Sitting in the large sofa that was facing the floor to ceiling wide wall separating them to the garden.
king Arthur eyes never left the thin woman body that was walking around the room, saying things only her understood.
He was not able to prevent it since his parents before each was taken away from him, had warned him to never do that if he did not want to have a terrible destiny along with his kingdom.
Whatever he could do with his powers, mother told him the Oracle was there to balance the energy.
Scratching his bear with his index he finally breathed out deciding asking his questions would not kill someone. Since, the Oracle could do her stuff then walk out without a single word.
"What do you see this time? The first time you told my father it was my fate to get married with my wife. Now what? I am to die by her hands?"
Chuckling at he Oracle as all the family was sitting in front of her in the rather wide ceremonial room. By no form of hazard. Queen Katiandra at his side, while their sons were sitting on the second one. The light of the sun was pouring in the room artificial light.
Making it feel comfortable.
Arthur words came out like a joke, while his arms were crossed on his chest. Katiandra by his side met the Oracle piercing gaze which so slightly moved at what he just said.
In fact since the moment she entered the room to perform some ritual for the up coming moon week which appears each four years, she had been transfixed on the Queen.
Moving around the room not speaking, the smoke of her lamp going all over the room, she stood behind Lincoln for a moment, placed her hand on his head saying things in a lower voice like mumbles, then did the same for his brother next to him. It was only after that she directed herself towards the parents.
" You married your wife because it was your fate -- You will die by your own doing. That my dear is also your fate."
Her answer was devoid of any fear as she met his cold gaze. She knew he could do nothing to her, as spontaneous as he was, he at least respected that spiritual law. Only because he knew his powers were far away smaller that what she represent.
He knew to not mess with deity. The woman came from a line of Levites, those who are chosen to carry the Divine light for the chosen one. For that he knew she was sacré, swallowing Arthur glanced at his sons then at her.
"What was that with my son's?"
"They will be in charge after you as you were after your father. Each one holding his end. From your marriage with the Queen, clean blood were born that out Holly God wants to keep that way. The seed of evil is not in them -- You should be proud of the way you raised them king arthur."
Smiling at the praise, the man forgot to get mad at the first part and the end of the sentence, she never was one to say 'my King'. Too occupied to boast himself he did not pay attention of anything else as the Oracle eyes landed on katia".
" Before you were born you were known; Alone you were a gift for the world and Porys. In one piece you are a powerful arm for the kingdom of light. All you do for us were meant to be. So do it always without second thoughts. You have our support."
" As for you Arthur." Looking back his way she paused a moment taking him in, "Choose the right way. It is all I can tell you."
Standing she left in a blind of eyes like she entered. Thinking what was told to his wife was about their marriage Arthur stood feeling energized.
"The right way." He mumbled helping an automatic Katiandra to stand.
"Yeah the right way." Repeating after him, knowing the thoughts that was running in his head, the Queen repeated ironically.
Heading out she walked out of the room finding herself behind the Oracle not surprised she was waiting her.
"Everyone fate is preestablish weither good or bad. There are explosive that can only explode. Your cap was removed the day you met your soulmate. All will work out fine. Believe in yourself. True love always find its way. Our way, is not human ways."
With that said she walked in Katiandra personal space placing her palm on her chest before saying,
" Your heart is secured." Those were the last words she pronounced before disappearing through the opened door, for good this time.
Breathing slowly the Queen stood there at the window frame, while knowing all was already in motion, she had received the answer she needed from the other side that was positive.
Looking through the window as her heartbeat increased, she saw the Oracle going inside of the car that accompanied her to the palace. She had accepted to be escorted by the Queen car but she own a jaguar that was driven by her friend the man Katiandra had seen in her bedroom at the museum. For a brief moment his eyes met hers, causing a surge of hit in her body. It was like he knew everything. Like he could see through her.
Straightening her spine, she stood her ground refusing to back off until he looked away with a strange smile, she knew it was one because she had already saw his straight face before.
Their car sped out of the palace only seconds after he entered it, while her stare stayed focused on the nothingness, the Oracle last words replaying in her mind.
