Hey Alabaster,
We open realms that are exclusively for new players. You won't be able to see those, as they're hidden if you're not brand new. If you want to play with your friend, you can try inviting him to your current realm, or you can coordinate to join an open realm in the same quadrant.
 "Crush Crush"){kind=icon}
 "Realm of Empires: Warlords Rising"){kind=icon}
New realms will be coming out in January and February. :) Watch for announcements next week!