The Last Oracle

Part 4

Having told the Queen of the visions the gods had granted me, I expected her to take her leave. Truthfully, I was already mourning her departure. But instead, I felt her sit down next to me! "Thank you, Andrew."

She paused, and I realized I had been holding my breath. "Tell me, do you like it here? Are you glad to be an oracle?"

I coughed; it was hacking, grating, and painful. I had no clue what to say. No one had ever asked me that so earnestly. "Majesty, I-"

She chuckled softly, a delightful sound. "-Call me (Y/N). There is no one here but us two."

My expression must have been utterly transparent, as she laughed lightly again. "Just like you, I, too, am human. I have a name, petty wants and desires, a family. Where is your family, Andrew? I have never seen them here."

I was starting to feel the strain of concealing my disquiet from a ruler I knew to be benevolent. "I am an orphan. That is why I was chosen, as a child, to become the oracle."

Again, she paused. I tried to focus on calming my breathing so there would be less pain while I listened intently. "So you are alone here. That is as I suspected, and it is terrible. Have you any friends?"

Too exhausted to lie, I just shook my head. I was being emasculated in front of a woman I desired, and I just wanted it to be over. There was no need for her to see my weaknesses, the pitiable state of my personal life. "Forgive me, uh, (Y/N), but I need to bathe shortly. The residue from the vapors is quite toxic. Please, come with me, and I will show you where you may cleanse your hands. They are besmirched from having touched me."

I forced myself to my feet, and headed to the bathing area. I heard Queen (Y/N) following after me slowly. "You know, I, too, am without true friends. Everyone around me is looking to sink their hooks in, gain influence, and procure their piece of the pie," she chuckled bitterly, "if not the whole pie."

I couldn't hide a smile. "That is a shame. Those fools do not know the sincere joy of your company, then. It is their loss." I gestured towards the washbasin, but the Queen just came nearer.

When she was rather abnormally close, she stopped, and was silent. I faltered, unsure. "Have I done something wrong? Did I offend?"

She spoke quietly, and her words immediately sent a fire through my veins like I had never felt. "If it pleases you, I'd like to wash my hands by helping you bathe. Andrew."