stood a couple of feet away it was apparent how tall she really was. Much taller, Kate realized, than she had previously assumed. The Queen loomed over her, Kate's head not even reaching her shoulder. Kate managed not to flinch as the Queen reached out a delicate hand, her fingertips darkening into short and sharp nails. The hand lightly gripped her chin and Kate was surprised on how warm it was, so warm that it teetered on the verge of being called uncomfortable. Then her head was tilted back, back, back.

Until their gaze met, her amethyst eyes boring into dark brown with speckled gold. Warm breath fanned her face as the Queen regarded the Necromancer, amusement now replaced by silent concentration. Her head was slowly tilted from side to side, as the Queen inspected her as she would an antique. Kate let her, deciding it was in her best interest to do as the Queen wanted. For now.

After a couple of moments of silent contemplation the Queen's lips stretched into a slow smile. "I have to say," she murmured. "This shell is quite exceptional. If one did not know better they would have assumed you to be nothing more than human but I can see that characteristics from multiple creatures have been used along with some runes, no doubt. It's been awhile since I last saw one, especially one created with such expertise. Your shell is practically flawless."

Without warning her hand slid down to wrap around her neck, raising Kate off the ground in the process. "Although I do wonder," she continued calmly. ""If your endurance and tolerance lives up to the design." In reflex Kate raised both hands to pull away the Queen's hand but her grip was unyielding under her fingers.

"Kate!" The sound of metal being drawn was deafening in the silent room. Kate could only imagine Asraen standing a couple of feet away, surrounded by guards. The Queen slowly tightened her grip and it became much harder to pull air into her lungs. With wide eyes Kate opened her mouth to speak but only a half-chocked gasp made it from her lips.

"Let. Her. Go." Asraen spoke slowly, punctuating every word with venom.

After a couple of moments Queen Nuriye finally turned to look at Asraen and she paused. Kate didn't know what was going on but she kept clawing at the Queen's hand, her lungs starting to burn. The Queen seemed unaffected and merely stared over her at Asraen, obviously caught off guard by what she saw. Abruptly Queen Nuriye let go and Kate fell to her knees, taking in deep wheezing breaths into her burning lungs.

The Queen stood over Kate, her gaze flickering between the necromancer in front of her and the Shadow walker. Her lips pressed together tightly and she turned away. "Take them to their rooms," She ordered quietly as she walked towards the throne.
"It's been a long day and I've grown weary."

Without question the guards moved to obey. A hand appeared into her line of vision and Kate looked up. The young woman from before stared down at her, lips pressed into a grim line. 'I suggest we hurry before My Queen changes her mind." After slight hesitation Kate took her hand and was helped to her feet. Quickly they all walked out of the room.

Her gaze met Asraen's and the comforting smile quickly turned into a wince as she saw his dark gaze and jaw clenched in silent fury. Suddenly feeling self-conscious her hand rose to her neck. "Is it that bad?"

He looked away, hand clenching and unclenching. "It's bruised but it should heal in a couple of days."

They were silent for the rest of the trip.

In her room Kate winced at her reflection. Her skin sported the angry red imprints of the Queen's hand wrapping around her neck.

"Here, this will help." Turning around Kate eyed the bowl that the woman held in her hands. Kate didn't move and she sighed, setting the bowl down. "My Queen has a temper and she can be unpredictable at times." She admitted quietly. "Strangers usually are here when they have committed a crime against us. As far as we know you're innocent. Since the Queen has decided not to kill you then it is safe to say that the next meeting will be much more pleasant."

"How can we trust you? She just tried to kill me without reason."

The woman approached with a damp cloth and gently pressed it against the bruised skin. "In these lands I am known as Isana, the right hand of The Queen. I have been in her service for decades and I know My Queen better than most. She had her reasons but do not worry. No such thing will repeat itself again. You have my word."

Finally Isana stepped back. "Your dinner will be brought to your in a couple of hours. I suggest you get plenty of rest for now, tomorrow we can talk."

Kate merely nodded and watched as Isana walked out and closed the door behind her. The click of the lock being turned echoed in the space between them.

_____________________________________

A/N: I already had it written out in my notebook but I hadn't had the chance to be at the computer. It's a bit shorter but the last one drained me haha Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :D Next update will be schedule for Monday June 29th :)