Fate
As the sun begins to rise Elau and I walk up the steps to the palace. The crisp air blows through my hair calming my crazed mind. I stop half way up and look at Elau.
“What do we do now?” I am still baffled by our discovery.
“I think the best thing we can do right now is sleep.” He grabs my hands and takes a few more steps.
“But I’m serious.” I pull away, stopping again. He turns back to me, his eyes full of concern.
“So am I. You look exhausted and besides there is nothing we can do right now.” He grabs my hands once more and pulls me into him. “You have a big decision to make and you need time to process what we have just discovered.” I press my head into his shoulder enjoying our embrace.
“I can’t sleep now. I have duties, meetings.” I mumble through his shirt.
“I’ll tell the staff that we got back late from Breemly and to allow the ambassadors a free day.” I look up at him with excitement in my eyes.
“You can do that?” I ask him.
“I’m the Prince.” He states matter of factly.
“Right.” I nod with a blush.
“So please, let me escort you to your room. We both will feel better after some rest.” He holds his arm out to me and I lock on to it as we gracefully ascend the stairs.
The path to my room is lined with flickering lanterns, running out of oil as the night turns to day. Weary from the day's events, I lean slightly on the Prince's arm, grateful for his steady presence. Since I have known Elau he has remained ever the gentleman, and escorting my to my room was only one of the few perks of dating such a man.
We reminisce about our adventure, sharing quiet laughter and stolen glances, although being quiet enough as to not gain attention. As we reach my door, Elau pauses, his eyes reflecting the warmth of the lanterns. "Rest well, Nic," he whispers, bowing slightly and then placing a small kiss on my lips.. I smile, my heart light despite the fatigue. "Thank you, Elauthin. For everything." With a final nod, he turns and walks away, leaving me with a sense of peace.
I walk into my room, shutting the door behind me. My body aches from the night's exertions, and I can still feel the remnants of dust and grime clinging to my skin. I make my way to my personal hot spring, eager to wash away the physical and mental fatigue that has accumulated.
The hot spring is a sanctuary of warmth and tranquility. I strip off my muddy dress and slip into the bath, the hot water envelopes me, soothing my tired muscles and washing away the dirt from my journey. I close my eyes, letting the warmth seep into my bones, and allow myself to relax completely for the first time in days.
Memories of my adventure play in my mind as I soak. I can’t help but think about the locket. It's frustrating I have had the answers to my past my whole life and never knew it. And I can’t help but worry over what the future holds. Could I really be a Princess? Should I travel to Tartarean? Would I even be welcome?
After what feels like an eternity, I reluctantly emerge from the bath, my skin now clean and my eyes heavy. I wrap myself in a soft towel and walk over to my bed. I slip into my favorite pajamas, the fabric cool and comforting against my freshly washed skin.
I climb into my bed, sinking into the plush mattress and pull the covers up to my chin. I sigh contentedly, feeling the weight of exhaustion lift as I settle into the familiar embrace of my bed. As I close my eyes, I know that tomorrow would bring new challenges and adventures, but for now, I allow myself to drift into a deep, restful sleep.
My dream takes me to a realm shrouded in shadows, where the air is thick with an eerie silence. I find myself in a vast, dark forest, the trees towering above me, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocks out the sky. As I wander through the forest, a sense of foreboding fills my heart.
Suddenly, the darkness around me seem to come alive, swirling and coalescing into a formidable figure. The god of darkness, with eyes like twin voids and a presence that commanded reverence, stands before me. His voice echoes through the forest, deep and resonant, as he speaks my name, "Niccola."
Trembling, I look up at the deity, my curiosity twists with fear. "Why have you summoned me?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper.
The god of darkness gazes at me, his expression unreadable. "You are trapped by fate and expectations you yet know of," he began. "You are fated to marry the Prince of Light and together, you shall rule the world of Ivardia. Together you can create a balance that is celebrated for a millennium."
My heart races at his words. "I’m not sure I can. I’m not sure I am meant to be a ruler. I wasn’t raised to be a Queen. I’m… I’m just an ordinary person.”
The god of darkness shakes his head slowly. "You are far from ordinary, Niccola. You possess a strength and a light within you that is unparalleled. It is this light that will unite with the Prince of Light and bring balance to Ivardia. Together, you will usher in an era of peace and prosperity."
As the god speaks, visions of Ivardia fill my mind. I see the lush landscapes, the bustling cities, and the diverse people who inhabit the world. I can see the harmony that could be achieved, the unity that could be forged. But I also see the challenges that lay ahead, the battles that would need to be fought, and the sacrifices that would have to be made.
The god of darkness continues, "Your journey will not be easy, Niccola. There will be trials and tribulations, but you must remain steadfast. The fate of Ivardia rests on your shoulders."
With those final words, the god of darkness begins to fade, the forest dissolving into shadows. I awake with a start, my heart pounding in my chest. The dream lingers in my mind, vivid and haunting. I know that my life is about to change forever. The weight of my destiny presses upon me, but I feel a newfound resolve. Together Elau and I will fulfill our destiny and rule Ivardia, bringing light to the darkest corners of the world.