A new path

Kairios

The ride back to town with the longest and hardest of my life. Aurelia's body was slumped over with her arms wrapped around her, as if she was trying to contain all the pain from spilling out. I couldn't see the tears but I can sense the water running down her beautiful cheeks. I wish I could take her pain away and give her all the answers.

Now that I'm positive of her identity, I know the best way to tell her is to have mistress Elnora help explain. I can't believe I was right about my fate. Sitting here between my legs, atop Blackfire was the lands greatest treasure. Thought to be dead by so many.

The whole time she was just hours away from me. If I had known I could have saved her years of torture. No matter what, I will stay with her. If she wants to live a life of peace away from the capital then I will follow her anywhere. If she wants to take back her throne, then I will fight beside her. She would never be alone again.

Arriving at mistress Elnora's snapped us both out of our thoughts. I dismounted and helped Aurelia down, the front door opened.

"What took you so long to bring the girl to me Kairios? " said the mistress blunt as ever.

"Can we please come in before you continue to scold us?"

"Come, bring the girl into the garden. Bella bring some food and hot tea." ordered Mistress Elnora

Walking into the Garden always gives me a sense of ease and comfortability. The lilac trees filled the air with their perfume. Large rose bushes circled around the table and chairs in the centre of the garden, it was pure beauty. Aurelia seemed to be moving in a daze, the beauty of this place was lost on her.

She walks with her eyes cast down not saying anything. She's going to the furthest chair at the table and she locked her eyes on rose bush beside her. Bella walked in with trays of cakes, fruits, meats and a steaming pot of tea. She quickly laid it on the table before leaving without a word. Mistress Elnora entered the garden and came to stand in front of Aurelia.

"Now my dear it is time for you to ask your questions, I will tell you everything I know and I know many things."

Aurelia didn't answer right away. She sat in her chair staring, contemplating what she wanted to ask first. It was hard for me to not sit beside her and hold her hand, hoping it could give her comfort.

"Why would you have the answers to my questions? How do you know me and who are you to have such information?" Aurelia words were cold and hard. I was worried about how Mistress would react.

"It's not you that I know but your mother and your family history." She was calm in her answer.

Aurelia didn't move or say anything, she just stared at Mistress Elnora waiting for her to continue. I knew that Mistress knew many people and had lived many places but I was surprised to hear that she was the Queen's friend.

"The last time I saw you was the day your Mother and Father presented you to the kingdom. Before that I was a friend to your Mother. I helped her to find a way to break the curse so she could have you, but that's a story for later. After you were born, the Kingdom lived in peace, but only for five years. After your fifth birthday someone had succeeded in kidnapping you, with no clues left behind as to who was behind it.

The King left the castle to search the land for you. He however met tragedy on his way and was killed in the night. Again there were no clues left behind. As soon as your Father left the Capitol, I sent a letter to your Mother begging her to flee to safety. The last news I had from her with a single worded letter. I kept it waiting for the day that I would meet you." The mistress pulled a small slip of paper from a hidden pocket in her gown.

When I looked over I saw that the single word was "safe" in delicate writing. I knew the Queen had fled the Capitol, that was common knowledge. I wondered where she was that was safe, and if she could still be there.

"You are sure that this came from her and was not a trick in any way?" I couldn't help but be skeptical in my desire to keep Aurelia safe. False news was proving to be very common.

"Yes Kairios, I am positive the letter was from Queen Acantha. She and I had shared many letters over the years and very few knew of my letter asking her to leave the castle. I do not however know where she sent this letter from. I have a guess that I will share with you my dear, but first I think you need to learn a few things before you go on this adventure."

"You must become the princess we have been waiting for and save us from your aunt's destructive rule. Kairios will teach you everything about protecting yourself and I can teach you about the Kingdom's history. Will you do as I suggest?"

There was a long pause as Aurelia stared at her mother's handwriting. I was torn in what I wanted to happen. Of course I wanted the kingdom to be safe and prosperous, but the other side of me wanted to keep her away from it all and live a quiet life together. I knew that was selfish, but she had lived to long in pain. I wanted her to live in happiness.

" I will do as you suggest, I want to know everything. After that I will decide if and how I will fight for this throne."

Aurelia stood up and walked out of the room. She needed some time alone to think about all of this ,to let it settle in. I couldn't imagine the burden of knowing that a whole Kingdom was relying on you. She had escaped one fate and walked into another that was definitely more dangerous.

I would teach her everything I know. She would be safe. I was lost in thought as I contemplated how I would teach her. First I decided I needed to get her strength up. That way she can learn a few things from Mistress Elnora before taking on the physical work.

"Well done Kairios, it seems destiny has finally found you."