Reality overload

Samira left me standing under the old practice tree, her footsteps fading into the quiet courtyard. My chest still felt tight from everything she'd told me of her sister, Elarion'thae, exile, and her loss. The weight of it pressed against my ribs like a second heartbeat.

I didn't move until I heard small footsteps behind me.

"Zora?" Mira's voice, careful.

I turned.

Halden, Mira, and Elias stood a few paces away, all three of them watching me with wide eyes. Halden's ears were tilted back, Mira's hands were clasped nervously, Elias looked somber.

Halden stepped forward. "You okay?"

I nodded, even though I wasn't sure I was. What Samira said was hard to hear, and the harder part was she was right. I had to get better at controlling my magic.

Before I could say anything else, a shadow fell across the courtyard.

An attendant approached  tall, and formal  dressed in deep black butler outfit. He bowed low, hands folded respectfully.

"Queen zora," he said, voice steady. "Lady Halden. Young Mira. Young Elias. I have been sent to escort you."

Halden blinked. "Escort us...where?"

The attendant smiled, the kind of smile that meant he knew something we didn't.

"To where the others are waiting."

Mira perked up instantly. "Everyone else is already there?"

"Yes," the attendant said. "They were instructed to gather ahead of you."

Elias tugged on my sleeve. "Is it a surprise?"

The attendant's smile widened just a little. "It is."

Halden's tail flicked. "Is it a good surprise?"

"That depends," the attendant said, "on how much you enjoy being honored."

Mira gasped. Elias gasped because Mira gasped. Halden groaned. I swallowed.

The attendant gestured toward the path leading towards the eastern gate.

"If you will follow me your majesty..."

Halden nudged my arm gently. "Come on. Whatever this is... it's probably for you."

Mira grabbed Elias's hand. Elias grabbed mine. Halden walked beside me, close enough that her shoulder brushed mine.

And together, the four of us followed the escort toward a narrow stone path behind the gardens, towards the outer wall, 

Elias was getting exited. "Wait we're going outside the walls?!"  He said his barely contained words coming out fast.

The morning air was cool, brushing against our sweat‑soaked clothes, making us shiver.

The attendant responded. "Yes, It is outside of the palisades, but is still part of Hilguard. "The Earth authorities seem to have loosened their perimeter. So the elder has requested we meet there. 

Mira tugged my hand. "Big sis Zora... C'mon I know where we're going."

I blinked. "You do?"

She nodded so hard her ribbons bounced. Elias puffed his chest proudly. "We found it months ago. Before the goblins came."

Halden snorted. "Of course you did."

Elias continued for her. "We weren't supposed to, but we did. Mama got pretty upset with us. We heard the  Elder taking about it this morning with her. He was saying "" It must go to her, she is the second night bearer. It must..."

His voice trying to match the elders somber cadence, but fell short of anything accurate.

I laughed at his attempt.

The attendant didn't react, but his pace slowed a bit allowing the children to lead me by the hand. Towards the eastern gate.

The gate rose ahead, sunlight catching on the stone arch. Halden walked beside me, Mira and Elias pulling me by the hands  eyes with bright excitement.

A guard noticed us.

He straightened.

Adjusted his armor.

Shifted his stance.

Tried to lean on his spear casually.

He looked like someone posing for a heroic statue.

"Good morning, Queen Zora," he said, voice steady but a little too formal.

I smiled. And then noticed the once wooden gate and wall were being lined with massive stone blocks "Morning, has there been construction, are they making the wall into stone!"

He nodded smartly, then tried a different stance. Something confident. Something cool. "Why yes my queen. We've have been using mages with earth magic to fortify the walls and gates.

Then he attempted a dramatic half‑turn. Trying to flex..

"...we expect it to be complete in a few weeks with their help. I- woaah!?"

His boot slipped on a pebble.

He windmilled his arms, caught himself, and somehow ended in a pose that looked intentional.

I snorted.

He brightened like he'd just been knighted.

"That's fantastic, we need better walls. Oh by the way we're meeting the elder outside the gate," I said.

He nodded again, trying to look cool. "Of course, Your Majesty. We've been waiting for you to arrive."

He said it like he was trying to convince himself.

Before I could say more, a familiar voice thundered behind us.

"WHAT," Geld barked, "is happening here?"

The guard snapped to attention so violently his spear clattered against the gate.

"N‑Nothing, Captain! J-Just greeting the queen!"

Geld gave him a withering look. And turned towards me.

"Your Majesty," he said, bowing sharply, "protocol requires an armed escort."

I sighed. "Geld... is it really necessary?"

Geld blinked once. Slowly.

I continued, "I defeated an orc. And a horde of goblins. Alone. I think I can handle walking outside a gate."

Geld's ears flattened.

"Your Majesty," he said, voice low, "you defeated an orc here. You fought goblins here. But our worlds are merging."

I opened my mouth.

He kept going.

"We do not know what is outside that gate. The land has shifted. The sky has changed. Creatures could appear where they did not exist before."

I tried again. "Geld—"

"No."

He stepped closer, eyes fierce.

