Queen Mythri (complete)

    The last few months have been so fraught with strife that sometimes I fear our lives will never be normal again. I fear that my children will grow up in a world where war and chaos are the norm. I fear that my people will never find rest. I fear that Amit will never come home.

    After the incident with the tiefling called Blink, I have not slept well. In fact, I barely do anymore. I’ve moved the children into mine and Amit’s bedroom so I can keep a watch on them. There are days where all I feel like doing is cry. But I know I must remain strong for my children, for Amit, and for my people. I cannot allow myself to fall to pity and terror as they want.

    Instead, I do what I can. I keep myself busy with matters at hand. The palace and the village are being reconstructed, and many civilians are struggling to put their lives back together more so than I am. I go out every day, taking food and water into the village, handing it out to those in need. 

    I was once like them, I was merely a servant in Amit’s palace, so it is strange when they see me and start to cry. They kiss my hands and kneel before me, and I kneel with them. Faluke is nearby playing my guard, and I even see a tear come to his eye. If there is anything I could possibly do for my people, it is let them know I am with them.

    One day, while returning to the palace I feel woozy. I wobble and brace myself against Faluke. 

    “Mythri,” he gasps, holding me up. “Are you alright?”

    “I’m fine,” I grunt, blinking several times. I then grunt and cough. “I uhm...I feel a little sick, actually.”

    Faluke picks me up in his arms and races to get me to the doctor. Once there, Amit is alerted, so when he gets to me, I am sobbing on the doctor’s table.

    “What’s going on?” Amit growls. He has been through enough of me crying, and he is on the defense. One more strike and he’s liable to snap.

    I look up at him, beaming like a lunatic. “Amit!” I reach for him, and he runs into my arms. I hug him tight and sniffle. “It’s ok,” I whisper. “It’s good news. Wonderful news, in fact!” I start to laugh through my tears.

    Amit looks at me, clutching my hands tight. “Then why are you crying?”

    I shake my head, still grinning. “I cried a lot when I was pregnant with Damini,” I tell him. “Don’t you remember?”

    His jaw drops and his eyes go wide.

    I nod at him and move his paw over my belly. His fingers flex, and a few fat tears roll off his whiskers. 

    “Another baby?” He marvels.

    “It must have happened when we went to the summit,” I chuckle, wiping away his tears. “No wonder I’ve been so on edge lately.”

    Amit pulls me into another tight embrace. “I’m so sorry I’ve been leaving you alone so much. I won’t again.”

    I sniffle. “It’s ok. You’ve been needed.”

    He butts his forehead against mine. “My kingdom and my family should be what’s important right now,” he growls. “And if we are to have a new child here, I want to make sure they enter a world I am in.”

    I nod, holding his paw to my cheek. “I can’t argue with that,” I chuckle.

    Amit laughs and kisses me. “I love you so much,” he whispers.

    “I love you more,” I answer.

    That evening, after Amit and I have delivered the news to the children, we decide to spend the evening together playing. Damini mainly sits in her father’s lap while the boys play. I watch Himnak and Daval play, remembering when they were first born. They had both been so small and tiny, their little cries were barely squeaks. Now, they’re growing tall and strong, resembling their father more and more each day. Their conception had been an accident, but one that Amit and I would never trade in the world. 

    There is a knock at the door, and Amit stands to answer it. Kalidas is there with a serious expression on his face.

    “Lady Chiyo and Addor have returned from Culuweth,” he says.

    I stand up as the children crowd behind me. I stand with baited breath, waiting for was Kalidas had to say.

    “She has the leader of the Gnoll insurgence with her,” Kalidas replies. “She wishes to see Mythri right away.”

    Amit turns and looks at me. “I’ll go with you,” he says.

    I shake my head. “No Amit, stay with the children. I’ll be fine, I’ll have Chiyo by my side.” I walk to the door and approach Kalidas. “I want to speak to this man alone.”

    Amit puts his hand on my shoulder. “Are you sure?”

