Kissing the Fae

Chapter 4 - Queen Tatiana

I always wonder what the other world appears like. Sometimes I thought of walking down their street and scrutinizing the people. I knew they were humans, and honestly, something inside me is directing me to just go and compare my realm to theirs.

Which one was better? Were the human leaders more genuine and reliable than the rulers in my system? Is it more satisfying to just live normally than having a superpower I barely even use?

What does it feel like to be a human?

Do they want to have powers? If so, would they act greedy once they have the power to rule their people?

Because in the Acres Kingdom, I knew there were directors who wish to take the highest position. They were good at first sight, I think it was what they were known as. A manipulative one who attacks silently, a man who would stab you in the back to have your life.

Are humans capable of betraying one another? I hope not.

Do humans know about us?

There's so much question, so much to learn, and so terribly much curious about. In my whole life, I have heard no one talk about the human world. No one was curious to grasp the presence of different species living in the opposite universe. Everyone may not know that it exists, deep inside, I assumed that there were few Acresians who were aware.

But then, being aware isn't enough. They just chose to not understand it and perhaps, living in our Kingdom has brought them the satisfaction that they didn't let curiosity piqued them.

While I pry to acknowledge what living life is in the more realistic world. It has always been in my mind. Imagine living life as a normal person, minus the obligation that chases me, I think it would bring me prosperity.

"Rani Letisha, the Queen wanted to see you." Rin suddenly appeared in my sight.

I looked through myself in the mirror. The other two fairies stopped fixing my gown for a second before they proceeded.

My eyes fall back on my Jade gown, glittering and totally represents my region. It compliments my complexion, even the long frock suits my crimson red hair that hangs down on my shoulder. The long see-through sleeve feels warmth on my delicate pale skin, and above all, it shouts elegance.

Zah wrapped the sparkling diamond around my lady neck. It looks heavy yet she managed with the help of Tia. Twinkling accessories embraced my skin and when they were done, the three looked at me closely.

"Your beauty is beyond words, Rani Letisha."

Ever since I was born, la Reine has come to me with her touch of love. I was taken care of, from the tip of my hair to toes, and everyone complimented my beauty no one can describe. I'm absolutely thankful that the Queen was concerned about my ethereal radiance as I felt like my elegance was the only thing people loved about me.

It was satisfying to hear men and women appreciate me, not just my leadership but me as a woman, too. There were just some gals who loathed me for that and I genuinely understand their hatred.

A beautiful woman feels beautiful inside. I can see it, with my pair of eyes, I am confident that I'm winning. Yet despite the perfection, I can't seem to appreciate it.

I smiled at them, then my gaze went to Rin.

"Where is the Queen?"

"She expects you to arrive at her nest before the fete starts, Rani Letisha."

Today is a big day and all I wish was to end it in a peaceful way. The gala was held every three years and this time, it's me that would be put in the spotlight and I knew from this day on, a lot of things will change.

If it wasn't because of the old-fashioned sexists' directors, this wouldn't happen.

The la Reine was the leader of the Faye region before she became the Queen of all divisions. Before she even made it to the top, her life was always put at risk for being a woman. Even though she has proven herself to everyone, until now, she was still challenged through me.

I don't want to disappoint her, so I deem to win this game.

Of all people, the Queen was the last person I wanted to disappoint.

"Is everything done?" I queried, running my fingers through my gown.

"Yes, just Letisha," Tia answered. "It's beautiful, as usual. The Sisters will probably hate you again for looking like a goddess."

"Probably," Zah laughed teasingly. "Of course, our Rani Letisha's beauty got it from the Queen! No wonder why these two beautiful goddesses were always challenged. People couldn't just accept that they were born with beauty and brains."

Shaking my head, I chuckled at their remarks.

"You're spoiling me with all your compliments."

"Well, that was a fact..." Rin uttered and I laughed.

When everything got settled, I went to the Queen's palace and for some reason, anxiety creeped inside me.

Suddenly, my heart started beating in turbulence. It was a feeling which people often see as a warning, a feeling of fear and nervousness in which something bad will happen. I disregard the thought when I was in front of the big double golden door.

