I walked towards a spot several feet in front of where the footsteps of the Queen had ended. She had come in alone, as I had expected, as her concerns were critical. “Andrew. How are you?”

I was unaccustomed to greetings. Generally, I was simply presented the offerings of petitioners and a demand for knowledge of the future was made immediately. I smiled, touched. “I am as I always am. And you, my Queen? You are troubled?”

Again, she caught me off guard when she didn’t take my opening to begin the transaction. “And how is it that you always are, Andrew? Are you happy here?”

I stifled a frown. It was inappropriate to let on to the Queen that I loathed my existence here (I would never have wished it upon somebody else), but it was equally unacceptable to lie. “I exist to serve others. My own needs were discarded long ago. I speak the truth when I say that I want to serve you well. Please, be seated, my Queen.” I gestured to the settee, and moved to walk to my armchair.

Indeed, what I had said was true. Of all the rulers that had come to see me, the young Queen of the realm in which the volcano stood was the fairest I had ever dealt with. All others had stunk of self-interest and corruption, making my stomach turn. I realized as I thought on it that, curiously, she had always asked me how I faired on her visits.

Once again, I was startled when the Queen took my arm to guide me, as though I did not know where I was.In fact I knew every inch; I never left this place. But still, her touch was gentle and feminine, and her intentions were good.Her smell was pleasant, almost intoxicating. But the soft sounds of her breathing, the music of a powerful woman, living, next to me, they were what unraveled my concentration.

For the first time in seemingly ages, I actually stumbled as I went to sit down, I was so distracted. Immediately, I felt my face burn with embarrassment. “Forgive my clumsiness-“

The Queen shushed me, clucking her tongue. “-Nay, forgive my intrusion. Is my timing poor? Should I return another day?”

In truth, I wanted to beg her to stay as long as she could. Her company was the best I’d known since I was an adolescent, and the thought of her leaving after she was finished here was already painful. I spoke hurriedly. “No! No, I assure you, it is no trouble. I knew you were coming. Please, would you like refreshments? I can summon the temple caretakers?” I anxiously hoped she would agree, thus prolonging my time with her.

I heard the Queen move in response before she realized I could not see her. It was a common mistake. “No, no thank you, Andrew. That is very kind.”

What a shame! I smiled as confidently as I could, forcefully pushing away the boyish thoughts that kept coming to me about the Queen. “Then tell me how I can best aid you.”

She hesitated. “There is unrest. Other powers conspire against me to take the crown. They see it as ill-fitting to have a woman hold the throne alone.”

I snorted despite myself. How typical of the outside world! Misogyny was rife everywhere, I saw it even here. But to question the competency of the woman before me was foolhardy. I knew that perhaps even better than she did. “That pains me to hear. You would like me to consult the gods on the matter?”

She sighed. “Please. I have brought your weight in gold, and I can get more if nec-“

I held up a hand. “-As I said, I exist to serve you, and it is both my pleasure and payment merely to enjoy your company. No tribute is needed.”

I stood up and walked towards the vents. “Stay back, my Queen. I would not want you to suffer the consequences of exposure.” In truth, though I had given that warning many times, I had rarely meant it. With the Queen, I had spoken from the heart every time.

I felt for the lip of the small tent, and lifted it, crawling inside. Instantly, my useless eyes started to burn from the acrid fumes, and I closed them reflexively. It was hopeless, however. The vapors found a way to seep, painfully, into my entire body, as they had each and every time.

Wanting to have the most effective vision possible for my sovereign, I moved closer to the vent and inhaled deeply, over and over. My lungs burned, making my chest hurt, but I held my head steady for as long as I could. I had to know everything I could for her.

I felt the images nipping at my consciousness, flitting and poking about, annoying as ever. I heard the gods laughing at my lustful thoughts, and not for the first time. Irritated, I inhaled more deeply, over and over, determined to see something of use.

Then, like a veil lifting, I saw the visions.

Notes

Let me know what you think! This is a newborn, after all! Everyone likes to hear their baby is cute, right?