The Red Queen [Book 7 of Ever After, an Egg and the Hameggattic Sisterhood novel] Read online

  “Your Majesty. It is an honor,” and the General gave Egg a bow of the head.

  If the enemy was going to treat her with respect because of her new title, Egg would play the part. That included talking like a Queen. “You are most kind. If you are not in too great a haste, perhaps we can adjourn to my sitting room for refreshments while we discuss whatever matters have brought you here.” Her real motive was to give Xara more time to escape.

  “Unfortunately, time is of the essence. We will transport to my ship and we can have our discussion there. My man will escort you back to your cabin so you may collect a modest amount of personal effects to take with you.” Only another woman would have been so thoughtful.

  “Will I be gone long?”

  Zwam smiled. “Indeed.”

  “Very well,” and she turned to leave.

  “Excuse me, Majesty, but what is that thing on your shoulder?”

  “This is Ziz. She is a dragonetta and the symbol of my reign as Queen of Aerianna. The people adore her though I have a difficult time understanding why.”

  That was too much for the mechanical doohickey. “Hey, that was hurtful,” it squawked.

  The General smiled. “Very amusing. However, you will leave it behind.”

  “But why? If I am to be alone, I find great comfort in its company.”

  “I have no idea what that thing is capable of doing. So, I can either destroy it here and now or you will leave it in your cabin.”

  Egg began to panic. She was depending on Ziz, who according to Meggy, could communicate with her sisters. And her ring – she would have to do without it and that would reduce her odds of escaping to near zero. Having Ziz was just too important. However, arguing in any way would have been suspicious so she tried another approach. “It is harmless but I understand your concern. For so many, the unknown can be quite frightening. I know that the children at Court are curious but fearful. Besides, if you intend on transmitting my image to Aerianna, I do prefer if Ziz was not in attendance. It would cause the people that much more sadness. They have . . . had . . . such high hopes for my reign and Ziz was emblematic of that. Come Ziz, you are to stay here.” She again turned to leave.

  Egg fought to keep the shock off her face when a long, forked tongue shot out from the General’s mouth. It seemed to taste the air – much like a snake back on Earth - before it disappeared from whence it came. “On second thought, keep that thing if it will make you feel better. However, I am doing you a kindness and I expect one in return.”

  “Fair enough, General,” and Egg left . . . with the smallest of smiles tugging at her lips.

  Chapter 2 – Campaign and Champagne

  Aerianna, a week before Egg left for Peekaboo Prime

  Meggy had called an emergency meeting of the Sisterhood while Egg was away at Se’rene with her husband. The only one who could not attend was Spirit since she was home on Paradox. The Queen had also invited her mother as well as Ashley and Molly.

  “Thank you all for coming on such short notice.”

  “Is Egg in trouble?” asked her worried big sister. That seemed like the only explanation for this gathering without the girl being present.

  Meggy smiled. “That is a matter of perspective and I shall let you decide. If all goes according to my plan, in less than two weeks she will be the Queen of Aerianna.”

  Since only Rose, Sylvia and Aeri’elle knew, the rest of the ladies burst into animated gibbering and jabbering. Meggy let them have their fun for a few minutes.

  “If I may have your attention? Excuse me, if I may have your attention?” She put two fingers in her mouth and blew an ear-piercing whistle (a trick she had learned all those years before on Earth). “Thank you.”

  “Impressive, daughter.”

  Her teasing, “Thanks, mommy,” elicited a smile from the Queen Mother. Rose was both pleased and saddened by her daughter’s behavior. The young woman’s anticipation that her reign would soon be over showed in her demeanor. She seemed years younger and so much happier. As her mother, Rose should have noticed the burden the crown had put on her daughter. Yet, she hadn’t and that made her heart break. She had failed M-egg’Alynnia and she desperately wanted a way to make amends. Helping the girl elect Egg to become the next queen was the first tiny step.

  “Meggy,” said Sassi, “your term doesn’t end for another year or so.”

  “Very true. However, I will announce my abdication the day after Egg leaves on her diplomatic mission.”

