THREE
‘I wonder what he looks like,’ Tabetha said to her maidservant.
‘I have never set eyes on him, but from what I have heard he is a very big man with strong…’
‘Ruby!’
‘I was just saying princess.’
‘I cannot say I understand why my father is in support of this,’ she said in a puzzled tone.
Ruby tried all she could to reassure her that her father probably knew what was best. It would have been inevitable to be married off one day. Even the words of comfort from her most loyal maid failed to soothe and do her good. She could not get herself to smile, everything seemed gloomy. King Dramon would be arriving any minute and she needed to put on her best smile. She went into the great hall to join the people gathered waiting to welcome their guest. Like her the looks on her parent’s faces spoke of great sadness and weary.
She exchanged glances with them and Queen Deidre could see the pleading in her watery eyes. At that moment the trumpets were heard and the doors opened and in entered King Dramon. The whole room went quiet as he walked in graciously. No one dared make a sound because his presence was so intimidating and filled the whole hall. His velvet black robes made of rich fabric swept the floor as he walked.
‘Dramon,’ King Ballant broke the silence.
‘Ballant,’ his voice filled the whole room such that it made echoes, ‘you look good.’
It was obvious there was no love lost between the two kings. Whatever pleasantries they spoke were to keep up appearances. King Dramon moved over to Queen Deidre and took her hand into his and kissed it.
‘You are growing more beautiful by the years my lady,’ he said.
‘I am taken aback by your kind words,’ she replied half-heartedly.
King Dramon gaze fell on Tabetha and she gave a weak smile. The expression on his face softened for a second. He recognized those eyes, he had never forgotten them. They were exactly like her mother’s; but in those gorgeous eyes he saw despair, dread and restlessness. She kept her gaze on him without blinking. Tabetha expressed shock at what she saw. She could not possibly marry this man.
‘You are as pretty as they say you are,’ he finally said and kissed her hand.
‘You look exactly as they said..,’ she paused when the Queen nudged her, ‘I am flattered.’
He smiled and turned back to face King Ballant. He signaled to one of his men who came running.
‘Bring the gifts,’ he demanded.
Men with heavy chests incrusted with silver and gold walked in. Each man placed his horde at King Ballant’s feet and backed away with a bow.
‘I bring gifts with me,’ King Dramon said with an evil look in his eyes.
‘That is very thoughtful of you, I accept your gifts warmly,’ King Ballant replied reluctantly.
Later on in the evening as they sat to dine Tabetha could feel his piercing gaze on her and she dared not look up, afraid their eyes would meet. She sat looking straight at the plate of food in front of her. He was terrifying as it is without having to look at him. He did not even touch his food but only drank the wine offered to him by Raphael. He sat staring at her. Tabetha was more than pleased when they finished dining and she was allowed to excuse herself. King Dramon retired to his designated chambers with Ezeck and Raphael following close behind. King Ballant paid him a visit a while after and found King Dramon telling them his plans for the morrow.
‘Excuse us,’ King Dramon said.
They bowed and left, closing the doors behind them. The two kings left alone could now express their true feelings for each other. King Dramon stood up and the two stood face to face. Fire burned in his eyes and he breathed heavily.
‘What do you want?’
‘Tabetha,’ said King Dramon ignoring the question, ‘looks so much like her mother…those eyes.’
‘Is that why you are here?’
‘Let us not forget you took her away from me Ballant,’ he spat out fiercely.
‘No, she ran away from your savagery,’ King Ballant replied.
‘Because you had fed her with your pathetic lies and vain promises; she was young and innocent and you fooled her…’
‘Oh please…’
‘You ruined all my plans and got her killed. I will never forgive you and Deidre for that.’
‘Now that I see why you want to marry my daughter, I refuse to give her hand to you.’
‘Then believe me when I say I shall find other ways to get what I want. Clearly you underestimate me, like you have always done. I have been nothing but lenient with you Ballant and that can easily change,’ Dramon said in menace and opened the door for King Ballant to leave.
King Ballant left but before he left he turned and said to King Dramon, ‘tomorrow be ready to leave. I will announce my decision. If it is war you are looking for Dramon, it is war you shall get.’
*********
‘You look worried,’ Ardoh said as he continues mixing herbs.
‘I had another dream, different this time as if the very future has altered,’ Martina said.
‘What did you see?’
Ardoh left his desk and moved closer to her where he sat next to her. She looked pale and he knew the dream worried her.
‘Something is not in place; it is not supposed to happen this way. It is not supposed to happen at all,’ she paused and looked at him, ‘we have to stop it before it is too late.’
‘Demetris there is nothing…’
‘Please Ardoh.’
Ardoh looked helplessly at her. Trying to stop this would only put her in harm’s way. He was trying all he could to stall time; she had to realize that there was no stopping events. Things in life always found a way of happening one way or the other and trying to get in the way would result in disaster. If she intervened it would worsen things. Martina stood up with a look of sudden realization on her face. She moved closer to him and looked at him pleadingly. She shook her head and almost in a whisper asked, ‘you never intended to assist me, did you?’
