Elemental Queen: Reign

Chapter Five

Galen’s POV

This is insane. I can’t believe what has happened since this morning. I’m in another world. I was shown my room, which is almost as big as an apartment. Jared knocked on my door as I explored this room. “Come with us, we’re going to go for a run.” He demanded as Luke was standing behind him. I felt a little intimidated at the authority Jared exuded. All of them seemed to exude, especially Zariah. She is gorgeous now, all grown up. Zariah and all her sisters are gorgeous if I was being honest with myself. I can only assume the sisters I haven’t met are just as gorgeous.

I had fallen in step behind Queen Hayze. Luke, Jared and Xander fell in step behind the other queens. The castle grounds we were running past were beautiful. I did spot where there appeared to be guards in places spaced around the borders. I can see how if I don’t pay attention I can easily get lost in the castle and on the property. There are so many rooms and floors. Outside there are many courtyards spread across the property.

“Come with us.” Xander commanded me. I followed him to one of the courtyards in the back after we stopped the run. Jared had followed Queen Mistral. I think I may have to rethink what I have been thinking because I get the feeling Queen Mistral wasn’t lying about how powerful she is, as well as her sisters. Zariah alone feels like she screams power. Everyone does the longer I am in their presence. I feel like I am weaker than a kitten in their scale of power. The kings I had met, Luke, and a woman were standing in the courtyard. Xander led me to. The woman looked like the kings. I think she is their mother.

“This is Gliss King Kayne and King Kalan’s mother. “Change.” Xander commanded them. “How can you command them? They are kings.” I asked, perplexed. They were all stripping their clothes off and four wolves stood in their places. King Kayne’s wolf was intimidating. He was huge. “They follow my lead because I am their king. I am king of the werewolves, but I guess I should extend that to being king of all shifters. Kayne is the third most powerful of us.” Xander explained.

“Third most powerful?” I questioned. “Yes, we all only answer to the one who is the most powerful of us all. We don’t know what you will be, but you will not be able to resist her and will want to do everything to protect her.” Xander told me. “Gliss?” I asked as I looked at her wolf. She wasn’t very big. Xander laughed. “No, Queen Zariah rules over us. She is queen of werewolves and shifters, but she does not shift into anything. In our world of shifters, no one is more powerful than the queen, which includes me,” Xander explained.

“How can that be? Why would she rule over you if she doesn’t shift herself?” I asked. “Because before she became the high queen of all Zare, she had the queen of Eraz’s soul as a part of her. Earth was once known as Eraz so long ago. Jewel was the queen of all Earth. Zariah has reincarnated with Jewel’s soul just as I have reincarnated with Jewel’s husband and king soul of Deyax. Kayne is our reincarnated son called Jett. Your whole world is going to change faster than you think. More than has already today. You need to be ready for it. We will help you through it, all of us. We will teach you as best we can, because we don’t know what you’ll be. We will train you to be the best and strongest you can be for a warrior. If you prove yourself worthy to Zariah, she will probably reward you. Mind you, she can take everything away from you too.”

“I am going to change into Deyax. He is intimidating, so be prepared.” Xander told me. He removed his clothes, and, in a blink, a humungous red wolf was standing in his place. Like bright red. He exuded power more so than King Kayne’s wolf. I did feel like a part of me wanted to bow to him. In a moment, they had changed back into their human forms and dressed quickly. “Come on let’s go get some lunch,” Luke said.

I followed them. We eventually entered a massive hall with tables lined all throughout it. There were floor to ceiling windows on one side of the room letting a lot of natural light inside. I was guided to sit where the brothers’ parents and Gavin’s parents were sitting. I watched as the queens and kings took their places at the table at the head of the room. There was a double highchair between Zariah and her husband’s chairs with a baby boy and girl that looked a lot like the two of them.

