10: Darken, DarkHeart

Chapter Twenty: Oberon

there was a knock at my study door and Lunar entered without me saying anything. 

he looked around the room at the books piled and the window bench set up by the window where i had been sleeping. "what do you want?"

"she has refused dinner." he told me, "she also refuses to see anyone, but did open the door to Carlisle."

"then force her to eat." i growled at him. 

"i plan to send Althaeon in to do so." he told me, "he will be able to get her to do so."

"i am getting tired of this," i said, rubbing my temples, "she was so set on getting herbs to help with the child, then refuses to eat the next minute." i looked back up at him, "what is she planning?"

"That is something she has not told me," he answered. I knew he could not lie about it. "I am not here to talk about her, though." He stepped forward and placed a sealed letter on my desk before me. "Alexandria has officially passed away. It was requested that Carlisle deliver this to you, but since he will not, I am doing so."

i looked at the letter, my name written in her hand writing. 

"i will leave you with that." he said before leaving me alone. 

"she had the thought to leave her son-in-law a letter before death." i laughed at the thought, as i opened the letter and read. 

Oberon,

I know we have not always seen eye to eye, you did kidnap me when we first me after all. Initially, I was hesitant about my daughter being with you. However, over time, I have come to recognize the joy you bring to her life, and the happiness she brings to yours.

What I see in both of you is what I once experienced in my relationship with James. The love you share is authentic and pure, in the simplest terms.

That is why it pains me to see the two of you at odds with each other before my passing. I understand why you feel that you must proceed with this; I truly do.

I attempted to sacrifice my own life for my brother when he was possessed by our father. I would, and have, scorched the earth for my twin. I've surrendered all for him. However, resurrecting your sister is not just, Oberon.

When my brother passed away, your sister brought him back because he wasn't truly gone. But now, your sister is truly gone.

Please take a moment to truly consider your plans. Reflect on the impact your absence will have on Astraea. I can assure you that the children will be born healthy, but growing up without a father is an outcome that should be avoided.

They need a father who loves them, and I understand that better than anyone. Losing you would send her into a downward spiral from which she might never recover.

I hope you will make the right decision here and learn to forgive her, as she will forgive you.

I cannot disclose the details of my death; Astraea is aware, and more will be revealed in time. But Oberon, know that I regard you no differently than my own sons, which is why I have chosen to leave this letter for you.

I would like to inform you that your home beneath the Lake of Celestine's Tears has been restored. This was a project I had been secretly working on for some time. Additionally, a village has been established by the lake, ready for your people. The entrance to the underground is clearly marked. A palace also awaits you.

Although you have departed from the alliance I formed, be aware that Astraea will inherit all that was mine. The alliance will be led by your wife, so please consider rejoining. However, if you choose not to and wish to declare independence, it will be respected, and your new home will remain untouched.

i know you are still hurting from your sisters death, that is a pain i know well. but letting go may be what your heart needs to heal, it may be what your family needs to move on.

I have entrusted you with my daughter; remember that my trust in you persists. Please take care of her and ensure she remains strong. With you by her side, she is more resilient.

Yours Truly,

Alexandria Darken

i set the letter down, thinking of what it said. i knew something big was coming, that Astraea had a plan to stop me, but what?

more importantly, was she doing okay in this moment. 

i walked to the door, opening it and suddenly had a fist flying at my face, i managed to catch it. i looked at who the fist belonged to, Althaeon. 

"you know, violence is not always needed." i told him as i let go of his fist. "i am going to talk to my wife now, i do not need you trying to harm me."

"shes asleep." he told me. "Carlisle just put her to bed."

"she has not eaten since this afternoon." i told him, "it is not healthy for her child if she does not eat."

"i can deal with that." he told me with a growl, him using his wings to make himself look even bigger then he already was.

"let me." i said with a sigh, "i need to apologize to her."

"your going to admit you were wrong about something?" he asked, looking shocked. "does that mean you wont try to kill yourself?"

"i have lived long enough to know that i have made an error in the way i have handled things as of late." i admitted. "however, no, i do still plan to die."

"that is where your an idiot." he told me as i walked past, heading not to my wifes room, but to the kitchens. 

i did not look back, but muttered, "i know."