I slowly awoke from the sleeping draught. How long had I been asleep? My mind climbed from sleep's clutches before my body wanted to stir. My eyelids felt too heavy to open but I could hear the bustle from the room.
I could feel the impression of someone sitting near the end of my bed. They fidgeted endlessly. The more I concentrated on the movement, the more I thought it was two people.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," I heard Abrin announce. His voice was weak and he ended it with a dramatic sniffle.
"Me too, Mama," Liliana added. She was usually the spearhead of any new idea between my younger siblings. Tacking onto Abrin's idea was unusual. The pain in her voice proved that tears were fresh and something was wrong.
"Princess Alina, might I impose upon you to share the Royal table with my family. I do not want the children to have to wait till we get home and I do not want to leave Jack," my mother's voice rang strongly. It was not her usual timber or tone, but she was holding together the best she could. She always puts us first.
"Of course, Lady Raley. You are all welcome to anything the castle has to offer. I'll show you the way," I felt my cot shift as my two younger siblings stood.
"I can help Alina with the little ones, Lady Raley. Stay with Jack. He will want to see you. I'll bring you a plate from the banquet hall, if that is to your liking," Cali offered generously. It warmed my heart to hear her take care of my family. Is it possible to love too much? The corner of my mouth found the strength to curve into a slight grin.
"That would be lovely! Thank you, Cali," my mother responded sweetly. Footsteps headed toward the door and the room stilled.
"Raley, we need to talk," Uncle John said in a serious tone. I was glad he was safe. Maybe he could take the burden of the sword from me.
"John, if it's about funeral arrangements, I can't…" my mother stopped short as Uncle John interrupted.
"It's not that. I made promises to Jacob that I need to fulfill. Promises to take care of you in case my brother could not. Raley, would you do me the honor of mar.." it was my uncle's turn to be interrupted.
"Stop right there, John. Far be it from me to reject my husband's last wishes, but this one is wrong. I cannot marry a man whose heart is so obviously taken by another," my mother's voice lilted knowingly.
"You know?" I could only imagine the red tinge of my uncle's cheeks from his tone.
"It's not that hard to see you put duty before your own desires. But just this once, I will not allow it. It might very well be the one good thing that can come from all of this. Maybe you two can be happy," my mother offered.
"But what about my promise to Jacob?" John did not seem convinced by my mothers speech.
"Will you continue to support our family?" My mother inquired.
"Of course!" John retorted in a knee-jerk reaction.
"Will you guide Jack through this next phase of his life? He will need all the support he can get. It won't be easy," my mother's voice filled with sorrow on my behalf.
"I will do everything I can," my uncle promised.
"Then you are taking care of us. Consider your promise fulfilled. Jacob would be so proud of you. I do think you should consider my words on the other matter as well. Duty and honor can take many different forms besides the sword of a clan, dear brother," my mother said sweetly.
My eyelids lifted to see my uncle embrace my mother. I never saw him be so affectionate toward his sister-in-law but after the trials of today, comfort was freely given between the two.
The moment was too tender to allow myself to spy on it. I closed my eyes again and acted as though I was just starting to rustle from my draught-induced sleep.
"Jack?" My mothers voice said softly. I could hear the rustle of her skirts and knew she was coming to my bedside.
"Mother?" I questioned, although I knew exactly to whom I was speaking. I slowly lifted my eyelids, allowing the entire room to come fully into view for the first time. The room was dim, but in contrast to my safe haven behind my eyelids, the room seemed bright.
"I'm here, Sweetheart. It'll all be alright," my mother's words were meant to sooth me. How could she be so strong? Putting her own heartbreak aside to focus on me could not have been easy.
I sat up and looked over at the cot next to me, where Alejo had placed the sword Capreolinae. The blood stain of the Autarch still smudged the blade.
"So it wasn't a nightmare?" I said, motioning toward the sword. My breath caught in my throat. I could feel warm tears on my cheeks. My mother hugged me.
"I should have saved him. I should have been stronger," the words fell from my mouth, trying to unburden myself of all the emotions weighing me down.
"No Jack," my uncle started. I pulled back from my mother's arms to look toward him. "Having your father's back was supposed to be my job. You protected our kingdom and struck the Autarch. I will proudly follow you. The Clan of Stag is honored by the bravery of its Swordman."
I sat up straighter. I had hoped that my uncle would challenge my place as Swordsman and take it upon himself. Somehow having his support lifted the burden of leadership. I was not alone.
"Jack!" Liliana ran from the doorway to jump into my lap looking for comfort. Abrin was on her heels. My mother joined in the embrace.
Alina and Cali entered the room but hovered near the doorway, each holding a tray of food. They attempted to give us a private moment as a family.
Life was not like yesterday. It would not be easy or completely carefree. But with the love and support of those around me, the future might turn out alright.