16 CHAPTER SIXTEEN
As tension thickened in the air, Kira's voice echoed with determination. "Let the queen come with us, and your people, including you, shall leave to see another day," she said, her eyes searching for a glimmer of reason in King Herad's gaze.
King Herad, his regal countenance etched with concern, locked his gaze on the mighty dragon that stood not too far away. The creature, its scales glistening in the sunlight, exuded an aura of power, ready to unleash its wrath upon the kingdom.
Marcella stepped forward, her voice filled with urgency. "There is no other option, King Herad. I care deeply for the people and the Kingdom, so I begged the king of Drakonia not to rain destruction upon our lands. All you must do is let his queen go, and we can secure the safety of our beloved land."
Frustration etched itself onto King Herad's face as he retorted, his voice laced with anger. "You do not care! You are a traitor, willing to abandon our people for your own gain."
Marcella's eyes softened, her voice filled with sincerity as she spoke. "I will do anything to ensure the safety of my daughter. But in this plea, I also seek to save countless lives and protect our legacy. The queen's freedom is a small price to pay for the preservation of our people's future."
Silence settled upon the tense gathering, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. King Herad's gaze shifted from the dragon to Kira, then finally to Marcella. The gravity of the situation enveloped him, and he began to contemplate the difficult decision he faced – whether to release the queen and safeguard his people or cling to his pride and face the dragon's wrath.
In that moment, the destiny of the kingdom hung in the balance, as the ultimate choice rested upon the shoulders of a conflicted king.
The venomous words echoed through the chamber as King Herad's accusing gaze pierced Jamari's heart. "This Vedan is cursed," he seethed, his voice dripping with malice, "she will bring destruction wherever she goes and whoever she is with. Tragedy will befall the lives of those who dare to love her."
Marcella, her face etched with disbelief, stepped forward to defend Jamari. "You are cursing your own child," she declared, her voice filled with both sorrow and determination.
"She is not my child," Herad retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. "And you can have her. I wish upon you all a life of misery, for you have conspired against me."
Marcella's gaze held compassion as she replied, "And I wish for you to find peace and be free from your own misery eventually, my king. May you find peace within your heart."
Amidst the chaos, Kira stepped forward, her voice filled with determination. "Let's leave, my queen," she said softly to Jamari, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.
Jamari fought back tears, her eyes shining with confusion and hurt. She couldn't fathom why her own father harbored such intense hatred towards her. The weight of his rejection bore heavily on her, as she grappled with the pain of his words and the question of her own self-worth.
With a heavy heart, Jamari cast one last glance at King Herad before she turned away, her steps guided by Kira's protective presence. As they distanced themselves from the chaotic scene, the dragon took to the sky, a symbol of their salvation.
Overwhelmed by grief and regret, Herad's strength waned, and he sank to his knees in sorrow. "I am sorry, Marie," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse. "I am sorry I couldn't avenge your death."
A torrent of conflicting emotions surged within him. Hatred towards Jamari coursed through his veins, yet he recognized the cost of seeking vengeance—his kingdom and the lives of his people. The weight of responsibility bore down on him, forcing him to confront the painful reality of his choices.
"One day, Marie," Herad murmured, his voice tinged with determination. "One day, I shall avenge your death. I promise."
✓✓✓✓✓✓
Jamari, Kira, and Marcella found themselves in the presence of a black carriage, drawn by two powerful black horses, surrounded by a small group of Drakonia soldiers. A glimmer of anticipation danced in Jamari's eyes as she looked to Marcella for answers.
"Is this the carriage that will take us back to the cabin, godmother?" Jamari inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty. The weight of the recent events still hung heavily on her, but the prospect of returning to a place of comfort and familiarity offered a glimmer of relief.
A moment of silent communication passed between Kira and Marcella as they exchanged a knowing glance before redirecting their gaze towards Jamari. Marcella took a deep breath, preparing herself to deliver the difficult truth.
"Jamari," Marcella began, her voice gentle yet laden with a weight of responsibility. "You are the dragon's king's wife now, and as such, you must go and live with your husband."
Jamari's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart sinking with the realization that her hopes of freedom and escape were shattered. "What?" she exclaimed, her voice quivering. "But I thought it was all a plan to escape death."
