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That's What Friends are For
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Empress of the World The Beggar
'Drivel,' as Brinn called it, was exactly what awaited the pair when they reached the throne room. On each side of the throne, a set of chairs had been placed for Xander, Baak, Cafer, Ravenna, Mairwen and, most surprisingly, Ezer.Brinn wondered if Cafer was trying to exert his power over the Councilman or if Ezer had been brought in simply to keep him away from the rest of the Council. Either way, the message that Ezer was at the mercy of the new leadership was clear.Brinn took her spot closest to Alaron on his left. She directed Renat to stand along a wall so that she could make eye contact with him without drawing attention. The spymaster was relieved that Ravenna was the one sitting on her other side. Apart from Ezer, Ravenna was the least objectionable option. Other than her ruthlessness, Brinn could almost sympathize with her.The crowd of people who came to pay their respects was quite thin. The nobles who were captured inside the palace were paraded forward. They, like the se
Empress of the World The Anna Rescue
After a very brief night of sleep, Brinn woke to complete her latest mission. She had needed the rest, and the elf had fallen much deeper into slumber than she intended. If not for something in her subconscious prodding her to wake, she would have blissfully remained unconscious.As her eyes focused in the darkness, the elf could tell something was off in Mairwen's room. She stretched her aching muscles and sighed."You are so determined to come that you are watching me sleep?" Brinn asked.Renat sat quietly at the princess's vanity. "You and I both know your would not have woken me.""Yeah, but watching me like that is creepy," Brinn argued, forgetting all the times she had spied on others including the Empress when they had first met. "I could have you punished for stalking the princess.""You already made everyone believe I am a eunuch…" The boy glared."Alaron said that…but if you want to give me credit I could…" Brinn stroked her chin."Don't even think about it!" Renat blanched.
Empress of the World Planning
News of Anna's escape and a strange feline attack on the palace walls reached Cafer's ears early the next morning. Wondering if they were connected, the gnome wisely kept the news both from the Council and his allies. There was no need to worry yet. As long as Ezer thought that they had Anna, that was what mattered.Anyway, the gnome had other matters on his mind. He sought out Ravenna and found her watching the gnomes and servants clear and rebuild the palace. "They work so quickly," the woman in a dark blue wig said as she saw Cafer approach. "How long do you think it will be before I can move into a more permanent set of quarters?"Cafer watched the progress. "A couple of days at the most. You are anxious to get settled?""I want as much distance from the dungeon and myself as possible. His Majesty was very gracious to give me the suite I requested." Ravenna did not take her eyes off of the construction as she spoke. There was an obvious mix of magic and masonry occurring, but it w
Empress of the World A Kiss
After a quick farewell to the Empress, Alvar wasted no time in climbing aboard the eagle and heading toward his elven love. The birds could move faster than even Alvar could calculate. Whether by the Fates or sheer determination, Alvar found himself entering Valiant an hour before sunset the following day.It was far easier to enter the palace than Alvar had anticipated. With all the attention on the people coming and going to pay respects to the new Emperor and the lack of recognition between the gnome and human guards (not to mention all the random pirates), no seemed to be paying him any mind. Alvar easily changed his appearance at each checkpoint to match whomever he needed.Once inside the building, Alvar tried to recall the map Aurora had drawn him before he left. He headed toward Princess Mairwen's suite of rooms while avoiding the main halls.He knocked on what he believed was the appropriate door, and was greeted by a lady-in-waiting. The girl told Alvar, who was disguised as
Empress of the World Illusion
Aurora saw the glowing mirror as she was getting ready for bed. Her heart skipped a beat as she was aching for news of her daughter and husband. So she was surprised when Brinn was the face she saw in the reflection."Sorry Sis, I know what you were hoping for, but your fool scientist had the mirror and did not think to tell me.""I did not know!" Renat protested in the background of the message.Despite the disappointment, Aurora could not help but smile at their antics."Hush, child!" Brinn told the boy. She looked back into the looking glass. "Anyway, Alvar made it safely. We are forming a plan to get Bukuri to safety, but we must coordinate with my parents. I hope you are with them. I will look out for your response." The mirror went dark.Aurora was glad that she was still with the elves. She had planned to leave the next day, but this might delay her slightly. However, getting to safety was worth it. She had spent far too much time in captivity with no one even knowing she was m
Empress of the World The Curmudgeon
"Invade your home?" Aurora did not understand what the angry fairy was saying."Yes, you are trying to walk into the entrance of my homestead. What business have you with me?" The fairy lowered his expressive, bushy eyebrows so that his eyes were almost completely hidden."No business with you exactly, sir," Zan answered, "but—""Humph! If you have no business with me, then you have bothered me quite enough. Now shoo!" The fairy held out his hands in a brushing motion to rid himself of the strangers. They turned to walk away from the curmudgeon when they realized that they had no idea where to go."I don't suppose you..." Aurora was shocked when the fairy grabbed her arm suddenly."Did you hear that?" the old fairy looked around warily.The Empress stopped and listened. "What?"The fairy relaxed. "I could have sworn I heard an unwanted guest about to ask me for a favor, but I must have been mistaken."Aurora puffed her cheeks. "Listen, sir..""My name is Reyan. Have the decency to use
Empress of the World A Warm Welcome
Prem enveloped Aurora in a motherly hug as soon as she came through the magical doorway. "I would know that beautiful young woman anywhere!""It is good to see you Prem. It has been too long," Aurora beamed. The warmth of the fairy's affection gave the Empress a joy that spread from head to toe."Aurora!" A young voice said as handsome fairy drew the woman's attention."How are you, Gede?" Aurora asked brightly as she offered the boy a hug as well."Even better now that you are here!" Gede said. "I am glad you made it before my first seasonal trip. I was planning to visit you otherwise, but…""Hopefully you still can!" The Empress would not allow sad thoughts just now."Do I you have a hug left for me?" Bolemir pretended to whine.Aurora never hugged anyone outside of the other three royals and occasionally Brinn, but these fairies were like family to her.The dark-haired woman threw her arms around Bolemir's neck. "I could never forget you," she cried. "Where is baby Niko?""Not a ba
Empress of the World Fairies and Unicorns and Nypmhs, Oh My!
The next morning, Aurora was refreshed and ready to go, but Zan and Gandr seemed almost more tired than when the Empress had last seen them. They had dark circles under their eyes and glazed over expressions. Something had robbed them of their sleep."Gede really knows how to talk," Gandr explained."He wanted to know everything about our world, and it felt rude not to tell him," Zan added."I can leave you here," Aurora offered. "I am sure Gede and I can manage." But the two men refused her kindness. They would work to keep awake and be useful. "Suit yourself," the Empress agreed after their protests.Gede walked with them through the wood to a nearby valley. The lush low area was shaded by steep protective walls, making is a perfect safe haven. In the valley were a herd of unicorns were munching quietly on grass. While the elves' unicorns were penned and sheltered, these roamed free."Do these unicorns belong to you?" Aurora asked Gede.The fairy shook his head. "No one can own a un
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