Elemental Queen: Fate of the Fire Queen

Chapter Two

Kindra’s POV

It is amazing here on Earth. We arrived early this morning at Prince Xander’s home and where Zariah lived most of the time. Xander’s parents are lovely people. Zariah had us bring our mats if we all stayed in his house because it wasn’t a big house. Zariah said she would get hotel rooms for us if we wanted, but we chose to just stay in Xander’s home. I like the couch and soft chairs he has in the living room. I like what things are called here. I’m going to ask Zariah that we get some of the furniture of the couch and chairs because it is far more comfortable, and we all seem to like them.

Zariah, Xander, Lily, and Alex have been explaining a little more about how to use things in the home. I can understand why Zariah wants to add private washing rooms to all our rooms. They showed us in smaller groups how to have a shower or a bath, as they called it. How to use the toilet only because after we use it, we need to flush it and that we don’t have cloths to clean ourselves. It is something called toilet paper that we just flush down after our use. There is also a small sink where we can wash our hands. I do think that the washing tubs on Zare are fine, but if individual ones are put in our rooms, they do need to be a bit bigger than the shower and tub here on Earth.

King Jarrett plans to draw up the bathroom, as they call it, to help with the changes back on Zare. We have also been shown how the kitchen works. They have a thing that makes coffee and Dusk is really interested in it. Zariah said we will probably be eating out or having food delivered to the house, so no one has to cook much or what not. This is largely due to her wanting us to experience the different types of food they have here. We won’t get to try all of it because we only have a few days, but the more the merrier. Zariah and Caedan are going to stay in her van, and the rest of us are splitting Xander’s room and the living room floor to lay our mats out on to sleep. Kayne and I chose the living room.

After they showed us the basics, Zariah, Caedan, Xander, and Alex left to go to some place where they can borrow transportation for us for the days we are here called cars. Zariah said many things are too far to walk to and we need to get to places quickly to utilize our time here better. She also said she needs to go to a place called a bank to get Earth money to purchase things in this shopping spree. Zariah explained as much as she could about human life on Earth, so we, hopefully, don’t say anything that is too outlandish. We are all to just refer to ourselves by our names only. Xander and her explained how to use money called cash and coins. She says we should have either Xander, Lily, Alex, Caedan, or her with us when we purchase things for ourselves that way if we need more money, they can use what she calls a card to make an electronic purchase. I guess it connects to this bank place and to Zariah’s money.

I know Caedan is going to change some gems, stones, gold, and silver too for money and Zariah is going to help since she has the identification, of Earth. While we’re waiting, Lily has been talking with us getting the story of what happened. She has also been showing us how to use the television to watch things. I liked what we watched on Zariah’s laptop when we first met. I didn’t know they had much bigger things to view the things on. I think Zariah plans to purchase many things to watch, read, and music that she can share with all of Zare. She’s calling them digital libraries. She also told us that if we want to contact each other in whatever groups, we separate into with her cellphone because Xander has one and so does Lily and Alex.

Zariah said we are going to be busy today and the first place we are going to visit is a place called the mall where it has many stores with clothing and other things that we can look through and finally buy our own clothes that she has let us borrow. She says there are more items than what she has, with shoes, clothes, hats, jewelry, and so on. Zariah plans to take us females to do the clothing shopping with Lily’s help, and Xander, Caedan, and Alex will help the guys with clothing as well as other guy things I guess they called it. I hope to get a shirt or jacket like Zariah’s, which she calls a hoodie. It is comfortable and I like the pocket, as she calls it, at the front. She says some items of clothes can have small pockets, like her jeans pants she calls them.

“Wow.” I said out loud when we got to the building, which is called a mall. It was fun experiencing the car transportation. It was really fast. Not as fast as a pegasus, but still fast. Zariah and Xander got cars called SUVs because they are bigger and can hold more of us in each than a normal sized car. Lily and Alex came in Xander’s car, and it is quite small. Zariah controlled the SUV I was in. Caedan, Kayne, Aquara, Jarrett, Lumina and I were in Zariah’s SUV. The rest went in Xander’s SUV. Zariah played music on the radio, and it could be heard throughout the SUV. She said there were speakers that carried the sound from the radio to spread all through the SUV. She showed all of us how to use the safety belts called seat belts to help prevent injury if an accident occurs.

