3: The Empress
Tethered - a journey into an alternative reality where nothing is quite as it seems. Where the line between fiction and fact are difficult to differentiate. And destiny becomes a game.
⚠️ Each instalment will be slightly different; however, reader discretion is advised as this is written for an adult audience.
Back To The Beginning | Previous Chapter | Next Chapter
I’d fallen. Was falling. The High Priestess had dismissed me with a smile and a wave of her wrist, sending me into the marble; witnessing the mosaic of crystallised minerals, passing through grains of wood, the opulent moonlit rooms, before finally slipping below the impossibly suspended structure.
Slow and languid.
Warm air wrapping over my limbs, my hair a halo.
The imposing palace steadily diminishing in size until it became a star, covered with drifting clouds. Fading entirely after the breeze cleared and revealed the cyan sky and sapphire sun.
I seemed to float endlessly; it was something I both enjoyed and never wished to experience again. My body held, cradled, by the currents as I travelled, unaware of how much time had passed. If the fall was truly as far as I’d thought. Or if my perception was skewed.
Was the Magician the exception or the rule?
Was the High Priestess to be trusted?
And who exactly was Pershel, and where was I?
The weightlessness was reluctant to leave me, making my landing steps awkward as I moved across an immaculately clipped indigo lawn. Conscious of what happened on my initial arrival, I’d expected to hear an objection from the blades of grass, yet I was met with silence.
Not a sigh to be heard across the immense field.
Pausing, I chewed on my lower lip.
I’d no idea where I was, nor how I could return to the portal.
Return to the lab, home.
My jaw tensed, swallowing down the heated anxiety which clung to my throat and pricked at my eyes. I exhaled, forcing myself to pace my breath and steady my pulse.
‘No tears,’ I said, sternly, ignoring the slight break in my voice.
Studying the mass of flowering shrubs and tall trees along the far perimeter, I reasoned the wood was the most logical route; if it was the same one I’d already visited. With a fresh resolve, gripping the strap of my backpack, I began to stride toward the lush paradise.
For every step I took, the plants took one.
At first I didn’t notice. But as my backpack grew heavier, the sun became warmer, the lack of progress made my steps more tentative.
To test a theory, eyes narrowed, I sprinted.
Then halted.
My frown dug deep. When I’d run, the movement of the plants was visible, incredibly visible. Every branch and leaf, every petal, turning and rapidly evading my advance.
With my hands on my hips, I shook my head.
‘Fine,’ I muttered through clenched teeth.
I took a large step backwards, keeping my eyes on the tree line.
The plants followed.
Yet they still only matched me, and if I continued like this I’d never get anywhere. My body sagged, feet stalled. Heat increased in my eyes, the swelling of moisture along my lashes. The dig of my teeth into my lower lip a distraction as I willed away any hint of weakness.
‘It’s not meant to be like this,’ I whispered. ‘Not like this.’
Lifting my head, I blinked.
Were they closer?
This time, I saw the incremental shift; the reduction in gap between my static form and their action. Boughs sweeping their neighbours forward, leaves rustling with encouragement to drive momentum.
A spread of tiny flowers chasing each other as the lawn flooded with colour; cornflower-blue dots that shimmered and chimed. The melody of the petals as they unfurled and laughed charming, melting some of the anguish which had taken up residence in my stomach.
Soft, hope sprouted in my mind.
If I waited, the forest would engulf me and take me to the other side without me moving at all. And then, then I could find the portal and I could leave. I could tell Kaspar about my discovery. I could analyse the results of my trip. Dropping to one knee, I plucked a delicate flower from the thickening growth.
Their giddy exclamation made me pause.
‘You’re tickling her.’
I stayed completely still, my eyes lifting. Mouth drifting open.
Under the slightly lowered sun, the swirling white fabric which swept around the woman’s curves seemed to glow. Her long sandy hair buoyant and bright blue eyes the same shade as the flowers. But her skin… every surface not draped in her gown was covered in verdant moss.
There was little moisture in my mouth, but I swallowed.
Forced my lips to close and stood, the flower held gently in my open hand. I held out my arm, an apology on my tongue.
‘Please, keep her,’ she suggested kindly. ‘Though she may struggle; they get so homesick.’
Looking down to the flower, I watched the petals reform to mimic my gaze. The central style folding to create a smile. ‘Can I… will she—’
‘If you place her down, she’ll find her feet.’
Bending, I gently set the stalk level with the ground; the blades of grass brushing my skin, swinging away to permit access. Other blooms rushed to support the returning flower, the group crowding in then rushing toward the shelter of a soaring tree.
How the fuck can I explain this to Kaspar?
‘He’ll likely not have believed you, even if she survived your journey.’
‘You can read my thoughts too?’ The frown returned, coupled with a furious warmth over my face; my focus was dragged from the flowers as they began to dance. ‘Can everyone here do that?’
‘Everyone can, anywhere,’ she replied, ‘if you learn how to read.’
‘What do you mean?’
