Threads of Fate

Chapter 10

I sat down and eyed my mother, her blue dress with its bejeweled collar, shimmering in the early morning light. She was thrilled that I had requested a private meeting with her this morning, most likely thinking I was going to tell her about my betrothal to Prince Calix. Since the court already knew, she did too.

"So why did you call me here darling." She asked, anticipation in her eyes.

I motioned towards the gates, when Queen Deyanira, or rather my Aunt Deyanira walked through. My mother's jaw dropped and I sat back, ready to watch it all unfold.

Aunt Deyanira still had on her same outfit from dinner and I wondered if it was her only outfit she brought. She took a seat and let out her feral grin to my mother, who didn't seem the least bit phased.

"Royal life suits you Asena. Tell me, how is your husband faring?" Aunt Deyanira asked, crossing her arms.

Asena? My mothers name was Emalyn, meaning peaceful home. Even if we had anything but that now. My mother pursed her lips and for a moment I thought she wouldn't reply.

"It is Emalyn now." My mother said quietly, her hands folded tightly in her lap.

Aunt Deyanira barked a laugh, "Is that what you changed it to? You think changing your name can change who you are, and where you came from?"

Mother scowled and I tried not to raise my eyebrows, this was a look she only used when she was at her angriest. In a way it suited her. Her usual soft expression was gone, as if whisked away by the wind. Her honey-brown eyes turned angry and cold. She looked like a lioness with her dark hair flowing around her like the most moonless night.

"Does anyone care to explain to me exactly what happened all those years ago." I interrupted.

"Your mother and me would have been true Sister-queens. While our covens refer to each other as Sister to show respect and gratitude, we share the same mother." Aunt Deyanira said, her eyes glowing like polished silver in the sunlight.

"You told me my grandparents were Aiva and her long dead husband." I said, fury at the lies I had been told rising within me.

"Yes, on your father's side." Mother said, glaring at Aunt Deyanira still.

I raised my brows, "As for my grandparents on your side?"

Aunt Deyanira laughed again, "Me and your mother have the same mother, not the same father."

"I'm confused, was my grandmother divorced." I asked, confused as such a scandalous thing.

Aunt Deyanira shuddered, "Gods no, Witch queens don't marry, they only have lovers. For Witch queens who actually enjoy the company of men, they may keep these lovers to produce more offspring. But most Witches enjoy the company of no one. We have our Sister-bonds and that is all some of us need. Others may even enjoy the company of other women. Regardless, a heir was needed and your grandmother managed to produce two."

I laughed at this, "Lovers, heirs? This is amazing!"

My mother put her hand on her head, "Marianna, you weren't supposed to find out this way."

"Was I ever supposed to find out?" I asked coldly.

"Tell me more." I said when she didn't answer, turning towards Aunt Deyanira instead.

"Witches are immortal, but most of them choose to die after they leave their prime and cannot have lovers or battles any longer." She continued.

I nodded enthusiastically, "What next?"

Aunt Deyanira laughed at my anticipation but continued anyway, "Since we are immortal, regular Witches just continue living, they will live at least a millennia before looking old. But when this does happen to Witch queens then they choose to die in memorable ways."