Chapter 5
The town was right up ahead.
Catalina let out a breath of relief, looking at the letter in her hands. The last one her old friend had sent. She had sent her own weeks (months) ago, agreeing to come to the town where her friend lived, where they could begin to build an army against Henry (it was the best chance the queens had. And if Catalina trusted his friend, then they trusted Catalina). This was the letter she had received in reply, Catalina never had the time to send her own response.
Catalina wondered if she was presumed dead.
That friend was one of the few who knew she was alive after going missing from the nunnery. They had always exchanged letters since Catalina was divorced. Catalina knew the other was probably fretting over her. The queens were supposed to be there by now.
But then everything with Anne happened…
Just as Catalina found herself slipping into the memories, good and bad, Anne slipped from the shadows to hug Catalina from behind. She reached up to press her face against the taller woman’s neck. “Are we almost there, ma reine?” She grumbled. The sunlight was harsher than usual, enough to discomfort Anne even with Cathy’s spell.
Catalina herself could feel the scars on her back throb a little under the heat and sweat of her leather and armor. The others weren’t faring any better with their old pains. But they had experienced worse. The paladin would call a break, but it wasn’t but another minute's walk.
Catalina chuckled, bringing a hand up over her shoulder to place it on Anne’s head. “It’s right up ahead, Cariño.”
Anne pulled away from Catalina, only to hold her hand instead as they walked. Catalina was surprised the shadow elf didn’t slip back into the shadow, but Catalina wasn’t going to complain.
“Your friend will be waiting for us?” Cathy asked, joining the conversation.
“She should be.” Catalina gave Cathy a nod. “I doubt she’s moved since the last letter…”
“Well, let's hope so, love.” Jane agreed with a small chuckle.
“Exactly! Now come on, I see the town up ahead!” Kat agreed, perking up further upon spotting the buildings.
“Let’s get out of this heat, queens!” Anna grinned widely, pulling Jane to go faster by the hand.
“Lets!” Anne agreed with a relieved breath. She could finally get away from this damned sunlight. At least she had lighter clothing compared to the others, her old tunic and clothing having been damaged by the snake leaving her in only the extra shirt they had gotten her.
Hmm, Anne would have to get new clothing in this town. Hopefully they had something similar to her old gear. At least she still had her belts and tools.
It didn’t take long to find the house belonging to Catalina’s friend. They stood outside, waiting after Catalina knocked on the door.
“Hello?” A voice asked, opening the door to peek out at them. The human woman’s eyes locked onto Catalina immediately. “Catalina!”
“Maria!”
The former lady in waiting was quickly stepping out the door, giving her old friend and queen a hug. After a moment, Maria pulled back to give Catalina a small glare, thwarted only by the relief also in her gaze.
“I thought you died! You were supposed to be here weeks ago!”
“Apologies, Maria.” Catalina gave her a sorry smile, shaking her head. “We got held up on the way.”
It was then that Maria finally took in the sight of the other five queens. She paused for a beat, her mind processing who exactly was in front of her, then she looked to Catalina again.
“Catalina, I think the heat got to me.”
“It hasn’t Maria. All of us are alive.” Catalina shook her head. “And I think we have a lot to talk about.”
Maria slowly nodded her head. “Come in. I think I have some friends who are going to want to see you.”
The queens exchanged confused glances but all followed Maria inside. They paused upon reaching a small living room containing three new, or not-so-new, people. Three queens stared wide eyed.
The trio inside stared back in just as much shock.
“Joan?!” Jane gaped.
“My queen!” Joan, a half-elf, gasped out, scrambling to her feet. Had she been in less shock, Joan would have gone into a bow. “You’re alive!”
“Bessie!” Anna beamed, less in shock and now more in excitement upon spotting her Satyr friend.
“Anna! And Catalina too?!” Bessie’s gaze flickered between both as she remained sitting.
For Anne, her and the final person remained staring, wide eyed. Then, two blurs raced towards each other, meeting in the middle in a hug that startled everyone around them.
“Mags!”
“Annie!”
Maggie pulled back, her hands tight to Anne’s shoulders. She had tears in her eyes and down her cheeks. Anne was in the same state, her hands tight to Maggie’s upper arms. Shadow elf and satyr stared at each other.
