Different Paths (Paths #1)[ON HOLD]

CHAPTER 5

Seven daughters
Seven daughters I had
Thunder took away
the triplets
Hail took away
the twins
And rest a watery grave
did they find
Now my arms are empty
And my breasts weep
Daughter of Man
Give me your child
Let me cuddle him awhile
Let me nurse him awhile
Just till you return
-Song of the Algeb tree

Ariala

I raised my hands in supplication and completed the song wiping tears from my eyes. Singing the Algeb song always did that to me. It was just so much disaster all at once.

Perhaps Algeb had angered the gods for such disaster to have befallen her but the story never said.

Stretching out my hands towards the tree I focused on channeling energy to it. The tree reached my neck,its purple leaves hanging despondently off its branches. The plant was wholly a picture of abject despair.

After a moment the wilted branch sluggishly rose and began to move towards me. Setting my hands down I watched as the branch drew closer. It didn't stop until the first leaves touched my belly.

Upon contact with my belly I had a feeling of something being sucked out of me. I tried not to think about it much. This was an absolute must.

Most people would drop their jaws at my actions they would say I am stupid or perhaps out of my mind. They would or rather, could not comprehend how a queen with riches and power and the highest social standing possible with servants at her beck and call and a very good rapport with her father-in-law,the emperor could feel suffocated.

They would gaze at me in wonder and call me an ingrate.

What they don't know is that I don't care about what they think. They are only able to see the outside,the image I am mandated to project at all times. They don't know the number of times I have had to smile and pretend like nothing's the matter when I really wanted to scream and tear my hair out.

They don't know the number of times I have had to bite my tongue and swallow my words because a woman is not supposed to be more knowledgeable than her husband. They don't know the real me just as they don't know the castle in all its glory is really a dungeon. One designed to keep me hostage.

I never asked for any of this. I never asked for fancy ball gowns or servants to serve my every whim. I never asked for my sis-

I break out of my reverie when I feel someone behind me. The earth tells me his exact location and I turn in that direction.

"Come out whoever you are!" The figure steps out hunched over.

My brows rise as I take in the woman's appearance,if she could be called that. She looked like she had only seen 16 seasons or so."Who are you and what do you want?"

Her lips trembled as she bowed low,"Forgive me,your Highness for intruding. I bring you news from a bosom friend." "Speak! I am all ears."

"Ichad the tradesman sends his greetings. He says to tell you that the seed has been planted but a farmer knows to remove the weeds and supply the mulch. He wants to know what sort of entertainment her Majesty wants for the party he is about to throw."