Alexis and the Puffballs chapter 6

Xanxa and Kharmi were sitting on the floor, merely talking, when Yreahan arrived once more.

Majesty, Xanxa, I must ask that you come with me immediately. Your mother wishes to see you.[i/]

He stood in the doorway and looked in at them for a moment longer, then turned on his heel obviously expecting her to follow.

Xanxa turned to Kharmi. [i]I guess I have to go. I will see you later, though.

Definitely, Kharmi replied. Xanxa jogged to keep up with Yreahan.

So I am to see the Queen? Xanxa inquired.

It is what the Queen wishes, so it shall be.

It wasn't long before they arrived at a vast, gray door that must have been fifteen feet tall. As Yreahan approached, the door opened of it's own accord.

Yreahan, have you brought her?

The thought-voice rang with power and authority, a hundred pitches at once, reverbrating inside her head and making her ears ring.

Yes, Mother, most royal Majesty. I have brought you Princess Xanxa. With this statement he bowed low and beckoned Xanxa forward. She did so slowly, bracing herself.

She peered around the edge of the doorway and the sight that met her eyes was indeed magnificent. She was looking into a huge room filled with tapestries, gold, jewels, and old scrolls and such that was not unlike a typical storybook dragon's lair. The walls were even made of stone, and it looked very much like a large cavern. The only thing that seemed out of place was the enormous four-poster bed with richly woven, plum-colored velvet blankets and a canopy hanging from a ceiling so high that looking up made her head spin. There was an elaborate carpet stretched out across the floor leading to a very small, simple-looking chair. This, surprisingly, was what held the Queen and all her majestic power.

The Queen herself was quite not what she expected. For one, she looked about seventeen and completely human. She must have been ruling for more than fourteen years, if Xanxa and Yreahan were indeed her children, but maybe she only looked younger. Or, thought Xanxa, maybe it has something to do with that spell on her name. The name she used to have, anyway.

Remembering herself, Xanxa Curtsied low, briefly admiring the light, grippable texture of her dress. She stood up and looked anxiously toward the Queen.

The Queen had risen from her chair, and was looking at Xanxa with an expression of pure joy.

Dearest one, my daughter, Xanxa, the rumors are indeed true! You have come, in all truthfulness!

In a flash, the Queen was embracing her tightly, smothering her face with kisses, and whispering out loud "You're back, you're back...."

This made everyone present, which not only included Xanxa and Yreahan but half a dozen servants and maids as well, take a step back.

Xanxa sent a private thought to the Queen, who now stood two arm's distance away from her, I thought I was the only one who could speak out loud. Should I be worried?

The Queen looked at Xanxa with complete understanding in her eyes. No, you need not be worried, came the thought-spoken reply. I will tell you everything. And you need not worry about me lying about anything I tell you, because as part of my enchantment I am required to speak the absolute truth at all times.

Xanxa looked at Yreahan. He nodded, affirming this statement. She relaxed a little, and obeyed the Queen's promptings to follow her into the room.

As the door boomed shut behind them, the Queen turned to Xanxa. Now, came the Queen's thought-speak, I will tell you all you need and want to know.

How about you start with that speaking aloud bit you mentioned outside? Replied Xanxa.

The Queen sighed. Very well. And the Queen began her story.

I have ruled this country for one hundred and seventy years.

This alone took Xanxa aback. One hundred and seventy? Impossible!

The Queen continued.

As I approached the hundred and sixtieth year, I decided to take a break. I would go on holiday to Earth. I would leave Kleghan for twenty years and return refreshed. This was when I learned to speak out loud. It didn't exactly work that way. While I was down there, I had you and Yreahan. Well, that was a struggle. Yreahan and his bluish skin and yours with you extremely pale complexion would be very suspicious in the general public. I was determined to take my vacation, however, so I kept you hidden.

It was two years later that I recieved the visit from one of our messangers in disguise, informing me that the King had died in my absence and Kleghan was falling into extreme chaos. You can imagine how weighed down by grief I was, and scared to rule alone, but I had to. I also had one of the hardest decisions ever to make. I could not take both you and Yreahan back with me. With the state our world was in, not enough protective shields could be mustered to carry two toddlers across the boundary between worlds. You felt how cold and scary that was, didn't you? You only survived because you are so close to coming of age. You become stronger as you get older, and more resistant to the effects of flying through space.

Yreahan, at the time, was smaller than you. I know that is hard to believe, but it is very true. It would be easier to protect him than you, and you would fit in better among the humans, so...

The Queen paused. Xanxa, with a hunch as to what would come next, looked up and saw tears streaming down her flawless cheeks.

