DISCLAIMERS: All people, places, and things in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to anything or anyone in this story is purely coincidental and is in no way intended to cause harm. Sorry folks, while there is a hint of eroticism, there are no sex scenes.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is the introduction for the Triumvirate series. It will help to read this story first before reading the stories that follow. A very big THANK YOU VERY MUCH goes out to all the beta readers out there that helped me to make this story what it is. Any questions or comments please email me at cinderellanjo@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/calliopenjo.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are Sovereign Cyan Alarica of Avalon and Sovereign Bellona of Andromeda. The original script had been translated from Latin, our national language, to English, due to changes in the aristocracy. We must begin at the beginning in order to understand the events that took place.
An island located off the coast of Britain is King Arthur’s final resting place. That island is only found in fairy tales and folklore. What is this place? This place is called Avalon. Yet, Avalon does exist. This island is not King Arthur’s final resting place, but it is one of three larger islands located far above the Aleutian Islands in the Bering Sea. Those that call this island their home named it after its leader from many centuries ago.
Many centuries ago, a ship full of women, to escape the oppression of the male species, crashed onto the shores of Avalon; some stayed and made this their home. They did not want this island paradise to fall into the hands of the men that they had escaped from, so a spell was cast, a spell called the Cloak of Secrecy. Once the spell was cast, the island would disappear from existence and no one would remember its location or the existence of those inhabiting the island. As Avalon was encompassed by this spell, the climate changed. The elders say that the spell excluded them from the influences of the outside world. Brought on by the instinct for survival, they flourished on this uninhabited island. The survivors are the forbearer's of those that call Avalon home today.
It is Sovereign Cyan Alarica and her Queen Melisandra that rule Avalon with Princess Claryvorra as future sovereign of Avalon. Alarica’s beauty is like no other, standing at over six feet tall, with piercing blue eyes, hair as dark as pitch that shines like glass in the light, high cheekbones, and well-toned and tanned physique from hours of the warrior arts of old that give her the movements of a panther and the appearance of a goddess. Smooth, sleek, and graceful as she moves about, she is unbeaten by anyone that dares offer her a challenge.
Her queen is equally beautiful with long flourishing golden hair, bright blue eyes, and standing only slightly shorter than her sovereign. Though she is not as skilled in the warrior arts, she has a beautiful figure that would make any woman jealous.
These are the rulers of Avalon.
The last sovereign was forced to renounce her position because of ill health. There was no cure for the illness. The Sage of Healing as well as the Sage of Wisdom could not provide a cure. Risky though it was, she was placed into the magical lake of Sage’s Mountain. The waters of the lake were said to cure anything and turn back the hands of time to anyone who wished to seek a cure for any injury or illness. The waters had failed. Avalon had lost its heart the day the sovereign died.
Since the former sovereign had renounced her throne, Alarica was named Sovereign Cyan ruler over all of Avalon. This gave Alarica the freedom to do right for the future of Avalon. She always had dreams of exploring America. Survivors of shipwrecks that crashed on Avalon’s shore caused by the stormy seas would speak of this land. Her grandmother long ago had left Avalon to seek a bond with the leader of America but had failed due to lack of foresight and preparedness. Alarica had argued with her sovereign that it was time; it was time to seek that bond again. She had prepared herself by reading the annals that had been collected secretly from the outside world.
In the center of the isle, high on a mountaintop, there stands a grand structure. Though humble in its appearance, its size more than makes up for the lack of beauty that one might expect from the house of Avalon’s ruling family. Some say that it would easily house all of the island’s inhabitants should there be a need.
On the eastern side of the castle, if someone were to look up to the balcony, they would see their beloved ruler, standing there leaning against the railing with a goblet in her hand. She gazes out overlooking the meadows of the eastern territory with a contemplative look on her face, which changed to a slow and easy smile.
Elmira is the sovereign’s sister. She is a smaller version of the sovereign with different coloring. She holds the position as her assistant. Elmira came to see the sovereign requesting the clarification of a rumor that Queen Melisandra had heard. The rumor of moving to America had circulated throughout the castle. Alarica was bored. Avalon had been at peace for many generations and Alarica wished to form an alliance with the American President. Survivors of shipwrecks that crashed on the shores of Avalon would speak of America. Their stories intrigued Alarica. It was always a shame to release the survivors without memory of their stay on Avalon. It was to be though if Avalon was to stay a secret. The sovereign ordered Elmira to see that a report was completed as to the preparations for departure and that Queen Melisandra was to over see such preparations. It is one of the queen’s many duties.
