Crowne of the Withered

By Alexa Bessee

Scarlett has only known Scout for a short time, but with nothing to do except wait out the snowstorm, she doesn't mind his company. However, the day takes an interesting turn when Scarlett finds the key that unlocks her cellar door, and the two find themselves emerging into a different realm where kings and queens still reign, magic is a part of everyday life, and people can shift in and out of dragon form at will. Months later, just as Scarlett is getting used to her new life, she is kidnapped from a battle and taken to an unknown island. Now, with no idea where she is and with no allies, all she has is the hope that her family is looking for her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887939056

Book preview

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Crowne of the Withered

Alexa Bessee

Copyright © 2023 Alexa Bessee

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-893-6 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-905-6 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Extra

About the Author

Chapter 1

The night was frigid. Seven inches of snow lay pristine on the ground and glowed a brilliant white without any moon to light it, and falling snow accumulated on top of it. Long icicles hung from everything possible, including the edge of the roof of the house in the middle of the meadow; a frost-covered evergreen forest and a small pond frozen solid with several inches of ice lay on the edge of the property. The owner of the property trudged slowly along a mushy path with her hands burled into the pockets of her coat. She had her fur-trimmed hood pulled over the toboggan holding her raven black hair flat to her head, and a thick maroon woollen scarf protected her mouth and nose.

It wasn't the first time Scarlett had gone on a midnight walk, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. She loved the peaceful surroundings, the solitary feeling that wasn't sad like loneliness was, even the biting air that got to her hands through her gloves. She sighed and produced a thick cloud of hot air through her scarf, and she wondered how long she'd been walking. Twenty minutes or so? The burn of her muscles backed that up. She looked up through the barren branches and smiled at the serenity of the falling snow. Then, when she brought her gaze down to look ahead, something caught her eye. Scarlett ran towards it and gasped. A man was curled up into a ball, trembling feverishly, and his shorts and tank top did nothing to protect him.

Sir? Scarlett asked as she pulled her scarf down. She knelt and shook his shoulder a couple of times. Sir, can you hear me?

He didn't answer her. She looked down both directions of the path in a desperate hope that someone would show up and help, but the man gave a short, sharp breath and diverted her attention. Scarlett yanked her coat off and wrapped it around the man, then hoisted him up with his left arm over her shoulder. He gave a weak sign of semi-consciousness.

Scarlett trudged back to her house through the ever-thickening snow for twenty minutes. Once she was inside, she slammed the door shut. She took her coat off her impromptu guest and threw it on the rack. The man was somewhat conscious by now, but it was still a struggle to get him upstairs. Scarlett let him into her room and put him down on her bed underneath the sheets, the comforter, and a heated blanket; soon, he stopped shivering. Scarlett took in his appearance for a moment. He was a handsome dark-skinned young man, maybe about her age. His curly brown hair was cut to a fade at either side of his head, and it complemented his face.

She turned away from the bed and went to her dresser for a pair of pyjamas. She stepped into the bathroom and removed her wet clothes, then she tossed them into the tub. Once in a T-shirt and some fuzzy pants, Scarlett turned out the light to the bathroom and checked her guest over one more time. She hoped she'd done enough to help him because there was no way she could get to the hospital with the roads being so bad. She went downstairs and made sure all doors and windows were locked, then went to the couch and lay down. The snowflakes hitting the screen of the window, combined with her fuzzy blanket, made her settle down quickly.

Scarlett woke up at her usual five thirty. She begrudgingly swung her feet over the edge of the couch and put them down one at a time against the cold hardwood floor. With her blanket wrapped around her shoulders, she shuffled into the kitchen and looked in the fridge for two eggs. She set them on the counter, then turned on the light above the stove and took a clean pan from the dishwasher. The burner clicked rapidly until it turned on, then it quieted down. Scarlett looked out to her dark front yard with a yawn until the pan was nice and hot, then she cracked her eggs open. The insides sizzled when they hit the pan. Scarlett yawned again and threw away her eggshells. While she waited for them to fry, she took a drink from the water bottle on the island to get rid of the morning taste in her mouth. Her breakfast was ready in less than five minutes.

A sudden thump came from upstairs, so she set her plate down and hurried up. She looked into her bedroom to see her new guest standing at her nightstand, putting a book back on it.

She gained his attention by saying, Oh, you're awake. She walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. How do you feel?

