["The sound of war drums is heard in the distance. The banner of the war flag was raised. It's time to answer Her call when the world is broken. We call upon you for your protection oh Morrigan the great Goddess of War, The Phantom Queen and the Guardian of the Shield.
Intruders beware! Because of the Warrior Cú Chulainn, Morrigan's chosen warrior has arrived. Because He will vent his anger on you at the command of the goddess. With his holy sword, Cu Chulainn repelled his enemy into the ocean."]
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With that the mother ended the story. But the girl still wants her mother to accompany her. The girl looked at her mother pleadingly.
"Amara, it's already night. Go to sleep.", Answered the mother, namely Lady Helena Challand, while rubbing the head of her daughter. Even though the mother knew her daughter still wanted to be accompanied, it was late at night and she was tired. She kissed her daughter's forehead and then left.
The girl named Amara turned her body trying to sleep. But she can't sleep. This was not the first time she had heard the fairy tale. In fact, she had heard various versions of the fairy tale. But she was never bored and she found the character Morrigan and his warriors very interesting to her. Amara got out of bed and walked to her parents' bedroom. Getting closer to her parents' room, she could hear the sound of her parents arguing. Slowly, she peeked through the door. Amara sees her mother crying and angry with her father.
Her father seemed busy saying something, but his words only made her mother cry even more. This sight is not something new for Amara. She had seen her parents fight several times, but this was the first time she saw her mother look very angry. More angry than usual. Amara slowly closed the door. She sighed and walked back to her room.
That morning there was only Amara and her mother at the dining table. Her father is not seen. But that didn't make Amara worried. Because her father, Lord Andres Challand, the ruler of the House of Challand, was not used to spending time with Amara and her mother. Her father is more often outside the house. And even if he happened to be at home, he would often lock himself in his room.
Amara fiddled with the spoon in her hand and disinterestedly looked at the food in her bowl. Today's breakfast was mushroom soup which she didn't like.
"Finish your meal. Don't be picky.", Lady Helena seems to know her daughter's thoughts.
Amara looked at her mother. Her mother's eyes looked swollen but her attitude was the same as usual. As if nothing happened. Amara wanted to ask but she felt her mother would not give an answer to her question like before. Amara looked at the soup that was on her spoon and hastily she swallowed.
"Amara finish your breakfast and wait for me in the playroom.", Lady Helena rose and left the dining room.
Not long after, Amara had finished breakfast and headed for the playroom. The playroom is the place where she and her mother used to spend time together. Where her mother used to embroider or read a story to her. In the corner of the room lay her favorite doll. Amara grabbed it and sat playing it. After a while Amara began to feel bored. She looked towards the door but there was no sign of her mother coming. Reluctantly, Amara moved towards the locked balcony door. She peeked out. Outside the window, the flower buds were starting to bloom. This year's spring has arrived earlier than usual. The air outside was not as cold as usual.
There were soft footsteps and the door to the playroom opened.
Amara prepares to welcome her mother. But her movement stopped because her mother did not come alone. Her mother came with a boy.
"From today onwards he will stay here. Invite him to play.", Her mother without further ado gave the order.
Amara looked at her mother with a surprised and confused look. Her gaze implied an unspoken question.
"I have to go first. We'll meet for lunch later in the dining room. You guys just play here. Don't go anywhere without my permission.", Lady Helena avoids Amara's gaze and leaves the room.
"He-hello….", The boy tried to start a conversation awkwardly.
For a moment Amara was silent and watched the boy in front of her. She watched intently. The boy looked smaller than her and looked skinny. It also seems to be younger than her. His simple attire was reminiscent of the maid outfit in her home. There's nothing special about him. However… there is something that stands out about him. The boy has a similar hair color… even too similar to herself and her father…. which is silver.
"It's not polite. Before greeting someone, you should introduce yourself first.", Amara answered curtly.
The boy looked surprised but he caught his breath and opened his mouth again, "My name is Raul. Pleased to meet you."
