Ri
“Pregnant?” My eyes bulged in surprise. “How can that be possible, Mom?”
Mom just shrugged her shoulders while I continued to stare at her.
I got on the car with my sisters. We are on our way to the Alpha’s house to say goodbye as a sign of our respect and to say thanks as well.
Few minutes more and we reached the pack house where the Alpha holds office.
Being our Alpha, Kuya Drew is in charge of talking to the Alpha.
“Gab.” Kuya Drew spoke calmly. “Good day!”
“Good day, Alpha Drew.” Gab answered in a business tone which surprised me.
“I thought you two are already okay, Ri.” Eana spoke in my mind.
I shrugged. “I thought so, too.”
“We came here to bid goodbye to you, Alpha Gab, and to thank you as well for all the generosity and the help you have given on us.”
“No problem, Drew. It’s my duty to my pack. I have to protect them.” I felt a tug in my heart as he repeated my lines. I looked down and never said anything.
“Still, we want to say thanks especially that you have saved our princess here.” My mom spoke motioning her head to my direction. Gab looked at me for a minute before nodding coldly.
A long silence followed. I felt the awkwardness of the moment.
“So,” my Father spoke, breaking the silence. “I guess it’s time for us to go.”
We nodded and stood up. I walked towards the door without looking back. No matter how hard it is for me to walk away from Gab, I forced myself.
“Don’t look back!” I told myself. “He doesn’t like you anymore! He doesn’t even care if you’ll go! Don’t look back! I kept talking to myself while walking. It was when I reached the door when I lost it.
I looked back. Then it hit me. He wasn’t looking at me. No! He wasn’t even there in the place where we left him.
I held on the tears and bid myself not to cry. “It’s for the best!” I told myself once again. “I can’t hurt him any more.”
It was when I got in the car when I let go of the tears. I let it flow not minding the look on my brothers and sisters.
I felt hands around me, pulling me into a hug. I don’t have to look up to know it was Eana whom I was sitting next to.
She and the rest of the guys did not say anything. They let me have my moment which I thank them for.
We reached back home the following day. But unlike before, I was not excited to be in this place.
_A month later_
It’s been a month since we arrived from here. I never went out of my room or talk to anyone. I locked myself in the room. I know I’m worrying them, but I just can’t take the hurt and the pain I felt being away from Gab.
There were times when my Mom or my sisters would come here to talk to me. But recently, I haven’t gotten any guests since they were busy preparing for two big occasions—my twin brothers’ 24th birthday and their wedding day.
Finally, Drew and AC and Drey and Bianca will be getting married this twilight –a double wedding.
But I wasn’t able to help. Helping them would be a painful thing coz if I do, I will just be reminded of something I can never have.
“Ri.” I heard Tatay called me as he got inside the room. “Mind if I join you?” I shook my head and gave him a smile, a sad smile.
“There was this girl who once chose her love over her duties. She was a monarch, you know.” I looked at my Tatay when he started with his story. “At first, she was happy. Yes, very happy because she was with the love of her life, her own family and her friends.” Tatay paused as he gave me a smile.
“But one day, she saw the great damage that had befallen on their kingdom. The kingdom could not stand without her. She was bothered. She blamed herself for what happened to the kingdom. She became unhappy. Her love, her children and her friends were worried. She could not talk nor eat even manage to smile.”
“So she did what she had to do. She went back to her kingdom and ruled. She brought her loved one with her and that’s when she felt alright again.” Tatay held my hands tightly before looking intently in my eyes. “Do you know who the queen was?” I shook my head and she chuckled.
“You’ve met her, Ri. Empress Brienne.” I felt a warm hand touched my heart hearing her name. “I know it’s not easy to leave your mate, Ri. I know how painful it is. I can’t even think how I would manage a day without your Nanay with me. I can’t imagine how hard it could be for you, especially when you’re already marked!” My eyes widened.
“M-marked?” I stammered.
