The Queen of Isles: The Game Begins

Rincy fumed.
Portria had a lot of things to explain.
The pot of ash.

The warning about Ceasar Flickerman.

This new promotion.

Something she was going to say,just before Louis intervened.

Rincy stood up, and fastened her grip on the sword.

"I am going to first find Portria, and ask for explanations. Else I will get intertwined in this political mess,that is waiting to engulf and drown me."she thought.

Just as she was about to leave, James Hemsworth came to her.

The man was charming and his eyes dazzled. His smile , deceitful. His face could easily hide his true age. 

He walked up to Rincy and greeted her.

"James Hemsworth, Your Grace. We have met before, if you can recollect", he said with a smile.

"I am not a woman of poor memory Sir." she said and tried to leave, but he blocked her path.

"Aye, you ain't an ordinary woman either, my Queen. And please call me James. It's a beautiful party, and it would go waste without a dance with the Queen."he said putting his hand forth, asking for hers.

Rincy hesitated at first, but then gave in. She placed the sword on the throne, and walked down the Diaz, with James.

The music turned up, and couples began to speed up.

They danced to the music with much swiftness.

Rincy knew how to dance in a ball, but not at that speed. It was a part of her training, as a royal kid.

James held Rincy's right hand and put his left around her waist. Rincy placed her right hand over his left shoulder, and they joined the dance.

James helped her get accustomed to the steps and the beats.

Slowly, couples withdrew to stop and see the Queen's dance, until it was just Rincy and James on the dance floor.

The crowd hooted and cheered, as Rincy matched James's swiftness, and he twirled her around.

After a good lot of fifteen minutes, Rincy withdrew, asking to leave.

James griped her, and bent down towards her ear.

"The game begins, young lady, reaching its height , at mid night. And at 12 o'clock, when the masquerade ends, masks shall fall, and the truth will be revealed."he whispered.

Leaving Rincy bewildered, James Hemsworth left the ballroom.

"So it's a game!" she mocked.

"I ain't going to play along, James Hemsworth. I am the Queen, and the Queen gives path to the game. It's vital to make impact while we play, for, when the game ends, the pawn and the king go back into the same box."

"And now, before someone else gets hold of me, I must leave."she thought.

She picked up her sword and left the ballroom from the side door.

"Shut up Effie!"snarled Raymond.

Rincy stopped by their door.

"Listen Raymond, It wasn't a good option to just throw her out of the city! That would lead to rise in suspicion. And at this stage, we cannot fall."she reasoned.

"Promotion? Was that the solution? What will you answer Mr Gladsmith? And Sir?"he asked.

"It's enough father."interfered Theodon.

"Mother is right. We must instead thank her for her spontaneity."he said.

"Now I'll handle this matter. The headquarters of Rhue is at Ream, and that city is leagues away. We can get Portria shifted there. That shouldn't be a problem."saying so, Theodon left the room.

Rincy hid behind the pillar.

"So even Theodon didn't know of this promotion. Then how could he maintain his calm? As if, everything were going as per plan?"she questioned.

"This trio is working for some Sir, and I bet he must be leading the oppositions to the throne.I have to find Portria. But now, I don't even know if Portria is trustworthy. She didn't tell me about those papers"

Rincy walked down the hallway and head to the council library. On her way to the library, she overheard Portria arguing profusely with someone.

Rincy tried to peer through the key hole, but that wasn't enough to get a glimpse of the other person in the room.

"I am not going to Ream, do you get that? It might be a huge pay cheque, but I ain't sworn for money.And you now that much better than anyone. I have made enough mistakes, which have begun to haunt me. And I won't leave the palace at any cost." saying so, Portria stormed outside the room.

Rincy followed Portria, and then over took her.

She stopped Portria, and eyed her suspiciously.

"What is wrong with you Rincy? Give me way. I have no time."she argued, trying to make her way out. But Rincy held her arms apart, blocking her way.

"What do you want young woman?"she asked in a hoarse voice.

