Captured Love

Chapter 27

As she left me to ponder my thoughts alone, I couldn't help to notice the absence of her warmth. I didn't like this feeling; it reminded me of how alone I truly felt before. The pinprick sensation of tears started happening again. 

'Ugh I hate these water works. I hate that I'm always crying and can't just get over it already.'

I curled in towards myself wanting all these negative emotions to stop. The air surrounding me felt cool against my hot cheeks and the canopy of trees felt like they were bowing in envelope me in their protection from the sky. After a while the episode passed, and I was able to pull myself together enough before the little girl Sarah returned. I created a wildflower patch in the grass wanting to distract myself with something so as not to let any lingering thoughts trigger another spiral of fits. I tried to go for something colorful so that when she came the scene would seem magical. I wanted to see her round cheeks puff out with that bright smile I saw from before. I sighed loudly wondering what could be taking so long considering she said everyone seemed so excited. I sighed wondering if maybe I should create from fruit trees or bushes to give as a gift in an attempt of easing my guilty conscience. 

'Maybe I should grow some crops or food, so they don't assume I'm just trying to mooch. Not that they would dare to consider it from what she told me.'

I walked about and started growing small patches of wheat, corn, potatoes and other veggie assortments. I also decided to grow some fruit trees nearby as well. I had just finished with blooming a banana tree as I felt the presence of someone approaching. I walked back through my little nesting area thinking to meet Sarah or her mother instead I was greeted by something else. A trail of people dressed in linen garbs approaching like a procession and who I assume to be Sarah's mother was the head priestess leading them up the path. The day was dim as sunset was nearing, and the march of people stopped just a couple meters way from the entrance to where I stood. Their leader approached me head bowed as a sign of respect; I tried to remain composed and give off an air of indifference wanting to give them the supposed goddess they expected of me. 

"We greet the goddess of the heavens and queen to the king of ruling order." She bowed down then rose back up finally meeting me face to face.  I smiled back recognizing her instantly as the first woman I had saved back when I first started my duties. 

"Hello, I was told that you wanted to meet with me." I stated not wanting to keep everyone waiting.

"Yes." She paused almost hesitant to speak. I had hoped my welcoming smile would be seen as more approachable, but I guess that wasn't the case. 

"We ask if you would like to descend into our humble village in order for us to better serve you. We have accommodations ready and have prepared a celebration in your honor." She stood firm in front of me awaiting my answer as the people behind her stayed bowed.

"I gladly accept and appreciate the hospitality you have shown me." I nod along as I speak hoping to emphasize how much I care. 

"How would you like to travel your majesty? We can arrange for any mode of transport be it mount, carriage or sedan" The priestess started to grow more energized as she spoke excitement radiating off her demeanor. 

"I'll go by mount." I had never ridden horse before and didn't like the idea of having people carry me or toting me around in a box. 

"As you command, we offer to you the noblest steed our village could procure." She waved over at the group who brought forth indeed a beautiful white mare. I slowly approached the horse now feeling nervous actually having to handle such a large animal on my own. I was directed to pet her muzzle slightly which I did. I could feel a sort of bond growing and a trickle of my magic ended up flowing into the creature on its own. Suddenly the beast glowed and began to grow bigger slightly towering over everyone. We were all surprised, but the horse kept calm and nuzzled into my hand even more. 

"What is her name?" I asked now unsure what to do about the now changed mount. 

"She has been claimed by you now; she will be called whatever you decide to name her." I swiveled my head taken aback by her statement. 

"So, she belongs to me now?" I asked just to confirm.

"Yes, that is right." the priestess smiled for once now wearing a more relaxed expression on her face.  

"Thank you, I'll gladly accept her." I then try to hoist myself onto her back unsuccessfully. 

"Let us assist you." Thankfully no one laughed and they helped me up onto the horse with ease. She snorted slightly under the new weight and stayed docile. 

"I will call her Lune." I said as I stroked her mane. 

"Very well let us begin to make our way home."  I nodded as I rode back wondering what this new life would entail for me. 

After being a normal girl turned to kidnapped breeder/wife then transformed into the goddess or queen there was much of anything left to surprise me. I made sure to let the priestess know about the food I grew for the village, but she only thanked me and told me not to worry about supporting them since it was their duty to actually be the ones supporting me.  I could only hope then that maybe Sarah or some of the other children would want to partake in sharing some.