"Amara. Amara Challand.", Amara introduced herself while slightly bowing in an elegant manner. Her mother always reminds Amara to pose like that when introducing herself. Raul, who was fascinated by seeing Amara, then tried to bend over awkwardly too. Amara chuckled at that.
8 years later...
The afternoon sun shone brightly. The faint sound of birds chirping. In addition to the chirping of birds, there is also the sound of wooden swords clashing. It looks like two people are practicing. The mentor gave some instructions to his student. Not far from there, on the balcony a woman sat reading a book while occasionally watching them. The woman is Amara, the girl has grown up. At the age of nineteen, Amara has turned from a child into a beautiful young woman who captivates anyone who sees her. Her body was wrapped in a beautiful silver dress that matched the color of her hair.
Amara paused for a moment and took her cup which was not far from her. She sipped her tea slowly. Her eyes looked at the young man who seemed focused on listening to his mentor's instructions. Yes, that young man is Raul. Raul has grown into a dashing young man with his face becoming more and more similar to his father's. Their father, Lord Andres Challand was famous for his good looks. Even at an old age, many admit that Lord Andres Challand still looks attractive.
Someone's footsteps were heard approaching Amara.
"Useless exercise. Better spend the money on something else!", Lady Helena said curtly even though she knew Raul was serious about his sword training. Amara was silent and didn't say anything. Naturally, her mother hates Raul. Because Raul is her father's illegitimate son. Their father, Lord Andres Challand, had many extramarital affairs. Don't know how many women he's slept with even though it's not all serious. Lady Helena always pretended not to know even though there was a lot of gossip about Amara's father around her. However, there were times when Lady Helena couldn't stand it and usually, they would have a big fight in their room.
The peak was when Lord Andres Challand brought home Raul, one of the children of his illicit relationship. Since then, her mother has become more and more bitter. The figure of a gentle and patient Mother has disappeared from Amara's life. Although her mother never kicked Raul out, it was him who usually became an outlet for her mother's anger. Surprisingly Raul never replied and always calmly faced Lady Helena.
"Amara, later for lunch; I invite guests. Lord Jorge will come with us for lunch. Accompany him for a chat.", Her mother walked away from the balcony.
Amara sighed. Her mother has recently been busy trying to match her up with some of her acquaintances. According to her mother, it was time. Amara doesn't mind getting married but she feels that she hasn't found the right person yet. And every person her mother introduced to her seemed less and less attractive.
The sound of sword fighting stopped. Amara peered down. Raul seems to be drinking. It looks like the training is over. Realizing Amara saw him, Raul waved his hand. Then he quickly climbed the tree near the balcony and suddenly found himself in front of Amara.
"What's the matter with you? Your face looks annoyed. Is it because Lady Helena is trying to match you again?", Raul asked with a serious face.
Amara just sighed, "I'm tired, Brother. Had to face all the men my mother introduced. You're lucky no one ever told you to hurry up and find a wife."
Raul just smiled a little, "I'm no one, Sister. So, I don't need to rush into marriage."
Amara paused and looked at Raul.
"Your face is getting more and more like father, Brother. It won't be hard to find a wife, I think. I'm curious. Your mother…what is she like?"
"My mother huh… She's a beautiful woman. Beautiful brown hair…I remember my mother was always busy meeting people. But she always takes good care of me. Provide warm food and clean clothes. We live in a house that is not very big but well maintained.", Raul answered dreamily.
"Did your mother ever tell you about your father? How did she feel when she became… my father's mistress?", Amara asked curiously. She wanted to know what kind of woman Raul's birth mother was.
"I don't know. Every time I asked who my father was. My mother never answered and just smiled. She only told me who my father was when she was dying. And not long after that, she died and father suddenly came and brought me here…", Raul answered slowly as he lowered his head.
Amara approached Raul then one of her hands held his cheek, "I'm sorry my question has opened up a sad memory..."
Raul slowly removed Amara's hand from his cheek, "Don't worry…. See you for lunch."
Raul slid down from the balcony through the tree and disappeared from Amara's sight.
