"I'm sorry your Majesty, I should've noticed it sooner" Ariah began to fidget with her fingers and wondering how she could have missed something so significant. She looks at Rena and saw her eyes wide holding the pendant hanging around her neck.
"Ariah, are you sure that I would be wearing this when the attack happens?" She said slowly ensuring that the question was clear, her eyes filled with tears. Her chest rising and falling almost like she was about to have a panic attack.
"Yes, your Majesty" Ariah ran to Rena's side as she steadied herself, Ariah helped her into the chair.
"I need Elijah in here, now, have the family gather in the dining room until we get there." Ariah was about to ask what she should say is the reason for the sudden gathering. Before she did, Rena looked at her
"Tell them, it is the Queen's order" Ariah quickly closed her mouth, bowed and was off to deliver the messages. Rena took off the necklace and laid it on the desk
"This was your last gift to me. I promised myself that I would cherish it forever. Not wearing it wouldn't mean the vision wouldn't come true. Could anything make it not come true?"
Elijah came busting through the door and stood beside Rena who was still looking at the necklace.
"Ariah already informed me" Rena continued to stare, Elijah tilting his neck trying to see her face.
"Rena?" he got to his knees "Rena, please look at me" she turned her face and saw her fighting back her tears. He took her hands in his and kissed them.
"Elijah, what are we going to do?" Elijah was about to respond before he realized he could not because he did not know either. He opened his mouth to speak when he was stopped by the urge to cry if he were to say anything.
Instead, he chose to place his head on Rena's lap, at which she began to soothe him by rubbing his head. The two could remember the last time they had to go into battle, it was during the time Elijah was still prince and Rena, the leader of the Sirrah. It was the kind of battle that they knew there was a chance they both were not going to survive. However, they had made their peace with that. But that was a time when they were consumed by their love for each other. Elijah knew that Jasper would take the throne, and Rena knew that the tribe would have Luka and Ash. Now, their attention and focus has shifted
"We have to send them away" Rena finally spoke to which Elijah looked at her
"I don't know what else to do. I can't think of any other way" Rena believed that Elijah would be disappointed in her. Elijah got to his feet
"You should go with them"
"They would come after us"
"No one has to know"
"You said it yourself, Elijah. Elensia is more than just a kingdom, it's a legacy. The vision shows the end of an entire dynasty. Remember I should know how they think." Elijah knew Rena had a point.
While waiting in the dining room, Ash was trying to calm Ariah down
"Ariah, you are doing the best you can"
"Am I? Is this the best I can offer? I'm failing miserably" They both stood away by the window away from everyone else. As Ariah looked outside the window, avoiding Ash's concerned gaze
"You didn't see how your sister reacted. I thought she was the strongest person I knew, I saw her crumble. She began to bite her nails, Ash quickly took her hand out of her mouth and held it.
"We will figure everything out"
"You make it sound so reassuring"
"One of my many talents. My sister and Elijah will figure something out and we will support them like we always do."
"If my mother was here, she would be more helpful and would be able to guide them. This is what I should be doing, instead, I'm still trying to figure everything out. I wish she was here." Ash held Ariah in his arms
"Your mother would be proud of you"
"How are you feeling grandma?" Elise asked as she sat beside her
"I'm doing a little better every day, how are you?"
"I'm fine"
"Now, tell your grandma, what you've been up to lately. How are your studies?"
"I asked Master Philus if he could try a different approach of presenting the material to me"
"And what did he say"
"He said that it was very mature of me to bring that suggestion to him"
"Excellent news, I'm so happy to hear that. You are becoming quite versatile. Speaking of being mature, I wanted to talk to you about that night" Elise adjusted herself in her seat.
Her Grace Anastasia brushed a strand of Elise's hair behind her ear
"My Elise, you are growing up so fast, you know, when you arrived on this earth, I was overjoyed. I thought to myself, Elensia's princess had finally arrived. I knew that after so many generations it had passed, that when it happened, you would be worth the wait.; and I was right. I see so much of both of your parents in you and your grandfather."
"What about you grandma, don't I possess anything from you?"
"I think you will become the best queen Elensia has ever had, but if I had to choose it would be your smile." Her Grace Anastasia pinched Elise's cheek when she said it and they both laughed.
Rena and Elijah had entered the dining room, the adults and children looked in their direction.
"Great, you are all here. Let's eat" Elijah signalled the servants to begin bringing in the food. It was filled with everyone's favourite, from meat to fruits, nuts, vegetables and desserts. It was a perfect distraction for the children
"What's going on?" Luka asked Rena
"Tomorrow we will discuss, tonight we enjoy each other's company"
It had already been decided by Elijah and Rena, this was going to be their last family dinner for a while.