Chapter 6

Nine years…

Nine fucking years waiting for nothing!

The Oracle lied. Valda found neither her soulmate nor a heart mate. What she did find was that she had been cursed. Because she was blind, even if the Oracle spoke the truth, she wouldn't be able to recognize her soulmate by sight or form a bond with them.

The eyes are the windows to the soul…

And her windows were shut.

As much as she wanted to say she didn't need anyone. She did. At least until the blessed worshiper came and healed her. The darkness wouldn't feel suffocating if Valda knew when the new Asclepius worshiper would arrive. She wouldn't jump at every sound. She would go about her day, trying her hardest to pull through. But the healing wound in her arm was a simple reminder that the worshiper was gone, and it would be a while until her mother found another one… if she found someone.

For now, she would have to deal with this the best way she knew how. Ignoring it.

Now, she lay in her bed in the wee hours of the morning. Although she heard shuffling outside her room, Valda refused to open her eyes. If she did, she would be reminded of what had happened.

"I know you are awake, Cerberus told me."Maris's voice pierced through her darkness.

The cat's happy meow made the maid chuckle. Traitorous Cerberus. She was supposed to be on her team. She needed to hiss at everyone who met her. Her trusted and loving companion was always close, keeping Valda rooted. No matter what happened, there was something good to look forward to with her around. Her dear Cerberus, whose quiet meows and purrs erased every angry uproar. Last night wasn't any different.

"Cerberus!" Valda called out, but the cat didn't come, instead, the bed squeaked with her steps as she walked away from Valda.

"Oh, you want some scratches?" Maris's voice didn't sound tired. "You like that, huh?"

"She is not friendly," Valda mumbled as she pulled the covers from her body, patted her chest and noticed the blouse was still in place and hadn't opened up during her sleep.

"Really?"

"She bites everyone and hisses at new people," Valda added, patting her nightstand and then the bedpost. She pulled herself up, and quickly regretted it as she sat back down. That wasn't good. Maybe she was sore, maybe she needed a good hearty meal and not just fruits.

"She looks menacing, but she is a total baby. Aren't you, Cerberus?"

Cerberus let out an adorable meow mixed with a purr and Valda scoffed. "Unbelievable."

"I won't steal your cat, Your Highness. She is all yours," Maris said, stifling a giggle. "Are you hungry?"

Valda waved her hand in the direction she thought the maid was. She pulled herself again and sighed with satisfaction when she was able to stand on her own. "Starving."

"Of course. I will be right back."

Maris's steps faded until a door opened and closed. Her grip on the bedpost tightened as her legs trembled under her weight. Her teeth gritted as she managed to steady herself. She took a couple of uneasy steps forward, her body tensing for impact. She knew it was going to happen. It was a matter of time before she bumped into something. She just hoped Cerberus wasn't around. The least she wanted was to step on her tail. She would never forgive herself if she hurt her cat.

Valda stretched her arms in front of her, her hands open as she scanned her surroundings. She walked unsteadily across the room until she made it to the washroom entrance. She celebrated her accomplishment with a smile, and Cerberus seemed proud of her as well. The cat rubbed her body against Valda's leg, bumping her head a little too aggressively.

Walking through the entrance, Valda moved to where she thought the basin was. She touched warm water and exhaled happily. Maybe she could endure this for the time being. She just needed to remember where everything was.

As she washed her face and mouth, the door to her chamber opened and rolling wheels squeaked.

"It's me, Your Highness," Maris called out as the door creaked.

"Morning."

A second voice sneaked into the room.

"Morning, my Queen." Maris peeped, her voice low and timid.

"Is my daughter awake?"

"Yes, my Queen."

Valda quietly shuffled out of the washroom and into her room. Her mother's footsteps came closer and so did the sudden gasp. Valda winced at the sound, and smoothed a hand over her chest and stomach, making sure that, although disheveled, she was still presentable.

"That bad?" Valda asked, smiling jokingly, but she knew her mother would see right through it.

"Valda, your eyes," Rionach said, her voice quivering. "I, wha—"

"Mother," Valda warned, her hands moving forward. A soft and small hand touched her fingers, pulling her forward. She wasn't aware where she was heading but she trusted whoever was holding her wholeheartedly. She took her next steps with more confidence until a second hand smoothed over her back, exerting enough pressure to sit her down. She touched her surroundings, noticing she was sitting at her small table.

"I will be standing next to you, Your Highness," Maris said, making Valda jump slightly at how close she was.

"I wasn't aware that you had lost your sight…" Rionach said, as a chair scraped the hard floors. Wood groaned and fabric fluttered before Valda.

"It was to be expected," Valda said, touching her brow and temples and hissing. The flesh there was still tender. A tender rub to her leg announced that Cerberus was close by. After a couple of caresses, the cat's weight draped over Valda's foot.