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That afternoon Lord Jorge came at the invitation of her mother. It was seen that the complete Challand family was present in the dining room including the father, Lord Andres Challand. Who was here specifically to welcome Lord Jorge. Lady Helena seemed enthusiastic to talk with her guests, Amara also involved herself well in the conversation. Only Raul sat quietly eating and didn't talk much. He knew all the harmony displayed in the dining room was just a mask to cover up the less harmonious condition of the Challand family.
In addition, the effort to match Amara is also to find a family that can support the Challand family's life, whose financial situation is not good. The atmosphere of "harmonious family" in the dining room is heavy and thick. Stifling to breathe. Even so, he was already used to breathing in that atmosphere. Slowly he glanced at Amara. Amara sat gracefully and served her guests quietly. There was no sign of objection, as she had previously said.
"She's good at controlling herself...", Raul muttered to himself as he took a sip of his drink.
"So how is it Raul, are you ready?", suddenly Lady Helena asked him.
Raul was silent. He had not followed the direction of their conversation. After all, usually Lady Helena always ignores him.
Amara realized that Raul did not know what was going on. "Lord Jorge is also practicing swordsmanship. And mom suggested how about you guys try a sword fight later. Just for entertainment. Show off your training results."
"Oh! Okay. I'm ready anytime.", Raul replied in a calm voice while wiping his mouth.
"Splendid!", Lady Helena smiled in satisfaction.
They continued to have lunch and after that, Amara accompanied Lord Jorge to walk around the house while giving their newly filled stomachs a break before the sword event.
Raul decided to wait at his favorite place. The plains of grass not far from their house. There he sat under a tree gazing far away. The summer breeze that blows gently provides a sense of coolness in the scorching weather. Raul took a deep breath and slowly exhaled through his mouth. He tried to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere in front of him. That's what he usually does when he feels overwhelmed by the heavy atmosphere like the dining room atmosphere earlier. Raul is determined to be independent and leave his family one day. He hoped that learning the sword would give him the provision to fight in the future and realize his plans. For a moment, Raul was lost in thought while looking away.
"Srek, srek"
Came a sound behind him.
Amara appeared behind him. Alone. Her hand holding an umbrella. It seems that in addition to going around the house, Amara also invited Lord Jorge to walk out of the house.
"I thought you were here. Mother… I mean Lady Helena is looking for you to get ready.", Amara answered while standing beside Raul.
Raul prepares to stand up but Amara instead closes her umbrella and sits down. Making Raul not stand up.
Raul sighed, "Need some fresh air?"
Amara smiled, "I finally know why you like it here, Brother"
"Really? Then do you like it here too?", Raul asked as he glanced at her.
"Possible. This place is quiet. Matches your personality, Brother.", Amara looked far away, brushing her long wavy hair.
"Match my personality? What do you know about my personality, Sister?", Raul snorted and turned to Amara.
"A person who is calm on the surface but hides a lot of emotions at the bottom. Because basically you are a sensitive person… gentle-hearted…maybe you got it from your mother.…? There are many father's affairs and no one knows how many children the result of his illicit relationship will be. But you are the only one that Father brought here. Makes me wonder…. Why is your mother so special?", replied Amara while looking at Raul's eyes.
For a moment only the sound of the wind could be heard. In silence they looked at each other.
"I think we've been here too long. I don't want to upset your mother.", Raul's voice broke the silence. Then he quickly got up.
"Wait.", Amara held out her hand for Raul to help her.
Raul glanced at her hand and then helped Amara up. Their eyes met again but this time Amara hurriedly opened her umbrella and walked first.
Raul sighed and then walked after Amara.
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The Challands and their guests gathered in the backyard. Raul was wearing his leather armor when Lady Helena approached.
"Give victory to Lord Jorge. Entertain him. Make him happy. He is a potential husband for Amara and a guest in our house. We have to make him feel welcome in our home."
After that Lady Helena turned to leave Raul.
"Win this match." Amara suddenly appeared from the opposite direction.
"I heard what my mother said. But I hope you don't do that. Because I know you want to show father the results of your training."