“I knew they were lying! I fucking knew it! They didn’t let me see you or care for you!”
Anne tensed. “I’m right here, Maggie. I’m alive and I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
The two women remained there for a moment before someone else quietly spoke up.
“I think…” Everyone glanced to Joan. “We need to have some private talks.”
~~||~~||~~
The ladies had gotten the queens water and some bread after their long trip in the heat. After that, the group split up, evidently needing to talk after so long.
Anne found herself in the room Maggie shared with Joan. Her and Maggie observed each other, Anne’s weapons and tools off to the side.
“They said you died.” Maggie started slowly, one of her hooves tapping against the side of the bed where it dangled off.
Anne paused for a long moment before giving Maggie a smirk, trying to hide the pain behind her next statement. “Who said I never died?”
“Explain. Now.”
Anne did.
She told Maggie of Henry’s curse. Exactly what happened to her. How she could see but wasn’t seen. How Cathy freed her from the castle and later from the curse. How the queens have helped her and the story of the old lady who finally gave her that confidence back.
The next thing Anne knew, Maggie was sobbing. The woman leaned forward, dragging Anne into a hug. “Mags…?”
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Before Anne could even think to stop her from apologizing, Maggie continued. “They told me you died of sickness. They didn’t let me see your body… you were there the whole time and I just left you there!”
“Hey, no. Don’t do that, okay?” Anne murmured, pulling back and wiping away the tears that had started to fall down one of Maggie’s cheeks. “It was never your fault. It was always Henry’s.”
“I know… it’s just what if I could have helped you?” Maggie asked, shaking her head.
“Honestly? I don’t think you could’ve…” Anne swallowed, suddenly with a dry mouth despite the cool water she drank moments ago. “Cathy only got me out because she had that spell binding me to her own shadow. If she hadn’t… I owe a lot to her. To all of them.”
They lapsed into silence, leaning back so they were against the headboard of the bed.
“What was it like? The shadows?” Maggie was very reluctant to ask. But she needed to know what her friend experienced.
Anne froze. “It… it was cold. So damn cold. I couldn’t do anything. Eating, sleeping, feeling. None of it. I was nothing, just a shadow.”
Maggie flinched, regretting her question and cursing it. She was about to say something, but the look Anne gave her made her stop. It was depressed.
“I wanted to die, Mags.”
Maggie opened and closed her mouth, trying to find words to say. What do you even say to that? “Anne…”
“It’s okay.” Anne’s depressed state became lighter, tinted with happiness that had finally found her. “The other queens freed me. They’ve given me more than I could ever hope for. I’m happier. Stronger.”
Maggie tugged her into a one armed hug. “Good… I’ll have to thank them. And I am so happy to have you back.”
“I’m happy too… can we just stay here for a while?” Anne asked, happily letting herself be hugged. “I can tell some stories from our quest!”
“Only if I can tell stories of the three losers I live with.”
“Losers, huh?”
“I love them but the four of us are complete disasters, even having been ladies in waiting.”
The two spent time simply sitting together sharing stories. After everything, it was all they wanted to do.
So they ignored the looming threat of Henry. They didn't cry anymore over Anne’s curse. Instead they tried to be as happy as possible in that moment.
~~||~~||~~
They were the last duo to rejoin, the others having all gathered in the living room. The large group greeted them happily as the former queen and former lady got their seats.
Anne beamed at Catalina as she sat next to her, the paladin smiling back.
“Ma reine.”
“Mi alma.”
Maria stared between them, surprise on her face. “When did that happen?”
Catalina and Anne simply gave her a grin. Maria couldn’t stop the amused smile as she shook her head with a chuckle. “Tell me the story later.”
“Of course.” Catalina acknowledged. “Now, I believe we have some business?”
“Henry.” Bessie agreed with a scowl, hooves hitting the wooden floor angrily. “That’s right. Do you know how close he is to opening the shadow realm?”
Cathy shook her head with a sigh. “No. But it might be close. The demons have been growing stronger lately, meaning he’s probably turned to sacrificing many innocents.”
“Shit...” Maggie grumbled, running a hand through her hair, avoiding her horns. “We’re running out of time.”
