The Dominion of Domino: History of A Queen

By Kelly Cooper

The first in the Dominion of Domino series, History of a Queen is the tale of danger, courage, and finding hope when all seems lost. Our courageous queen, Domino's mother, ventures too far from the safety of her kingdom and finds herself in a strange new world. Without the protection of her royal guards, the queen must learn how to hunt for food and maneuver through the wild things of this strange new land. More importantly, she must be cunning, for her very survival depends upon her ability to outsmart the evil ogre possum whose sole purpose is to kill our beloved queen and destroy all things loved by the Caretakers. Will our queen find her way? Will joy ever again fill her heart? Come see and lose yourself to the adventure in The Dominion of Domino.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644582350

Book preview

Chapter One

Chapter One: Domino’s Mother

The rise of the morning sun was slow and steady. It’s rays shone brightly through stained glass windows, casting colorful designs on the walls of the queen’s bedroom. Her living quarters was located high in one of the four towers of her royal palace. "It is going to be a beautiful day. I can feel it in my feathers." Queen thought as she stretched comfortably in her nest. She was still lying in it when Stacey, her lady-in-waiting, brought in their breakfast. She set it down on the small oak table where, every morning, they would eat together and make plans for the day.

Sleeping in, are we, Majesty? Stacey asked.

No, just being a little lazy. That is all. Queen said, yawning.

Well, come along for breakfast. The cook made a special one for us this morning, and I cannot wait to taste it. Stacey replied. The queen was up in a minute, for she knew the special meal prepared would no doubt be delicious. Stacey ask, Have you given any more thought to my advice about going out today?

Earlier that week, Queen told Stacey she wanted to explore the outskirts of her kingdom. I do not feel that is a good idea, my lady. Stacey told her. But Queen was tired of seemingly always being cooped up in the cozy turret of her palace. For many years, having only wandered through the magnificent royal garden, she wanted to go out and see for herself the goings on in the neighboring towns. So she issued a royal edict that she was going out, and no one was going to stop her from doing just that.

Yes, I have given it more thought, and I still am going. It will do me good to get out for a while. It has been too long a time since I have seen beyond these walls. Queen fretted. Stacey furrowed her brow and with much reluctance said, Very well. I shall inform Captain Andrew. But first let us enjoy this wonderful breakfast. The two hens, friends since the queen was newly hatched, enjoyed their special, tasty breakfast, celebrating their friendship anniversary.

When they were done, Stacey sent instructions for the queen’s servants to come and help her ready for the big adventure. She turned to Queen and said, Well, I suppose I should inform the Captain to make ready for your excursion. I will be anxious to hear about it upon your return. For now, however, I must be at my duties. Enjoy your day, my lady. Queen understood Stacey’s need to get on with her own day but wanted to spend a little more time with her before she left. A feeling of uneasiness had fallen upon the queen, and the presence of her older friend seemed to dispel it. Queen pleaded, Stay with me a bit longer, Stacey. Stacey respectfully protested that she must be about her work, but Queen would not relinquish. She merely cocked her head and stated, You know I could order you to stay. Placing her wing on her friends shoulder, she added gently, Just until I depart?

Stacey faked a groan. Very well. Get dressed. I shall wait for you on the balcony overlooking the front grounds. We will watch the royal guards together just like when you were a duckling.

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Faithful to a fault, Andrew, the captain of the royal guards, readied his troops. Out through the large gate of the protective wall surrounding the kingdom they went.

Drakes! Andrew spoke with confidence and authority, We must ensure the safety of our queen. Commanders, survey the areas in which I have told you. The commanders and troupes made a tactical survey of the immediate surroundings then spread out to the furthest edge of the kingdom.

It is a fabulous sight to behold. the queen thought to herself as she watched the royal guards in action.

They are so very loyal, are they not, Stacey? Queen asked.

Yes, my lady, they are quite courageous. You will be in safe keeping as long as the drakes-in-arms are guarding you. Stacey responded.

I think I should enjoy my adventure this day. I do wish you were coming along. Queen said. Stacey answered, It is a lovely thought, my lady. However, there are matters needing my attention. Stacey saw the disappointment in Queen’s eyes and added, Perhaps in a few hours, should you still be exploring, I might join you?

Oh, that would be wonderful, Stacey! The queen was thrilled with the thought that she and her best friend would wander the vast countryside. It has been many a year since we last roamed the valleys together. Queen mused.

Yes, yes it has. Stacey replied with the look of a sad memory on her face.

