17 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
"Where are we heading to?" Jamari asked Kira. Curiosity weighed heavily on her mind as they embarked on a seemingly endless journey. "How far is it?"
"Very far, my queen," Kira replied, her voice laced with a touch of weariness. The extense of their distance reflected in her words.
Jamari let out a weary sigh, her thoughts drifting to the comfort of the carriage chair. The plush cushions provided a brief break from the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders. She yearned for a moment of comfort amidst the relentless chaos.
"Is God mother ever going to find her way to us?" Jamari voiced her concern, a hint of curiosity in her tone. The absence of her grandmother, a respectable figure who held great wisdom, left an emptiness within her. She longed for her guidance and presence in these troubled times.
"I am positive she will, my Queen," Kira assured her, offering a glimmer of hope in her words.
Jamari's gaze drifted out of the carriage window, lost in thought. The weight of her royal title, "Your Majesty," felt inconvenient. In a moment of contemplation, she expressed her desire to be addressed differently. "Can you not refer to me as your queen? I prefer to be called Jamari."
"I am afraid I cannot do that," Kira responded with utmost respect. "You are the queen of Drakonia, and it is my duty to honor and address you accordingly, Your Majesty."
Jamari sighed once again, understanding the weight of tradition and the role she must fulfill. An awkward silence settled within the carriage, an unspoken acknowledgment of the challenges they faced and the sacrifices demanded of them.
"May I ask you a question?" Jamari broke the silence that enveloped them within the confines of the carriage. Her expression, brimming with curiosity.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Kira responded respectfully, her unwavering attention focused on her queen.
A flicker of intrigue danced across Jamari's features as she pushed further. "What is your name?" she asked, her voice filled with genuine interest.
A soft sigh escape Kira's lips as she revealed her identity. "My apologies for not introducing myself earlier my queen, I am Kira," she replied, her tone laced with a hint of pride. "As the Grand General, I hold a position of great importance within the esteemed Drakonian army."
Jamari's eyes widened in awe, the weight of admiration present in her voice. "That is truly remarkable," she exclaimed, her appreciation for Kira's strength and power evident. "You must be an incredibly strong and formidable woman."
Kira's smiled softly, a blend of gratitude and humility coloring her expression. "Your kind words mean a great deal to me, Your Majesty," she responded, humbled by Jamari's admiration.
However, Jamari's curiosity remained insatiable, pushing her to delve even deeper into their conversation. "You mentioned being a half Vedan. Could you enlighten me on the difference between a full-blooded Vedan and a half-blooded one?" she asked, leaning forward, captivated by Kira's heritage.
Meeting corvus's gaze, Kira spoke. "The difference lies in our skin, Your Majesty," she explained, her voice carrying the weight of truth. "Halflings like me possess a skin tone that sets us apart from the pale skin full-blooded Vedan have like you for example. The only visible trait of my Vedan lineage is my white hair."
Jamari nodded, absorbing the newfound knowledge with genuine interest. "That is truly fascinating," she remarked, her curiosity satisfied for the moment.
In a unexpected moment, Corvus gracefully fluttered up to her shoulders and found a comfortable perch.
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Days turned into weeks as Jamari and Kira embarked on their long journey in a carriage. They traveled through different kinds of places, each with its own challenges. First, they crossed treacherous mountains with sharp, towering peaks and the air felt very thin and cold. Then, they ventured into a dense, dark forest where the ancient trees made long shadows and whispered mysterious secrets. After that, they faced an icy land covered in sparkling glaciers that stretched as far as they could see. The air there was freezing and made them shiver. Finally, they reached vast stretches of dry lands where scorching winds blew, carrying stories from faraway deserts.
Throughout the journey, Jamari had remained mostly silent, her mind consumed by thoughts of her mother. The uncertainty of what awaited her in Drakonia, including the identity of her husband, weighed heavily on her. Questions swirled in her mind, their answers remaining unknown.