"Answers."demanded Rincy.

"What answers?"asked Portria, acting like she didn't understand.

"You know very well what I want Portria."

"I don't have time..."

"Make time."she commanded.

"Very well. If you want answers, you will get them. I swear by my honour, to return to you by dawn. But now, you must let me go." she requested.

Rincy was doubtful. 

"Where did Portria have to go so urgently, that she can't even answer my questions? What's more important than this?"she wondered.

But she let her go.

Portria was a woman of honour and people of honour never break their swears. 

After all, she wasn't that untrustworthy yet, that Rincy would have to doubt her swear.


© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: The Cat's Out

Rincy put away the cover of the pot. 
It was heavy and old, made by a proficient craftsman. It's finishing and polishing was one to marvel at. 
She held it close to her nose, and sniffed around the metal. It had some unfamiliar scent. A tinge of jasmine, lingered in the air around it.
Looking into the pot, Rincy was taken aback.
"Didn't Portria mention a few papers? How can a few papers leave so much of ash?" she reasoned. She hadn't expected the pot to be three-fourth full.
"Theodon must have burnt an entire book!"
Just as she was going to touch the ash, she was alarmed by footsteps.
Rincy panicked. 
"It must be Portria! She mustn't know I'm here, and that I know of the pot! What must I do? Where should I hide?" she thought.
She looked left and right and around the room. Not one place was big enough for her to hide.
Then her eyes fell on Portria's closet. She hurriedly put the pot of ash back in place and got into the closet, shutting herself inside. It was pitch dark in there, with little room for air. Rincy sat on the floor cuddled in a corner, Portria's dresses hanging in front of her.
No sooner, had she shut the door, than, Portria entered the room.
Swearing and throwing her coat on the bed, she sat down.
"I will teach Theodon a lesson. How could he even dare to do this?" she spoke.
Suddenly, there was a sound from the closet that drew her attention.
Rincy clasped her mouth with both hands, frantically looking around for the source of sound. She was terrified to even think about Portria's reaction when she'll find out.

Portria walked up to the closet, suspiciously, and swung open the door.
Her clothes hung on the hanger, just in place. Untouched. 
Breathing a sigh of relief, Portria, turned away.
"Purr", came a sound from the closet, again.
Portria turned back to it, and wildly shifted her clothes apart.
There at the bottom, sat Rincy, with Aësop on her lap.

Rincy gave a tense smile and got up, holding Aësop and dusting herself.
"What's going on Rincy Matilda? What are you doing in my closet?"she asked, trying to remain calm.
Rincy couldn't think of any excuse. She stammered with her words and tried to brush the question away,but had no choice. Portria was looking into her eyes, with a strange fierce look.
"Portria, I was actually looking for you, cause... um... we.. we were getting late for the ball! And then... I came here, and saw Aësop running around. So I tried to catch him. He ran into your closet, me following, and the door shut... I couldn't get out."she said, with a sigh, hoping that Portria would believe her story. This was the stupidest tale she could have ever spun.

Portria was confused, but she had better things to worry about.
"Now that you have found me, rather, I have found you, may we leave? It's time."
Rincy put Aésop on the bed,patted him and walked away with Portria.
She turned, just to wink at the cat, which purred in return.
"What was Portria's cat doing in her closet?"she thought, amazed by the coincidence.
"Anyway, I just had good luck today." she grinned.


Portia and Rincy stood before the entrance to the Ballroom. The Teak Door that adorned its entry was huge and magnificent. Standing 10 feet tall, it was studded with pink and blue stones on the top, golden engravings in the middle.
Portria turned to Rincy, noticing for the first time, what she wore.
"Little girl, you had better choices in your wardrobe. A Queen never wears something worn by someone else."she advised, as she set Rincy's bow in place.
"My Mother, Portria, is not someone else."she said authoritatively.
Portria withdrew and faced the Teak Door again.
"Tonight, there will be many people at The Grand Ball. Many will want to take pictures with you. Many will want to speak with you for reasons they know best. Many will ask you for a dance. Be poised, yet alert. Enjoy yourself, but maintain your calm. Do not do anything that will put down your position or family name Rincy Matilda. And stay away, as far away as possible, from Ceasar Flickerman."she warned, distastefully.

