She took a minute for the surprise to sink in, and then the wheels in her head started to spin. She felt almost dizzy at the implications that could be. She didn’t try to understand what this meant or how to discern its meaning. She simply stared at the picture and hoped that an explanation would present itself. As if in answer, the double doors opened to let in a shaft of light that caused Melenthia to squint in order to see who had entered and disrupted the silence. She saw a small lithe figure coming toward her from the other side of the building and figured out it was Dallen by the way she moved.
When Dallen reached her side and looked up at the wall Melenthia had been staring at not moments before, her nose wrinkled in dismay. Melenthia suspected then that she was not intended to see what was in this building, and someone had forgotten to tell her. She also suspected it was Dallen who had made the error.
Dallen looked at her and tried her best to smile. Melenthia didn’t smile back but instead asked, “What is this all about, Dallen? What does this depiction mean?”
“It is not my place to interfere in this. Perhaps I should take you to His Majesty.”
“Perhaps you should.”
Melenthia was not really mad at her but had uneasy feelings that she was not able to swallow. Something was wrong. She suddenly was afraid to find out what it was. She had a feeling that she was going to once again get some news that would turn her life upside down.
After extinguishing their candles and placing them back in the rack with the others, Melenthia followed Dallen down the path toward the city center. They were silent for a long time, but Melenthia felt that she should make sure Dallen knew she was not angry with her. She had been a big help to her since she’d been here, helping with her training, but had also become friends as well. It had been a long time since she had anyone that she could talk to, or that she enjoyed being with. Dallen had the same carefree attitude she had, and Melenthia felt they shared a kindred spirit. Sometimes they stayed awake nights talking and giggling just like ordinary girls. Dallen meant a lot to her, and she wanted nothing to come between that.
“Dallen, was I not supposed to go into the temple? Was I forbidden to enter without permission?”
“It was not forbidden but only intended to be delayed until the king thought things were ready to be revealed. I am at fault. I failed in telling you. It is my responsibility, not your mistake. I will take whatever consequences befall me.”
“I don’t think you should get into trouble for my curiosity.”
“The king is stern but fair. My punishment will not be severe. I must learn.”
They continued on until they reached the city and turned down the path toward the residence of the king. They passed the guards on the steps and entered the hall. Tomaz was in audience with Theron. Dallen and Melenthia waited silently at the doors until beckoned. Theron saw them waiting and motioned them to enter. Melenthia and Dallen bowed in reverence, then rose when told to do so. Dallen approached the steps and looked up at her grandfather.
“I am afraid Melenthia has been inside the temple, Your Majesty.”
Theron looked from Dallen to Melenthia. “You have questions.”
“Yes.”
Theron waved Dallen off, dismissing her until called. Dallen bowed again and left the room. Theron looked now at Tomaz, but said nothing. Something passed between them and Melenthia caught it.
“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but there’s something you’re not telling me. I have a right to know. Why is my picture in the temple with past royalty?” Her tone was high and accusing.
Theron looked at Melenthia without speaking, his eyes softly penetrating through her, and she felt calm wash over her.
“You know the answer to that, Melenthia. You need to just trust your heart.”
She was silent for the longest time, biting her lip in consternation. Tears started to well up, but she did her best to hold them back. “My mother,” she simply said. “But how is that possible?”
“Your mother, Aerwyn, was my daughter, Princess of Vallis. Your father had been king for only a couple of years, becoming so at such an early age. One day he got lost while on the hunt, and wandered too close to our border. Aerwyn was working when the warriors at the gate were informed of his arrival. She was a curious girl, precocious and feisty, not unlike you, and she wanted to see the human for herself. When she saw him, she had a desire to be near him and ordered the border patrol to allow her to go with them to escort him away from the border. When she saw him up close, she became more enamored with him and spoke to him. When she did that, he knew where he was, and the spell we cast to erase his memory failed. He was just as enamored with her as she was with him. When she came to me and told me, I was furious. There had not been contact with the humans for many, many years. I forbade her from making contact again, but she went behind my back several times. I saw the love she had for this man, but I was worried about what might happen if I allowed them to be together. Power can often cloud one’s judgment, and I did not want her to be corrupted by the ways of man. When we heard about the coming conflict with the rebels from across the Tiernan Sea, we watched the king and his troops bring peace to the rebellion. I was impressed with your father’s love and compassion for his people and for his ability to allay the fears and need for uprising in those that would oppose him. I saw his ability to keep the peace. Together with the southern king, they brought peace and quiet to Aelethia and helped keep its borders safe. I decided that Aerwyn was wise enough to choose her path and gave her permission to be with him. When she came to me a year later, I gave my blessing for them to be married. I saw how much he loved her and knew how well he treated her. They worked together to rule the realm with justice and love. I knew that I had judged him unfairly. There has not been a union of an elf and a human for more than five hundred years. Your mother and father were the first since long before the Great War. Their love was true, so I felt confident they would make it.”