I watched as everyone filled their glasses with water from the many pitchers of water placed around the tables. I took the pitcher and filled my glass. I took a sip and immediately had to take a second sip. It was so delicious. I can only imagine if Earth had water as pure and delicious as this. It would probably solve a lot of problems. I gulped down my entire glass and poured myself some more. When I had finished, trays of food were placed in front of us. There were fruits and vegetables, a few I didn’t recognize. Trays of different soups were set out along with everything to make different types of sandwiches to our preference. I haven’t seen food looking this good even during holidays in the mess halls on base.

I filled my plate with my selections. I started eating fast. “Galen.” I heard immediately. I looked up to see who called my name. “You don’t have to eat fast. Take your time. There is plenty of food to eat as much as you would like.” Zariah ordered me. I finished my bite of food and swallowed. “I’m sorry. I am used to eating fast.” I apologized. “I understand, but just remember you have time. Kalan and Luke will talk with you after lunch. They’ll explain things better to you. Feel free to ask any one of us if you need help.” She told me. “Thank you, your majesty.” I answered her.

I had a crash course in this new world for the rest of the day after lunch yesterday. It is complicated, but kind of simple too. I know there are still things I will need to learn. There have been so many people arriving today since after breakfast. Everyone is buzzing about the Halloween dance tonight. I pulled out my dress uniform so it could air out this morning. I decided to go for a run after lunch for something to do. I was joined by Jared. “How are you doing man?” He asked. “I’m, well I am sure you know. You have been in my place before.” I answered him. “Yeah,” he replied.

“Is there something different about you? It seems like you, if possible are happier since yesterday,” I queried. “I’m great. More than great.” He replied. I glanced at him, and I saw it. “So, you went off and played hide and seek in between the sheets with Queen Mistral, didn’t you? You couldn’t wait until you went to bed. I mean, come on, it wasn’t like you hadn’t slept with her before.” I commented. He looked at me. “Are you telling me that you have been dating her for how long?” “Months.” “Months. And neither one of you has done anything?” I asked.

“Were you told about the sisters and what they endured?” He asked. I nodded. “They all have had issues with being intimate. They were kept prisoner since they were kids and babies. Their parents were mostly kept from them. They have all had to work through their fears of intimacy and we have had to move at their pace. Honestly, I don’t care I’ve had to wait. She has let me do other things with her before now. She just had to figure it out for herself when she was ready. I can say this, though, I have never felt this way about any woman ever in my life and she is worth it. They are all worth it.” He told me.

“Aren’t they a little too spoiled and domineering? I get they are queens, but you will have to walk in her shadow for the rest of your life if you marry her.” I said. “No, they aren’t spoiled or domineering. They have fought hard for all they have achieved. They don’t ask anyone to do anything they are not willing to do themselves. They treat everyone with dignity and respect. I am lucky Mistral gave me a chance. It took us a while to connect on a relationship level. We sort of became friends at first. Now that she is mine, though, that is how it will remain. I just wish I could study here and not have to be apart from her for even one day.” He commented.

I pondered what he just told me as we ran in silence for a while. I can’t imagine connecting with someone that you never wanted to be apart from. There was and still is a part of me that always had the mentality that if the marines wanted me to have a wife, they would have given me one. Now that I am no longer in the marines, I guess I have to adjust to the fact and ask myself whether or not I want a woman in my life, let alone a wife and possibly children eventually.

“Bring your stuff to Kayne’s room when you go in. The sisters will ready themselves in Zariah and Caedan’s room. We tend to prepare ourselves in whatever room we are told. This time it will be Kayne’s as it usually is, but sometimes its different.” Jared informed me. I nodded. “I’m about to go see if they need any more help before everyone really gets ready for tonight. I can have someone come join you if you would like.” He offered. “Nah, I’m going to head in and take a shower, or bath, whatever it is called here.” I replied. He nodded and we both headed for the closest door that led inside.