Alarica stood there for just a moment longer after her meeting with Elmira. Preparations had to be made and that meant she had to do her part as well, which entailed something that she did not wish to do: she had to speak with the advisory council. The advisory council consisted of four older women who would voice their views according to the information that was given to them. Alarica did not appreciate them. She thought of them as a bunch of old hags that had nothing better to do but to cause confusion among the masses. Granted they could not say anything officially, however that did not stop them from whispering among themselves about the goings on of the state of their beloved Avalon. The right person would hear the whispers and soon confusion would start among the commoners. On the way to the council chambers, she saw at the end of the hall stood an older version of herself. There was an air of wisdom about her with salt and pepper tresses and wrinkles at the edges of her eyes. She was the Sovereign’s teacher in strength, beauty, and wisdom. This was the sovereign’s mother. She was once the queen of Avalon, but now her place is the unofficial advisor to the present sovereign, her daughter.
Alarica and her mother, Lady Leonessa, had conversed for quite a while. The topic of discussion was the advisor to follow her daughter to America. Lady Leonessa too had heard the rumors. Our sovereign was furious to hear that the council made the announcement. "I am the sovereign not the council. I decide what the people should know. They do not have that power!"The sovereign yelled at her own mother about this. Lady Leonessa calmed her daughter to further deliver her news. It seems that our lady had made the decision for her daughter. Councilor Ernestine was to follow our sovereign to America. "Ernestine? Mother, Ernestine!?"She could not believe she heard the news correctly. Councilor Ernestine away from the council chambers on a good day was rude, obnoxious, and arrogant. The arrogance grew the longer she was chief advisor to the crown of Avalon. She had been the chief advisor for quite a while and believed herself to be the ruling crown of Avalon and not our present sovereign. Councilor Ernestine was not well liked in the castle and Sovereign Cyan Alarica on more than one occasion whispered her wishes to behead the councilor. "Mother, I believe that the only reason you chose Councilor Ernestine was to free yourself from her presence."Sovereign Cyan Alarica said to her mother with a bit of a smile on her face. Lady Leonessa always had the last word "Daughter, is it not your duty to care for your elders."
As her mother left, Alarica hung her head knowing that the only person that was able to defeat her in physical or verbal combat was walking away from her at that moment. Deep breathing a few times before proceeding to find Ernestine left her feeling at least a little relaxed. Not wanting to kill a member of the council is a good thing after all. As was expected, arguing could be heard throughout the castle. The servants had run away shaking their heads as the arguments stemmed from the necessary preparations to arguments of torture. This had gone on a while until Claryvorra asked for her mother’s attention. The harsh voice heard only moments before was suddenly transformed to a voice of love and joy. Claryvorra had wondered about the arguing. She tried asking the servants and her caretaker, but they would only say it is not something that a child should know. After reassuring Claryvorra and explaining the argument that she had heard "Ernestine, you will do as I say. You have your orders. Be sure to follow them through."
Councilor Ernestine believes in the ways of old and spoke Latin instead of English despite orders. Only Ernestine would have the gall to say "Of course, my sovereign. I hear and obey. However, it was always the sovereign's pleasure to hear of the negative reactions that the council may have."Our sire was not pleased to hear this.
"I am sure I have never stated a delight in hearing the negative reactions of the council. They know what I expect. As should you,I am your sovereign."
Leave it up to Ernestine to further argue the point "But, sire, will you listen? I. . ."
"In case you have forgotten, Sovereign Cyan Camilla is dead. I am not Sovereign Cyan Camilla. I am Sovereign Cyan Alarica with her Queen Melisandra. Do not forget that!" Our sovereign was quite angry with Ernestine. Lady Leonessa had heard the arguing and in true Lady Leonessa fashion sought a way to end the feud. She simply shot an arrow between the two to cease the argument. Lady Leonessa had a love of the English language and used it whenever she could and told Ernestine in English to follow her sovereign’s order or meet her in the practice fields. Alarica knew then just how her mother felt about the arguing. When asked to go to the practice fields it meant challenge, a challenge that her mother was sure to win, as age had not been a factor in her physical condition. Ernestine however always shot her own foot with an arrow as inept as she was with the weapons and the fact that she enjoyed her sweets far too much would make her an easy target.
Lady Leonessa had enough and made sure Councilor Ernestine understood "Ernestine, you understand English. We had studied English alongside each other as children as well as having many arguments in English when Sovereign Cyan Camilla was alive. Has old age deteriorated your mind? I will not repeat myself. You do not answer me I will assume you wish to meet with me at the practice fields. Which is it?"