    I look up at him. “This man tried to take everything away from me. Not just my life, but my children and my loved ones. He tried to ruin you.” I stare up at him with my heart resolute. “I want to look into his eyes so that he knows his life is in my hands.” I touch his cheek and Amit nuzzles into my palm.

    “I understand, my love,” Amit growls low. “But all those things are all mine as well, even more so. It was me he was after to hurt.”

    “Exactly.” I murmur. “If you met with him, you would kill him then and there. It is best I go alone.”

    Amit frowns, giving me a long kiss. “You’re always right.”

    I beam. “I know.” I turn to Kalidas and follow him away.

    We go down to the dungeons where Chiyo greets me with open arms. I squeeze her tight every time I see her, afraid that if I look away, she will be gone. For so long I had assumed my entire family had been killed by the Gnolls. But by the graces of the Gods, my little sister was still in this world. I hate that it took a war to bring us together.

    “I’m glad to see you are well,” I sigh. “I take it you found the man responsible for the attack?”

    Chiyo nods. “I wanted to kill him,” she seethes. “But I knew you had more blood from him than me.” She turns, glancing to the cell that had two guards posted by it. 

    I walk up to the small cell, glaring down at the cowering figure within. He looks at me, and suddenly I feel my whole world shift and fall. Those eyes are the ones I see in my dreams. One eye is slightly blue with a crescent scar around it. 

    Suddenly, my heart is racing, and my entire body goes cold. I grip tight to Chiyo’s hand as I am overwhelmed. With the mere sight of Wulsi, I am brought back in time to the day my family was ripped apart. I was barely four, my mother, father, and I were traveling home. I barely remember why. Anything before that night is lost in the fog. I can remember my mother’s fat belly and her discomfort. Any day she was going to give birth. I sat beside my father, playing with a little stuffed camel. Then, it all happened in a flash.

    The carriage was knocked over and dragged through the sand. My mother screamed, and I cried. My father climbed out, getting us detached. He then scrambled, trying to get us out. He got me out and told me to run. I stayed crouched by the carriage, trying to keep myself small. I’m grabbed by my neck, and I look into the eyes of the Gnoll now before me. He’s squeezing so hard on my neck that I can’t breathe.

    My father charges him, knocks him down. I’m released and roll in the sand, crying as I try to catch my breath. A moment later, my father has me, and we’re running through the desert. He’s leaving a trail of blood, so he sets me down and tells me to run without him. I scream and cry, but he makes me go on without him.

    I am found by knights of Amit’s father, Samar. They take me to the palace where I grow up and eventually become queen.

    “Mythri!” Chiyo gasps, grabbing me as I stumble backward. 

    The two guards reach out, offering their hand to me. I gasp and pant, nearly screaming as rage and pain fill me. I put my hand on my stomach as it starts to hurt. I glare into the cage.

    “You’re the monster,” I seethe. “Chiyo,” I hiss, “do you not know who this is?” I jam my finger towards the cell. “Do you not know what he’s done?”

    Chiyo stares at me and then down at Wulsi who starts to chuckle. “What do you mean? He is the man who attempted to kill you.”

    “Twice!” I roar. “He has tried to kill me twice!” I remove my headscarf and toss my hair aside, showing Chiyo the scars on my neck from Wulsi’s fist all those years ago. 

    “This!” I roar as I glare down at Wulsi. “This is the one who killed our father! Who tried to kill us and our mother!”

    Chiyo turns and looks at Wulsi. Even if she was just in the womb, the fear our mother carried should have imprinted on her. She should know and understand!

    “You captured us in the desert!” I bellow, grabbing onto the bars of the cell. “You toppled our carriage and tried to drag us away! I wandered the desert while you chased my father!”

    Wulsi smirks up at me, still chuckling to himself. “And look at you now,” he snarls. “Standing over me a Queen. It seems I blessed you that night.”

    It takes everything in my power to not grab the sword from one of the guards and stab Wulsi right this very moment. “You think you blessed me?” I’m shaking with rage. “After everything you have done to my family, you are lucky I am not in that cage ripping your throat out with my bare hands.”

    The two guards exchange wary looks then turn forward.