The Queen is waiting for me inside. She probably has something important to say. And now that I mentioned it, I realized that it was the reason for my agitation.

What could it be? Is it something related to the gala?

I've heard a lot of things about the Queen's reign. After all, she was the woman everyone deifies.

How she suffered and how she bravely faced the hurdles, how the Queen fell, and with her courage and wit, she overcame and gave those directors the show they pulled through.

I admired her strength. She didn't give up and now that she has the power in her hands, it was enough for me to be strong amidst everything.

Not because I wanted her throne, but merely because I wanted to prove myself to everyone and lastly, to myself.

Being a woman doesn't mean weak. A woman can rule, too. A lady can get anything she wants but not everything she desires. There will always be a limitation, however, the ruling is for everyone who deserves to take the position.

Anyone who has the power to rule can rule. Society roles aren't made just for men but for everyone, too.

The mass needs to be wise to choose the right person to govern them.

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.

Relax, Rani Letisha.

Assuming that la Reine would only tell me to enjoy the hell's celebration held by Satan's domain, I signal the servants to push the door.

The guards opened the door for me and the first thing I saw was the long walkway, wide short steps, and above was La Reine's throne. Behind was a big tree and its healthy earth-shattering branches, the leaves were bigger than my palms.

A hamadryad.

Whenever I got here, I felt like I'm in the forest. It was earthy, calming, and just felt right.

"Your Majesty..." I bowed my head when her eyes landed on me.

La Reine is truly a goddess. The mother of Fairies, the Queen of Acres Kingdom, and a woman of hope.

She has the power of a Fairy. Her translucent tintless wings were enviable. It was beautiful, sparkling, and it scintillates purism and witticism.

A pure goddess with a limpid stream. Absolutely serene and untroubled Queen.

She is the only one whom I look up to. The woman who gives me hopes amidst the dark, the mother who taught me things I needed to rule effectively.

Only Queen Tatiana, my mother.

"Rani," she called softly.

Raising my head, I observed her climb down the stairs gracefully.

My mother is soft-spoken. For twenty years, I haven't seen her get angry yet. She was too calm even in a troublesome situation. In the crowd, she was the one who thinks first before jumping to conclusions.

It was something I got from her. Although sometimes, I get too excited that my mind stops working and my heart takes over me, making me unable to think of a solution to a certain problem.

When she got near me, the Queen abruptly cupped my face, stares at me with her verdant eyes that were softly woven with a chorus of green and blue threads.

Mesmerizing, yes.

"It has been a while since you visited, Rani..." she started, watching me with longing.

"Queen..." I held her wrists gently, letting out a small smile, hiding my guiltiness. "I'm sorry for not visiting you. Things were out of my control these days and I knew it shouldn't be an excuse but..."

Before I could even finish my sentence, she shook her head.

"Let's not talk about it now, Rani Letisha. You're here, so I could warn you about the fete."

I nodded. "I know, Mum. But despite having an idea of what the feast is all about, I'm still nervous. Fear is slowly eating me," I cried.

She hushed me then, let go of my cheeks to hold my hands tightly.

I trust my mother. I knew she wouldn't leave me in the middle of my battle. She went through it before, and now it's my time to prove myself to everyone.

I've promised not to give up. I will sail and take it all down.

"It will be a long journey, my Princess. The Counselors won't go easy on you. They will push you at your limits and whatever they're planning to give you, I'm asking you to fight. But that doesn't mean you can't rest, okay? But please know, your father and I will be here for you."

A tear left my eye. My family was the primary reason to live. To fight against all odds to make them proud of me.

"I promise you, I won't give up..." I uttered with conviction. "I'll prove to them that women can rule the world, mum. I'll show them that I deserved my current spot in the Acres Kingdom. No one can take my position away from me."

I truly dislike the great responsibilities that were given to me, but for the Faye region, for the la Reine, and the whole Acres Kingdom, I bow to sail.

She smiled genuinely. "Remember that you can give up if you no longer have the motivation to go on, Rani. We will always be proud of you, okay?"