The Red Lake Test

Mirelah;

"You mean I have to walk on a lake? "I question, and Queen Velnara nods as she begins to make a plate for me.

"Yes. "She replies like it's some casual activity I should know how to do.

"Q… Queen Velnara, I'm… I'm a pure dragon born. I don't… I don't have any connections with sirens or water magic… "I begin, and Queen Velnara explodes in laughter that stuns me.

She pushes the plate of roasted meat in my hands as she continues laughing, and I blink at her as she wipes tears from her eyes.

"You are hilarious, Mirelah! "She exhales, and I stare at her in confusion.

"I am? "I reply, and slowly her laughter dies down. She turns around and faces me as she places a hand on mine.

"Dear, you don't need powers over liquid to pass the test. Even a siren could fail. Your failure or success in this test all depends on your mind. On how strong it is. "She replies, and I blink as I try to make sense of her words.

"So there would be a platform I'd work on? "I reply, and she raises a brow.

"Platform? No… You must walk across it. Barefoot. No tricks, no help." She replies and my heart drops.

"No… bridge? No nothing? "I question as fear begins to creep up my back, and she nods.

"Exactly. The test is to see how strong your mind is. "She replies, and my eyes become wide saucers.

"Okay. The Red lake test is simple. It will be done in the presence of just the royal family and council. You're to walk over a small body of blood without falling into it. "She explains, and I swallow.

"How deep is it? "I ask one of the many questions that have just formed in my mind, and she shifts like the answer she's about to give isn't good.

"About… five… six feet? "She replies like she is unsure of what she's saying but we both know she is.

"Five or six feet!? "I repeat in fright as I shoot to my feet, and she smiles weirdly at me.

"It's not really that deep if you think about it… "She begins, and I cut her off in fear.

"I can't swim! "I exclaim in panic as I begin to hyperventilate as my mind begins to run about. 

Imagine me dying by drowning in blood.

I drop the plate of food, and put on hand on my waist with the other one my forehead as I start sweating.

"Is it compulsory? Must I do this? "I ask, and Queen Velnara sighs before standing up and walking up to me.

"Yes, it's compulsory. Yes, you must do it. And to be honest, it's the easiest of all the tests. "She replies, and I blink at her as she takes my hands.

"All you have to do is have faith in yourself. Be strong. The red lake is to test if your strong enough to be Queen. If your mind is strong enough to rule Blood Crescent. "She begins, and I swallow.

"When you become Queen, there will be whispers. Doubts… insults like this morning. What matters is what you believe is true and your ability to hold on to that. This test is to ensure that you have that. And I know you do. You just need to believe it's solid ground and get every doubt out of your mind. "she says as she gently squeezes my hands and I stare into her sea blue eyes.

"Did you… do this test? "I question, and she chuckles.

"I did! I must admit, I was scared too, but after understanding that the power was in my hands, it became a piece of cake. Doubt will be your enemy for this tests. All you need is to believe and I promise you, it will be whatever you will it to be. "She replies, and I swallow with my heart still pounding in my chest.

"What if I fall in? "I question, and her expression turns serious.

"You mustn't! "She scolds, and I jerk.

"If you fail, you prove Vealor right. You let them believe you're weak. Don't give them that. The lake only holds those who believe in themselves. If you welcome even one doubt during the test, you will sink. "She adds, and I swallow hard.

"Promise me you won't fail. "She demands. This time staring into my eyes, and I hold my breath.

"I have so much faith in you, Mirelah. Don't let me down. "She whispers, and I feel tears begin to sting my eyes.

For the first time in my life, someone said they believe in me. For the first time in my life, someone has seen past my odd hair and eyes and treats me like an actual person. She cares… 

"Mirelah…? "She calls softly, and I sigh as I fight tears.

"I promise… "I reply, and a colorful smile splits her face.

"Good. Come now. We've left the food opened for so long, it must be getting cold. You like roasted meat and bread, yes? "She replies as she begins to drag me back to the window seat, and I smile at her.

"Yes, Queen Velnara. "I reply, and as we sit, she pours a cup of wine.

"We'll have to do something about how your dress me. "She says as she rolls the cup in circular motions, and I tilt my head in confusion.

"After your marriage with Kealith, you'll start addressing me as mother. Okay? "She adds, and a furious blush attacks my cheeks.

"Yes, Queen… "I reply, and she smiles.

"Come on. Eat up. "She replies, and I turn my attention back to the food while hunger begins to flood my gut. 

As I put the first juicy bite of meat in my mouth, my mind begins to wander. The red lake test. All I have to do is believe in myself. Right?

It sounds easy. But that is usually a trick. Anything that seems too easy never really is. I'm worried, and it's just the first test. In the next six days, I don't know how many more tests I'll face and how easy or hard they will be.

But Queen Velnara believes in me. That should be enough motivation. For the first time ever, someone had faith in me. I shouldn't let her down. 

I'll do my best. I'll give my all. I won't fail this test. I won't disappoint Queen Velnara. I must not.