The guards escorted the two of you in a carriage pulled by humming birds to the giant tree you saw earlier. Clad in long dresses. Tulipelle’s had lily petal straps covering her breasts with a skirt made of a calla lily. Yours had layers of rose petals for a skirt with a similar low-cut top showing your cleavage.
The carriage sets down on a large balcony and the guards escort you two to a set of immense doors decorated with many scenes of both strife and fortune. You guess historical scenes.
The doors open, revealing a grand chamber lined with wooden statues and relieves on the walls; some in contemplative poses, others taking more heroic stances, all with the same star-shaped object upon their foreheads. If you had to guess, these were prior queens.
Indeed, at the far end of the room sat a regal fairy upon an ornate flower throne. On her forehead head was set a jewel the same star-shape depicted in the artwork. Her gown was extravagant with many layers of pink flowers and green leaves embroidered with gold bands and jewels of every color you can think of. Her long, lavender hair, streaked with blue framed a rather youthful face, no way she could have been queen for very long; then again, you’ve yet to see any fairy that would appear to be even middle-aged, much less elderly.
Turning to the two of you, the guard announced, “Her Royal Highness, Rafflesianna GossamerWing: High Queen of the Northwestern Fairylands, Grand Duchess of the Seelie Court and keeper of the sacred Wand of Titania.” You couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Curtsey,” Tulipelle whispered to you, “and spread your wings, it is considered a gesture of pride in being a fairy.” You did as she said along with her.
“Your grace, these are the ones whom you have summoned. The Misses SilverDust and MoonGlow.”
“Arise.” The queen commanded. “I am informed Miss Moonglow was once human, and she became a fairy last night after eating of food grown by our enchantments; is this true, Miss SilverDust?”
“Yes your majesty.” Tulipelle said in an apologetic tone.
“And did you make any attempt to warn her of the hazards of consuming fairy food?”
“No, your majesty.”
“That was an irresponsible oversight, and this human had paid the price for it with her former life!”
“I beg your forgiveness!”
Tulipelle wasn’t even trying to defend herself so you decide to speak up. “Please, your highness; if I may…”
“The queen has not addressed you, keep silent!” One of the guards interrupted.
“You do not presume to dictate whom may speak, Captain CometDust!” The queen rebuked to the guard. “I always allow all sides of the story be known.” She looked back to me. “Continue.”
“I was going to say I knew full well the dangers beforehand, yet I ate the cherries anyway. It was my oversight, not Tulipelle’s. Furthermore, she saved my life after I fell into this place; and she only wanted to help me return to my world.”
“On that subject, how did you come to be here in the first place?”
“I was exploring a cave and I fell, next thing I knew, I was in this world. The fall would have killed me if Tulipelle hadn’t healed me.”
The queen looked to be mulling something over for a moment. “I shall extend to you an invitation to stay at the palace for the time being. Guards, see these two to a guest room, I have matters to discuss with the royal enchantresses.”
“Yes, my lady!” Said Captain CometDust; and she ushered the two of you out the door.
“Well, that went better than I thought.” Tulipelle said.
“The queen seemed to be thinking of something; I wonder what.” You said.
“She must have a lot on her plate, being the queen and all. Especially after the passing of the High Princess.”
“Her daughter?”
“No, her daughter just called princess. The High Princess is, was, what you would call her wife.”
The guards escorted the two of you to a room furnished with books, a study and a bed. “You may visit the library, kitchen or the courtyards; but stay out of any areas with guards posted.”
“We will.” You both say; and the guards walk off.