He looked at her, then answered softly, I'm much better, thank you. But how did I get here?

That's a blank on my part. I found you at about midnight last night, just lying in the snow.

He scratched the back of his head and apparently rubbed a knot underneath his hair. I don't remember everything, but I remember being in a cabin-like place. I was about to go to bed when I heard a noise in the living room. I went to investigate, and I think I got hit on the head with a bat. Now I'm here.

Jesus. Are you feeling okay now?

Well, I'm better than I was. You have a very warm blanket.

Scarlett nodded. Yeah, it's great. So what's your name?

I'm Scout. Who are you?

Scarlett.

Scout nodded and looked around the room some more, then back to her. I don't mean to come off as rude, but could I have something to eat? I'm not hungry for much, though.

Scarlett smiled and laughed lightly. Oh, it's no trouble at all. I just got done making breakfast. Do you like eggs?

I'm happy with whatever you give me.

Scarlett led Scout downstairs and let him eat the eggs she'd made as she talked with him between his bites. His soft voice was accompanied by a Latino-sounding accent. He radiated entirely calm energy, though that may have been due to him still being somewhat cold and dazed.

Scout met Scarlett's eyes and smiled, then asked cautiously, Yes?

Scarlett hummed in question.

You seem to have something on your mind.

Well, I just noticed you have an accent, she said. I like it.

Scout smiled bashfully and ran his hand through his mocha-coloured hair before smoothing it to one side. You flatter me, but yes, I do have an accent. I'm from Brazil. I moved to the United States when I was about fifteen. Starting a life here honestly wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be, but it wasn't easy.

I can only imagine.

Indeed. I'm going to wildly assume that you're from the area.

Scarlett smiled and nodded. Yes, but right now, I wish I was somewhere else. It's so cold.

I don't know how you deal with it.

By staying inside.

Scout laughed and nodded in agreement. He messed up his hair again and drew Scarlett's attention to the tattoo of a snake winding up and around his arm.

You have a snake tattoo, she pointed out while she got up to get a bottle of water.

Scout took the last bite of his food and swallowed, then said, It's a rainbow boa. I got it in college because I studied herpetology. Snakes have always been my favourite.

Yeah? How far in your degree did you go?

I got a master's degree, then I went to work for an organization somewhere I can't remember. Did you go to college?

Yes, I got a master's in economics and finance.

I hope you like math then.

I do, it was my favourite subject at school.

Scout nodded in interest. Mine was English and literacy even though I understood so little when I moved here. It was fascinating to me.

I know, I loved English too.

It's amazing what books can do to take you to other worlds.

Scarlett nodded in agreement. She started putting her dirty dishes in the sink, so Scout stood and gave her the plate. He looked out over the snowy yard and rubbed his arms to combat goosebumps.

You can wrap up in the blanket upstairs if you want, Scarlett said. I forgot to turn on the heat last night, so it's cold in here.

Oh, I don't want to be a bother.

You're not a bother. I'm enjoying the company. I don't have many visitors. Scarlett stepped away from the sink and turned off the stove light; across the yard, the baby blue horizon had just barely come to light. I've got a few things to clean up around the house, so I may be in and out of my room.

It's barely sunrise, and you already want to clean?

I've got nothing else to do until the roads are cleared.

Fair enough. Would it be all right if I turned on the TV?

Absolutely, make yourself at home. If you could check the weather, we could see if there's supposed to be any more snow today.

Scout nodded to her and went to the living room while she went upstairs to the linen closet at the end of the hall. She grabbed some cleaner and a rag from the bottom shelf and accidentally knocked a bottle over with her elbow in the process. She picked it up to put it back, but something caught her eye. Something metallic and bright at the back of the shelf. She picked it up in curiosity and confusion and turned it over a few times as if she'd never seen a key before. It was rustic in style but not tarnished in the slightest. No door in her house had a lock that the key would fit into that she could remember. She stared at the key for a minute, then her eyes widened in realization.

She left her cleaning supplies and quickly made her way downstairs and into her office. A light shelf sat in the corner by her desk, and underneath it was a wooden panel with hinges attached to the wall. Scarlett had seen it before when she first bought the house, but the salesperson told her it was only a cellar. Since it had been locked ever since then, she'd put a bookshelf over it and learned to ignore its presence.

