Lover of the Queen: Procession
Lover of the Queen
Even though I continued talking with my parents as if nothing had happened, my mind was churning with thoughts, and my throat was aching to speak. The conversation with Ji-Ah left a powerful impression on me.
She made clear that the Great Mother had been listening to my prayers. Was that why the Late Sovereign showed such interest in me? A warning, perhaps, or a test of my will? These questions circled in my mind. If the Rainbow Mage was meant as a trial, I had little faith I would pass
In all these years, I hadn’t noticed the short boys in our village. I thought it was my bias — I’d always fallen for those who matched my stature or surpassed it. Then, I recalled how many times I bowed to her height, so that she wouldn’t need to bend her beautiful neck upward. What trick was the Mother playing on me, on the most important day of my existence?
Not long after, my parents pulled me out of my reverie. Jacob’s signal set the men in motion — the next stage of the ritual was about to begin.
The Mages became rowdy. They recomposed themselves, dusted their cloaks off, and tied their boots, struggling to keep balance in a silent fight against the alcohol in their veins. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing at the scene. What a joyful and fascinating bunch, the perfect mix of delights.
Amidst the turmoil, as I scanned for that tiny and precious jewel, something caught my attention. A closer look showed the women working together like ants, helping each other. Their movements were so synchronized as if choreographed that to naive eyes, they could have seemed messy.
A couple of minutes later, their lively talking turned to silence as the last woman finished her preparations. I’m sure I wasn’t the only person surprised by their precision. I heard murmurs of awe; it felt like they had rehearsed that to the point of exhaustion.
Every man kneeled and bowed before the Revered Ones. We were ready to be graced with the wisdom of the Ancient Queen.
“Good evening, people from Sur Nam Khaar. Twenty-three years have passed since my Solstice, and tonight I stand before you as the Late Sovereign. I salute my generation, and the one of our children, who now walk proudly across the lands, carrying in their hearts the yearnings of the Mother.”
There were weeping and murmurs coming from beside me, where my dads were. I bit my lower lip and stared at the ground. My desires were in check, but they had only gotten stronger inside me after I talked to Ji-Ah.
“Iron beasts and enslaving devices roamed the Earth, decimated nature, and stole vital energy from our ancestors. But Lossar’s mercy reached Earth and reshaped reality. She gave humankind a second chance, and her never-ending grace blesses us. Be thankful for being here, surrounded by her beloved creations.”
The birds chirped in unison, producing a song I had never witnessed before. Whispers of delight and agreement echoed. I looked over my shoulder to gaze at Mayowa and Dinesh. They stared at me and nodded. We had the same appreciation for our friendship.
“My dearest Mages!” Ji-Ah raised both her hands, palms up, toward her people. “Keepers of Her fortune, legacy, and laws! You have a solemn duty to protect all life and maintain order on these lands. Show your power with pride; this world is eager for it. Still, be kind and abide by our goddess’s teachings. Never forget how much blood and tears you shed to become intertwined with the mysteries of the universe.”
“Praised be Lossar, in all her wisdom and kindness.” The Enchanted replied in unison.
“Khaarians. The Unseen Eyes witnessed your deeds and testified on your behalf. The Mother is pleased. You have been loyal to our alliance. May we renew it.
She stepped aside, and Jacob moved onward.
“Beloved brothers! We have honored our second chance, and our sons and nephews are bound to do the same. Boys, be meek, obedient, and don’t forget the gift that the Lady of Time bestowed upon our people. It’s your duty to keep Sur Name Khaar safe, and guard our people’s future.”
His voice flinched, but he kept stern.
“Rise. Behold all the Treasures of Ages before us. The Solstice is theirs, and the Great Goddess’s Will welcomes them to adulthood.”
Then the older men rose and brought the Treasures of Ages closer for a last farewell. My parents surrounded me and asked me to lean my head so they could kiss my forehead countless times. Dad Brendon ran his fingers through my mane and touched my hairline with his nose. He inhaled deeply, as if collecting memories with that gesture.
“When I first held you in my arms, I did the same thing. Right then, I wondered how we had lived so long without you.” His voice cracked, and teardrops rolled down his cheeks. “Remember, my son, we love you so badly it floods from our eyes. Enjoy yourself, like you have never done before, and be safe!”
“I will.” The lump in my throat made it difficult to breathe. “Please pray to the Great Mother on my behalf.”
“May Her gaze watch over and protect you, my boy.” Father Alejandro sobbed, squeezing me out of breath.
“Darling, you’re wrinkling his clothes. He can’t be all messed up for the ladies.” My dad joked, as he held and consoled my other parent.
I gave out a forced smirk and kissed them too, ashamed for asking them to support something that went against their aspirations for me. But I needed their blessing if I was to face the destiny I was so eager for.
Jacob then signaled, and the seniors moved away; the new adults crowded in front of him.