" Your heart is secured." She mumbled it trying to understand what it meant.
"Your heart is secured." At some point it felt like she had already heard that somewhere.
Racking her brain hardly, she finally froze searching her phone frantically in her pants left pocket, second later finding the electronic version of her lover book she had received as Alicia gift for her birthday, the child knew she would like to have it always with her, since she could not carry the paper version everywhere.
The moment it was opened, she went directly to the last lines of the book when the protagonists finally reunited.
Her lips on her lover forehead as she was snuggling in her arms, Aleana - the main character- smiled while kissing the soft skin pf the chest she was laying onto.
"We will always find each other, that I know --- your heart is secured."
Taking slow breath in and out Katiandra held her chest where the woman palm had touched minutes ago. Like to stop how crazy it was going. There was no way she could have known those words.
She knew it was not on sale everyone in the kingdom, another treachery of Arthur. Whatever he had said, the book was not publicly allowed, doing it would have been recognizing there were a community here that would be interested by it or even encourage more to come out.
Though the only library that actually sell it was on the far rich side, it was completely out of reach for everyone one. Almost at the border with the other countries. That was a selling point, his friends children that had came out at the same moment as the book was published, had almost forced Arthur to agree on it. Though not many knew about it.
"Mom? You are okay?" Coming out of her daydream, Queen Katiandra nodded positively at Lincoln taking him in her arms.
She knew next time he would wake up, he would be a King. Not knowing that, Lincoln accepted his mother embrace knowing it was a rare occurrence.
"It is okay my boy. Always remember that whatever I do is for your safety. Never allow anything you will discover to change your heart. I love you...both."
Seeing her other son behind Lincoln, she beckoned him to join them. After a moment, she pulled away happy to be the mother of such wonderful human beings.
"Okay my loves, follow me now, we do not want to be late. That would be a terrific impression to leave there. Always be on time, that show that you respect all your people loves. Also I need you to promise me to always treat women the right way always whatever your excuse maybe. Promise me on your honour."
Not so weirder by her loving language, the two heirs stood straight doing their salutes before bowing slightly in front of her. They knew the importance of promises on honour those were not to be play with, they were the essence of what made true rulers.
If you reign, you do not do it by yourself, it was important to be agree by the kingdom of light, to have its support as their mother always did. They had heard the Oracle telling her that earlier. From that moment both have vowed in theirs hearts to do what will request to be call sons of the light like their mother.
Going for it wisely wishing to be led on doing and taking the best decisions on the matter they said at the same time.
"I do."
Smiling at them both Katiandra palms found place on each of her men cheeks caressing it motherly.
"Here are my boys. Now we are off." With a firm nod and a squeeze on their shoulders she turned towards the doors leading the way.
The even was held on the place infront of the museum. Women were being taken care off there, most of them were talking about theirs experiences, sharing advices with each others.
Television were invited too to cover the historic even, the reporters were women as Katiandra had requested it to be.
The moment they arrived, the presence of the two males Zurrow had everyone silent for a good moment looking at them like they were aliens. For all of them, it was a significant presence, a sign send to the world - with the new generation of Alistair Zurrow women will count.
Following behind their mother, the two men no one knew would be present, that were on each of her side, Lincoln at the right and Alfred at the left, sat the same near her in the middle of this crew of women after shaking hand to everyone. Security made sure no viruses could be pass with prior checkup.
The day passed so quickly with discussing women matters, that it was almost 3pm when a break was taken stopping the discussions.
Walking towards them a woman stood behind a guard that set everything for her to serve them without lifting any weight, as soon as the man moved to the side, Lincoln eyes almost popped out at the sight infront of him. The weird behavior that came with a perceptive movement of his body alarmed Alfred who looked at him then followed his gaze.
"Glenn!? WOW? You disappeared. No one knew where you were gone. Mother you did."
Before the Queen could answer, Glenn kneeled in front of them as she should to serve them, pouring delicately tea as she recalled they like it in each of theirs cups.
"Your mother save my like."
"What? From whoo... Ah..!" Closing his mouth Lincoln looked around him aware of all those women fate.