"Oh, Xanxa, I am so ashamed. But then, I would feel the same either way. I should never have gone on that vacation."

Xanxa wasn't sure what to say after that. It always surprised her when the Queen spoke aloud. There was an awkward silence, until the Queen began to thought-speak again.

I placed the shield around Yreahan and put you up for....for adoption. I remained just long enough to see to it that you were taken in by a good family, and left in haste.

When I returned to Kleghan, the messengers, excluding the one who told me to return and two others had rebelled against our regent and were in the middle of staging a mutiny. They succeded in killing the regent by smothering him in his bed, but not in completely overthrowing the government. Just before they took the throne and the crown, I made it back to the palace. I banished our messengers except for the three faithful, but they eventually died. The next generation would not be born for another ten or so years.

Xanxa stood there, dumbfounded, for another minute. It was so much to take in. Her head was whirling. She was adopted? Why did no one tell her? She was angry, and confused.

What were the messengers? She eventually asked.

Lumps of white fur about the size of one's head.

So that's what those were. That's why they took her to Kleghan. They were the next generation of Kleghanese messengers, and recognized her as the princess and brought her to "home," and here she was.

She had another question.

If I have never been to Kleghan before, why does Kharmi claim to be my cousin and best friend?

This seemed to surprise the Queen. Your cousin she is, darling, but it is not possible for her to call herself your friend. No one to my knowledge has given her authorization to leave through the place between worlds, which is the only way in and out of here, and as you said, you have never been to Kleghan.

Xanxa took a deep breath.

So she lied to me, Xanxa said.

It seems that way.

But why?

I don't know. Kharmi was always so well-mannered. I see no reason why she should lie to you.

Xanxa paused, and anxious to change the subject, said, the messengers will return soon, they are the reason I am here.

At this the Queen looked faintly worried.

Is there something wrong? You said they would come back as if you wanted them to.

I know, sweetheart, but I guess I am just worried that this generation will be disloyal as well.

I don't think so. Why should they be?

The Queen sighed. You're right. I am just...I don't know.

Xanxa looked at her mother. You know, at first I wasn't so sure, but I think I am really glad to come here. I was so scared at first, but I like being Xanxa more than Alexis.

The name Alexis sounded odd, even in her own mind.

Xanxa, my dear little princess, I believe it is time for me to dismiss you to your bedchamber. If I am not mistaken, you have had a long and strenuous day and are probably tired and hungry.

As if in response to this, Xaxa's stomach growled loudly. The Queen laughed out loud and waved her hand in the direction of the door. Smiling softly, Xanxa left the Queen's room and allowed herself to be led to her own by Yreahan, her twin brother. I am starting to believe it now, more than I did before. When I told Yreahan that I was absolutely, ninety-nine percent plus one sure I really wasn't. I was trying to fool myself into thinking I believed. But now I am truly believing.

As this thought ran hazily through her head she felt her dress become unexpectedly constricting all over. Not necessarily tight, but uncomfortable in a way that said I can't have freedom of movement as much as I would like to.

As quickly as the sensation came it was gone, and Yreahan's hand, which was resting on her shoulder, twitched.

Xanxa looked at his incredibly handsome face. He was grinning boyishly down at her. Believing now?

I guess. What's for dinner?

Yreahan laughed aloud for the first time since they had met. It was a good sound, although it was nothing special. It just sounded happy.

They arrived at Xanxa's bedroom. In the comfort of a room with a bed in it, as well as the aroma wafting from the table next to that bed was enough to make her sway exhaustedly on the spot, and she would have collapsed if it weren't for the staying arm Yreahan kept firmly around her. The silhouette of Kharmi, however, brought her down to Kleghan.

Kharmi, you lied to me.

Kharmi spun around in surprise, and paled at the sight of the now-indignant Xanxa standing in the doorway.

Yes, Xanxa, I admit it, she replied with red cheeks and downcast eyes. I am sorry, too.

I will leave you now, Yreahan said quickly and left before Xanxa could think another word.

Xanxa looked at Kharmi again. Why? Why did you tell me you were my best friend when you'd never seen me before?

I don't know...I guess I wanted to be best friends, but didn't know how to make it happen unless you thought we had been friends before...

Xanxa sighed and held her head with her hands. She was so tired, and Kharmi so convincing...

Fine, we can be friends, but if you don't mind I would like you to leave now. I'm so tired I can't even think.

Still not looking up but the blush leaving her face, Kharmi quickly exited the room.

With a long, low groan, Xanxa fell onto the bed and fell asleep without eating or changing.