He could not answer for it was true. His response was evident on the expression he wore on his face. From the very beginning he had had no intention of doing so. He was hoping that it would soon fade and she would forget all about it. There was no stopping events that were to follow and some that were already in progress. It was not because he did not want to but he feared for her. It was best if they did not interfere at all. It would be safer.
Lately he had grown to care for her once more, a feeling he had last felt almost twenty years ago. Deep down he also understood why she was so desperate to stop it. No one could destroy the bond between parent and child. He was a living example, he had taken her back. He could never have hated her or hurt her forever. At some point he was to acknowledge that she was his own and he had to look out for her wellbeing.
‘Why?’ she asked weakly.
‘I am doing this for you Demetris; I want to keep you from harm’s way.’
‘What of my child?’
‘Acting rush will only lead you to an early grave. Whereas she will not die; I am pretty sure he shall not be cruel to her considering…’
She shook her head and said, ‘but rather let it be and see many die because of something that could have been prevented.’
‘It is too dangerous. What use is it if you are dead and still this cannot be stopped? You have a rare gift child, but be careful it will lead you to insanity,’ he warned her.
‘You are right,’ she said with a sigh, ‘but I would rather die than just sit back and give a blind eye to what is happening.’
‘Are you sure that is the real reason you want to stop this?’ Ardoh asked in concern.
Martina stormed to her quarters and slammed the door shut behind her. Anger pierced through every angle of her body. She shook in rage as the thought that her father was right sank deeper. She fell to the cold floor and broke down into tears. It would be useless going to Jarethafat.
It would only say that she was still alive. All these years they thought she was dead and still did. Only Ardoh knew what had really taken place that fateful night when she had lost everything dear to her. Not only had she already lost the man she loved; she had lost her child. The only one she could ever have and no other.
**********
King Dramon sat on his throne and wept silently. He had ordered to be left alone and not be disturbed. After all these years he had thought he had gotten over her but seeing Tabetha had brought the memories back. All his efforts to block her out of his mind were now useless and it was something he had to live with if he were to marry her. He wondered if marrying Tabetha would be any consolation whatsoever for the pain her mother had caused him. Even though she was dead his love for her had not deteriorated.
It seemed to him the more he had thought he hated her, the more it turned out he missed her. King Dramon now understood why she had done it. She knew how he hungered for power and desired wealth above all. She had been a good woman and he had planned on using her for his own gain. When it had become known to her, she cut him were it hurt most. His ego and pride had been badly bruised and had taken years to heal and now those old wounds had been re-opened. He wiped away a tear and composed himself.
King Ballant was not going to make it easy for him. He had dared refuse him Tabetha’s hand in marriage. He could not help feel like he would be betraying the memory of Demetris if he married Tabetha. Not only was Tabetha her daughter but also he could never love in the same way he had once done. Anyway, love need not be involved, all he wanted was for her to bear him an heir then afterwards she would be useless to him. He would not care less what would happen to her after that.
A knock came from the door and Raphael entered. He was the only person who dared disturb the King even when he was in a bad mood.
‘Sire,’ Raphael began.
‘WHAT?’ he roared in irritation.
‘It is time for your bath sire, it will soothe you,’ Raphael replied indifferently.
‘I thought I said I do not want to be disturbed.’
‘I am just doing my job,’ the servant said, ‘and the water will get cold if you stall any longer.’
King Dramon stood up. He could not help admire Raphael’s courage and concern. He was the only person he had complete trust in, who knew his every weakness. Raphael was besides all the time. The young man was a faithful servant who served him well and who had the courage to stand up to his stubbornness. It was Raphael who always had a way of telling him to snap out of any ill mood he was having.
‘You are a good servant Raphael,’ he said before exiting the room.
Raphael smiled for he knew that was a lot coming from King Dramon. It was a way of expressing his gratitude and appreciation.
*********
Very soon it would start raining, Queen Deidre thought as she opened a window. She could smell it in the air and feel it in the heat of the sun. Her mind lately had started to wonder about a lot. It kept wandering back to one specific day. It had rained hard that particular day. She remembered how young and beautiful she was then. Her long hair shined and glowed in the sun. Queen Deidre remembered how vain and arrogant she was then. To sum it all in one, she had been spoiled. She had a childhood best friend who she thought was strange. The two girls had grown up together; they could not have been any closer.
Her friend had been the daughter of the court physician Ardoh. Although Demetris was not of royal or noble blood she had treated her like an equal. They had both grown into outstanding beauties. The two travelled together and it was during one of their travels Demetris had caught the eye of the young Prince Dramon the son of King Raiden of Damius. Demetris, not of noble birth could not be seen courting a prince so the two had kept their affair a secret. Queen Deidre remembered when one day her friend had finally told her the truth about Prince Dramon.