At Glenn reaction, he just knew the true. His brain being moulted on his mother's, he did not need to be a mentalist to understand what all of this was about. Why he was here with his brother was clear in his mind.
No way will he ever lay his hand on a woman, let alone another human being if not on a war zone. To know his dad did it, was not a surprise at all. He was not a retarded, he had understood many things through the years about his behaviors with some of the soldiers around the palace. Never with women.
Since his sisters was, he could say it ' send away'Â by their mother. He has been witnessing how different they were growing to be especially Kayley who by the way never talked once to their father.
He has stopped insisting for her to talk with him the day she had threatened to never call him again if it was like that it would always end. Understanding hit him hard at that moment. Lincoln started thinking back at how she would always react to their father, how careless she took everything that came out of his mouth with no respect.
Letting his gaze looked at his side he met his mother gaze, remembered how Kayley was now reacting to her compare to how she never wanted to hear anything coming from her mouth. She referred to her like 'mommy' whenever she called, making sure her brother's keep an eye on her.
Meeting his mother gaze, he straightened looking looking back at Glenn. In that short moment a lot was said confirming his suspicions.
"It rejoice my heart you are at peace now Glenn. For what it is worth, may you one day have it in you to accept my apologies for the inconveniences that was cause to you."
"No worry prince Lincoln. Mrs Katia have been so good with me. I can barely remember a bad day of my life. It has all turn good. I am free to go, your mother made everything ready for me. But - I don't know another way, or -- I, I really - I don't want that kind of drastic change..."
Understanding what she meant to say Lincoln nodded with a soft smile. While Katiandra pushed it away with her well done hand as Glenn was used to witness whenever she was embarassed.
" It is okay Glenn. As long as you know you have the door open, I am honored you are still here. That mean I will not get poisoned any time soon."
Smiling at the Queen words, Glenn who has grown found of the woman almost seeing her as a mother figured since she was herself at her side all the way through her convalescent state, nodded at her words. She did her reverence then left happy to serve the good people now.
The smile not leaving his lips, Lincoln waited for her to be out of reach before lowering his head in a way that made it difficult for anyone to lip-read them intending to have his answer.
"Mom, Kayley - You saved her too." More an affirmation than a question he stated calmly feeling his inside still as he had never felt before, like there was nothing in there. He could not even get mad since emotions seemed to have left him void.
"Things happened Love, but whatever it is, always make sure to extract the good out of it to not infect your heart. You both have amazing hearts, keep it that way. Kayley - she was caged here. She is fine now, though always have been. For some of us, guardian angel are there to protect us. Glenn -- did not have that before. But on my life, I vowed to be there for her as long as she lives. For all I did not do before."
"Yeah, she will get the same from us." Nodding at his brother words Alfred kept silent as he did the same as Lincoln focusing on drinking his tea while keeping welcoming faces for those peeking their way. It was hard to swallow but they had to.
Staring at them, Queen Katiandra brought her cup of tea, to her well painted lips delighted her plan was going smoothly. They could filled the dots while having the consequences around them.
Those women were real enough that Lincoln had a closed King like face, that one showing the mechanism he had learned for years in those expensives schools he was formed to be a king in.
He was showing the right amount of compassion when he wanted to be left alone.
While his brother lowered his head, images of Kayley drinking her life that last night they had together all because of his dad clouded his mind. Not abled to hold it together, a tear ran on his cheek, followed by another one immediately, lifting his head to look at the sky visible throught the transparent tent in order to make it stop, he sniffed accepting the handkerchief his mother handed to him silently.
After hiding his face there for a moment working on regaining control of his emotions, he finally straightened sniffing, then cleared his nose holding the handkerchief of his mother on his nose. All cleaned, he took his cup of tea back like nothing just happened, when everyone under the tent and billions out of it have just witnessed it all.
For a moment the reporter wanted to move the cameras away but abiding by the orders given to them by the Queen they let it all played in live, which was on internet and TV cable, not filtered by Porys television.
Wondering what was going on, all cameras were now, focused on prince Lincoln face, their mother's one being marble blank.
