Page 1 of Emerald Queen
Chapter1
Emersyn stared out into the land, her mind racing with a million thoughts. The death of her parents was sudden, leaving her with questions and heartbreak. They’d traveled to the Sapphire Kingdom to discuss something her father had said was vital to the kingdom’s safety...
No one expected them to be murdered on the way there.
Yet, that is exactly what happened.
The reports indicated their vehicle had been attacked on the route to the Sapphire kingdom. The constable told her there was nothing left but the charred remnants of bodies. Bodies he identified as her mother, father, and their personal guard, Frederick.
Never, in their history had there been such violence. Sure, there was tension between a few of the kingdoms. Onyx to be precise, but they’d never gone as far as attacking or killing anyone.
And still hadn’t.
The Onyx Queen immediately came to their aid, offering patrols of the area and support in whatever way needed. Onika Nite swore fidelity to her, promising to bring vengeance to whomever was responsible.
Emersyn couldn’t understand who’d do something like this to the kingdom. Her mother was a fair and honest ruler. Everyone loved her.
And her dad… well, he supported her in any endeavor she sought. It was the way of the Elemental rule. A woman was always the one in power in the six kingdoms.
And now…
“Your Majesty,” Emersyn hadn’t heard anyone enter her quarters.
“Oh,” she turned, giving him a half-hearted smile, “Constable Baxter. I didn’t hear you come in.”
“Queen Virid, I know you are saddened, you must be crowned immediately to avoid any anarchy in the kingdom.”
“Anarchy? Don’t be silly, Baxter, the people are in mourning as well. Causing a disturbance is the last thing they want or need.”
“I beg to differ, Your Majesty.”
“Ok… let’s get something straight, Baxter. I am not my mother. You will call me Emersyn when we are in closed quarters. You’ve always been someone I looked up to like family. So, none of this Your Majesty bullshit. Are we clear?”
“Yes, your majes… um, Emersyn.”
“And do we need to make this whole crowning thing a spectacle? I just buried my parents… I’m not feeling much like a celebration.”
“I am sorry for that, Emersyn. But it is the way of our people. They need to know you have accepted your role as Queen. We can do a private crowning now, then, in a few days throw a party.”
Emersyn sat down on her bed, a heavy sigh escaped her throat as a lone tear trickled down her cheek.
“Fine. Let’s get it over with.”
“Great. I’ll send in someone to help get you ready. And Emersyn,” Constable Baxter placed his hand on her shoulder, “Your mother would be proud of you.”
“Thanks.” She wiped the wetness beneath her eyes, “Are we any closer to figuring out who did this? I know Queen Nite assures us it wasn’t her people, but have we confirmed that?”
“Yes. It wasn’t her kingdom. Besides, there was no reason for them to have attacked your parents. And she is just as enraged as you are. She has doubled her patrols along the border.”
“I know. It doesn’t make sense, Baxter. The kingdoms are not at war with each other.”
“I have sent for Commander Meyer. He will fill you in on what he has found so far once the ceremony is done.”
“Then let’s get to it. I want this over with so we can find my parent’s killers.”
The constable left Emersyn alone to prepare for the crowning ceremony. Even though she was already ruling, the ceremony would be a formality. Then a party would be for the people. Emersyn wished she could skip it all and mourn her mother and father properly – but that wasn’t the life of a queen.
Queen.
