When the queen was out of sight, Kaden melted into a crumpled mess on the floor. Her breaths rattled her body as she sobbed. There was no way she could become a queen in a month! Most people have a lifetime of training to rule, but she has a month or her lifetime will be significantly shortened.
She was so captivated by her thoughts that she didn't see someone come up to her door, open it, and slip inside. She barely acknowledged as Veronica registered her state of panic, and picked her up into her arms. Veronica's smell, roasted cinnamon, eased Kaden's nerves a little, as Veronica carried her back upstairs and laid her gently on the bed. She didn't ask Kaden any questions, just crawled into bed beside her and held her for hours, and Kaden fell into a deep sleep.
Kaden moaned deeply as she stumbled back into consciousness. Veronica stiffened in response, and pulled her closer.
"Good morning again, Sleeping Beauty." Veronica muttered into her neck. Kaden grinned. She rolled herself across the bed and ventured to the closet to get dressed. After finding an appropriate outfit, she stepped out to see Veronica lacing her boots back on.
"Where are you going?" Kaden inquired, trying to keep the disappointment from her voice. Veronica smiled, and looked up at her with a sparkle in her eyes.
"I'm not going anywhere," She stated resolutely, "Not until you tell me what happened earlier."
Kaden didn't argue. She told everything, from her embarrassing herself in her underwear, to her newfound knowledge of her imminent demise. She poured out everything, holding nothing back, and Veronica just listened. She waited patiently for Kaden to finish before she encircled Kaden in her arms and whispered into her hair.
"Oh Schatzi, this is great news." Kaden pulled back immediately, staring at Veronica as though a third head had begun to sprout on her shoulders. Veronica rolled her eyes and grabbed Kaden by her hands. "They've given you extra time. Sure it's not much, but it's something, and you get to live. You've got nothing to worry about, Schatzi! We've got this!"
"What do you mean 'I've got nothing to worry about'? I'm going to die! No one can become a queen in thirty days! I can't just snap my fingers and instantly know the entire history of the Mond," Kaden cried out in exasperation, but then paused, a small smile formed on Veronica's face, "Wait, 'we'?" Veronica nodded her head, the small smile turning into a sheepish grin.
"I could help, if you'd be okay with that. I have lived here, kinda, you know, my whole life." Veronica mumbled softly as she looked at her boots and a light blush dusted daintily on her olive- toned cheeks. Kaden squeezed her tight and exclaimed,
"You're the best!" Veronica hugged her back lightly. As Kaden ran out of the room, overcome with excitement, Veronica whispered,
"I wish that were true, my dearest Schatzi. I really do."
YOU ARE READING
Fae
FantasyA young lady is begrudgingly inducted by a strange group of people. Will she become who they want her to be, or will the ties to her past get her killed?