I made my way to my room. The castle was full of people now. I still think more are arriving as I saw some being guided to rooms. I closed my door and made my way to the washing room as I was told they called it. I had cleaned up quickly this morning, but I felt like I was in need of a soak to clear my head some. The water felt so good as I sank into the water. It was the right amount of heat that relaxed my muscles. I even liked the smell of the purple bar of soap. I got out and dried off. I made my way into my room to get some clothes on before heading to King Kayne’s room.

“Oh wow.” I heard. I turned towards the door and there were two females standing in my room with the door wide open. I took the towel from around my neck and quickly wrapped it around my waist. “What are you doing?” Queen Hayze started to say from the doorway just behind the women. I think she was talking to the women before she noticed me. She was glaring at me. “This isn’t your room. I told you to wait for me.” She scolded the women. “Next time maybe remember to lock your door.” She scolded me as well. I swear she looked me up and down before ushering the women out of my room. I thought I would feel exposed, but I didn’t.

I went into the closet and grabbed some sweats and a t-shirt that I could toss on. I went into the bathroom and shaved my face and brushed my teeth. I put on some deodorant and added some cologne. I finished off with brushing my hair. It is still very short because I had it shaved not long ago before getting out of the marines. I wonder if I will keep it short or let it grow. I used to have enough hair that I could tuck behind my ears in school. I figured I would just feel it out with how long I wanted my hair to be. I collected my dress uniform and shoes and made my way out of my room.

I knocked on King Kayne’s door. It opened to the beautiful sister with fire-looking hair. I stared. She was very pregnant. “Queen Kindra?” I asked. I wasn’t sure if I had all the sisters’ names down pat just yet. She smiled. “Come on in. I was just about to leave.” She said as she ushered me into the room. King Kayne was standing near a bureau. “Don’t forget your crown love.” He told her as he handed her a ruby crown and she picked up her dress and shoes from the bed. “Thanks.” She said and he leaned down to kiss her and then bent to kiss her stomach. She grinned when he did that. I moved to open the door for her as her hands were full. “Thanks,” She said as she made her way out of the room. King Kalan was standing there with Luke. They came in after she cleared the doorway.

Soon all the guys were in the room. We all proceeded to get dressed. I didn’t think it would be much to do to dress, but it was nice to have other eyes to work things out if there was a bad seam, or wrinkle, or anything out of place. I was really grateful to Luke. My ribbons from my awards and accomplishments in the marines had come loose and shifted when I put my jacket on. He knows how it should look. I know I could have just taken them off, but I am proud of what I accomplished. I don’t care that we are in another world. I will wear my honors for all to see. I did remove my name tag though. I didn’t want anyone here calling me Mitchell, thinking that was my first name and not my last name.

I followed them when we finished dressing. The queens stepped out of Zariah’s room and my mouth dropped. All of them were stunning. There isn’t a man on Earth that wouldn’t throw themselves at their feet just to have them acknowledge them. We made our way into the throne room. I sat at the table with Jared’s parents and Gavin’s parents. Gliss and what I learned was her husband, Thorne sat there as well. There were food tables lined around the side and edge of the room. Near the food tables was a huge fountain where the water kept changing color. There were Halloween decorations all around, but a little more sophisticated looking.

Zariah stood. “Can I have everyone’s attention?” She asked and the room quieted quickly, and all eyes were on her. “I wanted to say welcome to the Halloween Dance hosted by Gradia Kingdom normally. I really hope everyone enjoys themselves. Eat, drink, dance, and have fun. Please also help me to say happy birthday to my husband, King Caedan.” She addressed the room. Happy birthdays were shouted from all over. King Caedan stood. “Thank you all. Like Queen Zariah said, let’s have some fun tonight.” He declared. Cheers went up around the room.

More couples joined our table. I learned that the sisters’ parents, both sets of their grandparents, and Caedan’s mother, Queen Valeria, had joined our table. Queen Valeria sat next to me. “I’m Queen Valeria Caedan’s mom.” She introduced herself as she took her seat. “Galen Mitchell. I am a friend of the brothers, Prince Gavin, and Queen Zariah. I went to school with them.” I introduced myself. “How wonderful,” She commented. She leaned into me. “Did you happen to learn how to play cards on Earth?” She asked. “What do you mean?” I asked. “Do you know how to play poker?” She asked. I laughed. “Yeah, it was learn it or being bored out of my mind on some of my deployments.” I answered her. “Fantastic. Would you consider playing a game with me?” She asked.