“We have to take out Henry. But… he can make an army of demons and soldiers. We can’t fight that many…” Jane breathed out, a contemplative look on her face.
“We would need an army.” Catalina agreed.
Maria chuckled. “On the contrary. We have a start to an army right here.”
“What?”
“This town!” Joan was beaming proudly. “This entire town is made of rebels who are willing to fight!”
“That’s right!” Bessie gave them a grin. “If we could get more soldiers… then we could have an army right here ready to fight for the kingdom!”
For a moment, the queens could only gape. Then grins spread across their faces.
“Ladies, you are brilliant!” Anna laughed.
“If we can gather more troops, then you can lead them while we take out Henry!” Kat looked positively gleeful.
“We have a chance to stop him!” Anne couldn’t wipe the grin off her face.
“I don’t think we can thank you four enough.” Cathy had determination in her eyes.
“There’s no need.” María shook her head. “We want to save the kingdom as much as you do.”
“Now, I think we should talk about after the war. We can deal with strategies and talk more about the next step in a little bit.” It was Maggie who spoke up, earning nods of agreement. “After all, we’ll need a new ruler.”
“The people need guidance. Someone who can repair the kingdom after all of this and be a better leader than Henry ever was in terms of empathy.” Anna crosses her arms, leaning back in her chair.
“But who can lead the kingdom?” Cathy asked with a sigh.
There was a stretch of silence. None of the queens noticed the ladies sharing looks. Did they really not know the answer?
“You’re all joking, right?” Joan asked with a small cough.
“Joking? Why would we be joking, the kingdom will need a leader!” Kat replied, confusion lacing her tone and the expressions of all six former queens.
“One of you needs to take the throne.” Bessie said clearly, looking from queen to queen.
They all blinked. “I’m sorry?” Jane asked.
“We need a ruler after Henry’s gone.” Joan explained in her usual quiet tone. “You were all the former queens, why wouldn’t it be one of you?”
“Ladies… just because we were queen at one point and now saving the kingdom… that doesn’t mean we automatically want to lead.” Anna said, glancing at the others.
“Yeah, but we need someone! Catalina?” Maggie looked at the eldest queen.
It didn’t take very long for Catalina to reply. “No.”
“Catalina, the kingdom adored you!” Maria replied, as if surprised Catalina refused. Really, she wasn’t. Catalina had always been stubborn.
“That means nothing, Maria.” Catalina shook her head, wrapping an arm around Anne’s shoulders. “I’m sorry, but my answer is a no.”
Maria sighed before looking to Anne. The rouge realized exactly why she was being stared at and her eyes narrowed.
“No.”
“Anne—!” Maggie was cut off.
“No!” Anne snapped, glaring at all four ladies. “You think the people would want a shadow elf leading them?!” Before Maria could interject, Anne continued. “Look what happened the last time I was queen! The answer is hell no.”
Nobody mentioned that small glint of fear and memories that appeared in Anne’s eyes as she pressed closer to Catalina, who was quick to hold her close.
“Jane?” Joan asked, almost nervously.
“I’m sorry, love.” Jane said softly, shaking her head.
“You know… you were able to lead Holbein while I was gone.” Anna told Jane.
Jane smiles shyly at Anna. “I was doing it for you. You adored that town, your people. And besides… I had Catalina helping me run a small town, not an entire kingdom.”
Anna blinked for a moment. Jane has talked with her about it before, making it less of a shock. But it was still extremely heartwarming for the barbarian to hear. A smile spread across Anna’s face and she gave Jane a kiss.
“It’s your choice, Geliebte.” Anna glances up to the others. “I’m out as well.”
“Anna, you made an entire town!” Bessie stared at her, as if trying to solve a puzzle.
“Yeah… and that was hard enough. Ruling an entire kingdom on your own?” Anna ran her fingers through her hair, wincing. “I don’t think I’m good enough for that.”
“Don’t look at me either. I shouldn't have to explain why.” Kat raised an eyebrow, almost challengingly to the ladies.
“So that’s it then? You’re all going to leave us to find a leader that won’t end up like Henry?” Joan asked, a sad look on her face.
“Do you know how long that will take?” Maggie asked. “The kingdom is going to need structure after this! It doesn’t have time to wait for a new ruler!”