“Okay guys, remember to stay with Xander, Lily, Alex, or me. Don’t tell anyone where you’re from or that you are royalty. Just say you are from overseas if someone asks where you are from. You could even say Europe, and if they press more, let one of us handle it. I gave you each some money to make personal purchases, but all the major purchases I will make or one of us. I got cards for Lily and Alex this morning connected to my bank account where most of my money is, because it is not good to have too much cash on oneself. We have a couple of hours before lunch time, so we can all meet at the food court for lunch by the indoor fountain. Then you can experience some of the different foods as they have many food places to choose from. Tonight, I think we will order pizza, so please don’t choose that at lunch. It will be an option of the food places. Okay, so let’s head in and we’ll split up. Whatever first store that attracts all of your attention or first two because Lily and I can, separate with you, we will shop in, but there are many stores.” Zariah explained.

We went inside. The doors slid open before we actually got to them. Zariah did say things run on electricity here for power. Zariah kissed Caedan really quickly and then we followed her. I was walking beside Zariah. “This is amazing!” I said. “Yeah, I normally can’t shop here as things can be pricey, but now that I finally have my settlement from our accident, I want to spoil all of you and the people on Zare, especially for Christmas.” She said. She was right. There were many stores, and many people. They were staring at us, but Zariah said we would stand out some and to just pretend not to notice the stares. We came to a store that had clothes being shown in the front near the store’s door. I loved the bright signs over the different stores.

We had stopped and were looking in. “Do you guys want to look in this store?” Zariah asked. We all nodded. “Okay, come on. Ask Lily or me if you need help understanding what size to get. Remember they have things called dressing rooms that allow you to try the clothes on first to see if they fit, if you like how they look on you, and such. You cannot, however, remove the tags. These things off the clothing until we purchase it if you want them. So, be careful trying on the clothes.” Zariah explained. I went straight for this spot that had many red shirts. I picked it up. Zariah explained a hanger to us so we would know what to do.

Stowne was close to me looking at, other shirts. “What do you think, Stowne?” I asked as I held up the shirt I was holding. “That is pretty and looking at you holding it in front of you I think you would look beautiful in it.” She replied. I put the shirt closer to my chest and looked down. “Hey, I think that if we hold the shirts and things close to us it may help to get an idea what size to pick and try on.” I said to Stowne. “See.” I said. She put the shirt she was holding close to her. It looked a little bigger, but Zariah said that sometimes clothes shrink once washed, so to buy slightly bigger to allow for that shrinking.

I could hear all of my sister’s excitement as they were choosing clothes. Lily and Zariah were helping all of us. They were even grabbing a few items of clothes and holding them up to my sisters like I had. The women workers approached Zariah, Aquara, and Hayze. “Can I help you?” The woman with a tag on her shirt that said Jenny asked. “Yeah, Jenny, this is my sister's first visit to America and they are looking to get new clothes. When they have chosen what they want and tried them on, please just let me or Lily know, and we will pay for it.” Zariah said as she had pointed to Lily when she said her name. “So, you know we are probably going to be spending a lot of money sorry to put you to work this much.” Zariah apologized.

“Honey, please, we welcome it. I have two kids at home, and we get a commission on everything you buy. You are like a dream. I was worried about making enough for Christmas presents for my kids and this will help.” Jenny replied. “Well, Jenny, I’m going to have my sisters bring their clothes choices back and then we can have them try on in pairs since you only have the two dressing rooms. Please don’t tell them something fits well or looks good when it doesn’t suit them. Be honest, trust me, you will make a sale, but maybe on something else that may or may not be the same price, whether more or less.” Zariah told Jenny.

I found so many things to try on. A lot of them had red in them, but I think it will look good with my hair. I didn’t get everything in red though. I went back first with Stowne to try the clothes on. The other worker woman’s tag said she was called Dawn. I put on the first shirt I found and some black jeans I found. The shirt was a little loose, but I liked that and hope it doesn’t shrink too much. The jeans were a little less loose. I was looking at my reflection in the room. It had mirrors all around to see everything. “Kindra come out and let me see,” Zariah requested.

