The Queen Of The Forest

Chapter 3

As I stand in the cream floor length gown, I am looking at my own reflection in the mirror utterly horrified. I can’t believe what they have added to my dress. The neckline which had previously begun at the top of my breasts had disappeared, and lace had been added to cover up my entire neck. Long sleeves have also been added. My whole personality was stolen. While my maid looked pleased with my appearance, I was mortified.

“Rachael, thank you for your hard work. You are excused.”

“Miss, I’m supposed to stay with you until your father comes to accompany you to the ceremony,” she argued with me.

“Do you think I care what my father’s orders are? By the end of the day, I will be the queen and you will do well to remember that. If I tell you that you are excused, then you are excused.”

“I’m sorry, but I am only following instructions given to me by someone who’s orders matter more. I was told to stay, so I’m staying.” She looked at me like she had won.

I allow my power to flow into my hands, summoning a ball of glowing energy to materialize and watch her face pale instantly. While all our people have magic, only those with royal blood can summon pure energy from the earth and trees to bend to our will.

“Excuse me your highness, I will go and see if there is something else I can help with elsewhere.”

I watched Rachael exit the room; goddess I hate that maid. She was personally chosen for me by my father and sent to him by madam Harkenfield. The first thing I will do when I take my throne is get rid of her and send her back to the Amberwood coven where she belongs. She is mean-spirited. I know she’s trying to hide it, but I can feel it.

The Amberwood coven has too many fingers in too many pies. I think they have forgotten who is actually in charge here. We allow them their own council as a matter of respect, but they live in my forest and not the other way around. Peter is the only one worth anything in that place. Why did my own father have to come from there too? Surely the fact that he is marrying me to his own cousin's child is just a sign of bad taste? Especially given that Peter is my best friend.

The marriage proposal will be announced after my coronation, at the dinner held for our guests tonight. My father thinks I don’t have a choice. He still thinks that after tonight he will still be in charge, but I plan to rule my people…this is my destiny.

“That was a bit mean,” Peter said as he entered the still open door. ”That poor girl ran away with her tail between her legs.”

“How long have you been out there, Peter?”

“Long enough to know she wasn’t going to leave on her own. Let me guess…glowing ball of light?” He chuckled.

“Well, she annoyed me. She seemed to find it funny that they had dressed me like an old woman and then, to add insult to injury, she was supposed to stay and supervise me.”

“Well, you are in luck as I have persuaded your father to allow me to escort you to the ceremony,” Peter smiled.

“Oh Peter, that is great! Wait for me outside. I need to make some quick alterations on this dress.”

“Ok, well, don’t be long. The ceremony starts in twenty minutes,” Peter said as he exited the room.

I got down to work. I grabbed the silver knife that I kept in my drawer and made a cut in the fabric on each sleeve, straight up to my elbow. Freeing my arms from their horrible constraints, I moved on to the lace. Luckily, the seamstress must have known what I would try to do and with one forceful tug it came clean off, leaving behind the original neckline.

“Much better,” I admired as I looked into the mirror.

Now my hair; it had been put up into a ridiculous updo which is not me at all. I make quick work of releasing my red hair and let it fall down my back. I quickly grab my hooded train and attach it. My hope is to fool my father for just enough time that it is too late.

I take a final look in the mirror. My green eyes show that I have used some of my power; the flecks are still slightly glowing. That is good. I want to show them that a woman can still lead. They need to stop paying attention to the human world so much. We have a queen as was dictated by the goddess herself. Surely they see all the fighting between humans and understand while we look the same, our values and traditions are different.

I quickly exit my room and find Peter leaning on the wall directly opposite to my door.

“Now that is more like it,” Peter smiled brightly. “You look like you now and not like one of the stuck up girls that wander the court these days,” Peter admired. “Your Highness, will you do me the great honor of allowing me to escort you down to your coronation?” Peter mused while bowing before me with a cocky look on his face.

“Why thank you kind Sir, I would be honored to be escorted by such a fine gentleman like yourself,” I curtsied to him, making him chuckle.

As we made our way down the stairs I saw that the entrance way had already emptied; only the guards stood in their designated place, bowing respectfully as we passed them.

The sound of music could be heard as we walked towards the ceremony hall. My father and the Harkenfields stood outside, waiting for us.

“Ah, finally my dear, you look breathtaking,” my father said as he took my hands in his. “Your mother is already inside waiting for us. Peter, why don’t you go inside with your parents. I believe your brother has saved you all a seat at the front. I think it makes a great show of alliances that you are the last to be seated,” my father dismissed them.

He watched them walk through the door before he said what he wanted to say.

“Now Lorelei, before we get started, there are a few changes that have been made, due to your age. The coven masters have requested that I stay on in the position of a supervisor until you turn 25, much like I have served by your mother for the last ten years. We will make decisions together.”

“And if I refuse?” I countered, causing a frown on his face.

“If you refuse, there will be no coronation and you will prove everyone right by showing them all that our people no longer need a queen,” my father directed at me.

“So, what you are really saying father, is that I have no choice after all.”