"Such harsh tones my Lady Leonessa. A lady should be kind and caring while in court. Yes, I hear my Lady Leonessa’s words, though I was only pointing out the concerns of the council to our kind and lovely sovereign. I just feel that our sovereign needed more time before being appointed."
"Ernestine, I will only say this once. Sovereign Cyan Alarica is not only my daughter; she is the one that I have trained myself and am proud to call my sovereign. Do not force me to choose. You will lose. Remember also Ernestine, I am of a higher status than you." Lady Leonessa reached between them to pull the arrow from the wall. There was an audible gulp from Ernestine and a proud smile from Alarica.
Ernestine left immediately to see to her orders after throwing a tantrum in her chambers. Upon hearing the crashing, screaming, and crying, all residents of the palace shook their heads in disgust at this behavior. Everyone within the palace felt that Ernestine should be removed from office. Removing her from office would be easier said than done, however. There was a long and detailed process to remove someone from the council. Therefore, she was urged to retire her seat. She never retired her seat though she spread rumors that their sovereign should retire instead.
Alarica had left to see to the packing of her healing remedies. She was a skilled healer as she had learned everything from her mother. Mother Camilla was a skilled healer herself and did not seek any outside assistance. That is until she fell ill herself. The illness was beyond her capabilities. Alarica learned as much as she could from her mother. Though they were not as close as she and mother Leonessa, they had an amicable relationship. She packed what she felt she absolutely needed. She could always contact her mother if she felt she needed something else. Mother Leonessa was a skilled healer herself, though both mothers felt it was best to share the duties of raising their future sovereign.
The sun was setting as the day was done. Cleaning up after a day at work was common practice on Avalon. The lanterns were lit, table set for the last meal, and preparations for a night’s rest were completed. This night was to be different, however. After supper, Alarica had called a meeting in the antechamber, a less formal room than the throne chamber, with cushions strewn about on the floor in a circle for everyone to seat herself. Sovereign Cyan Alarica stated her wishes to proceed with the move to America. Her plans were to form an alliance with the American President, to let the world know of Avalon’s existence. As soon as everything and everyone is prepared, they were to use the portal. The portal was a magical door that allowed the people to move from Avalon to the outside world, because there would be no other way to leave Avalon and reach their destination in a short span of time.
Our fair Queen Melisandra was nearly faint with the news. She could not believe what she had heard. "They are barbarians," she said. "Why would I need to socialize with such barbarians?"
The sovereign’s statement was quite clear as she replied to her queen, "As we view them as barbarians, they would view us as barbarians as well."She and the queen were to rendezvous in the bathing chambers later to discuss the matter further.
Of course, Councilor Ernestine felt her duties to be elsewhere "My dear beloved sovereign, surely you do not mean to send me there. Do you? I can be of great assistance to you here my dear beloved sovereign. I cherish the idea of working with you," Ernestine said while rising and bowing as low as she could, hoping to change the sovereign’s mind.
Mentally rolling her eyes and feeling nauseas, "Ernestine, you will do as I say. Remember what I had told you. Dismissed." Alarica had grown bored of the arguments and wished she had a weapon in her hand now and . . . well it was an idea.
After the meeting, the events of the day showed themselves as exhaustion on our sovereign’s face. She asked Elmira to put the report on her desk, as she would read it in the morning. Elmira was to also see that the necessary preparations were being made for her daughter’s education. They spent a little while together each one seeing to the other’s need. After a reassurance of everything being well, Alarica left to see to other matters.
Alarica proceeded to the bathing chamber to join her queen. Sounds of lovemaking soon followed as they reached ecstasy were heard through the night. Moans, groans, and declarations echoed through the palace. Alarica woke up the next morning on top of her queen. She found herself sticky with sweat and sweet love juices that flowed through the night. Though the bath was cold and still scented with calming lavender from the night before, she proceeded into the large pool that was the bath. The size of the bath would fit a commoner’s house with plenty of room for exit and entry. She only needed to wash the remnants of last night’s session from her body finishing quickly. Leaving the queen asleep on the floor of the bathing chamber, she proceeded to finish readying herself for the day. There was much to do.
Alarica sent for her queen as soon as her daughter’s caretaker arrived. She had told the servants to ready the queen quickly. Though tardiness from the queen was not unheard of, one of the duties of being queen was that of a model of behavior to be followed by everyone. Repeatedly they had this discussion. Always an excuse was given for the reason for her tardiness. They would have this discussion, again, tonight.
Queen Melisandra finally entered with a satisfied smile upon her face. The queen excused her tardiness by stating that she did not want the wonderful sensations from last night’s lovemaking to end. She entered slowly knowing that since everyone had left; her sovereign would be receptive to tender caresses. The queen’s plans fell through as Alarica turned around to clear the goblets that were left behind, leaving the queen’s arms empty.