I stepped out and she looked at this first choice of clothing. “Turn for me please. I want to see the fit all around?” She asked. I turned for her. “What do you think?” I asked. “I think it looks amazing on you, but the shirt is a little looser than it needs to be. I think we need to get a bracelet too that would compliment your look.” She said. “I like the shirt with how loose it is,” I said. “Okay, just keep in mind not all shirts will fit as loose as this, but this will give you an idea what size to choose in other tops. I think the jeans are perfect, but they are the same principle as the tops. Not all will fit the same.” She explained.

“I think a red belt will also make the outfit fabulous. Let me go get her one.” Jenny said. Jenny walked to the side of the store where these long thin items were. She spun them around and then selected a red colored one and came back over. “Here, it has a little sparkle that will make your outfit pop, but not too much to make it look gaudy.” Jenny said as she handed me, I guess the belt. Zariah took it from my hand and began putting it through these little loops at the top of the jeans. She closed it in my front, and I looked in the mirror out here. I really liked it and smiled broadly.

Zariah helped Stowne with her outfit while I went to put something different on. Zariah told me to just bring those clothes I was just wearing out next time and she’d set them aside to be purchased. I tried on about four more clothing combinations. I didn’t like my shirt for my third change. It looked pretty on the hanger, but it wasn’t working with me, and Jenny and Zariah agreed. Jenny went and brought me two different shirts to see which I liked more, but I liked both of them and how they looked.

Once I was done, I put back on the clothes I was wearing when we came to the mall and went out to help look at what the rest of my sisters were trying on. It felt like we were in the store forever, but it was only a little over an hour. We left with our arms full of bags of clothes. Zariah wanted us to have our own bags with our items, so it was easier. Jenny and Dawn were very happy. Zariah spent over three thousand in money. She even gave each of them four hundred as a tip for helping us out. They were so happy and excited. Jenny couldn’t thank Zariah enough for the tip. Zariah told her to make sure her kids had a happy Christmas. Jenny promised they would.

The next store we went into didn’t have clothes, but Zariah said it was lotions and sprays that smelled nice and were for our skin and body. She was right. They all smelled amazing. She decided to just buy one of each kind because she'd have them duplicated and we could use them to keep our skin moist, bath with, and such. She said she’d show us what to use each for when we got back to Xander’s home. The bags were getting full. We still had twenty minutes before we were going to meet at the food court. We stopped in front of a store that said maternity and Zariah looked in almost longingly.

“What does maternity mean?” Mistral asked. “It means it is clothes for women who are going to have babies,” Lily explained. “Zariah, you should go in and pick a few items.” Avala said. “Are you sure? This is supposed to be more about clothes for you all.” She asked. I took her left arm and pulled her into the store. “You want to get different sized items that increase in size for her to allow for when her belly grows.” Lily told us. “What size should we look at to start?” I asked. Zariah told us and we spread out to pick items we thought would look really good on her. She tried on some items and if she really liked the item, we got a couple of bigger sizes for her. She is going to look amazing the further along she is with her pregnancy in the clothes she chose.

It was about five minutes before we were going to meet at the food court, so we went that way now. I saw, as well as my sisters, some more stores we wanted to shop in after we ate. Our arms were full of bags. We saw the men by the fountain. They came over and took some of the bags from us. “Wow, you guys have gotten a lot,” Caedan said. “Yeah, I was thinking maybe Alex could bring the bags home for us in one of the suvs so we don’t have to carry them with the rest of the shopping that we will do.” Zariah said to him. “Would you mind doing that Alex? After we eat, of course,” Zariah asked. “I can do it now. I came early to the food court and already had something to eat. This way I can go and be back probably by the time you all finish eating,” Alex said. “Thanks.” Zariah said. “Here, we can carry the bags out and you and your sisters can start to choose what to eat.” Caedan said. The men nodded and took our bags and the ones they had.