Her fingers stroked over a nearby shrub; flowers immediately blossomed from her touch. ‘If you study people, truly understand someone, then you can learn much, and, effectively know their thoughts.’
‘Impossible.’ My arms folded, head tilting. ‘And not the same thing.’
‘Some would say even this is impossible.’ Her smile was indulgent, her blue eyes glinting. Her graceful arm sweeping over the surroundings; the plants followed her movement with earnest delighted cries.
My tongue rolled over my lower lip, teeth catching it as I considered her words; did she mean the place, or the way the plants responded, how they’d moved, or did she mean that I was here?
‘Yes,’ she said.
I sighed. ‘It’s very rude, you know.’
She inclined her head once, eyes fluttering closed; even the lids were moss. Tiny flowers like dew as lashes. Her entire being looked so invitingly soft. As though I could be wrapped in her arms and sleep.
Finally sleep.
I was so tired. So fucking tired.
‘You found your way here,’ she began, ‘despite it not yet being your time—’
‘People keep saying that, too.’
‘I’m sure it’s unsettling, being in a world you don’t understand.’ She paused. ‘But, this world only seeks to nurture you and allow you to thrive, as you truly are.’
Why does everyone here speak in fucking riddles.
Her laughter was melodic, almost like the breath of a summer’s wave hitting the heated grains of a beach.
‘I need to stop thinking,’ I muttered.
‘That may help.’
Her hand brushed close to my arm; though there was no contact, I felt the warmth. The way she conveyed the idea I should trust her. Follow her. The steady steps of her bare feet cushioned by the indigo lawn, the elegantly undulating fabric of her gown.
Expectant, the forest around us waited and watched.
Two branches bending to curve into chairs.
‘I’m the Empress,’ she said, inviting me to take the other branch. A layer of leaves fluttering to form a more comfortable seat.
‘I’m—’
‘We know who you are.’ Her blue eyes held my gaze.
Strangely, her interruption did not feel harsh.
‘You’ve spent your life seeking answers in the wrong places,’ the Empress stated. ‘Time in study is, of course, an incredibly worthy pursuit, but you’ve neglected your roots. You’ve neglected yourself.’
I was about to object, but the retort died on my tongue as I watched her stroke one finger over a bud at the tip of the branch. Her gaze on me even as she coaxed the bud to blossom, to fade, to fall. Replaced with a rapidly ripening pomegranate. From her seat, she twisted her wrist and snapped the fruit from her tree-formed chair.
Broke the flesh and offered me half.
‘You think too much,’ she reiterated, waiting for me to accept her gift; palm unfurled and her tiny, vibrant green leaves holding the fruit.
Though I’d not really considered it, now the hunger spiralled through my stomach. It’d been hours, easily, since I’d arrived here. And I’d not eaten anything since breakfast.
Tea, wine; welcome, but not substantial.
As I cautiously took the darkly-coloured hemisphere, I sensed the chill of her mossy skin, watched the soft bed of her palm rebound. The minute stems reorganising the threads which composed her flesh, small blue tips emerging in a web from her wrist to her fingers.
Then retreating.
‘It’s important you care for yourself, and others,’ the Empress continued, encouraging me to eat with a widening of her eyes. Her dignified pinching of seeds made as the tart juice soaked into her skin; in the sapphire gleam of the sun, it was more black than red. ‘Especially now.’
The arils on my tongue soured at her words, at the thoughts which arrived unrequited into my mind. My jaw tightened.
Still, I swallowed; forcefully.
‘Your diligent pursuit of science is admirable, but there is so much more.’ She stood; the branch which had been her chair shook the leaves from the seat then returned to an upright position. ‘So much more; you deserve to enjoy all aspects of life—’
‘I do.’ My chin tilted upward, defensive.
The Empress sighed. ‘You’ve forgotten how to read yourself, to care for yourself and others. You work so hard, living in the realm of the mind instead of embracing the nurturing power of the world.’
‘The world is a mess,’ I retorted. Paused. Clarified. ‘My world.’
She released a soft laugh, a shake of her head sending the thick, lustrous stands of her hair in a shimmering wave. ‘And yet there’s still so much beauty in it.’
With a weary rounding of my shoulders, I focused on scooping more pomegranate from the rind. The crunch of the seeds below the glassy coating a distraction to the tightening at my temples.
It’s so easy for someone who knows nothing about me, nothing about everything I’ve fought so hard to overcome, to suggest a walk in the fucking park would fix everything.
I’ve no time for that, no time at all.
While you read, should you wish to immerse yourself further into the dark vibe of the story, have a listen to the playlist. It may also give you a glimpse of what’s to come in future chapters - especially if you know the Major Arcana and what they represent. I’m also happy to share which resources I’ve read should you wish to learn more about parallel world theory, quantum mechanics, and wormholes.
This story is crafted by Ariadne Pautina, entirely human-driven, © 2026
Thank you for reading; I appreciate your time and your support. If you feel called to leave an offering, it would be sincerely welcome. But, your company is gratefully received regardless 🖤
This chapter gave me intense Alice in Wonderland vibes. Your imagery is just divine.