Many years ago, her mother had wandered off into the forest beyond the field and never returned. Oh yes, the royal guards searched and searched for her, but she was never found. The only thing discovered was the necklace Stacey had made and given to her on Mother’s Day. Stacey had placed it around her mother’s neck, and her mother never took it off. The only conclusion to her disappearance was that the ogre possum had claimed yet another victim. Stacey shook out the sad memory as she observed the royal guards returning.

Look, my lady, Andrew has returned. The queen gave her a curious look. Stacey quickly responded, I mean he has returned with the royal guards.

Upon the return of the guards, Sergeant Uman reported, All is clear in our vicinity, Captain. Our queen will be safe, provided she does not go beyond our boarder nor out of our sight. He said this with reverent skepticism.

Very well, Sergeant. I shall notify Stacey that the queen may proceed. Andrew declared while giving the sergeant an understanding yet stern look of warning. The sergeant flushed, cleared his throat, and said, My apologies, sir. Andrew said as he walked away, Respect, my good drake, always respect authority. Even when it is difficult to do so.

Andrew approached the two hens. Even though his heart ached for a forbidden love, a smile lit in it as he watched Stacey usher the queen from the balcony down to where he and the royal guards were waiting. Stacey looked at Andrew and said, She is all yours, Captain. I pray you have… you all have a lovely day. Andrew looked deeply into Stacey’s eyes, cleared his voice, and spoke, My lady, the royal guards have deemed it safe for her highness to exit the boundary wall. Stacey faced Queen and said, I must warn you, if you pardon, quite sternly not to wander beyond the guards protection. Her countenance softened as she continued to speak, I would miss you, my dear friend should something happen to you. Promise me you will stay safely with the royal guards?

I promise not to go beyond the safety of our drakes, Stacey. Queen said. She made to leave but turned for a last look and wave. She said teasingly, Besides, deary, I have to come back and tell you all the latest gossip abroad. The two friends laughed, and the queen took her leave.

As the small group made their way to the draw bridge, Stacey gave Queen a fond look and yelled, Be safe, my lady, and stay with the guards.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The queen and her guards meandered throughout the valley for a couple of hours when Captain Andrew asked her, Majesty, are you ready to return to the palace?

Oh no, not yet. she replied. I want to search over there to see if I can find the old pathway my mother showed me before she… Queen tapered off the rest of her sentence then continued to explain, You see, Andrew, when Stacey and I were young, very young, our mothers would tell us wondrous stories about other animals such as ourselves. They live far, far beyond our lands. They told us about a secret path leading to their villages. The path has long since been forgotten by everyone except me and one other. She paused for a bit more and continued once again, I suppose they must have forgotten the path as well since we have never seen anyone from another place. Can you imagine finding that path and meeting those other animals? I think it would be a fabulous thing to do. Do you agree? Andrew bowed as he acknowledged that it would indeed be a spectacular event yet one that would have to wait if the path was not found before night fall.

Very well. said Queen. Just a bit more time and I will be ready to return home. Andrew nodded his acceptance and returned to rally the guards.

The queen wandered through the tall grass. She forgot about the royal guards and her safety. She saw something shimmering in the near distance and went to explore. As she drew nearer, she could see the shimmering object, a teeny-tiny little thing; she knew not what it was. It floated in the air just three inches off the ground. She reached out to touch it when, all of a sudden, she heard the royal guards screaming, calling for her to return, yelling to her a warning that something or someone was amiss. Fear flew into her heart as she realized how far she had wandered away from her protectors. She struggled to find her way back to them as their screams slowly died out. When she reached the royal guards, she was not prepared for her find.

Well, well. came a friendly voice. Queen jumped with fright. She turned and saw a strange-looking animal. Having a little problem, are we, my dear? the animal asked.

Why, yes. Yes, we are. My royal guards have fallen asleep. I must wake them. Oh please, please, will you help me? she asked.

Of course, my dear. Why don’t you come along with me into the forest of grass. I have something for you there. I do believe you will find it quite pleasing. the evil ogre possum lied. The queen studied the creature. He repulsed her, yet in some way, she was drawn in by his words. Against her better judgment, obediently, she followed.

Even though the ogre possum was a wretched creature, his beauty and charm swayed the queen into following him deep into the jungle of tall grass far from the safety of her kingdom. By the time she realized what he was about, it was too late for her to retreat back to the safety of her royal guards who had been put fast asleep by the sly ogre. No one, yet to this day, knows how he did it. But the deed had been done, and the fate of the queen, for the first time in her royal life, rested in her own wings. Her cry was filled with fear and grief as she fled into the unknown land of