“You still have time to look! Why are you so set on it being us?” Kat questioned in return.
It quickly devolved into an argument. The queens and ladies voices were gradually raising over each other until it turned to shouting, but no one stood. Both sides were arguing their points. Maria’s voice finally rang louder than the rest as she swiftly leant forward in her chair, slamming her hands on the table and meeting Catalina’s eyes.
“IF YOU DON’T LEAD, THEN WHO THE HELL WILL?!”
“YOU’LL FIND SOMEONE!” Catalina bursts out, startling everyone as the woman abruptly stood. There was a moment of silence before Catalina slumped back in the chair, shaking her head with a sigh. “You’ll find someone... We’ll defeat Henry, that’s it.”
Maria stared for a minute. Then, slowly. “What happened to the Catalina I knew?”
Something glinted in the paladin’s eyes. She maintained eye contact with Maria as she spoke almost emotionlessly. “She’s back in a nunnery.”
Anne couldn’t help the anger that sparked in her chest. Maria was implying that Catalina is a coward!
Anne had seen Catalina do so many brave things!
The woman had once endured a whip to her back to protect a child in a town ruled under an iron fist where whipping and other torture was common. She dueled a man and almost died to rescue a town and stop him from killing the other queens. She’s fought countless monsters and demons and always made sure the others were safe before herself.
Anne could list thousands of reasons. If the queens were represented by weapons, then Anne figured Catalina would be a shield.
Catalina was anything but a coward! And Anne despised that even Catalina didn’t seem to believe it.
Anne practically snarled, now on the defense. “Lina’s anything but a coward! Has it not occurred to you that we all had bad experiences on the throne?!”
It was Maggie who spoke up instead of Maria. “Annie, that was under Henry! Can’t you understand that things will be different this time?”
“It’s not just Henry!” Kat spoke the words on the tip on Anne’s tongue. “The citizens could turn against us just as he did! If one of us led, then who says we would be successful? Better than Henry sure, but what about good enough for the people? Any one of us—!”
“We all take the throne.”
Everyone’s heads turned to stare at the speaker. Surprise was written clearly across all their faces as they took in Cathy, who was glancing between all of them.
“All six of you?” It was Joan who asked, wide eyed.
“Do you know how chaotic it would be?!” Bessie questioned, jaw dropped.
“I don’t think it would be chaotic at all.” Cathy shook her head. “We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We get along. We’re a family to each other.”
“That doesn’t help your case much, Catherine.” Maria sighed. “How do you think the people would react?”
“Confusion.” Cathy nodded to herself. “It would be a lot to get used to. But I’m sure with time they would understand.”
Before another lady could open her mouth, another queen spoke up.
“I like it.” Anna agreed, staring back at Cathy. “At any rate, it’s better than Henry.”
“Yes, but—!”
“I’m in.” Kat gave her opinion, determination clear as she linked her arm with Cathy’s. “None of us want to be queen alone. We’re too scared to. But what if we can all be queen and support each other?”
Jane squeezes Anna’s hand, giving her wife a smile. “And if you’re worried about fights, then we can handle them. We’ve had fights before, but we always manage to apologize. We keep each other in check.”
Catalina stared at everyone for a moment before chuckling. “Well… if all of you are with me, then I suppose I could try.” The woman still looked a little worried, but a bit more confidence had entered her gaze.
Everyone looked to Anne and she stared back. She shrunk under the gazes slightly.
Did she really want to chance it?
Logically, Anne knew she couldn’t be trapped again. She herself had watched the spell turn to ash by Cathy’s hand. But there was still that underlying fear that the people would hate her, find some way to ruin things again just as when they helped give reason for Henry to curse her.
Anne also knew that the other queens would keep her safe. There was no question about it. But Anne was still worried that her presence would cause a problem the others shouldn’t have to put up with.
But then again… none of them complained when they had to deflect everything before. And this could be a chance for Anne to help those looked down upon like her! Maybe she could make efforts to get them in a better place.
And Anne knew that together, all six of them, they could manage to bring peace.
(There was never peace. People were people after all. But maybe, they could make things a lot more peaceful than they are now.)
“As long as you guys have my back, I’ll have yours.” Anne did her best to give them a confident smirk.
