Chapter 16 #2
I chuckled and rolled my eyes for effect as I took a piece of his croissant and popped it into my mouth.
“So, my betrothed, tell me: what is the deal with this prophecy? No one has explained a single word of it to me. For all I know, you could all be making it up, and I wouldn’t have a clue.
For all I know, I hit my head brutally hard in that park and am currently in a coma. Who knows?”
Jion’s eyes lit with amusement. “For all we know, this entire existence could be a figment of our imaginations! Nothing could be real!”
“Then we could just do whatever we want!” I quipped.
“In that case,” Jion continued, “I’m abdicating the throne and running away to live by myself peacefully in the woods.”
My face relaxed as I leaned back in my chair, studying my friend. “Is that what you want, Jion?”
The prince shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
The sight of his bulky frame awkwardly adjusting on the tiny wooden stool was humorous, reminding me of a clown trying to fit into a little car.
His nostrils flared as he crossed his arms over his chest to stop fidgeting.
“What I want is for the Tenebrae to go back to where they came from, wherever that is, and for the universe to be free from their reign of terror and death. If it means I must make a small sacrifice, then so be it.”
His description of our reality cut deep, leaving me questioning my own desires.
Was I selfish for yearning to escape into the trees and never look back?
Did I lack compassion for wanting to tell the entire kingdom to go to hell and simply be left alone?
Perhaps I was thoughtless. He was right in every sense.
If my marriage could serve as a small sacrifice to protect billions, then I should embrace it without hesitation.
But how could tying myself to another person dismantle an evil empire?
My jaw slackened as I fell into a contemplative silence, and Jion watched me intently, his brow furrowed with concern.
After a moment, he sighed heavily, breaking the stillness.
“Jane, it’s okay to feel sad about this.
I’ve had a long time to come to terms with our reality, but you’ve only had a few days to process everything.
I understand if you harbour resentment toward me for being part of it.
” His features switched to one of solemnity as indignation waved through him.
“What troubles me most is that my father has stripped both of us of our consent. I like to tell myself that I’m choosing this and making a sacrifice for the greater good, but deep down, I know it’s all bullshit.
Still, at least I can say you’re no longer a stranger to me.
From what I’ve observed, you’re a kind, intelligent woman, and I’m genuinely glad that you’re the one we’ve been searching for. ”
Those captivating blue eyes seemed to peer into my very soul, igniting a warmth that spread through my heart.
Jion might or might not be someone I could ever truly love—I remained uncertain about that.
Yet I could envision him evolving into a good friend over time.
He consistently demonstrated himself to be an honourable and caring man.
Any girl would be fortunate to call him her husband.
So why, then, did I not feel that same sense of fortune?
“Thanks, Jion,” I whispered under my breath, managing a small, but genuine smile.
“What have you learned about the prophecy so far?” he asked, returning to my earlier question.
I shook my head, racking my brain for any piece of information regarding the prophecy but came up empty-handed. “Not much, honestly. I have no idea what the word ‘oracle’ even means, Jion.”
“That’s actually one of the reasons I wanted to bring you into town today,” he admitted, rising from his chair. “I think it’s about time you heard the prophecy for yourself. Come.”
Without waiting for a response, he grasped my arm and practically dragged me out of the café, striding down the cobblestone streets. In the commotion, his hood fell, resting carelessly on his shoulders and revealing his remarkable and distinguished face.
As we hurried through the town, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being under a spotlight—dozens of villagers’ eyes were fixed on us. Gasps and murmurs followed in our wake, and I began to piece together the reason for their astonishment.
But Jion seemed unfazed, moving with a confidence that suggested he had been conditioned for this kind of attention his entire life. That was, until we passed a group of citizens who fell to their knees, kissing the ground as he walked by.
The display startled Jion, bringing him to an abrupt halt as he turned to address the growing crowd with friendly waves and well wishes. As the throng thickened and people began to swarm us, he excused us and pulled me down a narrow alleyway.
After a few more twists and turns, we finally managed to lose the crowd.
