Being alone in the garden was a relief, a necessary escape. The weight of the crown, the expectations of my kingdom, the unsettling intrusion of my brothers – it was all too much. And then there was her. Athenia. A child thrust into my life, a beacon of innocence tied to a man who haunted my thoughts.
I sighed, sinking onto the weathered wooden bench nestled near the rose bushes. Their fragrant blooms, usually a source of comfort, felt almost suffocating tonight.
"What?" I whispered, not even bothering to turn around. I already knew who it was. Ace.
"I just want to talk…" he replied, his voice softer than I was accustomed to hearing it. The Solar King, usually radiating confidence and command, sounded almost…hesitant.
"About?" I asked, bracing myself.
"I get it, we came off rough. But we care about you and want you safe," he explained.
I nodded, the familiar sting of tears welling in my eyes. It had been jarring, the arrival of my brothers descending upon Northernglades like protective gargoyles. They disapproved of my…unconventional choices, most notably my involvement with Torrance's daughter, Athenia.
"Ace… I- I just thought I was doing something good… I wanted to give her a home. Her mother isn't in her life, she abandoned her….and her father is working," I mumbled, the last part barely audible.
"Wait… the father is in her life?" he asked, shock evident in his voice.
I nodded. "Yes, but we are just co-parenting… I adore Athena and I love her as a daughter…" I said, my voice thick with emotion.
Ace nodded slowly, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Very well… If you think it's best, I support you."
"Thank you," I replied, the relief washing over me a palpable wave. We sat in silence for a while, the only sound the gentle rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.
"Have you heard from Mom and Dad?" I asked, breaking the quiet.
"No...its been a year and nothing. their still traveling," he responded, a hint of worry in his voice.
I nodded. "Figured," I mumbled. My parents, the King and Queen of Northernglades, were notorious for their wanderlust. They claimed it was to foster alliances and learn from other kingdoms, but sometimes I suspected they simply preferred adventure over responsibility.
We stayed outside a while longer, gazing at the stars. Ace, ever the scholar, explained the constellations, the distant nebulae, the celestial dance of the universe. It was a welcome distraction.
When we went inside, we found Athenia nestled on the floor of the library, listening intently as Jacob spun a fantastical tale of mischievous sprites and enchanted forests. The sight warmed my heart, a small flicker of joy amidst the turmoil.
"Do you guys want to stay over?" I asked, gesturing towards the guest rooms.
My brothers exchanged glances. "We should be getting back, but thanks. Sorry for going off," James apologized, the others echoing his sentiment.
I nodded, offering a small smile. "It's fine."
One by one, they departed, leaving me with a strange mix of relief and loneliness. Ace gave me one last look, a silent message of understanding and support, before disappearing into the night.
June 16th. It was more than just a date now; it was a new beginning. A beginning with Athenia, a beginning with my brothers, and, whether I liked it or not, a beginning with Torrance.
I tucked Athena into bed, smoothing a stray strand of black hair from her forehead. Her innocent face, so like his, tugged at my heart. Then, I went to my own room, a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. I grabbed my phone and texted Torrance.
(Text Conversation)
Isabella: Thank you for letting me have her for a while. She means the world to me.
Torrance: She loves being with you, Isabella. Always knows how to bring the light when I'm in the dark.
Isabella: I hope you aren't working to hard.
Torrance: I will be fine, you and Athenia are safe.
Isabella: Okay.
I showered, trying to wash away the day's anxieties. The warm water did little to soothe the unease that lingered beneath my skin. After I dried off I grabbed my mother's diary from its hiding spot in my nightstand. I had wanted to read it, wanting to learn more about her past. Was there something she was hiding? Glancing at the journal I find something I shouldn't...or something I should have never knew.
(Diary Entry)
May 18th, 1245
I can't believe Isabella and her brothers are starting to think I am their "mother". It causes me to laugh every time about how stupid these idiots are. They still haven't found my sister locked away. I've been doing such a great job at pretending to be her, the way she acted, and how she treats her children.
I even got her "husband" to believe I am his "wife". Its so easy to pretend. I can't wait to see what else I can do to this kingdom. Even get my sister's children to hate her. I can't wait to do so many things. I even have a lover on the side who can provide me with all the information I need to take over Northernglades. my sister is a fool to trust people too easily.
It causes me to burst it tears so fast. I felt sick to my stomach. everything until now has been a lie. she has been lying to everyone! I sobbed harder and looked at the time. 2:00am. I need to call him...I wipe my tears and call my brother ace.
"Ace…I need you now," I mumbled into the phone, my voice trembling.
Ace, still sleepy and tired, was confused. "Huh? Sis, it's 2:00, why are you up?" he groaned.
A small sob escaped my lips, and instantly Ace went alert. "Hey, what's wrong!? Are you hurt? Did something happen?" he questioned, his voice laced with worry.
"P-Please come over," I whispered, the words barely audible.
"Say no more," he said, hanging up abruptly.
Within thirty minutes, he was at my door, his face etched with concern. He came into my room instantly. "What happened!?" he asks alarmed.
I point to the diary and he looks at the entry. Ace goes silent. "What?…" he whispered, his voice hoarse with disbelief.
I sob harder. "Where is she? Is she alive?" I sob again, clutching him tightly.
Ace hugs me, his own emotions a whirlwind of confusion and anger. "I don't know, Bella… I don't know."
This wasn't the plan… this wasn't… no… it can't be… my mother has been missing since I was born? And the person who has been pretending to be my mother is my aunt….what....
Hours go by and I finally go to sleep but even in my dreams things stir, my dreams turn to nightmares.