Lady Morgana's Flawless Yet Cold Smile

Amarei strolled down the dark hallway without a hint of determination. She had already tucked Amaya into her bed, posted Knight Peter outside the little girl's door, and teleported to Eveana to speak with her people. She was on her way to whiplash Andrew. His look of shock when she'd announced his punishment had not escaped her notice. I warned him and he ignored me.

As she approached the door, she felt her breath catch in her throat. What's the matter with me? I am not going to cower before him! An alarm went off inside her head. What if he was at fault for what happened to Amaya? No, he would never hurt a child, Amarei reasoned. She pushed open the door to his chamber and found him sitting at his desk writing.

"Amarei," he greeted. "I was sure you would come."

"Do not be so sure. You are going back to Eveana in the morning and unfortunately it won't be in two pieces!" she snapped.

"As long as I'm with you, I could be in a thousand pieces," he smiled. Amarei felt sick.

"Touching," she caustically replied, "but fortunately, you won't be with me."

"What do you mean?"

"I am staying here, until Amaya is well. I have already teleported to Eveana and explained to my people and you know what? They encouraged me to stay with the little princess until she is healthy again."

"I cannot believe this Amarei! You are turning your back on your duty for some child!"

"My duty is not just to be a queen, but a regent and raise this child as well and whether or not you accept that is no concern to me!" she declared. He pouted for a moment and looked towards the queen with lust.

"Of course I accept that, Amarei," he answered. The change in tone brought the queen to full alert. "Amarei."

"Andrew you not only disgust me with your attempts to lie but you infuriate me," and with that Queen Amarei turned on her heels.

"Amarei," he mumbled. Amarei stormed down the hall to her room. He has now lied to me! First thing I do when I return is make some serious changes to his role!

The following morning, as Andrew mounted his horse, Amarei was in the throne room teaching Amaya. When Andrew took off he down the road he looked back to see Amaya and Amarei outside saying goodbye to Marcus and company. A noise in the brush caused him to turn.

"Who goes there?"

"It is I, my Lord," A lady in a pitch-black dress and cloak announced stepping into the road.

"Morgana you failed."

"I know, my Lord, but I shall not fail again," and with that she disappeared the way she came.

And so it was that Andrew Holney left Dawnacia. Queen Amarei was relieved to see him go and she was even happier when Marcus left with his son and army. Amaya did not seem to notice the queen's change of mood, but she did notice the change in attention. Amarei always had time for Amaya now. She'd taken over the princess' lessons and watched Amaya as she trained. The time was cut in half because no one wanted to hinder the girl's recovery.

The people of Dawnacia, thrilled there had been no war, returned to their normal lives. When word got out that their young ruler was ill, presents came flowing. There were dolls and backed goods, toys and games and even some clothes. Although the gifts amused her, all it seemed Amaya needed was Queen Amarei around. The court began to notice a change in the queen's mentality. She seemed to smile more than she had and she seemed happier, more so than anyone had ever seen her before.

The days went by and Amaya seemed to recover. She had more energy to play with Eve and more smiles than before. Amarei was impressed with the child's speedy recovery, yet she saddened at the thought that she would have to leave soon. About two weeks into the recovery, Amarei found Amaya running around outside and nearly went into shock.

"AMAYA!" she yelled. Amaya froze in her tracks and turned towards the door.

"AMAREI!" she giggled, running for her. Amarei picked her up and looked down at the girl's sparkling green eyes.

"Amaya you should not being around like this," the queen lightly scolded. The princess nodded her head and looked down to her muddy dress.

"I'm sorry, Queen Amarei," she replied. Amarei sighed and brought Amaya inside, Eve trailing behind. Amaya was only highly respectful when she felt incredible remorse. Amarei placed the girl on her feet and took her hand. They wandered down the corridor and Amaya knew they were going to her bedchambers. Why does Amarei always make me change? When the reached the room Amarei went into the closet and came out with a clean dress, Amaya reluctantly took it and changed. As Amaya emerged from the bath chambers, Amarei noticed two bruises on the child's arms.

"Amaya," she beckoned with her arms open. Amaya approached her and sat up on the bed. Amarei knelt so their eyes were level. "Amaya, where did those bruises come from?" The queen asked, tracing them lightly with her finger.

"I don't know," came the reply with a shrug of shoulders.

"Amaya, this is important try to remember," said Amarei her voice taking on its queenly tone. Amaya looked down.

"Yes, Queen Amarei." There's the formality again, what has gotten into her? Amarei sat up on the bed and placed Amaya in her lap. She brushed the girl's hair out of her eyes.