Marcella took Jamari's hand in hers, her touch offering comfort amidst the turmoil. "It is not just a ploy, Jamari," she explained softly. "You truly are the queen now. You will have the opportunity to see the sunlight outside, in a place where you will be more accepted, just as you have always longed for."
Tears welled up in Jamari's eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks. The conflicting emotions of fear, longing, and a desire for independence battled within her. She had dreamed of a life of peace, of being with Marcella in their humble cabin alongside Corvus, their loyal companion. "I just want to be with you and corvus"
"No, Jamari," Marcella said, her voice tender yet resolute. "That is not your destiny. You are destined to be by his side, to be his queen. And now, you must leave."
Jamari's voice barely above a whisper, she pleaded, "I don't want to leave. I want to be with you."
Marcella's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she embraced Jamari, her voice filled with a bittersweet acceptance. "Oh, my dear Jamari," she murmured, holding her tightly. "Sometimes destiny takes us on unexpected paths. But know that no matter how difficult things might get, it will all be fine eventually"
"You are coming with me, right, Godmother?" Jamari pleaded, her eyes searching Marcella's face for reassurance.
Marcella sighed, her hand tenderly brushing against Jamari's tear-streaked cheek. "I'm afraid I can't, not yet, my child," she said, her voice tinged with regret. "There are matters I must attend to, but I promise, I will join you eventually."
Jamari's voice quivered with desperation, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Are you leaving me to live among these strangers, in that unfamiliar land? Alone?" she asked, her vulnerability laid bare.
Marcella's expression softened, her voice filled with love and understanding. "They are your people now," she gently reminded Jamari. "I am not abandoning you, my child. You will see me soon."
Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Jamari burst into tears and clung tightly to Marcella, seeking solace and security in her embrace.
"I am not strong enough to be a queen, Godmother," Jamari sobbed, her voice filled with self-doubt. "I need you."
"Hush, my dear," Marcella soothed, her hand gently tapping Jamari's back. "You are stronger than you think, and you don't need me to find that strength within yourself."
Reluctantly, Jamari released the embrace, her tear-stained face looking up at Marcella with a mix of longing and hope. "Promise me you will come," she pleaded.
"I promise," Marcella whispered, her words carrying the weight of her unwavering commitment.
"It is time to go, my queen," Kira announced, breaking the sad moment.
Jamari gave Marcella one final, heartfelt hug, feeling the weight of their connection and the impending separation. As Corvus perched on Jamari's shoulder, Marcella spoke to the bird, her voice filled with a blend of love and trust.
"Take care of her for me, Corvus,"
Corvus replied her with a reassuring caw, acknowledging the responsibility bestowed upon him.
Kira guided Jamari towards the waiting carriage, the young woman's eyes still filled with longing as corvus gaze fixed on her beloved godmother. Once Jamari was safely inside the carriage, Kira returned to Marcella, ready to depart.
"We will be leaving now," Kira informed Marcella, her voice laced with a mix of duty and concern.
Marcella's gaze held a profound wisdom as she spoke, her words carrying both a sense of acceptance and urgency. "After some time, please let her know that I am growing old, despite my appearance of youth. I have only a few days left before I join my ancestors, and my magic has waned completely," she shared. "There are tasks I must complete before my final journey to the heavens."
Kira nodded, her expression attentive, absorbing every word.
"Tell her that she has been the greatest gift bestowed upon this old woman," Marcella continued, her voice tinged with emotion. "Thanks to her, I have experienced joy and happiness in my remaining days. Let her know that even in my absence, I will be with her, watching over her, and that my love for her knows no bounds."
"I shall faithfully convey your message to her," Kira promised, her voice filled with sincerity.
Marcella's gaze softened, a final request passing her lips. "Take care of her for me," she implored, her voice carrying a blend of trust and affection.
"I shall do my best," Kira assured her, a resolute determination shining in her eyes, knowing the weight of the responsibility entrusted to her.
With a final glance towards the departing carriage, Marcella offered a silent prayer for Jamari's well-being and closed her eyes, knowing that the path ahead was filled with uncertainties, but also with the hope of a future where destiny would weave its intricate tapestry.
