Chapter Five

Underworld Realm

Lothaire's Demesne

Throne Room

•LOTHAIRE•

         In the realm of the living, it was already dawn. Phaelin remained dormant in her chamber. I sat on my throne, smiling, recalling the events of the previous night. The supper we had seemed like a reunion for both of us. Her presence made me feel at ease. The dinner was a lengthy discussion and explanation. However, I would take some time and wait patiently. I understand she is still perplexed by the events. Mortals are delicate beings, and I cannot predict her since she is one. Everything should be taken slowly and carefully. I cannot afford to lose a thing too precious.

           I recalled our exchange of words as I escorted her back to her chamber to rest.

         “Thank you…” she mouthed as I opened the door for her. The dinner was already finished. I took the chance to guide her back.

         “My pleasure,” I replied, and she yawned. 

         “However, not because I expressed my gratitude, I am already accepting all of what is happening,” she countered. Phaelin exaggeratedly stretched her hand to express her emotions. 

         I chuckled. “I understand that you are astonished,” I said whilst smiling. 

         “Do not laugh at me,” she countered. I immediately changed my expression to a cold gaze, but I was still laughing at the back of my mind. 

         “I apologize…” I said, “If you need anything, you can knock on my door.”

         “What if I do not want to bother you?” she asked. 

         “The servants’ quarters are located at the end of this hall,” I replied. 

         “What if I do not want to disturb them as well?” she asked once again. 

         “This enormous palace will make you lost if you are not yet familiar with it,” I stated, “Feel comfortable to call anyone if you need help.”

         “Alright,” she simply answered, “I am hoping you a good night, Lothaire.”

         “And you as well,” I uttered as she closed the door. The lock clicked, signaling that she had already made it impossible for anyone to enter. I, on the other hand, stayed still outside. I sensed her presence and felt her—the pace of her breathing, the pulse of her core, the pause of her feet—at the opposite end of the room. The only thing that separates our being is the door of her chamber. "Good night, my lady," I mumbled.

         I came back to reality as the entrance of the throne room opened. “Lothaire,” a Solumian entered and greeted in front. It was the messenger of the gods—Vaughan. His wings folded as he bowed. The golden winged sandals he wore complimented his hat—the Atreus. I told him to rise and he came forth. “What brings you to the underworld?” I calmly asked. He stood in front of me and looped his wand—the Comeneus—above his head.

         “Arwald demands you to be in Solum,” he stated. 

         “At this moment?” I tried to confirm. 

         He nodded and answered, “Indeed.”

• ⚘⚔⚘ •

Arwald’s Realm

Solum

Palace

•LOTHAIRE•

          I went through the entrance of the Great Hall. I heard voices echoing through the walls. “His betrothed has already set foot in his dominion,” I heard Arwald spoke.

         Daciana asked, “In the underworld?”

         “I believe,” Naeitha answered.

         “A mortal in the underworld,” Cytheria uttered. Amusement can be heard in her voice. Indeed, it was the first time a mortal maiden was brought to the underworld to be united with the ruler of the dead.

         Bryndis questioned, “What is her name?”

         “Her name is Phaelin,” I stated, interrupting their conversation, “Phaelin Dominicus.” There was a sudden silence as my voice echoed through the four walls of the great hall. My footsteps are now loud and distinct. Their whole attention was drawn to me.

         “Brother,” Arwald declared my arrival. I firmly went to my seat. They gave a nod as I placed myself in position.

         “To what is discourse all about?” I asked as I placed down my helmet of invisibility. I leaned a bit and rested my back. 

         “Brother, we are not deliberating anything,” Caliban answered. My expression was filled with bewilderment. I turned to face Naeitha, then Bryndis, and then back to Arwald. If nothing is to be discussed, I am not certain what this gathering is all about.