"Was it Morgana?"

"No."

"No?" the queen echoed. If it was not Morgana, than who did hurt her? "Who was it?"

"The one in black from before."

"When?"

"The night before Andrew left."

"Why did you not say anything?" Amarei asked. Amaya shrugged her shoulders again. Sometimes this child is impossible!

"Queen Amarei, may I go to the library?" she inquired.

"Yes." Amaya bounded out the room with Eve. Amarei left a few minutes later. She sought out Lydia and Jilliana and found them in a drawing room where they were reading.

"Queen Amarei," they greeted.

"Hello, add two more bruises to the list."

"Morgana?" Jilliana assumed.

"NO, the black figure, the night before Andrew left."

"And she's telling you now?" Lydia sighed.

"You cannot blame her, she's terrified," Amarei defended.

"Still, do we think it was Morgana?" Jilliana questioned.

"I can't think of anyone else, unless Marcus was out of his room," the queen answered.

"Where is she now?"

"She said she was going to the library."

"That's where Morgana is!" Lydia exclaimed. Amarei turned and ran out of the room the ladies only seconds behind. Amarei reached the cheery oak doors in record timing. She flung them open and let herself view the scene. Amaya was hiding behind a curtain and Morgana was yelling.

"SILENCE!" She ordered. Time seemed to stop for Amaya as she peaked her scared eyes around the curtain and saw the formidable figure. To Amaya the queen seemed to glow but she realized it was only the light.

Queen Amarei noticed the princess' stare. She must be terrified. Amarei approached the young girl all the while keeping her eyes focused on Morgana. The lady stood in her red dress on the other side of the room with fire in her eyes as she glared. When the queen reached the princess she put an arm around the small child. Lydia and Jilliana appeared in the doorway.

"Morgana, you are removed of your duties for the next three cycles of the moon. You shall stay at your family's home until summoned back," Amarei commanded.

"Yes your majesty," Morgana said through gritted teeth. She stormed out of the room Amarei's eyes never leaving her. Well, that was relaxing. The queen looked down to the little girl that was hiding in the curtain. Amarei pulled the cloth away revealing the child.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes."

"Good." She pulled Amaya into a tight embrace.

"We'll go make sure Morgana has left," Jilliana said. The queen nodded and the ladies left with a swish of their skirts. Amarei guided Amaya to a chair and sat down pulling the princess into her lap. She wrapped her arms around the child.

"Did she hurt you?"

"No, she just yelled. I ran and hid and just…just stayed quiet." At this the young princess buried her head in her arms and cried. Amarei was more than a little confused. Why is she crying?

"Amaya why are you upset?"

"Morgana was right," she whimpered. "I am a coward. You would never run away!" Amarei paused completely taken aback. My Gods, what do I say to that? The queen put her hand under the small girl's chin and tilted the girl's head so she could see her eyes. She was surprised to see self-doubt looking back at her. I didn't think young children could be so self-conscious.

"Amaya you are not a coward. You are a Crown Princess and future queen. To run away was a smart thing to do, it was not a cowardly act!" Amarei declared. Amaya nodded and clung to Amarei letting her tears subside. The queen sat in the chair with the child for a good long time. She rocked her and held her, soothing her with soft words. Eve came in and curled up near the chair.

When the sun began to sink, Ladies Jilliana and Lydia returned to the library. They found a queen reading to a small princess the story of a beautiful prophetess who learned of an ancient prophecy that would bring both destruction and peace. The ladies stood in the threshold and listened as the story came to an end. Lydia nodded to Jilliana as if to say they should approach.

"Queen Amarei.

"Jilliana, Lydia! I did not know you were there," Amarei gasped. "I trust Morgana has been taken care of."

"Yes, majesty," Lydia answered. Amaya smiled much to everyone's pleasure.

"Evening real is ready ma'am," Jilliana informed.

"Thank you, we shall be right there." The ladies retreated and Amarei rose still holding the child.

"Amarei?"

"Yes, Amaya?"

"Do stories like that come true?" the curious six year old questioned.

"I suppose some things are possible," the queen responded. Though I doubt any human being can be made into a deity.

"Are there still prophetesses?"

"Amaya that story is a fairytale. Prophetess, faeries, and witches do not exist."

"But deities do?"

"Yes." At this the princess seemed satisfied, after all Amarei was a queen. Still faeries would be fun to have around and I would love to have magical powers. The two rulers entered a quiet dinning room and sat in there respective places. The meal was completed in silence, though Amarei could tell everyone was happier. It must be Morgana, she thought.