Rincy wanted to ask questions, but the Teak Door opened, and the mauve carpet was set ready for her.
She walked into the Huge Ballroom gracefully, curbing her excitement.
The crowd burst into applause, and she was lead to the Diaz. On stage, stood Raymond and Effie. They greeted her with a smile, though Raymond tried to look away.
"Is he still annoyed with me?"she thought.
Rincy stood next to Effie, and scanned through the crowd.
Theodon stood right in the front. Portria juggled places, as if trying to avoid someone.
And in the crowd stood James Hemsworth. His eyes dazzling with the lights from the chandelier. 


"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to The Grand Ball. "greeted Raymond.
"Today, niece Rincy has been crowned Queen of Isles, ruler to the entire nation of Westerhall. Our pleasure is doubled, when we announce that our son , Theodon Matilda will now handle the internal affairs of the Cabinet, with Rincy at head."
Raymond looked at Portria and grinned wryly from ear to ear.
Rincy looked just as baffled as Portria.
Theodon walked up to the Diaz, and bowed before Rincy.
Rincy acknowledged him and shook hands, congratulating him. 
"Now what's going on here? I definitely don't want Theodon to interfere in my official matters."she complained in her head.
The crowd roared with claps, and people cheered.
Raymond giggled to see the crowd's enthusiasm, and returned to his announcement.
"There is more to this, elite citizens of Westerhall. It's with great reg..."
"Great pleasure, we announce, that Portria Jaccob, has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Rhue Fashionista." broke in Effie.
Rincy was in complete shock. Portria dumbfounded, as she watched people turn to her and congratulate her.
"Portria, our very own Portria, who has served the throne with utmost sincerity and loyalty will have to bid us goodbye." she added.
She walked up the Diaz and stood next to Rincy, her face as pale as rose leaves withered in a northern gale.
Raymond glared at Effie in astonishment, as Theodon smiled softly at Portria.
Then Raymond eyed Portria asking her to bow to Rincy.
Portria quickly bobbed a curtsy, and Rincy shook hands with her.

"And with this, we let you to enjoy the evening. Let the Grand Ball begin." 
Raymond raised the Royal sword and swung it in small circles above his head. Then he handed it over to Rincy.
"Royal sword. Guard it with your life Rincy Matilda, cause this is your sign of power."
He held Effie, dragging her off the Diaz and head into the crowd.
The crowd split in two, revealing the central circle. Music blared in the background, and couples came forward. They broke into dance, gracefully moving in circles, as though they have been practicing this all long. 
Rincy held the sword in her right hand, and sat down on the throne.
She ran her fingers over it. Made of excellent steel, it held the royal symbol, on the handle. Two inches from the handle, was a golden lining, thin as a string. 
She looked up to see Portria looking down on her with misty eyes. 
"I still remember how elegantly she swung it. Your mother, enhanced the beauty of the sword, Your Grace, and I see you do the same." placing a hand over Rincy's head, Portia wiped off a tear.
Rincy was touched, and held Portria's hand, comforting her.
Portria's hands were cold as ice.
"What's wrong Portria? And what's all with these surprises?" she asked.
"A lot is happening around, Your Grace. Some to trap me, and others to trap you. Theodon will..."
"Your Grace!" exclaimed a gentleman, cutting their conversation midway.
He advanced towards Rincy.
He was tall and fair complexioned. Maybe in his late thirties. A thin mustache sat above his brown lips.
Rincy stood up and smiled tightly, as he kneeled and kissed her hand.
"I am Louis Von, Director of Zarc. " he introduced himself.
"Oh God! Now what's Zarc?"she thought, trying to hide her lack of knowledge.
"Congratulations. You are Queen at such a young age!  I am sure you'll prove much better than what we estimate."
"Thank you Sir", she said and smiled.
Louis, blushed a little at the respect he just got, bowed again and left.
Rincy turned to Portia, only to find her missing.

