Child of the Moon

Chapter 8- Belledge

We approached the golden gates of the city, only to find a guard hindering our entrance.

         We stopped in front of him. He stared at us as though we were out of our minds to approach him. He cleared his throat. “Tis not wise to challenge the city of Queen Cécile, even for pretty sisters like yourselves.”

         Sapphire laughed. “Sir, we are not sisters. We are friends of different species. I am an Angel; my friend is a Moon Spirit. We mean no harm to the Queen.”

         The guard’s eyes widened. “An Angel?”

         “That tis what I said.” Sapphire replied sharply, all traces of her earlier humor abruptly gone.

         He searched her face. “How am I to know that you speak the truth?”

         Sapphire sighed. “Are you daft? Look.” She turned around, giving the guard a clear view of her wings.

         “Excuse me, mademoiselle. I’m so sorry for the delay. I’m sure the Queen will be happy to speak with you.”

         I had been silent during this exchange, but as the guard moved to open the gates, I asked Sapphire, “Who is the Queen? Is she the one you told me of before?”

         Sapphire smiled kindly. “Do not fear, starling.  She is the same Queen that I spoke of. As you will remember, Queen Cécile is a Good Queen, for she is very just. She runs this city and all of Mirenius. She is fair and wise, kind and ethical, though she can be cunning if she has a goal in mind. She is known by most as Queen Cécile the Good.”

         This comforted me greatly. “Will we speak to her?”

         Sapphire nodded. “She knows of all that happens in her kingdom; she will know where your crystal is.”

         Frowning, Sapphire flicked her fingers in a barely discernable movement. A silvery cloak, as light and pretty as moonlight, appeared in my hands and one as white as snow appeared in her hands. Both cloaks were trimmed with white fur around the hood. We donned the cloaks as we walked further into the city.

         As Sapphire searched for the castle, I watched the spirits on the streets with avid interest. Different faces wandered by, all wishing us well. Every face was kind and warm. As I watched the spirits on the other side of the street, I recognized someone.

         A man with a stocky build and warm, teak eyes- eyes ringed in gold- walked amongst the crowd. He wore simple golden clothes, no shoes, and walked with an air of superiority. My father’s gaze rose and met mine for a moment before he turned and walked away.

         “Sapphire,” I whispered.

         “Yes, starling?” she answered, distracted.

         I trembled. “I just saw my father- no, Jezzine’s husband. He saw me, too, before he walked away.”

         Sapphire sighed. “Then Queen Cécile must help us.”

         We wandered the streets for half of an hour longer before we reached the castle of Queen Cécile the Good.

         At the majestic doors of the proud silver castle, a guard called, “Halt!”

         Sapphire and I froze as one, and I thought, this city is awfully fond of guards. The guard demanded, “State your names and purpose.”

         I remained still with fear, but Sapphire stayed calm. She told the guard, “I am Sapphire Meadowmusic, and I am an Angel. This is Larimar Jewelrose, a fledgling Moon Spirit, and we request an audience with the Queen.”

         The guard looked vaguely startled and frightened. Sapphire stared at him regally until he gave in. Nodding, the guard said, “I am sorry for the delay, mademoiselle. Let us go and request an audience with the Good Queen for you.” I noted that mademoiselle seemed the common way to address female strangers.

         I nodded meekly. As we entered the palace, we brushed the hoods of our cloaks back.

         As we walked through the ornate hallways, I saw servants rushing past. Each servant was clothed in a simple dress, though the color varied on each, and had a silver necklace dangling from his or her neck. The charms hanging from their necklaces appeared to be sets of wings. Closed doors of silver and gold lined the hallways. After walking through the seemingly endless hallways, we reached another set of imposing silver doors. The guard opened the doors, and I recognized a male voice.

         “So you can see why Larimar must be killed.” My father said pleasantly.