Allira
1114 Words
Allira lay in the long grass out the front of her small home in the woods. It was now ten years since she had learned of her true heritage. The elves that had come looking for her had killed her parents for not informing her of who she truly was. It had been horrifying and invigorating at the same time. She had come to life watching theirs end. It was a new beginning for her.
She could feel the vibration from the hooves of the horses that were heading her way. They would be her people, her subjects who referred to her as queen. They had been bringing suitors by for months but none had really held her attention. Well, one had but she had been told he was to low born. And yet she felt something when she was with him.
She had been promised that she could have other men, elves, as long as she bore an heir to her husband, whoever that might be.
“Your majesty.” Arion bowed before her.
“Arion, what news?” Allira asked, as she sat up.
“More possible suitors your highness.” Arion smiled.
“That young guard, Baron. I would like to spend some time with him.” Allira spoke, looking around to see where he was.
“Your highness, he did not accompany us today. We must move forwards in finding you a husband.” Arion continued.
“No, I would like to see Baron, tonight, unaccompanied. You may bring a potion to guard against any, mishaps.” Allira winked.
“Ma’am, perhaps if you would meet the men we have brought. They are fine warriors and from acceptable families.” Arion continued.
“Arion, you bore me with your parade of suitors. I wish to see Baron and no other right now. Give me one night and I will consider your suitors.” Allira smiled, but the smile sent a clear message – do not argue.
“I will return immediately and have Baron visit with you as soon as I can have that potion made.” Arion promised.
“Tonight Arion. I cannot explain but it must be tonight.” Allira insisted.
“As you wish ma’am.” Arion bowed and mounted his horse.
Arion rode back to the group waiting beyond the grove where Alliras modest house stood.
“The queen will not be meeting suitors today. We will return tomorrow.” He announced.
Arion did not know what to do about his queens request. It was not hard to find potential suitors for her. Apart from the obvious attraction of power, she was unmistakably beautiful and had an allure the likes of which he had never felt before. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he had considered leaving his own wife to pursue her. He couldn’t help it.
He sighed as he made his way back to the elven city. He wondered if poor young Baron was up to the task his queen had in store for him. He made his way to an apothecary store in the city and walked inside.
“Arion!” The apothecarist called out as he entered. “How’s the wife and family?”
“Well thank you, I have a matter of delicacy I must ask for your help with.” Arion smiled.
“Of course, let me see to these customers and I will close the doors.” The apothecarist smiled.
He walked away to serve the other customers. When they had their purchases, the man followed them to the door and locked it behind them.
“Now Arion, how can I help you?”
“I am seeking a potion to ensure that a woman does not become pregnant.” Arion spoke quietly.
“Oh, of course.” The man answered, looking at Arion curiously.
“Thankyou.” Arion replied.
The man walked through a doorway to a back room to make the potion. It always worked best if made fresh. When he had finished he brought it out in a small bottle.
“Tell the young lady to drink this at least one hour before the ahhh, relations.” The apothecarist stammered.
“Thankyou my friend.” Arion smiled as he handed over some gold coins.
“Oh, this is to much!” The man cried.
“Not for your discretion my friend. I must have your word this goes no further.” Arion smiled.
“As always my friend, as always.”
Arion smiled as he left the store, placing the bottle in the pocket of his cloak as he went. He made his way to the home of Barons parents and knocked on the front door. His mother answered the door immediately.
“Good day ma’am, I am looking for young Baron.” Arion greeted his mother politely.
“He is at the barracks sir, he has a patrol soon.” Barons mother replied.
“Thankyou, I shall seek him out there.” Arion replied as he walked away. He returned to his horse and rode off in the direction of the barracks.
He immediately found baron about to leave on patrol.
“I have need for you young master Baron. You will not attend your patrol today.” Arion called out.
“He has a responsibility to his king and he will tend to it.” His commanding officer replied.
“He has been called upon by a member of the royal household and is required to attend immediately.” Arion replied. “You will find another to replace him.”
The commanding officer nodded and rode away with what remained of his guards.
“Follow me.” Arion turned his horse and rode away in the opposite direction. Barons horse fell into a gallop behind him.
They reached the woods and Arion abruptly stopped.
“Do you know your way to our queen?” Arion asked.
“Queen Allira?” Baron asked.
“She is the only true queen we have.” Arion replied.
“Of course sir, yes I do know my way.” Baron replied.
“Take this, the queen has requested your company.” Arion began.
“My company sir?” Baron asked, accepting the bottle.
“Yes boy, you are about to become a man and to a queen no less.” Arions disgust was obvious.
“Oh, I uh. Are you sure sir?” Baron stammered.
“Yes, I am. She is expecting you. Tell her she must take that potion an hour before any intimacy.” Arion replied.
“Yes sir.” Baron replied as he rode away in the direction of his queens house completely terrified.
- Writer
