The next morning, Mesy was pulled out of her sleep by the sound of gss shattering. As soon as she heard, she raced downstairs in her robe, where she found a servant standing over a mess of her favorite bowls on the ground.

  “I’m sorry.” The servant cried. “Your cat ran across the room and it scared me.”

  “It? Their names are Ges and Y.” Mesy corrected.

  The servant lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry, I—”

  Mesy held up her hand. “Where’s Gin?”

  “In the kitchen…I’m really sorry, I’ll—”

  But before the servant could finish her sentence, Mesy had already walked away.

  ***

  When Mesy entered the kitchen, she found Gin on a dder, searching for something on top of the cabinets.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “The 7th elixirs.” Gin mumbled. Fertility elixirs.

  Mesy took a seat at the table. “Well, we don’t need those anytime soon.. I’m hungry.”

  “I’ll be down in a minute, Mesy.” Gin huffed. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the games?”

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

  “Aha. I found them.” Gin shouted, while raising two bottles of blue liquid in the air.

  “Great.” Mesy responded bndly.

  “And no, I’m not trying to get rid of you.” Gin crified. “Your father will be here soon.”

  Mesy raised her eyebrows. “How soon? Talo isn’t back yet.” Talo had left a note that he needed to go see someone outside of Re?t.

  “He’s on his way right now.” She answered.

  Mesy bolted out of the room. She needed to get dressed in a hurry. Today was the day of the Coronation Games, the 3rd event of the Coronation Ceremonies. Held on a cliff, people from around Ar are welcome to attend and watch. These games served two functions. One, to dispy the strength of the Mountain Army. And two, the presentation of the White Armor to the new Sovereign Crown—officially transferring them the power and title of Commander.

  Mesy had decided on her costume for this event ages ago. A long, white high waisted wool skirt and a shawl embroidered with gold flowers that was draped diagonally across her bare chest.

  After she finished getting her dress, she made her way downstairs and found her father already waiting. But he wasn’t alone. Tyanna, a General of the Mountain Army, was standing next to him. Green eyes and a face skin covered with freckles, Mesy thought she was stunning.

  “Your Highness.” Tyanna greeted.

  “Tyanna!” Mesy beamed. “It’s always nice to see you.”

  Mesy wanted to pull her into a hug, but she also didn’t want to mess up the shawl. So she stayed at a distance.

  “Tyanna will be accompanying us today.” Jamos announced. “She’ll be presenting the White Armor.”

  Mesy csped her hands together. “Well then…let’s get going.”

  ***

  The Coronation Games went exactly as expected. Very bloody. The best and worst Mountain fighters fought til near death until the sun began to set.

  Unlike the Formal Ball, those in attendance were mostly Insiders—permanent residents of the Mountains. An hour into the games, Talo arrived. He was very giddy…much giddier than usual. Mesy made a note to ask him about his whereabouts ter.

  After the final fight, Mesy was called to the center stage. It was her first appearance in front of Insiders, her future subjects, in ages. There, General Tyanna presented her with the White Armor….formally initiating her as Commander and as a member of the Royal Council—the political and military group of the Mountains. The crowd threw roses at her feet and cheered as loudly as they could. Mesy took several ps, basking in their approval.

  Afterwards, Mesy, her father, and Talo went back to Majes Pace to enjoy a quiet dinner. Instead of heading back to Jasa after, Mesy and Talo decided to stay in the extra bedrooms. Unfortunately for Mesy, she didn’t get the chance to interrogate Talo. When she went to check on him down the hall, he was already snoring.

  ***

  The next morning, after breakfast, Mesy made her way back to Jasa to get ready for The Anointing—the fourth coronation event. A private event held by the departing crown and the Royal Council, The Anointing serves only one purpose: formally swearing Mesy as Queen and presenting her with the Emerald Amulet—the amulet that will allow her to shapeshift into anything. As tradition, only family and close friends are invited to attend.

  As soon as breakfast was over, Jamos told her to go change into a long sleeved white dress and meet him at Almaran Pace. When she finally arrived, the caretaker informed her that her father was waiting for her in the second room on the third floor. When she entered, she saw everyone was already there. In the center, her father and the Royal Council were standing in their traditional attire. To the right of them, Talo, Gin, and Robere were standing. And to the left, her Aunt Danar was standing with Mesy’s other close friends: Mara and Pear.

  As soon as she saw Mara and Pear, she ran towards them and pulled them both into a hug.

  “Mara! Pear!” She screamed. “It’s been weeks.”

  “We missed you!” Pear said.

  “We kept coming by but they told us we had to wait.” Mara added.

  Mesy whipped her head in the direction of her father.

  Jamos raised both of his hands. “I did let you see Talo, didn’t I? It was for everyone’s protection.”

