Hello Lovelies! Welcome to this little spin-off of Gabrielle Nilsson's wonderful creation: VICTUBIA! Hope you enjoy this chapter and the whole series!
Queen Minx walked out to the balcony where her loyal villagers were awaiting. She smiled an award-winning smile and waved happily.
"Hello citizens of Victubia! Today is Christmas. Therefore I grant all of you a free silken garment of your choice and a lovely jewel straight from the palace. As long as you wish me a happy Christmas of course," she chuckled.
As she walked back into the palace, the cries of "Long live the Queen! Long live the queen!" echoed down the halls. Minx strutted down the grand hallway, her cape flowing behind her. At last, she reached the royal gardens, where she picked a deep, velvety violet rose from her main rose bush. She walked to the hand-carved wooden gazebo and sat on a mahogany bench, plucking the thorns off the rose.
"You shouldn't do that," a voice whispered in her ear.
Minx turned to her left to see her good friend. Mage Cryaotic. She smiled at him warm-heartedly, not being able to tell if he was smiling back due to his mask.
"Ah, Cry. You startled me! You can't just teleport into my royal gardens like that! Shouldn't do what?"
"Pluck the thorns off your rose. The thorns are what makes it beautiful," he answered in a low, seductive voice. Quite strange since he was usually more playful with Minx.
She frowned," What's gotten into you? You sound different."
"Haha, I guess I do," he said darkly.
Queen Minx sat up and backed away. "What's wrong with you Cry?
"Nothing! In fact. I feel better than ever."
At this, he began to unveil his mask. Cry threw it to the ground and smiled. Suddenly, he disappeared and appeared right behind Minx. He stroked her hair, grabbed it in a bunch and let it unfurl to the side over her right shoulder. Mage Cryaotic leaned in close to her ear.
"Sadly, I'm no longer the man you know as Cry."
Queen Minx stood her ground. "Then whom have you become?"
"Your friend shouldn't play with potions. It's very dangerous," he smirked.
"I am growing impatient with you! What ever do you mean?"
"I'm a new man now, dear Minxy. And you can call me...Mad!"
I spy with my little eye a CLIFFY! You know that's right. I'll be leaving you with plenty of these babies.