  “What reason will you give?” asked I’za.

  “Moral grounds.”

  “Sorry?”

  “I have deemed myself unworthy to serve as the Queen of Aerianna . . .”

  Before she could finish, she was drowned out by a chorus of objections.

  Oddly enough, it was Tee’ka who stood and spoke for the rest. “I can never be like Egg because she can fly and she knows how to save everybody. So, I’ve really wanted to be like you. That’s my secret, so please don’t tell anyone (don’t laugh; that’s just Tee’ka being Tee’ka). You’re so special the way you make everyone feel like what they say means something important. You always make great decisions, and you make it seem so easy. You never get upset and I like the way the crown looks on you. Please don’t quit.”

  In her very simple way, Tee’s words struck a responsive chord in everyone. Egg should rule the universe but Meggy should be Queen of Aerianna. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

  Meggy fought not to show how much she appreciated her sister’s words but failed miserably. No one had ever seen her lose her composure so completely. She stood and hurried over to Tee’ka and hugged her close. It took a few moments for her to find her voice. “That was by far the nicest compliment I have ever received. Thank you, dear Tee’ka.”

  “So you won’t quit?”

  “I must.” She turned to address everyone. “I simply cannot . . . can’t . . . do this anymore. It isn’t in my nature. I want to explore the galaxy . . . visit as many planets as I can. I want to know how different worlds evolve their cultures, how their belief systems formed, how their morality or lack thereof came to be. My mother was born to rule, as was her father. I was not. Perhaps I’m more like my father . . . my dad. Everyone here has also found a life partner . . . though a couple of you (looking at Molly and Ashley with a big grin) have found more than one. It’s my turn. It is selfish of me and I will make no excuses for it. My mind is made up.”

  BreeZee still wasn’t convinced. “Meggy, why don’t you and Egg switch jobs. She becomes Queen and you lead the Sisterhood. Not everyone here saw what you did on Zynn-Zaz’zia when Mobius returned. But I know firsthand how you and Aeri’elle risked your lives to save my people from that terrible fire. You still have the scar. I saw you take command when Egg wasn’t around. I, for one, would be proud to follow you wherever you would take the Sisterhood.”

  All eyes were on the Queen – but it was the Queen Mother who reacted the strongest. She was eternally grateful that the Sisters were defending her daughter . . . praising the young woman’s abilities and contributions. In her unbiased (let’s give her the benefit of the doubt) opinion, it was well deserved. But Rose also knew it wasn’t the lack of ability that weighed on her daughter. It was the burning desire to find herself amongst the stars. M-egg’Alynnia wanted to be her own person, set her own course through life . . . succeed or fail on her own merits. She had inherited the Crown from her mother; she neither wanted it nor felt that she had earned it.

  “Bree, you give me far too much credit but I thank you. As far as leading the Sisterhood, Egg has a new vision for it and she will share that with you upon her return from Peekaboo Prime.”

  “I’m the least worthy person here and I apologize for asking a question,” began Molly.

  “Nonsense, dear friend. After all, you were the one that helped Egg with the ‘then befuddled’ Ben’Edikk. Ask your question. Your input is valuable to us.”

  “Thank you, M-egg’Alynnia. I’m sorry i
f this sounds harsh, but um . . . you want to rid yourself of the burden of your position and put that on Egg’s shoulders without asking her. Is that fair? Maybe she’s as averse to being Queen as you are.”

  The silence that ensued was deafening. The truth was that Meggy had never considered whether she was doing her sister a disservice.

  It was Aeri’elle who responded. “Most of you don’t know that when Meggy broached this whole plan to Syl and me, I told her that I couldn’t agree. I believed it was time for a dragon to ascend the throne. I discussed this with my grandfather and he suggested I talk to the Myst Tree. I was told in no uncertain terms, it was Egg’s fate to be Queen. He said that someone like her comes along once in a millennium.”

  A murmur swept through the assembly as Big Bird’s words were digested.

