When the Land meets the Sky: A Tail of Two Mages

Chapter 42 - A Hero's Farewell

Oiamh's POV

I sat next to my vanity staring in the mirror while I brushed out my hair. I could not but feel extreme dread for what I must do today. Today is the day of my dad's burial. At the age of 16, I have to bury my dad. It was all I could do to hold back tears, even now, but despite my efforts, I felt a few run down my cheeks. "After all I've been through, why do I break down now?" I said to no one in particular. The next thing I knew, I heard a quiet knock on my door, slightly startling me. "Yes?" I called out, wiping the tears from my face.

My door opened slowly, and the head of Rowen peeked around it. "I came to check on you. Are you doing okay?"

"As good as I can be," I replied as I jumped up to my feet. I gave him a forced smile.

"Well, with that said, there is someone in the drawing room who wishes to speak with you," Rowen said.

I dropped my smile and slightly tipped my head sideways in curiosity. "Oh? Who is it?" I asked.

"Would you believe me if I told you... Gaelach Rí?"

My eyes grew wide at the mention of that name. "His Majesty?! The wolf king, Gaelach Rí... That Gaelach Rí?!" Rowen replied with a nod and a smile. "Let's go, then. Lead the way!" I followed Rowen down the main flight of stairs in the grand hall, then we soon arrived at the drawing room.

"Forgive me the delay, your majesty," I stated as I curtsied, and Rowen bowed. "You wished to speak with me?"

"Be at ease, little Luna," he responded. "Honestly, you were summoned so that I could make a request of you." I was confused. What could I bring to the table that I would be called upon by a man of this standing? "Shall we sit and discuss?" the king asked.

"Of course," I replied, and we all sat down around the large table and awaited the request the king was going to present to me.

"It is my wish to say a few words during the funeral," he explained. "Your father was one of my most loyal children. Not just that, but he was a fearless and fiercesome warrior. He will be greatly missed. I would be delighted to speak in his honor, if that is alright with you?"

I was once again confused. "Forgive me for sounding crass, your majesty, but why are you asking this? You are King. Could you not do whatever you want without anyone questioning you?"

He smiled and sat back in his chair. "That may be true, and I could technically insert myself into the funeral without your permission, but honestly, I've learned over the years that being polite and treating your subjects fairly is a great trait to have in leadership. As a Luna, I highly recommend you remember and heed these words. Besides, for you and your mother, this is already a highly difficult day. Consider this a means of bringing you ease during this difficult time."

"Thank you, your majesty," I said.

Gaelach Rí then leaned forward again. "Speaking of your mother, she sought my counsel on a matter that involves you. Naomi?" he said and looked past me. I turned and noticed mom standing at my side.

"Oiamh, your father left me a message a long time ago. What I'm about to tell you is something he did not want to tell you until you were 18. He planned to tell you himself, but considering the circumstances, I felt it prudent to approach his majesty on this subject and he suggested that we tell you his plans for you now."

"What were his plans for me, mom?" I asked.

With a deep breath, she recalled the words in her mind. "Your father was going to tell you, 'Oiamh, you can follow your heart in whichever way you please. I want you and Zero both to forge your own destinies.' What he wanted for you is to choose if you wanted to remain Luna of the forest or become Luna Consort of the sky. Either way, you have everyone's full support and respect in your decision," she explained with extreme intent.