Raul was stunned but Amara just walked past him without saying anything else. As if nothing happened.
Raul walked to the center of the courtyard carrying his wooden sword. Lord Jorge was also ready with his wooden sword.
For a moment they stared at each other in silence. Lord Jorge spun his sword to mount a stance. They circled around each other. Lord Jorge drew his sword forward and Raul parried it. For a while the two of them clashed swords.
Lord Jorge spun his sword again and charged straight ahead with a force. Raul tried to parry but Lord Jorge saw an opening and took a kick while Raul was busy watching the direction of his attack. Raul fell to the ground but immediately rolled to the side and got up. Raul swung his sword forward to keep some distance from Lord Jorge.
Raul glanced briefly at the audience. Looks like his family watched everything with a tense face including Amara. But as usual Amara tries to stay calm and keep herself looking perfect.
They circled each other again but Raul this time tried to attack first. The sound of the sword clashing again. Lord Jorge moved forward to attack, trying to push Raul back. Raul dodged to the side and attacked immediately. Lord Jorge parried. Their swords held each other and clashed with strength. Lord Jorge pressed his sword firmly. Raul realized he was about to lose his strength immediately moved to the side and attacked Lord Jorge who staggered but Lord Jorge managed to block it and lays attack with his sword at Raul's body. Raul backed away in pain while parrying Lord Jorge's attack. Lord Jorge did not stop swinging his sword. Realizing that he was already at his limit, Raul with all his might tried to push Lord Jorge away regardless of the sword strike he received. Raul managed to knock him down and with the last of his strength he drew his sword beside Lord Jorge's head. Raul wins.
For a moment everyone was there in silence as they watched the intense sword fight end.
"Bravo, bravo.", Amara got up and clapped to break the silence.
With a gasping breath, Raul tried to get up. His body was in pain, covered in dust and wet with sweat. But only for a moment did he stand up, his vision spun around and he fell unconscious.
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Raul opened his eyes slowly. For a moment everything was blurry. But he finally realized that he was in his room. He tries to get up. Pain immediately felt throughout his body.
"You fainted. You'd better not move too much just yet. Your body is exhausted.", Answered Amara who sat beside the bed.
There were several bruises on Raul's body.
Raul groaned, "Ugh…how long have I been unconscious?"
"About four to six hours?", replied Amara while starting to apply ointment to Raul's body.
"Damn… that long?! I'm really battered.", Raul covered his face with his hands.
Amara cleaned her hands of the remaining ointment and took the food on the table nearby.
"But you won in the end. Here. Eat it.", Amara scooped up the food and prepared to feed it to Raul.
"Let me do it myself.", Raul tried to reach for the spoon and feed it himself.
But his fingers cramped so that the spoon he was holding tilted and spilled onto him.
"Ouch, ouch."
Amara immediately cleaned up the rest of the spilled food, "No need to be embarrassed. Here, let me help."
"I don-..." Raul was about to protest Amara's words but when he saw Amara smiling loosely, he realized something.
"You look so happy. You're enjoying this, aren't you?", Raul glanced at her.
Amara was busy feeding Raul and didn't answer his questions. After the last bite Amara put the food on the table and prepared to get up.
"Sister... may I ask you something?"
"Yes?" Amara turned around and didn't stand up.
"Why have you been so good to me all this time? Even though I'm an illegitimate child that you should be against. Wouldn't you like to be on your mother's side?", Raul looked at Amara straight without blinking.
"I… never hated you even though you were an illegitimate child. Being an illegitimate child and being here wasn't of your own choice. After all, you are a good boy and you are never a problem. You also help me a lot when I need it. I guess…You are the only family that I am closest to more than a busy womanizing father and bitter heart mother.", Amara answered while playing with her hair.
"I see…", Raul replied in a dissatisfied tone.
"You remember the first time we met… My mother left you to me. I feel like she's throwing it all at me to take care of you…", Amara continued what she said.
