25. Emilia
Chapter 25
Emilia
I t’s been just over a week since we returned. A whirlwind of meetings and greeting new nobles has occupied our time, and I don’t know how Timas does it all. He is always good at ensuring we have a moment together, even if it means sneaking off to the garden in between meetings. The council is split on how they feel about having a human Queen. Raza’l is very unhappy about it, but Timas ends the conversation before he rants too long. On a darker side, there has been another murder since we have returned. Timas is on edge, desperately wanting to protect his people but is unable to. I can’t imagine how helpless he must feel. He thinks the wedding will give his people, or rather, our people, something to celebrate. I hope he is right and this doesn’t cause them any more concern.
But tonight–tonight is the celebration of our betrothal, and saying I’m nervous is an understatement. The doubts that live permanently in my mind have been playing nasty little tricks on me all day, and crawling back into bed and hiding under the covers sounds like a great idea. But I won’t do it. I won’t do it because I love Timas, and we will face all the opposition together. Even a fancy, overwhelming party.
“I’m glad you chose the ivory dress. It looks so good with your beautiful brown hair.” Sigrid brings in the dress I plan to wear tonight—a long, flowy dress with a heart-shaped neckline and long, wispy fabric that falls off the arms. Timas wasn’t exaggerating when he said he wanted to spoil me with clothes and jewelry. I still don’t love having so much, especially when others are without, but I have been able to rein him in on his spending. I never thought I would have to say that.
“I like it too, the fabric is so soft!” Sigrid unlaces the back, helping me step into the dress. I am so grateful to have her with me. Timas ensured she had her own room right next to mine. I insisted she had somewhere nice to sleep and rest if she wanted. For too many years, she lived in a cramped room–I didn’t want that to be her life anymore. She seems happy even though she is still waiting on a noble. I really don’t have to guess. She told me she is happy. Sigrid doesn’t like to sit around, so the fact that she gets to do something to keep herself busy makes her happy. I try to do my part by asking very little of her. I fidget with the side of my nail as she finishes lacing up the back. She catches me and lightly tugs at my fingers.
“You are going to do amazing. There is nothing to worry about.” Easy for her to say! She doesn’t have to stand up in front of hundreds of people tonight AND meet her future mother-in-law, who used to be Queen .
“Of course, because standing in front of hundreds of Fae people is so simple. Oh, and meeting the Queen Dowager is absolutely not worth worrying about.” Huffing a breath, I occupy my hands with the stray fabric billowing around my arms.
“She’s going to love you!” Sylphina walks in carrying pretty ivory shoes that will match the dress, but they are way too tall. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to all the heels. They pinch my toes and make my heels hurt. No matter, they are fit for a Queen, so getting used to them is a must. I like Sylphina, and though I don’t need more than Sigrid because I can dress myself, I kept her on as my lady’s maid. Ysella was too cold for my liking. It made me feel uncomfortable. Milori was the one to tell her because I don’t like conflict and didn’t want to upset her. I recognized this likely doesn’t bode well for my authoritative skills as a Queen. Of course, Milori did the task without complaining. He has taken on a big brother role in our relationship, not that I needed another brother hovering around me.
“The Queen Dowager is known for being very kind and wise. Once she meets you, she will love you like we do!” Sylphina is always so lovely and exuberant, a stark contrast to the rough personality of the Orcs I grew up with or the snakes I used to work for. A rap on the door draws our attention, and the door opens to show my father standing up tall in a brand-new outfit. He has put on some weight in the past week and is finally starting to look like his old self.
“Little Swallow, you look stunning. The old tunic and trousers did you a disservice–this is how you should look.” His smile is so genuine and happy. I was afraid he would hate living here, as it’s not exactly an Orc village, but he constantly reminds me that wherever Garrick and I are, he will be ‘gladly.’
Sigrid and Sylphina slightly bow to Father, which puts a stupid smile on his face.
“An Orc can get used to all this bowing business.” I roll my eyes at him.
“Just what we need, another big-headed Orc wandering around the palace.”
“Now, now Emilia, be nice to your brother.” Father walks over and wraps his arms around me, squeezing tightly. Pulling away, he glances at himself in the mirror, patting down his silk shirt.