  “Obviously, I’ve never met the Myst Tree,” responded Molly. “I’m not even sure that I know what it really is. But, I do know from the history books how important he’s been to Egg and the rest of you. I withdraw my concerns. Sorry for even asking.”

  “No, Molly. It is I that must apologize. In truth, I just assumed I was doing the right thing. Given Egg’s incredible ability, I knew she would be wonderful at governing Aerianna. I also assumed that with her infuriating modesty, had I discussed it with her, she would have declined.” Meggy smiled. “Actually, I did discuss it with her obliquely and she did decline. She had the audacity to tell me she was ill equipped to lead the people of this world. It was all I could do not to laugh in her face.”

  “If you break it, you own it,” quipped Sylvia.

  Soo turned to Bl’azzz. “I’ve been away from you guys for too long. I have no idea what she just said.”

  “Like I do?” responded the dragon.

  “Sylvia, my dear sister,” teased Rose, “Is there meaning behind your words that the rest of us may have missed?”

  “On Earth, the saying goes, if you go into a store and pick up an item and break it, you have to buy it.”

  “Ah. And that is insightful because . . .?”

  “Because by defeating Mobius, Egg saved Aerianna from the fate that had befallen it. She changed the course of history. So, it’s on her head to make things right by becoming Queen. She’d understand and would absolutely agree.”

  “Well then, it is settled. One cannot argue with such logic,” said the smiling Queen Mother.

  I’za turned to Jax’x. “I really don’t understand.”

  “It’s pretty simple. The people of Earth are all whackos.”

  I’za didn’t argue.

  *****

  “So, what can we do?” asked Serenity.

  “As you can imagine, I have given this a great deal of thought. Before I assign each of you your tasks, we must first agree to one unified message.”

  “Any chance you have one ready?” teased Ashley who was getting super-psyched about having her little sister become the Queen.

  “I shan’t be coy – of course, I do. It goes something like this. ‘Egg saved the citizens of Aerianna from Mobius and that debt can never be repaid. Her other deeds as the leader of the Sisterhood makes her the most revered individual both here and throughout the Federation. But that is the past. She has a vision for how this world should evolve as evidence with the Citizens’ Council and the benefactor program with nobles. She will honor that past but lead us into the future. And consider that peace has lasted a very long time on Aerianna. However, as part of a larger community of worlds, the odds are that will not continue. Who would you want to defend your family? Who else is the equal of Flying Girl?”

  Everyone smiled broadly. Their love for Egg knew no bounds and Meggy’s words were like music to their ears.

  “Meggy, that’s terrific. But I would add one more thing,” said Sylvia.

  “If it’s yellow ducks, the answer is no.” Everyone knew of the ongoing ‘feud’ between the two best friends from earth and laughed.

  “Cute. No, not the ducks . . . which are just so cute.” The jeers were immediate. “Oh, shut up. Anyway, we should make sure that everyone knows that Egg has no idea we’re doing this and would be mostly outraged if she found out.”

  “Excellent point. Anyone else?”

  No one had anything to add.

  “If you do think of something, please let me know. Now I will give you your assignments. Again, this is not cast in stone and we can change it if you wish. Aeri’elle will be contacting her grandfather tonight. We have high hopes he will ‘visit’ all dragons and let his opinion be known. K’ssss will rally the scientific community. Syl, Serenity and Jax’x, since you three have . . . ahem, connections to the Navy, you will talk to as many of them as you can.”

  “Kreed is going to captain Benny’s ship, but that shouldn’t be a problem,” said Syl.

  “Very good. I’za, with your emotional connection to the elderly and infirm, you will speak to them.”

  “Thank you. That will be wonderful.”

  “Bl’azzz, Soo and Ashley will meet with the members of the Citizen’s Council – not just current members but even those that retired.”

  “Can do,” replied the dragon.

  “Mother, you will talk to the current and former monarchs.”

  “I will do that as soon as Egg leaves for Peekaboo Prime.”

  “Thank you. Lady Molly, you will talk to as many of your royal friends as you can.”

