Page 68 of Her Royal Blood

“Of course.” I walked over to Lex and kissed his lips. “See you soon.” I couldn’t believe the next time I saw him, we’d be wed.

“I’ll be waiting for you.” If there was one face I wanted to remember for the rest of my life, it was the look on Lex’s as I walked out of that room, moments before becoming his wife.

The expression held so much pride, love, and joy, that he was moved to tears. I would never forget that sweet surrendering look.

“I'm sorry to pull you away from him, Amadeus said, “but I have something I really want you to see before the ceremony.”

Amadeus brought me into the dressing room where my gown was hanging up near the window with the light streaming in on it highlighting its elegance and beauty. I was stunned to see it finally completed and impressed by the work Bostien had done to make it a piece of art.

“Is this what you wanted to show me? It’s absolutely beautiful, did you help Bastien with my dress?” I would be honored if he had.

“No,” Amadeus said with a smile. “Have a seat.” He gestured to the soft cream couch with gold embroidery and scrolling trim.

I sat on the couch with my back upright waiting for Amadeus to explain what he wanted to show me.

“Bastien not only made you a beautiful gown, but he helped me restore my magic. The Angeline Lake can rejuvenate a mage and restore their powers. I am fully healed and my magic is back,even better than it was before. Because of this, I’m able to give you a wedding present.” He bowed his head as he rang his hands.

“You don’t have to give me anything, Amadeus, just having you alive and well is gift enough.” I meant it, I was so glad to hear that his magic had been restored and he was looking and acting well again.

“You're a dear sweet soul, Aria, you always have been, but I hope my gift to you not only restores your father’s spirit, but your mother’s as well.”

With his hands he made a circle and within it was a projection much like the ones that Halo and Sire had made. In the image is a younger looking Amadeus and a heavily pregnant woman with my face and auburn hair. She was strikingly beautiful and I knew from the moment I saw that glorious face that she was my mother. Tears dripped from my eyes without my ability to hold them back.

“That’s my mother?” I asked, with a choke of air in my throat.

I was truly emotional at the sight of the woman who gave birth to me, who died before I could ever know her.

“Yes, Aria, this is Tirah, your mother, when she was pregnant with you. At the time we knew that I wasn’t allowed to claim you for myself, but Tirah wanted to make sure you knew how loved you were by both of us, so she had each of us give you our blessing. You were born the next day, and on that day she left this world. It is one of my dearest memories of her and I want you to have it.” Amadeus turned the image to me as tears dripped down my face.

What is your wish for her?My mother’s sweet melodic voice asked Amadeus.

That she be strong, brave, intelligent. That she never fear and that one day she finds all that I must hide from her to survive.The guilt that crossed over young Amadeus’ face was disheartening, but real.

Oh don’t be morbid ‘Deus, she’ll be lovely and perfect and I’ll bring her to see you when I can. Someday you’ll find a way for us to be together, I know you will, and she won’t have to hide who she is.My mother scolded him with a beautiful smile.

“She was always so optimistic,” Amadeus said while watching the memory; he too was crying.

For me, I want Aria to know that she’s already beautiful, strong, and intelligent. I want her to love herself as much as others will love her and believe in her worth and value, even if someone tries to rob that from her, she never lets them take it. I want her to feel our love.Tirah took Amadeus’ hands into her own.And know that she was born in a time when our love was forbidden, which only makes our love for her stronger.

Yes Tirah, give her that wish, that she know our love for her is as strong as our love for each other.

The two of them kiss and for a moment it feels like it was their wedding day. The image ended and for a moment I felt the loss of both of them.

“Here,” Amadeus handed me a gold locket that was a little round sphere, with roses and vines tangled around it to create a little cage to keep in the light. “The memories are held in this locket. Bend your head forward.” I did as he asked and he put the locket around my neck. “When you have a chance you can sit and look through them. It is all my memories of your mother and of you when you were a tiny child. Everything I have is in that locket, it is a childhood, you never knew. Keep it with the glass bottle I already gave you. Together they should give you some recollection of your past.” He bowed his head and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Thank you, Father. It is the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten or will ever get.”

We held each other crying for a moment and then we drew away from one another.

“I hope you have infinitely more happy memories to make for your own daughter one day. Including today. It’s time, my dear for you to marry and take your rightful place as Queen.” He gave me his hand and kissed my cheek. “If you will excuse me, I must go and get ready to marry my daughter to a prince.” He offered a sweet smile and words bursted out of my mouth.

“I love you,” I said, not caring what the consequence might be for saying them.

“And I have always loved you,” Amadeus added and walked out the door.

Just as he left, several servants walked into the room and I started getting dressed. I was alone in the spacious chamber as servants dressed me in my beautiful wedding gown. It looked as perfect on me as it did on the hanger. For the first time in my life I felt legitimately like a queen and more importantly I looked and felt like a bride.

As soon as I was dressed I was ushered into the foyer leading out into the garden. The day was sunny and bright and our wedding would be conducted outside. I saw our families gathered for the small affair, and my heart fluttered with joy. This was exactly the wedding I would have wanted. Despite the haste I was grateful for the fact that there wasn't time to create and plan something elaborate. If there had been, the wedding would have overwhelmed me. Since it was just the people Lex and I loved, I felt like the day would be perfect.

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