The Royal Promise

CHAPTER 2

OPHELIA

A few years had passed since the war, and at 23, I found solace helping old lady Mary with her garden. She was my favorite person, someone I could trust and talk to, especially since she, too, had lost her family in the war like my dad.

After finishing up in the garden, I went inside the house, feeling exhausted, while sat down in her chair, my dress smeared with dirt from planting the vegetables or just picking them.

"Grandma Mary, I'm done...and I'm tired," I called out tiredly, before heading to the kitchen, lured by the delicious aroma of her cooking.

Mary was making her famous chicken vegetable soup,fave. She smiled warmly at me. "There you are. Now sit down and eat, because I have good news for you," she said excitedly.I was curious at first then I shrugged it off by helping her set the table, and she ladled the soup into my bowl.

"I'm starving!" I exclaimed,I waisted no time then I just couldn't resist to savor the rich flavors of the soup. This place felt like home, my true home.

Mary sat across from me, her smile brighter than usual. "Did something happen?" I asked, noticing the scroll she placed in front of me.

"Read it," she urged while I look at her curiously upon her excitement.

Nervousness creep up on me until I unrolled the scroll and began to read. My eyes widened as I took in the news. "I got in! I'm going to be a knight and a royal advisor?!" I squealed, looking at Mary with pure joy. She reached out towards me and bask me into his motherly touch when I got accepted.

"I knew you could do it! You worked so hard in school. Now look at you, a knight and an advisor for the royal family! I'm so glad I baked a cake to celebrate," she said. Her pride made my heart swell.

"Wait right here while I get us the cake" she said,she pulled away from me and quickly went into the kitchen to grab us the cake to celebrate my achievement into getting the royal roll of the knight

"I'll make you proud, Dad," I thought. Becoming a royal guard was a dream come true, inspired by my father's lessons on protection and battle. School had been tough, especially as one of the few female guards, but I persevered. And now, I was starting my new role...tomorrow morning?!

"Shoot!" I rushed to my room to pack, not wanting to mess up my first day.

"Where are you going, Ophelia?" Grandma Mary asked worriedly when she saw me running to my room
I stop at my tracks while I look at her with a nervous smile on my face
"Sorry! But it's tomorrow! Excuse me!" I said then I ran to my room

I quickly grab my clothes and needs or everything in that matter.
I can't believe I just read that damn scroll

Hours later, with my bags finally packed, I lay down on my bed. Mary came in with a slice of cake, placing it beside me. "Calm down, dear. Here, have some cake," she said, her smile comforting.

I smiled at her before I took a bite out of the cake she made, loving the way the sweetness just melted on my tongue

"So good," I murmured between bites. Mary sat next to me, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked her worriedly when she held my hand against hers gently

"I'm going to miss you, Ophelia. You've grown up to be brave and strong, just like your father," she teased, but I could sense her sadness.

"I'll miss you too, but I'll always carry the scarf you gave me," I replied, finishing my cake and hugging her tightly.

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"I'll be on my way then, Grandma. Wish me luck," I said, embracing Mary one last time. Her warm, motherly touch almost brought tears to my eyes, but I held them back.

"I'll miss you, Ophelia. Be careful, okay? I love you so much," she said, kissing my forehead and gently caressing my hair.

I mounted my loyal horse, Maximus, and looked back to see Mary waving goodbye. I waved back, feeling a pang of sorrow leaving her behind.
Memories of her comforting presence during my darkest times flooded my mind. I remember those times where I had nightmares of my dad's death and she was there for me every step of the way even the worse ones to the point I couldn't think straight when I was child.
I prayed for her safety until I could return to her embrace.

I'll be back soon and I'll make you proud Grandma...I promise