She didn\u2019t have to wait long. She exited the carriage as the door opened and a footman assisted her down from the coach. She turned and thanked him. Then turned to Silviano and asked, \u201cWhat are we doing at the palace and why is my father here?\u201d Before anyone could say anything else, a door opened and out stepped her father. Stonefist and his guard took up their stations surrounding her, but Stonefist knew her father well and allowed him to approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Georgia observed, \u201cHe was looking well. Yet his dress which was no longer that of a common towns person but those of the royal court. Was certainly an exception in her mind. What was this all about she wondered.\u201d He came and hugged her with a warm embrace but then immediately whispered, \u201ccome, we must speak in privacy.\u201d She teared up, as it had been so long now, and she missed her father. Her father then turned to Stonefist and he said, \u201cWelcome to the court my old friend, I appreciate you most of all taking responsibility for helping to get my most important treasure to me.\u201d Stonefist laughed, then replied, \u201cShe is more important now than ever, but I will leave that to her to reveal to you all that has transpire since her arrival in the kingdom beneath us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He raised his eyebrows and said, \u201cIndeed, that is a story I will want to hear and soon.\u201d He then turned to Silviano and said, please take my good friend and his guard and give them food them bring them to us. You know where we will be. Ask them to discreetly take up position as I need some time with her as you well know.\u201d Silviano bowed to him, replied, \u201cAs you so command, it shall be done.\u201d She had been quietly observing this exchange between them but then her father grabbed her hand and said please come with me my daughter. \u201cShe followed him through a side arch that led into a garden area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He walked with her to a gazebo much like the one he had commissioned and built for their garden back at the inn. He led her into it to sit so he could speak to her in private. She couldn\u2019t help but notice the intricate carvings on the gazebo\u2019s pillars, each one depicting a different scene from the kingdom\u2019s history. The dedication and craftsmanship reminded her of her father\u2019s love for the homeland, a constant source of inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her father said, \u201cgive me a moment if you would, as your father has missed his daughter a great deal and would like to simply look at you for a moment before we begin on the business at hand.\u201d She smiled back at him not speaking but instead glanced around as they sat there. Georgia took in the wide expanse of the gardens they were in. She noticed a man working in the beds that appeared to dress like the Druid, Elysian. She thought to herself, \u201cWhat would he be doing here doing gardening work?\u201d She then smiled and thought he was letting me know all was taken care of and is continuing his watch over us even here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She turned towards her father then and asked. \u201cYou need to explain to me what is going on and why there are so many are arrayed against me? It was not an easy journey for us to make as you must know by our delay.\u201d He sat there a moment and then said, \u201cGeorgia, I\u2019ve missed you so very much. I can see you are well and appear to have been taking good care of yourself as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She responded, \u201cFather, I have missed you too as you must know. But what is this all about? They said it was urgent that I come, that you insisted that I not delay?\u201d She paused briefly, then said, and then there was the events in the kingdom that was thought to be just a myth with the mother of all, and the blessing and so many other things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was surprised to hear of this as he had not been appraised by the events of their journey other than
to know they had been accosted on the way, but trusted allies were now protecting her and the small company. Her father leaned forward and spoke, \u201cNow, my dear,\u201d her father began, she observed the years that had passed since their last encounter were clearly weighing heavily upon his heart. \u201cThere is much to explain, and I\u2019m afraid we don\u2019t have much time to do it in.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Georgia listened intently as her father explained that he had returned to the royal court as there were events a foot, that required his immediate attention. That once he became fully advised of the situation here, he knew that it was time to call for his daughter to come to him so he could reveal something that had been kept secret from her all her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her father then said, \u201cI am truly sorry for the secrecy, Georgia, but it was necessary in order to protect you.\u201d His voice began to be choked with emotion, but he continued, \u201cI am proud of the incredible woman you have become, and I have no doubt that destiny has brought us back together for a very special reason.