She sighs and straightens her shoulders. “I knew your mother, you know.” She takes a sip of her tea, her dark slender fingers wrapping around the cup. “You look a lot like her, I would wager you have her spirit too.”
“I have been told I look like her, but I've also recently been told that she scared people just by glancing at them. That is a trait I don't believe I possess.”
“Oh, don't worry about that dear, that will come with time. Always remember, your mother is always near you. Trust that truth, and yourself, for what's to come.”
Siphonie speaks up at that, “And what is to come,Your Highness?”
“Only what must. As the keepers of truth and peace here in Midaeliea, there is a long story about gods and goddesses and the different lands they created. Sometimes becoming bored with the one they have only to start a new one. While our land was shaped by the Goddess, not all have been or will be. However, the creation stories almost always have prophecies that no one heeds until it's too late. Your mother told me the story of one such prophecy, it was one we discussed often in her last days.”
Siphonie picks at her fingernails, I can tell how uncomfortable she is. I take her hand in mine under the iron table, rubbing my thumb across her knuckles. This is not the conversation I thought we would be having. Perhaps a talk about wedding plans or attire, but not my mother.
“Upon the day the moon turns bright, the loyal heir’s death awakens eternal night. The waters will rise and the fires will blaze, then only the sacrificed can save,” she says the words from memory and shrugs her shoulders. “The small, old scroll from our main library had the same words written on it, but your mother told them to me first.”
Chills break down my spine and I can't help but feel my hands shake along with Siphonie's, still interlaced with mine. The Queen just smiles. “I see someone has already let this slip to you. Oh the subjects of Midaeliea, they really do like reciting it. Probably one of our older subjects who most likely worked at one of the libraries.”
The way she talks with so much knowledge, without fear, without falter – I can only hope to hold her grace when I am queen, or rather, queen consort. She pauses looking at me and takes another sip of her tea. She seems to be done with the conversation, but I don't understand why this prophecy keepsbeing repeated to me. “And what does any of this have to do with me?”
She smiles, sitting her cup back down on the saucer. “Everything. At least your mother thought so. She told me the prophecy would soon begin. She told me many stories, in fact. Some you aren't ready for, others you already know. I want you to be vigilant and prepared, as things are not always as they seem, and to always be guarded both by the sword as well as the mind.”
A guard walks toward us, his dark hair hanging to his waist in braids. He nods to us as he approaches and leans down close to the Queen, whispering in her ear. She tilts her head in agreement slightly and pats her lips with a cream-colored napkin.
“Ladies, I'm sorry but apparently, there is some urgent business I must take care of. If you'll excuse me. I'll be waiting to wish you goodbye, your party is about ready to leave as it is.” She stands gracefully, her small steps make her appear as if she is floating instead of walking across the lawn. Her words circle around in my head like a song.
Queen Natala and King Elino stand at the top of the castle’s steps looking toward the caravan of horses and carriages. Queen Natala stands tall, a golden dipped crown of entwined antlers has been placed upon her moss colored hair. Her umber skin is reflected from the more formal, gold dress she has changed into since our time in the garden. King Elino stands in matching colors, he has his hands clasped in front of him, and a smile graces his face. They are a beautiful couple and power radiates from them.
The Queen smiles as she sees me and I stop next to her. Ereon is below us helping to direct the men, including those who are packing our luggage. Thylas stands behind me, still mute after what happened last night. I know tonight we will need to camp and I'll have to be near him, but right now, I want to forget our lapse in judgement.
“I'm so happy you were able to stay with us, Carnaxa. It's been wonderful having newcomers to the area.”
“The pleasure was all mine, I'm happy to have seen a piece of your beautiful kingdom.”
Lanie is speaking to Thylas behind me and I try not to let the jealousy in my gut take over. I watch as she points and talks, she's telling him what is packed where in order to make sure nothing gets broken. It's not like they are having a lover’s conversation. And yet it reminds me that one day, I'll have to watch him with another woman, a woman who will be his wife.
The Queen glances in their direction, before speaking, “Don't let what happened between them come between the two of you.”
My eyes narrow at the Queen, as I’m sure an obvious look of confusion marks my features.
“I know many things, Carnaxa. I can see more than you realize, and I know more than one mortal should. I blame that on your mother. Understand, no matter how things happen, it's all the way it should be, even the heartbreaks of life.”
Time is ticking and everyone is getting ready to go. I don't doubt the truth of Queen Natala's words, one look into her eyes shows the depth of her secrets and knowledge. Her eyes peer into my own like she's reading the writings of my soul. My time to ask questions is limited so I ask the only one I can think of.
“Did my mother tell you anything that could help me right now?”
She readjusts her crown that slipped slightly to the right.
“Your mother told me many things. She told me you would be the one to change everything, to bring change to the continent, and to fulfill the prophecy I recited to you. At the time, I thought she was rambling, but now ... now I see. Make sure to look at the gift I put into your belongings.”
Ereon appears at my side, his hand slipping around my waist as he looks down at me. “We need to be on our way soon, we have a long day of travel. ”
“Yes, just saying my goodbyes.”
“Thank you for your hospitality, Queen Natala and King Elino. I appreciate it and hope to have your continued friendship. I’m sure we will see each other again soon.”
“You will, Prince Ereon and Princess Carnaxa. I will pray to the Goddess that she blesses you with safe travels,” the Queen says and King Elino smiles softly. “Safe travels,” he repeats, and nods toward us.
With that, we walk to the carriages, but I notice the elderly woman from the village in the crowd watching us leave. She stares at me and then glances toward Ereon, lastly her gaze flips to Thylas and her expression turns dark. Her face pales and she appears to want to run but stands there a moment longer. As quickly as the fear flits across her face it disappears and she retreats into the crowd as I get into the carriage.
“When will this rain let up?” Siphonie moans from beside me. She has her legs draped over me. It's hard to be comfortable and proper inside a carriage. Poor Rhenor has decided he preferred the rain on horseback compared to listening to us whine about being cooped up again. Maybe I should learn to ride a horse like they do, and after talking with Queen Natala, maybe I should learn to wield a sword as well. I instantly remember the daggerstill in my belongings, that is what I should start keeping on my person. I'll make sure to find the blade tonight and keep it on me.
