Wysteria

Chapter 6

—————
Delicate snowflakes flurry through the wind, a mesmerizing dance, and fall to melt to the ground. The air is frigid, of course, but not so that of Wysteria Court. Wysteria Court is all head to toe coverage, lest you lose one of them. Here, on the borderline between Eldorado and Wysteria Court, heading Northwest bound toward the sweltering heat of Evanderlan, only a thick sweater was needed.

I haven't travelled much outside of my home province, as it was always my duty to train to the best of my abilities. Sword fighting, espionage, etiquette, language, sewing, cooking, yoga, dagger throwing, and gun shooting to name a few. The most dangerous of my skill set, and the most secret, I train in private. What kind of Queen reveals her hand before the game is at it's peak?

The car speeds down the road, passing trees and foliage so fast it looks like a fresh painting with a brush ran through the colors, leaving streaks and swirls. My vision crosses, and I blink against the fatigue. I didn't sleep much last night, thinking of every thought under the moon, of every worry to yet be addressed. Besides the obvious of the missing children, the Council at Wysteria Court comes to forefront. I know some of them must be suspicious of my sudden departure, especially on a mission with no timeframe. I met with them once more, right before we left, hoping to ease the suspicion. It was a mistake on my part, my rush to join the expedition during the informal meeting with Josiah, Vizen and a few of the counselors. I should have taken more time to 'think', to gather a better excuse. This morning before leaving, I did manage to convince them that this, my first worldwide problem as Queen, was important for me to foresee in person. Of course, under the guise of being apart of the Queen's Court, for safety. Maybe they bought, maybe they didn't, but I'd rather them be confused than suspicious enough to guess at the true reason.

"Queen Amaris?"

"Yes?" I turn away from the swirling colors of the window, and face my companions in the car. Next to me, taking up as much space as possible as she sleeps, is Vizen. Her hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, some strands stuck to her forehead and neck. On her right, taking the other window seat, is Josiah, who has frowned the last three hours of the ride. He's upset that I took the window seat, preferring for my safety that I sit anywhere else. I live to crease his perfect skin, though.

Across from me is Mitch, another of the Queen's guard. His bright blue eyes catch mine, and his head tilts down slightly. He has brown hair, dark enough to be mistaken for black, unlike Vizen's, who's hair is more of a dirty blonde. I turn my eyes to Saphir, the meek handmaid who was chosen to accompany us, as Vizen is to be my advisor.

"Would you like any refreshments? I have tea, water, moonshine, and cookies." She says sweetly, making eye contact with my chin.

"I would love some water, please." I reply, scolding Mitch with my eyes as he chuckles. Poor girl doesn't know yet that moonshine and I do not mix. Something the other three in the car had come to know one time or another.

"The Queen would lose her corset," He mumbles, slapping forearms with Josiah whose lips tilt, a telltale laugh from the stiff cardboard of a man.

"Stop that, heathens," I scold, "Ignore them Saphir. I can handle my moonshine."

The poor girl blushes, handing me a glass cup of water. "Yes, your highness."

"You can call me Mari from here on out. We can't risk using my first name, so maybe a nickname would work better." I take the cup with a thank you.

"Mari, ah?" Josiah quips. "I'll send a message to the other guards."

The remaining guards are in two other trucks in front and behind us. We've travelled almost four of our six hour trip, including one break to refuel and go to the bathroom at around hour two. I settle back into my seat, silently listening to Josiah and Mitch converse about the plan once we arrive to the White Stone pack. My cup slowly dwindles down to mere sips as we venture on, trading the snowy capped mountains and muddy streets for wide open fields, and sunny cities.