ORION

Chapter-5

The warmth of closeness engulfed Clara and the trio into a cozy tranquility. Once a mighty queen, now weakened to the point that she had to lean on her son. Clara was breathing heavily, supported by Finnick because of being unable to sit straight. Sirius turned away, it was heartbreaking for him to see his mother like this. Adriel could do nothing but hold her hand while trembling as she felt her mother’s life slip away.

“Finnick, did you know that the sword you hold belongs to Mathew?” Clara revealed. Finnick shook his head and a few tears which he held in his eyes rolled down.
“Adriel has Owen’s sword while Sirius holds Helena’s sword. As for Iris and Daniel, I couldn’t find their swords.” she said in a somber voice.
Finnick could sense the regret in her voice and hugged her tenderly.

“It doesn’t matter, mother.”
Clara smiled softly seeing Adriel nodding to Finnick’s words.
“All three of you grew to be wise and caring…just like them. They would be so proud of you.”
Clara steadied her posture and placed a palm on Finnick’s face.

“The sword I took from your father, I want you to take it after my departure.” Her voice cracked at the next sentence. “Your father would have wanted you to have it.”
“No. Not that cursed sword.” Finnick replied too fast that Clara was surprised.
“What do you mean, son?”
Instead of responding with words, Finnick carried her into his arms and took her outside. Clara was attracted by a glowing red light and frowned, squinting her eyes when they landed on her sword.

“That is what I mean. The sword is the one killing you, I couldn’t destroy it to save you.”
Clara stayed still, staring at the sword and reached out her hand to it. Sirius blocked the sword from her view. He did not want her anywhere near the sword.
“Sirius, let me take the sword.”
“I have never refused your commands but this time, no.” he said firmly.

Clara extended her hand beckoning him to come to her. She placed her palm on his face when he came closer.
“You have already saved me, my treasures. But deep within, you also understand that I need to be punished for my mistake.” Clara said, caressing his face. Sirius tilted his head and held her hand to his face, closing his eyes to stop his emotions from overwhelming him. He did not agree with her but stepped aside to allow Finnick to come forward.

Clara picked up the sword with ease and embraced it tightly. It was her closest memory of Maximus and she felt like he was nearby whenever she held it. She then signed to her aides. They slowly surrounded the royal family, a few held Clara’s hand and placed it on their forehead. Rubeus was still crying and closed his mouth to bottle up his sobs.

“The coronation must happen immediately after I am gone. There will be no mourning, only happiness. Please serve our children just the way you served us.”
Rubeus wobbled to them woefully, he took her hand and was about to utter the words for forgiveness. “Do not be sorry, Rubeus. You and I both know that losing a leader that you respect so much is as painful as losing a loved one.” Clara said, silencing him.

“Callahan…”
Callahan bowed down to her final command.
“There is a detailed plan for the coronation on the study table in the library. Use it, I leave it in your capable hands.”
“As you command, my queen.”
“I wish to visit the graves now. Take me there... farewell, my friends.”

Clara gave a short nod smiling when her aides knelt down to show their respect. Sirius mounted himself on his horse and Finnick handed Clara to him. The four of them rode there and stood in front of the six graves.
“So many memories filled in this garden. my allies and I would gather here often for stargazing. Our favorite part of the sky was the Orion constellation and the star, Sirius during winter. We even named you after that star. It used to be called ‘Paradise gardens’, our paradise. But now, it is plainly referred to as a memorial garden.” Clara reminisced.

Sirius sat her down while the other two surrounded her. She kissed their foreheads and it was an affectionate moment while she gazed at them with pride.
“Look at them, all grown up.” she whispered to the graves.
“While bringing happiness to our people, remember to focus on your happiness as well.” she emphasized.
“We will, mother.”

“Will you fulfill my last wish?”
“Anything.” Adriel replied instantly.
“I left an empty spot beside Maximus. Will you bury me alongside him?” she asked with pleading eyes. The three of them did not answer but nodded with bleak eyes. Clara turned away, satisfied by the response and propped herself up to move adjacent to the graves. She knelt on one knee with her sword.

“I am sorry for being late but I can finally join you all.” Clara spoke lovingly and bowed her head to pay her respects. Her eyes welled up and overflowed with tears again. She reached out her hand and placed it on the granite plinth.

“I don’t deserve any of your forgiveness after what I did. I only wish I had a few more moments… fate dragged me through time without any of you by my side but if I were given a chance, I would die a thousand times before I let danger approach any of you.” she mumbled under her strained breath.
“But there are no words to express my gratitude for your friendship, love, affection and sacrifice that gave me the opportunity to watch these little ones grow to be stronger and wiser than I ever was.” she whispered, her voice growing faint.

The three heirs watched Clara’s back become still as the waters in a tranquil lake. Her body slightly slanted to the side and fell onto the grave. Sirius and Adriel clasped her hand while her head landed into Finnick’s hand preventing it from hitting the stone slab. They hugged her in quiet sniffles while the sword faded out from the reddish hue to a shining steel surface. Clara was finally at peace.

The funeral procession was held from the castle at Castalia to the Paradise gardens. The name was restored and no longer referred to as memorial gardens. People from far and wide came to bid their goodbyes and pay their respects to the last surviving of the monarchs who defeated the barbarians.

The aides were devastated, all except Callahan who had a resolute exterior despite the grieving. He willingly let go of the part of him who was mourning to execute his queen’s command and found her plans for the coronation left behind in the library. Under his supervision, the coronation preparations were in full swing. There were even roles assigned in the plan to every single one of them.

As per Clara’s wish, the heirs buried her beside Maximus and went along with the coronation. Sirius did not make any attempts to hide his unemotional face but Finnick and Adriel were determined to give a positive image to the people on their coronation day. All three golden crowns ascended the heirs at the same time and the kingdoms rejoiced the beginning of a vibrant era of peace led by their new kings and queen.

The sword that belonged to Maximus and held by Clara when she defeated the barbarian king was placed in an adorned glass case in the throne room as one of the invaluable treasures of the past generations.