Elena was a skilled warrior. She also was an exceptionally powerful witch. She held more power than her sister, definitely. There were even those who believed she held more power than her mother.

Elena loved and respected her queen.

She loved and respected her mentor.

She loved and respected her lieutenants.

And she loved and respected her sisters.

They loved and respected her.

She was easy-going, spiritual, observant, focused and attentive.

Most hoped that Ophelia would name her second born as her successor.

Thus, most were troubled when it became known she would not be Queen of the Nadirii, but Queen of Airen.

Perhaps troubled wasn’t the word for it.

Perhaps worried was.

Serena had not demonstrated the traits needed to lead a realm. She was quick-tempered and vengeful and often would allow emotions to color her thinking, and her actions.

It was thought by a fair few that Elena would be an even better queen than Ophelia, and Ophelia held much respect from her sisters.

However, there was not a great deal of warmth to Ophelia.

She was not officious, though she was often remote.

She was also level-headed, introspective, diplomatic, loyal and fair.

But she was not warm.

So the loss of Elena to Airen was worrisome, not only that one of their own would be forced to live in the land of their enemy.

But that the Sisterhood would lose the woman who should be queen.

More happened that night that surprised the Sisterhood.

There had been laughter in Elena’s treehome that evening, and the anomalous sound of the deep tones of a masculine voice.

The same could be heard in Jasmine’s treehome, until other sounds were heard.

And the same could be heard in the queen’s treehome, where the last Airenzian lieutenant had been quartered, as if the queen sat at her leisure to have a chat with an Airenzian soldier.

It was most clear that Elena did not seem put off by her intended.

Indeed, as they walked from the queen’s residence to Elena’s, they’d been seen holding hands.

The Sisterhood did not know what to think of any of this.

They were all trained in the art of war. Even those who did not have the inclination for it, from a young age, were required to learn basic skills with staff, daggers, bow and arrow, sword and hand-to-hand combat.

They were also all trained in witchcraft.

This requirement was much more strictly enforced. Even those who did not show talent with a spell, a potion, scrying, astral travel or the like were obliged to practice what they could and attempt to better what they lacked.

But for the most part, a woman was free to do what she wished, as long as it strengthened the Sisterhood.

Be it fighting.

Or patrolling.

Or training.

Or teaching.

Or healing.