Beyond Doubt: Whispers of the Unseen - Chapter 127

Welcome to my seemingly endless journey.
A trip that will take you to places I might have visited many moons ago.
It´s a tale that came back to me when I meditated on one of my past lives. A life I told you about in my unbelievable true story.

As promised in that story I will now share this story with you.

Chapter 127

"What I'm saying is that I understand a little how you feel. How hard it must be to still behave with dignity. After all, you're inheriting the throne. Despite having few people who truly care about you, at least accept help from those who do."

"My friends and I won't leave until you're sure we have nothing more to offer you. Believe me, you've already won some of their hearts, and they're fully prepared to stand beside you during these difficult times. You may have already completely won over one heart; feel free to lean on him. If you're unable or unwilling to do so, feel free to lean on me."

Through her tears, I saw a pale smile. "You are well-informed in matters of the heart, and not just your own heart. Thank you for everything, also on behalf of my mother. I know she wouldn't want it any other way than for you to speak for her. How terrible it must have been for her to die alone, to be destroyed for her ideals."

"Yes, sir, I know my mother's wishes. Nightingale was not only her friend; he is also my only friend in this cold place."

"Sion, it may be hard to believe. This isn't to reassure you; I'm telling you because I believe it was true. Your mother was not alone when she died. I was with her, closer than humanly possible. I can assure you that she was not lonely and that her death was painless."

Sion sat down on a long couch full of cushions, and her eyes looked at me watery. "Are you serious, sir?" I nodded, and her tears started to flow again. But through her tears, I saw a smile—a relieved smile.

The girl looked so vulnerable, but not desperate. She is right she has no friends in the palace and therefore I decided that Numico and I will watch over here.

Sion did not leave her room.
She didn't eat, only drank tea, and spoke occasionally, but silence prevailed.

Cabilah sent us away now and then; sometimes women need to be among themselves, was her opinion. And I guess it didn't hurt because when I returned after Cabilah's care, I saw a flicker in the young girls eyes. Even though they were still red from tears and lack of sleep, her eyes showed her willpower—the strength to absorb the blow, accept the pain, get up, and keep going. Even if the sadness continues to burn in your heart, you have to move on, and Sion knew that.

Still, Numico and I avoided talking about politics with the heir to the throne. We both thought it was inappropriate, no matter how well it would suit us. We both refused to take advantage of our position and her condition.

The service was to be held on the fifth day after death when the Sikh's body would have been embalmed and eviscerated. Her mother's remains went into a silver cone-shaped coffin, while the Sikh was only given a sheet to hide him from view. It was clear that he was not allowed to take anything, absolutely nothing, of his earthly status with him on his journey to the stars.

On the morning of the fourth day, I was summoned to Sion's chamber, and to my surprise, Numico was already there.

“Thank you for coming, I know it's early, but there isn't much time.”

Numico and I exchange surprised glances.

“The council met last night, and they asked me to attend the meeting. They decided that I'd already had enough time to grieve. In other words, they probably think they can pressure me now that I'm at my weakest."

"They did not ask, but basically told me to sign a decree that will give them all the power until I turn seventeen. That's the customary age to ascend to the throne. This situation is unprecedented. Normally, there was a living parent or grandparent who could act as an observer. But in my case, there's no one left. The council also believes I shouldn't appoint anyone because that would be assuming powers only justified from the age of seventeen."

"They've decided that this scenario can be labeled as temporarily unable to govern due to physical problems. It means I have to hand over power to them until my body overcomes these problems, which means two summers. Then, of course, I'd be welcomed to the throne with all honor."

"They assured me not to worry about anything. They would govern the country as my father and my forefathers did, meanwhile, I could be prepared to take over from them in due time. They were also subtle enough to suggest that if I didn't comply, it could become very quiet and lonely in the castle."

"They hinted at the potential dangers, like a young woman without friends in such a large building. After all, you never know what kind of strange people this world produces. They made it clear that without legal power, they couldn't protect me effectively."

"I thought it unwise to directly oppose them without knowing where I stood. Since I couldn't decide, I requested a postponement until both my parents were buried, so two more days."

"Gentlemen, help me. I really don't know what to do. I'll never sign anything that gives them power. These murderers and their bloodthirsty lackeys must be removed from this palace as soon as possible. My plan is to honor my mother and her wishes."

"Unfortunately, all the power I have is tied to an age I haven't reached yet. Even if I reach it, they'll likely continue to boycott me for a long time, if they let it get that far. I can easily imagine them hiding me deeper and deeper in the realms of this palace after the first storm has subsided until one day only their accomplices know I exist. When that happens I would soon disappear entirely."

"I can not sign. If these power-hungry individuals even get a taste of complete rule, an insatiable hunger for more will be born.”

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