\u201d Georgia replied, \u201cmore than you know since the deities themselves are now involved in some grand plan of which they speak in riddles to me about. All I have been able to assess, is that somehow without my knowledge, I went from being an Innkeeper to someone that is treated like, well the queen or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused, then then leaned over to her, and began to break down with tears of their reunion flowing from him while letting go of the pain of separation and revealing at last the secrets that were held from her. Georgia found herself losing her footing as well as she hadn\u2019t realized just how much she had missed her father. There in the Gazebo, time stood still for the two as they both slowly recovered to the point of being able to speak with each other again. Georgia asked first, \u201cI must ask although I believe I know the answer already, but I want to hear it from you. What is it that you have kept from me that I need to know, father?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He sat there a moment but then said, \u201cRemember when you were young and we played out a story, a sort of fairy tale of sorts, as it were where, you were the princess of the kingdom, and I was the king. You and I spent the whole year as if you had come of age. We spent a great deal of time to ensure your education was proper as a royal.\u201d Georgia remembered those times fondly and said, \u201cI remember all the books full of stories, poetry, mathematics, and the sciences. We would spend hours sharing the learning together, which made it all the easier to do. I was not left alone to learn but kept close to ensure that my learning took place, and I would be able to stand on my own someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She paused briefly then continued, \u201cBut that was just a fantasy, a wonderful time of playing as if we were both royals and everything you taught me was in preparation for\u2026\u201d She turned and looked out into the well-kept gardens. She had noticed that Elysian was no longer there but saw her guard in place as directed by Stonefist. She also notices the palace close by and then turned toward him with tears flowing down her cheek and said, \u201cYou weren\u2019t playing, were you? This was all in preparation for this moment. I am\u2026 a princess?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All that happened back at the inn with Silviano, the Duchess, the ladies in waiting and the captain of the guard were not just some random events but final preparation for my journey here to understand who and what I am.\u201d Her father leaned over and hugged her, \u201cI am so sorry. This was never to be. But events have changed everything. Your mother\u2019s sister has passed away. The throne is empty, and the next in line is expected to take up the responsibility of the kingdom by law, your time is now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Georgia stood up then and said, \u201cFather, but why all the secrecy? Why was I raised away from here if this was my birth right?\u201d He said to her, \u201cSearch your memories, there is a part of our play you\u2019re not remembering.\u201d She paused, closed her eyes then opened them and said, \u201cIt was for my protection. My mother\u2019s sister was jealous of her sister and always thought she was the rightful heir to the throne, not her. She had my mother poisoned, didn\u2019t she?\u201d Her father said, \u201cYes, your instinct is serving you well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She replied, \u201cYou have no idea how much better. You try meeting with some deity of the dwarven nation and having her reach into your heart of hearts and let me know how you manage that.\u201d He stared back at her and said, \u201cThere is much we need to catch up on but for now.\u201d She raised her hand to pause him and said, \u201cYes, father I get it for now I must take up my identity that was meant to be as the next queen of this kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused a moment deep in thought, and a tear began to roll down his cheek and then he spoke again, \u201cShe, your mother had received a poison with a rare ingredient. It leaves no common trace. Only the best alchemist would be able to understand how to detect its presence in someone.\u201d Georgia then asked, \u201cYou mean my mother was gone because of her sister using poison on her? That is why I grew up without her because of a jealous sister?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her father choked as he tried to respond to her, \u201cLosing her, was the hardest thing I had ever experienced. We were soul partners. Tied together by love first and duty second. We were and are forever tied to each other in love and you were the best product of that love.\u201d He paused, looked out into the garden then turned and spoke to Georgia. \u201cLosing you was something I could not risk. So, we, I suspect you know who we included by now. Came up with a plan to make us both disappear into the fabric of the common society without a known past. As if we had always belonged.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Georgia\u2019s heart ached as she listened, finally understanding the depth of sacrifice her father had made to ensure her safety. She blinked back the tears, reaching out to touch her father\u2019s hand. \u201cIf my mother could see me now, would she be proud of the person I\u2019ve become?\u201d Her father smiled gently, the years of pain softening in his eyes. \u201cYour mother would be overjoyed to see the strong, wise, and kind person you are. She always believed you were destined for greatness someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused and waited to see if she had anything to say. Yet when she stayed quiet, he continued, \u201cWe had to wait and see if events would change. We could not reveal that we were still there, that you were still alive.\u201d He thought a moment then said, \u201cHer sister, the queen, no matter how hard she tried, never found a trace of us. So, in time she gave up as the duties of the crown overtook her need to know what happened.