Chapter Four

Underworld realm

Lothaire’s Demesne

Palace

•PHAELIN•

The scent of Earth and sweet-smelling fruits lingered on my nose.

As I slowly regained consciousness in the arms of a being wearing a recognizable helmet, I could hear a symphony of distinct voices. I gently opened my eyes and tried to focus on what was occurring. As he took large steps, he took big breaths. He grasps me in his embrace like a bride being carried by her groom.

I carefully observed where we were heading, keenly not making movements. The voices were still singing like an orchestra, bringing pleasure to my ears. He took steps on the stairs before finally stopping in front of a massive entrance. It was filled with ornate patterns of metals and gems. The doors opened by themselves. A group of people stood before us and greeted in unison, “Welcome to the Palace!” they exclaimed. All of them bowed in harmony.

I tried to be steady as confusion filled my thoughts. I failed to remember a single thing about a palace nor planned to visit one during my coming of age celebration. He walked past the entry hall. The pillars and vastness of the castle made my mouth hang open. I was deeply astounded by its symmetry and stunning decorations.

We arrived at what I believe was the great hall. There was an outsized and elaborate fireplace made of beige Moleanos limestone with a burning blue blaze. At that moment, he looked at me and noticed that I had already gained consciousness and was mesmerized by where he had taken me. “You are awake,” he said. He placed me down and I set foot on the ground.

“Is this true?” I asked, pointing my finger at everything in front of me. My head felt like a floating bubble. The people who greeted us in the entry hall were staring in my direction.

“Can you give us a moment?” he told them and they all bowed. They exited but I could see them eavesdropping from afar.

“Do I know you?” I asked once again.

He gave me a simple nod. “Are you alright?” he asked in return.

“I am fine,” I replied whilst trying to figure out who he was, “Can you tell me where am I?”

I gazed at him from head to toe. His wardrobe reminds me of someone. “You look comely…” he softly mumbled.

I bitterly chuckled and said, “I believe that is not the answer to my question.”

“I know…” he said in a familiar tone and uttered a phrase that turned my entirety upside down, “Little flower.”

What he stated made me jolt. I froze where I stood as realization hit me like how a hurricane sent its waves on a beach. He took off his helmet. For a brief minute, my brain stutters, and my eyes take in more light than I anticipated; every part of me comes to a halt while my thoughts catch up.

“You are beneath the Earth’s surface,” he added, “I am a god and you are setting foot in my kingdom.”

I tried to confirm, “You are Loth—”

“Welcome to my demesne," his firm voice cut my confirmation, "I am Lothaire Cassius—lord of this realm.”

Lothaire. I was certain I heard the name of the man who often appeared on my dreams. I made sure I was not dazed anymore. Hence, I pinched my arm and I felt pain. I kept repeating his name in my head, whispering through my mouth, and it seemed like grim and grains in my tongue.

I pursed my lips before uttering, “You called me—”

“Little flower?” he finished what I was about to say, “I did.”

My words came to a halt as a result of his confirmation. “You were not a mere dream of mine?” I tried to ask.

"A spell by the Weavers forbade you to recognize before your coming of age," he answered, and it all made sense. I went close to him and touched his cheek. The fact that he is now in front of me could not sink inside my head.

He gave me a weak smile as he touched the back of my hand. “My lady…” he spoke tenderly.

I met his gaze and it melted my soul. The moment I went back to my senses; I took a step back. “But why am I here," I asked once again, "am I dead?" Fear drew my face. I am certain that those who set foot in the underworld are already proclaimed dead. I looked at him with fright, tracing my face. But to my surprise, before I could even say the third question, he gave me a tight embrace.

It was one that rustled tranquility. An embrace from a haven, muttering certainty from the uncertain. It was an assurance from the chaos, able to quieten my soul. At that moment, I felt his pain and longing. My arms willingly enfolded him in return. His grip entails he needed this for no one knows how long. It took us a minute or two before he let go. He said in a low tone, “I apologize but you need to rest. I will answer your questions at dinner.”

Before I could even give a response, Lothaire called his servant, “Azael.”

He appeared shortly and greeted, “My lord.”

“Did the chamberlains prepare the lady’s bedroom?” Lothaire tried to confirm.

“Yes, Sire,” the servant answered.

“Lead Phaelin to her bedroom. Tell the others to get arranged. Give my word to the chef and cooks.” he firmly stated. Azael bowed. I took a glance at Lothaire once more before he turned his back and disappeared into thin air. His servant led me to one of the great chambers. I was certain it was beside Lothaire’s room.