Several things are happening simultaneously. Sometimes, too fast for a normal one to grasp. Other times, too dangerous for one to know, and most times, too complicated to unreel.
And after all, a game isn't interesting unless it gets minacious. 


© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: The Pot of Ash

He stretched his hands out to help her.

"Catch hold of it, little girl, else you won't survive!" he said in a hushed voice.

She looked down, only to face the emptiness that the valley had to offer. Her forehead glistened with beads of sweat. Her eyes pale and terrified, her lips shivering. Her hands bruised and tired, ready to give up anytime.

"Should I trust, or should I not?" she thought.

She had to make a quick decision, 'cause she obviously had little time to waste.

The rock began to get loose. The ground began to break apart. She was holding onto the last piece of rock, which too would let go of her now.

The rock broke off the cliff edge and led her to fall into the deep, dark valley with unknown terrors, just then, he held her hand.

"I have a promise to keep Rincy Matilda. I can't let you lose, even if I wanted to, because a man who doesn't keep his word, is a man of no honour. And I am a man of honour."

He dragged her up the cliff edge, and enveloped his arms around her, as Rincy broke into sobs, her hands and legs still shivering.

"Your Grace, Your Grace!" the maid shook Rincy's shoulder, as she woke up startled.

"I am safe!" she cried.

"Of course, Your Grace. We have new guards on duty... You needn't worry."

"Rincy placed her hand against her heart.

'Lub-dub, lub-dub…'

Her heart beat fast, and she breathed heavily.

"What just happened? Who was that man? Why couldn't I see his face properly?" she thought.

She tried to calm down, and looked up at the maid."How did you get inside? I had specially ordered no one to enter..."

"Pardon me, Your Grace, I was asked by Portria ma'am to get you to wake up, so that you could get ready for the Grand Ball party. She sent along a couple of dresses, for you to select.” she said pointing towards the wardrobe.

"Where's Portria? Why didn't she come herself?" asked Rincy, getting off her bed.

"She is busy with the arrangements Your Grace"

"Okay, you may leave, and, thank you... um... Cynthia", said Rincy, reading her name from the badge she wore.

The maid looked shocked, to see Rincy's gesture, as though she had never been thanked before.

She blushed a little, “Always at your service, Your Grace", saying so she left the room.

Rincy opened her wardrobe, and there hung a huge row of dresses, arranged in order of length, colour and textile. Rincy ran her hands through the dresses. They were all designer, made out of the best pieces of cloth available in Westerhall, by the best workers, just for her.

She looked through the dresses, to pick out one, but couldn't find even one, that she'd like to wear.

Then her eyes fell upon a long baby pink dress, with netted arms, hung in the corner.

She picked it out, and recalled. This was her mother's dress. The same she had worn on Rincy's 18th birthday at the grand party that had been organized.

She pulled out the hanger, and changed into it.

A pair of beauticians assisted Rincy to get dressed up.

Portria had still not turned up.

Rincy looked at herself in the mirror. How much she could see her mother in herself!

Rincy walked down the hallway to the stairs.

Just as she crossed a room, she stopped on hearing Portria's voice from behind the door.

"Portria's in here?” she thought, and slowly pushed the door open.

"You did steal the papers Theodon. Didn’t you?"

"Which papers Portria, what are you talking about?” said Theodon, calmly.

Rincy, alarmed by Theodon's voice and Portria's tone, gently peeped into the room, just to get a glimpse of Theodon.

Theodon sat on the sofa, with his legs crossed fiddling with his pen. Rincy couldn't see Portria's face, but saw her standing with her arms folded, facing her back towards her.

"You very well know which papers I'm talking about Theodon. Tell me the truth. Where have you hid them?” she questioned, raising her voice.

