When Peony Blooms #AMBW

Chapter 39: " Whispers of Forgotten Stars."

The taunting of hurried footsteps bounced off the stone walls of the palace. A solemn procession of courtiers emerged, their faces etched with grief and their eyes brimming with sadness. Their voices shook as they delivered the harrowing news, "Crown Princess... the Crown Prince... he has met death." A chill filled the air as Ayodele listened to the words, standing frozen in disbelief.

To corroborate their somber announcement, the doors at the end of the hall creaked open slowly, unveiling the tragic sight of his bloodied body resting upon a marble bier. His once vibrant countenance was now devoid of life, his skin pallid and icy to the touch. Ayodele's blood chilled as she beheld the gruesome scene that lay before her - a scene reminiscent of a wilted flower in the harshest winter. The dark red stain of coagulated blood on his robes stood in harsh contrast to his once youthful glow and the promise-filled eyes that had once sparkled with life. The surrounding air turned icy and still as everyone stood in shocked silence, struggling to grasp reality.

"Sejabinmama! You mustn't see this!" A servant rushed towards her, but Ayodele continued forward, biting her lip to maintain her composure.

The image of his lifeless form would be seared into Ayodele's memory - a painful, permanent reminder of the tragic loss. In that moment, everything seemed to freeze: time itself halted, breaths caught in throats, and hearts paused their rhythmic beating.

A sense of vertigo overcame Ayodele, as though she were a vessel adrift on a stormy sea. She found herself outside, her knees sinking into the snow-dusted grass, each labored breath a battle against the crushing weight of her grief.

Her trembling hands cradled her swollen stomach, a poignant symbol of the life they had joyously created together. The contact triggered a fresh onslaught of tears, their icy trails numbing her cheeks before she buried her face in her hands, her sobs rending the silent wintry twilight.

"Wh-why..." Her plea was a mere whisper into the frosted ground, muffled by her tear-soaked hands.

Despite her world unraveling, the seasons remained unperturbed. The initial snowflakes of winter began to fall, the ones they were supposed to witness together for the first time. They twirled gently in the biting wind before finding purchase on her trembling shoulders, their cold touch contrasting her grief-warmed form.

Tears flowed in an endless stream, melting any snowflake bold enough to rest on her tear-streaked cheeks. Ayodele wept. She wept for her lost love, for their unborn child, for the future they were now denied.

As time trudged forward and Ayodele's sobs subsided, she found herself encircled by courtiers, their faces reflecting a mixture of sympathy. Some offered respectful bows, while others proffered soothing words of solace. Gradually, Ayodele found her footing and navigated through the sea of mourners toward her private chambers.

Heavy with grief and fatigue, she shuffled into the room that had once radiated shared joy. Now, it was a somber vault of cherished memories and a testament to moments snatched away by death's ruthless grasp.

Ayodele's heartrending cries echoed throughout the palace, piercing the silence and alerting Lady Song and others to her anguish. Instantly, Lady Song hastened to Ayodele's side, enfolding her in a comforting embrace, attempting to bring some solace to her trembling form.

"Sejabinmama," Lady Song implored in a whisper, attempting to help Ayodele rise from her kneel. "You mustn't be so harsh on yourself. You'll fall ill."

Her caution fell on deaf ears. Ayodele strained against Lady Song's supportive hold, resolute in her determination to follow her husband, despite the futility of such an act.