        Edreiba coughed, signaling that he wanted to break the stillness between us all. He directed his gaze squarely at me. There was a mark of delight in his face before he said, “We are going to rejoice since you have been united with your fated queen.” Then and there, the Solumian musicians encircled our council with a symphony of trumpets. Doves soared high from the golden apple trees, whose limbs swayed to the beat. The gods all smiled as they snapped, and streaks of light were unleashed above us all, signaling the rejoicing of my betrothed's arrival.

         I gave them a displeased look. “We are not wedded yet by Bryndis,” I said, “No one can declare that she is my queen or consort without a formal ceremony.” The noises faded out in an awkward manner and servants oddly went back behind the pillars. The tree branches grimaced, as if they did not expect my reaction. Disappointment filled the faces of my brothers and sisters. 

         “However," Denali answered, "You are already with her and it is what's significant." They agreed on what he stated, but still looking in my direction as if they were trying to convince. I have too many duties in my dominion and I cannot leave my betrothed alone. I have to weigh the circumstances critically. The celebration can wait. However, I also know in my entirety that my brothers and sisters have been waiting for this moment a long time. I have been despondent and distant as a result of losing Gulya before. They have been helping to return her, but none of us have been able to do so. She is nowhere to be found and so is my existence. Hence, seeing I regained my strength and will, because of knowing a mortal maiden and having her in my dominion, delighted them all. After a moment of epiphany, I gave them a grin and uttered, "Fine." All of their eyes widened. They all drew in closer to hear what I was about to say. "The council will rejoice," I added.

         Arwald snapped and transferred us to the Dining Hall of his palace. At that point, we sat around a table made of the finest white marble. Bryndis raised her hand half-way and their servants came. They presented fresh fruits, honey, and scrumptious cuisine. Sivert was overjoyed at the sight of wines and other beverages. They handed a glassful of alkuhsia which I declined at first. 

         “Do not smother bliss,” Lorcan countered and forcefully placed the glass in my grip.

 "I will leave before midnight,” I told them, but they acted as if they did not hear a thing. The feast started and all that came out of their mouths was my fated consort’s name. They were so eager to know more about her. The servants endlessly placed various dishes further as they spoke.

SUNDOWN

         I felt unsteady as I looked at one of the Dining Hall’s windows. “Here is another bottle of Alkuhsia!” Sivert exclaimed, raising the drink. A Solumian gypsy sat on his lap, while he held the waist of the other.

         “We are certainly happy for you, brother,” Cytheria stated in a shaking voice whilst pointing her finger. I could see that the beverage filled her system as she leaned on her husband, Edreiba. I sensed I also imbibed exceedingly. I could not drink any further than my limit. It was already enough.

         “You now have a wife!” Caliban yelled. I leaned my back again as the clarity of my sight reduced. My head felt heavy. I replied in a cold tone, “We are not yet linked by our customs—”

         “Drink more!” Sivert shouted and offered another glass as he tried to hush my statement. I shook my head and did not take it. “Come on,” he added and let out a hiccup. 

         “No,” I replied, “Last time, I set myself on fire. I do not want that to occur again.” They all laughed. After a while, I stood up—trying to balance myself. I told them that I had to go since the sun was already setting but they insisted on finishing the last bottle of Alkuhsia. I moved the plates in front of me and rested my head on the marble table. I took a nap as they continued celebrating. Their voices slowly faded before I fell into a trance. 

         “I asked Azael to pick these flowers from the upper world. I know you’d like it,” I said, whilst handing Gulya a bouquet. I was looking for her when I saw her sitting on the bench outside the palace. 

         She gazed and gave me an unconvincing smile. She took the bouquet and placed it beside her. “Would you mind if I sat?” I asked.

         “I do not mind” she simply replied whilst staring from a distant. 

         I felt a searing pain inside my chest as I took a glance at my wife. Her face was cold as the wind. I reached out for her hand but she pulled it away. 

         “Lothaire,” she coldly stated. I can sense how deeply she breathes. I watched her turn in my direction. 

         “Is anything bothering you?” I asked. 

         She chuckled bitterly. The crinkle in her eyes disappeared and she answered, “There is.”

         The beat inside my chest became louder in her response. 