The man had a closed face, there was no doubt he would do a good King one day, but his clear complexion could not hide the redness of his cheeks, however slightly remarkable, his ears and neck showed by their redness that he was also emotionally touched by what they thought was the condition of those women, when the predicament apply to them too.
For a real man in Porys, mother, sister, wife, all women in general were to be treated with deference. Women were precious. The way he moved his chin to the side, in a split second, in an unvolontary movement gave it all out, to everyone staring under the tent or at home.
Closing his eyes, jaws clenched, his chin still from the previous movement, he stayed like that for what seemed to be longer but it was a split second breathing out slowly after opening his eyes. Looking his mother way, he told her something but camera with respect reduced the zoom on them but kept them as the main focus, after what he said his mother the Queen squeezed his arm, nodded then waved at someone sitting at the nearest table.
The person waved back to them spontaneously before looking around her to make sure it was her that it was intended to making the royal family smiled at her behavior.
Taking a like of the young woman, prince Lincoln beckoned her to come where they were sitting, wondering what was her story, she was too young for this, he thought, while she approached them accompanied by an older woman looking like her older version, Lincoln stared at his mother his eyes asking for question she soon filled.
"This is Aliya, she is 16, raped by her father, has a neuro trouble by what was verified by doctors. She tried to run but felt, hit her head on the table. Her screams was what alarmed her mother who had divorced her husband after discovering what he has done. Since then, she can barely focus for more than ten minutes which makes it impossible for her to go to school or do any others activities relate to it. The child was a straight A's student with a bright future. Not everyone is lucky enough to get out of that kind of situation only with a fright."
Shaking his head at the story their mother whispered to them, they both summoned self restraint to smile at the girl who was actually really pretty, her story hitting to close for it to be a coincidence.
One last time his eyes met his mother eyes confirmation of what she had tried to tell him earlier unveiling in his mind, at least giving some relief, he was sure whatever was done to Kayley was minimal enough even though nothing excuse it.
Aliya bowing infront of them pulled him out of his thoughts with a bright smile that made her blushed furiously, leaning toward her and her mother prince Lincoln helped them to sit on the space provided not far away from them enough to have a proper discussion without shouting.
"Aliya, dear you have a wonderful dress, it suit you so well. I can tell you you will grow to be a wonderful woman as your mother. Adea is everything okay now?"
All happy with the privilege to be speaking to them the daughter and mother nodded happiness visible on their face, Adea, the mother even shading some tears.
"Thanks you my Queen, thanks you. So much, she is improving every day. Her doctors said her concentration is improving, she can now do fifteen minutes, that she could at least do her music since it is something she like a lot. For the rest, they said she could study with professional some days ten minutes the rest coming as games. My-y GGod, thanks you so muchh, sfff, I-I..."
Getting off her seat Queen Katiandra kneeled near the woman, surprising everyone, before pulling her in a tight embrace just like Lorelei had done to her that day she had to send Kayley away. It was what she needed that day. The woman did not know it but for Katiandra this was a sign she really had with her that the Universe supported her. Kayley, could have been the same as Aliya, she had dropped out of school, now she was doing a work she loved.
"Hey, be strong for her, you will see, one day she will be what she was supposed to be from the beginning. Maybe not what you thought would be good for her, but what God had designed for her to be. Have faith. All God does is good, we may disagree with the way but it is true."
Nodding on her shoulder the woman stayed there for a while before moving out of it with a huge smile looking at the Queen like she was some sort of alien amongst humans.
"You are an angel you know. Thanks for existing."
Touched by the words Queen Katiandra had nothing to say for a while only looking at the woman with genuineness in her eyes. Sensing their mother was stuck there Lincoln helped her up to her sit then turned to Aliya who seemed to be mesmerized by everything that was happening.
Her smile saying it all.
"Aliya, how do you love your music so far then, your mother just said it was your passion."
Nodding furiously, the young girl started talking about everything she has been doing with her instructors at some point making them laughed. Smiling at the view, Queen Katiandra let things played aware of the awe everyone was having at her sons reactions.