At one point during their travels, Kira made a decision to ride outside the carriage, providing an extra layer of security. Her watchful eyes scanned the surroundings, ensuring they would face no issues if they encountered any bandits or unexpected obstacles along the way.
As the carriage finally approached the gates of Drakonia, Jamari's mouth fell open in suprise. The kingdom before her was not what she had thought it would be. Instead of a dark and sad kingdom ruled by a wicked king, she saw something totally different that surprised her.
Drakonia was full of energy and liveliness. The people looked healthy and strong, taller than the folks in Konica. The streets were busy with lots of activity as everyone went about their daily lives. The soldiers wore black armor and marched in an organized way, showing how strong the kingdom was. Children laughed and played happily in the open squares, enjoying themselves without a care in the world.
Drakonia was like a beautiful painting to Jamari. The majestic towers stood tall against the sky, and the gardens were filled with lovely flowers that smelled amazing. The whole kingdom felt united and focused, bringing a feeling of hope even in difficult times.
Drakonia was more than just beautiful buildings. The kingdom was surrounded by stunning nature. Green hills hugged the city, covered in tall, impressive trees. Far in the distance, mountains stood tall, their peaks touching the clouds. The land itself seemed to match the kingdom's grandeur, creating a breathtaking view that showcased the kingdom's magnificence.
"Corvus, do you see what I see?" Jamari inquired, her eyes fixed on the magnificent sight before them.
"Let me remind you, my lady, that it is through my eyes that you see," Corvus retorted with a touch of playfulness.
A chuckle escaped Jamari's lips as she enjoyed their banter.
As they made their way towards the kingdom, Jamari's keen ears caught snippets of conversations among the people.
"Is that the new queen in the carriage?" someone whispered with curiosity.
"I believe so, but let us not stare too intently. We shall have the privilege of seeing our beautiful queen soon enough," another replied, excitement evident in their voice.
A warm smile graced Jamari's face as she absorbed the beautiful view that surrounded her.
"Who would have imagined that a kingdom named after a dragon and ruled by that man could emanate such happiness?" Jamari mused, her voice filled with wonder.
"I share your surprise, my lady," Corvus responded, his voice tinged with amazement.
Their journey continued, and through Corvus's eyes, Jamari saw the true beauty of the kingdom. The vibrant streets, adorned with colorful banners, buzzed with activity and joy. Smiling faces and laughter filled the air, painting a picture of contentment and harmony.
At long last, they arrived at the grand castle, standing tall and resplendent like a beacon of power and authority.
The king's castle looked amazing from the outside. Tall walls with detailed carvings and impressive statues encircled the fortress. Gargoyles sat perched on the walls, giving a mysterious vibe. There was a grand drawbridge spanning a wide moat, and its shimmering waters reflected the castle's magnificence. The architecture was a perfect mix of strength and beauty, with towering spires and beautiful balconies that offered views of the entire kingdom.
The carriage came to a halt, and the door swung open under the guard's command. "We have arrived, your Majesty," Kira announced with a gentle voice.
Jamari gracefully stepped out, taking in her surroundings. Corvus perched nearby, offering her a comprehensive view of the scene before her.
Every detail was a vision of beauty. A group of lovely maids, adorned in elegant attire, stood gathered outside the carriage, ready to attend to her every need. Their smiles beamed with warmth and anticipation, while their eyes reflected a genuine eagerness to serve. Each maid possessed a unique charm, their grace and poise captivating Jamari's attention.
As she emerged, the maids bowed in unison, honoring her presence. The sight filled Jamari with a sense of awe and responsibility. She was deeply moved by the devotion and dedication of those who awaited her arrival.
Taking in the splendor of her new environment, Jamari found herself captivated by the grandeur surrounding her. The magnificent architecture, the beautifully crafted gardens, and the air of peace and serenity all painted a vivid picture of her future home.
Kira, ever the steadfast companion, broke the silence. "Welcome to your new home, your Majesty," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
In that moment, as the sun cast its golden rays upon her, Jamari understood that her journey had truly begun. This was the start of her reign, where her purpose would intertwine with the destiny of Drakonia.