She heard Scout's feet on the hardwood hallway and met eyes with him when he came around the threshold. He walked up and stared at the door on the floor.

What's down there? he then asked.

It's a cellar, Scarlett answered. At least, that's what the guy told me when I bought the house. She held up the key in her palm. I found this just now, and I know for a fact that this doesn't go to anything else in my house.

I say we open it and see what's there.

Scarlett tried the key, and it fit seamlessly. I've got nothing else to do.

She unlocked and pulled the oak door open. A tunnel went straight down for a few feet, and the only way down was by grooves in the wall. She looked at Scout and shrugged, then started the descent. She looked up when she touched the ground and motioned for Scout to come down. He looked down at her then hopped down the hole. Scarlett jumped out of the way as he landed hard on the soles of his feet.

Doesn't that hurt? she asked under her breath.

Scout said nonchalantly, No, I've walked on everything barefoot. Dirt, sand, gravel, grass, pavement, everything.

Well, now that we're down here, where do we go? It's a cellar like the guy said.

That you didn't know much about.

Yeah. Scarlett did a full turn where she was standing and noticed a light when she made the circle. Okay, where'd that come from?

Where'd what come from? Scout turned and looked down the small corridor. Oh, that.

Do we go towards it?

Scout shrugged. I've always heard you don't follow the light.

Do we have anything else to do?

Scout shook his head, so they began walking down the corridor. Surprisingly, there was a draft, but it kept the room from being stuffy. At some point, torches began showing up in divots on the wall. The crackle of their flames and the padding of Scout's and Scarlett's bare feet were the only sounds. A few minutes went by before they came across another room, one that was now stone rather than dirt; there was space for them both and not much else. Scarlett looked back down the hallway they came from, only to have a wall a centimetre from her nose. No turning back.

Where even are we? she muttered.

Scout shrugged his shoulders and made an I don't know hum. The only other thing in the room was a set of double doors, and a light was coming from underneath them. The pair met eyes then they walked towards the doors.

The sweet smell of fresh air and a cool breeze flooded their senses when the doors swung out. Even from where they were, they knew it was spring weather on the other side and not blistering winter. They walked on, and the draft became more noticeable and sweeter smelling. Another hall stretched in front of them, but at the edge of where they could see its end, it seemed to make a sharp turn.

When they rounded the corner, they came out at the back of an overhang that shielded them from the unclouded sun. When they emerged from the overhang, both were too in awe of the world around them to speak. The grass sat soft and light under their feet, and the trees swayed gently in the breeze. It almost looked too cliché to be real. The flowers in the grass gave a sweet scent as if it was making perfume right then and there. Mountains rose high above the horizon to the far north, and to the west, they could barely see the glint of sunlight on the ocean waves. Scout and Scarlett turned to meet eyes with each other only to see that they were not in pyjamas anymore.

Scarlett looked down at her outfit. Her black jacket went down to the back of her knees and covered her white T-shirt, and knee-high brown boots swallowed up the bottom half of her black pants. She looked back up to see Scout wearing much of the same thing. He had on black dress shoes and dress pants from the waist down, a white T-shirt, and a brown jacket that ended at the back of his thighs. Nothing over the top, but still nice and formal.

On a strange note, besides your great sense of style, said Scout, are you feeling tired at all?

Scarlett nodded, turning her head to hide a sudden small yawn. I swear it's these flowers, she said as she turned back. Their smell is so strong.

Agreed.

A sound in the distance silenced them. It was low and long, like an animal in pain. They didn't have to say a word to know what they would do next. They jogged over to the treeline where the sound came from; it was heart-wrenching when it came again, and Scout looked around for the source. When they stopped, he tapped Scarlett on the arm and pointed to his left. Over the shrubs, the backs of animals were visible. The two approached cautiously and went wide-eyed when they saw the animals. They looked like small dragons, but they didn't have wings to fly with, and their orange-yellow skin was elephant-like rather than scaly.

Six of these creatures gathered around a seventh as it emitted another pained low. Three of them turned their heads towards Scarlett and Scout and began to huff nervously. The bigger ones of the group herded the smaller ones behind them and padded the ground and yet they wouldn't leave the wounded one alone.

Scout was the first to take a step forward. He held his hands to his sides to show he wasn't a threat, and he kept his eyes down in case they took eye contact as a challenge. Scarlett stepped out from the bushes to make herself visible while she stayed her distance. Scout reached the wounded one and shushed it gently when it snorted and tried to struggle to its feet.

