The Call Of Destiny

Chapter 26

The Ballroom,
The Vessiye Palace,
Jeruvael,
Illearia.

        Iconia sat pensively in the damask chair observing her husband in conversation with governor Ezrin across the room. She watched them start laughing, then Timore suddenly stood up and walked over to her.

      "Riy-Vessiye" He hailed her with her title; "Wife of the ruler".

Iconia smiled at him as he sat beside her.

            "Peace unto your soul Umarvee." She greeted him likewise; he was her "crown",her first son.

               "That young man, the orphan. He reminds me of Tephinor."

            "Is my brother dead mother?"

Iconia was taken aback by the question.

           "What sort of question is that?"

           "I don't know. I've been very confused. I still can't believe that the son of the Vessiye will die so cheaply in Aphighia."

Iconia did not want to lie to her own son, but he was loyal first to his father. She didn't want to endanger Tephinor in anyway by revealing the truth to Timore.
Also, it was better if Timore thought of his youngest brother as dead, better for everyone.

           "Your brother has gone to meet with his twin. Perhaps, they are having a friendly conversation right now in heaven." She hated herself for lying so easily.

Timore's almost gray brown eyes darkened in sorrow.

           "I sincerely doubt that. Tora was like father, ruthless and selfish. Whereas Tephinor had a bleeding heart."

            "Tora might have seemed hardhearted, but he genuinely loved his brother." Iconia stated tears springing to her eyes.

         "Of course mother. Tora died saving Tephinor from father's scorn. I know how much he loved him."

Iconia blinked back tears, she would not cry here. It was undignified.
Although Tora had always distanced himself from her,  his death had broken her heart. Now Teph had also left. He better not die, or she'll die too.

Timore placed his hand over his mother's, stroking it gently.

          "Forgive me mother. I did not mean to sadden you. This is a night for celebration."

Iconia put her other hand on top of her son's.

             "I'm fine Umarvee. Don't worry. Go and get Sisona. She is sitting with Ascar's mother and sisters. Take her home. She needs to get some sleep."

    Timore nodded, getting up and bending over to kiss his mother's forehead. Then he set off to find his sister.

                      ~