  Mesy rolled her eyes pyfully and turned back to her friends. She gave them another hug before making her way towards her aunt. She hadn’t seen Danar in months.

  “Aunt Danar.” She squealed.

  Danar grabbed Mesy by her shoulders and pulled her into a hug.

  “I missed you.” Danar gushed.

  “I missed you too.”

  When Danar pulled back, she pced her left hand under Mesy’s chin and raised it. “Let me see your eyes.”

  “Sister.” Jamos groaned. “We’re not here for that. We have more important matters.”

  “Fine.” Danar huffed. “We’ll talk ter.”

  Danar let go of Mesy’s chin and winked at her before gently turning her in the direction of her father.

  When they made eye contact, Jamos motioned for her to sit. Mesy obeyed.

  “Are you ready?” He asked.

  Mesy nodded.

  Jamos turned his attention to Gin and waved her over to them. She was carrying a small box carrying the amulet. Jamos carefully removed the delicate piece and csped it around his daughter’s neck. Once he was done, he instructed Mesy to stand and recite the lines on the Iris Page he was holding,

  I am Mesy Adabelle Dakari.I am the daughter of Jamos.I am a direct descendant of Betasi. I am Trykar.I am my People.

  I choose not myself, but Trykar and the People.As Commander, I will perform for Trykar and my People.

  As the sun rises,as the sun sets,it is I, Chaos,who roams free.

  As light radiates,as darkness devours,it is I, who rules His Mountains, Above All, and Over All.

  Queen Mesy Adabelle Dakari,

  I am.

  Once she was done, Mesy looked up to her father. He rolled up the paper, pced it under his arm, and reached for Mesy’s hands.

  “All Praise the Queen!” He decred loudly

  “All Praise the Queen!” Everyone repeated.

  Mesy was immediately swarmed by her friends and Aunt Danar. Each giving her a long hug. When her friends finally freed her from their grasps, the Royal Council followed suit.

  Johren, the youngest man on the council, gave her a small hug and whispered in her ear, “May Chaos rebuild Ar into His Image.” When Mesy pulled back, he winked at her before letting her go. Mesy was taken aback. She didn’t know ardent Trykaran supporters still sat on the Royal Council—a faction of Arns desperate for total conquest. But another member of the council had enveloped her into a hug before she could fully react.

  After the final congratutions, spoken by an elderly gentleman, Mesy turned to everyone and shouted “Let’s feast.”

  ***

  After the feast was over, Mesu said goodbye to everyone and went back to Jasa with Talo, Robere, and Gin following. Usually, Talo slept in a small residence on the edge of Re?t. But tonight, Mesy didn’t want to be alone. When they arrived, they both changed into white robes. Tomorrow was a big day…her first official day as queen. And it all kicked off with The Crowning, the st Coronation Ceremony event held in Almaran Pace, where Mesy was set to be publicly crowned in front of the other Arn royals, the Kings and Queens of the other Arn Kingdoms, and residents of the Mountains.

  After they changed, Mesy asked Talo to stay with her in her room.

  “Are you sure?” Talo asked.

  “Why not? It won’t be the first time.” She ughed.

  Talo reached for the covers and made himself comfortable. As he waited, Mesy removed the hair pins from her hair. As she did, she noticed one of the hair pins was red.

  “Where did this come from?” She mumbled.

  “Did you say something?” Talo asked. He was lying on his back, eyes closed.

  “Talo, look! It’s red.” She shouted, while holding the pin towards Talo.

  Talo opened his eyes and turned his body in her direction. “I see. Is something wrong?”

  “Talo, I didn’t put this in my hair. I would never wear red with white. Where did this come from?” She rushed out.

  Talo shrugged. “Maybe you forgot….Who else could have put it there?”

  Mesy grunted. “Maybe you’re right.” But deep down, Mesy didn’t believe it. She knew she would never wear red unless she was dressed in red or gold, she was very particur about her appearance.

  After she was done removing the rest, she climbed into bed and into Talo’s arms.

  “I can’t believe I’m sleeping with the Queen.” Talo joked.

  Mesy elbowed him in the stomach.

  “Ouch.”

  “Jaho would take your hands if you saw you here.” Mesy taunted.

  After a long minute of silence, Talo whispered into her hair, “He had his chance.”

  Mesy’s heart skipped a beat.

  “I will never forgive you…..never forget that.” She whispered back.

  “You already have, Mesy.” Talo murmured back. “Goodnight, my Queen.”

  ***

  The next morning, as soon as she opened her eyes, Mesy was on cloud nine. Today was the day. All of the paces were bustling. In Jasa, in particur, Mesy was in her bedroom with seven other servants. Three were working on her hair. Two were working on her face. One was there to serve food and drinks. And then there was Gin… who was helping Mesy put on her attire….a gold off the shoulder dress with long sheer sleeves that had hints of blue peeking through. Gin had just finished pcing the heavy gold pted shawl on her shoulders.