Raul nodded slowly, "It's already late. I guess I'll try to sleep. See you tomorr--"
Suddenly Amara kissed Raul's lips. A very gentle but momentary kiss made Raul startled and moved backwards.
"I-I should go back to my room so you can rest.", Amara nervously stood up and immediately left Raul's room.
Raul was about to say something but his throat felt like it was blocked so he just kept silent watching Amara leave.
2 years later….
The wind was blowing hard on the meadow that looked brownish yellow. The expanse of grass that at a glance looks golden shimmers spreads beautifully lengthwise. Among the gusts of wind that blew, there was the sound of a carriage running. The carriage ran through the grass as if it was about to split it.
"Soon we will be at your family home, Your Excellency.", The maid said to a woman in front of her.
That woman is Amara. Amara, who had been looking out of the window, turned her head then nodded with a faint smile. It was the first time she had returned to her parents' house since her marriage half a year ago to a Count. Her feelings were hidden behind her pretty face. She didn't visit because she missed her home. But there is another reason. Today is the burial day of her father who died of illness. Lady Helena, her mother asked her to come. The news of her father's sudden death caused her to suddenly leave the Altamire castle without her husband.
The carriage stops.
"We have arrived."
The coachman opened the door.
Amara stepped out slowly. She paused to look around her. The house she grew up in looked unchanged.
A butler accompanied by a maid stepped out to greet her.
"Welcome back, Countess Amara. We will take your belongings to your room. The Requiem is in progress. Your mother has been waiting for your arrival."
Amara nodded and followed the Butler. They arrived when the requiem was almost over. Amara sat next to her mother and held her wrinkled hands. She tried to glance around but the face she was looking for was nowhere to be seen.
After the funeral is over. Some of the guests returned, some accompanied Lady Helena to chat. Amara accompanies her mother chatting with some guests. While she was busy chatting, someone looked at her unblinkingly. That person is Raul. Amara who noticed it, tried to remain calm.
After Amara finished chatting. Raul approached her.
"I didn't see you at the the requiem.", Amara started the conversation.
"I was in the back seat. You know … I'm not an official family.", Raul replied while sipping his drink.
The two were silent for a moment.
"You didn't come with your husband?"
Amara shook her head, "He wasn't at the Altamire castle when mother's letter arrived. So… I had to go alone."
"I see… are…are you happy with him, Sister?"
Amara did not answer but asked back, "How about you Raul? Did you manage to be accepted into the knight army?"
Last year not long after Amara got married, she heard that Raul had gone to enlist to become a knight army in Karthmere, which is the capital of the Sisilyra kingdom. Becoming a knight has always been Raul's dream.
Raul nodded, "Yes. I was accepted there. But I'm still an apprentice."
Amara smiled gently, "It's alright. I believe one day you will become a full-time knight."
Raul took a sip of his drink while glancing at Amara.
"You haven't answered my question, Sister. Were you happy?"
"Of course, I'm happy. I married a count who loved me and now I live in the famous castle of Altamire." Amara smiled as she fiddled with her hair.
Raul stared at Amara silently. His hand moved to reach Amara's hair but suddenly he changed his mind and didn't do it.
"I… will accompany Mother. It seemed she was about to take her guest home, "Amara walked away leaving Raul.
Raul was stunned. His hands clenched into fists.
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Amara lay down on the bed after she finished bathing. Her body was tired after almost all day she was on the carriage.
"Is there anything else I can help you with, Your Excellency?", the maid asked before leaving.
"No. You can leave."
The maid bowed respectfully and slowly left the room.
Amara closed her eyes. For almost two years she had been trying to avoid Raul since that night. And she closes her heart to all the things that remind about him. But that afternoon, when she saw Raul; she realized that her efforts all this time seemed to be in vain.
Her mind wandered about the events of that night. After that incident, her relationship with Raul felt awkward. Raul tried to avoid her every time she wanted to talk about that night. Amara herself realized that she didn't have the courage to keep asking questions until she finally decided to give up and let things go their way. Including when her mother accepted a Count's proposal without asking her first and she didn't protest. On her wedding day, Amara realized that Raul was not there. That's when Amara realized something was wrong but it was too late. Now all she can do is step on the path that exists. But her reunion with Raul seemed to shake her heart. Questioning her decision… All her buried feelings slowly came back to the surface….
