Author's Note: Unless something happens, expect these next few chapters to be the last for a while. I'm taking a sabbatical from the 'Net until October 24 to do some major studying for a very important test coming up. I might be able to post another chapter or something in that time to keep you guys interested; otherwise I'm gone. Think of it as positive-when I'm not studying I'll be writing new chapters, and finishing it. I hope you'll like what's coming up. Please tell your friends about this story-the more input and reviews I get the better this story can be!
Chapter 7:The Journey Begins
The Queen and King paced the corridors outside Adina's chambers. It had been two weeks since that professor friend of Adina's had been killed, and after she'd told them of his death they hadn't seen her. "This behavior isn't healthy," the Queen finally blurted out. "We've tried everything! She simply will not come out of her rooms!" the King sputtered, wings beating rapidly.
One of the Queen's ladies, Cherrity, flew up and curtsied. "Your Majesties," she twittered, anxiously glancing at the closed doors. "The Lord Bumpy." "Your Majesties, this letter just arrived." Lord Bumpy produced an envelope and while bowing, handed it to the King. "It's from King Jareth of the Goblins," the King said after skimming over the note. "And?" the Queen asked. "He says that if we want to send someone over for an official visit, we may do so. He has two weeks set aside for such." "Ah," the Queen nodded.
At once, the Queen's face lit up. "Adina? Sweetheart? We have something important to tell you." "What?" the King hissed as the door opened a crack. "Just follow me," she whispered, heading in.
All over the castle, an uproar of surprise fell. "Then it's true!" "Yes!" "By the Mother, they can't be serious!" "Adina-Her Highness- is going to be the ambassador to the Goblin City?" "Yes!" "I thought the King would go! He's always gone before!" "This time he's too busy!" "Well, I could've gone for him." "I think it's good for her, the poor thing needs to get back out." "Did she agree, or did they force her into it?" "She agreed." "I wish her good luck." "She'll need it."
On the day of Adina's departure, the skies appeared gloomy and gray. The Queen took this as a sign, but Adina was not listening to her nervous protests. Though she had agreed to the visit, Adina was still not speaking to anyone, any more than necessary. "Now dearest, remember everything you've been taught," the Queen said sweetly as Adina began climbing into the carriage that would take her to the Goblin City.
"Here, put this on if you need any advice," the King said smartly as the Queen handed her a silver bracelet with a large pink stone in the middle. "Just look into it and you'll see one of us." "Mother, Father, I'd better be going," Adina stated flatly, trying not to be rude. "I have a long way to go." "Of course, dear," they murmured, stepping back as the carriage door was closed. "Have a good trip!"