"You may be queen, but you are not invincible. And you are not walking outside without protection."

I crossed my arms. "Geld, I'm from Earth. I've handled worse."

Geld crossed his arms back. "Earth is not Earth anymore."

I blinked.

He continued, voice firm and unyielding.

"Yesterday the river glowed. The day before, the sky cracked. We escorted everyone else. We will escort you."

I paused remembering my encounter at the store with those lizard freaks, and relented. My face going pale. "Ok... escort it is.."

Geld nodded, victorious.

Halden sighed. "He's been like this since yesterday."

Mira whispered, "I think I saw him yelled at a cloud."

Elias added, "The cloud ignored him."

Geld snapped his fingers.

Three guards appeared instantly, armed and serious.

The flexing guard straightened even more, trying to look like he belonged among them.

His spear slipped clattering to the ground.

I laughed again.

Geld stopped him us, tail bristling, posture rigid. Back to your post Neil."

Neil straightened, saluted smartly and returned to his gate post looking dejected.

"Form up," he ordered.

The guards surrounded us.

'Geld was just doing his job.' I thought. 'Can't be mad at him for wanting me to stay safe.'

Before I could say anything else, Geld stepped forward, tail bristling, posture sharp.

He turned sharply toward the gate guards.

"Bring the carriage."

The guards snapped upright and signaled.

And the carriage arrived fast. They had clearly been expecting me.

Polished wood, soft cushions, enchanted lanterns glowing faintly, horses already harnessed, reins held by a driver who looked prepared the moment Geld called.

"Your Majesty," he said, "your escort is ready."

Mira gasped. "A carriage!"

Elias practically vibrated. "We get to ride in THAT?"

Halden smirked. "Well... it beats walking."

I sighed. "It does beat walking."

The gate guard tried one last heroic pose.

His spear slipped again

But this time he caught it with a flourish.

I laughed again."What a funny guy!"

Geld ignored him completely and opened the carriage door.

"Your Majesty," he said, "please board."

And that was that.

The carriage rolled forward through the eastern gate, wheels crunching softly over the packed dirt. Halden sat beside me, arms crossed but relaxed. Mira and Elias were practically glued to the windows, eyes wide with excitement.

Elias pressed his face to the glass. "We're moving!"

Mira bounced. "We're really riding in a carriage!"

I smiled at their expressions. "Careful not to fall out of the window you two."

As we passed fully beyond the gate, the world opened up, and immediately, I saw them.

News crews, and patrol cars lined up in the distance, clustered near the road.

Cameras pointed directly at us.

Long lenses glinting in the sunlight.

Reporters adjusting microphones.

I blinked. "Seriously?"

Halden groaned. "They're everywhere now."

Mira gasped. "Are they bad guys?"

Halden laughed. "Not they are paparazzi."

Mira tilted her head questioningly. "What's a paparazzi. It sounds like something you could eat." 

"They are just people trying to get a good story to tell other people." I said 

"Oh oh!! I know a good story. Elias chimed in. He leaned out of the window and waved enthusiastically. "HI! PAPARAZZI I CAN TELL YOU A STORY!!!"

Geld, riding beside the carriage on horseback, snapped, "Do not wave at them young Elias, it only serves to encourage them."

Elias froze mid‑wave. "Oh...sorry Geld."

Geld spoke voice firm and steady. " It's ok, but for the future remember. We are not of this world so we must be careful."

He continued, turning to me.

"Do not worry, Your Majesty. We have kept them at bay, though they have been quite persistent. We caught one of them trying to climb the wall today during the ceremony. We gave him a stern warning like you asked us to, and turned him loose."

"Really...Man they are persistent... just keep in mind that most of them are innocent."I said "We don't want to be accused of kidnapping, but on the other hand cross will use this chaos to his advantage. We have to stay alert."

Geld smiled at me like I had said the right thing. "It should only be a short ride. The elder is waiting just north of Hilguard."

I leaned slightly out the carriage window. "Just north?"

Geld nodded. "Yes. A few more minutes at most."

Halden raised an eyebrow. "Then why the full escort?"

Geld didn't even look at her. "Protocol."

Mira whispered, "He really likes protocol."

Elias nodded. "Yea, Geld is struck, mom told me that's why he's captain of the guard now."

Geld ignored both of them, but I saw the corner of his mouth tilt upwards.

The carriage rolled onward, the news crews slowly shrinking behind us, cameras still pointed, still recording, still hungry for every glimpse of Hilguard's queen....Me.

I turned away from them letting the rocking of the carriage relax my mind. Enjoying the breeze through the widow.

We rounded a bend in the path.  Hilguard now hidden by the forest. The trees letting dappled light through the canopy.

And a large chateau came into view.

It wasn't enormous like a palace.

It wasn't towering or intimidating.

But it wasn't small either, it was grand in a quiet, old way. Tall windows, carved stone walls ten feet tall, topped with wrought iron spikes. Ivy climbing the walls of the chateau in elegant spirals. 