The other five beamed back. They knew Anne wasn’t completely certain, but she was willing to try. And the others were all thankful for it.
None of them were certain. But Cathy’s idea… it was more appealing than doing it alone.
They would have to set rules, make plans. They would have to regain their confidence and struggle to readjust to leading a kingdom. They would have to learn that history wouldn’t repeat.
None of them fully agreed in their minds, they all knew it.
For a moment, the ladies could only stare. They looked at each other and exchanged looks.
Finally, all four ladies came to a resolution and gave the queens nods and smiles.
“Alright, my queens. We’re in.”
~~||~~||~~
The town the ladies lived in was entirely made up of rebels. Which made it the perfect spot to set up a base. The queens and ladies rallied the town, putting a start to their army.
But this wasn’t nearly enough troops.
Which is why the queens quest began again. This time, the objective was to gather rebels as discreetly as they could.
So they set out, bidding farewell to the ladies in waiting and leaving them in charge (after getting Anne new gear that was practically identical to her old clothing, much to the rogue's delight).
They would stay in a town for a few days, observing residents and finding people against Henry. They skillfully avoided those few for Henry, sending the new rebels and their families along the path to the ladies.
It was the third town that something happened.
This town was well populated, with a small castle of its own. But something was clearly wrong.
The first sign was the guard at the gate. He watched their group of six pass through with an almost pitying gaze that set off alarms for all six queens.
That wasn’t even mentioning the fact that they had to write their names down. Fake names they made for such an occasion.
The next sign was the civilians.
The townspeople all looked anxious and downright terrified. They walked with heads lowered, clothing children and other family members close. Almost as if scared they would never touch them again. Tons of guards were in the streets as well, keeping an eye on everyone.
The last sign was the rumors.
They were paying for their room in the inn for the night when they could hear people talking. Talking about… burnings? There were whispers of not being allowed to leave the town until after tomorrow morning.
Something was going on and all six queens were on edge.
The next morning they kept their weapons close. They had breakfast downstairs and tried to keep up conversation, but the tension was high.
“So,” Anna started, glancing around quickly. “I think we should leave as soon as possible.”
“Agreed. Something’s… wrong about all of this.” Jane’s fingers weaved between Anna’s and also fingered her rapier anxiously.
“What if the townspeople need help?” Kat asked, keeping her voice down. Everyone winced, that was a very good point.
Anne dragged a hand down her face with a deep sigh, leaning against Catalina. “We can’t do anything. All these guards would blow our cover.”
“If something is wrong, then I hope they get help soon.” Cathy murmured, looking down at the book she had in her hands. She was doing anything but reading.
“May the gods be kind to them.” Catalina dipped her head. “... Let’s get on the road.”
So, the group stood up, leaving behind their payment, and made their way out the door.
It just so happened that the town was gathering at that moment. The queens couldn’t hide their surprise and wariness upon seeing the guards practically herding the town and travelers through the streets to one location. Guards were even entering houses and shops.
“Now I definitely think we need to go.” Anna said, glaring at the scene.
“Can we even leave is the question.” Cathy pointed out. But the group tried anyways, moving to make their way towards a different path.
Just like everyone else, they were quickly redirected.
“Halt!” A guard told them, stepping in front of the six. “You are supposed to be reporting to the square. Travelers I assume?”
“That’s right.” Anne said, glaring at the guard. “What the hell’s going on?”
“The minister has placed a law that everyone must report to the square at this time each day, traveler or not.” The guard answered gruffly.
Anne and Anna looked ready to protest but Jane placed a hand on both of their shoulders, giving them a look. The rouge and barbarian thankfully backed down.
“Thank you for telling us, sir.” Kat told the guard before they joined the crowd of people.
“Do we really want to be a part of this?” Cathy asked the others, keeping her voice low.
Catalina shook her head. “We should see what’s happening. And besides…” Catalina glances at the guards with narrowed eyes. “I don’t think we have a choice.”
They didn’t. Neither did any of the citizens.
They found themselves in front of a scaffolding made out of wood and stone. The crowd was still either confused and a bit angry or simply depressed.
Soon enough, all of the citizens and travelers had been gathered and a man stood in front of everyone on the scaffolding. The queens listened closely and warily as he began to speak.
