MANY YEARS BEFORECirce moved gracefully through the ancient orchard, the scent of ripe apples permeating the air. The boughs bowed under the weight of the luscious fruit, a vibrant tapestry of red and green against the backdrop of the enchanting woods. Her movements, though deliberate, carried a certain tenderness as she selected each apple with a careful touch.Little Liam, still in the early years of his life, trailed behind her with wide-eyed wonder. His tiny hands reached out in curiosity, eager to grasp the bounty that hung temptingly from the branches. Circe turned to him with a soft smile, her gaze a mixture of maternal love and a profound sadness that lingered in the depths of her eyes."Look, my sweet Liam," she cooed, lifting a perfectly ripe apple from the tree. "This one is for you."She gently placed the apple in the small hands of the child, who held it with a mixture of innocence and fascination. Circe, in that tender moment, could not help but feel a surge of love fo
As we retreated from the courtyard, Liam's countenance revealed a mixture of exasperation and resolve. "Daliah, my love, I apologize for the intrusion." he said, his eyes locking onto mine with a reassurance that spoke of unwavering commitment.We moved in unison, a silent understanding passing between us. As the courtyard faded behind, the tumult of questions and skepticism dissolving into distant echoes, Liam and I found a secluded alcove where the sunlight filtered through stained glass, casting a warm and comforting glow.In that private moment, Liam and I found sanctuary from the prying eyes and relentless questions. The weight of our shared secrets, the enigmatic prophecy, and the looming curse hung in the air, but the connection between us served as a source of strength.With a tender glance, Liam's grip on my hand tightened, conveying a reassurance that transcended words. The world outside our shared cocoon blurred into insignificance as we turned towards each other.In the ha
My hands delicately trace the contours of her bare back with a mixture of affection and reverence, creating an intimate connection that transcends the physical embrace.She asked me for simple things, but that she knew would be pleasurable for the moment. I love this woman for showing me what she wants me to do, for making it clear that she learned how to teach.I rise, holding Daliah in my arms, and lay her on the canopy bed. Suddenly, I find myself above her, witnessing the delicate lace and billowing curtains of the canopy that frame the bed. While she keeps her arms wrapped around my neck, her eyes remain gently closed, as if every detail of the room dissolves into the shared moment between us.After a few seconds in this position, she opens her beautiful blue eyes, which are now dark with the excitement of the moment we have just experienced. I can not hide a smile when our eyes meet."Hi." I whisper.I tighten my arms around her waist and our bodies are necessarily closer. So I
I turn towards Liam's side, half-expecting to find him there, a mere figment of my imagination. But the emptiness prevails, and the hollow ache in my chest deepens.In the dimness, the room feels like a cocoon of solitude, and a sinking realization settles within me... I am alone.The moonlight casts eerie shadows across the floor, and the flickering candle flames seem to dance with a melancholic tune. A soft rustle of fabric catches my attention. The elaborate tapestries lining the walls, once vivid with tales of our shared journey, now hang motionless, telling a silent story of absence. The room, once filled with the warmth of shared moments, now echoes with the hollowness of solitude.I move across the room, my steps cautious as if not to disturb the lingering echoes of our connection. The door opens into the corridor, revealing a desolate stretch that seems to stretch infinitely. "Liam?" My voice breaks the silence, calling out Liam's name, but there's no answer.Seeking solace,
"I was too occupied at the time to discuss this agreement," Liam confessed, and I sensed the weight of responsibility in his words. "So, my beta, Daniel, went to Minerva in my place." The room seemed to hold its breath, each word carving a path through the shadows."The deal took longer than we anticipated," Liam's eyes conveyed a depth of complexity, "and Daniel had to stay in Minerva. It was during his absence that I found you. I got married."The confession hung in the air, a tapestry of emotions woven into the silence that followed – a revelation that stretched beyond the boundaries of politics and alliances.The words hung in the air, each one a sharp edge cutting through the tension in the room. Liam's confession echoed with a weight that seemed to alter the very atmosphere."About Vallen... Vallen was my scribe at the time, and she went with Daniel to Minerva," Liam admitted, his eyes holding mine in a moment of transparency.A wave of questions surged within me, demanding cla
"Get up, my queen. You need to start preparing for the Spring Festival!""Diana, my dear, what's all this about a spring festival?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes.With a warm smile, Diana replied, "Your Majesty, the Spring Festival is a joyous tradition in our kingdom. it is a celebration of renewal, where the people come together to revel in the beauty of the changing season. We honor the blooming flowers, the return of warmth, and the promise of new beginnings."As she spoke, Diana moved about the room, selecting garments for me to wear. "This year's festival holds particular significance, given the challenges we face. The people look to you for guidance and strength, and a festive gathering could lift their spirits. it is an opportunity to show unity and resilience in the face of adversity."I nodded, the weight of my responsibilities as a ruler settling upon me. "Very well, Diana. Let us make the Spring Festival a beacon of hope for our people.
As day turned to evening, the festival preparations reached their culmination. The courtyard, now adorned with vibrant decorations and bustling with activity, bore the fruits of meticulous planning. As the final rays of sunlight bathed the scene, Allan and I decided to dismiss the merchants, acknowledging their efforts with gratitude."Thank you all for your hard work. The festival promises to be a grand celebration, and your contributions have made it possible," I announced, and with that, the merchants began to pack up their stalls.Turning to Allan, I gestured towards the castle. "You've done well, Allan. You may retire to your chambers and rest. Tomorrow is sure to bring new challenges."Allan nodded appreciatively, expressing his gratitude before making his way towards the castle. As I stood alone in the now quiet courtyard, the weariness of the day settled in.Just as I contemplated retiring for the night, Elder Marco approached. "Your Majesty," he spoke with a tone of genuine
it is as if he waits for me to fall asleep before slipping away!Staring at the ceiling, I am not truly seeing anything interesting. Then, I hear heavy footsteps ascending the stairs. I know it is not Diana; her steps are light and unhurried, and she wouldn't be here so late at night.I hold my breath, refraining from making any noise that might disrupt my hearing. The footsteps draw closer to the door, and the next sound is the slow turn of the doorknob. I gaze at the door, anticipation building in the quiet of the night.In this moment, I realize that my day has been dull since the moment I woke up. From the first minute of the day, I had to make choices for the Spring Festival. Meanwhile, my mind was preoccupied with the impending arrival of Vallen and Daniel. In other words, I have not had peace throughout the day.I had lunch without someone needling me from across the table. I took a shower alone. I sat and made choices befitting the queen that I am. But none of it left me truly