When the meal finished Amaya and Amarei retired to a drawing room. Amarei read a book and Amaya wrote in a journal. The little princess curled up ruffling her dress but not seeming to care. Amarei looked up every so often to see the small hand racing across the pages. What could she be writing? The time went by and Amarei soon noticed the absence of the quill scratching the page.

"Amaya," she called. No answer. The queen looked up to see the girl sound asleep with the book open in her lap. Silly girl, she thought. Amarei marked her spot and scooped up the child like an infant. Amaya naturally wrapped her arms around the queen's neck and rested her head on the queen's shoulder. She carried the child down to her room and changed her for bed. Carefully Amarei tucked Amaya in and made sure Eve was present before leaving. As she entered her room she realized it was occupied. Lady Jilliana stepped from the shadows and to her surprise so did Knight Rupert. I thought I sent him back to Eveana with Andrew.

"Forgive us, for intruding, majesty, but this is of great concern," Jilliana announced.

"What has happened?"

"Ma'am, we have reason to believe Andrew is acting above his position. I found this among his possessions," Rupert informed handing her a letter.

"You were searching without reasonable cause, that is against our laws!"

"I had reasonable cause. I overheard him conversing with his servant. Later that same day, Lady Morgana arrived. I searched the following night." The queen nodded and opened the letter.

"Has anyone else read this or know about it?"

"No, my Queen."

"Good." Amarei scanned the letter and was utterly and completely speechless when she was done. Knight Rupert helped her to a chair so she would not faint.

"What does it say, Amarei?" Jilliana inquired.

"Morgana has not been behind any of the plots to kill Amaya."

"But today in the library…"

"She has hit the child but never with the intention to kill."

"Then why?"

"To get the queen out of the way," Rupert said.

"What for?"

"I don't know," Amarei snapped.

"Than who is trying to hurt the princess?"

"My best guess is Marcus."

"Not Andrew?" Rupert gasped. Amarei turned on him.

"Why would Andrew kill a small child?"

"Perhaps we should go," Jilliana suggested.

"Excellent idea!" The queen seconded. Jilliana and Rupert retreated and Amarei was left to ponder her thoughts on returning. Down the hall, Jilliana and Rupert were arguing.

"What were you thinking?"

"Jilliana please, does it not make sense for Andrew to want Princess Amaya dead?"

"No explained this logic to me."

"Andrew is infatuated with the queen. If he could succeed in making it appear that someone else murdered the princess and than catch them, Amarei would be so grateful."

"He would not harm the child."

"Do not underestimate him. He will stop at nothing to have Queen Amarei to himself."

"OUR QUEEN would never give into him!"
"She did once and…"

"You better make sure I don't write you up for treason, Sir!"

"Jilliana listen to me, why else would Morgana hurt the child? Andrew is probably ordering her so he can pin the murder on her."

"As much as I hate Morgana I do not think she would fall for that."

"What if she loved Andrew?" Its no secret she hates the queen."

"Than wouldn't she want to kill Amarei?" Jilliana assumed.

"That's it!" Rupert exclaimed. "Andrew will kill Amaya to get the queen and Morgana will kill Amarei to get Andrew!"

"And how does King Marcus fit into this?"

"I don't know! Maybe he's the Black Knight."

"Don't suggest that in front of the queen. You know she'll hang the Black Knight in the name of revenge!" Rupert sighed defeated. Jilliana's right, but I know Andrew is up to no good.

The following morning, Amarei awoke to a hazy day. Dawn was breaking through the periwinkle sky casting it in a light pink color. The mist was rising out of the trees covering the kingdom. The queen sadly looked away realizing she would not wake to this kingdom for some time. She slowly dressed and went to the princess' room. Amarei was surprised the princess was still sleeping. She approached the bed and saw the sleeping form. I wonder how best to break the news to her.

"Amaya," she softly called. The princess stirred a little and buried her head in the pillow. "Oh come now, Amaya, if you do not get out of bed you won't hear the news."

"What news?" came the muffled response.

"Sit up and I'll tell you." Amaya sat up and sleepily rubbed her eyes. "Amaya I have to return to Eveana today."

"WHAT?"

"You heard me."

"Don't go!"

"I have to, Andrew has been causing problem and I need to return and fix them."

"NO!" And with that the young girl jumped out of bed and ran out the room making sure the door slammed. The whole room seemed to shake and Amarei sat there not knowing what to do. I should give her some time.