    Wulsi cackles. “That’s what the other one said,” he glances to Chiyo then smirks back at me. “It is amazing how alike you are. Although, for someone raised in a palace and not in the wild, you appear much more savage than I expected.”

    “Laugh while you can, Wulsi,” I murmur. “Because if I have my way, you’ll be hanged soon. You’ll have your trial first. I cannot deny you that right, but I don’t see any favor shining on you. Pray to whatever gods you have this evening, for it may be your last.”

    Wulsi grins, licking at the gold tooth in his mouth. “You know quite a thing or two about gods, don’t you?” He steps closer towards the bars of the cell. “The living goddess, isn’t that what you’re called?”

    I scowl at him as I put my head scarf back on. “I am called Mythri,” I tell him. “It is what my mother named me, what my father named it. It is the name my husband loves.” I glare at him once the scarf is back in place. “You best keep it off your lips.”

    I turn, walking away while Wulsi starts to laugh maniacally. Chiyo walks beside me, reaching out and squeezing my hand tight as we begin to walk up the stairs.

    “You’re going to give him a trial?” Chiyo scoffs. “After everything, he’s done?”

    “It is what’s fair,” I answer. “I want him dead as much as you do. After all the years of fear he’s put me through, all the anger,” I sigh as we stand in the hall. “I am exhausted with it, and I want it put to rest.”

    Chiyo furrows her brow at me. “Then why the trial? Just let me shoot him with my arrows now! I can go down to the cells and-”

    I hold up my hand, stopping her. “You are remarkably like Amit,” I tell her. “He said something similar. Only a lot more detailed and graphic.”

    I look outside, seeing the scorched earth where the garden once was. “I want to hear it all, I whisper. “Everything. I want him to tell me everything. He doesn’t think what he did was wrong, so I want him to say it to his victims.”

    Chiyo looks up to the moon as she removes her headdress. Her long dark hair falls out, and she combs her fingers through it. “Will you be ok?”

    “I can’t say.” I then grab her hand and place it on my belly. “But I’ll need to keep my head, just in case.”

    Chiyo gasps and her eyes grow wide. “Another one?”

    “I’m afraid so,” I smile. 

    Chiyo sniffles then and wipes at her eyes. “I miss Othet,” she whimpers. “All this back and forth with Addor, I rarely get to see him.”

    “I’ll send my men out,” I tell her. “He can be here by lunch tomorrow.”

    Chiyo blinks fat tears from her eyes. “Really?” She squeaks.

    I nod. “Go on to bed,” I tell her. “I’ll send someone fetch him.”

    Chiyo hugs me tight. I then call two of my messengers to go to Bastat for Othet. When I return to my room, Amit has tucked the children into bed. 

    “Are you ok?” He whispers as he puts his hands around my waist.

    I nod. “I’m fine,” I whisper, touching his chest.

    “Talk to me,” he cups my cheek. 

    I look up at him, marveling at his eyes. I smile softly, tilting my head up for a kiss. I open his shirt, touching his bare chest and running my fingers through his fur. I press my ear to his chest, listening to the low, warm rumble of his heart.

    I melt, turning to tears and sobbing. Amit holds me, wrapping his strong arms around me and kissing the top of my head. He removes my scarf and kisses my temple and forehead.

    “Love,” he murmurs low. “What happened?”

    I cling to him, my rock and my life. “He’s the one-” I whimper and place his hands on my neck where the scars are. “Amit he-” I hiccup.

    Amit’s low growl in his chest signifies his anger. “The slaver who attacked your family.”

    I nod, and Amit kisses me softly. His massive paws wipe away my tears, and he gazes into my eyes.

    “Is he still alive?” Amit whispers.

    “There will be a trial, tomorrow,” I tell him through my tears.

    He furrows his brow. “Why?” 

    I chuckle. “I know you are angry,” I reply. “So am I. Much more than you are.” I brush my knuckles against his cheek. “But I have my reasons for this trial. I have years of hatred to put to rest.”

    Amit captures my hand and nuzzles to it. “I trust in you.”

    The next day, Wulsi is brought to the throne room and held by chain before Amit and I. Chiyo stands beside me with her bow and arrow at the ready. Blink, Wulsi’s hired assassin stands in the room as well.

