This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.
TWO
The poisoners were first to arrive. Isa and Nicholas Arron stepping smoothly from their carriages. Following them was little Althea Arron, straight-backed, tall, and proud, not a toe out of line.
Next, came the elementals. Ember Westwood and her small daughter, Rain Westwood. Compared to Althea, Rain was weak and shy, hiding in her mother's long red and yellow skirts, blonde hair falling over her face.
Lastly, came the naturalists. Gia Milone and her two children, Lyr and Ora, both seemingly ready to mentor and guide a new queen.
Reyena knew all of the queens were powerful. Their gifts had started to show already. What she didn't know was what the Arrons, Westwoods, and Milones would do with this raw power in such a small form.
The three girls were standing in a line, all dressed in black as they would be for the rest of their life. Cadence and Caitlyn were crying, but Calista was like stone, cold and somber. Isa smiled at that , already knowing she was the poisoner.
Reyena discreetly handed Isa Arron and Ember Westwood a note, telling them about the legion curse and how the queensblood would win out. Whatever they wanted to do with this information was not up to Reyena, and was no longer her problem.
"Calista, you'll be coming with us," Isa Arron said kindly, and Calista hurried over to the Arrons, resisting the hugs Cadence and Caitlyn were attempting to give her. Althea looked intrigued, and the girls started talking to each other almost immediately, ice blonde head pressed against the midnight black one. Nicholas smiled down at them both while Cadence and Caitlyn watched as their sister so easily brushed them aside.
"Cadence I'm Ember Westwood, and this is my daughter, Rain Westwood. You'll be staying with us for the next ten years," Ember introduced. Cadence sniffed, tearfully embracing Caitlyn before letting herself be folded into the warm arms of Ember Westwood. From one set to another. One family to another.
Before Gia could say anything , Caitlyn ran to her, hiding her wet cheeks in the long green skirt Gia was wearing. Though she was clearly surprised, Gia schooled her features and murmured to her, "I'm Gia Milone. These are your new sisters, Lyr and Ora." Caitlyn didn't argue that Cadence and Calista would always be her sisters. She just nodded and turned her head away.
Reyena watched as the carriages departed, separating the sisters for a long time.
Sighing, she walked back into the Black Cottage, sad to see them leave, but at the same time, relieved. Now, she wouldn't have to keep secrets from the young queens. A voice brought her out of her thoughts.
"Why did they have to go? Why do I stay?"
Reyena looked down at the small child looking expectantly up at her, wide black eyes expectant. The child she had had to keep secret for so long.
"Because I'm going to protect you. If anyone knows about you, it forces you to die," Reyena lied expertly. "You don't want that, do you?"
"No, Reyena," the child responded, clearly scared yet dutiful.
"Good." Reyena bundled her in her arms, breathing the sweet fragrance of the girl's hair.
She gazed at the child. The sole reason why Jilalta and Anden had to die before stepping foot out of the Black Cottage. Her Leia. Her Queen. Blessed and Blue.