“Okay, then let’s look at what to eat. I will try to explain what something is if you are unsure. Keep in mind some things can be spicy which is very hot on the tongue. I’m not saying don’t try them, but don’t panic if you don’t like the spicy flavor, you can try something else.” Zariah explained. I looked around at the different foods, especially the pictures above the food places. I saw one that said pizza and Zariah said that is what we would be eating for dinner. It looks like it will be awesome to try.

I was still looking when I felt someone put their arms around me from behind. It startled me, but I looked down and saw Kayne’s arms. I turned and kissed him really quickly and gave him a hug back. “How was your shopping?” Kayne asked. “Good. I really like some of the clothes Zariah got me. We made her buy clothes that would allow for her baby. She is going to look amazing.” I told him. “That is good she needs new clothes. What she has now is nice, but she has less because she shares it all with you and your sisters. She doesn’t mind, but she needs stuff for herself. I think that is why she wanted to take you all shopping too, so you can choose things that fit you all better.” He said. “Yeah, I’m still looking for a hoodie like hers. I hope I can find it after we eat. So, did you find clothes you like?” I asked.

“Yes, and I will show you when we go back to Xander’s home,” he said as he kissed me gently again. I smiled. “Alright, so that is pizza and what we can’t have right now. I am looking at getting this, which is called fried rice, or a cheeseburger and fries as I’ve heard many people order it call them.” I said, as I pointed to what I was deciding on. “Zariah says we have to order drinks too. I want to try a soda as she told us about before we came to Earth.” I said. “How about you get one and I will get the other and we can share and try both?” Kayne suggested. “Yes, let’s do that.” I replied. We stood in line as Zariah and Xander told us, waiting to ask for the food.

I got the cheeseburger and fries. I also got something called cola soda. Kayne got the fried rice and a cola soda too. We took our trays of food and saw where some of my sisters were sitting at tables and starting to eat the choices they made. We made our way over there. I sat next to Lumina and Kayne sat next to me. Zariah brought her tray of food. Well, Caedan was carrying her tray for her. “I need to use the bathroom to relieve myself before I eat. If anyone else needs to, I can take them to the bathroom. There are plenty of stalls to use.” She said. Aquara, Stowne, Hayze, and Dusk went with her. Caedan set their tray down and followed. I know he doesn’t want her left unprotected. Sure, we can all defend ourselves, but I know he’s very protective of her because of the baby. He is so happy she is going to have his baby, and he doesn’t want her to exert herself in anyway to defend herself from attack. Zariah warned us of the attacks that could happen and how we have to show restraint and only defend, not attack and definitely not use our magic.

I unwrapped the cheeseburger as I had seen others eating them do. I took a bite. This is amazing. I wonder if Zariah knows how to make them. She probably does and is seeing what we like so she can add them to the menu she wants to start. I tried a fry next, and it was so good I stuffed a couple more in my mouth. I looked at Kayne and grinned as I had the fries still sticking out of my mouth a little. He laughed. I picked up a fry and held it out for him to try. He got the look I probably had on my face, and he stuffed a couple more in his mouth. I giggled at that. “Try dipping your fries in ketchup.” Xander told us. Xander squeezed a red sort of liquid onto my cheeseburger wrapper from a tiny pouch thing. He took a fry from his food and dipped the tip in to the red stuff and then ate it. We followed suit. It was delicious.

Kayne and I ate from each other’s food. It was all so good. I even liked the cola soda, but I don’t think I want it all the time. I said as much and Xander agreed that it was probably not a good idea to have too much soda. Zariah and Xander had warned us to not drink water here unless they said it was okay. They said the drinking water is usually very dirty from humans contaminating the water. That is sad. Xander told us how to take care of the wrappers and things that were not edible from our food into a trash can, but not to throw away the tray. Kayne took care of it and Lumina and I were just sitting there looking around.

“Wow, look at their hair. We’re going to need sunglasses if we continue to sit too close to them.” I heard from the side and behind my right shoulder. I turned to look. “Ugh, its even worse straight on.” A woman with brown hair at a table behind us said. “Excuse me, are you talking about us?” I asked, confused. “Yeah, next time tell your hairdresser to use a color red not so bright. You look like your hair is on fire.” The blonde-haired woman sitting next to the brown-haired woman said. “Uh, hairdresser?” I asked, confused. The women began to laugh. “Oh, Karen, I think she dyed her hair herself.” The blonde-haired woman said while laughing. “Rachel, she should just shave it off and start over. She should shave her friend’s hair too that blonde with gold specks looks awful.” Karen replied, laughing too.