"Hush, sweet Portria, why are you getting so angry? I bet you don't want someone to know... do you?” he asked standing up and staring into Portria's face. He smirked and turned away.

"Look Theodon, they are very important papers. And I will find them at any cost. Any cost, do you get that?” she warned.

"I bet you can't pay in any way to get those papers Portria.” he said and giggled.

Theodon walked up to his drawer, opened it, and brought out a metal pot.

Turning towards Portria and uncovering the lid of the pot, Theodon held it out to her.

Portria looked into the pot and jerked away, terrified.

Rincy could now see her face, the colour draining out.

"You can't get your hands on the papers Portria, but you might as well do with its ashes." Saying so, he forcefully thrust the pot into Portria's hands.

Speechless, Portria looked from Theodon to the pot of ash and back to Theodon.

"You’re challenging the throne Theodon." she glared.

"And with all my might.” he said confidently without even blinking.

Portia looked away and walked out of the room with the pot held tightly in her hands, just as Rincy hid behind the pillar to escape her sight.

Rincy came out of hiding and peered back into the room.

"Yes Sir. I am ready to face all odds. Anything for you and the family. I shall personally handle Portria." saying so, he hung up.

Rincy walked out of the hallway. 

Confusion, suspicion and fear overtook her thoughts.

"Paper. Ash. Throne. What is going on? Why didn't Portria come to me if she wanted help? And which papers did Theodon burn? How is some paper ash so important, that Portria actually took it away with her? And who did Theodon just call? Which family was he talking about?"

Her mind flushed with questions for which she had no answers.

The Grand Ball party was just fifteen minutes away.

She had to find out what was going on, before the party could begin.

And to begin with, why not the pot of ash?

© Srinidhi Iyengar

The Queen of Isles: The Bait

"It is with great pleasure, that I, Theodon Matilda welcome you all to the coronation ceremony of the heir to the Matilda family, the next Queen of Isles, the sole woman who will now rule the country of Westerhall, Rincy Stephen Matilda, ladies and gentleman, please rise", announced Theodon.

All eyes were on her. Some whispering about how lucky she was, many praising her innate beauty, others marveling at her outwear.

Rincy walked down the hall, her pathway set on a mauve carpet, leading to the Diaz. The room was huge and completely packed. From ministers, to journalists, to photographers, to leading celebrities. Rincy gave her hand into Theodon's as he pulled her up onto the stage. The royal priest, with the lawyer in charge, sat on one side of the Diaz, as the other was occupied by Raymond and an empty seat, where Theodon would sit. The royal throne, adorned with diamonds, rubies and sapphires glistened brightly, even at day time.

Theodon led Rincy to her throne, and she sat on it, with great poise, enhancing the beauty of the throne.

The Royal priest took over the proceedings and the lawyer read out the clauses. Rincy signed at numerous places on the Royal Hierarchy book, and then, the Royal crown was placed on her head. She stood up, and gently bowed before the crowd, as it burst into claps and hoots.

"Presenting, The Queen of Isles, Rincy Stephen Matilda!", declared Theodon. 
The photographers were all ecstatic clicking away to glory.

Rincy took to stage, and raised her hand to calm down the crowd. The audience instantly fell silent.

"Thank you, citizens of Westerhall, for all your love and the trust you'll have in my family." she said, looking around the crowd and glancing at the video cameras occasionally. "It is with immense pleasure, that I accept the throne, and hope to live up to your expectations, and enhance the living conditions in Westerhall."

She bowed again, and walked down the Diaz, with Portria following her.

The crowd burst into applauses.

Rincy and Portria left the hall.

"What's next on the agenda Portria?" asked Rincy.

"Your Grace, we need you at the meeting arranged for the core committee this afternoon." said Portria.

Rincy turned around angrily, just to scold Portria, for the additional, unnecessary respect she was getting, when she noticed Theodon, behind Portria.

