Faye swam through the spiralling corridors, passing younger faeries who were as uncoordinated as she had once been – not that she was the most graceful of her kind: evolution had given her strength and understanding but she was still just a handmaiden in the Royal Court. The Queen and her troop held far greater grace than she would ever hold. That was the natural order of things.

Queen Thetis rose as Faye paddled into the throne room and swept to a halt, her feet brushing against the water’s surface as she landed. With the grace that had been gifted her by the Guardian four years ago she curtsied deep and bowed her head, afraid to meet the sapphire eyes of her Queen.

“My studies are complete, Your Majesty,”

“Indeed they are,” said the Queen, “Faye Delphinus, you have proven your ability on many occasions but these tasks that we have asked of you are not one to be taken lightly,”

“I understand,”

The Queen floated down towards her and with a cold, gentle hand lifted Faye’s chin up, so that she had no choice but to meet those deep, insightful eyes behind which the knowledge of the oceans slept.

“Faye, what you are about to embark upon will change you,” she said, “Your mind will be tempered. You have always lived in a world of logic where information flows freely and the truth is master of all, but that is about to change. You will encounter minds that value intuition over reasoning and deceit over truth. Information you once saw with such purity will be tainted and the truths you cling to challenged.”

“I have studied this world extensively,” said Faye, “I am prepared.”

The Queen chuckled. It was a strange sound. Faye did not understand the concept of laughter. The Queen knelt down so their faces were level and placed her fingertips on Faye’s stomach.

“I do not follow your logic sometimes, am I correct?” she asked.

“You do not, Your Majesty,”

“You will come to understand why what you perceive to be the logical choice is not always the logical choice.”

Faye felt a cold shiver on her stomach, and then the Queen removed her hand, leaving behind a design resembling a great serpentine whale.

“This is a gift I promised you,” she explained, “The power that shall help you overcome the difficulties you must face,”

Faye nodded. With the Queen’s power she would be able to counter the illusions Princess Phantasia was having trouble with – if the Princess could convince her it was the reasonable course of action.

“Now,” said the Queen, “It is time to take you to another world,”

Chapter 38
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