A Prophecy Fulfilled

Chapter Sixteen

Vincent and Andromeda walked down the path to the Oracle's dwelling. They wanted to express their gratitude one last time before they left the area. There was a sad smile on the Oracle's face when he answered the door.

"I knew this day would come."

"What do you mean?" Vincent asked. Husband and wife were puzzled by his greeting.

They sat inside where the Oracle told them of the prophecy that was given at their birth, and what had happened before their revival.

"So you see? Your love was meant to be. For yourselves and your families. Your love brought peace, united your families."

The two were silent. This brought a new outlook to their love. What if they had known about this prophecy years ago? Would it have changed anything? How would they have felt about each other if they had known about this prophecy? If their parents have told them about it, would they believe it? In the end, the two of them were glad they didn't know of it. Not knowing gave them a chance to fall in love all by themselves. So it didn't change the way they felt.

"How come nobody told us about this?" Andromeda asked. She held Vincent's hand, both squeezing tightly back and forth as they were told a destiny they had never known was theirs.

"When you were born, your parents hated the very idea that there was a possibility that the two of you would be together. They hated each other so much, each was determined that you would hate each other as much as they did. The prophecy said that you two would join the two kingdoms together, but it never said how. So when you revealed your marriage to your families, they were of course outraged. When your parents bled you, they never dreamed that they were fulfilling the destiny they dreaded."

Andromeda smiled. She never thought that after one-thousand years, she wouldn't have been the one that would help bring their lands to peace. Vincent was just as surprised to know their families were finally cooperating with one another.

"Now the choice is up to you. You can continue on your way, or now that your families are at peace and know you're alive and well, you can return home and build a life for yourselves there."

The couple stood up and thanked him for telling them the truth after so many years. The anger they felt had faded slightly, but it was still apparent in their eyes. They could see it in each other.

"Well, what would you like to do, sweetheart?" Vincent questioned.

"You know that already, love." She answered. He did know what she wanted. Somehow, Vincent had the idea that she was unhappy with the life she led. As if she had always wished to have a simpler life. Vincent understood that. There were times he wished for a simple life. And he could see in her eyes how much a life like that would mean to her. There was a plea in her eyes, in the slight curve of her mouth.

"You're truly unhappy with the life you had?" Vincent asked.

"Yes." Andromeda answered plainly.

"Even though it's the only life we know?"

"I am." she answered again. Vincent was silent for a moment, thinking. A life to themselves had its appeal. They were two strong and independent people. He had been ready to live that life when they'd left together. They would be able to devote their lives to their love, relationship, children. If they lived a simpler life, they certainly wouldn't have some of the advantages they had now. But their lives would be their own. And a little hard work that he had done himself would give him a sense of pride he didn't often know. Vincent couldn't find it in his heart to disappoint Andromeda. He had promised her several times that they would have a life together, and if this was how it was meant to be lived, then it would be.