\u201d He paused and then continued, \u201cShe gave up completely. As no threat to her reign ever appeared. So, she turned her attention to her duties and ensured her reign would not become threatened by anyone within the royal court or family.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGeorgia asked, \u201cwhat is to happen now? Am I to become crowned a queen? I am not sure I am ready for that father.\u201d Her father gave her a big smile and said, \u201cI know this is a lot. But the kingdom needs you. We need to announce your presence soon, as it will not wait too much longer.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused then said, \u201cThere will be many who will be very happy to hear that the heir meant to take the crown is in fact alive. Ready to take on her duties.” “You will not be alone. I will be there, and you\u2019ve already met some of those who delight in serving and assisting you. Of course, only if you deem, they’re needed.” She said, \u201cYou mean the Duchess, Silviano, and the captain?\u201d He responded, \u201cYes, but there is another you\u2019ve forgotten, he paused, she responded, \u201cElysian, the Druid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her father was delighted to see her insight had grown more since last they were together. He then spoke, \u201cyes, but you already assessed some of that, had you not?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paused while they both sat there. He then said, \u201cYou will be the most remembered queen ever to rule. Because you will never forget what the needs of those less fortunate are. They were a part of our everyday life for so many years.\u201d With that she rose, and said, \u201cFather, please take me somewhere where I may have some quiet time. I will honor her memory and strive to be a fair and just ruler for as I have been told, a new kingdom shall be birthed by the one who stands before you.\u201d He said to her, \u201cthere is much I need to hear, but for now we will give you the time you need.\u201d Georgia knew it was time to accept her birthright and face the challenges that came with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said, please let us go so I may have some time alone. Then alert Silviano that I would see him in an hour.\u201d He said, \u201cFollow me, I will take you to a private space where you will have the privacy you need.” “Yet, I must tell you there will be those in attendance to you as I cannot leave you without it here. Get used to it, those that will be there are the most trusted. You can count on them being there but not interfering in your need for privacy.\u201d Her father looked at her and said proudly, \u201cWe must prepare you for your ascension to the throne. You have much to learn, but I have no doubt you will rise to the occasion as you have the same grace and kindness your mother had.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They rose and stepped outside the gazebo. Stonefist and his guard immediately formed a ring around them. Her father looked at her, she responded, \u201cHe is now my first commander, I insist he continue in those duties as long as I and he have breath left to breathe.\u201d He smiled and said follow me. He took her to the room. There he told her, \u201cWe will speak again once you are done with your meditations. Just let them know you wish to see me, and they will send for me.\u201d He pulled her close and held her for what seemed a very long time. She appreciated her father\u2019s compassion as she needed to know someone, she felt close to and familiar with would be there with her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She then asked the young lady in attendance, \u201cIs there a place where I can sook in a bath for a while? I need some quiet time.\u201d The young lady curtsy, then said, \u201cYes, my lady. I will have it prepared for you immediately. I will stay outside your door to ensure you are not disturbed until you need it.\u201d Georgia responded, \u201cThank you, thank you very much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It did not take long, and she had been led to a door. Though the doorway she saw a room full of candles. It had the same scents as those that Silviano had prepared for her the night they met the Duchess back at the inn. She stepped through and turned to shut the door. She whispered, \u201cI will call out but please make sure no longer than thirty minutes, I expect Silviano on the hour.\u201d She got ready and stepped down into the large roomy bath. The water was the right temperature. The scents invited her to dip herself deep within its welcoming waters. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
She didn\u2019t have to wait long. She exited the carriage as the door opened and a footman assisted her down from the coach. She turned and thanked him. Then turned to Silviano and asked, \u201cWhat are we doing at the palace and why is my father here?\u201d Before anyone could say anything else, a door … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":3,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-264","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stranger"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=264"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":265,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264\/revisions\/265"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=264"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=264"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sleeplessprogrammer.net\/brainexpression\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=264"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}