Keditha's Beloved

Chapter Twenty-Five

I gaze at the fireplace in the library, the flames emitting a small glow on my face. I fiddle with my mother's necklace with Julian's ring still on it.

It's been months since his death and alot of things have changed since then. I was crowned queen the evening after my eighteenth birthday, and later that night I promoted Emilie to my lady-in-waiting.

And Brynjar was still here. He wanted to watch over me and make sure I was okay. But I believe he was just scared of his father.

Apparently he was livid when he heard Brynjar and Julian came to save and even more so when he learned of Julian's death.

After his decision to stay, I put him in charge of my guard. The war was still going. I was scared Cyril would try to claim Astoan during the time I was gone. But the kingdom remained loyal and by the time he learned of their deaths, it was too late.

I was already queen.

I was able to throw a memorial for my parents and those who lost their lives protecting them. I was thankful for everyone who showed up to pay their respects

I close my eyes. Returning home hurt like heck but it was definitely worth it.

"Athena!" Emilie yells, rushing to wrap me into a hug. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

I return the hug, tightening my grip around her. Thank goodness she was okay. "Emilie, my parents?" I question, holding onto a small bit of hope.

She shakes her head, eyes filling with tears. "Athena, I'm so sorry. The-they're dead. Some men came at night and murdered them. We tried to stop them but we couldn't."

"It's alright, Emilie. I understand."

Emilie glances behind me at Brynjar. "And this is?" She questions.

"This is Brynjar, Julian's brother." I say, gesturing to him.

Emilie narrows her eyes at him, then slowly smiles. "What happened to Julian?" She asks.

I shake my head, tears already falling again. "I didnt- It's all my fault." I mumble.

Brynjar places his hand on my shoulder. "No it's not. Instead of stressing about this now, why don't you  get your injuries wrapped up, change your clothes and get some sleep." He says softly.

"She looks like she needs to eat first." Emilie challenges him. She places her hands on her hips, sizing him up. It was a funny picture, considering he was over a foot taller than she.

Brynjar looks down at me, smiling. "Yes she does, but we've been riding all night. I think she'd benefit from sleep first."

Emilie opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off. "How about I decide what I want to do first? I want to take a bath, and maybe I'll sleep or eat afterwards." I say.

Emilie nods, obviously trying not to frown. "I'll have someone get a bath for you, and then I'll find a place for Brynjar to stay."

"It's a big place, I'm sure it won't be hard." Brynjar smirks at her.

Emilie scowls at him. "Go do something with your horses and maybe I'll won't make you stay with them for the night." She snaps.

She places an arm around me, walking me towards the castle. "I'm so happy you're back, even considering everything going on." She turns to glare at Brynjar one more time before we enter the castle.

Even though they bicker all the time, I have to admit, there's something between Brynjar and Emilie. Whether it was a romance or they just didn't actually mind each other, I did not know. But it was there.

Though I didn't want to force anything on them, they certainly would make a cute couple.

I stare at the ring attached to my mother's necklace. Hearing about my parents deaths hurt. But not like this. Ever since I lost Julian, a hole started growing inside of me.

A hole that was slowly consuming my heart. I found myself spending less and less time with Emilie and Brynjar. I rarely talked to anyone anymore. I didn't feel like doing anything my old stuff wouldn't always done.

Everyday I woke up, got ready for the day. I would then do my duties as Queen but after that was finished, I would head back to bed. Even if I haven't had dinner yet.

No matter how much time has passed. His death never got easier. Everyday was torture, waking up and knowing he wouldn't be there.

I breathe slowly, gripping the ring. I wipe away tears I didn't even realize were falling.

It was strange. After Philip apologized to me, I had forgiven him but I still struggling with trusting him and being around him.

But with Julian, I never stop trusting him. Even after he said all those stuff to me before he left. Somehow in the back of my mind, I knew he still loves me and I still loved him.

Though he did try to pursue me by his father's wishes, I never believed he meant it when he said he never loved me.

It was always Julian, wasn't it? Even when we were just friends and he didn't know my real name, when I thought I might've been falling for Philip, when we had our argument.

It's always been him. I laugh softly, gazing at the ring. He was always good at sneaking up on people, it's no surprise he snuck into my heart.

When I heard the door open and the boots walk over the threshold, I immediately knew who it was. "If you've come to kill me, I suggest you do it quickly." I mutter. "I'm a very busy woman."

“My son is dead because of you.” Cyril says. I try to turn but Cyril places a hand on my shoulder keeping me from moving. I stiffen as a cold blade touches my neck.

“I didn’t want him dead.” I try to explain. "I loved him. More than you can possibly understand."

“He went to Vikya because of you. If you shouldn’t have written that letter.”

“I had no choice.”

Cyril is silent for a moment. “Well, a eye for a eye.” He mutters in my ear, gripping my waist. “Long live the queen.” He slices the knife across my neck, turning everything black.

                       The end

                  Coming soon:
              Keditha's Destiny