Chapter 1
The summers in the Oz were warm and beautiful. When the two suns hit the water of Finaqua just right, it looked like hundreds of butterflies fluttering along the surface. Finaqua was settled next to a beautiful crystal lake. Birds flew above it, trying to catch their food. Before Finaqua, stood a large maze. Protecting it, should anyone wish to harm the residents that lie in Finaqua.
On the path that lead to Finaqua's maze, came a caravan of horses and two large carriages. The guards rode on horseback, giving them an advantage from behind inside a carriage. The carriages came to slow stop. The front carriage door burst open and a small child came running out.
The child, six annuals, ran quickly to the mouth of the maze. Her hair was long, trialing down to the middle of her back. A mix of brown and blond curls bounced as she ran. She wore a short green dress, laced at the bottom of the hem. The short green dress she wore fluttered with the air. She looked at the scenery with her bright pale blue eyes. She started running towards the maze.
"Aislynn, don't go through the maze!" called a voice. She climbed out of the carriage next. Her long brown hair was pulled into a bun, which hung partially over her shoulder. She wore a long white dress. Although she would never admit it in public, she missed the feel of her jeans. Only because of her title as 'Queen', did she change to dresses and skirts. Her bright blue eyes scanned the area for her daughter.
The girl stopped at the sound of her mother's voice. "Yes mother." She pouted.
"Well look at the little princess. "Quiet a ball of energy, isn't she?" Azkadellia asked. She stepped out of the carriage and joined the Queen.
"Reminds me of her mother." Ambrose said.
Azkadellia smiled, "That's right. She looks like DG, as a child."
She's quite a ball of energy." Ambrose said, climbing out of the second carriage. He walked to the first one and helped his wife.
"That could be a problem too." DG said. She walked down to the entrance of the hedge maze. She took Aislynn's hand and they walked through the maze.
Together they walked through and large maze. Aislynn bounced in excitement, wishing to run through. DG smiled at her daughters' enthusiasm, and shared it. It had been too long since they last came to Finaqua. Far too long for DG's taste, but she was queen and had to take care of her people.
Aislynn ran when she saw the end of the maze. DG watched as Aislynn was lifted into the air by one of two figures waiting at the other end. She smiled and ran herself.
"DG, my darling! It's so good to see you again." Lavender said. She hugged DG tightly.
"I missed you mother." DG said.
"How are things up North? Not too harsh I hope." Lavender asked.
"Nothing I can't handle. After being queen for five annuals, I think I know what to do." DG replied. "But how are you? You must be so board without having to deal with the OZ's problems now."
Lavender laughed, "Oh no, your father keeps me occupied."
"Grandma!" Aislynn cried. She gave Lavender a tight hug.
"Goodness Aislynn! You've gotten so big since I last saw you!" Lavender said.
"Well, how about we get you all settled in before dinner." Ahamo said. Aislynn still in his arms.
"Yes!" Aislynn cried.
"You three go on ahead. I know where we will be staying. I just have to talk with one of the guards." DG explained.
Lavender nodded, "Don't be too long dear."
"I won't be. Behave yourself Aislynn." DG said.
"I will mother." Aislynn said. Ahamo and Lavender began walking back toward the palace. "Daddy's in trouble."
"It sure looks that way." Ahamo agreed.
Behind DG, Azkadellia, Ambrose, and raw emerged from the maze. Azkadellia smiled and touched her shoulder, "DG, why aren't you with mother?" Azkadellia asked.
"I need to speak with one of the guards." DG replied.
"Try not to kill him Deeg."
"I'm not promising anything." DG replied.
"That's why I said try." Azkadellia walked past DG and headed towards the palace. Glitch and Raw followed her.
"Alright."
"DG upset." Raw whispered.
"Raw, you have no idea how right you are." Azkadellia said.
DG stood by the maze. She looked out at the clear water. Memories flooded back to her. The first time, well first in a long time, she ever looked out at the water was nearly seven annuals ago. Yet, as the rest of the OZ changed, Finaqua was still as beautiful as ever.
"Would you care to explain now? You're daughter was very disappointed." DG said. She turned back to the maze.
Standing at the mouth was her husband. She mused that after, who know how many annuals; he still wore the same dark duster. Even in the middle of summer. His tan hat set firmly on his head. His crystal blue eyes met his wife's.
Cain stood at the mouth of the maze. "I was making sure the guards were prepared."
"Cain, you trained the guards. You specifically chose who would escort us here. You know what they're capable of you didn't need to keep an eye on them!" DG replied. She turned from Cain was walked towards the palace.
Cain followed her, "Well I rather not chance being ambushed."
"Cain, don't even try to explain. I know what the problem is. You're always wrapped up in your work. You can't even relax on your vacation." DG explained.
"DG what would give you-?"
"This isn't the first time you've distanced yourself from everyone. Granted I've done the same. But just in the past three weeks, you've had dinner with us twice. It's not just Aislynn you're hurting, Cain.
"Some nights I wonder if you ever slept at all. I go to bed alone and I wake up alone. So you tell me if I'm exaggerating." DG explained.
Cain caught up with DG and grabbed her hand, "DG, listen to me. I know I haven't been around. I was working late to be sure that everyone would arrive safely."
"So what does it mean now?" DG asked.
"It means I can spend more time with you and Aislynn." Cain answered.
"I'm going to hold you to that, Tin Man." DG replied.
Cain smirked, "Go ahead, Princess." He leaned closer to DG and kissed her lightly.
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Yay, first chapter! Now only…so many more to go.