Chapter 1

She was past the point of being surprised by the new reflection in her now spell-free mirror. The surprise was years ago replaced by a confident smile, the likes of which the Fire Queen had never seen in her first life, the one she'd rather forget.

''Brush.'', she commanded in a brook-no-nonsense voice

She let out a tiny, low-rumbling laugh when she saw her lady-in-waiting scramble about her Master Tent, looking for her favourite brush. The former slave still had some things to learn about the fact that she was now free and was actually working for money, not for the pleasure of avoiding the whip.

''Sierra, calm down. It's right by my bed.''

Sierra gave her a grateful nod and smiled at her mistress. The girl wasn't yet fifteen years old but knew to appreciate the life her Queen had given her by saving her from the hands of her owners. And even though she also knew that she was free to do as she wished, she still decided she would rather stay with the woman who gave her the gift of breathing freely. She handed the woman her favourite silver brush and watched, in awe, as she performed her morning ritual.

The Queen's long raven hair hung all the way to her back. Sierra had long ago learned her mistress was anything but shy, so seeing her naked to the waist, brushing out the slight tangles out of her perfect tresses came as no surprise. Sierra marveled at the woman's taut olive skin and wished she could one day look like her, inspiring at least a bit of the respect her Queen did.

On the other hand, Regina, unaware of the scrutiny, or rather quite used to it, finished up her loose side braid and stood to fetch her clothes for the day. A long, flowy skirt of bright red and burgundy materials flowed seductively down her legs, starting low at her hips, and dragging slightly in the back, touching the ground.. Glad to be rid of her old-life leather corsets which prevented her from breathing, Regina had taken to desining her own clothes in a more free, uninhibiting, but still mouth-watering manner. The low cut black lace shirt cupped her breasts and curved around the tight muscles of her stomach easily, the wide sleeves flowing down to join the material of the skirt, touching it lightly, both fluterring in the incoming breeze.

Sierra sighed a breath of relief as she felt the air come in through the single flap of the tent that was open. The day was scorching, and she was glad the Queen had decided to use some of her power to make it easier on all of them, especially as the night which awaited them was the most special night of the year for the Queen's entire land.

Regina finished lacing up her thigh high boots and took a deep breath of the fresh, lavender scented air. It cooled her like a cup of chilled wine.

Foregoing breakfast, she dabbed a drop of jasmine oil on each wrist and exited the tent.


''Has Shera been fed?''

She turned an inquisitive look to Leon, one of her stable boys.

''Yes, your Majesty. She is waiting for you.''

Regina nodded,and turned her strides towards a cubicle within her stables designated for her pet, her friend and the one creature she could always fully trust.

When she entered, the scent of fresh hay strewn haphazardly on the dew-damp ground soothed her and she knelt by Shera, putting her palm on the animal's forehead, rubbing gently. Shera looked up, as if awakened only just now, by the sound of Regina's breathing. The Queen continued her petting, stroking the orangle-black fur in long swipes, the way that made the normally blood-thirsty tigress into nothing more than a kitten in her mistress' hands.

Regina smiled as she heard a satisifed purring sound come from Shera's belly.

''Have you been a good girl, darling? You haven't been bothering the horses, have you?''

Shera simply tilted her head to one side as if she was a child being scolded, defending herself. Regina chuckled and stood up. Shera knew this was her cue, and she immediately followed, flanking the Queen's right side. As the two walked, their gaits in complete sync, Regina's hand occassionally brushed Shera's fur, a gesture calming both of their beings.

Regina walked through the royal camp, with her personal bodyguard by her side,and inspected the work being done on repairing the main gates of the capital, as well as the preparations for the night's festivities. She walked through the market where her regal presence never brought about fear but joyous adoration. The peasants would fight to present her with the best of their wares, and men and women alike would fawn over her, only to be warned off by a moderate, quite harmless and very effective growl emanating from Shera's throat.


Regina adored days like these, days when she was hit with all the clarity of the reprieve she was given. She was aware that her life stil sorely missed a few vital parts, but deciding not to dwell on the topic too much, she walked out of the market and towards a small waterfall of her own making.

She had created it when she first became this Queen Latina, and it was her go to place whenever she needed to think. It was the first thing her new magic, her Magic of Elements had created. She supposed the waterfall represented time and its passing, and how perhaps, her wounds would heal in time. And just like that, it was really easy to believe it. The power her father's blood line had left in its wake was growing strong in Regina, the man's one remaining heir, and she was more than glad and extremely willing to let it flourish.


As soon as she heard the familiar whoosh of water against the surface of the tiny lake she relaxed even more. Divesting herself of her clothes, she dove gracefully in the cool water. She settled on her back, floating and looking up at the cloudless sky. She was about to get out and check on Shera when she felt her back bump into , it wasn't something, it was someone. And by the feel of it, that someone was in the equal state of undress as herself. Angry at the intruder for sullying her personal refuge, she whipped round, ready to give them a good tongue-lashing, but somehow the words got stuck in her throat. She caught herself staring into two dazzling pools of green and an apologetic smile of a blonde woman. For the first time in a long time, the Queen of Fire was speechless.


Thoughts? :) Should I continue? Let me know, I am always grateful for your insight :)

xoxoxoxo

Tasha V.