by Frank David
“I do not trust her,” Astrid added. “I do not know why but something about her makes me uneasy.”
“I agree.” Angelique looked puzzled. “It could be simply that we do not know her. We know the stories of her people, but we must not base our conclusions on history. Perhaps they have changed.”
“I will not allow who they were to influence my judgment of her, or her people. It would be unjust to do so. I will have my men watch her closely.” Stela turned to Antonio. “She said God has been orchestrating this, did you not find that odd? Also, the comment about God being no more, what was that about?”
Antonio stood staring. He knew the answers to the questions she asked but feared the consequences if he were to shed light on the subject.
“She is a fool, corrupted by Diana,” Braynard announced. “Do not believe her lies. It is her daughter who will bring the war to Hulsteria.”
“I should have known you would be appearing.” Stela rolled her eyes. “I am curious, why do you always appear just as someone is about to answer a question that may bring us understanding, only to make it all more confusing?”
“I tell you what you need to know.” Braynard glared at her. “I provide the details that will help you, but I will not give you the answers to the questions you seek. To do so would be too easy.”
“Is Joseph to attack Trokha?” Astrid looked at the man, waiting for him to strike her down for the question.
“I have no desire to bring you harm, Princess,” Braynard laughed. “I believe you have the wrong impression of me, you all do. Joseph will unite the four realms but not through violence.”
“Why would Diana show Svetlana false visions?” Angelique maintained her distance from the man. She had not had the same encounters as the others but took her lead from them.
“Diana hates any who follow the word of God. She hates God himself. She would destroy him had she the power. The two have maintained a stalemate since her creation and exile. Neither can destroy the other. They keep the balance of good and evil. Neither is all good, nor all bad, but each does lean more toward one extreme. I will tell you both are approaching the end of their reigns. This frightens Diana. She has craved an end for millennia but now that she is facing her end time she will do what she can to stop what fate holds for her. God, on the other hand, welcomes the release.”
“Who will bring about their end?” Harris asked with caution.
“The one who is destined,” Braynard laughed, as he vanished from sight.
“The man infuriates me,” Harris commented, running his hands through his hair in frustration.
“Agreed,” Stela laughed. “Enough of this, we can continue this after the wedding. It is time to celebrate.”
Chapter Eighteen – The Wedding
The wedding ceremony was beautiful. Stela believed it was better than her first and hoped it would be an indication that their short marriage would be happier as well. The day was bittersweet for her. She knew her time with her friends and family was dwindling. She would make the most of every moment that remained. Braynard promised the birth of a child before Diana’s followers, led by Daniella, made their strike.
Stela and Harris entered the hall. Their guests were seated but stood as the two made their way down the hall. She missed her sister, and Felicia, who had still not yet returned from escorting Joseph to Xasha. She was also painfully aware that Charity was not in attendance.
Stela looked at Harris. His smile brought her joy. She was satisfied in Braynard’s prediction about the two. She could not imagine a better match for her than the man standing beside her.
She looked toward the table that housed her family. Her mother sat next to Orthia. Roderick was absent, still residing in Xasha. Orthia’s husband and children completed the table.
She looked at Harris’ family. They were adapting well to Imperial life. They seemed the model family. After having verified Mary’s line to Cedric, no one was willing to speak out against her, or mention her son being a bastard. Brett had been allowed to take residence at Sutton Estate and begin his duties as Imperial Grand Duke. It reminded Stela, she needed to speak with Frederick about Samantha.
The guests began eating as Stela took her seat. The Benedictus was seated to her left. He gave her a smile. It would seem his feelings for her had changed since she ascended. He was warmer toward her now. Gone was the bitterness and conflict.
“Benedictus, if you knew your time was limited, what would you do with the time remaining?” she whispered over the clamoring guests.
“My dear, if I were fortunate enough to have an idea of when my time was to expire, I would ensure those that I love knew exactly what they meant to me. I would live every remaining day to the fullest with friends and family. I would separate myself from the Church,” he laughed.