  “It’s not too heavy, is it?” Gin asked.

  “It’s fine.” Mesy assured.

  “Let’s go ahead and remove the hair pins then.”

  Mesy nodded. Originally, she was going to wear her hair in an updo. But at the st minute, she decided to let her curls loose. Gin had only a couple of pins left to remove when a knock was heard.

  “Come.” Mesy yelled.

  Robere entered. “Your Majesty. You have a visitor.”

  Mesy frowned. “Who is it?”

  “The Queen of the Meadows….Rosar.”

  “Rosar?” Gin and Mesy asked at the same time.

  Robere nodded.

  Mesy rubbed her forehead.

  “Why is she here?” Gin asked.

  “She didn’t say.” Robere answered slowly.

  “Just send her up.” Mesy ordered. “She better have a good reason why she’s here and not already at Almaran.”

  As Robere departed, Mesy ordered everyone else to follow. While she waited, she removed the st pins from her hair. She had just found the st one when Robere returned with Rosar. She was wearing a white strapless fitted bodice dress.“You look stunning!” Mesy said to Rosar as she entered.

  “Not as stunning as you.”

  A hint of pink reached Mesy’s cheeks.

  “Rosaaarrr.” Mesy sang. “You picked a great time to come see me.”

  Rosar walked past Mesy and took a seat on the cream settee. “I needed to see the Queen alone….given that today is the second to st day that you’ll see me.”

  Mesy’s hands flew to her face. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She rushed over and took a seat next to her, pcing her left hand over her knee.

  “Whhaatt?” Mesy stuttered. “Are you in danger? Do you need help?”

  Rosar smiled and pced her hand on top of the Mesy’s hand. “My daughter will succeed me soon…it’s time. But I’m not here to talk about me.”

  “You just said—”

  “I know what I said.” Rosar interrupted.

  Mesy crossed her arms. “Why are you here then? If not for help.”

  “I’m here to collect my favor.”

  Mesy bursted into ughter. “Are you serious? Now?”

  Rosar nodded.

  “Well, what is it? What’s so important?”

  “I’m here to tell you that you must betray the Desert.”

  Mesy jumped from the settee. “What are you talking about?” Instead of easing Mesy into this, Rosar just cut to the chase and told her the truth.

  “At the next delegation meeting…months from now…there will be a vote on the Desert’s charges. You must vote against and bring forth the dissolution of the Desert’s King’s hold on the region.”

  Mesy’s jaw dropped. Rosar was asking her to betray the Desert. Jaho.

  “You’re joking.” Mesy stuttered.

  Rosar shook her head. “I’m afraid I’m not.”

  Mesy began pacing the room as Rosar watched.

  “Full scale war is inevitable, Mesy. War is seen in every direction the winds take. Nothing will prevent this. But if you want Talo to survive, you must see this through.” She added.

  Mesy immediately stopped pacing. “What?”

  “And I know of your love for Jaho, Mesy. I know this will hurt him.”

  “Don’t.” Mesy responded coldly.

  “But I also know of your love for Talo.”

  Mesy’s breath hitched.

  “What does my retionship with Talo have to do with this?” Mesy snapped. “What have you seen?”

  Rosar was no longer directly looking at Mesy. Instead, her face was turned towards the window.

  “If you vote for the Desert, you will put Talo on a path to be betrayed and executed…a year from now.”

  Mesy’s mouth went sck.

  “I’m sorry, Mesy.”

  The room went completely silent. Mesy thought the room was spinning. She needed to sit, but she couldn’t move her feet.

  “You are lying.” Mesy whispered.

  “I’m not.” Rosar refuted.

  “I don’t understand what Talo has to do with the Desert and this vote. He is the rightful king to the Western Meadows not the Desert.” Mesy rushed out.

  “I have only seen what I’ve seen. I’m not fate, Mesy. Diné is All-Seeing…not destiny.” She expined. “And in this war, it is important for you to choose the right side.”

  “But I will lose the Desert with this vote….and if this is about Talo, he will never work with the Meadows. He will never work with your King.”

  Rosar started to smile. “Which leaves….”

  It took Mesy a minute to understand.

  “The Isle.”

  Rosar nodded.

  “In this war, I must side with the Isle?! Our kingdoms have rarely gotten along.”

  “In time, you will. If you want to win this war….if you care about Talo…”

  Mesy was frowning. “Four Incarnates against two don’t seem fair exactly. Why do I have the feeling you’re not telling me something I should know about this war?”

  “Everything you think you know now will be undone months from today.” Rosar revealed.