She had been hurt that Demetris had not chosen to confide in her earlier. What bothered her even more was the jealousy she felt when she heard the news. It was her who was supposed to fall in love with a prince and one day become Queen. She saw the way he looked at Demetris, how his eyes followed her very movement in wanting and adoration. She had not told her friend about this but she wanted the Prince for herself. Prince Dramon could see the desire in her eyes, he could see right through her. It was then that her friendship with Demetris was no longer the same.
The situation seemed to ease when she was introduced to newly crowned King Ballant of Jarethafat. He fell in love with her instantly but still her heart yearned for Prince Dramon. They had married and she had become Queen just as she had always wanted. But she wanted to be Dramon’s queen instead. Demetris and her remained friends and one day she had visited her. When she arrived Deidre learnt her friend was not at home and took advantage of the situation. She found Ardoh preparing some herbs.
‘I have sent her to buy some clerry roots,’ he told her.
‘Oh is it,’ she said sarcastically.
Ardoh stopped what he was doing and looked directly ate her in a questioning manner.
‘What do you mean?’ he asked.
‘I do not know if I am supposed to tell you this because you know…’
‘With all due respect my lady, just tell me.’
‘I think she went to meet with Prince Dramon,’ she said.
‘Prince Dramon? Of Damius?’
‘Yes, the two have been rendezvousing secretly for a while now,’ she paused to study the shock on his face.
Her words were having the desired effect on Ardoh.
‘Is that true,’ he said in disbelief.
‘Would I stoop so low and speak an untruth?’
‘Goodness.’
‘Actually she is planning on eloping to Damius…’
She had not finished her sentence when he reached for his coat and left the room without another word. She smiled to herself with a feeling of triumph. If she could not have Prince Dramon to herself then neither would Demetris. From that day Demetris had become different. She had become more distant and quiet opting to speak when need arose.
‘What is it dear friend,’ Queen Deidre had asked one day.
‘I told Prince Dramon it was not appropriate we be together,’ she replied sadly.
‘Oh but why?’
‘My father found out, I do not know how. He disapproves and it is in my best interests I not involve myself with Prince Dramon especially he is the son of a rival kingdom and my father is the court physician,’ she answered.
‘Do not grieve, one day you will find someone more fitting,’ Queen Deidre had tried to sound caring.
The truth was she no longer cared for Demetris. She blamed her for her marriage to King Ballant. Demetris had not told Deidre the real reason she had cut all ties with Prince Dramon. She had not told her about the significance of the emerald ring she wore at all times. Demetris had lied it was a gift from her late grandmother. Queen Deidre had not suspected that the truth would be something far greater and powerful. It was because of it she could no longer be with Prince Dramon.
Queen Deidre jumped at the sound of the door close. Her mind had wandered again as she stood at the window.
‘Mother, are you alright?’ Tabetha asked as she walked towards her.
‘Yes dear child, I am,’ she lied.
‘Lately I have noticed you have become distant as if something grave is troubling you.’
‘I am unwell my child,’ she lied again.
‘Oh mother, pardon me for being so selfish and interrogative…’
‘All is well child; I understand your worry and concern.’
*********
Martina looked back at the life she had led. It had once been fruitful and full of zeal but now she had nothing to her name. Everything was lost. She would have wanted a family but that was not to be. The only man she had love
d and wanted to be married to, whom she wanted to bear children for was out reach. She thought back on how she had cried herself to sleep the day her father told her the real reason she could not be with Prince Dramon. It could all have led to something so dangerous. She remembered how her father had told her about how it had been foretold that a child between Dramon and a woman of her kind would bring havoc and war upon the lands.
She had known ever since she was a little girl she was not ordinary. Her father had explained the power she possessed. It also happened that Prince Dramon had powers of his own though of a different kind; powers that flowed in his blood, making him strong and thirst for more power. A union of these two would bear someone more powerful than any could imagine; a child that would one day become king and rule the land with horrid cruelty and terror. With his power he would bring many kingdoms to their knees and bring about destruction where he passed.
She could not allow this to happen, her conscience troubled her. Martina loved Prince Dramon but if loving him produced such evil then it could not be. He had tried to persuade her into eloping with him to his kingdom. She could not bear to tell him the truth. The pained look on his face broke her heart to pieces. She had thought this would be the solution.
‘Is there another,’ he had demanded.
She wanted to scream that she loved him and he was the only one for her but knew better. She looked at him and said, ‘yes Dramon, I am in love with another.’
The words had caught him unaware. He looked at her and his eyes burned in jealousy and fury. It had worked for he had not bothered her but the rejection had left him scarred. She had thought it has stopped the foretold from coming to pass but alas it was proving not to be so. How could she have known it had not referred to her but her daughter? She knew there was the possibility that her daughter could have inherited some of her powers but she had seen no harm in that.
It troubled her, what Dramon’s real intentions were in marrying her daughter. Had he found out? Did he now know? He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He wanted to bring the whole land under his rule. If he were to have a son with Tabetha, provided she possessed powers he would become such a powerful king who would conquer all kingdoms. This was what Dramon wanted for the whole land to be under Damian rule.