I won't hurt you, he said soothingly, I just want to see your wound.

Scarlett whispered, How do you know what to do? What even are they?

I don't know what they are, but back in Brazil, a wounded animal would sometimes come into the village. You just pick up how to deal with it.

Scarlett nodded and stayed silent as Scout continued looking the animal over. It closed its eyes as its breathing became more laboured; blood ran down its left forelimb from a gash. It wasn't to the bone, but it was deep.

Scout was so focused on trying to help the animal that he didn't hear the rustling in the bushes. He flinched and stood up when one of the animals roared suddenly. Then he started backing up. When the other animals started to run, he ran with the wounded one to protect it. When they got out of the trees and back to the plains, they stopped running and tried to catch their breath. They quickly found that the strong fragrant scent of the flowers made them more exhausted. Scarlett shook her head roughly and looked at Scout through tunnel vision. A few minutes later, the two fell to the ground and passed out in the grass.

Chapter 2

The roamers sniffed gently at the unconscious humans and took quick steps back when Scout stirred. He grunted, pushed himself up, and sat. The world around him hadn't changed, and he was now sure that everything from meeting Scarlett until now wasn't a dream. Next to him, Scarlett pushed herself up to sit too. Now they were both awake and being sniffed at. The roamers were still a bit wary, but their muddy yellow eyes held a shine of wonder. When Scout put his hand palm out, the roamer closest to him nudged his hand with a short huff.

Well, Scout said quietly with a smile, at least they're not aggressive.

Scarlett nodded and smiled when one of them lay next to her and nudged under her elbow as a cat would. They're incredibly sweet, she said, rubbing its head. It's like a big lap animal.

Yes, but what are they? They look like dragons without wings.

Maybe that's what they are.

Scout laughed along with her. I thought dragons were fierce. Not cute and chubby like these guys.

Scarlett nodded and smiled down at the roamer, who had now closed its eyes in contentment. She looked up again and took in the plains around her. There was something more to this world than there first appeared, but she couldn't figure out what. She didn't feel the need to ask Scout because she knew that he felt it too. Instead, she remained on the ground and rubbed the stocky dragon's side. Time seemed to be non-existent in this world, at least when nothing was happening. The sun pushed warmth into everything gently as if it knew it could take its time with whatever it wanted. The rest of the herd had settled down next to the pair, and two of them seemed to be falling asleep.

Scarlett broke the silence by asking, Why do you think they're so quick to warm up to us?

Scout shrugged. Maybe because I tried to help the hurt one? he offered. Maybe then they saw we weren't threats.

Scarlett nodded slowly in agreement. That sounds about right. Better than what I thought.

What did you think?

I don't know. Maybe they could sense that you love reptiles like them.

Scout hummed. They seem more like mammals to me. They're not covered in scales, just really tough skin. Like an elephant.

They shared a chuckle and got to their feet. The roamers copied them and looked up curiously before they turned and wandered off to go graze. The injured one was still limping heavily, and Scout felt bad for it. He brushed off his pants and looked around as he popped his back. He took little note of the wind picking up around them; if anything, it was pleasing. In the process of thinking about what to do next, a sense of unease ran through his veins, and a chill shot down his back. Scarlett felt the same thing. The distant sound of beating wings suddenly became apparent, and it sounded as though it were on both sides. Scarlett looked to the right and saw three dragons flying in the sky. With each push of their wings, whatever was on them glittered blindingly. Scout looked to the left and saw two riders on horseback rapidly approaching with five small animals hot on their heels.

The horse riders got to them first, but the three dragons were there a few seconds later; the ice on their bodies let off steam in the sun. The riders hopped down from the horses and walked over calmly.

Both the boy and girl were unnaturally tall in comparison to the two staring at them in awe. The girl had a sleeveless shirt that had blends of purple, green, and blue hues on it; the end of the shirt trailed down to her calves and just above her brown boots. Above her shirt, she had a black mouthguard covering her mouth and nose. Strapped to her left leg was a scabbard for, what looked to be, a small knife; Scarlett was glad that it was empty. Both of them had a long double-bladed staff on holsters on their backs. The girl had her black hair pulled up and out of the way; she looked ready to fight if she needed to. Her indigo-coloured eyes glowered at the three dragons in front of her.

