Legends: The Knight of Helm (#1)

Chapter 35

Almorah glanced down at the envelop she saw at her desk. She hadn't told a soul. She had met secretly with King Henry, and agreed to take his hand in marriage. She hated the man. Almorah knew that her brother would have never wished this on her, but she was certain that she could save her brother, that was before Revar came into their lives. She had accepted it. She was only to put the ring on, on their wedding day, which was today. She opened the envelope containing the ring given to her by King Henry. She pulled out the ring; it sparkled with diamonds and was a pure white forged from silver. Engraved on the back was written words that no man could duplicate, thanks to their magic nature. It was a ring that only the people of Dechoneus knew about and only the king knew of its location.

Almorah knew Henry had announced their marriage they day that Revar came, she had already been wedded, but the marriage was a ceremony that the people had to watch. It was after this ceremony they would spend their first night together, as husband and wife. She was glad she was able to avoid such a night, yet she still held an obligation, being the Queen of Dechoneus. They were her people now, and she felt a burning passion to save them from Volohs.

She was curious if the people knew her yet as queen, if Henry was able to announce it to the people, if not, then Dechoneus had no legitimate ruler, unless Volohs failed to burn the wedding documents. She had been married for less than twelve hours, and figured herself yet a widow.

Agular walked into the room, as Almorah hid the ring she wore behind her back. The magical ring, shifted sizes to fit her finger perfectly. The tall, broad man brushed his head. Almorah, blinked twice in shock, he had completely shaven his head, the skin now reflecting the light of the sun off his head. He had begun growing a large beard, his chin thick with hair. She had noticed this a day ago, his bear, but it seemed so much larger today.

The woman rushed forward, placing her hands over Agular's head as she tried to make sense of it.

"Your hair, what happened to it?" She nearly shouted.

Agular pulled her hands off his head, as Almorah dropped down from her tippy toes, "Didn't know you cared so much for my hair. Revar gave me this cut; it's much more fit of a soldier. Isn't that what Cladius asked us to be, soldiers?"

Almorah's hands rested in her brother's, as she tilted her head in discuss, and sadness "Cladius isn't here. He's dead, or didn't care to come back."

Agular wrapped his bulky arms around his sister, as her embraced her. His giant soft soul was a huge comfort to her. She was lost without her brother. Almorah sobbed softly, feeling guilty for taking Henry's hand in marriage. A large part of her hoped he was dead, but this made her feel guilty as well, how could she wish yet another man death?

She wept more deeply as these thoughts entered her mind. Agular pulled back, feeling the metal ring around her finger, and the golden brace, she yet still wore, given to her by none other than Cladius.

"You still ware the brace?" Agular questioned, looking at her ring.

Almorah quickly pulled her hand back, as she smiled, wiping tears from her eyes, "I don't know why I do, but it brings me comfort. Perhaps the best, most vivid memory I have of Cladius."

"I understand, it doesn't have to make sense. You cared deeply for him, I know you did, you don't have to yet still strive to hide it." Agular replied with a soft smile.

Almorah once more leaned her crying head against her brother, letting her pain out. She couldn't explain this. She had felt feelings for many men in the past, both handsome and wise, yet, she had never felt so, empty, hollow in side as when Cladius had left them. She couldn't explain this feeling; it was similar to loosing Rigger, but different in its light. She wished she could simply dismiss this feeling, she wished she could just focus.