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“Theodore doesn’t rule by fear,” I explained. “He rules by kindness. Something you know very little about.”
“Kindness makes a weak king,” Constantine told me what I expected to hear from him.
“And fear makes a dead king,” I shut him up easily.
He turned to me again, his eyes wide with surprise. But that barely noticeable smile was still there.
“I am still alive,” he mused.
“So is King Theodore. The question is, which one is more likely to die at the hand of their own flock?”
He didn’t say anything to this. We kept walking, then we stopped in front of a fountain. The base of the fountain was a circular marble pool, its surface glistening with a mirror-like sheen. In its center rose a sculpted figure of a graceful nymph, her form captured in exquisite detail. She stood with one arm outstretched, as if welcoming visitors to the oasis of tranquility she guarded. Water cascaded from the nymph’s outstretched hand, flowing in delicate rivulets that sparkled in the sunlight.
Surrounding the nymph were a multitude of smaller, intricately carved statues depicting cherubic figures, each holding aloft a delicate urn from which water flowed. These figures encircled the central nymph, their playful expressions and lifelike poses adding to the enchantment of the scene.
“I also once had someone I loved,” he suddenly said, gazing at the fountain. “Someone who loved me. But love makes you weak.”
“No,” I shook my head. “Love makes you stronger, but only if you are willing to fight for those you love.”
Once again, he didn’t say anything to that. We stayed like that, in utter silence, just listening to the sound of the water and the chirping of the birds somewhere in the distance.
“It won’t be long,” he said again enigmatically.
“For your plan to come to fruition?” I asked, wondering what exactly that meant.
Instead of a reply, he waved into the air, and instantly those same three guards appeared again. Without another word, they dragged me back into the castle, all the way back to the room, which they locked from the outside once again.
I knew that I wouldn’t be here for much longer. It won’t be long, he said. But for what exactly? What did he plan on doing?
Chapter Eighteen
Lilith
This is crazy. This is completely crazy to go there on your own, I thought to myself. But at the same time, I knew I had no other choice. Time was ticking away, seeping like fine grains of sand from the palm of my hand. I had to do something, and this was the only way.
My heart raced as my horse thundered through the dense woods, the rhythmic pounding of hooves matching the frantic cadence of my thoughts. The ancient trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the canopy, illuminating patches of wildflowers that swayed in the wake of my horse’s passage.
I couldn’t tell anyone where I was going, especially not Father. He would never allow me to go there on my own. Even I knew that it was too dangerous, but I had to get my husband back. The turmoil that had consumed my life since I realized that my husband was not actually my husband kept gnawing at me at my every waking moment.
I gripped at the reigns, allowing my horse to guide me through the woods. I had only ever heard whispers of this witch, a mystical figure who resided deep within these woods, a keeper of secrets and ancient wisdom. I had read about her from Mother’s journals, and I knew that the two had met on several occasions. My fear was that the witch was no longer there, or maybe that she had even died. I couldn’t know anything for sure at this moment, I just knew I had to try. She was my only chance of learning even more about these doppelgangers.
As I rode deeper into the heart of the forest, the atmosphere grew charged with a sense of enchantment and mystery. Birds sang melodious tunes overhead, their voices carrying tales of long-forgotten spells and hidden truths. The very air seemed alive with magic, and I couldn’t help but feel both awe and trepidation.
My horse, a faithful companion on this uncertain journey, carried me with unwavering determination. Its hooves struck the forest floor like a drumbeat, a rhythm that mirrored the urgency of my quest. The wind ruffled my hair and brought with it the earthy scent of moss and ferns, a reminder of the ancient forces that dwelled in these woods.
Father would be enraged if he heard that I had come here, seeking the witch’s counsel. But with each passing moment, the potential of finding out what I needed to know far outweighed the possibility of any repercussions on the part of my father. The weight of my mission pressed heavily upon me. That doppelganger did not harm us… yet. But that didn’t mean that he had no plans of doing such a thing in the near future. I couldn’t take the risk of finding out.
I had no idea how long I had been riding. The sun was already high up above me, and I had started early in the morning. Finally, I came upon a cottage that seemed to have emerged from a fairy tale. Nestled amidst the ancient trees, it was a quaint and enchanting abode, surrounded by a profusion of wildflowers and ivy-clad walls.
I stopped to take a closer look, unable but to stand in awe of its weathered, moss-covered stones, which helped it blend into the wooden surroundings. The roof was thatched, blending seamlessly with the verdant canopy that hung above it. The wooden door only seemed to add to its charm, with its wrought iron handle, an array of colorful herbs and dried plants hanging from the eaves, and small windows that didn’t allow a single peek inside.
A cobblestone path led up to the cottage, winding through a meticulously tended garden that burst with vibrant blooms and fragrant herbs. It was as if the cottage's occupant had embraced the wild beauty of the forest while cultivating a sanctuary of enchantment.
As I approached the threshold of the cottage, my heart filled with both trepidation and hope. I knew that within those walls, the witch held the answers I sought—the truth about the imposter who had taken my husband’s place. I wanted to stay outside and admire the quaint abode, but instead, I pushed myself to approach the door and knock heavily. The sound exploded all around me, disrupting the tranquility that reigned here.
At first, nothing happened. I waited, but no sound was heard from inside. Then, moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a figure who was hiding most of her person behind the door. Her presence, although cloaked and silent, was commanding and otherworldly. Her eyes, one green and one blue, seemed to hold all the wisdom of the ages, and her silver hair cascaded in unruly waves around her face.
“Hello,” I said nervously and apprehensively. “I’m sorry to appear at your door like this, but I… I really need your help.”