She was the first to speak and said calmly yet sternly, We got to them first.

By a few seconds, said the middle dragon with a thick Russian accent. If we were to take them now, you could not win.

The boy stepped up and interjected, That will not be necessary.

The middle dragon huffed steam from his nose.

Sire, the boy said, be reasonable. There is no need for conflict. We all want what's best for them. They wouldn't survive in your kingdom, it is far too cold.

The ice dragon gave a rumble from low in his throat. I will let slide once, Garnet. His eyes narrowed. But do not test me. If I see her outside your walls, I will take her.

Garnet nodded calmly. I understand, sire.

With another huff from the nose, the dragons took off and went back the way they came, and the four all let out a sigh of relief.

Garnet turned to the two humans and said, I'm sorry our introduction had to be so rushed. He gave a warm smile and took off his helmet, then tousled his light brown hair. I am Garnet. This is my cousin, Opal.

Opal nodded politely.

Who are you? Garnet moved his helmet to the crook of his arm and shifted the dark blue asymmetrical cape on his back.

Scarlett swallowed and said, I'm Scarlett. This is Scout.

Pleasure to meet you both.

Scout asked, Can I ask what just happened?

Well, every now and again, humans like yourselves will find their way into our world. When they do, we do our best to take them in before they fall into the wrong hands, which means something else to everyone. When you arrived, the whole world undoubtedly felt your presence. Garnet chuckled when Scout looked at him in confusion. Everything will be explained, I promise. He motioned for them to follow him. Come.

Scarlett made to follow Garnet and her leg bumped into one of the creatures next to her, and she started. What are these things? she asked. They don't have any eyes.

Opal knelt and scratched it at the base of its jaw. They're hellhounds, she said simply.

Will they bite?

Only if they're agitated.

Scarlett slowly knelt and patted the hound's skull a few times; it wagged its tail happily and panted. It had no fur on its body, only smooth skin. On its legs, it had large scales that looked to act as an armour and sharp talons at the end of its three toes. Six dark green spines ran down its back and often twitched on their own accord.

What are the spines for? Scarlett questioned.

They're for sensory, Opal said as she stood. She walked to her horse, who stopped grazing when she got close. They're blind, so they use echolocation, smell, and hearing.

Oh. That's cool.

Opal nodded and hopped up to her horse. Scarlett was surprised when she reached her hand down, but she took it and got onto the horse's back. She looked over and saw Scout get behind Garnet.

Garnet said humorously, Don't mind her. Opal doesn't talk much to new people.

Opal glared at him, then snapped her reins to get her horse walking. Garnet followed her and the hounds followed the sounds of the horses' hooves.

What are those creatures over there? Scout asked, pointing at the pack of roamers that he'd found in the woods; one was still limping. One of them is hurt.

Those are roamers, Garnet said, steering his horse towards them. They're very common in the plains.

Garnet stopped the horse, hopped off again, and calmly went up to the small animal. The herd stopped and looked at him curiously. He knelt by the injured one and tutted over it. You poor thing. How did this happen?

Scout expected Garnet to perhaps get some sort of bandage to wrap the wound or walk away and say there was nothing he could do. No. Garnet put his hand over the open wound and stared right at it, and before Scout's and Scarlett's eyes, the wound began closing. It seemed to close from the inside out, and within seconds, the roamer's leg was healed without a scratch. Garnet stood up and dusted his pants, patting the roamer on the head when it bumped his leg.

You're welcome, he chuckled, you're welcome.

Opal shook her head while Garnet continued petting the roamer. She looked down at the ground, and after a second of thought, she realized the hounds weren't with her anymore. She looked behind her and saw them a few yards away, growling. Some of them had their razor-sharp teeth bared. The horses started to pace and wouldn't calm down. Opal put a hand on her weapon, but after a minute of nothing happening, she shook her head and called the hounds back. They reluctantly obeyed as she turned again. Just as she was about to get Garnet's attention, a roar came from behind them. All four whipped their heads around to see the ice dragon again, and Garnet swore.

What's happening? Scarlett asked frantically.

No time to worry, Garnet said. He clapped his hands twice and the roamers scampered off. He jumped back on his horse in a fluid motion. Close your eyes and duck your heads, both of you. Now.

