The Past

A Godly Summons

Why am I so tempted to set Kinheal up with the husband of the woman who raised her

Two days.

Two days was how much longer I'd have to wait for Remor's promised ship, or so he said.

I had been at court for a month now, and had been spending much less time with him since our last conversation.

As it turned out, though, Teirr ended up being quite a nice companion. He was just as out of tune with this environment as I was, but I had also made a new friend. Her name was Varissa, half-breed daughter of Diath and another Realm's mortal king, and she didn't particularly like Laesin either.

I know what you're thinking, "Shouldn't the goddess of maidenhood be a maiden?" Well, no. She simply is the patron of maidens. There is no such thing as a maiden immortal being.

"Are you really going, then?" Teirr asked me that day, as we had our lunch in my drawing room. I had told him of my plan, so that he would not be surprised when I vanished.

"And Paves is going with you?" He followed as I nodded.

"Yes. She's my friend." The fish was honestly a bit overcooked.

"Am I?"

"Yes, I should think so." He seemed both surprised and pleased at my words. "I'm glad we made our peace."

"So am I." Sunlight streamed in through the windows that ran all the way up to the ceiling, their periwinkle blue curtains drawn back. A small bit of sunlight glinted in his eyes that were almost the same shade.

Suddenly a tall figure came into the room. Aphol, god of the sun, come to grace us with his presence.
"Hathe summons you, girl." He was almost twice my height and pure, dark-skinned muscle. His arms were built for pulling the world's most powerful bow, his shoulders sculpted from centuries of firing it.

"Does he say why?" I asked, doing my very best to mask the intimidation I felt.

"No." His eyebrows furrowed, making creases on his otherwise perfectly smooth brown skin. "Come."

I followed him through a series of long corridors, decorated with paintings, suits of armour, sculpted heads, and the like. We had no such things in the Motherland. We passed many closed doors and a few public areas, and the amount of time we spent walking made the size of the compound more clear to me. I wondered if the Kingdoms would ever have palaces as grand.

Eventually, we arrived at the great golden doors of the throne room, guarded by four men at all times. They let us in at a signal from Aphol.

Why would Hathe send such an important god to summon me, I wondered. Why would Hathe even summon me?

"My lord king." Aphol bowed and left the room. The guards left, too, and only Hathe and I were in the throne room.

"Lord King," I said, offering a curtsy. "May I inquire as to why I've been summoned?"

"My son says you are not speaking to him." He leaned back in his throne, beckoning for me to come closer. "Why?"

"Laesin-"

"Laesin has been dismissed from court. Her malice became somewhat of an annoyance to me. No, I've given her a very important task. She is governing a certain group in the Realm of the Dead. All of the Regina George's of the world reside there."

"What is a Regina George, my king?"

"Nevermind that, girl. Is Laesin the reason you have avoided Aeremordus? I will have you know that the girl is known for her vicious lies."

"Why have you taken such interest in me, Lord King? Is it because Alarithe commanded, or because I am close with Remor, or is there something else entirely?"

"You are bold, and unique. There may be something else, but I do not wish for the fate my wife would submit you to. Primarily, there is the matter of Aeremordus's humour." He picked a grape from the bushel on the table beside him. "You see, he has been rather foul since you pulled away from him. I believe he quite likes you."

"Aeremordus and I are friends. We have an agreement, and we are doing each other a favour." I scanned the room and saw a chair. "Do you mind if I sit?"

He waved a hand and the same chair appeared directly beside me. I took the seat gladly, as it was much preferable to have this awkward conversation sitting down than standing.

"Remor and I are not going to marry. We both simply want to avoid marriage, and so I fend off suitors by appearing preoccupied, and he avoids courting young women by appearing to court me."

"I see." He scratched the stubble on his chin.
"Alarithe will be disappointed, you know. In both of you."

"I know, Lord King. Please do tell her I mean no offence."

"Of course. However, I don't believe my son's affection for you is feigned." Suddenly, the god stood from his throne, and waited for me to follow suit.
"You may return to your rooms, Kinheal. I hope to see you at the ball tomorrow night."

"Likewise, Lord King."