Journey of a Girl

Ajo: Chapter Eighteen

The Queen was appalled.

Satisfied that his business with Galeia was concluded, Ajo released the monarch from her confinement and informed her of the vow.

"It's repulsive," the Queen said. "It's atrocious and vile—"

"Careful with your tone," Ajo said, "or you will find yourself locked away once more."

"How could you make this vow?"

"Ask the same of Galeia."

"I mean to. And we will find a way to stop this."

"It was made in blood, and only Galeia and I can sever it. I have no intention of doing that, and Galeia will keep her promise or lose her family."

"This is wrong, Ajo. So very, very wrong."

"Where was your indignation when I was betrayed?"

"Let me help break you from this darkness—"

"Darkness has served me better than anything else."

The Queen struck him. Ajo was stunned momentarily but quickly righted himself.

"If you ever touch me again—"

"You'll what? Harm your own mother?" She scoffed in disgust. "You disgrace me."

"You should be proud of how diplomatic I am."

"You've taken the life of an innocent child."

"And Galeia gave it away."

"You cannot promise love."

"What a different tune you sing now. My entire childhood was built around the opposite philosophy."

"Those were different circumstances."

"You made a child believe he was destined for one love. This is no different."

"Then you are doomed to have your heart broken once more."

"My heart has nothing to do with it," Ajo snarled. "Galeia's daughter is mine."

"You don't intend to love your queen? Only to use her as revenge on Galeia?"

"Revenge and love," Ajo mused, "as I see it, they are one and the same."

***

It pleased Ajo to witness the delicious misery the vow had sown between the soon-to-be-parents.

An invisible line had been drawn between Galeia and her husband, and they argued endlessly about the choice she made in the throne room.

"You gave our daughter away like she was nothing," the human accused in an anguished tone. "You made her a gift for that—that creature!"

"He would have killed us all. You, me, and our child. I had no choice."

"You could have fought him—you could have denied him—"

"And let him choke the life from you? Our souls are connected, Oliver. I would have died with you, and our daughter would never have taken her first breath."

"She's my child, too. I should have had a say in it."

"It would have changed nothing."

The human shook his head and left the house, seeking distance from his wife.

***

It was night when Ajo stepped into the yard.

The prick of Galeia's shield was a minor nuisance to the King of the Wood, though it would persist while he remained within its boundary.