“Good morning, my people!” He announced. “I see some newcomers in the crowd! Welcome to our town.” The man chuckled darkly. “Our king requires your assistance, my people. He requires us to help him become a greater king for our kingdom!”
“I don’t like this…” Anne muttered, eyes narrowed.
“He requires sacrifices.”
The townspeople looked down, acceptance and sorrow in their eyes. They had been putting up with this for several days, maybe even weeks now. They had seen friends and family already subjected to this fate.
Travelers began to whisper, wide eyed. There was no way this man was serious! Sacrifices? For the king himself?
As for the queens, their eyes widened with realization. The sacrifice of many innocents. Henry was indeed collecting those sacrifices.
Henry was ripping families apart. He was murdering people. All for power and control.
Standing towards the back of the crowd, the queens all scowled as they realized exactly what was about to happen.
“Why should we let ourselves be killed for a tyrant!” A brave soul shouted from within the crowd.
“The king is no tyrant, he is our savior! Don’t you see!” The man on stage called, he raised his arms, as if beckoning the gods. But then, another dark look passed his face. “And who said you had a choice? We will allow our savior to save us all!”
“He’s treating Henry like a god!” Catalina hissed under her breath, clearly taking the notion as in insult to the gods.
“Savior my ass...” Anna huffed at the same time, clenching Jane’s hand just a little tighter. If anything, Jane’s grip was even tighter.
None of the other queens had time to add their own thoughts, even if they wanted to do more than glare.
“Bring out the executioners!”
And then, the carriage door behind the scaffolding opened. The queens couldn’t see who it was at first, in the back of the crowd. But when the three persons stepped on the stage, the queens all froze.
All of that anger in their chests dropped to their stomachs, turning to sheer horror and dread.
The three ‘executioners’ were children. And not just any children.
Mary, a teenager, stood at the head, dressed in a regal dress, tall and with a blank stare. Elizabeth, about a preteen, stood in her own dress, the usual happy grin was gone from her face, replaced with a stare just like Mary’s. Even little Edward had that stare, holding onto Elizabeth’s hand and in his own royal garb beside her.
The travelers in the crowd seemed to be surprised. Why were they calling children executioners? One person even let out a laugh.
But the townspeople looked even more terrified than they had been before. Mothers clutching children close against them, fathers scowling or simply looking depressed.
The man had to be joking, the queens thought. But that thought was overshadowed by the sheer shock of seeing the children again. They didn’t expect to see them until after Henry.
And the three mothers never forgot about their children. Their hearts were about to burst (from joy and dread) upon seeing the three.
They had no time to fully take in and process what was happening. The man began to read names, condemning ten people to death.
Some of those people tried to run, but with all the guards, they didn’t make it far. Families and friends cried as some were forcibly ripped away or watched as two of the sacrifices kept their heads bowed and walked forward, keeping silent or murmuring a prayer.
They all reached the scaffolding after several minutes, standing in a line. After a moment, the guards grabbed an elf from the front of the line and tugged him forward, pushing him to his knees in front of Mary.
The silence was only broken by sobs from the crowd. But still, it was stifling, a thick tension pressing down on everyone’s shoulders, the queens especially.
Mary stared blankly at the kneeling elf for a moment. She was waiting for an order.
Then, the man made a simple gesture with his hand. Mary casted a spell and in a matter of seconds, the elf was on fire, burning horribly and his screams echoing.
The next sacrifices were trembling, the crowd was screaming or gasping on terror. For the queens, they didn’t seem to know how to react.
Catalina was staring blankly at her daughter, tears on her face, one hand had come up to her mouth and the other was clenched white to Anne’s shoulder. Anne herself could only stare, wide eyed and in shock. Jane looked sickly and was crying, pressing against Anna and turning her head to Anna’s chest but still looking up to the children every few seconds, Edward especially.
A glare was fixed on Anna’s face as she couldn’t look away from the scene, her arms securely around Jane. Kat was pale and had tears falling down her cheeks but was silent. Cathy looked to the floor, fists clenched tight and unable to watch any longer, she was mumbling something under her breath.
One after another, the same scene occurred until all ten sacrifices were nothing but ash. The man had waved his hand, collecting blue orbs and placing them in a jar.
