Chapter 137 Holders
AUDREY
"We really wish we could my lady, but we will be needed here to start preparations for the Royal wedding. It would be the first in centuries and it would be no small feat" Faye smile sullenly.
"But don't worry, there are going to be maids and other castle ladies there to attend to your Highness so you do not need to fret" Ruby added in an attempt to console me.
I mustered a smile, "I will miss you all very dearly"
I reach forward, holding Faye and Greer's hands and squeezing tightly. I soaked in this memory, capturing everything I could; the fragrance of flowers that filled the air, the warm affectionate smiles that were carved on everyone's lips, the sad look that disturbed their eyes, the color of dresses each of them wore because I knew it would be a long while before I saw them again, how long? I wasn't aware but what I was sure of was I was going to miss them dearly.
I had never gone through something like this- being the first queen and Empress of a people who have never had one before. It felt weird, terrifying and exciting all at once. I didn't know what to expect of the scholars or what they would be teaching me but one thing I knew was I had to learn as much as possible, as fast as possible.
There was a standard set because of Darius as he is king so I would be expected to match his expertise, skills and intelligence in ruling. I would stand by his side and rule with him, to make difficult decisions for the welfare of the kingdom, to delegate for both the commoners and nobles and represent both parties interests when it comes to making important decisions for the kingdom.
It was all a lot but I had one reassurance that settled all my nerves and made all anxiety dissipate, the only reassurance I needed and lived for: Darius, my king, my husband. I knew what ever happened, come hell or high waters he would be by my side and remain with me through it all. I just needed to put in my all and do my best. We finished up with tea and proceeded to the front steps of the castle, Darius as well as the elders all lined up to bless us on our departure.
My eye spotted the Oracle and it was the first time I had seen her in a long while. Noticeably she looked different, her hair looked longer and her features sagging and exhausted different from the fresh, renewed look she once carried around. I began my decent down the stairs as the coach men helped load my and Darius's luggage into the carriage. I watched on as the elders seemed to be speaking in hushed tones about something and when they spotted me they stopped, resuming their erect stances- well as erect as old men could stand.
From the far corner of my eyes I could see the Oracle staring right at me. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat and the anxiety that pinched at my skin from the look her eyes held. She looked at me inquisitively, like she was trying to use her eyes to poke right through me, through my soul.
She gazed at me like she wanted to say something, something really important but she was restricted, something was stopping her from saying what she needed to. I pursed my lips, continuing my descent. When I got to the bottom of the stairs I walked over to her, a strained smile on my lips.
"Oracle" I greeted, curtsying.
She looked to be sizing me up before she nodded in acknowledgement, "Your Majesty" she finally answered after what seemed like forever. There was something chilling in the atmosphere, it made all the hairs at the back of my neck stand erect. "I see you've consummated your union with His Lordship" she observed, a familiar look in her eyes that I only registered as.. Satisfaction?
Immediately my cheeks flared up and I cleared my throat, gazing away "Pardon?" I ask, knowing she knew I heard her.
"It was about time the holders of the destiny of our nation became one with each other" she spoke in riddles and all I could do was stare at her in astonishment and sheer confusion.
Her gaze left mine to stare beside me and when I followed her gaze I spotted Darius, looking absolutely immaculate in his dark emerald mantle. He had his luscious golden curls pulled securely into a man's bun. He looked so devilishly alluring it made me physically ache to think I would have to spend hours in the same carriage with him. We would be mere inches away from him and I doubt I would be able to control myself. It was torture, the best kind.
He walked up to us, a hand slipping around the curve of my waist. He leaned down, pressing a sweet kiss to the side of my head. As small as that display of affection it brought a swarm of butterflies flapping around in my stomach. I diverted my gaze, trying to focus anywhere other than his hard biceps that were so close to me.
'Inhale, exhale' I tried to remind myself
"Oracle" his deep bellow effectively silenced any external noise, causing a rumble to trinkle down my spine and straight to my core.
'Seriously hormones?'
"Your Excellency" she bowed, a warmth spreading across her face as she watched the both of us.
I refused to look up and meet Darius's dark brooding gaze that seemed to be boring a hole into the side of my head.
"I wish you both a safe journey and I will be joining you later on" she informed and immediately I wondered why she would be coming along.
Was she to teach me as well?
"Your Highness" she bowed to Darius and he nodded in acknowledgement. She turned to me, a knowing look crossing her eyes "Your Majesty, may the Goddess be with you all through"
She picked our hands, pressing a kiss to Darius's knuckles before doing same with mine and placing our hands together
"I bless your union and pray that the moon goddess will keep her fortunes shining on the two of you. No matter what comes your way you two will triumph over every evil" she exchanged wistful glances between the two of us before walking away.