Amara woke up while sighing. Her mind was crumpled. She walked out of the room to calm herself. Her footsteps carried her into the room that used to be the playroom. Now the room had been turned into a regular sitting room. Amara walked to the balcony and opened the door. Cold air greeted her. Outside, the full moon was shining brightly.
"Need some fresh air?", a familiar voice greeted her.
Amara turned around.
Raul seemed to be walking towards her, "This autumn is not as cold as usual. The moon is also very bright tonight."
"Yes. Even this room is illuminated by the moonlight.", Amara replied smiling while looking at the moon.
They were both silent in silence while looking at the full moon.
Raul sighed softly and looked at Amara.
"I want to say something… I'm grateful to be able to live here… have a house and enough food… not lacking… maybe not as ideal as I would like as a family. But I'm grateful and thankful. Because if you think about it, my presence is not wanted in this family. So, when... you kiss me... I-I-"
"I'm tired and want to go back to my room.", Before Raul finished speaking, Amara cut his words and was about to leave.
But Raul grabbed both of Amara's shoulders and prevented her from leaving, "Please let me finish…."
This is the first time Amara has seen Raul look desperate. She nods slowly.
Raul caught his breath, "So when you kissed me…I thought that this was impossible and could not happen. I've been raised here and all I have to do… is repay this family as best as I can…"
Raul stopped for a moment to see Amara's reaction. But Amara just looked down in silence.
"That's why…I avoided you because I was afraid that you'd bring it up and I thought things would settle down on their own. Everything will return to the way it was. But I was wrong… until time passed and until now… I can't forget that night. I can't forget you…I think .. I love you, Sister."
Amara looked at Raul with a sad smile, "Those words… Seems a bit late doesn't it…"
Raul froze.
"I know…and I also know that what I say can't change anything. I'm sorry… if I realized it too late and… made my sister even more sad.", Raul gave a bitter smile
"Maybe after this I'll focus on being a knight… I… don't know when we'll meet again. I… pray that you will always be happy, Sister.", Raul holding Amara's cheek.
Amara nodded slowly. Try not to cry.
"I understand. That is your dream and… I always support whatever you do…", Amara turned to leave.
Her footsteps wobbled. Raul immediately grabbed her. Their faces were facing each other. With such a close distance, they could see each other…realize…that they were both unwilling to part.
They both felt each other's heart beat fast. Amara was about to get up but Raul immediately embraced her. Looking at her with a different look while holding Amara's face. Their lips drew closer to each other slowly…
"PRANG!"
The sound of things falling and breaking startled the two of them who were almost kissing.
Not far from them, Lady Helena witnessed what happened. Her body was shaking with anger.
"What are you doing! For God's sake since when did you commit this sin!? You are a bad seed like your father!", Lady Helena shouted, pointing at Raul.
"Mother, let us explain first.", Amara frantically approached her mother.
"There's no need! Here! You stay here and don't follow us.", Lady Helena pulled Amara away from Raul.
"I will ask the Count to expel him from the knight army. Let him be stripped of his title and if necessary, I will ask him to put Raul in jail.", with anger Lady Helena dragged Amara out of the room and took Amara to her bedroom.
"But he didn't do anything. We didn't do anything.", Amara tried to explain.
"PLAK!"
Lady Helena fiercely slapped Amara, "You are my daughter but you still dare to defend him! I thought only Raul was like your father! But you too! I should have kicked that bastard out a long time ago!
"Tonight, you sleep here. I'll ask the maid to lock Raul in his room too so he doesn't run away when he's put in jail.", Lady Helena took a candle and prepared to lock her bedroom.
"No! Please don't do that, Mother! Please listen to my explanation.", Amara stood in front of the door. Trying to stop her mother from leaving. Lady Helena pushed Amara aside. But Amara tried to hold back Lady Helena.
