Journey of a Girl

Ajo: Chapter Thirteen

Alone. Ajo was alone.

He'd dismissed the crowd of attendants that set on him the instant he swallowed his last bite of breakfast—a meal Galeia had been absent from.

From there, the day passed in a blur of frenzied movement and endless noise.

The rise of dusk would signal the beginning of the wedding and coronation, and afterwards there would be a celebration unrivaled by any in recent memory.

After a lifetime of waiting, Ajo could scarcely believe the hour had almost arrived. He was sitting in front of his mirror, admiring his reflection as he basked in the first moment of quiet offered all day.

He tried not to fuss too much with his hair, which had been brushed and meticulously shaped. Atop his head was the ring of branches the Queen had given him at the ball, which would be replaced by his real crown in little time. He looked at his wedding attire, silver and white silk accented with golden chains, with a blunted and polished sword resting at his waist, more a ceremonial prop than a deadly weapon. The most important accessory was the purple lily pinned to his chest. Its color, he was told, matched Galeia's bridal gown.

When he thought of his bride, he tried not to allow the gloom of the previous days to overcast his peace. Somewhere during his contemplation, his mother entered the room.

"My son," she said with a proud smile, "and my king."

She dipped into a regal curtsy.

"Please, mother, there's no need for that." He paused before asking, "Have you seen Galeia? How is she?"

He was embarrassed to ask it, but he needed to know her mood.

"She locked herself in her room last night, and only opened the door this morning to allow attendants inside to help her prepare. She's no doubt waiting to make a grand entrance."

"Mother...I..."

"You look perfect."

"Thank you, but I wanted to ask...are you happy? On this day?"

She moved to him and placed her hands on his shoulders before bestowing a kiss on his forehead. 

"I am so proud of you," she said. "And I could not be happier."

Ajo felt like a child, but it was a comforting feeling.

"What will you do after I am crowned?"

"Whatever the new king commands. If he would like me to stay, I will stay. If he commands me to leave—"

"No, I would never do that!"

She gave a good-natured laugh. "I do have a mind to walk the world, now that I know the kingdom will be in capable hands."

"There is much to discover in it."

"And I haven't had the chance for eons. I think it's time I take a journey of my own, and when I return...perhaps there will be a grandchild or two to welcome me home?"

"If Galeia can stand to look at me."

"Hush, don't carry those burdens on this day."

"What if I need you?"

"What need do you have for an old monarch?"

"What if...I need my mother?"

"I have prepared you for my absence, as all mothers should. Has my work been done in vain?"

"No."

She touched his face. "If you need me, my son, listen to the wind. It will carry my voice."

They talked about gentle things. The Queen's pride for her son. Ajo's imminent ascent. The prosperous future of the kingdom.