"Intermission"
18 Years Into The Future
Vera sat alone in the dining room, sulking over her breakfast. She didn't bother looking up when a distant door swung open.
The shadow of a long-haired woman appeared on the table.
Vera held still, remaining oblivious to her presence.
"You know," said the guest, "the purpose of the palace guards is to keep people from sneaking in. Kind of hard for them to do that when you're constantly sneaking out."
Vera's face lit up as she lifted her head.
Jedda stood in the doorway, hands hanging at her sides.
Both women were clad in long gowns and sparkling tiaras — an outfit worn by countless Queens of the Netherworld, which had become the official fashion of Mongo's royal ladies as well.
"Why do you keep trying to wander off at night?" Jedda took a seat in the corner right beside Vera. "Is this because Colt left guard duty for field duty? Are you going around chasing after him?"
Vera shook her head with a smile.
"Then what is it that you're looking for out there?"
"Challenges. Adventure."
"Why? You're not a warrior, you're a queen."
"But I'm also a girl, and I want to have fun."
Jedda flashed a suspicious smirk. "And what exactly is your idea of fun?"
"Running around on missions, just like you used to." She beamed. "I want to join Colt, Lowe, and Daniel on their journeys." A hint of nostalgia appeared in her eyes. "The four of us had a play group going when we were kids, so shouldn't we still be together on a team today?"
Jedda chuckled while shaking her head.
"What's funny?"
"The fact that you've been craving action and excitement your whole life. When you were little, you used to try and imitate me while I was working out." Her face grew a bit more serious. "We offered you this job to keep you away from adventures. Your father and I simply want you to be safe."
"I know." Vera frowned a tad. "But when you were around my age, you were determined to choose your own path in life. Shouldn't I be allowed to do the same thing?"
Jedda opened her mouth a crack, then simply looked down at the table.
"Lowe gets to run around on adventure from time to time."
"And it's worrisome enough when he's out there," said Jedda.
Vera sighed.
After a long silence had passed, Jedda spoke up again. "But yes, I suppose you should be allowed to follow a path of your own choosing." She looked up, facing Vera. "Do you want me to come back and take over for you? Do you want to step down from your position as queen?"
"Are you saying that I still have a choice?"
"You definitely do — as long as you aren't going to try anything reckless or careless."
Vera exhaled softly and looked deeply into Jedda's eyes. She felt her skin beginning to tingle.
Jedda interlocked her fingers and held perfectly quiet, trying to appear as supportive as possible.
"In that case," said Vera, "my answer is no." She flashed a playful grin. "I've actually gotten used to the job, and I want a chance to get better at it. I'm getting a lot of help from the advisors, and a lot of support from the others. I want to be a good queen for them, and for the people as well." She looked off with a somber smile. "I just wish that I could've been like you — a warrior first, and a queen later. Sometimes I wish that I could even combine the two."
A sudden thought entered Jedda's mind. "You know, when I was a Defender we had a training machine that could produce holographic battles and adventures within a special room. I might be able to install some of the technology here."
Vera's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Really." Jedda moved her chair closer to Vera's. "But remember — being a queen means that work comes first, and play comes second," she said. "And when you're not doing either, why don't you come visit the mansion more often?"
Vera smiled. "It's a deal."
Jedda reached over, quietly stroking her daughter's hair. Then she lowered her hand and held both palms out. "Gimmie ten."
A rush of nostalgic warmth swept through Vera. She brought her hands down on Jedda's, and Jedda did the same to her.
Afterward, the two pulled each other close in a tender embrace.