"DUK!"
The candle that Lady Helena was holding fell down. Amara stared in horror at what was happening in front of her. It seemed that Amara pushed her mother so hard that Lady Helena fell and hit her head hard against the edge of the table.
"Mother.?", Amara shakily approached her mother who seemed motionless. Her mother's eyes stared blankly unmoving.
Amara fell limp and wept. She realized what happened.
Lady Helena's room was getting hotter and hotter and filled with smoke from the falling candle burning the cloth and spreading all over.
Footsteps were heard running closer.
"Amara are you okay? I smell burning.", Raul hastily entered. He was shocked to see Lady Helena's condition.
Raul walked over to Amara who was sitting in a state of shock, "Amara are you okay?"
Amara just looked at him with teary eyes. Raul hastily carried her out of the room. He also took the key that lay and locked the room.
It didn't take long for the smoke to spread quickly, burning the house and waking the servants. The servants are busy putting out the fire to save the remaining part of the house.
That night apart from the light of the full moon, the fire in the Challands' house also lit up the fall. It was only when daybreak began that the fire was finally extinguished.
Raul wiped his face which was black from the soot of the fire. After a long night he and the servants put out the fire.
Under the tree, Amara is seen sitting alone with a blank stare. Raul came to him and sat beside her.
"Ra-Raul I'm the one who-", stammering Amara trying to say something.
"Shh...", Raul hugged her trying to calm her down.
"Your mother died in a fire. Understand?", Raul looked at her while smoothing her messy hair.
Amara didn't say anything. She leaned her head against Raul's shoulder and closed her eyes. Trying to get rid of the flashbacks that swirled in her head.
There was the sound of horses approaching. Amara and Raul got up while squinting to see who was coming.
A man in black clothes accompanied by several bodyguards arrived. They seem to have come a long way.
"Looks like something happened when I was late,", said the man in a deep voice.
Amara walked over, "Your Excellency..?"
That man was Count Garan, Amara's husband. He was also a Knight Commander guarding the western border. His Altamire Castle is also known as a defensive fortress.
"I headed straight here after my business was done. What happened?", He asked; gazing at the ruins of the Challands house.
"Ah that...", Amara looked nervous.
"The Challand family house caught fire last night. We just managed to put out the fire just now. But… Lady Helena, didn't survive the fire", replied Raul while pointing at a pile of corpses among the rubble.
Count Garan turned and looked at Raul with a frown on his face, "And you are…?"
"I am the brother of Amara, Your Excellency. Just like you, I am also a knight." Raul answered respectfully.
"Hmm… Then you know a knight if you're not asked, you don't have to answer. I was asking my wife.", Count Garan looked at Raul with a sharp look.
"I—I'm sorry, Your Excellency. I'm a knight but still an apprentice.", replied Raul while trying to stay calm.
The two looked at each other sharply.
"Please forgive my little brother's behavior, Your Excellency. He's new. But he has the potential and good instincts. Because he is the one who saved me from the fire.", Amara stepped forward to defend Raul.
Count Garan was silent for a moment.
"Oh, I see. Then it's me who should be thanking you for saving my wife. You can join my army as my thanks." Count Garan nodded.
Raul shook his head slowly, "Thanks Your Excellency but it's n-",
Amara stepped forward and interrupted Raul's words, "Thank you, Your Excellency. On behalf of my brother, I gladly accept it."
Raul was surprised by Amara's answer but Amara signaled him to be quiet.
Count Garan raised his hand to instruct his guards, "Very well then. Next, I'll ask the others to clean up the remaining of the house and bury Lady Helena's body. In the meantime, we rest in the nearest town first."
"Oh yes, Amara. You also don't need to be so formal with your husband.", said Count Garan to Amara as he lifted her onto his horse.
Raul, who also heard it, turned his face away.
Then they all left the place. Amara looked back. She looked once more at his house which had become a charred ruin in the midst of a sea of grass that seemed to turn golden when exposed to the sun.
(to be continued)