19. Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Nineteen
I knocked on my mother’s room knowing Father was likely in his. Or in the common living quarters between the sleeping ones. Mother claimed her husband snored too loudly and they needed space in order to get a good night’s rest.
She sat on the balcony outside her royal suite with a cup of tea looking at the Hallowstags.
“Hello, Mother.” I announced myself and she shook her head, like she’d been in a daze.
“Morning, my beautiful daughter. This is a lovely surprise.” She opened her arms and I folded into them immediately. “You look troubled, Sapphira. Do I need to lift the diamond wall and toss someone off it for you?” She rubbed my head softly.
I peeled away to sit in the empty chair beside her.
“No.” I laughed and poured myself a cup of her tea.
“Is it the young prince?”
“Tor’s great.”
“That not the prince I was referring to,” she said with a knowing smile while sipping from her cup.
“How did you know?”
In a very unqueenly manner, my mother rolled her brown eyes. “I have eyes, saw the longing glances, and bodies leaning toward each other like magnets without even trying. It’s a pattern I’ve witnessed before.”
I waited for an explanation.
“I knew a strong royal who was arranged to marry a handsome prince from another land. They were to build a new empire together. Bring love, and peace, and balance to the realm. That prince was charming. A sweet talker and basked in the female’s power, her glory.”
My whole body stilled as she kept going.
“He had a brother. A warrior with a dragon’s core. They didn’t talk much but when they did, it was quite apparent that they were mates. Confirmed after they shared a kiss. Ancient cores such as dragons intensifies the bond. There were many heated moments. Declarations of love and a life together.”
“Did she choose the mate?”
Her fingers fiddled with the ends of her wavy curls resting in her lap.
“She did not. She chose duty over her heart. To give the people of her kingdom the best chance. She defied the Heart Tree’s design.”
My whole body sagged into the chair. Rune could be my mate for all I know. I hadn’t felt a bond, yet, but our attraction was strong. Powerful.
Would I relinquish that sacred bond for duty? I would do anything for my people, but paying that cost… I’m not sure.
“So, what happens if I don’t choose Tor?” I asked.
My mother sipped her tea. The diamond flakes in her skin shimmered with the setting sun.
“Your father made the deal with the King of Regno De Lupi. Their father will side with our kingdom in a coming war with Verin.”
“War? You mean it is inevitable?” This was news to me.
“Celestine has seen a mighty war with Verin in the future,” she said softly yet her jaw tensed. Like there was more to the story, but she just couldn’t tell me.
“So, being with Tor gains us an ally in this war.” I stared, feeling a weight pressing against my chest.
She nodded. “Prince Rune is powerful. Your father has an interest in having him as an ally. Although I sense his allegiance is already spoken for.”
“I don’t see him being attached to his father much.” I scoffed and the queen shook her head.
“His home is not the allegiance I was referring to.” She arched a delicate brow. Oh. She meant me.
“This is very confusing. So, if I marry Tor, our kingdom will be safe from a tyrannical king. If I choose Rune, I what? Condemn everyone and everything I hold dear?” My hands ran down my face, and I focused on breathing in and out.
“Life is not simple. There are many times in our lives where we must set aside our wants for the good of others. Then, in other moments, we must choose our hearts. Neither are easy choices. You will disappoint many and people will potentially suffer. It a choice only you can make, for you will have to live with the consequences.” Her head lifted, and her shoulders squared, steady, grounded in her words.
“Was it the right choice? That royal you knew? Was she happy with the charming prince?” I needed to know how the story ended.
My mother stared into her empty cup.
“I lost touch with her a long time ago. I don’t know the answer,” she said, her voice so soft. So sad. My new lie detector tingles were silent. I guess she was telling the truth.
“So, it’s really on me to choose then. To condemn or to deny.”
Her hand wrapped around mine and squeezed. “This is what it means to live. To make choices, and hope that they lead you to a life you can be proud of.”