Scarlett and Scout followed their given instructions. The horses were spurred into a run and the hounds followed close behind. Garnet often took glances behind him and Sergei got closer and closer each time.

Garnet, now might be the time! Opal warned. She shot a slightly worried look at him.

Thank you, Captain Obvious! Garnet shouted over the wind. He took one more look behind him, waited for the roar to fade out, then faced the front and closed his eyes. Hut, hut!

Scarlett closed her eyes tighter and tightened her grip around Opal's waist. She could feel the air zip past her, and while she wanted to know what was going on, she kept her eyes shut tight. The inside of her thighs quickly became sore at the feeling of the horse running so fast. She almost wasn't prepared for the slow-down of speed when it happened, but she was grateful that her stomach had a chance to return to her body.

Garnet slowed his horse down with a pull of the reins and a quiet Whoa. He sighed and shook his head, then took his helmet off to fix his hair.

Are you two all right? he asked. He looked behind him.

Scout nodded and said shakily, I'm all right. It felt like a roller coaster, though.

Indeed. Scarlett? Are you okay?

Scarlett shook her head roughly and put a shaky hand on Opal's shoulder. Yeah, I'm here. I have a new hairstyle too. She reached back and fixed some of her wind-blown hair.

Opal shook her head, and Scarlett heard her chuckle for the first time. She rubbed her horse on its side as she hopped down and led it by the reins. Scarlett gripped the saddle horn as the rocking started again. She looked in front of her and was left in shock at the sight of a giant castle towering up to scrape the sky. Its white marble exterior and golden rooftops gleamed in the sun. The solid stone walls around the kingdom went as far as she could see in either direction and looked fifty feet tall, and right now, she was directly in front of massive doors.

Garnet and Opal raised a hand to the guards, then waited until the door split down the middle and opened. Garnet started walking forward again and left his guests in awe of the humongous kingdom.

Chapter 3

Topaz looked to the front gate as it opened. People crowded the sides of the main roads as they tried to get any glimpse they could of the new arrivals. His wife, Esmeralda, stepped next to him and put a hand on his upper arm, and he put his hand over hers. She was the one to feel the humans' presence first, at least within the castle. There were bound to be thousands of other people too far away to get to them first that had felt it too. She watched with a passive face as her son led the horse carrying a boy on its back, and behind him was Opal with a girl. With a soft wave of her hand in the direction of the town below, the queen sent a few guards down to clear the roads. She smoothed her dress out while she kept her eyes trained on the horses walking up the hill. With a smile, she met them at the top and hugged them lovingly. Garnet and Opal helped the humans down from the horses and then gave the reins to a guard who led the animals away. Topaz smiled at the new arrivals.

Scarlett swallowed nervously as she looked up to who she could only assume to be royalty. The king towered over her, over all of them, by a few feet; her head only came up to the bottom of his chest. His coat was stiff, with the white being outlined with a golden sheen that ended at his calves. Different shapes of brown, blue, and orange decorated his shoulders while brown sleeves ended at his wrists. And yet, despite his intimidating stature, his smile was warm and kind.

The queen, to his left, was a little shorter, but Scarlett still only came up to chest level with her. She had her hands, covered by arm-length black gloves, crossed regally in front of her. Her emerald green dress, held up by a thick strap over her right shoulder, contrasted wonderfully with her ebony skin. It also brought out her different coloured eyes; her left was blue, and her right was green. A strip of golden fabric shone in the sunlight and fell above her ankles in front of and behind her. The ivory horns on the queen's head threw Scarlett for a loop, but she couldn't find her words. The horns rose in an elegant arc over her curly auburn hair and made her look taller than she already was. She had rose-gold chains and bands on them, those being the only jewellery adorning her body.

The king was the first to break the silence with a calm Hello.

Scout bowed his head in a nod. He said with a steady voice, Hello.

I hope your means of getting here weren't too bad.

Oh no, they were all right. I'm not sure what happened when we were being chased back, but we weren't hurt.

Chased?

Garnet rubbed his neck as Topaz looked at him. Sergei tried to take them away when we were on our way back, so we took the shadows the rest of the way home.

I see, the king said. He looked back. I hope you weren't hurt.

No, sire, Scout said.

The king looked down at Scarlett for a split second, then shook his head at himself. Where are my manners? May I have your names?