“Is there anything you would do for those left behind?” Stela tried not to allow her emotion to betray her, but it was difficult.
“Why such questions? This is a joyous day. It is a day to dream of what lies ahead of you and young Harris. It is a day to rejoice with all your friends and family who have come to bask in your happiness, and those who have come to hope you are miserable.” He smiled and placed his hand on hers.
“Thank you, Antonio.” Stela patted his hand. “Svetlana seems to be behaving.”
“Yes, I instructed my men to keep an eye on her as well. They have said she has been nothing but a perfect lady. I am still uneasy about her.” Antonio raised his brow.
“I believe everyone has instructed their men to watch her. A barbarian back on Hulsterian soil. I believe she makes everyone uneasy.” Stela eyed the woman.
“Have you noticed Braynard has not appeared?” Antonio commented. “Perhaps we have found his deterrent,” he laughed.
“Should I ask her to make Helmsley her permanent home?” Stela joined in his laughter.
“On another note, I know your sister wishes to marry Frederick’s daughter,” Antonio began.
“Antonio, I do not wish to argue with you about this.” Stela gave him a stern stare.
“Nor do I. I would like to perform the ceremony. Not as Benedictus, nor as a representative of the Church, but as Roderick’s grandfather. I still believe, religiously, such unions are unnatural, but I still wish to be a part of the affair.” Antonio smiled. “One can have religious views and personal views that do not necessarily agree.”
“I think that would make Sofia and Felicia very happy,” she smiled as she leaned over and kissed him on his cheek.
The feast continued. Stela watched the guests. The occasional guest would approach and wish the new couple well. Her melancholy began to dissipate. She began to see the joy in the celebration and not the beginning of the end of her life.
“I think we should meet with our guests,” she whispered to Harris.
“I agree,” he said as he stood to help her with her chair. “I will begin at my parents’ table. You visit those you need.”
“I should visit your parents, as well,” Stela said as she grabbed his hand to follow him.
“No, go meet with the guests who have come to see you. There will be much time for you to visit with my family.” Harris kissed her on the cheek and headed toward his parents.
Stela approached her mother. “Greetings, mother.”
“Stelaphina, you look beautiful.” Stela knew the insincerity in her voice. “Why is Harris not with you?”
“We are visiting separately. He will make his way to you, in time.” Stela turned her attention to Orthia. “Orthia, you look lovely. Look how big my nephews have gotten.” She smiled at the boys seated next to their father.
“Thank you, Stela,” Orthia blushed at the compliment. “I hope you and Harris are as happy as Alex and I have been all these years.”
“Thank you,” Stela responded. Her attention was drawn to the entrance to the Great Hall. A strong gust had swept through the room and the guests had grown quiet. An old woman stood in the archway. Stela was not familiar w
ith the woman. All faces were on the woman, standing alone.
Stela rushed to greet the unknown guest. “Welcome,” she said.
“Empress,” the old woman did her best to curtsy but lost her footing in the act, nearly falling over. Stela assisted her. The flashes came. Her blood was different, not Imperial, nor Royal.
“Who are you and why are you here?” Stela asked.
“I am from Xasha. I am the Dowager Imperial Grand Archduchess of Otersen, Carolyn Gustoff. I was aware there were no representatives from Xasha, so thought it best that I attend. I hope you do not mind.” The old woman smiled.
“Of course not. Welcome,” Stela watched the woman as she entered the hall. She claimed to be of Imperial blood, but she could not sense the connection. Perhaps she was the wife of the Imperial, hence she may not be of the same blood.
“Where is she?” The voice greeted Stela. She saw Braynard standing outside the hall. She walked over to him.
“Where is who?” Stela asked. “Why are you out here?”
“I will not come in there with her here.” Braynard’s tone was harsh.
“Svetlana bothers you that much?” She had never seen the man so on edge.