         “Do not tell me it is about the upper world and your mother,” I tried to guess. At that moment, she lowered her head and a bucket of tears fell from her eyes. 

         “I am not happy anymore,” she hopelessly whispered, “I do not belong here. I try hard every single day, but I constantly feel incomplete. Staying here drains my being, Lothaire.”

         I felt a sudden jolt as I heard a glass shattered. It woke me up and the moment I opened my eyes, I was astounded at what I saw. The entire Dining Hall of Solum was a total mess. Servants are already cleaning whilst my brothers and sisters are still asleep. 

         “Vaughan,” I mumbled, trying to wake him up. 

         His eyes were still closed. He replied drunkenly, “Oh, my dear brother Lothaire.”

         “I will leave now,” I uttered. My eyes were already out-of-focus and the ache I felt in my head quite increased. He nodded as a response although I knew he did not understand, not even an ounce of what I said. I simply pulled him and we headed towards the stables of Solum to get my chariot. I wore my helm and commanded my Pegasuses to lead us back. 

• ⚘⚔⚘ •

Underworld Realm

Lothaire' Demesne

Palace 

•LOTHAIRE•

         "Azael," I called, and he came shortly. I was already out-of-balance when he appeared in front of me. 

         "Are you alright, your majesty?” he asked whilst trying to guide me in my footsteps. The other servants came and tried to help. 

         “There is nothing to worry about. I simply had an excessive intake of Alkuhsia,” I replied, “Proceed on what you are doing.”

         “I will bring you to your chamber, my lord,” Azael offered. My eyes were already half-closed. 

         “Did anything happen?” I asked. 

         “The ladyship was looking for you the whole day,” he stated. 

         “She looked for me?” I asked once more, trying to confirm if I heard it accurately. 

         “Indeed, your highness,” he answered, “When she realized you are nowhere to be found, she locked herself in her chamber. We tried to offer her anything and few of the servants even waited outside her door, yet she told them she did not want anything.”

         “Was she mad?” I questioned. 

         “There was no sign of anger in her face, my lord,” he replied, “However, we felt that she was lonely.” 

         “Lonely,” I repeated what he said. I felt a sudden guilt since I did not leave any word to her. We walked through the corridor. The echo of our footsteps can be heard. As we approached Phaelin's door, I felt an urge to knock but I chose not to. She might be asleep and I do not want to disturb her. Azael and I arrived at the door of my chamber. He opened it and led me inside. He left afterwards and I headed straight to my bed. 

         At that point in time, I stared at the ceiling. The coldness of the underworld can be felt. My ears became deaf because of the silence. I stretched out my arm. The other side of the bed was empty. The unoccupied part was like a hollow space inside my chest. 

         As I was about to close my eyes, I heard a knock on the door. 

         "Come in," I stated. The being entered the room. I was still staring on the ceiling as I smelled spring and blossom. The chandeliers spin on my vision. I felt my shoes being removed. I took a quick glance and I saw a lady. 

         "Lothaire,” she softly whispered, and went to me. I stared at her hazy appearance. 

         “Who are you?” I asked. She went closer. I can plainly smell her scent. 

         “Look into my eyes,” she whispered. Her fingers stroke my hair. 

         "Gulya?" I asked and she smiled. 

         “It is me,” she replied.

         "Where have you been?” I asked in return.

         “It does not matter. I am here now,” she answered. I could not believe what was in front of me—the goddess I once loved. Her hair was still as crimson as the leaves in autumn. Her skin was as white as a pearl. Her touch was still as light as a feather. However, there was still a lingering ache in the pit of my core. This might be a product of hallucination. Too much alkuhsia is definitely not a wise thing.

         “No, it cannot be,” I tried to push her, but everything in my eyes spun. I felt dazed. 

         She hushed my mouth and said, “Close your eyes.”

         “This is unreal,” I mumbled.

         “Lothaire,” she mouthed tenderly, trying to take off my wardrobe—exposing my chest. She transferred on top of me and reached for my lips. Our faces were already a few inches close when the door opened. 