“Thank you for your service.” He said simply, the crying crowd slowly began to disperse, some still frozen in their spots.
The queens retreated to an alleyway, where they could still see the children on stage, awaiting their commands. They were out of sight now and able to talk freely.
“What… what the fuck just happened?!” Anne demanded, sadness and fury flaring in her eyes.
“We… Mary killed them… And Edward and Elizabeth didn’t seem worried at all. None of them did!” Jane burst out, her breathing picking up slightly. Anna was quickly turning to comfort Jane, taking her wife’s hands in her own and beginning breathing exercises.
“They can’t be doing this themselves!” Kat protested. “Henry has to be doing something…”
Jane shook her head slowly, a small sob coming from her lips. “How do we know that, Kat? I want to believe it but…”
“Their eyes.”
Everyone looked to Cathy. She was still staring at the stage, watching the children being led away. “Their eyes were all black. A common sign of brainwashing spells. And there was a red mark on their necks.”
“Wait, how did you see their eyes?” Anna asked, blinking in surprise.
“I used a small illusion to get closer.” Cathy acknowledges and no one was very surprised. “Henry’s brainwashed them. That red mark is the emblem of the controller. The emblem on the children just so happened to be Henry’s crest.”
“Son of a bitch!” Anne was practically vibrating from her rage, beginning to pace.
“I… I think this means Henry is using the kids to get him his sacrifices.” Anna explained with a sigh. “Notice how that old man was collecting those lights into a jar? I think they’re collecting souls for Henry. Mary’s his executioner.”
A loud crack made everyone jump.
Kat and Anna were swiftly looking to make sure no one heard them while the other three stared at Catalina. The paladin had punched the wooden wall next to them, her gloved and armored fist forming a wide crack down the middle of the plank.
Cathy was by her godmother’s side in a second, taking hold of her hand as it pulled back to punch again. “Madrina!”
There was a struggle, Catalina wanting to let her rage out on something while Cathy tried to keep her from hurting herself further. At some point, Jane has leapt forward too, leaving Kat and Anna to anxiously watch for anyone who might hear or see.
“Lina!”
Catalina finally paused, her gaze flickering to Anne. The shadow elf stepped past Jane and Cathy, causing both to step away, reaching up to cup Catalina’s jaw.
“I’m happy that you’re sharing what you’re feeling… but I need you to calm down, m’kay?”
“Anne—!”
“I know… I’m angry too. I bet punching the wall felt good in the moment, hmm? I wanna do it too. But I’m sure your hand hurts just as much as your heart now.”
Catalina did grimace, the bruise already forming along her knuckle. The adrenaline was dying down as she was calmed.
As much as this could blow their cover, the others were sort of glad Catalina had this outburst. The woman was so used to hiding her pain and feelings. From her time in court to fear of abandonment after Henry. It was nice to see this fury.
But that was all in the back of their minds right now.
“It’s okay, Lina. I’m angry too… but please don’t hurt yourself over it.” Anne let out a snicker. “Look at me, being a hypocrite. But it’s okay to cry.”
Catalina stared for another moment before crumpling, leaning forward and down so she was in Anne’s arms, her face in the crook of her lover’s neck. A shuddered gasp escaped her lips.
“I… I dreamed of seeing her again for all these years.” Catalina whispered into Anne’s neck. “And… And I finally did… but I just saw her murder people!”
Anne was reaching up to cradle the back of Catalina’s head. “Shhh… I know, it probably hurts.” A sob and a nod was pressed against Anne. “But none of this is her fault. It’s Henry’s.” Anne almost let out another burst of rage but managed to contain herself, her hug tightening a little bit instead. “And we’re going to free her. Free all of them. Okay, mon ange?”
That seemed to snap something in Catalina and she pulled back to look at Anne. “Are you alright… with Elizabeth?”
Anne softened under the care, Catalina’s hands having come up to rest on her cheeks. “I’m better than I could be... Are we really seeing them again?”
“We are, Anne. We are.” Catalina leant forward so their foreheads pressed together. “And we’ll free them. You’ll get to hold Elizabeth again, Anne. You’ll get to be a mother again.”
Anne beamed through her tears. “And you with Mary.”