“Oh, to hell with her. It is Diana. She is here. I can sense her.” He searched the crowd. “I do not see her, but I know she is here. Damn woman came disguised. I loathe her!” he shouted. “I will meet her at her game.” Braynard’s appearance changed before Stela’s eyes. The man seemed to regress in age by fifteen years. His hair had turned yellow, his eyes remained green.
“What is this?” Stela stood staring in amazement.
“Another trick,” Braynard snipped at her. “I will find her and force her to reveal herself.”
“I want no trouble at my wedding,” she yelled as he entered the hall.
Stela saw the old woman sitting with Svetlana. She found it odd she would gravitate to the woman no one knew. She approached the table.
“Svetlana,” the old woman greeted the queen. “It is I, your Diana.”
“Goddess,” Svetlana looked in awe at the old woman sitting next to her. “Why do you look like that?”
“I could not come in my form. Braynard would recognize me at once. You should not have come here,” Diana scolded the woman.
“I need to do what I can to stop what is coming,” Svetlana said, still unsure the woman was Diana.
“You cannot stop it. You have only put yourself in danger,” Diana whispered.
“Danger,” she laughed, “from Stela?”
“Yes, she is not the same woman she once was. That is why I have come. I needed to see for myself if what I have been told is true. You must leave at once.”
Svetlana stood to leave as Stela approached.
“Svetlana,” Stela greeted her. “I see my guest from Xasha has decided to sit with you. Do you know each other?” Stela watched their reactions.
“I saw an empty seat. My old body needed to rest,” the old woman offered. “I am sorry if I was incorrect in taking this place.”
“I do not wish for violence at my wedding but if you insist, I will make this hall a bloodbath.” Stela stood firm. “I know it is you, Diana!” Her voice rang through the hall. Braynard turned toward Stela. He noticed the old woman.
“I do not know what you are talking about, Majesty. I am a citizen of Xasha come to partake in your happy day.” The old woman’s voice cracked as she spoke.
“Braynard has shown me the tricks you possess. Reveal your true self or I will be forced to strike you down where you sit.” Stela’s voice raised as did her anger.
“You would strike down a defenseless old woman who only comes to wish you well?” The old woman gave her a faint smile.
“If you have not heard, I took the head of my first husband, your Imperial Prince Royal. Do you really think I would hesitate to take the head of an old woman who seeks to bring pain to my day?” At the mention of violence, her sword materialized in her hand. The talons took to her arm and the eye awakened, ready for battle. The gasps of the crowd stopped her.
The old woman stood, “It’s true, you have changed.” The woman’s form changed in front of Stela. Gone was the frail old form. Now a giant of a woman stood before her. The gray hair was replaced by long ebony locks. The tired blue eyes were now gray and full of life. “Do you still believe you can take my head, Empress?
“Stop!” Braynard shouted as he returned to his form. “You will not push Stela any further.” He approached the women. The guests began to move away from the growing tension.
“I made a mistake coming here,” Svetlana said quietly. “I wish to leave and return to my home. I wish to leave you in peace.” Her guards rushed in to protect their queen but were stopped by Stela’s own men.
“Your Goddess is here. Why would you wish to leave?” Stela growled at the woman, stopping her movement.
“Tell your husband to stand down,” Diana ordered.
Stela looked at Harris, a fireball ready in his hand. “Harris, no,” she ordered. The fireball extinguished.
“You wield a Divina Mundi. Please, allow me to leave. I was wrong to come to you with my visions,” Svetlana’s pleas fell on deaf ears.
“A Divina Mundi?” Stela asked.
“It is a dragon blade, able to strike down a God. Do you not know the story?” Svetlana laughed. “You have the most powerful weapon in all of Saaveth but do not understand the power you command.”
“Shut up, you fool,” Diana snarled at the woman.
“This blade could kill your Goddess?” Stela glared at Diana. “I could bring an end to all of this, here and now, with one swing of my blade.” She raised the blade.