The structure was wide rather than tall, built for comfort and presence rather than intimidation. Even so it was still three stories. With a slate roof, angled to a flat top. A pavilion at its center. With railings surrounding a wide sitting area overlooking everything. A large set of stone steps led up the front. The doors were heavy oak, polished and well‑kept. Under an awning, held up by large stone columns. The banners with a likeness of Hestia emblazoned on white on a field of dark blue faded but intact. Gently swaying with the breeze.

The grounds surrounding the chateau stretched wide and elegant, shaped with the same quiet grandeur as the building itself. Everything felt intentional...cultivated, preserved, and touched by the faint hum of magic.

As we rode through the gate. The front courtyard opened into a broad circle of pale stone, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Low walls framed the space, carved with old patterns spirals, vines, and the faint outline of a crest that once belonged to the rulers who lived here, far to old and faded to make anything out.Lanterns hung from wrought‑iron posts, their glass catching the afternoon light in soft golded rays.

Beyond the courtyard lay the upper gardens, arranged in gentle terraces that stepped down the slope. Each level held different blooms, deep red flowers, pale moon‑petals, and tall silver reeds that whispered when the wind passed through them. The air smelled faintly of mint and something sweet, something old. A narrow path wound through the terraces, lined with smooth river stones that glowed faintly.

To the east stretched an orchard, a quiet grove of fruit trees with branches heavy from the season. Apples, pears, and the soft blue‑skinned berries swayed gently. The orchard was bordered by a low fence of carved wood, more symbolic than protective, a reminder of where the tended land ended and the wild began.

To the west lay a training area, a wide open field of soft grass where the wind rolled in gentle waves. Wooden dummies stood at the far end, some new, some scarred from years of practice. A few stone benches circled the field, placed beneath tall shade trees whose leaves shimmered faintly with energy.

Behind the chateau, the land opened into the lower grounds, where a narrow stream cut through the earth, its water clear and cold. A small stone bridge arched over it, simple but sturdy, leading to a quiet grove of old trees. Their roots twisted deep, their branches heavy with age. The grove felt old, a sitting area in the center.

And beyond all of it, the land sloped gently upward toward the distant hills.

The chateau didn't just sit on the grounds.

It belonged to them.

Mira squeezed my hand. "See? Told you."

Elias nodded solemnly. "We explored the outside. Not the inside. Mama said not to go in."

Halden's ears flicked. "This is... beautiful."

The carriage stopped at the front steps the attend and opening the door for us."Everyone else is already inside your majesty.

Thanks Geld. I called as he went with the carriage toward a stable I hadn't seen on first glance.

He waved, and tuned back to his task.

I turned back the attendant waiting patiently.

"what's you name?" I said to him.

"Pardon..." he said in confusion. 

"Your name, what is it?" I repeated.

"It's Arthur, Arthur Brannik your majesty." he said slightly surprised.

"Good.. Ok Arthur," I said as we walked up the stairs to the big wooden doors. " Please, just call me Zora. Being called your majesty. My queen. I'm not used to it and it would make me a bit more comfortable, if we could just talk like normal people."

"He grinned big this time. " Is that an order... your majesty?"

"Pffft, Yes Arthur. It is, I herby Order you to call me by my name, Zora."

He bowed to me as we made it to the top. "As you wish Miss Zora."

"Thanks Arthur, " I said patting him on the shoulder. "Now let's go before my sister starts complaining about how slow we are."

"Of course...Zora."He said. " You aren't like most nobles I've met, it's quite a breath of fresh air."

"Well, I'm not your average Queen. I prefer things more informal."

 the front door creaked open, and maid stepped out.

She froze when she saw Arthur standing close to me. Her eyes widened, her whole expression going stiff.

She hurried down the steps, stopping right beside him, tugging lightly on his sleeve.

Arthur blinked. "Oh Luci hey. Did you need something?"

She shook her head quickly, both hands waving in a flustered little "no no no!" motion.

Then she looked at me.

jealous.

Her cheeks puffed slightly, lips pressed into a tiny pout. She pointed at Arthur, then at herself, then hugged her arms around her chest.

I apologize your highness... uh.. Miss Zora. This is my younger sister Luci. It's unfortunate, but she can not speak.

He smiled at his sister. "You're okay. I'm just talking with Zora." his hands were sighning as he spoke.

The maid's eyes flicked to me again big, round, pleading, like she was silently begging me not to steal her spot.

She stepped closer to Arthur, almost hiding behind his arm, peeking at me from the side with that adorable jealous stare.

Arthur sighed softly, sighning. "You don't have to worry."

She shook her head, signing quickly

I'm not worried.

I'm watching.

I had no clue what she was trying to say. I couldn't help it, I smiled trying to be polite to Luci.

Arthur finally turned back to me. "Miss Zora, please continue I need to have a talk with my sister.

"Of course." I said with a smile. "Please take your time Arthur. It was nice to meet you Luci, you are very pretty.

The maid puffed her cheeks again.

I bit back a laugh, and walked forward, Mira and Elias at my sides, Halden just behind me. Arthur opened the doors, the hinges smooth, the wood warm. And followed us in.

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