I'm Scout. He swept a hand towards Scarlett. This is Scarlett who…seems to be spaced out. He waved his hand over her face a little. Hello?

Scarlett shook her head and looked to the ground. I am so sorry, she said, I just… I've never seen people that look like you two.

The queen asked gently, Can you speak up, dear? It's hard to hear you when you're talking to the floor.

Scarlett looked up again after taking a deep breath. I didn't mean to be rude, Your Majesty. I've just never seen someone as tall as either of you, or that has horns.

Oh, that's all right, dear. I am Esmeralda, and this is my husband, Topaz. Esmeralda tilted her head a bit when Scarlett looked back down. Forgive me if I sound brash dear, but you seem a little frightened. Do I scare you?

Scarlet rubbed her forearm and met her eyes again. A little, yeah.

I'm sorry. I don't mean to come across like that.

Topaz said, She has no bark and no bite. He looked at his wife lovingly, and she rolled her eyes with a smile, then he looked back to his guests. We could continue inside if you two wish. It does get a little hot standing in the sun for so long.

After the two nodded, he and Esmeralda turned and began walking off. They followed after him and had to speed-walk to keep up with the royalty's large strides. Esmeralda didn't step inside right away and instead stopped by the two guards at either side of the door.

Are you gentlemen doing all right? she asked kindly. You've got enough water?

The guards all answered with varying responses of Yes, Your Majesty.

Esmeralda nodded. You know to let us know if something happens, and feel free to step into the hall at any time.

Scarlett found herself with a newfound respect for the Queen. Esmeralda stepped inside next to her husband, and they began walking down the hallway. It was cooler inside than it was out in the sun, and goosebumps rose on Scarlett's arms. The floor under her was white veined marble and smooth enough to seem slippery; an arched granite ceiling rose elegantly tens of feet above them. Scarlett stopped in her tracks when she realized there was a long strip of fluorescent lights on it. Scout stopped and looked at her, then followed her gaze.

Are those lights? he asked.

Scarlett's gaze met his. They can't be, can they? Castles aren't supposed to be modern.

Topaz noticed the two weren't walking next to him anymore and looked behind him to see them talking. Are you two all right? he asked, walking back to them in four steps.

Are those lights? Scarlett asked. Like electricity-powered ones?

Yes?

But you live in a castle.

He shrugged. And?

How do you have power?

Topaz chuckled. I'll explain, I promise, but I think it'll be better to sit down. I don't know how long we'll be.

Scarlett and Scout resumed following the king and queen down the hall and noticed that Garnet and Opal had gone off somewhere. A few minutes later, the four entered a dining room. Scarlett was thrown for another loop at the sight of the modern furniture. That wasn't the strange thing, though. The table, chairs, and few decorations in the room were slightly too big to be normal. It was just enough out of proportion to make her squint at it. She hopped up into one of the chairs by Scout and looked around. The lights inside were bright but it was still somewhat dim.

I don't mean to be like demanding or anything, Scarlett said, but are there any more lights in here?

Oh, you're all right, dear, Esmeralda said, getting up. We always forget to turn the lights up all the way.

She walked behind Scarlett and pushed a light switch on the wall, then sat back down. The blinds rose to show a window taking up the whole side of the wall. Sunlight flooded the room once they were up, and the window showed them the vast expanse of the kingdom.

Topaz took off his coat and set it on the back of his chair to reveal he had a sleeveless tan tunic on. He leaned forward on his elbows to begin a casual conversation with guests.

So, he said, to answer your question about the lights, yes, we do have electricity. Despite the more old-fashioned looks of some of our buildings, we're highly scientifically advanced.

So, like, you guys have everything humans have? Scarlett asked.

That and more.

What do you not have?

Well, something like teleportation is out of the question at the moment. A wonderful concept, but I tend to look too far into it. I wouldn't want someone appearing into the kingdom out of nowhere.

Me either. Not like I rule a kingdom, but still.

Topaz smiled at this. Trust me, I never thought I would be a king. Sometimes I still wonder how I ended up here.

Esmeralda rolled her eyes and gently pushed his arm. You know exactly how you ended up here, she said.

Were you not born into royalty? Scout asked. He added quickly, Not to be rude.

Topaz shook his head. Both of my parents were carpenters. Don't let that ruin anything, however, I was very happy growing up and loved my line of work. Esmeralda was born to royalty, though.