  “Of course.”

  “Tee’ka, I want you to visit all the schools and convince the children to harangue their parents to vote for Egg. If Waldo can join you, that would be wonderful.”

  “Oh good. Thanks, Meggy. Um, did I tell you guys that we got married?”

  “WHAT?”

  “We got married.”

  “And you didn’t invite your sisters?”

  “Um . . . we didn’t get married like Egg did.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “We went inside the big computer on Kallous . . . like the first time I met Waldo.” She smiled from ear to ear at the memory. “We were there for almost three seconds.”

  All the non-technical sisters began to giggle until Serenity explained, “Three seconds in a computer is like two years for us.” The giggles turned into speechless shock.

  “Really? How fascinating.” Meggy stopped herself and shook her head. “Nevertheless, we should have been told so we could hold a proper celebration. I am both very cross at -- and very happy for -- you. When Egg returns from her mission, we will hold the appropriate festivities.”

  “Okay.”

  “Let me finish these assignments, and then we will break out the champagne and toast your nuptials.”

  “Will it hurt?”

  “Will what hurt?”

  “Toasting my nuptials. I forget . . . what are they?”

  Meggy snapped her head and scanned all those in attendance giving a quick shake of the head. The message was clear – don’t laugh. To Tee’ka she explained, “Toasting means to raise a glass of champagne and congratulate you. Nuptials means wedding. It will not hurt.”

  “Okay.”

  The Queen shook her head again to clear away that conversation. “Where was I?”

  “Bree and I need assignments,” said Sassi.

  “Thank you. You will meet with the former members of the Shades of Night and convince them there is only one choice for Queen. If anyone remembers the fight against Mobius, it will be them.”

  “I can do that. It will be wonderful to renew old friendships.”

  “Bree, I want you, Kon’dor and the two Sky’lord children to fly from city to city. The four of you always attract large crowds. Use that as an opportunity to preach our message. And, please, visit as many of the Dragon castles as you can.”

  “We will. What about you Meggy?”

  “I will meet with all the ambassadors from the other planets that are in residence here. They have friendships among the leading citizens of Aerianna. I will convince them that it will be in their best interest to support me
in this endeavor. Any questions?”

  No one did.

  “Then let us take a moment to toast Tee’ka. Afterward, I would talk to Serenity and Jax’x. Oh, and please . . . please don’t breathe a word of this to Egg. It would ruin everything. Now, where is that champagne?”

  *****

  The gathering had finally dispersed after the impromptu wedding celebration for Tee’ka. The girl had told them stories of how she had spent her two glorious years in cyberspace. Unfortunately, some of the tales were a bit too personal and no one knew how to tell her they were borderline inappropriate. So as not to hurt her feelings, they listened and reacted appropriately.

  They were also in high spirits because their beloved leader was to be crowned Queen . . . and that had them all giddy with anticipation.

  Meggy, Jax’x and Serenity left with the others but regrouped in the Queen’s office. “I asked you two here to discuss the Myst Tree’s warning for Egg.”

  “What warning?” asked Jax’x alarmed.

  “He said that she would become Queen, but not before one more challenge . . . one that she must face alone.”

  “Why?”

  “No idea. He had one of his infamous riddles,” and she recited it. “And, as usual, no one has any idea what it means . . . unless one of you does?”

  “I got nothing,” responded Serenity.

  “Me neither,” added Jax’x. “Have you given this message to Egg?”

  “That is the problem. If I told her too soon, she would almost certainly fight the notion of becoming Queen. On one hand, she needs to know; on the other the timing must be just right. I was hoping you two might be able to suggest something.”

  “Do you think this challenge will happen on the way to Peekaboo Prime?”

  “Probably not. Only a handful of people know that she is going to give the speech to the Federation. When I accepted the invitation, the official reply was that the Queen of Aerianna would address the assembly. I did not say who that was. However, once she’s there the whole Federation will know. It would take time to mount a nefarious operation against her. So, I would expect any attempt would be on the return trip . . . if it even has anything to do with this mission.”