    I stand up and extend my hand to Blink. He walks forward and kneels down before me. He lowers his head, and I place my palm on it. 

    “Ulysses,” I start. “Speak the truth here and if you do not, may your gods and ours see your punishment is due.”

    “They will,” Blink announces.

    I remove my hand from his head, and he stands. “You were hired to kill me and my children, correct?”

    “I was, my queen.” Blink nods.

    I take a deep breath. “Is the one who hired you in this room with us?”

    “He is, my queen,” he says with assurance.

    I look into Blink’s eyes, finding strength from him. “Can you point to him?”

    Blink nods to me. “I can, my queen.” He turns and points to Wulsi who is kneeling on the ground with halberds places above his neck. “It is the once lord Wulsi of Culuweth. He was the one who hired me to assassinate you and the royal children.”

    Amit steps forward and takes hold of Blink’s hands. “Thank you,” he growls to him.

    Blink is then led from the room, and the doors are locked behind him. I step towards Wulsi. The guards lift their halberds just enough so Wulsi can look up at me. 

    “Of this crime you are guilty,” I murmur to him. “But tell me, how do you plea?”

    Wulsi spits at my feet and the crowd in the room gasps. I hold my arm out, keeping Amit from lunging forward. Behind me, I hear Chiyo’s arrows clatter. 

    “That is the answer of a child, Wulsi,” I state calmly. “Tell me your plea, or it will not be heard at all.”

    Wulsi snorts and laughs. “Anyone who claims to be a deity deserves death,” he snarls. “You are nothing more than a common whore who seduced a worthless man.” He looks up at me, a wicked grin on his face. “I was doing the world a favor trying to kill you.”

    “Twice,” I correct. “You have nearly killed me twice.”

    He scowls. “Only twice?” His mouth then spreads into a nasty grin. “Fine. You may continue.”

    I step towards him. “Many years ago, you attacked a carriage carrying a man, his pregnant wife, and his child. You and your slavers intended to take them. You intended to kill the father and take the mother and child. You succeeded in only the former. The mother lived, giving birth in an oasis not far from the attack. The little girl lived, saved only because he father sacrificed his life.”

    I hear murmurs in the crowd, and the expression on Wulsi’s face is one of confusion and answer. Tears are streaming down my face, and I am trying to quell the burning rage inside me for the sake of my child.

    “I have scars on my neck from your claws,” I hiss. “I survived that night. I survived you.” I step closer to him. “Your death escaped that night. Your death grew strong and noble. Your death gained more power than you could ever possibly hold. Your death became a queen.” I kneel down, so Wulsi and I are eye to eye.

“Your death is no goddess,” I shake my head. “Your death is a woman, a wife, and a mother. Your death is mortal just like you.” I grab him by the throat, and the whole room erupts in gasps and muffled whispers.

I squeeze tight onto his throat, digging my nails into his flesh. He starts to wheeze, and he thrashes against the chain. I stare into his eyes, gripping him harder until my arm starts to burn. He chokes and writhes. The guards pull the chains harder, and Wulsi starts to shake. His back is curved like a crescent moon, his head is thrown back, and his ears nearly touch his shoulder blades.

Amit comes down from the thrones and grabs me, tugging my arm, and I release Wulsi. He sags in the chains, gasping and panting for breath.

“Do you remember?” I growl over him as I rise. 

Wulsi chokes and gasps. He looks up at me. “I don’t remember the vermin I squash under my heel,” he rasps.

I scowl at him and take Amit’s hand. As I turn I look up at Chiyo, and I take my seat at the throne. I take a long deep breath and fold my hands into my lap.

“It is not often one gets the justice they crave,” I murmur. “But this evening, I have found a peace that has long eluded me.” I reach over and take Amit’s hand again, squeezing it tight. “Lord Wulsi of Culuweth. You have been found guilty to all charges. Your sentence is death.” 

Wulsi doesn’t flinch, he just spits at the floor.

“Your death will be carried out by the dragon Addor,” I continue.