“Majesty,” Stela’s attention was drawn to the man entering, he carried a note. “A letter from Xasha.”
Svetlana’s brow began to glow as beads of sweat formed. Was this the note that would seal her fate? Would Stela discover what she had planned for her young son?
Stela took the letter. Her face turned white. Quickly the pale was replaced with a deep burning crimson. “You tried to have my son murdered?” she accused.
“I needed to stop what was coming!” Svetlana screamed.
“Stela, steady your sword,” Diana gave the warning.
“Or what? You will come for me? I wield the Divina Mundi. Are you willing to risk the life you hold so dear for one who would attempt to kill a child?” Stela’s anger grew. “My child!” she screamed. “You will be happy to know that your plot failed, bitch. My son lives. My son defeated your men, alone!” Stela laughed.
“Stela, calm down,” Braynard moved for her.
“Stay away from me,” Stela ordered. “I am sick of taking orders from you. You have forced my hand every step of the way. Today, I begin to do as I please!” Her eyes scared Braynard. He had never seen such anger in another’s eyes. If he did not know better, he would swear her eyes had changed color, albeit a subtle change. Perhaps he had pushed her too far, made her suffer too much.
“Stela,” Courtney called out. “Please, do not do this. This is your wedding day!”
“It is my wedding day. These two bitches decided they wanted to ruin it, so I will make sure if it is ruined, it will be ruined properly.” Stela turned to look at Courtney.
Courtney grabbed her arm to pull her from the two women. The flashes came. Her blood, the connection. Her Imperial blood…mixed with another. Stela pulled her arm away from Courtney.
“You! You are the third who was to betray me,” Stela accused. “I thought it was Daniella, but all this time, it was you.”
“What? No, you are mistaken. I would never betray you.” Courtney fell to her knees knowing the truth had been uncovered.
She turned her focus back to Diana. “Is there no one I care about that you have not corrupted?” She raised the blade to the woman’s chest.
“I corrupted Rupert,” Diana laughed. “That is why Braynard had him killed.”
Stela turned to face the man. “Is this true? Did you ha
ve Rupert killed?”
“Stela, let me explain. I did it for you!” Braynard cried out from across the room. “If he had lived, he would have betrayed you as well. She controls them.”
“Tell me, all seeing, who else is to betray me? I will strike them down now. I am sure they are all here. Is this whore to betray me,” she pointed the sword at Svetlana. “Or is she just to betray my son?”
She moved across the room. “Perhaps it is you who will betray me?” She placed the blade at his throat. “I am sure the Divina Mundi can eliminate a simple Scientia.”
Diana’s laughter caught Stela’s ear. She turned toward the Goddess. “What do you find so amusing?”
“You cannot be this simple,” Diana teased. “You do not know who the man is? You have no clue?” Diana’s laugh grew. “Perhaps I have nothing to fear from you. You do not even see the most obvious of truths.”
“What are you saying?” Stela bellowed, as she moved toward Diana.
“The man you know as a simple Scientia is the man you call God.” Diana’s laughter could not be contained.
The crowd sat silently as the idea of the man being God sank in.
“What kind of God plays with the lives of those who believe in him?” Stela stood motionless. She moved her glances between the two deities, unsure of which she wanted to strike down more.
“Ask him about Victoria,” Diana continued. “Ask him why he allowed her to die. Your brother begged him to save her, but he refused.”
“Is this true?” Stela looked at Braynard. The pain in his eyes gave her the answer. “You murder innocent children? Yet you command us to love one another, you hypocrite. You tell us murder is wrong, yet you stand by while a baby dies!”
Stela saw Svetlana attempting to escape. “Stop!” she yelled. The woman did not heed her warning. The blade raised and moved Stela forward. Stela could not stop the movement until it found its mark. Svetlana stopped as the blade penetrated her back, only feet from her men. She pulled the blade back and the woman fell to the ground at her feet.
“No!” Diana screamed. “It was not enough Declan killed my son. Now you take another of my children.”