"Right…" Rionach sighed, her fingers drumming over the table. "I've talked to Kayden and his family. We are to leave for Harmonia in search of a blessed worshiper. Hopefully you will be fine before the next full moon." Rionach sounded hopeful, but she had always been good at masking how she felt. Without her sight, it would be hard for Valda to know what she was truly feeling.

Sighing, Valda rubbed her temple again and nodded. It was easier that way, to accept and be hopeful that everything would be fixed. "I assume you will be taking Arwin with you."

"No. He will stay in charge while I am away, I cannot leave the entire kingdom at the mercy of the rebels."

Valda scoffed and waved a hand at herself. "I am alive."

"You are unwell."

"Not being able to see doesn't take away my ability to take charge and give orders, Mother."

"I will feel safer if Arwin stayed here."

Valda swallowed hard, a sharp sting starting at the corner of her eyes. Her mother didn't trust her to make good decisions. She would rather have Arwin do so. Somewhat Valda didn't blame her, but she would love to have an opportunity to prove herself.

Somewhere from behind Valda, Maris cleared her throat which prompted her to turn as if looking for her.

"I was told that you appointed her to keep me safe?" Valda asked, pointing a finger to where she thought Maris was.

"That is correct."

"Why?" Valda asked.

Maris scoffed behind her.

"Well, for starters she managed you well."

"Managed me?"

"Does your face hurt, Valda?" Rionach asked.

Valda opened her mouth to talk, but as she did the dull stinging of her jaw reminded her that indeed, her face hurt. She rubbed her cheek and nodded.

"That was Martha."

"Maris, Your Highness," Maris corrected.

"Yes, right. She was the only one that managed to stop you before you destroyed everything."

"My apologies for ruining my own birthday celebration," Valda mumbled.

"You have nothing to apologize about. I do want you to take this time to rest, though."

Valda nodded, her fingertips grazing her cheekbones. "When are you leaving?"

"As soon as I can. I am waiting on Kayden. He is currently speaking to his mother so we can leave on his ship. After that, it will be a while until I come back…" Rionach paused with slight hesitation. "You know how the Asclepius worshipers are…"

"Remember when I said that it was fair if healer left without a trace?"

"Yes."

"I was full of shit," Valda muttered. "Bring them back by any means necessary."

Rionach chuckled and patted Valda's hands. "Anything for my daughter. I also came to bring you this. You dropped and forgot about it during the entire ordeal, I took and put it away," Rionach said, turning Valda's hand and placing something on it. "It's the Heaven Sword."

Valda inhaled sharply and turned her eyes down as if she would somehow see the box there. She caressed the chest for a couple of seconds before finding the lock. As soon as she opened it, she moved her hands over the jeweled handle, then over the length. "Thank you."

"You will see again, Valda. Believe that."

"I hold a promise to your words, Mother," Valda said and moved the box in Maris's direction. Maris took it from her, her steps moving away to somewhere further back."Please, be careful. I am worried that neither I nor Arwin will be going with you."

"But Kayden will. I will be back before you even notice that I am gone," Rionach chuckled then announced, "And I am going to kiss you now," before the sound of wood scraping the floor made Valda wince. Her mother gathered her in her arms and pressed a warm kiss to her forehead, right between her eyes. "I want you to focus on getting better and stronger, all right?"

"I will, Mother," Valda said before closing her eyes as she felt her mother's feather-like kisses again.

Way too soon, her mother pulled back, caressed her cheek, and walked away, leaving Valda with a sudden ache she couldn't quite pinpoint. Opening her eyes, Valda faced where she thought mother was.

"Maris, was it?"

"Yes, my Queen?"

"Take care of her. If you must slam her to the ground to get her to rest, do so. I will allow it."

Valda raised an eyebrow and huffed.

"I will hold you to that, My Queen," Maris said, amusement in her voice.

Valda exhaled once she heard her mother leave her bedroom. After a short silence, she heard sniffling behind her and frowned. Was… was Maris crying?

"Why are you crying?"

A gasp and many sniffles later, Maris answered, "Are you sure you are blind?"

"I am blind, not deaf," Valda said, standing from her chair and moving towards the breakfast car Maris had rolled in. The smell of brewed coffee and warm oatmeal awakened her appetite and she was terribly hungry. Before she could make a fool of herself, Maris's gripped her shoulders, guiding her back to the chair.

"Let me serve you breakfast."

At first Valda wasn't too happy with the constant handling. She wanted to try to do mundane things by herself. If she burned herself pouring some coffee, then so be it. She didn't want to rely on Maris with all the basics. For now, she allowed the other woman to set her breakfast on the small table.

Maris grabbed her hand and slipped her a spoon before guiding both hands towards the oatmeal bowl. Trying her hardest, Valda began to eat quietly yet, the question was still in the air, and she knew Maris was avoiding it.

"I asked you a question. What were you crying about?" she asked again, wiping her lower lip with the back of her hand.

Once again, silence.

"Maris…"

"It was nothing."

"You cry over nothing?"

"Your Highness, if I am being honest, it doesn't concern you."

