Aides (COMPLETED)

Thirty Four

Aides had not said a word to me since my successful dokimi three days ago.

What was this game of distance he was playing with me?

Why had he not offered me congratulations or praise?

Maybe he was angered that I had passed?

Today was the day I would be crowned queen in front of the masses.

"Are you ready your majesty?" my handmaiden asked. I nodded and followed the four guards as they escorted me to the crowded banquet hall. It was here where the masses would witness my crowning.

After a few signatures and reciting, the time for my reign finally came.

"I place this crown on the Persephone's head as a signal of royalty. From this day forward, all will refer to her as Queen Persophonr, ruler of the underworld!" the priest proclaimed. I knelt down as he bent to place the crown upon my scalp.

"It is finished!!! Give praise to your new queen!"

"All hail Queen Persephone" the people yelled and bowed, showing me their praise. I looked to see if I could locate Aides in the crowds. He was leaned against the wall in the very back of the hall.

I don't know what I was expecting him to do? Maybe to come and kiss me?
Or even offer me a smile?

Our eyes refused to part as he observed my face, taking in my new title. With one last look, he gathered his robes and left the room.

——

Later that night, I stepped through the halls, talking with my handmaiden about the schedule for the next day. As we turned a corner I bump into the king.

"Oh...." I stumbled and looked up into his menacing stare. He grabbed both my arms to help me from failing.

"Kore" he spoke ad stared me down with no emotion.

"I will leave you two be" my handmaiden bowed and left us alone. He looked at me, waiting for my lips to speak.

We continued to stare into each other's eyes in silence, the solitude of his presence was my uncomfortable peace.

"Goodnight" was all he could say and turned to leave to attend to his official duties.

——

I couldn't help the heavy sigh that escaped from my lips as I threw myself into my bed.

What was his reason for being so distant?
Was I some plague to him? Was the kiss we shared nothing more than lab encouragement for my success?

I peeled the crown from my scalp and threw it against the floor; soft tears soon rolled down my face.

Why did I yearn for his touch? A longing to be held in the comfort of his arms?

My feet carried me to the vanity in the center of the room. I begin to unravel my hair until I see the sword of Eleusis resting on the wooden table. 

What was this game of tricks? I had made sure to dispose of it in the lake!

I take it from its place and pushed it beneath the sheets of my mattress. I would get rid of it soon...maybe in the depths of Tartus.

"Your majesty, is there anything else I could be of assistance with" my handmaiden barged into my room. I jumped from my bed and smiled. "Has my bath been prepared?" I piped.

"I will prepare it now your majesty." She apologizes.

"No! That is quite alright. You are dismissed for the day" I shooed her off. She bowed obediently and left me so I could be at peace.