"This kingdom will be bless when the prince Lincoln will be in charge. They both are their mother sons in all ways. Though veryone knew prince Lincoln as this great frightening but loved commander, he actually has the biggest heart as everyone can see. Not once monarchs before him ever showed any kind of care for their people as he is doing. He is to be the next in line but also is already acclaimed by all his people here, for them he is his mother son, the incarnation of love and care for the nation. To make it even surreal, prince Alfred never leave his side, those brothers have a dynamic that is not common these days."
The reporter voice was heard on the back of the images that were playing on he screen in all the houses of Porys, and throughout the borders. The moment she stopped, the focus changed on prince Alfred, the young brother who was nodding at something Aliya mother said, as he responded all of their group started laughing, even prince Lincoln and the Queen, who looked at him then shook her head.
Standing up, the young man who looked like his father, they both did, but he was more softer and slender than his brother, who was like a human version of some greek God, with a soldier body.
Right away he was followed by Aliya, someone gave them microphones, moving his head like he was hearing some kind of music in his head, he stated clicking his middle finger and thumb together, his eyes never leaving the young girl who started shaking her head at the music it was doing.
"One, two, three..."
Her thumb up she breathed out then started singing a well-known tune in the kingdom. Following behind her, they sang together untill she two minutes later in a soft but wonderful way, she finished by herself.
Clapping at here with the others, prince Alfred made a reverence to her, then his hands up doing a "voilà !" Sign up like to tell her " See you can do it!"
Smiling wildly at him, she turned to her mother who had a thumb up for her, then to the Queen, who smiled too while she was clapping. No hesitation involved, she ran straight in her arms happy to be living, something she had stopped liking a while ago thinking her life was a waste. Butt this woman changed it all for her.
Motherly, Queen Katiandra gently laughed at how she was behaving like a small kitten.
"You can make it, you will do it. Have faith in yourself. One day, you will wake up and everything will be brighter than it is now. One step after the other, okay?"
Talking to her in a lower voice, she reassured her until she finally let go feeling braver with a firm nodded she mumbled " Will do. Promise. Thank you."
Giving a squeeze to her shoulder, prince Lincoln shook his head from one side to the other, his gaze firmly in the young woman one.
"No dear, thanks YOU, it is all happening because you are a strong woman. Never forget that. If it gets hard repeat to yourself, I am a strong woman. You will see, all will settle for good."
Saying those words with certainty, he could only remember how strong his sister kayley, was now, when he had in all fairness cried some nights to God asking why his sister, who was like the smartest person he had ever know was destroying her life, endangering it with all the dangerous things she was doing.
Now that he knew what had happened in a way, how it was all handled, he could tell Aliya to hold her part, with all the support he knew his mother had put out to help her particularly, she would make it in life. Of that he was sure.
"You are still younger. You will make it in this life. Really far, and when you will shine in your music, I will be like, oh my gosh! I know her!"
Making everyone laugh in all the tent since he was still holding his microphone, prince Alfred finished what his brother was saying in a positive note.
A never ending smile on her face, Aliya hugged the two men so happy. Allowing the mother to hug them too, aware photographies was been made for them to keep like long life memories,
That was an experience for everyone to witness, in houses all around the land, people looked at it like it was soap opera. On the screen, Aliya finally went back near her mother looking exhausted by all the emotions. Seeing that, prince Lincoln told them one of their car would bring them back home for her to rest.
Bowing in form of him, the mother impulsively took his hand in hers, chanting her endless thanks. Looking tired herself and on the verge of tears, she said a final.
"Thanks you my King " The last part was not lost on people who could just wish it to be true right away.
All smile they finally left, escorted by some bodyguards, allowing others to come theirs way. Even though it was exhausting, it was worth it, for all of them.
The young men made sure to be sweat with everyone, completing each others saying what was good, like they had seen their mother do at the palace gala's many times throughout the last three years.
Everyone hearts were rejoiced, but one who heard what was said by Aliya mother could not stop the noise in their head.
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If you are reading this...
First thanks YOU,
Second, you are almost there, few chapters are left before the end. Do not worry it will be worth your time.
Third... nah! I said it all.
Stay safe! AW