MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 3

"Finally, you are here. My dearest." A middle-aged woman, elegant in her attire, moved with grace across the richly appointed room. The high ceilings were adorned with intricate moldings, and the large windows let in the warm glow of the afternoon sun, casting soft shadows on the polished marble floors. She leapt towards the young man with evident joy. He was initially taken aback but hesitantly accepted the embrace.

"It is a pleasure to finally arrive. How have you fared all this time, aunt?" he inquired, attempting to mask his awkwardness as he glanced around at the ornate furnishings and the lush, floral arrangements that added to the room's welcoming atmosphere.

"Come now. Why this formality? You were cradled in my arms as an infant. Why this distant demeanor? Pray, do not tell me you have forgotten me entirely," she said, stepping back and gesturing towards a comfortable seating area with plush chairs and a grand fireplace.

"I have not forgotten, aunt. It is merely that all this feels unfamiliar. It has been such a considerable time, after all," he responded, taking in the familiar, yet distant, elegance of the surroundings. Her straightforward manner of speech brought back memories of the past. It was this easygoing of her that ringed familiarity

"A considerable time? Pffft. It was but yesterday that you were jumping about in the hallways of this very castle," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.

"It has been 12 years."

"Indeed?"

"I am now 21. That constitutes more then half of my life," he said, offering a smile, his demeanor softening feeling her motherly affection.

"21, indeed? As they say, I am veritably growing old," she remarked.

"Perhaps," he replied, walking ahead and leading her towards the door.

"Pray, what is this?" she said sharply as he started to leave. He chuckled, knowing that teasing her about her age would provoke a reaction. He decided to relax; after all, she was not just anyone. She was family. He linked his arm with hers and said, "Come, let us go meet my father. How is his condition? He was not present at the gates when I arrived."

"You are well aware of your father, John dear. He is in a poor state of health. The new epidemic has unfortunately afflicted him," she explained, her voice carrying a note of concern.

"What?! I wasn't aware of this? " He was visibly shocked. "How so?"

"He insisted upon visiting the afflicted area. I tried to discourage him, but you know him—he does not heed his sister's counsel. Does he still perceive himself as youthful and vigorous?" she said, with a touch of annoyance. "In any event, what was anticipated has occurred. He was indeed infected. We were all quite taken aback. I have not slept a wink in these past few days. We considered informing you, but you were already on route, so we decided otherwise."

"How could you not think to inform me? I should have tried to reach sooner. AUNT..." he said, stopping abruptly and looking at her with visible frustration. His eyes reflected the concern and urgency of the situation. She noticed his agitation and quickly tried to calm him, gently tugging his arm to continue their path.

"It is of no consequence. Do not fret. He is ill but recovering swiftly. Expert physicians are attending to him. His condition has improved; he shall be restored to health within less than a week. Mey conveyed that his condition has not reached a perilous stage. She assured me that adherence to medical advice will ensure his recovery. No one is permitted entry at present due to the contagious nature of the disease. So, come along," she said, extending her hand, which he took with a touch of hesitation. "He will recover soon. You may visit him once he is allowed to receive visitors."

"Who is this physician? I must at least meet them and obtain more information. You cannot expect me to remain idle without knowing the details," he said, almost to himself, as he looked around the grand room one last time. He then turned to her and said firmly, "Take me to the medical ward."

"We cannot. It is restricted at this time."

"I shall go myself then," he said, running  towards the exit, leaving her behind.

"Just like his father, stubborn and impatient. He will be a handful as well dear brother," she murmured to herself as she watched him leave, her gaze lingered on the door for a while and then she turned around and resumed her activities.