“I don’t have any money with me.” I replied. “You don’t need money. We can bet treats or candy. We may be able to convince Zariah to join us. She has still been learning and understands enough to play efficiently.” Queen Valeria informed me. “Do you want to play now?” I asked. “No, no. Enjoy the party first. Come, let’s get some food.” She said as she stood, and I reacted and tried to pull her chair out for her. She smiled at me. I followed her to the tables of food, and we grabbed a plate each. When we had finished, she guided me to the fountain. “This is Gradia ale. It is really strong, though it won’t seem strong.” She explained as she dipped a glass into the fountain. She got a blue that matched her hair sort of. I picked up a glass and got an orange color. I guess it really matched the theme of Halloween. I chuckled on the inside.

I noticed glass pitchers had been placed on the tables of the Gradia ale and the colors still continued to change in the pitchers. It was rather cool to look at. I ate and chatted with Queen Valeria. She seemed to know enough about Earth that I didn’t feel so awkward talking with her. She had excused herself briefly and she returned with Zariah’s son. “Have you met Prince Ziran yet?” She asked. I shook my head. “I’m so happy Zariah brought me back from the afterlife so I can be with my son and my grandchildren.” She commented as she smiled down at Prince Ziran, and he grinned back up at her.

“Wait what?!” I exclaimed. Queen Valeria laughed. “I’ll tell you another time if you would like to hear my story.” She said. I nodded. She bounced Prince Ziran on her lap and made faces and he grinned and he grabbed at her mouth several times. She got him laughing and it was cute. Everyone at our table was laughing at his laughter. It was infectious. “Do you want to go see your grandpa?” She asked him. He made a noise like he was answering her. King Blaize, who was seated next to Queen Valeria’s right side, grinned as he took Prince Ziran in his hands. If Queen Valeria had him laughing, King Blaize had him really laughing. Queen Valeria left again and returned with his sister. “This is Princess Krianna.” She introduced me to her.

The twins were passed around the table. I had finished eating and drank the ale and poured myself another full glass. I got red this time. Music began playing and many made their way to the dance floor. “Would you do this old woman the honor of dancing with her?” She asked me. I looked at her incredulously. Old she definitely wasn’t. She was a real beauty. “You’re not old.” I blurted out. She chuckled. “I really am much older than you think. I will be sixty-one next month.” She said. “You’re joking, right?” I retorted. “Nope. We live to be hundreds of years old here. I may look as if I am in my forties, but that is just how aging works here. Some look older the older they get, but in general we look roughly in our forties.” She explained. “So, about that dance?” She pressed.

I stood and offered her my hand. I helped to pull her chair out for her. I was surprised a little that the music playing was what could be listened to on Earth. I led her to the dance floor, and we began to dance. She was really good at dancing. I was smiling at her as she was grinning. Soon King Caedan interrupted us. “May I cut in and dance with my mother?” He asked. I nodded. Zariah moved into Queen Valeria’s place and began dancing with me. “Are you having fun?” She asked. “Yeah, I am so far.” I replied. “Enjoy yourself because tomorrow night we will find out what you are.” She commented. I had forgotten about tomorrow. “Are you nervous?” She asked. “Yeah, probably a little bit. I hear you will be my queen regardless of what I change into,” I responded. She nodded her head.

The dance floor filled up quickly. I was dancing with most of the sisters as they passed between us. I was currently dancing with Queen Avala. I noticed Queen Aquara and Queen Kindra left the dance floor along with Queen Zariah. They looked to be sitting down to rest and Queen Zariah was kissing her twins as her parents left the throne room with them. She joined us again after. I took a break and got myself a drink of the ale. I moved to the table of food to look at what was available for treats or dessert. I made a few selections and sat back down at the table by myself.

