No one likes Evelyn Rose Cartier, not because she is mean or hateful, but because she is a beautiful fifteen year old and Queen of all Aaronmere—and maybe she is a little bossy. Her castle sits on an island in the middle of Emerald Lake. It is unique with eight towers each facing one of the eight compass points and at their base are inlaid ten foot stones with writings that guide warriors and brave folk alike to partake in unknown adventures. Rare crystal stone cause the towers to shimmer pink under the glow of the moon. The lake itself gets her name from the emerald mines just south in the Titan mountains. She is a clear lake allowing her observers to peer at her white sandy bottom. Dolphins swim deep below but seem only a touch away. Her salt water comes from the Sea of Rose just a stones throw in the direction of the sunrise. By geography standards she is a small bay inlet but long before Evelyn was born, at the time the castle was built and christened by her dad, King Edmond, as Emerald Castle, the people of the land called her lake--and so it stuck.
Many of the castle folk still consider Evelyn to be a spoiled brat. Her mother died during child bearing and her dad had little time for her. Of her fifteen years, she has gone through eight nurses schooling from birth to be Queen. When King Edmond fell to the sword of Lord Ran last year, she became queen much too soon. By law, Lord Ran could claim Emerald Castle as his but because of his love for Evelyn he allowed her the throne. Lord Ran rules the territory inland beyond the Titan Mountains known as Moyend. Moyend is elfin meaning ‘nothing’. The land is flat, giving way to little growth. Trees are few and far apart; water comes in the form of small dirty lakes and shallow streams. One might think traveling Moyend would be easy but quite the opposite stands true. This kind of land attracts dangerous beasts and unfriendly men, to travel across Moyend means taking huge risks on your life. The ruler of this land is a rigid tough skinned-thick skulled brute—Ran. His looks are described as rugged with blonde curly hair falling to his shoulders in an un-kept manner. His blue eyes are cold like deep water. When Ran stands he towers over all other men at seven foot four inches. He is all business when it came to ruling his land, but when it comes to Evelyn, Lord Ran is different; soft spoken, shy, almost pleasant but most of all weak.
Evelyn Stands facing her long mirror as Carol, her latest nurse, dresses her for the day. Golden curls frame her perfect hazel eyes and soft clay lips. She smiles at her complexion as she slides her fingers through her hair and over her breasts. The purple velvet gown forms her bodice rather nicely she thinks quietly. Traditionally, gowns flow many feet behind but Evelyn’s teenage heart took liberties with this gown. She made Carol cut and hem the gown so that it fell only past her knees. Showing bare legs just was not done and Carol pleaded long and hard before caving in and following orders.
Evelyn grabs her gown and flings it from side to side showing off her new style. Carol flinches at the ghastly sight.
Often people mistake Evelyn for having a cold heart as she never wept a tear for her mothers and fathers death. But it is these people who never take the opportunity to know their Queen. One can not weep a tear for someone they never knew, nor are given the chance to know. When King Edmond died it was defending Evelyn’s Kingdom. He died in battle with honor and she praises him. That her fathers’ blood fell at the hand of Lord Ran, the man who claims undying love for her, is only part of being royalty. She allows no vengeance to consume her, no hate and no love. As Queen of Aaronmere her responsibilities are to keep her people safe and her land free, which is how she is trained.
Lord Ran’s first Lieutenant, Bohtan, waits impatiently for Evelyn. He is sent to escort her safely to Lord Ran’s Castle in west Moyend, Castle Guard Liate. Bohtan shares many similarities with his master. Taller then most men at six foot five inches, he stands as a utilitarian solder. His barbarian rising makes him a rugged, bearded, hard edged man but his schooling surpasses all his kind. A quick and sharp mind gives him his command under Lord Ran. Worn metal over tattered leather cover Bohtan’s body. A broad sword hangs at his left side showing many battle wounds but still looks menacing enough to keep people at a distance. Behind Bohtan seven guards bearing the blue snake symbol of Lord Ran wait unmoving.
“Please My Lady, I deplore you, change your gown.” Nurse Carol speaks urgently while brushing the back of Evelyn’s hair.
Evelyn smiles at her reflection again admiring her own image. “I think not Miss Carol. And stop messing with my hair, you make it too curly, I don’t like it that way, more wavy then curly if you must.”
Carol knows how Evelyn likes her hair but her head is filled with images of Bohtan waiting in the courtyard; she continues to brush Evelyn’s hair frantically.
“Stop that right now, I am ready, please.” Evelyn grabs the brush and throws it on the bed.
Carol feels sickly worried. “So sorry My Lady.”
.....to be continued. |
