64. Epilogue #6 Something sinister
*AZADEH*
I t's been one year since Endellion and I took over the reins, and everything’s gone smoothly so far. Just, for weeks, I have been having occasional nightmares. Dreams about darkness swallowing me and everyone else.
At first I thought it was just my imagination, my mind and body being exhausted because we worked so much, but I know deep in my heart that it isn’t that. So, I talked to Endellion about it. Something sinister is waiting in the shadows for the right time to strike.
It pushed Ende and me to gather the shifter and surrounding kingdoms, and hold an annual banquet and ball where everyone could attend. A first step towards finding allies and building a united front against whatever is coming.
It took months of preparation, but thanks to my friends and allies, we were able to organize the first event. The plan is to have the location change every year; this year Favian and Alana offered to be hosts, leading us far up the mountains for the banquet. While Ende and I are part of the main organizers, it suited us well that the both of them volunteered. We don’t want to monopolize this event.
Shayan stays back home to keep an eye on the kingdom, while Tynan and Royan join us. A few weeks ago, Royan and Simin held a private, small marking ceremony, where Royan took her as his chosen mate. Ever since that day, Simin looks happier than she has ever been, and it seems like it gave Royan a boost of strength, too. His body has recovered mostly, although his leg and arm still remain weakened and his wolf still hasn’t come forward fully. Marking Simin seems to have strengthened him, though. Over the past couple of months, he has learned from Shayan to wield knives, and to fight despite his disability.
Alana greets us when we arrive. She looks fresh and youthful like she used to, but her body looks stronger, indicating that she trains a lot.
“I’m so happy to see you!” she says, hugging each of us. “Come on in. Many guests have already arrived.”
She leads us through the huge hallway. Favian has made sure to rebuild his castle and his small kingdom, the royal clan, and he has reunited the dragon shifters again. He has finally been able to bless them with their dragon spirits. Since we are allies now, it’s not unusual anymore to see a dragon flying above our lands.
The scent of freshly cooked food is lingering in the air, making my stomach churn slightly. For a few weeks now, my stomach has been a bit sensitive, an annoying occurrence. But, I shove my discomfort to the side to greet everyone.
To my utmost surprise, Flinn is here with a guard I recognize from the Everlasting Desert. “Wait… my father sent someone to represent the Desert?” I whisper to Alana.
“Yes, we were surprised too,” Alana mutters. “Prince Kiyan sent us notice, last minute, saying Flinn would be attending as an official guest with a lieutenant.”
As if he heard us, Flinn waves at us and grins. I haven’t seen him in a while, although he has visited twice since he traveled to the Desert. I’m sure there is a lot of catching up to do.
Alana leaves us alone for a moment to greet another guest, while Endellion and I make our way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and greeting everyone. Another surprise for us, was that Shayan truly managed to reach out to the Fairy and Elf Kingdom, also known as The Luminous Fields, meaning their rulers is attending today.
“Oh, you are a sight for sore eyes,” he exclaims when he sees us, pushing past everyone and approaching me. He is a tall, athletic man. Unlike the shifters his body build is on the leaner side, he and his people are clad in flowy clothes. He has pointy ears and a dangerous, mischievous glint in his eyes. “It’s an honor.” He takes my hand, kissing it. Then, he winks at Endellion. “Oh hello, King Endellion.”
Endellion holds it together well, although I can tell the provocative Elfen king annoys him. But having him join this event is far too important to allow any personal feelings to get in our way. So, Endellion stays all professional. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he says. “Lord Alberad.”
With the Everlasting Desert, The Luminous Fields, and us from the Kingdom of Eternal Ice attending this event, three major lands are participating. This is more than I’ve ever hoped for. The big nations aren’t the only ones, though. When I look over the crowd, I can spot Alpha Yrsa and Caelan, both dressed in typical werebear attire.
I wave at Caelan, and he smiles warmly at us.
Next to them, there is Contessa Noemi with her father, the Count and leader of the fox shifters. I’ve met him a few times by now. To my surprise, he is much younger than I anticipated. He must have had Noemi when he was a teenager. He is a rather serious and reserved man, much unlike his daughter, who is a whirlwind. Together with them, there stands a group I haven’t seen before.
Who are they? I link Endellion.
That’s Lord Enver and Lady Maeve, Endellion explains. They are deer shifters.
Oh, that’s them! Endellion had one private meeting with Lord Enver in their own pack, in absolute secret and hidden away from prying eyes. I wasn’t able to attend due to health reasons. They are shifters who like to remain hidden and fear the outer world. To have them attend has a huge symbolic meaning to us.
I make sure to head immediately to greet them. “Queen Azadeh,” Lord Enver bows politely. “It is an honor to meet you, Daughter of the Sun.”
He has wise eyes and a knowing smile. He and his people differ a lot from the other attending guests. Their clothes are all in earthy and green tones, very modest but elegant. Embroidery symbolizing nature and animals are all over their clothes, making them look like they are from a different world.
“I’m very glad you are attending,” I say sincerely.
“We had to,” Lady Maeve says. “Something sinister is hiding.”
I look up at her, surprised she feels it too.
“Ah, I see. It didn’t get past the Daughter of the Sun,” her father says knowingly. “We are very in tune with nature, too.”
We exchange a gaze. “Let’s keep it between us for now,” Lady Maeve mutters. “Today should be a day to make friends and not terrify everyone.”
“You are right,” I agree, “but, let’s not forget it.”
They both nod, and I return to mingle with the crowd. After having greeted everyone, I feel my uneasiness returning and retreat to one of the bathrooms of the castle. Alana follows me, worry gracing her face. “Are you alright, Aza?” she asks. “You look a little pale.”
“I just feel a bit queasy,” I admit.
“Really? Did you eat something that didn’t sit well with you?”
“No, I’ve just had very light food recently,” I sigh. “For the last couple of weeks I have had these waves of nausea, mostly in the morning, but, sometimes also-” I pause, exchanging a gaze with Alana. She clasps a hand over her mouth. “Goddess, Azadeh,” she beams. “I’m so happy for you.”
I laugh, suddenly feeling much lighter. It’s not a mysterious sickness, I’m just growing our baby in me. “Don’t tell him yet,” I beg. “I want to surprise him.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to ruin your moment,” she promises, while she helps me freshen up some, before we head outside again. I make sure to find Endellion, who is currently taking a break on one of the balconies. It leads outside towards the north. As we are on top of a mountain, it opens the view to our surrounding lands.
“Endellion,” I say softly, taking his hand.
He smiles at me and pulls me closer.
“I think it’s time to clean out that second office of yours.”
“Why?” he asks in surprise.
I smile, feeling my heart jumping faster with joy. “We will soon need the space.”