“You look handsome too, Father.” He turns to look at me again, pretending to be shocked.
“Of course I do! Have you seen me? The Fae women won’t know what to do with all this Orc.” A burst of laughter escapes me, as I can hardly catch my breath at his antics. He has never lacked confidence, that’s for sure. “Now come, Timas is likely yelling at some poor soul because you are not around to calm him. He has gotten a lot worse this past week. It’s silly to wait for this bonding ceremony–just do it and be done with it. It’ll likely make your soon-to-be bonded a lot nicer to deal with.”
“I don’t know. Milori says he is always this grumpy. Besides, it’s only a month away. I’m sure he can handle it. It’s not that long.” Father snorts at the comment .
“You obviously don’t know how agitating it can be, not being with your spirit bond.” I don’t know how it feels. There is a tenderil of annoyance that I feel when Timas isn’t around. And I miss him terribly when I haven’t seen him for long periods of time, but Father is right. There is no way for me to truly understand how he feels.
“Apparently, the ceremony needs to be meticulously planned because he’s the King or something, I don’t know.” He huffs, taking my arm and placing it in his.
“The Orc tradition is better.”
“HA! Right, when Orcs find their Soul Bonds, they throw them over their shoulder and call it good.”
“You forget, we go to the temple first. It’s not natural to wait so long.” I shake my head at him because this is fast for most humans. Even though I was raised by Orcs, I don’t feel the same bond they do. It makes it hard to understand. The idea that magic can affect a connection between two people is complex, but either way, I would gladly bond with Timas tonight or a month from now. Father leads us down the hallways, making our way to the ballroom–the same ballroom that was used for the spring festival. We pass some Fae who stare at us. Father smiles, over-exaggerating his large tusks, which scares them so bad they nearly trip over their own feet to get away.
“You know that scares them.” He chuckles at the comment.
“I know, but isn’t it funny to see them trying to run away? It makes me want to chase after them for fun. ”
“We are already strange enough. Let’s not add to it. A human to be Queen, who was raised by an Orc, who is also wandering around the palace scaring unsuspecting individuals. People talk enough about us.”
“Let them talk. We have never cared what others have said about our family.” Warmth fills my heart as I remember what he endured to raise Garrick and me. I will never be embarrassed to be with them. It’s a good reminder that no matter what our family looks like, we are, and will always be, family.
“Where is Garrick?” A deep rumble of laughter flows out of him, likely from the residual thought of chasing Fae nobles around the castle.
“He has found himself a distraction in the form of a Fae noblewoman. I can’t wait to see what her parents think of an Orc spending time with their daughter. My desire to watch them sputter and slowly die inside is great.” Shaking my head at the situation, I can't help but snort. It’s one thing for a human to be with a Fae person, but Orc and Fae? No, that is not something that happens. Humans look similar enough to the Fae people, and it’s fine in some ways, but the vast majority of Fae can’t stand the idea of an Orc being in a relationship with a Fae person. Timas may have to do some damage control later.
We make it to the ballroom entrance, where Timas stands waiting for us. His eyes brighten when he sees me and takes in my outfit. A spark of heat enters his eyes as he walks quickly to me. He gathers me up in his arms as his lips come down on mine. His mouth moves against mine seamlessly and these moments have become increasingly intense between us. Timas says it should settle down after the bonding ceremony (I hope not), but until then, his very being will crave to be with me—some magical way of keeping us together (not that I mind).
“You look ravishing. If only the protocol didn’t require us to wait for the full moon to hold the ceremony.” He groans as he lays his head on mine.
“We’ll make it.” I peck his lips quickly and pull away before he gets any ideas.
“I’m standing right here. You couldn’t have waited until after I left?” Father mutters as he walks around us and into the ballroom. Timas and I share a smile.
“As much as I would prefer to stay out here and kiss those soft lips again, we should probably head in.” I laugh but nod my head. The large oak doors swing open, pushed by the guards on either side, and the room quiets down as we enter. The room looks entirely different from last time. Tonight, there are floating lanterns that give a soft and magical light to the room. Drapes of fine fabric hang from the walls and flow across the ceiling. It’s breathtaking.
“Thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate our betrothal! As Fae, we know the value and reverence we have for the spirit bonds. We are not all blessed enough to find one, but the gods saw fit to send me mine–my Emilia. Let tonight be a night of dancing, eating and singing! Let us celebrate together!”
A roar of applause goes up around us as Timas leads me to the center of the room for a dance. I’m grateful I asked for help on how to dance correctly, or else everyone watching us would know how terrible a dancer I really am. Timas twirls me around the dance floor while the music plays. At the end of the song, as we slow down, I’m nearly out of breath, and we find ourselves searching for a drink. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a woman walking gracefully across the floor as her long, black hair flows behind her. It looks a lot like Timas’–this must be his mother. The knots in my stomach that had been slowly unravelling tighten back up again. She seems to glide over the floor as she walks towards us. Her smile is small, but happiness shines in her eyes. Timas opens his arms and envelopes her.
“Mother, when did you arrive? No one informed me.”
“Hello, darling, a couple of hours ago. The boat ride from Casdola was treacherous today.” They pull away from each other, and you can see their love for one another.
“You would have been here sooner had you flown.” She tuts at him before folding her hands in front of herself.
“You know how it messes up my hair.” Timas chuckles, but for some reason, that comment makes her seem more human, and a little of my nerves fade away. Timas steps back and pulls me to his side.
“Mother, this is Emilia. My spirit bond.” Her smile widens, and she opens her arms again and hugs me. She feels like happiness–is that even possible? Her hug is soft, not the tight, bone-crushing one like my father’s, and somehow, she exudes motherhood .
“I am so delighted to meet you finally! Timas hasn’t stopped talking about you.” My face hurts because of the smile on it. Timas looks back, spotting someone, and gives a nod.
“I need to speak with someone, my flower. Would you mind visiting with my mother for a moment?”
“Of course not.” He kisses the top of my head and walks toward Milori and, if I’m not mistaken, a council member, Uldor.
“I don’t think I have ever seen him this happy before. Even as a child, he always had a very serious demeanour and kept everyone at arm’s length. I don’t know how to thank you for making him smile.” Timas nods along with whatever conversation they are having.
“He returns the favor daily.” She hums in agreement.
“I used to look at my late husband the same way. He brought me so much joy over our time together. It’s still hard to believe that he’s gone sometimes.” Her voice cracks with her words, which pulls my attention to her. I can see the pain written on her face.
“I’m so sorry for your loss.” She seems to swallow around the lump in her throat and gives a slight cough before speaking again.
“Thank you, darling. Though we married for political reasons, I fell deeply in love with him. He was my closest friend and confidant. He would curl up on a lounge chair with me and hold me while I read, even though he found the activity immensely boring.” Her slight chuckle and faraway gaze suggest that she is reliving a moment from her past.
“I only hope you and Timas can find those quiet moments together. Running this court is not an easy job. You will need each other to succeed, and I fear there will be more trouble ahead for both of you.”
A feeling of dread washes over me. I am aware that the court is fighting an unseen adversary, but I am still struggling to comprehend the significance of Timas’ burden. Although they are aware of the culprit behind this, they are still finding it challenging to ensure the safety of the people of Sonas. I can see it taking a toll on Timas daily.
“I don’t know if I will be much help.” I stare at Timas, who has been happily talking and laughing with Milori since Uldor left. He deserves someone strong to stand beside him.
“You underestimate your importance. You don’t need to be able to fight like the Noble Guard or have a persuasive tongue to change the course of a political meeting. All you need is to be a consistent rock for him. He has enough people in his life telling him what to do, how to do it and who is best suited to do it. What he doesn’t have is someone to listen to him because they want to. Someone to love him when he is testy. Someone to support him when everyone else is against him. All he needs is you.”
At that moment, Timas throws his head back and laughs at something Milori said. He’s worth it–he’s worth all of it.
“He was there for me. I will be there for him. ”
“I know.” She says.
I am not sure what challenges lie ahead, but I will stand by Timas and fight for our love and for the Fae people. This land has become my home, and I will remain loyal to it and to him.