It was huge inside—spacious for an individual. Three average chandeliers hang on the ceiling. They illuminate the entire place. There was a window large enough for my being to view the outside of the palace. I was completely enthralled by the scenery. I stared at it for a while. The valleys, hills, villages, and other land formations resemble to what exists in the land of the living.

From that moment on, I recognized the underworld was sufficiently illuminated by magic and warm blazes, contrary to what the scriptures indicated. It is not overly gloomy or dull. It is sunless, indeed, but I suppose the gods that live in this kingdom offered their abilities for artificial illumination and such beauty. “Let me show you this area, my lady,” Azael interrupted, whilst leading me to the left side of the chamber. There were two doors.

“What is inside this entrance?” I asked, referring on the second access.

“This is the room for the bathroom, lavatory, and garderobe” he humbly replied.

“Room?” I asked. I was astounded at what he said. “A room inside a room?” I asked once again and entered the door. I gulped at the immensity that my eyes witnessed.

I went outside and questioned about the first access. “How about this one?” I asked Azael.

“This entry is for your boudoirs” he answered.

“I see,” I mumbled and nodded in concord. “But I did not bring any clothes with me,” I added.

“Worry no more, my lady. Lord Lothaire commanded to fill your wardrobe with the finest garments made of satin and silk. However, he also gave us the task to depend some of the attires upon your liking,” he stated, “Few of them look similar to what you wear in the upper world.”

I slowly nodded in concord and quaffed at the thought. The room was solely adorned based on my favorable regard. I sat on the edge of the tremendous bed. I cherished the impressively thick blanket. I realized the taupe carpet was made of fuzz. It was beneath the mattress and I was stepping on it.

“I have a question…” I stated and Azael looked at me with a smile.

He cut what I was about to say as if he was certain already about what he will hear, “I am certain that your questions are not for me to answer, your highness.”

“Please…” I replied not because he did not want to answer, but because he called me a title once again which I am not certain if it fits to my name. “Do not call me that. I am no queen,” I stated.

“My deepest apologies,” he answered.

I gave him a deep sigh. I uttered, “It is alright.”

“My lady wants to be alone, I reckon,” Azael supposed, “I will now leave.”

“Thank you,” I replied and gave him a smile. He bowed and left. I laid my back on the soft mattress. I stared at the ceiling—thoroughly painted like a renaissance artwork. I felt like I was dreaming at that moment. I closed my eyes.

MOONRISE AFTER

I yawned as I regained consciousness from a deep slumber. “Belle…” I called. I wandered my sight to see where I was. When realization hit me, I went back to my senses. “Marquis…” I called again, still figuring where everyone was.

However, even though how many times I call them. I am still alone and no one will answer. I am still in the same bedroom. I still see the same chandeliers. I am still on the same bed—still on the underworld. My heart raced a bit. “I think I daydreamt too much,” I said to myself, “I need to get back to reality. I was in my home. I am certain that we were celebrating. This is not occurring.” I calmed myself. I closed my eyes and crossed my fingers. “I need a sign,” I spoke.

With just a glimpse, I heard three knocks on the door. “My lady…” Azael stated.

I opened my eyes and disappointment filled my face. I sighed before answering, “Yes?”

“The lordship wants you to join him for dinner,” he uttered.

I stood up heavy-heartedly. I opened the door of my chamber and Azael greeted me. “Shall we?” I asked.

He nodded as a response. We headed on the dining hall. A long glass table rests as the centerpiece of the room. Various dishes were already served in silver platters. All of the servants greeted and bowed as I walked in. I bowed back to all of them and smiled. I did not realize Lothaire was sitting on the opposite end of the table. “You can sit here beside mine,” Lothaire spoke. His voice echoed inside the room. He stood up and pulled the chair beside his.

I slowly headed towards his direction. I sat quietly and looked at him. He took the weight of his feet off the ground and said, “Eat.”

Any of my limbs did not move. The dishes are clearly making my mouth water but I said, “I need answers.”

Lothaire grinned. He was quite amused on how I acted. “I will give you answers if you eat,” he stated.

I shook my head and stared at him with a blank expression. “I do not want,” I replied.

He sighed and uttered, “Do not be stubborn.”

“I am not being stubborn,” I countered, “The books I have read stated that if you eat anything here in the underworld, you will not be able to go back in the land of the living. Not unless the one who offers you the food will swear to the Flow of Rhesh that you will not be bound here forever. With that being said, I refuse to eat.”

