Tangled Threads of destiny

Chapter 2 - Tangled Threads of Destiny

The woman settled into the chair opposite mine, while Eria discreetly positioned herself in a corner, out of our line of sight.

"My mother? And 'Your Majesty'? There are no queens here," I replied with an unintentional iciness that highlighted just how much I had changed from my former self. My tone was devoid of emotion, reflecting the inner turmoil I had endured.

"Yes, Lady Ruby Kali Rusé. She was best friends with my former mistress," the woman responded calmly, brushing aside my cold demeanor and disregarding my previous comments. There was a melancholic undertone to the way she mentioned my mother's name, hinting at a deeper connection between them. If she knew my mother's noble lineage despite her Nayak origins, she undoubtedly had more to reveal.

"I understand that you don't know me, and that's partly my fault. By the end of our conversation, you might despise me more than anything in this world. Nevertheless, I must share what I know. If I don't, both your mother and my Queen will forever curse me in the afterlife," she said with an air of somber responsibility, her words laden with a sense of impending judgment.

"You're confusing me with your cryptic words. If you have something to say about my infertility, say it plainly. Time is not a luxury I possess," I sighed, my posture relaxing slightly in the chair as I waited for her to cut through the enigma.

"I'm sorry. If I had introduced myself earlier, you might have understood better. I am Annalise, the former head maiden of the late Queen of Nayak, your mother's childhood friend. Your mother and Queen Marie maintained a deep bond that transcended the physical distance between Ruqgu and Nayak. They were like sisters and seized every opportunity to visit each other. But during their last encounter, something extraordinary occurred," she began, pausing for a moment. I regarded her with a warm, albeit impatient, gaze. While I wasn't particularly interested in stories about my mother and her friend, I was eager to discover the connection to my infertility.

"Your mother was heavily pregnant with you during their last visit to Ruqgu. However, complications arose on the day she was to give birth, threatening the lives of both her and the child. It was a dire situation, with no apparent solution. Unable to stand idly by, my mistress couldn't resist extending a helping hand."

"A helping hand?" My bewilderment deepened, rendering me utterly perplexed.

"Yes, a helping hand. Have you ever heard of the 'Teardrop of Goddess Natalí'?" she inquired. I shook my head, admitting my ignorance. My knowledge of Goddess Natalí was limited to her being the deity of life and fertility, worshipped by the people of Nayak alongside her consort, Nati, the God of war and death. Beyond that, my understanding was lacking, as we were not particularly religious in Ruqgu.

"The Teardrop of Natalí possesses the power to heal illnesses and even restore life from death. It is a sacred relic entrusted solely to the true queens of Nayak. Safeguarded within the Queen's temple, it is said that only a true queen can handle it. When a true queen employs the teardrop's magic to save someone, that person must offer an oath of gratitude in return for the miracle to manifest," Annalise explained, shedding light on the subject. However, I still struggled to grasp the connection between these mystical tears and my infertility.

"My mistress, the former Queen of Nayak and the guardian of Natalí's tears, employed a droplet to save your mother's life, ensuring the safety of both her and you. In return, your mother made an oath to my mistress, with me as the sole witness."

My impatience swelled as I pondered the nature of the oath my mother had made, and how it could have led to my current condition. Had she offered my womb as part of the bargain? What words had she uttered that rendered me barren, especially since I had no knowledge of this pledge?

"What precisely did my mother offer to the queen?" I inquired, struggling to find my voice.Annalise's expression darkened, and she hesitated before answering.

"She offered you, my lady."I felt a lump forming in my throat at the horrifying revelation. Me? How had my mother, without my consent, bartered my future in such a manner?

"Me?"

"Yes, and you must leave your husband's house as soon as possible if you wish to bear children," Annalise cautioned, her tone laden with urgency.I couldn't help but find humor in her outlandish claims. The idea of leaving my husband's house to have children was preposterous.

"But how could I have a child without a husband?" I laughed heartily, the absurdity of the situation overpowering me. Annalise's claims seemed more like a comedy act than reality.

"Because he is not your true husband," she declared, her tone grave.My laughter redoubled, echoing through the room. This woman and her fantastical tales had taken me to new heights of amusement. The man I had been married to for eight years was not my husband? The notion was ludicrous.

."And who, pray tell, is my 'true husband'?" I inquired, struggling to maintain composure amidst my mirth.

"King Treven of Nayak's kingdom, my lady. If you do not marry my mistress's son, you will never have a child. That was the oath your mother made," she said solemnly, unmoved by my laughter.My laughter came to a halt, replaced by incredulity.

Marry someone I didn't even know? I couldn't fathom the idea. Doubts began to creep in. Was this woman truly speaking the truth, or was she weaving an elaborate deception?

"Eria, lead the way home. I've had my fill of this nonsense. 'True husband,' indeed. I'm beginning to lose faith in you. I can't believe I sacrificed my rest for this absurdity," I stated, shaking my head in disbelief.

Eria, who had been silently observing the conversation, stepped forward, concern etched on her face.

"My lady, we should consider what Annalise is saying. It may sound implausible, but we cannot dismiss it outright."I shot Eria a withering look, my patience waning.

"Eria, don't tell me you're buying into this ludicrous tale as well."

Annalise, undeterred by my skepticism, leaned forward earnestly.

"Lady Marilyn, I understand that this is a shock, but I implore you to take this matter seriously. We must act swiftly. Leaving your husband's house is the first step to fulfilling the oath and potentially restoring your ability to bear children.”

I remained unmoved, my disbelief overshadowing any sense of urgency. "This is utter madness. You expect me to abandon my life and home, marry a stranger, and believe that it will cure my infertility? I won't be part of this farce."