Helena

Chapter 10

Author notes: Please comment or vote so I can decide whether to continue writing or end it. Thanks to those who voted. :)

I was obviously frustrated but I Antonius' s frustration made me angry. I sighed and and laid back on the chair lost in thought. I will definitely make a trip to see my father. I know he knows of the current circumstances but he did not add on account of my stubbornness. I looked at Neah who just smiled solemnly. She must think I am a fool. What girl would not like to marry a soldier? I took of he necklace thinking of my mother. What would she say? What would Alexyrd say? I smiled at the thought of Alexyrd's reply. She and my mother supported the coming together of me and Alastor. She would have told me to runaway with him, but I know that Alastor would do no such thing. He could never betray his men nor my father. But I laid down dreaming of what would life have been like if I did runaway.

" Father, you heard of my engagement of course, but I was wondering if you knew what you were doing?" I said walking around the room.

" Yes child, but I heard that you and Antonius are getting along fine without any help".

He took a sip out of his cup.

" Father are you mad? I cannot go through with it" I said glaring at him.

He sighed and quietly put down his cup.

" My daughter, a few years ago I gave up on the Egyptian religion and started believing in Christ. Do you know what the men told me? They said I was mad. They shunned me from society saying I was no true Egyptian. I then realized that I was no true Egyptian. My blood runs with Egyptian blood but my mind is only mine and Christ"

" How is this story relevant to my situation?"I asked.

" I want you to understand that I understand. You know that you do not belong here. You were born on green hills on black soil. I'm asking you to be who you are and you will do fine. Do not be tempted from those who question your place. Honor your gods and let only them control you".

He started coughing and breathing rapidly. The attendants rushed to his side and the doctor came in inspecting him. I walked away before I was questioned. I saw the queen playing with the small children. Prince Asham was fascinated by the green frog in the pond. I walked up to her.  

" My Lady" I said bowing.

She shook her head. " No need to call me lady. I'm no longer a queen. I am simply Darrina".

I sat by her. I looked at her and she looked away. I cupped her face with my hands. A gash dominated her right cheek.

" What happened?" I asked in astonishment.

She looked at me shyly and looked at her kids.

" It was an accident. I fell and scratched my face".

I looked at her intensely hoping I could dig the truth out of her. She sighed which I considered a victory on my behalf.

" The king was mad when I confronted him about his marriage to Bideon. He threw a cup at me when he became drunk" she said sadly.

Prince Asham climbed on to his mother's lap and played with her long necklace. I looked at her hand to see the ring gone.

" What shall you do?" I asked.

she put down Asham and gave him her necklace.

" The children are still his. I will become the new caretaker. My father has no need of me since my virginity has been taken and , my mother's family does not like to involve themselves in my husband ... I mean ex -husband's kingdom".