         "Lothaire, Azael said you—" a familiar voice uttered and I quickly pushed the lady on top of me. I sat up on my bed like lightning. The moment I realized who had entered the door, the thing on my chest skipped a beat. 

         “Phaelin,” I stated in an inaudible tone.

         Before I said any word, she spoke, “I think I am interrupting; I apologize.”

         She slowly closed the door and left. There was a sudden pause before Gulya embraced me from my back. I unwrapped her arms around me. "Why are you here?" I asked in a cold tone.

         She did not answer my question and instead, she asked in return, "Who is she?"

         "Why are you here?” I questioned even louder.

         She looked into my eyes and said, “Do not be mad.”

         "I have the right to be,” I replied in a cold tone.

         Her eyebrows met each other. She said, “I cannot believe you would be mad at me.”

         “The lady who entered my chamber was my fated queen,” I answered straight. 

         “I am here, Lothaire. No one can replace the goddess that I am and the maiden who entered this chamber was no good for you,” she said. Her statement hit me. Gulya never compared herself to anyone. When I looked her in the eyes, I saw they were not watery gold. 

 I have been deceived. "You are not Gulya," I uttered, and the moment I said those words, the nymph transformed. 

         "Lothaire, my lord, forgive me," she pleaded.

         “Nicaros,” I stated whilst clenching my jaw. She was the leader of the nymphs here in my realm. 

         “Let me explain,” she begged once more. 

         "Step out of my chamber," I said coldly. 

         "Choose me, Sire. I know more about you. I have loved you and the underworld for years, Lothaire. The maiden is no good for you, nor Gulya. I am more deserving than both of them," she abruptly replied. 

         "You are not," I countered, “You do not hear what you say.”

         “I mean it,” she insisted.

         "You are ruining what I have, Nicaros,” I stated. 

         “I beg you," she said whilst trying to reach my hand.

         "You do not have to," I answered. 

         "Look, Lothaire. I am rightful to be your consort—your wife. I am worthy of being the queen of this realm,” she insisted once more. 

         "If she is not rightful enough, the fates would not choose her,” I said and gave her a glare.

         “Lothaire—” she tried to counter. 

         I quickly uttered, "I have the right to punish you for trespassing and deceiving me as a goddess." 

         "But you could not," she replied. She sat firmly in front of me, knowing that punishing a Lampad would lead to conflict.

         “I do not have to. It is not necessary. Besides, the nymphs will lose their leader if I punish you for your deeds," I buttoned my wardrobe whilst glaring intently at her. “For the last time, step out of my chamber before I send you to Void,” I added. 

         Irritated, she rose up, went to the door, and stomped out. I sat on the edge of my bed and closed my eyes. I felt my head ache once again—being hammered a thousand times. I heard my betrothed sobbing as it softly echoed through the walls dividing us. I felt a need to apologize. I arose with all of my might. Quickly leaving my chamber, I knocked on her door. “Phaelin,” I called, though I do not expect any response after what she saw. I knocked again on the door. "Can I talk to you?" I asked once more. 

         "I want to be alone, King Lothaire" she answered firmly, "I would appreciate if you leave."

         Her words struck my whole being. They seemed like they were driving me over the edge of a cliff. It brought back what I had been fearing all along, the death of my entirety. It felt like being thrown into oblivion. "I would like to explain," I replied and pleaded, hoping she desired it as well. 

         "I do not need any," her voice cracked. Being the reason for her tears sends my existence to stupefaction. 

         "I am deeply asking for forgiveness for what you saw," I stated painfully through the door. 

         “You can leave now,” she mumbled, audible enough for me to hear. 

         "Phaelin," I begged.

         "Please," she answered in return. “Cease on your plea, King Lothaire. It is unsuitable for a divinity like you. Do not waste your time outside my chamber. Leave—"

         "I would not," I insisted.

         She answered, “I would not open the door."

         "And I..." my strength dwindled little by little as I leaned on the wall, "...would wait here until you open it."