Queen Madalena

Glad you could join us for the next debated episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

“Wait out here, Clifton. Let me talk to her first. And you —” Sam glowered at her half-brother, “you better hope she doesn’t make me stay here, because you aren’t gonna like me if I have to stay here.”

“What makes you think I like you anyway?” Andre retorted, but Clifton saw worry and a hint of doubt in his eyes as he left them at the entrance to the Innermost Chamber.

~~~

Queen Madalena let her daughter talk. The Princess’s detailed explanation of the Alliance army training she was receiving became an excited description of her own contribution and her pleased but befuddled reaction to her instructor’s praise and the other trainees’ recognition.

“They treat me like I’m special,” she concluded.

Her mother stroked Sam’s cheek. “My darling, you are special.”

“But not because of my title,” Sam explained, “because of what I can do. Because of me.”

“That’s why you’re going to be an extraordinary Queen of the Hiverarchy of Free Bees someday. And that’s why you need to dedicate your energy to the welfare of your own people.”

“Mother, that’s exactly why I need to do this. I want to lead our people to be a magnificent part of a greater society. Clifton’s right. If we let the enemy take over even one tribe in the Freelands, all of us are in danger. If we stand together against them, we can keep the Freelands free for all of us.”

The Queen’s brow wrinkled. “Who is this Clifton to fill your head with such outrageous ideas?”

“He’s the Queen of Fen’s nephew, and he’s working with the new Alliance.” Sam searched her mother’s face. “He’s right outside. May I ask him in so you can speak to him yourself?”

Queen Madalena fell silent with a far away look in her eyes. Finally, shaking her head and sighing, she said, “I’ve always known this moment would come. Invite him in.”

To be continued. . .

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story... View all posts by Sue Ranscht