Alarica needed the necessary distraction of clearing away the goblets. When Alarica felt she was ready, she addressed her queen, "I am happy that someone found last night was satisfying." Loud voices were heard coming from the antechamber as our sovereign addressed her queen. The queen’s behavior needed to change as well as the report of preparations being made for final departure.
A servant had come to clear the goblets, instead, finding them placed on a tray on the center table. Alarica saw the servant leave as she had picked up the final report. She found everything to her satisfaction finally, everything coming together as they should. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, relaxing as she felt the cool breeze blow through the window and smelling the flora mingling in the breeze.
It had been a long day and our sovereign sought something to release the frustrations of the day. She readied herself for the practice fields to fight an invisible foe. Lady Leonessa sought something to release her frustrations of the day as well. She saw her daughter in the practice fields and immediately knew how to release those frustrations. As Sovereign Alarica came down for a strike, it was suddenly blocked. There was only one person who knew how to block that move.
"Does mother want to play with me?" Alarica asked with laughter in her voice.
"Yes daughter, mother wants to play. Shall we?" Leonessa said as she came into position.
They spent time sparring in the practice fields. To see them sparring would remind anyone of the days of old as Lady Leonessa taught her young daughter how to handle a weapon. Lady Leonessa landed on the ground, flat on her back marking the end of the session. She started laughing. "Now I know I am getting old. My own daughter bested me in a sparring match, a match that I used to win time and again."
Alarica was still stunned but relieved to see her mother laughing. "Mother you are not old. You simply let me win."
"Alarica let us face facts, shall we? I am getting old. I wear the colors as well as show the signs of an aging woman. Help me up will you?"
"Mother, you may look old, but you are far from being old," Alarica said as she helped her mother off the ground.
Finding and swallowing the necessary herbal remedy to cure the headache and stomachache she was feeling with the thought of finding Councilor Ernestine, Alarica had to be certain that her advisor was making the necessary preparations. She expected to find Ernestine in the archives studying American History. Instead, Alarica found Ernestine napping in her chambers. Alarica poured herself a goblet and poured it over Ernestine’s face. Ernestine woke up from her nap furious that someone would do such a thing and threatened to call a guard to shackle them. She had fallen back asleep only to find herself suddenly awakened with the whispers of her sovereign telling her that "if you do not start preparing yourself now you would find yourself in America all alone for an entire year before anyone else arrives." Not willing to risk the punishment for challenging the statement, Ernestine immediately woke up and headed straight to the archives to read about American History. Alarica would not believe it if she did not see it for herself that Councilor Ernestine was indeed capable of moving so quickly. Will wonders never cease?
Now came her favorite part of the day—spending time with her daughter. Upon seeing her sovereign approach, Claryvorra’s caretaker had given her sovereign a briefing of the day’s activities thus far. Taking her daughter’s hand, they walked toward the sovereign’s laboratory to teach her daughter about healing remedies. They enjoyed their time together. Alarica dreaded the day that her daughter would turn sixteen years old. The next in the royal line were sent to the Sage’s Mountain to continue their education at that age. Family members gave their heart and soul to them and the sages gave their wisdom to them. The consolation was that the princess still had a long time to go before she was sent away as was done to the sovereigns of the past.
Alarica would teach her daughter healing secrets; the caretaker would teach her history, philosophy, mathematics, language, and literature; Lady Leonessa would teach her the warrior arts; and Queen Melisandra would teach her social responsibilities and etiquette. This encompassed the princess’s daily activities. The princess excelled at all of them.
After her session with her daughter, she left the palace to stroll the grounds. Left to her own thoughts, Odette’s betrayal came to mind. Alarica believed that she had found her heart, her soul in Odette. She resembled the woman in her dreams. The sovereign found her companion, but it was not to be. Odette had been using the portal without consent. She had been exploring the outside world. During her explorations, she fell in love. Odette was to leave a note to her sovereign, gather her meager belongings, and live happily with her newfound love. A passing guard had seen the companion pass through the portal and had immediately reported it to the sovereign. The sovereign waited beside the portal to shackle Odette immediately upon arrival. All of Odette’s memories were scanned and all had been revealed. She was guilty of betrayal and the sentence was complete erasure of memory to be executed immediately and banished forever. During the time of war, treason was punishable by death. Complete erasure of memory and banishment was the alternative. The sovereign had not found a replacement, nor did she ever see a replacement for her companion. The betrayal hurt her deeply and she did not wish to be hurt like that again.