The women who came into my room after I soaked in my bath approached me. They both smiled. “I’m Ailey and this is Alani. We are so sorry for invading your room earlier.” Ailey apologized. “It was no trouble,” I replied. They smiled. “Can we make it up to you and ask you to dance with us?” They asked. I was about to open my mouth. “No.” I heard sternly behind me. I turned my head to see Queen Hayze standing there. “We just want to dance with him,” Alani responded. “You can’t. He promised to dance with me,” Queen Hayze declared. I hadn’t, but I wasn’t going to go against her. “I’m sorry,” I said. They frowned. “Maybe we could dance with you later.” Ailey offered. “No, he won’t be available.” Queen Hayze answered them. They looked like they wanted to refute her when Queen Hayze leaned over and kissed me.

“Let’s go.” She said when she finally broke the kiss and Ailey and Alani had left. “What was that?” I asked when I got to my feet. “Trust me you don’t want to be involved with them.” Queen Hayze said. “Why not?” I asked. “Do you have women on Earth that throw themselves at any man?” Hayze asked. “You know we do you witnessed it at the club.” I replied annoyed. “Yes of course. Well, they are both very loose. They are only trying to dance with you so you would have s*x with them.” She answered me. “Uh, I kind of got that.” I said. “You wanted to have s*x with them?” She asked dumbfounded. “Maybe I did, maybe I didn’t.” I replied. “You do realize they only wanted to have s*x with you because you were dancing with us and have been sitting with our parents and grandparents. They probably wanted to gain status through you. I should know they are from my kingdom, and they have tried this before.” She explained.

“I have condoms. I can have s*x with them without getting them pregnant. Also, what status will they gain when I have none?” I snapped at her. I regret saying that. Queen Hayze flinched. “You are right. I had no right to interfere with your business. Forgive me.” She said and walked away. “F*ck.” I uttered. I sat back down for a minute to try to comprehend what just happened. I couldn’t concentrate because all I could see was the look of hurt on Queen Hayze’s face. Then thinking of her kiss which I could still taste her on my lips had me twisted in knots. I had to keep reminding myself we were in a crowded place, and she was a queen as she kissed me. Now all I can think of is wanting to pull Queen Hayze away from this party and back to my room.

I decided to just leave the party. I made my way to my room. I went in and locked the door behind me. I stripped down to my boxers and climbed into bed. I closed my eyes, but that didn’t help. All I imagined was Queen Hayze naked before me and all I could taste was her on my lips. I was so hard. I grasped myself and began to stroke myself as I thought about Queen Hayze and all I wanted to do with her now. I started to groan out loud as I imagined her wrapping her pretty lips around me. There was a knock on the door. I froze. “I think he is in here. I saw him leave Alani.” I heard Ailey’s voice come through the door. “Well, if he hasn’t returned, we can go in and give him a treat for when he does arrive.” Alani said. Just then the door handle jiggled.

They knocked louder. I didn’t respond. They jiggled the door handle and knocked again. “Maybe he’s asleep?” “Maybe he is in the washing room. I would wash after that horrid kiss Queen Hayze gave him. He looked like he was in pain.” I wasn’t sure which one of them was making those comments, but I was getting angry. My erection went away quickly listening to them. They tried to get my attention once more before leaving my door. At least I thought they had left, as I no longer heard them knocking or jiggling my door handle. I know one thing is for sure. I need to find a way to apologize to Queen Hayze for my reaction to her interference. She really was just trying to help me out. I can’t believe I was so rude to her now.

I rolled over and stared at the windows in my room. I keep f*cking up no matter how hard I try to normalize my life. The marines made sense. Being a civilian doesn’t make sense to me. I have to remind myself I used to be one and I would just have to remind myself of how to live in the civilian world again. I was able to force myself to fall asleep due to years of training, needing to sleep in some awful places and conditions.