Page 66 of Embers to Flames

“But worry not, time flows differently in this realm. You may return to your friends once our visit is done.”

I let out my breath, relieved to know I could go back.

She squeezes my hand, her eyes glistening. “I have watched over you every day. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”

I look down, tears welling up. “I don’t feel that strong. There’s still so much I don’t understand about my powers, about being Destinara with Theo… about Mikyl… so much uncertainty.”

“You underestimate your strength,” my mother says gently. “You’ve endured more than most could bear, yet you face each new trial with courage and an open heart.”

I smile weakly, my mother’s words only providing a small comfort against the storm raging within me.

“I know you still have many unanswered questions,” she continues kindly. “I wish I could stay here with you always, but our time here is limited. Ask me anything, while we have this chance.”

I ponder her words, thinking of the endless mysteries surrounding my birth and her relationship with the King. “What can you tell me about my father?” I ask tentatively.

My mother sighs deeply, a faraway look in her eyes. “Your father was a complicated man,” she begins. “He was the Elven King, bound by duty and tradition. And yet, beneath the crown, he was just a man who wished for more.”

She takes a moment to compose herself before speaking again. “After our initial meeting in the Forest of Thereah, we found ways to meet in secrecy. At the time, your father was only the Prince of Edwardian. There were immense feelingsbetween us, but we never acted on them. We—may have—flirted some, but we always knew it couldn’t work,” her eyes take on a glaze of longing as she speaks. I can tell she really loved him. “It wasn’t until the start of the Great War that his father died, and he became King. Once the Elves started moving into Quillyan, I had no choice but to take up employment as a lady-in-waiting for his wife, Queen Lirea. He would find excuses to summon me privately, just so we could talk. Our conversations started off innocently enough, but as time went on, they became more intimate, and we could no longer deny what was between us.”

She pauses, gazing into the distance as if reliving a distant memory. “He was gentle and kind when we were alone, not at all the stern monarch he appeared to the world. And oh, how he made me laugh!” She lets out a giggle with closed eyes, tipping back her head. “He had a spirit of mischief about him, always playing little tricks and telling silly jokes.”

A soft smile touches my mother’s lips at the memory. “But a relationship between Elves and Humans was forbidden. Not to mention the fact that he was The King.” She pauses another moment, seeming to gather her thoughts. “When I became pregnant with you, we had to keep it a secret or risk upsetting the royal lineage. The Queen would have had you killed… and me locked in Malon.”

I squeeze my mother’s hand, overcome with emotion. “There is so much more I want to tell you,” she says. “But our time here grows short.”

I gaze at my mother, trying to memorize every detail of her face, there is still so much I want to ask, so much I need to understand. But our precious time together is slipping away. “Please,” I beg, “just a little longer.”

My mother gives me a sad sympathetic smile. “I’m afraid I cannot stay, my sweet… sweet daughter. But know that I will always watch over you. And someday, when your time comes, we will meet again.”

Tears spill down my cheeks as I cling to her, not wanting to let go. “Give your father a chance,” she says. “He does love you. He wanted you. The love a father has for a daughter is something that surpasses all understanding. It’s a profound and unbreakable connection,” She holds me close, stroking my hair.

“Be strong, Rosanhi,” she whispers. “Trust in your heart. It will guide you through the darkness.” I feel her begin to fade, growing transparent in my arms.

“No, please!” I cry out, but she is already gone. The cottage around me begins to disappear along with the meadow and I find myself back in a cave, alone once again.

I fall to my knees, sobs wracking my body. The encounter was but a fleeting dream, over too soon. And yet, the comforting warmth of my mother’s embrace and the scent of lavender still lingers.

“Rose! Where are you?”Theo’s voice trickles into my foremind with urgency and panic.

“I’m… I’m not sure. But I’m alright. Stay where you are, and I’ll find you.”I quickly respond.

Closing my eyes, I focus inward, sensing for Theo’s energy. His presence resonates like a beacon in my mind, guiding me forward through the winding tunnels. My foot catches on a rock, and I stumble, throwing my hands out to break my fall. I hiss as my palms scrape against the rough cave floor. The pain helps to sharpen my focus. The tunnels twist and turn, but I let Theo’s essence pull me along the correct path. His relief floods our connection when I finally emerge from the darkness.

“Rose!” He rushes forward, sweeping me up in a crushing embrace. “Thank the Gods, I thought I lost you.”

Theo holds me tight, his breath warm against my neck. I cling to him, the lingering ache in my heart easing in his arms.

“The tunnel, it took me somewhere else. I saw my mother.” I say softly.

Theo pulls back, searching my eyes with concern. “Your mother? How is that possible?”

I shake my head. “I don’t fully understand it. But it was her. She spoke to me, held me…” My voice breaks as fresh tears threaten to spill. Theo cups my face gently. “You don’t have to explain now. Let’s just find Mikyl and get out of this mountain.”

I nod, suddenly feeling the cold and the dampness pressing in all around us. Theo keeps an arm around me as we makeour way through the twisting passages back to our companions.

Lenna jumps as we emerge into the larger cavern, her face drawn with worry. “Thank the Gods! Are you alright?” She comes over to check me for injuries, brow furrowing at the scrapes on my hands.

“I’m fine,” I assure her. “Physically at least.”

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