“Our lives are Hers, for She controls heaven and land, and we ought to abide by Her wishes. Tonight, one of you is going to become part of the mysteries beyond the veil. We’ll remember you as the most virtuous among all!”
The Khaarian boys formed a large circle, in which we could see everyone. Our arms slid down the backs of those who were beside us, and we stepped toward the center. That brought the group into a tight embrace.
I observed each face with care, drawing an imaginary painting in my head. If the New Queen didn’t choose me, I would know who he was, and I’d resent not having his qualities for the rest of my life.
There was a buzz, a mix of “Good luck,” “Enjoy the Solstice,” and “I hope to see you again” wishes. The warmth I felt deep within almost had me doubting my prayers again. The sense of belonging it brought was like taking a hot bath during the winter, while you could smell coffee being brewed. My sight watered. I was going to treasure that moment forever.
A minute later, fresh tuning sounds signaled to the young man that we’d soon depart the central square and head out of town. We moved closer to where the Enchanted were. As we reached for our instruments, my eyes roamed their group.
Their ranks were orderly aligned. The older women and the Former Queen showered their precious daughters with cheers and hand kisses. There she was — the short Mage, hugging Ji-Ah tightly as they exchanged a few words.
As soon as the senior Lostany had recommended the other Mages, the Ancient Sovereign smiled and clapped twice, prompting us to get ready. Dinesh and Mayowa dashed to my side, with startled looks and grins that took over their faces.
“So, boys,” she put her hands on her waist, “I hope you’ve come prepared for the best night of your lives. Show me the spirit of the men of Sur Nam Khaar!”
With those words, she evoked the song of our land, the most joyful of the Solstice. We began playing as we jumped and danced, marching after the girls. All the adults fell back and followed, rushing the younglings to the avenue that led to the city’s outskirts.
We started blending into the women’s ranks, and I scouted for my unique, colorful jewel, as everyone began singing.
“The colors and flavors of this land I’ll sing,
With birds and rivers and grass that clings.
The gift of living in Sur Nam Khaar —
A joy for men, welcoming the women from afar.”
Even among the turmoil of dozens of people, I found the rainbow locks. She was a couple of meters ahead and played along with the short, black-haired girl Mayowa mentioned before. They jumped and sang with great energy, fully enjoying the moment. My blond friend allowed no contemplation; he dragged me and Dinesh by the arm and ran to where they were.
“If She calls us, oh let it be,
The time has come—the Moon runs free!”
We stopped nearby and resumed playing, as if nothing had happened. While Mayowa grew even more flamboyant to charm his lady’s eye, I struck each note true, hoping to catch mine’s attention.
“Majestic, She comes, with lips of flame,
Kissing the earth that spoke Her name.
We raise our voices, hearts aflame,
Praising the beauty no one can tame.
The elder cries out; the flute takes flight.
Now sing and dance through the silver night!”
As the black-haired girl giggled at my friend’s antics, the rainbow GRACE turned, and our eyes met. She half-smiled, her gaze lingering from my boots to my necklace; desire surged through me, like a bonfire caught in the wind.
“Pure delight, our joy unchained,
By art, our shining guide, inflamed.
Drunk on Her promise, hearts confess,
We’re ready —young man, say bless;
The life you leave behind for a new one begins
In sacred euphoria, the wheel spins.”
I sang that verse at the top of my lungs, a farewell hidden in plain sight. My entire self yearned to be seen and taken away, to witness the extraordinary. I was certain the divine curve of her hips was a secret the Goddess had kept in her name — and mine.
“Call Her your jewel, your precious gleam,
And treasures will bloom beyond your dreams.
But never forget, when the Grandest calls thee,
It’s the greatest honor—go willingly.”
My heart was already beating in my throat when she slid her guitar onto her back, took my flute, and played the next chords with it. I stood frozen, caught between awe and devotion. Then she lowered the instrument and handed it over — as if letting me taste the breath she’d left behind.
We were far from the village by then. As the Khaarians kept the music going, the young Lostany turned their attention to a glare at the edge of the deep forest. They raised their hands and chanted something I couldn’t understand. Then, out of thin air, a tall, magnificent courtyard appeared, draped in moss and vines.
Ancient stones adorned it, giving it a solemn design. Torches lit the way to its heavy wooden gates, which opened as if they required no force.
“Soft and sweet, the Solstice fire,
Brings pleasure, warmth, and wild desire.
With spirits high, we celebrate here
Our kin, our home, our joy sincere.
Let us praise the one who will be the rite.
Assured the Goddess hears tonight.
We hail the new man, his sacred way,
And hope reborn that lights our day.”
I looked behind once more and tried to meet my parents’ gaze. They were waving in the distance. I took a long breath and stepped forward — that was my point of no return.
Editor: Lucy Cafiero
