10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Oct 2 - Dreams of Power

She was in the courtyard again. The geography warped and shifted, unable to settle on a single orientation. She found this perfectly natural and didn't question it.

"Ah, you have returned." a voice greeted her. She looked over to the speaker. It was a young man, dressed in a smart suit with a black shirt and a white tie. "I had hoped you wouldn't."

"How could I not?" she replied, clasping her hands in front of her nervously. "You promised me so much when we met last time."

"It is because you remember our last meeting so clearly that I regret your swift return. You were not supposed to meet me for another year, the night after you become the queen."

"I... yes, you did tell me as such, but how could I resist? Your offer was... so intoxicating, I couldn't take my mind off of it all day." She reached out and gently held one of his hands in both of hers. She could see now she was wearing lacy gloves, a detail that she hadn't noticed before. She had never owned these gloves before.

"I had wondered if it was too soon... but you had my word then, and you shall now." He nodded. The sky shimmered and the courtyard shuddered, its intricate tiles quickly being pulverised by a powerful nothing to form natural rocks. The castle behind her crumbled to show a towering cliff face. She looked around as the sky dimmed to a normal colour, the brilliant amber of a blazing sunset. "You have no doubts as to the nature of this power, correct?"

-----

"I... if I remember your lesson correctly, it is the combination of the conscious realm with the subconscious of the user."

"An acceptable answer." he nodded. "The dream realm - the one you now reside in - has long obeyed the wills of your kingdom. However, to prevent this power being abused, my line is meant to guide yours through the necessary training. With luck, you shall learn to control all of your mind and bring balance to it. I will warn you, however; very few have even come close to full mastery. To my knowledge, it is impossible. Knowing this, do you still wish to proceed?"

"I would." she nodded. She hadn't even noticed that she had formed two more legs. He chuckled as he noticed.

"It seems as though your subconscious is already primed to manipulate your body. This is good, it demonstrates an understanding of the subconscious' part for what will transpire."

"Oh, my apologies..." she mumbled, her legs sliding back to normal. It was so fluid...

"You must learn to harness this, however. Letting your dreams conquer your body so easily is only going to lead it to ruin."

"Y-yes, of course... the body does have its mortal desires."

"Exactly." he nodded. "One would think you have studied this."

"I..." she smiled awkwardly, glancing aside. Why must this man be so handsome? "I must confess, yes, I have..."

"Your enthusiasm is duly noted." he smiled warmly, making her heart flutter. Why must he only be in her dreams?