She looked at Portria, who smiled and winked.

"Portria knew Theodon was following us! She is indeed very smart!", thought Rincy.

"Yes, Coz Theodon, need something?" asked Rincy, authoritatively.

"Rincy dear, don't get so busy already! Can we speak, for a minute?" he asked. "In private?" he requested, glancing at Portria.

"Portria is family, you can speak..." began Rincy, when Portria offered to wait outside the banquet.

"Thank you Portria", smiled Theodon.

Portria ignored him, and nodded at Rincy, and left.

"What is it Coz? " asked Rincy.

"Look Rin, till now, there was only fear of you being hurt. But now that you have been crowned Queen, we know, many will try to get rid of you at all cost. You need to be careful, and get some bodyguards. And firstly, get rid of Portria,she is a ...."

"I will hear nothing against Portria, Theodon Matilda! I am pleased to see your concern for my life. But I can help myself. And as far as bodyguards are concerned, I don't need any."

"Shut up Rin. Don't make the same mistake, your mother made..."

"Dismissed, Theodon!!! "  Rincy raised her voice.

Theodon fell shut, turned around and left.

Rincy didn't miss the small smile that curved up his face.

Rincy breathed heavily, as memories of her mother and her death flooded her mind.

Portira rushed in, only to see Rincy's eyes blood shot, and flooded with tears.

She hugged Rincy tightly, and Rincy hugged her back.

Rincy walked past a board that read Lionel Matilda, next to which was a board named Raechel Matilda.

Raechel Matilda.

Rincy had very pleasant memories of her maternal grandmother, The Queen of Isles, who preceded her mother. 

"Rincy dear, see what I've brought you?" said Raechel.

Little Rincy, ran up to her grandmother, and jumped into her arms.

Raechel whirled the tiny tot in the air, and hugged her.

Opening the bag she brought, Raechel pulled out a box and handed it over to Rincy.

Rincy opened the box, as it flashed with light, illuminating her face.

A closer look, revealed a well made, polished and designed thin platinum chain, with the letter M on the locket.

Rincy's eyes gleamed with joy and excitement.

"For me?Gran? Really?" she asked.

"Yes little princess! Just for you."

"My name's Rincy, beginning with the letter R!", said Rincy surprised. "Why is there an M?", she asked inquisitively.

Raechel choked on her words. Tears welled up, and she tried to control them. She pulled Rincy closer and whispered "Rincy Matilda. M for Matilda."

Rincy seemed convinced and hugged Raechel again, thanking her.

Rincy's hands rose towards her neck, where the thin chain still found its place.

Overwhelmed , Rincy walked ahead, reaching her mother's grave.

The bed next to it, empty.

Rincy stared at her mother's grave. 

Nostalgia.

Rincy ran her hands on the cold cemented grave and sat down at its head.

Just as cold as her mother's soul would be.

"Mumma..." she whispered.

"Why did you leave me alone Mumma? No you, no grandma, no papa, just no one. Theodon say's you made mistakes... What does he mean? Who will explain all this to me? Who should I trust and who not to, Mumma?" Rincy let her tears fall. For here, she could be free. Here, she needn't put up a strong face, that of a queen. Here, she could be a child. She could be herself.

Having spent some time, at her mother's grave, Rincy head back to the palace.

Portria keenly waited at the entrance for her.

"Met your mother?" she asked, as she smiled at Rincy warmly.

Rincy nodded, and tried to smile back.

"Agenda, Portria?" she asked, in a dull voice.

"For now, you need to attend a meeting with your room, and then by six in the eve, get ready for the Grand Ball party, organized in your Honour.", she smiled.

Rincy smiled back surprised, and head to her room for some rest.

"Portria can read me pretty well!" she thought.

Rincy Matilda. The Bait. The bait, in the middle of a hugely spun web. A web, spun by not one giant spider, but several small ones! The more she will try to wriggle out, the more she will get trapped.

Escape? You bet not.


© Srinidhi Iyengar