I'll Love You From Afar🤍

Viking burial

Zenon's pov 👑 .....
Marcellus walked in with dried streaks of tears on his face.
The alarm bells went off in my head. He walked to me and bowed
"Your  majesty, you are needed in the study." His eyes were begging me to follow him
"Diana stay here, with the guests." She nodded but Marcellus had other plans
"No, this matter concerns both of you" Diana and I looked lost but we followed Marcel nevertheless.
He opened the door to the study and I saw Devi with Diana's handmaid Aviva. She was a beauty, a dauting type, hers was subtle calm and peaceful unlike Diana who's beauty overshadowed and overpowered others.
I took my seat behind my desk, my eyes once again finding its way back to the timid maid. My eyes always had a mind of their own, I could spot her in the vast array of crowds, I saw her behind the plants in the gardens and in the seamstress shop, something in Me called out to her.
"Zenon" devi called bringing me out of my mind.
"What is it, my friend "
"It's about the queen mother " the Alarm bells went off once again
"What about my mother" I looked at Devi who hesitated and then back at Marcellus who balled his eyes out, I looked at Aviva expressive face that told me all I needed
"She is dead isn't she" Devi nodded
"The Queen mother is dead Zenon" I sank into my chair as the first teardrop slid down.

For days I acted like I was okay, my eyes were red and sore from crying and lack of sleep. The woman who gave me life was dead. Diplomats, monarchs and nobles had all left their kingdom to liariah to pay their respects to my mother, I was heartbroken and torn buy I had to be strong for all, my crown couldn't be seen as weak not crooked. I looked at the moon high up in the sky, the night bleak with no stars only the moon, the night was still, the birds didn't chirp not the crickets seemed like all were mourning my mother.
"Zenon, it Is Time" I turned to my supportive wife, Diana  she had been strong for all the kingdom including me as well, letting me mourn in peace as she assumed her Queenly duties.
I walked to her, kissing her forehead as a sign of gratitude.
"Thank you Diana" she nodded, giving me a small smile, I wore my cloak  and held her hands in mine Before walking to the forest.
The torches were lit, it's red flames being picturesque. I walked forward looking at my pale mother in a boat with her sword in her grip she was wearing the dress she married my father in , I refused the urge to cry, the priest sprinkle her with spirits wishing her well into the afterlife. He and I pushed the boat and watched it float off for a distance before Devi handed me my bow and arrow with the tip lit in flames

I looked at my citizens eyes, hearing the sounds of sniffles and silent sufferings
I looked at Devi, then Diana and to the red head who looked forward not a me, she seemed to feel my eyes on her and she turned to me, the flames dancing in her eyes, my blue welled up looking at her, she looked like she was mourning with me with the intensity that I was. I pulled the arrow back aiming for the flaming boat. I said goodbye to mu mother in my heart before releasing the Arrow which flew across the river landing in the floating boat which now was up in flames burning
A series of Arrows were released after mine, lightning the sky with red.
The crowd dispersed, while devi and his men searched for the boat which contained my mother's ashes, so I could spread them across the river.
"Your majesty" I heard Aviva's voice and the soft clank of a tray, she had served tea for all nobles who stood by me by the river bank. She poured the tea in a cup handing it to me, I nodded and watched as she stood up gracefully and walked away ignoring the eyes on her .

The ashes were collected in an Urn with the Kilgarrah family crest on it.
I collected the urn filled with my mother's ashes. DIANA helped me fold up my trousers and i walked into the river, spreading a handful of her ashes into the water as I walked further into the water. I poured the last of her ashes into the water and turned to my people before submerging my self under water for a minute or two and bursting out, like a phoenix rising from its ashes, I heard the cheers and  praise of my people as I swam back to shore.

That night, the whole kingdom dined, I kept a smile during the feast but inside I was hurting. My wine chalice was refilled by my court servant Marcellus. I turned to Devi who was staring at something, i traced his eyes to see he was staring at Aviva who looked out of sorts.
The feast ended longer than I'd liked, I followed Diana to our Chambers, I was determined to get sleep after four nights of sleeplessness.
"Good night Diana"
"Good night Zenon" I stayed up all night looking at the ceiling for sleep evaded me. I threw the covers off me and tiptoed out the room careful not to wake Diana up
I walked to the kitchen, and grabbed a jar of wine Gulping it down like it was water. I was disoriented walking around my castle like a ghost.
I looked at the balcony and saw a familar red haired, whose hair looked like that of roses I bloom and swayed with the wind
"Aviva" I called, startling her a bit, her body was covered with her night dress and shawl, she helped me stand well from staggering
"Your majesty." She said, and I leaned closer to her, her scent engulfing my every being, so I leaned in, hugging her tightly.
"Stay Avi" she fought me but I held on tighter
"Please" my voice was breathless but it made her stop fighting me atleast.

An
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