“They love you,” I insisted, blinking as I processed the reality of the situation.
“Ah.” He waved his hand dismissively. “I’m just the heir to the throne. This way. We’re almost there,” Jion announced, pulling me into a bustling street lined with interconnected multi-story buildings.
At the heart of the white marble plaza that linked each building stood a striking structure crafted from an array of multicoloured pebbles, artfully assembled to create a mosaic depicting a radiant sunrise against a vibrant sky.
Dominating the centre of this masterpiece was a gleaming golden door adorned with an exquisite metallic knocker.
Jion approached the entrance and rapped the knocker against the door three times. After a moment of silence, a narrow slit opened, revealing two gleaming golden eyes that regarded us with an intensity reminiscent of a cat’s stare.
The eyes flicked back and forth between Jion and me, silent and expectant, waiting for one of us to speak.
Jion cleared his throat, shifting his weight onto one hip and clasping his hands together. “Good afternoon, Vindina. We were hoping you might have a moment to spare for us?” His tone was polite yet tinged with urgency.
Vindina’s gaze shifted toward me, and a raspy voice emerged from behind the door. “You do not have an appointment, Your Highness.”
Jion ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair. “I know, but Jane here has some questions about the prophecy. You know, our prophecy?” He nudged me with his shoulder, urging me to speak up.
Vindina’s eyes widened at the confirmation. “The Last Daughter of Domus?” she gasped, a hint of awe creeping into her voice.
An anxious sensation settled in my gut, but I nodded, nonetheless.
“Come,” she commanded as she slid her small window shut. I could hear multiple locks being disengaged from within, and then the door swung open, revealing the grand space beyond.
What lay inside Vindina’s home was far from what I had expected.
The house burst with colour and creativity, an eclectic collection of art in every conceivable form.
Heavy, rouge flowing drapes hung from the ceiling, casting shadows across the room, while the floor was tiled in a striking black-and-white checkered pattern.
We settled onto plum-toned plush cushions arranged in a circle before a roaring fireplace, its flames casting a toasty gleam across the room. Vindina sat across from us, an unsettling toothy grin gracing her lips as she regarded Jion and me.
Her appearance was even more striking than her apartment.
Cascading waves of golden hair framed her face, held in place by a thick black headband.
Her large, black, round glasses magnified her cat-like eyes, which glimmered like liquid gold, perfectly complementing her rich, dark, sun-kissed skin.
Though her dress was loose and flowing, it was surprisingly muted in colour, as if she had reserved all the vibrancy for the dazzling artwork that adorned her home.
Her arms were adorned with intricate spirals of shimmering golden tattoos that wove and danced across her skin as if they were alive.
“I have long awaited your arrival, Last Daughter of Domus,” she intoned, her piercing yellow eyes boring into my very soul.
Everything about her—her appearance and her vibrant home—suggested she was a kind and trustworthy individual. Yet beneath the surface, a chaotic, unpredictable, and unsettling energy radiated from her. It was the kind of aura that raised the fine hairs on my arms.
Fortunately, Jion took the initiative, smoothly interjecting, “It’s wonderful to see you again, Vindina. It has been far too long.”
She barely acknowledged his warm greeting. “I heard you were found on Earth, girl,” she said, her focus entirely on me.
My breath caught in my throat, but I managed to respond, “Yes, I was raised there.”
“And you had no idea of your heritage. Fascinating,” she said cutting me off with a swift, almost serpentine hiss. “I assume you have no idea who or what I am?”
I could see the tension in Jion’s posture as if he were ready to step in but chose to let Vindina have her say. I nodded slowly, trying to absorb the weight of her words.
She tilted her chin, peering down at me through her nose.
“I am an Ornathian oracle. Amantius herself granted me the gift of foresight, allowing me to see visions of the future and share them with those who seek answers. Are you familiar with Source Light, child?” Her tone was patronizing, as if she were addressing a wayward student.
“Yes,” I answered, my voice firmer this time, though I couldn’t help but swallow hard.