  “Why are you telling me this? Why do you want me to win? If I vote against Jaho and his family, I will lose him forever.”

  “Or you’ll lose Talo…forever.” Rosar countered.

  “Why are you telling me this? Why pce this burden upon me?”

  Rosar rose from her seat and marched towards Mesy. She pced her palm on Mesy’s right cheek and whispered closely to her face,

  “My mother chose you. She died, because she believed in you. You are the most powerful being Ar has seen since the Gods. A drifter with the power of Trykar and ranking as queen. It is you who will come to understand what must be done for Ar…and do what must be done.”

  Mesy took a step back from Rosar. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. But the only thing that she was concerned about now.. was Talo.

  “Just tell me who kills Talo.” Mesy whispered back. “I can’t prevent this.”

  “I’m afraid, I cannot….but I can tell you one thing.”

  “What?”

  “You’re going to need him… to undo the damage you both will cause.”

  Mesy stepped back from Rosar’s hand.

  “Talo? He is a truth teller. A detector of deception.”

  A full smile broke across Rosar’s face. “In time, it’ll make sense. In time, you’ll see why Arra rarely left her kingdom.”

  Mesy let out a huge groan. “Rosar, you’re not giving me anything.”

  “I have, actually.”

  “Is it my vote that starts this war? Can you just tell me that?”

  “My child, war has been brewing since the very day it ended…. over forty years ago. Recovering from Shioban’s mistake has been merely a distraction.”

  Mesy tilted her head.

  “Does anyone else know?”

  “About this?”

  Mesy nodded.

  “No.” Rosar confirmed. “I know a lot of this doesn’t make sense, but if you follow this path I’ve id out for you….it’ll make sense in the end.”

  “How am I supposed to know this has all been a lie?”

  “Did I lie about your brother?”

  Mesy shook her head.

  She took a deep breath before walking back towards Rosar. When she stopped in front of her, she took one long look before saying what she had wanted to say seven years ago, “If this had been all a lie, just know, your line will end with me.”

  “Well, I’m not going to worry about that.” Rosar grinned. “You’ll make the right choice. I believe in you. Your love for Talo couldn’t have been made any more clearer with that cloak.”

  Mesy’s eyes widened. Rosar had been spying on her.

  “Yes, I did see.” Rosar confirmed. “And your father is right.”

  “About?”

  “Talo is a good choice.” She answered. “I should go now. Everyone’s waiting for the queen.”

  But before Rosar exited, she turned back to Mesy and said,

  “You should get to know Jaho’s fiancé.”

  Mesy whipped her head in the direction of Rosar.

  “Fera?? ”

  Rosar nodded.

  “Why?”

  “Well that’s for you to find out.”

  And then Rosar left the room…leaving Mesy to finish getting ready for the event.

  ***

  A minute after Rosar left, Mesy was rejoined by her servants to help put the final touches on her look. Afterwards, she made her way to Almaran where everyone was waiting for her. As soon as she arrived, her father greeted her and instructed her to wait at the back until she heard the bell…like they had rehearsed.

  She was waiting there when she was joined by a familiar face. Emmar, the Ascended Incarnate of Desire and Pariesa of the Isle.

  “You look stunning.” She professed.

  “Thank you, Emmar. Shouldn’t you be inside?”

  “I wanted to see you before the event.

  Oh no. Mesy thought to herself.

  “I just wanted to tell you that I hope we become great allies.” She began. “Separationists are growing strong in the South.”

  “And let me guess… you want my vote if something was to go wrong?” Mesy interrupted.

  “Our kingdoms have rarely been on the same page. I want to change that, Mesy.” Emmar said softly.

  Mesy thought about what Rosar said. She hadn’t fully processed what Rosar told her but she knew it wouldn’t hurt to start working on an alliance. So she said, “I would love that.”

  “Great!” Emmar beamed. “We’ll talk soon.”

  Once Emmar was out of sight, Mesy rubbed her hands over her face and took a deep breath. After a couple of minutes waiting, the bell began ringing and the doors opened. It was time.

  Once the doors fully opened, all eyes immediately nded upon Mesy. She slowly made her way down the aisle that was adorned with a golden rug. As she did, she couldn’t help but think about how she had already made a decision…how she knew she would always look back at this day…not only as a day where she was crowned…but the day she decided to betray the one she thought she could never betray. When she finally reached the throne chair, her father pced the serpent encrusted crown upon her head before turning his attention towards the crowd.

  “I present to you, Mesy Adabelle Dakari, Queen of the Kingdom of Trykar, his Mountains, and Above All.” He announced. “The Sea Green Queen.”

  Mesy then stunned the crowd by transforming into a sea green hummingbird…signifying the beginning of a new era.