Page 28 of Firebird

Chapter 12 - Ignite

Metheus

No letter came. So, we assumed that the arrangement would go on as planned. My father even sent some of his men to check on Mogochislenia’s weather. Twice. He was that devoted to the cause. It seemed that the other continent only had drizzles every afternoon. Short ones.

“Something is wrong with that kind of rain,” my father said, thinking aloud.

We were in the throne room. I was seated on one of the ottomans facing my father’s throne. The other throne was empty, reminding both of us of my mother’s untimely demise.

“What?” I snapped. I did not mean to. I was usually respectful, but I had been on edge for days. I did not like not knowing if plans would proceed or not. A letter would have ended the torture. I could have already started a venture in Arrowspear that I knew I would not abandon.

“Metheus, are you sure it is not your power that made it rain?”

“It does not work that way, Father,” I reminded him. “I take heat. I take fire, but I do not create rain.”

“I feel like something is trying to create some confusion.”

“About what?”

“Something does not want the marriage to happen, I believe,” my father said, two fingers rubbing his chin.

“Why would you think that?” I had to admit I was a little curious. “There is still drought in Mogochislenia.”

“Precisely. It wants to torture both continents. It wants to keep the drought because it knows that you can stop it. The rain, however, causes confusion. It makes us second guess the marriage, as well.”

“Do you think whatever it is could be dangerous?”

My father’s face had turned grave, and I knew that he believed that whatever it was posed a danger. Real danger.

“Yes. They need you, Metheus,” he affirmed. “We need you.”

I focused on that need. They needed me, and I would be there for them. However, my mind lingered on a particular redhead. She probably was relieved when she saw the rain. Therefore, I did not know if she would welcome my return.

Why was I thinking of what she would want? Did our desires factor in the decisions between the two domains? I thought not. Not really. If she refused my hand in marriage, I would still help them with the drought. It had become even more of a mission now.

In two days, we set off. We were past the two weeks I promised, but the uncertainty caused the delay. I brought twenty men and fifteen horses. The ship was large enough to carry more animals, but we also had to bring tools, weapons, and gifts.

It was not a love match, but it did not stop me from having flowers sewn in silk and velvet. She could carry them as part of her wedding bouquet or keep them in her room. It was going to be up to her. I also had marzipans, cookies, and other sweets placed in jars and pretty paper. Then, finally, I brought a box of necklaces and earrings. They were inherited from my mother. I did not take all, of course. Most of the jewelry would be left behind for Rowali. She deserved a large dowry, but I would make sure that her future husband would not marry her only for what she could offer. She was a beautiful and intelligent girl. She deserved the world.

This time, I also brought some of the best outfits from Arrowspear. My wedding garb consisted of a long white tunic. The collar and edges were all decorated with floral and knot patterns. Then, a black overcoat and boots completed the attire.

Oh, and my father and sister would be traveling with me. Rowali was excited about her first voyage. She would be staying in Mogochislenia for about a week. Then, we would bring Luella to Arrowspear, where she would stay for six months.

The plan had been concrete and slabbed firm in my mind. It might not happen as first proposed. So, I prepared myself for any changes in plans.

For some reason, the trip felt faster the second time around. We were also equipped with horses. The ship was docked by the Leiderman shore, where we paid someone to watch it for the whole week. One of my men would be checking the ship frequently.

We arrived past the midday meal. Queen Soraya and King Adrian insisted that we eat something. Apparently, Luella had gone to the fields to work with Razuku, Eli, Cora, and the local farmers. My face betrayed my surprise.

“She had been working on the fields since you left,” the Queen explained. “We thought that you would not be returning. I was about to send a letter asking why there has been a delay.”

“We thought that you no longer wanted the arrangement,” my father explained.

“Drought or not, we want to pursue the arrangement,” she said firmly. “Luella needs to settle down. I am trying my best to find a way to control her powers.”

So, the Queen was still hoping for a normal marriage. I wondered how much of it the princess knew or if she held the same hope.

I felt my father’s gaze on me. I knew what he meant by that. He was close to revealing my secret, but I kept silent. I had no plans to reveal who I was to people I did not know too well. As a secret, it was a weapon. If it became out in the open, I was uncertain about handling it.

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