The queen returned to her room and readied herself to leave. She noticed Eve and smiled. Amaya must not be to far away. Amarei did not notice the dog's whimpering. Suddenly there was slamming of doors from down the hall and pounding upon her door.

"Queen Amarei, Princess Amaya is missing!" Lady Jilliana shouted. WHAT? The queen threw open the door and saw Jilliana along with Lydia and Miss Chelsea standing there.

"Majesty, Amaya is missing, we cannot find her," Chelsea informed.

"But Eve is here, Amaya would not leave without her."

"SunDew is not in her stall," Lydia said.

"Has someone been sent looking?"

"Rupert and Peter are gone at present," Jilliana answered.

"Tell Master William to read Evening Rose," Amarei ordered. Lydia nodded and scurried off.

"Amarei you are going to go?"

"Yes, she's mad at me."

"What for?"

"I told her I was leaving." Amarei changed quickly and hurried down to the stables. Evening Rose was waiting, as was Master William.

"My Queen, the knights went off to check the towns."

"Than I'll check the woods and fields." And with that she rode off leaving a trial of dust. When I find that girl she'll be in for it! This is completely unacceptable. Amarei galloped to Aurora's Fields but did not see the princess. This is the only place she knows, unless she found another one. "AMAYA!" No answer.

I swear, she's going to get it! Amarei noticed what looked like a fresh set of tracks and decided to follow. They head straight for the Dark Forest. If she went in there she might be lost for days. I should go back, but what if she's hurt? Against all her better judgment Amarei rode forward and faster into the darkened woods. She followed what appeared to be a trail and soon saw a portal of light. The light magnified as she approached and the queen found herself on a ridge above a lake. Alcione's lake, she thought. So this is what it looks like. The queen had never been to the lake but she'd heard stories of its great beauty. The glassy water seemed to dance with crystals from the sun's reflection. She knew not to be enticed by it's beauty. This was where Aurora and Sol were laid to rest. Movement at the shore caught her eye. There was a horse and a small child. Amaya! Amarei galloped down the ridge forgetting her fear of falling. She reached the bottom and saw Amaya standing in the water.

"But it's not fair!" She heard the girl announce. Who is she talking to?

"Amarei is a queen, she must follow her duty. Don't you think she'd rather stay here with you?" a man replied. I know that voice, Amarei thought. "Look, she's even come all the way here to find you." The little princess spun around and saw the queen. Amarei did not see whom she was talking to.

"Amarei!"

"Amaya, who are you talking to?"

"No one anymore!" She snapped.

"Listen to her Princess, she does care," the man's voice said.

"Amaya come out of the water and came back. Everyone is very worried about you," Amarei coaxed. Amaya turned to look back at the water. Reluctantly she turned and came to the queen. Amarei opened her arms but Amaya ignored the gesture.

"I suppose we have to go back."

"Yes." They mounted up and rode back to the palace where everyone was anxiously awaiting their return. Amaya demounted and with Eve on her heels went straight to her room.

"Where did you find her?" Peter asked.

"Alcione's Lake."

"Do you think she knows?" Rupert inquired.

"No! Though she was talking to someone I couldn't see," Amarei responded. The men starred at her as she went into the palace. She went straight to Amaya's chambers. I shall not be too harsh, she promised herself as she knocked.

"Come in!" The queen entered and Amaya glared at her. This surprised the queen; Amaya had never looked at her in such a way before. The queen knew that this was one very unhappy princess.

"Amaya please try to understand.

"Understand what?"

"It's my responsibility to take care of my kingdom. I have no choice but to leave," Amarei explained cautiously. Amaya refused to look at her. " Fine, I'll return as soon as I'm able."

Amarei left even though she felt pain consuming her. The queen went to her room, changed and went to the ballroom. Rupert and Peter were saying goodbye, as were the ladies. Amarei sighed as she looked around. I guess Amaya is still upset. The doors opened and Amaya appeared. She said goodbye to Jilliana and Rupert as it was expected of her and than approached the queen. Amarei had moved to the far side of the room and was more than a little surprised when Amaya stood by her.

"Goodbye, Queen Amarei," She said respectfully, trying very hard to bury her emotions.

"Amaya," she whispered. Amarei knelt next to her. "I'll return, I promise you." Amaya smiled at her and than collapsed into her waiting arms. Amarei held her and tried her best not to cry. They went over to the rest of the group and Peter took the princess from Amarei. Amarei, Jilliana, and Rupert disappeared in a shimmering blue light.