Five years had passed since Lili's escape. Ava, now a lively five-year-old, was growing up in secret, protected by Elara and Jenkins. Meanwhile, Prince Alexander, four years old and full of energy, remained oblivious to the drama surrounding his family.
Xaren, through her hired assassins, had been searching for Lili for four long years. Frustrated and desperate, she decided to seek out Gaius, the enigmatic figure she had met on the mountain few years ago.
As she climbed the winding path, the sound of humming carried on the wind. Xaren's eyes narrowed; she recognized the tune. Rounding a boulder, she found Gaius sitting cross-legged on the ground, his eyes closed, lost in the melody.
"Do you live here now?" Xaren asked, removing the scarf that covered her head, revealing her striking features.
Gaius's eyes snapped open, and he rose to his feet, his movements fluid. "Why have you come here, My Queen?" His voice was low, cautious.
Xaren's gaze pierced the air. "Where is she? Where can I find her?"
Gaius's expression turned bland, feigning ignorance. "Who?"
Xaren's eyes flashed with annoyance. "Don't play games with me, Gaius. Lili, the deposed queen, tell me! Where is she?"
Gaius shrugged, his shoulders barely rising. "I haven't seen or heard from her, Your Majesty. Why would you even ask me, I am not a private investigator neither am I a spy, what business do I have with the deposed queen?"
Xaren's jaw clenched. "If Lili becomes a threat to the throne, I'll take her out of the way. But why can't I find her?" Her voice dripped with frustration.
Gaius's gaze locked onto Xaren's, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Do you need my help, My Queen? Then let me know."
Xaren's eyes narrowed, sensing the subtle challenge. She knew Gaius was hiding something.
"I'll find her, with or without your assistance," Xaren warned, her voice dripping with venom.
Gaius smiled, his lips curling upward. "I have no doubt you'll try, My Queen."
The air was thick with tension as Xaren turned to leave, her mind racing with strategies to uncover Lili's hiding place.
Xaren halted in her steps, her boots scuffling against the rocky terrain. She turned back, her gaze piercing the fading light. "What do you want, Gaius?" she asked, her voice laced with caution.
Gaius's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity. "Get me a position in the palace," he demanded, his voice low and deliberate.
Xaren's eyebrows shot up. "What position? Minister? King's adviser? What exactly?" she asked, surprised at his audacity.
Gaius's smile was enigmatic. "In this godless land, don't you need a god?" he countered. "Make me the High Priest. I will ensure the king's ear is always attuned to the divine."
Xaren's laughter was laced with skepticism. "I can get you a place to stay, make you feel at home here in Eridoria, but I fear you're getting greedy, Gaius."
Gaius's expression remained unruffled. "No, my lady," he said, his voice dripping with assurance. "I will put all your worries to rest if I become High Priest. You won't have to worry about the former queen, and no one can threaten your reign."
Xaren's curiosity was piqued. "How?" she asked, her voice softer.
Gaius's eyes locked onto hers. "My words will be the words of the gods. I will ensure the king's loyalty remains with you, and I will be the buffer between you and any potential threats."
Xaren's mind whirled with the implications. She weighed the risks and benefits, her gaze never leaving Gaius's.
Just as she opened her mouth to respond, Gaius vanished into thin air.
Xaren gasped, her eyes scanning the empty space. "Where can I find you?" she called out, her voice echoing off the mountainside. "Should I return to give you an answer?"
The air seemed to vibrate with Gaius's response. "I will always be here, ready whenever you are."
The silence that followed was oppressive, covering her head with the scarf, Queen Xaren hastened to return to the palace before her absence will be noticed.
At the palace, Queen Xaren, resplendent in her royal attire, swept through the palace corridors, her presence commanding attention. Her gown, a majestic blend of crimson and gold, hugged her curves, accentuating her regal bearing. The intricate embroidery depicted Eridoria's coat of arms, shimmering in the soft light. Around her neck, a delicate golden collar gleamed, adorned with a ruby pendant, symbolizing her status as queen. Her raven tresses cascaded down her back, secured with a golden circlet.
As she approached the king's chambers, a eunuch hastened to announce her arrival. "Your Majesty, Queen Xaren requests an audience."
King Erian's gaze flicked from Lili's bracelet, which he had been contemplatively fingering, to the eunuch. He swiftly concealed the bracelet in a drawer, focusing on the reports before him. "Admit her."
The doors swung open, and Xaren glided in, her maidens parting to allow her passage. She bowed respectfully, her voice a melodious whisper. "My king."
King Erian's eyes rose from the documents, his expression neutral. "What brings you here, my queen? Please, have a seat."
Xaren settled into the proffered chair, her movements fluid. "Thank you, my lord. May I join you for a moment?"
"Of course," King Erian replied, his gaze lingering on her. "How's our son Alexander faring?"
"He's thriving, growing remarkably well, right now, he is sleeping." Xaren said, a warm smile spreading across her face.
King Erian nodded, his interest genuine. "I'm glad to hear that."
Xaren's expression turned solemn. "My lord, I wish to discuss a pressing matter. When will this land hear again from the gods? The ancient prophecy's fulfillment is eagerly awaited."
King Erian leaned back, steepling his fingers. "The prophecy will unfold in due time."
Xaren's eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a hint of urgency. "When, exactly? My lord, the people's patience wanes."
King Erian's gaze locked onto hers, "is there something you want to tell me?"