What the fuck? Who was this woman and how dare she? "I am your Princess. I am asking you a question; I expect an answer."

An annoyed sigh came from in front of her. Maris was sitting where Rionach had sat a minute ago. "Your interactions with your mother, the Queen."

"What about it?"

Maris inhaled sharply before answering. "It made me miss my mother."

Valda frowned. "Where is she?"

"She is dead."

Valda almost choked on her food, her shoulders stiffening. "I am sorry. If I had known, I wouldn't have made you talk about it."

"It's fine."

"You sound young, though. What happened to her?" Valda asked, her hand searching for the warmth of the cup of coffee, once she found it, she swept her fingertips over the edges of the cup and grasped it carefully, not wanting to stain her blouse or burn her mouth. She brought it to her lips, took one sip and closed her eyes reverently. She felt stronger already.

The shuffling of fabric and the thrumming of fingers against flesh indicated the question was out of order, but Valda couldn't help being curious. Besides, if she wanted to trust this girl with her life, she needed to know more about her.

The tension of her question still lingered, and after awkward seconds of silence Maris finally answered.

"She killed herself." Her voice quivered indicating that it happened recently.

Valda felt as if a bucket of freezing water had been dumped on her neck. She rubbed her palm on her slacks, suddenly feeling terrible for her questioning. "My deepest apologies, Maris."

"It is fine. I am over it."

She was lying. Valda could tell, but she would not push the young women to talk about her mother or her past for now. She took another long gulp of the coffee and placed it on the table before searching for the spoon and going back to the oatmeal.

"My father perished when I was a child. I don't remember much, but I do feel that emptiness. I don't want to sound pessimistic, but what's worse of all is that, as time goes by, you start to forget specific details about them. Their voice, their face, their smell." Valda sighed, losing her appetite. She placed the bowl on the table and stood from the chair. Maris walked to her and grabbed her hand as she guided her to the bed.

Valda wasn't tired, but she was fatigued. She sat on the edge of the bed and the spot next to her dipped.

She smiled welcomingly, unable to tell if Maris was looking at her. Then she felt Maris's hand upon hers. She gladly accepted the small show of affection with a light squeeze of her hands."My mother and general Arwin always tell me that I look just like my father, so I had some solace when I was in front of the mirror. I felt like, wherever he was he would be looking at me from the other side of the reflection." Valda chuckled at how stupid that sounded, but it was true. Whenever she wore her royal attire and looked at the mirror, it felt like her father was staring right back, proud of the woman she had become.

She hoped wholeheartedly he was proud, wherever he was.

"But now, I can't even have that."

"Well, I don't know how that must feel. I look nothing like my parents. I was adopted."

Valda's curiosity was piqued. "Oh? Adopted?"

"I am Sealian, my Princess."

Valda tensed. Sealian? A Sealian inside Oberon Castle? A Sealian chambermaid? "Really?" Her breath faltered, as she tried to think of the exact time she and Maris met.

Could it be?

"Yes, blue hair and all!" Maris said, her voice cracking with a giggle.

Valda grinned, her chest tightening. "Ah, you must be gorgeous then."

"I would like to think so." Her voice was playful, almost flirty.

Valda threw her head back and laughed.

"You know, Princess, before I became your helper, they painted you with such harsh colors."

Valda chuckled. She could imagine what was said to Maris, yet her curiosity won the best of her. "Such as?"

"Oh, they said I should be careful because you had the tendency of kind of forcing yourself on poor maids."

"I never force anything. I believe in consent," Valda said, biting her lower lip. "I always ask for permission."

"I…Uh—," Maris stumbled with her words, seeming nervous. "They also said that you have a horrible temper."

"That's true." Valda nodded proudly.

"And that you have done unimaginable things on the battlefield."

"Also true," Valda said, rubbing her hands as if she was trying to wipe away stains. She wasn't proud of all the things she had done. She was either following orders from Arwin, or making last-minute decisions that would save her life. "I am not a good person. Not all the time, at least," Valda mumbled the last part.

"Is anyone?" Maris whispered. "We all have our darkness to deal with—some more than others."

"Hmm," Valda patted her knees, deciding if she should end the conversation at the same time, she wanted to listen to Maris talk more.

Maris, the Sealian appointed by her mother to take care of her. Maybe she was overthinking all of it. There was a possibility that her mother had decided to hire Maris right after the conversation they had in her chamber, maybe her mother appointed Maris to help her, hoping she was the mate the Oracle spoke of.

Maybe everything was just coincidence and Maris was just a Sealian who needed a job.

Valda took a deep breath and decided that she wanted to stretch her legs and get some exercise. Maybe going outside to the garden to get some fresh air and sunlight would help with her overthinking.

"Would you mind taking me outside? I would like to get some sun in."

Maris's hand pulled on hers again, stopping her from rubbing them together as she did moments ago. Maris squeezed the meaty part of her palm and Valda shivered at the sweet caress.

"Sounds perfect," Maris said, standing along side Valda and exiting the room.