Is that why you have horns? Scarlett asked.

The queen nodded. All members of royalty are born with horns, they start growing when you're about three. My sister, Slate, has them too. We got them from both parents. You may not see her or her husband until a bit later They went out to town for a few things.

Do Garnet and Opal have them?

Yes, although they tend to hide theirs.

They're cousins, right? That's what they told us.

Yes, they're cousins. Opal's our niece.

Topaz added, They're certainly as close as siblings, especially for their age.

How old are they? Scout asked.

They're both eighteen.

Scarlett chuckled. It's a bit hard to tell how old you guys are. You're so tall.

I know, Esmeralda said with a smile, we forget how tall we are sometimes.

I was a bit scared of you at first. No one where I'm from has ever been as tall as you are.

Oh, I didn't mean to scare you, darling. I'm so sorry.

No, it's all right. So, how tall are you?

I'm eight-foot-four, and Topaz is about four inches taller than me.

Wow, Scarlet said. That's cool.

Topaz and Esmeralda laughed.

Scout asked, How tall are the other two?

The kids? Topaz asked. Or Onyx and Slate?

Garnet and Opal.

Oh, Garnet is seven-foot-six, and Opal's a few inches shorter, maybe seven-four.

Scarlett asked, Can I ask how old you are?

I'm thirty-eight, Topaz said. He looked at his wife, then back to his guests when he had permission. She's thirty-seven.

Both of you look like you're twenty, Scarlett said.

How sweet, Esmeralda smiled. How old are you?

Well, I don't know about him, but I'm twenty-six.

Oh, hey, Scout said with a surprised smile, me too.

Topaz held up a hand and looked at the two. You two are twenty-six?

Scarlett nodded slowly. Yeah?

"But…but you're so short."

Everyone burst out into laughter; Scarlett noted that both of the royalty's laughs sounded undoubtedly angelic. She looked over Topaz's shoulder at the window and thought she saw a bug. A few seconds later, it began coming closer. Topaz and Esmeralda turned when they saw a look of confusion on her face. It kept coming, but it didn't get that much bigger.

He's going to hit the window, Esmeralda said, trying not to laugh.

Topaz nodded and said, He won't learn if we stop him.

He's still a baby. What if he gets hurt?

I'll help him, but I'll laugh first.

Esmeralda scoffed and pushed her husband's arm before getting up and opening the window. It opened like a door would, swinging outward from the middle on hinges and letting in the fresh air. Scout and Scarlett got up and looked, now being able to see the object was a tiny dragon. He came up and slowed to a stop a few inches away and hovered.

Is he flying? Scarlett asked.

Yes, Esmeralda said, holding out an arm. Well, floating I guess.

The little dragon plopped down on Esmeralda's arm and skittered up to her shoulders. She kissed his little head, and he waggled his ears with a happy trill.

Oh my god, he's adorable! Scout and Scarlett said at the same time.

Topaz hummed and rubbed under the dragon's chin to make him purr. That he is, but he's a handful. Always getting stuck in things.

What's his name? Scout asked.

Esmeralda said, Noodle.

Scarlett gasped with a smile. It's perfect.

Noodle perked up at his name and stood. He looked down at the humans and made a quick jump to Scarlett's head. Esmeralda apologized and picked him up, then untangled his claws from Scarlett's hair before handing him to her. He couldn't have been more than a foot or so in length, and he had a silky lime green coat of fur and a golden mane on his back. His tail swung back and forth, brushing Scarlett's elbow with the furry end. Two brown horns sat on his head, curving back with three points each over his rabbit-like ears. He purred as he got scratches under the chin and looked up at her with his bright yellow eyes.

Where'd you get him? she asked.

He was an anniversary present given to us by a little girl two years ago, Topaz said as he sat at the table. She'd come up to me one day carrying him, saying he was the runt of the litter and he needed a home. Needless to say, Esmeralda was very happy when I returned home with him.

Do people often come up to you in the streets like that? Scout asked. He joined the king back at the table.

Oh yes. It took me forever to get used to it.

The ladies took their seats and took turns playing with Noodle as he bounded around the table.

When did you become king? Scarlett asked.

I was nineteen when the crown got passed down. She was eighteen.

Wow, that's young. Were you married before then?

Esmeralda said, "We had the wedding and the coronation at the same time. We were young, yes, but we weren't left to our own devices. My