Love? Hate? World Dominance.
Forest Mistress
But nothing on this earth, holds a candle to the raw beauty and insane wildness, of her domain.
Mortals fear to enter, for they may never come out.
I see that as a blessing.
I would gladly be lost in that wild, crazy expanse of beauty.
They call it the Forest of Souls because of the people that have perished there.
In truth, it's called the Evergreen Glade.
Before, it used to be nothing more than a barren desert.
And she rested her foot against the dry, harsh ground and it burst with life.
Shrubs, greenery, trees, rocky fields and bursts of life, far as the eye could see.
The kingdoms that had the unfortune of dwelling near that place, were flooded, conquered and overrun by the power of the forest.
That's how ruins and old castles came to be part of the Glade.
It's also why she doesn't have any permanent keep. She sleeps in the bushes and trees, swims in the creeks, and rests in the ruins of whatever palaces or cottages she desires.
Her subjects? Dryads and nymphs, hybrids and wild beasts, humans who have promised themselves to her and forsaken the rest of the world. Plants themselves bow in her presence.
My room was simple but comfortable, dark, a water lily in a vase, and even with a furnace. How touching.
Khione gestured to the door of the bathroom.
Khione
I hope all is to your liking.
Shadow King/Ace
I've seen better.
Khione
Of course. I'm sure my lord will be delighted to hear your opinions on decoration and design.
Khione
Dinner is when the sun goes behind the ice cap.
Out, perfectly balanced on the horizon was a giant ice cap, transparent and glowing with energy.
When the sun set, it would perfectly shine against the ice, giving a gorgeous effect, I supposed. It also marked the ending of a day.
I took off my cloak, tunic and vest as I entered the bathroom. I needed shower, a hot one. All the ice could really get on my nerves.
As I ran the water, I knew there was something on the back of my mind, but I couldn't tell what.
It wasn't till I finished showering that it struck me.
There were no water lilies in Kai's domain.
I put on the black robe and came back into the room.
The water lily had just finished transforming.
?????
Oh joy. You noticed.
(Her hair is actually straight, but bear with me)
She turned to me, her dangerous green eyes glittering.
Forest Mistress/Evie
Did you miss me?
Shadow King/Ace
I would have, but your dressing always fails to make an impression.
She sat on the bed, graceful as a willow tree in the wind. She gestured with distaste to my clothes.
Forest Mistress/Evie
Such finery would be impractical in my domain. Besides- don't you know a lady looks her best when she's at her most natural?
Her voice was low and purring. A predator, luring you in, lowering your guard.
Shadow King/Ace
I wouldn't know. Most women I've met seem to think the opposite.
Forest Mistress/Evie
Women.
Forest Mistress/Evie
How is the Icy King himself? I decided he wasn't worthy to see my face before the sun reached its final zenith.
Shadow King/Ace
He's as sadistic and narcissistic as ever.
Forest Mistress/Evie
And his pretty little icicle, Khione?
Shadow King/Ace
Nothing's changed there.
Shadow King/Ace
Tell me- how did you get the water lily here in the first place.
Forest Mistress/Evie
Oh, simple. I sent Tethys ahead of time and gave her a disguise as a Naiad.
Forest Mistress/Evie
When Kai gave the summons, I simply sent her a signal, and all went as planned.
I folded my arms and leaned against the wall.
Despite our banter and cordial conversation, none of us were fools. We didn't trust each other in the slightest, even though we had had several encounters.
Forest Mistress/Evie
Well don't be shy. Make yourself at home.
Shadow King/Ace
Will you watch me dress? Or is there privacy in your domain?
Forest Mistress/Evie
Such a spoilsport.
Forest Mistress/Evie
I'll go present my comely self to the Ice Head. See you.
She waved playfully and left.
Shadow King/Ace
Such a tease.
After dressing, I sank into the bed and slept.
I didn't know how long I had slept, but by the time I woke up, the sun was almost at the iceberg.
I summoned my clothes and made my way to the court.
On the way, I passed an alcove filled with water. It was out of most of people's view and quite empty.
But the water was rippling.
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