It is then I see Wulsi’s terror. His eyes grow wide, and he thrashes at his chains.

“You had a hand in his capture, correct?” I tilt my chin down. “Then he shall have his peace as well.”

“You can’t do this!” Wulsi suddenly snarls. “A dragon is no means to an execution! What sort of trial is this? You’re angry at me so you can do whatever you want?”

I glare down at him. “You are guilty. There are witnesses to your crimes. And perhaps I am angry,” I murmur. “But I have every fucking right to be.”

“Chiyo,” I growl. “Summon Addor to the gardens.”

“Yes, sister,” Chiyo leaves the room, and I follow behind her with Amit. The guards drag Wulsi along with them.

“You’ll burn in hell!” Wulsi roars behind us. “Calling yourself a goddess while killing all in your way!” He cackles angrily. “I can’t wait to see you there. I can’t wait to see you in the fires and laugh at you! It will be heaven for me then!”

I squeeze Amit’s hand and his puts his arm around.

Wulsi continues to spew hatred and vitriol at me until we reach the gardens. There, Addor comes down from the sky, greeting Chiyo my touching his nose to her forehead. The guards place Wulsi before Addor who glares down at him.

“Addor,” Chiyo looks up at her dragon companion. “Do you recognize this man?”

Addor lowers himself down, and Wulsi flinches. “I do,” he replies. “He was with Bithus when I was captured.”

Wulsi thrashes in his chain.

“He’s been sentenced to death,” Chiyo tells him. “Your choice, you can eat him, burn him, or however you see fit.”

“I am honored,” Addor bends down sniffing Wulsi. He then suddenly snaps his jaws around him and Wulsi screams. His feet remain on the ground while Addor tosses him into the air. Wulsi screams and cries then goes silent as Addor snaps him up in his mouth. There’s a crunch and pop and some blood splatters to the ground.

“Don’t play with your food, Addor,” Chiyo grumbles as she kicks one of Wulsi’s feet over.

That evening I surround myself with loved ones. Othet and Chiyo play with the children while I sit in Amit’s lap. His massive paw rests on my belly as he goes through names.

“We can always name them after your father,” I reply.

“Don’t wish that, ”Amit growls. “I love my sons, but I am praying for a little girl again.” He looks over at Damini hanging off Othet’s fangs. “I never had sisters, Imani was close but barely,” he huffs. “I never thought I’d enjoy having so many women around me.”

I snuggle to his chest. “That was a foolish assumption.”

Amit chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “You sound exhausted, we should go to bed.”

For the first time in a long time, the children sleep in their own rooms. Amit and I lay together in the big bed. I cling to him, holding him fast as he falls asleep. I am exhausted, but I find it hard to sleep. I get up, deciding to go on a walk.

I notice that the door to Othet and Chiyo’s room is open and there is still a candle on inside. I peer inside, wondering if they are still awake. To my shock, they are, and they are doing what any healthy couple does.

Chiyo sits astride Othet, riding him and grinding her hips. Othet’s large paws are wrapped around her waist. They’re both moaning and sighing, and I can smell their sex from the door. Othet snarls and throws Chiyo down onto the bed. I gasp and cover my mouth as I watch him take over. His strong body moves and thrusts and Chiyo cries out. I quickly close the door and turn around, rushing back to bed with Amit.

He growls sleepily, grabbing me. “Where did you go?”

I stroke his chest. “I just needed some fresh air.”

Amit nuzzles to my neck. His tongue licks me, and I shiver. I plant my hand on his chest and moan softly.

“Amit,” I whisper as his hand pets down my thigh. 

“You smell like desire,” he growls.

I whimper softly as his paw moves between my legs.

“I want to sate it,” he growls in my ear.

I put my arms around, meeting his heated kiss with my own. I pull him down into me, feeling his power already surging. I have made love to this man countless times, and each time I am stunned by him. When his power courses through me I feel out souls meld closer. Our hearts beat in tune to one another. I am addicted to the feeling of him, and I know he is addicted to me.

Come morning, there will be two very happy women at the breakfast table, and their tired but satisfied husbands.