The next day, Queen Lili sat in front of the mirror, surrounded by opulent furnishings and lavish decorations that were a staple of her royal life. Her maids Susan and Emma bustling around her, primping and preening her for the day ahead. But despite their best efforts, the queen's face remained somber, her mind preoccupied with the weighty decision she had made the night before.
As they worked to prepare her for the day ahead, styling her hair and washing her feet, Queen Lili's gaze drifted towards the mirror, her eyes clouding over with concern. "I have decided to consider what you said," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the soft rustling of silk and the gentle clinking of jewelry.
Susan and Emma exchanged a knowing glance, their faces a picture of discretion. "Yes, Your Majesty?" Susan prompted, her voice soft and encouraging.
Queen Lili's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing in concentration. "But how am I supposed to leave the palace without being noticed?
"You can disguise yourself to remain unnoticed, your majesty," Susan suggested.
"You said disguising myself would be a good idea, but how do I get out of my chamber without anyone realizing I'm gone?"
Emma curtsied, her eyes cast downwards. "We will cover for you, Your Majesty. We will make sure you are not discovered."
Queen Lili's gaze lingered on her maids, searching for any sign of doubt or uncertainty. But Susan and Emma stood tall, their faces a picture of confidence and determination.
"Fine," the queen said finally, her voice firm. "How long will the journey take? Is the land far?"
Susan hesitated, her eyes flicking towards Emma before returning to the queen. "It will be a long journey, Your Majesty. But if we leave at night, we can reach the temple of the moon goddess and shall be able to return by dawn."
Queen Lili's eyes widened, her mind racing with the implications. She had never been one for long journeys, preferring the comfort and luxury of her palace. But she knew that this was a necessary evil, a small price to pay for a child to call her own, which she so desperately craved to have.
"But I don't know how to ride a horse very well," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Susan smiled, her eyes shining with reassurance. "I will ride the horse, Your Majesty. You can ride behind me."
Queen Lili's face relaxed, a small smile playing on her lips. She knew that she could trust Susan and Emma, that they would do everything in their power to keep her safe.
"At nightfall, we shall go together," she said finally, her voice firm and resolute.
As the maids finished preparing her, Queen Lili rose from her seat, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves. She knew that the journey ahead would be long and arduous, but she was determined to see it through. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was taking control of her own destiny, and it was a heady feeling indeed.
As night descended upon the palace, Emma donned a disguise, dressing in Queen Lili's attire and taking her place in the chambers. "I shall m not be disturbed," she commanded the guards outside, her voice mimicking the queen's authoritative tone.
Meanwhile, Queen Lili herself donned a simple maid's dress, her hair hidden beneath a headtie. She bowed her head, adopting a subservient posture to avoid detection. Susan, dressed in her own disguise, joined her, and together they slipped out of the palace, avoiding the main gates.
They made their way to the rear of the palace, where the walls loomed tall. Susan produced a small ladder, and they began to climb, their hands and feet finding holds in the stone. The night air was filled with the distant calls of the bodyguards, their torches casting flickering shadows on the ground below.
As they neared the top, a patrol passed beneath them, their voices carrying up to the queen and Susan. "Halt! Who goes there?" one of them shouted, their eyes scanning the darkness.
Queen Lili's heart raced as she pushed off from the wall, landing awkwardly on the outside. Her ankle twisted, sending a jolt of pain through her leg. But she didn't hesitate, Susan's hand grasping hers as they took off into a swift, silent run.
Their destination lay in the nearby village, where a horse waited, its owner paid to keep the horse ready. They approached the spot, a figure emerging from the shadows. "The horse, as promised," he said, his voice low and gravelly.
Susan handed over the remaining coins, and the man nodded, his face obscured by a hood. "I'll return for the horse, as agreed." With that, he vanished into the darkness, leaving the queen and Susan to mount the horse and begin their perilous journey.
As they rode into the night, Queen Lili's thoughts raced with the dangers that lay ahead. But she was driven by a fierce determination, her heart fixed on the destination Temple of the Moon Goddess, a temple in Gath and the hope it offers her a child.
Hours later, by midnight, they arrived at the entrance of the temple and dismounted their horses, their eyes met the serene gaze of the monks standing outside the temple. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, they approached the monks, unsure of the proper greeting. Their awkwardness was evident, but the oldest monk, with a kind smile, extended his hands in a welcoming gesture, beckoning them to enter.
Stepping inside, they were enveloped by the temple's tranquil atmosphere. Soft light filtered through the intricately carved windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the polished stone floor. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the gentle hum of chanting monks created a sense of peace.
With reverence, the queen and her maid bowed deeply, their hands clasped together in respect. They moved further into the temple, their footsteps echoing off the walls. As they reached the inner sanctum, they bowed again, their heads touching the ground. In silence, they offered prayers, their hearts filled with hope.
Time stood still as they communed with the divine. The soft rustling of their clothing and the gentle creaking of the old wooden floorboards were the only sounds that broke the silence. Finally, they rose, their faces serene, and began to make their way back towards the entrance.
As they stepped out of the temple, they were met with the warm smile of the oldest monk. "Please, travelers, won't you stay for a cup of warm tea?" he asked, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The queen exchanged a glance with her maid, and they nodded in unison. "We'd be honored, but we must hurry back to Eridoria before dawn," they replied, their voices filled with a mix of gratitude and urgency.
The monk nodded understandingly, leading them to a secluded garden. A steaming teapot and delicate cups awaited them, surrounded by the soothing sounds of a gentle fountain and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.