Page 16 of Emerald Queen
“As long as it is touching the ground… you can breathe life into it or take life from it.”
Emersyn shook her head, it was so confusing. Why had her parents hidden this from her – why not tell her when she was a child.
“I know what you’re thinking, Emersyn.” Sarifena eyed her, “But it is the way of our ancestors. Your parents wouldn’t have told you until your enlightenment. Which happens to coincide with your twenty-first birthday. My guess is you are displaying early due to the trauma of losing your parents. Stress can cause our powers to spill out uncontrollably.”
“This is all so confusing. I mean… I was just a normal girl a few weeks ago – and now… wait,” Emersyn put her hands on her hips and cocked her head. “You said each kingdom was represented by an element. What are they?”
“Well, the Sapphire kingdom is the kingdom of water.”
“That explains all the lakes. So, you can what…” Emersyn spun her hand in the air, “control water?”
Sarifena smiled as she raised her hands. When she snapped her fingers tiny beads of water filled the air around Emersyn. Emersyn stood, mouth agape. Reaching out a finger, she poked a droplet.
“Holy shit.”
Sarifena snapped again, causing the water to fall to the ground.
“I can control all water. Even the tiny particles in the air.”
“Wow…” Emersyn plopped down in a chair, “Am I the only queen who was unaware of her abilities?”
“Yes. But like I said, it was supposed to be revealed at your enlightenment. Unfortunately, the death of your parents changed things. Typically, your mother would teach you to control your gift. I’m afraid I can show you how I do it, but your magic is foreign to me. All I can say is it is a feeling you have inside you. When you need something, you feel or think it and the magic does the rest. Does that make sense?”
“I think so. Can you tell me about the other queens?”
“First, tell me what you know about their kingdoms. I venture to say you can guess what their power is from that – as my kingdom is surrounded by water and yours is surrounded by lush forest and plant life.”
“Let’s see,” Emersyn paused for a moment, “Diamond Kingdom is always bright – does Queen Glass control the light?”
“That’s correct. She has the power to control the air and light. Seeing as those two things work together it makes sense.”
“And Queen Vermilion of the Ruby Kingdom… Her kingdom is known… shit, I don’t know what hers is known for. I mean,” Emersyn glanced at Sarifena, “It’s always hot there.”
“Correct. Queen Vermilion controls fire – thus the extreme heat in her kingdom. Have you ever noticed all the volcanoes on her land? Her energy has to go somewhere.”
“And Onyx Kingdom. The sun rarely shines there – I assume it because of Queen Nite?”
“Yes. She controls the darkness. She can bend the light to make you feel as though you are shrouded entirely in a black abyss. She tends to keep her land covered in overcast or darkness.”
“That leaves the Amethyst Kingdom. And I have to be honest I have no idea. Her land seems so normal – aside from the frequent storms. But since you control water and Queen Glass controls air… I don’t know.”
“Ahhhh… Queen Perse is the most interesting elemental there is. She controls lightning. And unfortunately because our magic is so deeply tied to our emotions… well, you can guess.”
“Damn… don’t piss Amalee off – got it. God, this is all so much.”
“I know. Look – after your coronation party we will get together and work on your magic. I think you need a few days to digest this news and your party is in three days. Just don’t freak out if something comes to life when you touch it… that’s normal – for you.” Sarifena smiled. “Now… let’s talk about that hunk of a guard you have.”
Emersyn could feel her heart pumping against her chest at the mention of Drake.
“He’s mine.” Emersyn coughed, “I mean he’s my personal guard.”
“No… I believe you had it right the first time. Don’t be ashamed to want someone, Emersyn. The thing about being an elemental is we know when we find our perfect complement in life. And it sounds as though your magic calls out to him and him to you.”
“Yeah… he has a wall built between us, though.”
“You have all the power. If you want him, go get him. Until then…” Sarifena stood, “I should be getting back to my kingdom. The longer I am away, the more restless my people become. Until the killer is found, safety is top priority.”
“You’ll be coming to the party this weekend, right?”
