My eyes fixated on her, tracing a path from top to bottom, and then back up again, leaving me with a visibly shocked expression. The weight of her words was difficult to process, and I struggled to make sense of it all. It was unfathomable. Not only was I a member of the most powerful Vedan clan known to mankind, but I was also the reincarnated queen of the Empyrean Vedan.
"I... I don't understand," I stammered, desperately searching for words to justify my overwhelming confusion. The information she had just revealed was simply too much to absorb, and I found myself struggling to grasp it all.
"Don't burden yourself with too many thoughts right now, your majesty," Zephyra interjected, her voice a reassuring presence amidst my disbelief. "I understand better than anyone else just how overwhelming this revelation can be." I continued to stare at her, unable to fully comprehend the enormity of what she had just disclosed.
"How is any of this even possible?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my astonishment. "You've dropped such a heavy bombshell on me, and yet you expect me not to dwell on it? How on earth did I become the queen of Vedans? And what caused my demise? If I truly possess the immense power you claim, then why can't I feel it coursing through me?" My barrage of questions poured out, as I yearned for clarity and understanding.
Zephyra took a deep breath before responding, her voice filled with regret. "I apologize, your majesty, but there are certain questions I cannot answer. It would be best if the dragon king himself provides you with the answers you seek. He alone possesses the knowledge you desire."
With a heavy sigh escaping my lips, I quickened my pace, leaving Zephyra and the royal guards struggling to keep up. As the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together, I understood why the dragon king had intervened on my behalf, unbeknownst to my father. If the claims about my power and role as the queen of Vedans were true, then it was evident that I held immense value to the dragon king. The weight of this realization overwhelmed me, and I couldn't help but wonder what other shocking revelations awaited me in this bewildering journey.
KIRA'S POV
I soaked myself in the cool river water, letting my thoughts sink deep into reflection. One action weighed heavily on my mind—rejecting the king. Uncertainty filled me as I thought about the possible consequences and how the king might react to this later. But amidst the unease, a glimmer of pride reminded me that I had achieved something extraordinary.
Yearning for a break from my inner troubles, my mind briefly returned to the recent events in the kingdom of Konica, just a few days before I arrived in Drakonia with the queen.
I vividly recalled the moment when General Roderick, who claimed to be my father, sank to his knees that fateful day. His words echoed in my mind:
"I realize I haven't been the best father, and I made an unforgivable mistake by leaving you behind. But I did it out of concern for your well-being. Your mother never wanted you, and I was left to care for you. I couldn't protect you in a kingdom that despises your kind. As a general, I faced a choice between my people and you. I couldn't bring myself to harm you, so I had to let you go."
"But you made your decision, didn't you?" I interjected, cutting him off before he could finish his sentence. "You made your decision, so why are you now begging for my forgiveness on your knees? I am not your daughter anymore. I stopped being your daughter the day you abandoned me to die," I retorted, bitterness lacing my words.
"I swear to you, it was never my intention to heartlessly abandon you that day," he pleaded. "I had no choice but to do what I did."
"What will the king of Konica think when he sees his esteemed general kneeling before a Vedan?" I asked, my voice dripping with disdain. He raised his head, meeting my gaze, while I sported a smug expression. "Forget that you ever had a daughter, General Roderick. To you, she is dead, and you are dead to her," I declared as I turned away, denying him any further chance to explain himself.
Though I couldn't fathom how he remembered me, being a Vedan endowed me with an exceptional memory. I couldn't erase the image of his face on the day he abandoned me, especially when I was just a helpless child. No matter how hard I tried, that face remained etched in my mind.
I surrendered myself to the refreshing embrace of the river, soaking my body even deeper in a desperate attempt to cleanse away the relentless series of painful memories that haunted my every thought. Closing my eyes tightly, I yearned for peace, hoping the rushing water would drown out the echoing echoes of the past.
A sudden feeling caught my attention, pulling me out of my thoughts in the water. I looked up and water droplets dripped from my wet hair as I saw General Cedrick in front of me. He seemed shy, avoiding eye contact with me.
"What brings you here?" I questioned, my voice laced with curiosity and suspicion. With a fluid motion, I swept my hand through my wet hair, pushing them back to reveal my face, eager to better see his intentions.
Unbothered by my exposed body, I gracefully swam toward the shore, emerging from the water still naked. Standing before him, my nude body glistening with moisture, as his eyes darted away, avoiding my piercing gaze and trying not to stare at my uncovered body.
"Why are you here?" I asked, my tone tinged with annoyance. "You know I don't like being interrupted."
"I apologize, Grand General," he replied, still avoiding direct eye contact. "But there's something important I need to discuss with you."
"I understand," I responded, swiftly grabbing a nearby rope and draping it over my body to cover myself. "You can look at me now, Cedrick." Taking a seat on a nearby rock, I motioned for him to join me. As he lifted his head and met my gaze, I couldn't help but appreciate his handsome features. Cedrick had always admired me, yet he lacked the courage to express his true feelings. Even for a man as strong and imposing as him, I knew my presence seemed intimidating.
As I observed his attractive features, The thought of using Cedrick to fulfill my sexual desires flickered across my mind. After all, I couldn't be available to the king any longer, there is no harm in using Cedrick to keep me happy. However, I swiftly dismissed that thought. Although I may not be the most compassionate person, toying with the feelings of one of my most trusted allies was not an option. It was wiser to let Cedrick's fantasies about me remain just that—a mere fantasy, and nothing more.
"Based on Zephyra's reports, the Empyrean Vedan has no recollection of her past, even after being informed by Zephyra herself. It appears that preparing her for battle will be a difficult task, especially considering the imminent threat that will soon arrive, we don't have a lot of time," Cedrick expressed, his face etched with concern.
Raising an eyebrow, I said, "Do not diminish her by referring to her as a mere Vedan. She is one of the most powerful beings to have ever walked this earth. Furthermore, let us not forget that she is now the queen of Drakonia. Address her with respect Cedrick" Cedrick's face displayed remorse as he lowered his head in shame, apologizing for his oversight.
"My apologies; I seem to have overlooked that," Cedrick admitted, acknowledging his mistake.
Standing up from the rock, I said, "His majesty understands that mere recollection won't help to restore her powers. She has been gone for years and she is weaker now, it will require much more. Sooner or later, his majesty will need to set aside his pride and call upon Sapphire to help us train queen jamari"
Cedrick expressed doubt, saying, "That old Empyrean Vedan? We all know the deep hatred between her and his majesty. It's difficult to even imagine them working together."
"I acknowledged their deep hatred, but I also understood that Sapphire's love for the Empyrean Vedan queen is more than her hatred for the dragon king. Moreover, the king's strong desire to win the war surpassed his hatred for Sapphire. Trust me, once Sapphire learns that her queen has finally returned after so many years and we have her, she will abandon everything to come and assist Queen Jamari in reclaiming her powers," I confidently stated.
"But how can we be certain that queen Jamari still possesses her powers?" Cedrick questioned skeptically. "We all know that a Vedan's power resides in their eyes, and she is blind as a bat. How exactly can we overcome this huge obstacle?" he inquired.
"The gods can be cunning with their punishments, and although we may not comprehend why they took her eyes, I believe Sapphire will possess the knowledge to restore her sight," I asserted confidently, with Cedrick nodding in agreement.
As each day passed, our mission became even more difficult . The task of locating Sapphire and persuading her to come to Drakonia under the king's command seemed difficult or almost impossible. Yet, it was a important step that needed to be taken if we ever hoped to stand a chance against the impending battle, a battle that threatened to wipe out all existence in the universe.