The Chronicles of Aaval: Vol. 1 The Awakening

Chapter 23

SAHARA
I couldn't tell them what I saw. If I did, they would not have let me go through with what I had to do.

When I looked inside the vessel, I saw death. I saw mine first. I could hear the crying and wailing of my loved ones. I could feel their pain. That was a price I was willing to pay for what I saw next.
The largest army the world has ever seen, and I was leading it.

I felt the moment when my life left my body.
I thought about every single moment of happiness I had in my 26 years of life. I thought of my parents, always so loving to me, and to Sky.
Sky, I know this is going to hurt him the most. And I'm afraid about what he may do after he finds out I'm gone.
I thought of my friends. About the war and all the casualties, the destruction it will bring.
I thought of Persy. He is the one who hurts me the most to leave behind.
I thought about the feeling of his golden curls through my fingers. The feeling of his skin against mine. The taste of him in my mouth. And yet, I couldn't say it back. I know I love him, but I couldn't speak those words when I knew what I was about to do.
I was wrapped up in darkness for what it felt like an eternity.
And then I was falling through a ray of light. It glowed so brightly that I had to cover my eyes with my arm.

I felt the coldness of the seat beneath my bare skin.
I opened my eyes, and I was naked, sitting on a throne at the top of a majestic staircase.
- My queen - a voice said.
I looked to my side. A man kneel beside the throne
- I need clothes.- was all I could say.
He stood up and looked down at me. His onyx eyes burned my skin. He removed his cape and wrapped it over my shoulders. It was thick and velvety, and so warm.
- I am Prince Belial, my queen. The Prince regent until now. - he said that with a happy smile. He took my free hand and kneeled.
- Welcome home, my queen. The Underlands kingdom is yours, your grace. All of its people, all of its land, we belong to you. The Daughter of Whispers, The Queen of Bone and Stones, The Death queen.-
He stood up. Let me walk you to your room. We will hold court when you are ready.
- Thank you, Belial- I followed him down the stairs. His long, black hair hanged tied by a silver string down his back.
We walked upstairs and down a long corridor.
- this is my room, your Grace. - he said, pointing at a large gray door.
- Your room is here. - one door down from his room.
- who sleeps here?- I asked, pointing the room between ours.
- this room is for your future husband, my queen.-
- oh.-
- I will send your handmaids right away. And, one more time, - he said, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles - welcome home, my queen.- and he left.