It was a long minute before they separated, finally paying attention to the other queens. Anna had comforted Jane and Cathy and Kat were talking in whispers to each other, just as shaken.
Upon seeing everyone a little calmer, Cathy spoke up. “Let’s go. We’ll make camp outside town.”
None of them could watch that for a second time.
None of them were okay. They all knew that. They had just seen their children murder people or watch the murder with a blank stare. And this was the first time they had seen the children in a long time, some longer than others.
But they were going to free them. They weren’t going to stop trying until they did.
~~||~~||~~
After setting up camp, they had discussed what they could possibly do. They went through several ideas.
But eventually, they settled on Cathy looking for a spell to free them. There had to be a cure for the brainwashing, and if anyone could find it, it would be their wizard.
So Cathy searched and searched through her books for the entire day until Kat finally managed to sooth her away from the spells to try and get some sleep.
The fire had long since died out and the queens were all asleep, the couples holding each other close.
None of their sleep seemed to be positive dreams. Jane had clearly been crying. Anna had a frown on her face. Kat was mumbling in her sleep. Cathy kept rolling over and moving in Kat’s arms. Catalina was clearly in discomfort from whatever was in her dreams.
And Anne simply wasn’t asleep at all.
She could see the pain everyone was going through after having seen the children like that. (Anne could see in the dark, better than even a normal elf like Jane and Kat.) She could feel Catalina tense, press herself closer before relaxing again in a repeated cycle.
Anne could feel her own pain thrumming in her chest.
She had seen Elizabeth again. And oh gods, she had grown. Their journey was probably a year or so long by now, and even over that year the girl had grown.
Anne wanted nothing more to sweep Elizabeth up in a hug. But would she even remember her? Elizabeth had been so young last time she had seen Anne.
And she definitely wouldn’t be able to now. Not under the spell.
Fury and sadness gripped onto Anne’s mind and heart at that thought. The emotions she was so used to at this point.
When would Henry stop hurting her?
He did it by hurting those Anne cared about. He did it though that damn curse. He had hurt her verbally, and in one rare case physically, when they were married.
And by the gods, Anne wanted him to know the pain he caused.
Not just to her.
She wanted him to understand the suffering he had put the other queens through. The suffering he was putting the children through. The suffering he was putting his entire kingdom through.
Anne wanted Henry to suffer.
But she couldn’t go storm the castle. It was days, weeks, away and it was a suicide mission (perhaps it was. But even if Anne was executed, she would still be satisfied to have made Henry feel that suffering). No, the children were more important right now.
And in the back of her mind, Anne knew the solution. She just couldn’t remember what it was.
It was just as Anne drifted off that she remembered.
It had always been in the corner of her mind. A secret weapon waiting to be used. And now was the time Anne knew it was supposed to happen.
The potion.
The one the old lady gave her that can break any spell. There was enough to break the spell over all three kids if she used it carefully.
Anne couldn’t believe she forgot! The answer was right there the entire time!
But… maybe it was good that the others didn’t know. They had already dealt with so much over the course of this journey. Maybe… Anne could free them by herself. Keep the others from having to fight their children.
Yeah, maybe Anne would have to fight Elizabeth or at the very least hold her down. But that was a sacrifice Anne was willing to make.
They dealt with so much… Anne figured it was finally time to return the favor.
Ever so slowly, Anne removed herself from Catalina’s arms. Anne huffed at the sudden feeling of coldness now that Catalina wasn’t holding her.
Anne stiffened as Catalina grumbled in her sleep before the woman simply turned over.
“Don’t worry, Lina. Next time you see me, you’ll get to see Mary again too.” With that, Anne leaned over to press a kiss to Catalina’s cheek before she finally stood and grabbed her equipment.
Anne used practiced silence as she grabbed everything she needed. Her ears twitched, listening closely for any sign of the others waking up. She made sure to triple check that she had the potion. With that, she made her way to the town.
The castle was on the other side so Anne resorted to rooftop hopping and sneaking through alleyways to reach the stone and wood structure.
Anne paused on a rooftop, the realization of something finally hitting her.
She was about to see Elizabeth again. Not just from the crowd, it was up close.
Anne took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She couldn't let emotions get in the way here. She had to knock them out and use the potion.
After it was over she could let her emotions run wild.