I looked at Lumina. Lumina shrugged her shoulders. I turned back around. “This is my sister and my natural hair.” I replied, still confused. They laughed louder. “What’s the matter Kindra?” Zariah asked as she had approached. “I don’t know. These women think there is something wrong with our hair color.” I replied. Zariah turned and stood straight as a statue when she looked at the women. “Rachel, Karen,” Zariah said. They looked at Zariah and began laughing harder. “Zariah Samuels?” Rachel said. “Why would you have your hair done like that? Its ridiculous. Were you trying to get a job at the circus? Are you the elephant feeder so you can eat the peanuts too?” Karen said while laughing.

I was getting very angry. I may not know what they are referring to, but clearly, they are insulting Zariah. I began to move, to stand up and Zariah put her hand out to stop me. “Wow, Zariah, you have her trained well. Is she another circus worker?” Rachel asked. “Zariah, you may want to lay off the peanuts. You look like you’re getting fatter.” Rachel said. “You finished?” Zariah asked. They both looked at her with huge evil grins but said nothing more. “I guess graduating high school didn’t teach you to have better manners and to treat people with respect.” Zariah said.

“I will say this, if you ever insult my sisters again, I will make sure you suffer. You may have bullied me through school, but I’m an adult. I’ve grown up and now I am far too busy to worry about what little pet peeves you want to pick at to make fun of. This so happens to be my natural hair and I think it is gorgeous. It was enough to attract my prince husband, who I am now carrying his baby.” She told them. They laughed even harder. Caedan was by the fountain talking with Kayne and Kalan when he heard the loud laughing, especially at Zariah. He began to come over to her.

Kayne and Kalan followed Caedan. “Ooh, Karen, look at these gorgeous specimens of man candy coming our way.” Rachel said. “I got dibs on the guy with the black hair behind the leader.” Karen said, referring to Kayne. I growled lowly. “That’s cool, because I’ll take the one in the front. I can’t wait to show him the night of his life.” Rachel said, referring to Caedan. They both stood to approach them. “Hi, I’m Rachel.” She said when Caedan got close to her. He didn’t even look at her and the fact that she thrust her chest out at him. She gave a disgusted look as he walked by her. She ran to walk next to him.

“Hi, I’m.” Is all Rachel, got out before Caedan picked up his pace not even looking at her again. She was walking fast to keep up with him. It wasn’t a long walk, that is why we could hear her. “Are you alright my love?” Caedan asked Zariah as he took her in his arms. Rachel and Karen’s jaws dropped open. Kayne came to stand behind Zariah and next to my chair. Kalan was standing behind Caedan. “What?” Rachel shrieked a little. Caedan turned to look at her then and Zariah looked around his left shoulder at her too. “No, no, who did you pay to act like they are your boyfriend? What service did you use?” Rachel asked, upset.

Zariah stepped around Caedan, but Caedan was standing right behind her next to Kayne. I was peering through the gap between them. “As I said, this is my husband.” She told them. “Yeah, right?” Rachel replied. “We know you hired someone to play your husband.” Rachel said. “You will not disrespect our queen.” Kayne said before he could stop himself. Zariah turned to Kayne and gave a look. “Queen my ass.” Karen said. “Well, I didn’t want this to get out, but yes, I am a queen now. I found my family overseas and it turns out my parents are royal. They were king and queen of their kingdom. Caedan and I met, and he was prince of his kingdom. When we married, we became queen and king.” She said.

Xander came over to Zariah, standing between her and Kalan on her left side. “Xander tell us the truth. Zariah is making an outlandish story that she is a queen now and she’s married to that gorgeous man. She hired him, didn’t she?” Rachel asked. “As a matter of fact, Rachel Zariah did find her family overseas and they are royal. She married Caedan and they are now king and queen with a little prince or princess on the way. Oh, and that’s Prince Xander now. Zariah gave me a title and honor as prince.” Xander said firmly. Their mouths just opened and closed.