“I swear to the Flow of Rhesh," he said immediately with a cold gaze. Making an oath on the Flow Rhesh means it is unbreakable. It is a body of water where souls travel from the gates to the Valley of Judgement. I reached for the food in front of me. It consists of layered fried aubergine, minced meat, and potatoes. It was topped with a creamy béchamel sauce. I gulped on the sight of the dish. I took a bite and my mouth watered more.

“I can see that you like it,” Lothaire confirmed whilst looking at me.

I nodded as a response. I asked to the servant beside my seat, “You made this?”

“We made it, your majesty" the other cooks answered.

“Then, why not you join us?” I asked once again, referring on the numerous unoccupied chairs beside the table. Their eyes widened.

“You want them to join?” Lothaire countered and I looked at him. He also looks astounded on my disposition.

“Why not?” I replied. He smirked in amusement. “I beg you to take your seats. I believe your lordship and I would not be able to digest all of these,” I stated.

They all looked at Lothaire who was still startled. “Right?” I asked him to confirm.

“Certainly,” he said. The servants took their seat and joined us for dinner. It looked like a feast. I do not understand the essence of serving plenty on the table if you are not planning to eat all of it.

“Now, can you answer my questions?” I questioned Lothaire. He placed down the dinner knife and fork he was holding.

The servants paused and looked at the both of us. There was a sudden silence. I turned to them and smiled. “Do not mind us…” I said. They nodded in unison and continued chewing their food.

“Ask me,” he calmly replied.

“Why am I here?” I asked.

“You are here because you are my fated consort—the destined queen of the underworld," he answered.

My heart raced on what he said. “Queen?” I tried to confirm, “I am no goddess.”

“I am fully aware,” he replied.

“Then, how can that be?” I tried to be calm, “Tell me the truth.”

“I reckon you have met the Weavers,” he stated. My brain stuttered for a moment and adrenaline rushed through my veins. I breathed heavily as I pursed my lips. Every part of me was on a pause whilst my thoughts wanted to catch up. His statement knocked every wisp of air on my lungs.

Realization hit every ounce of my being. “I have met them indeed,” I answered.

“I hope you understand what I am telling you now,” he said.

“I was meant to be your queen…” I said, knowing in the back of my mind that I looked white like chalk. My eyes were still frozen wide open in an expression of stunned surprise. I was meant to be his, declared by the fates, to be crowned by the gods, and rule the demesne beneath. I repeated the statement inside my head. It was ringing into my being, the point where I only synchronized the dreams and coincidences that occurred.

“You cannot defy fate, little flower,” he replied, “You cannot do anything about it nor do anything to change it.”

He is certainly right on that statement. No one can take away themselves from their destiny, from what they were created for. However, I still ought to know the reason behind all of this. "Was I born solely for this purpose?” I questioned.

Lothaire’ expression went blank. “You were not ought to be born for this purpose, my lady. However, the former queen of the underworld left this dominion in despair,” he answered.

“Left the dominion or left the throne beside yours?” I countered and the servants slowly gazed at my direction as if something dreadful would happen because of what I asked.

“I do not want to remember,” he responded.

Grief filled his face. “I apologize…” I said, regretting my question. “It is definitely alright if you do not want to discuss it,” I added. Lothaire gazed at me directly—looking like he was not convinced about what I said.

“But since you are ought to be with me for the rest of eternity, it is reasonable for you to know as well,” he stated, "Gulya left a long time ago."

“Hence, I was right she left you?” I tried to confirm noting the Goddess' name was Gulya. I was aware I have heard it before.

“She was supposed to come back before the season of frost in the upper world," Lothaire explained, "However, she did not.”

“Was she never found?” I asked again.

“Never,” he countered my question and smiled bitterly, “I suppose she really intended to leave.” Sadness traced his face.

“I apologize,” I replied in sympathy, feeling the despair he had inside. I can imagine all the misery he had gone through.

He sighed deeply and tried to bring back the delightful ambiance of our conversation. “That is the reason why the weavers gave you," he said, pouring alkuhsia into his glass. The drink glistened like galaxies and stars, but it had smoke going out in the air though it was not warm. It was the liquor of the gods, I suppose. "The past should stay in the past and the present should be dwelled upon. I am grateful you are here now." He raised his cup and the dining hall filled with the sound of clinking glasses.