Flower

Chapter - 21

(RAYA'S POV)

As we ride the carriage back, his words keep repeating in my head. Will I let him ruin my child's life as well? I look down at Eryx's sleeping face, so pure and untouched by the impurities of this world. I saw myself in him, unaware of the harsh reality, till everything fell apart and I was brutally awakened from my blissful unawareness.

I had no one to protect me, but I won't abandon my child. I won't let the world shape him into a monster. I hold him close as we get off the carriage and head inside the mansion.

I lay him down in his crib and head for the Lord's quarters. I knock on the door of his office and Viktor opens it for me. I take careful steps inside and greet the Lord. He looks up at me sternly, “I've received her Majesty's letter. Were you aware of this arrangement beforehand?” He looks at me intently, trying to understand my body language and determine any sort of resistance as proof of a lie.

“I wasn't aware of Her Majesty's proposal beforehand. She announced it in front of all the reputable ladies,” I say calmly, maintaining my calm demeanour. “Why did you not politely decline her?” He raises an eyebrow.

“That'd have reflected badly upon our family name. I tried to get out of it by using the excuse of having to raise an infant, but her Majesty insisted. I couldn't possibly deny a direct order from the Empress,” I say firmly, my eyes reflecting my honesty.

“It seems she allowed you to keep Eryx and a maid with you. You've been asked to start your service tomorrow,” he says coldly. “You'll be required to go to the royal palace at least 3 days a week to assist her Majesty. You must return home by dawn. Any later, be prepared to be punished.”

After that, he provides me instructions on how to behave and the conversation finally ends after an hour. I return to my chamber exhausted and lay down. The rest of the night goes by in a blur as I fall asleep holding Eryx in my arms.

The next morning we enter the Royal palace and a maid guides me to the Empress’s wing and into her chamber.

She gives a bright smile as I get inside, holding Eryx in my arms. She looks at him enthusiastically, “May I hold him?” The look on her face is so adorable. It's almost like when you put a child's favourite toy in front of them.

“Of course. Please forgive him if he misbehaves,” I say politely as I lay him down on her lap.

“A child can never misbehave. They're a blessing from God,” she pokes his cheek playfully.

The affection in her eyes almost feels like home. She plays with Eryx as if she has known him forever.

She instructs me to go over some minor issues and work on resolving them. She keeps Eryx company as I work. Eryx looks comfortable playing with her.

He looks up at her necklace and starts poking and playing with it. “Eryx-” I try to get him to stop but she cuts me off with a giggle, “Let him play. He reminds me so much of when Icarus was a child. He'd giggle and play with his Father's crown,” she says, feeling nostalgic.

“His Highness must be close to you both,” I say with a faint smile.

“Indeed, some might say we spoiled him as a child. But he grew up to be a fine gentleman,” tears well up in her eyes.

I get close to comfort her, “It must've been hard to stay away from him for 10 long years,” I mumble softly. I cannot imagine having to stay away from Eryx for so long, I can only imagine what she went through.

She wipes away her tears, “I apologise for getting so emotional. Not being a part of a big part of his life has taken a toll on me. I understand it was for his safety. But as a mother, you might understand how I felt,” she takes a deep breath and rocks Eryx in her arms as he sleeps.

I gesture to Dana to take him to the nursery. She carefully picks him up and leaves. I approach the Empress, “Your Majesty, you seem exhausted. Please take some rest.”

“Alright Dear. Do me a favour,” she hand me a book, “Return this book to the imperial library. Feel free to explore the library while I get some sleep.”

I respectfully say, “As you wish,” I close the door as I close the door behind me and start heading for the Library. As I am turning a corner, I bump into the crown prince.

“Greetings, your Highness,” I greet him obediently. “Greetings, I suppose you've started serving Mother from today,” he gives me a gentle smile, “Is she in her office?”

“Unfortunately not, she's resting in her chamber,” I replied to him. “Is she ill?” He asks, worried about her health.

“She's perfectly healthy. She's growing older, she needs more rest,” I reassure him. His eyes fall on the book in my hand and says, “Where are you heading with that?”

“Her Majesty asked me to return it to the imperial library. Hence I'm heading there,” I look down at the intricate work on the cover of the book.

“Since Mother is resting, let me accompany you,” he says with his usual charming smile.

I nod gently, “I’d like your company if it won't interrupt your work,” he's one of the few people here with whom I've been in contact in the past.

He smiles and leads me to the Imperial Library. It is my first time here. It is so vast and calm. Very few people get the access to enter this Library. I looked around at the tall shelves amazed, I've always loved reading.

He beams at my twinkling eyes, “You seem to be fond of books,” he asks as he stands a few feet away from me.

“Indeed, this is so beautiful,” we walk through the library and decide to sit down at a table in the corner. The smell of wood and paper is mesmerizing.

As he sits down opposite me, he says with a smile,

"Among the whispers of turning pages, she lives a thousand lives; for every book she opens, cradles a piece of her heart.”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Thanks for reading!!! I've written some one shots!!!

Should I post them???