Blood Oath

CHAPTER 5

OPHELIA'S P.O.V

I have been standing and watching over the landing of the staircase anticipating Henri and Prince Darius. The sun was quite scorching. Does it take this long to have a tour around the Kingdom? They are in a carriage, it shouldn't take too long. Why do I have a bad feeling? I hope they are alright. It wasn't short before I sighted both of them...walking.

"Your Majesty." Henri revered. I wasn't pleased.

"Henri, why did you, of all people, choose to act in a displeasing manner?" I asked Henri who seemed too sweaty and too exhausted. "Are you unwell?"

"I beg for your forgiveness, your majesty. I'll see that my terrible mistake..." He wavered "...never happens again."

"My Queen, you shouldn't be blaming him. I am the one at fault. I told him I wanted to walk. He said you would be displeased so I insisted. He has nothing to do with this. I enjoyed the tour."

Prince Darius was telling the truth, I know. Henri has never intentionally chosen to act out of accordance. I only worried about how exhausted Henri looked compared to Prince Darius. I've never seen Henri like this before. "Henri, are you alright?" I asked in concern.

"I am well, your majesty." He was lying. I've been with Henri for too long to know. "Your majesty, I seek your permission to take a moment off."

"Go." I ordered him. He went, leaving me with Prince Darius. "Prince Darius, how was the tour? Come, tell me about it."

"Ah, yes."

Prince Darius had such a wonderful time. I could tell from how he described the tour that it was a memorable one.

"The priest must have been happy and thankful for the bread."

"Well, he was. He broke bread for us and we had a communion"

"Us?"

"Henri and I"

The thought of it felt off. "I see."

"Although, Henri said he wasn't good with bread, the priest insisted."

I didn't know Henry had issues with bread. It makes me feel bad because I've had him taste many kinds of bread for me. "Could it be why he is like that?"

"I'm not sure. What I'm interested in was what he prayed for. He did not strike me as a church person."

"Don't be nosy. What did you pray for?"

"I prayed for good health to my sister-in-law and for more beauty and grace to the Queen of Argo."

"Oh, Prince Darius, you flatter me too much." I chuckle on hearing what Prince Darius's prayers. What a kind man.

"I also prayed that the demons of the night will be laid to eternal rest in the abyss."

The demons of the night? Does he mean Vampires? I've only heard many rumors of them but that was in the past when my parents were still alive. I heard a number of them were punished and killed for counts of murder of the livestock and regrettably, humans. I wonder what happened to the rest of them that survived. I've never heard anything of them in my rule. It is odd that Prince Darius prayed for that when there haven't been any news.

"Your majesty." Henri from out of nowhere revealed himself. It startled me and Prince Darius.

"Henri!" I yelled "How long will you keep doing this?"

"Forgive me, your majesty, your royal highness."

I'm fully convinced that Henri has no footsteps. Does he float? What am I going to do with him?

I sighted Theophilus coming towards us. He wore a smile I hardly ever get to see. It made me happy. I wonder why he's so happy.

"Ophelia." Theophilus hugged me. I am certain my brother is possessed.

"What has gotten into you? This isn't normal." I said trying to get myself out of the hug. I was successful. Theophilus looked at me with a smile.

"You're fine." His eyes were screaming of joy. I was just as confused as Henri.

"Brother, I do not understand you."

"Ophelia, you need not understand me. I understand you."

Theophilus had me at a total loss. What is he going on about?

"Can I borrow Darius and Henri for few moments?" Theophilus asked.

"Whatever for? I need Henri with me."

"You did not need him when he was out with Darius." Theophilus chortled. He was right.

"Fine. But make sure he's back before dark." I ordered as they walked away. I planned on going to talk to my sister and learn what her plans are for the future of her child that is to come. I entered her room but I did not find her there. I asked a palace maid where Emilia could be. I was told she was at the courtyard.

I reached the courtyard to find Emilia with bottle of wine in her hand.

"You shouldn't be drinking, sister. There are risks."

"Bore me with your precautions, Ophelia." Emilia scoffed as she approached me. She also hugged me. I'm beginning to wonder if my siblings have been possessed.

"How are you, Emilia?" I ask in concern.

"I'm fair. I've prayed for child and now I am with one. I've never been so joyful." Emilia for the first time, was happy. I was also happy for her.

"Have you thought of names?" I optimistically asked.

"Yes. If it's a boy, Gregory and if it's a girl...Thelma."

Our mother's name. No one was as affected as Emilia when our mother passed away. "I'm sure mama is proud of you."

I rubbed her hands and beamed. She did the same.

"Enough about me. How is Prince Darius?"

"Why would you ask me? I chuckled. "I am not his keeper neither am I his ruler."

"I've witnessed the way you two look at each other; you like him."

I scoffed. Why would she think like that? "Don't be ridiculous, sister. I am only being kind and courteous. He is a guest and must be treated well."

"I've never seen you act this way towards other 'guests'. You like this one."

I thought back and Emilia might be right. Is Prince Darius the man I have hoped for? The King I've been looking for? I'll need time to think.

"Your majesty." I hear Henri's voice from behind. I was not startled this time. It was as though I was expecting it. "Your royal highness."

"Ah, Henri, you have returned?"

"Yes, your majesty."

"Where's my brother and Prince Darius?"

"They are in the halls, your majesty."

"Then, let's go to them."

We left the courtyard to the halls. My heart skipped a beat the moment my eyes met Darius's.

"Ophelia." Theophilus called.

"My queen." Darius greeted with a bow.

"I see you men have gone and done whatever it is you did." I said trying to get myself out of my worry. "Prince Darius."

"Yes, my queen."

Am I going to regret what I'm about to say?

"Call me by my name from now on."

"I do not understand. Why will I disrespect you?"

"It is not disrespect if you're going to stay here."

"I still do not understand."

There was a brief moment of silence. I felt somewhat nervous.

"You will live in Argo...as my husband. I will marry you"