Page 41 of Ruby Queen
Chapter 28
The six kingdoms sat around the table in Rory’s dining hall. Well… most of the six kingdoms.
Amalee, Emersyn, and Sarifena were the only queens present aside from her. The Onyx Kingdom was represented by Commander Fritz and the Diamond Kingdom by Commander Critcher. Dimitra was still missing, and Onika was still in hiding – well hiding in the Amethyst Kingdom. Still, no one knew that but her and Sarifena.
“All right,” Anthony spoke first, “This is what we know. Dimitra is being held somewhere outside the six Kingdoms. Rory’s mother confirmed the stories of somewhere called the deadlands, and we’ve sent several men to investigate what’s beyond the Sapphire kingdom. We also know that the journal has some role in this…but,” he glanced at Commander Critcher, “With the Onyx Queen MIA, we don’t know what.”
“I’ll try to contact her again.” He shrugged, “Maybe, she’ll answer me.”
Amalee huffed, “She’s a butthole. I get there is something that has totally rocked her world – hell, her mother isn’t talking either. Whatever it is, it’s big.”
“What could be worse than finding out your father isn’t your father?” Sarifena piped up, bitterness lacing her voice. “No offense, Emersyn. I am happy to have a sister now, but the lies hurt.”
“Has anyone asked Onika’s father what’s going on?”
“He won’t talk either. I don’t think he knows what’s happening with his wife and daughter.”
“So, that’s a dead-end,” Emersyn spoke. “Well… I don’t want to be Debbie Downer, but Drake and I got married. We will have a big ceremony when Dimitra is back.”
Rory glanced at Anthony, “Well… since we’re on that topic… Anthony, Christine, and I are also married. I know you all heard about the unorthodox relationship we have, but we married as soon as Anthony was found. Like Emersyn, we’ll celebrate when Dimitra has returned.”
“That’s awesome you guys, congratulations!” The table erupted into chatter, congratulating the newly married couples.
“There’s more.” Rory smiled, “We are expecting a baby as well.”
“What,” Emersyn screamed, “You’re pregnant!”
Rory nodded at the people around her, “Yes. It’s still new, just a few months. But I wanted to tell you all. I need to think about the safety of my baby and this kingdom. Therefore, I am putting more men on the search for Dimitra and security around the castle.”
“You have the support of my men,” Drake commented.
“Yes, ours too.” The other kingdoms chimed in, “We will unite against this invisible foe until he or she is brought to justice.”
“Thank you.”
“Your Majesty,” Constable Philips interrupted the meeting.
“Constable,” Rory stood, “What is it?”
“Constable Dennis called,” Constable Philips cleared his throat, “a letter has arrived for her Majesty.”
Amalee stood, “A letter? For me?”
“Yes. He has asked you to return immediately.”
Amalee nodded, “I will call you once I know what it says.”
Commander Gentry escorted her from the room, “What in the fuck is happening?” Rory shook her head, “We need to start digging into our parent's history. There is something that is connecting all of us together, and I have a feeling it starts with them.”
“You're right,” Emersyn stood, “My dad’s journal made it sound like there were more lies hidden inside. I’m sorry, guys… I feel like this is my fault.”
“Stop that.” Rory slammed her hand down, “This is not your fault.”
“I know… but I can’t help but feel like my dad in the center of all this.”
“That may be true, but that doesn’t make you the blame.”
Emersyn smiled as she laced her hand in Drakes, “We’ll head back to the Emerald Kingdom and start digging. Maybe there is something else there that can help.”