“You did not know?” I shook my head trying to recall the moment when I was marked.
“Anyway, I want to say, be strong, Ri. Your sacrifices will never be put in vain.” I smiled at Tatay, a real smile.
“It’s just so hard to accept that fate really did not side with me. I always thought that everything would’ve been different if he wasn’t an alpha. That it would have been easier if he would just be an ordinary wolf.”
“I know, Ri. But you just have to be strong! Not only for yourself but also for those people who loves you and depends on you.” He stood up and looked at me. “Now, go fix yourself. The guests have arrived and your twin brothers are excited to start the ceremony.” I smiled wider, locking away the sadness I felt. “They said and I quote, ‘Tell her , ‘Tay, we won’t start the wedding unless she’s here with us'” I laughed at Tatay’s mimicry of my brothers’ voices.
“Okay, okay!” I excitedly ran to the bathroom after I took my towel and robe. When I got out, the room is empty. I went to my closet and changed into my pink and purple dress.
The ceremony was beautiful and solemn. It was done on the chapel inside the territory and was attended by the pack members. Even Uncle Alistair, Jam and Bethany were here to witness the exchange of “I do’s”.
I saw my sisters cry when the priest said the lines “You are now united in the Holy Matrimony…” Even my Mom was crying, too.
A pang of pain hit my heart. Ignoring it, I went over to the newlyweds and congratulate them.
AC and Bianca hugged me tightly. Eana and Chaunelle joined, too.
After the picture- taking, the two newlyweds went to their honeymoon while I went back to my room. Walking towards the house, I felt a rush of cold wind enveloping me. I was stopped from my tracks.
“Ri?” Mom asked me. I never knew she was following me. “Something wrong, babe?”
I shook my head but the coldness seemed to be getting worst. I shivered out of the cold. Moments passed and the coldness was replaced with something very hot, so hot that I felt like my blood was boiling. I let go of a whimper.
I collapsed onto the floor. My mom helped me to sit. I felt weak, cold and hot that I could not even understand it anymore.
Then I felt the throbbing of my right arms. Raising it, I saw my mark glowing.
“Tatay!” I barely heard my Mom shouted. The throbbing intensified as I felt my body lose its strength.
I heard the rushing feet towards me before I was swept off from the floor and was carried to my room.
“Tatay, what’s happening? It seems like I’m losing my strength.” I asked almost like a whisper.
“It’s a reminder for you, Ri. Your time in here is almost up. You have to be back in Fraeia or you’ll die.”
“What?!” My mom exclaimed. “How could that be?” I closed my eyes coz suddenly I felt so sleepy.
“She is the Fraeian empress. She is connected to Fraeia. And Fraeia needs her now!”
“What shall we do to help her?” My Dad asked. I heard no answer so I opened my eyes. My Tatay just looked at me.
“I think,” I whispered. “I know who can answer me.” I closed my eyes. “Ardessa!” I spoke in my mind in my royal tone .
The background changed into a meadow. There I saw myself dressed in my Fraeian gown.
“Ardessa, what is happening to me?”
“You have to come back as soon as possible. You need to be crowned or you’ll die.”
“I’m scheduled to be there, you know that.” She nodded. “It’s just a reminder. For now, I want you to sleep. Don’t think of anyone or anything. By the morning, you’ll be alright.” This time, I nodded before I went to a bed on a gazebo. I lay there and closed my eyes.
When I woke up, it was morning! And as what Ardessa said, I am fine!
Standing up, I went out to look for my family. I saw them in the living room. I walked inside and joined them.
“Good morning, babe!” my mom greeted me as she was the first to notice me. I smiled.
“Good morning, Mom!” I answered. “Good morning, everyone!”
“Morning!” they spoke together.
I smiled at them then I became serious.
“We need to talk.” I said looking at my sisters and brothers.
“Oh bhukareshnep nash Fraeia!” I said as I showed my mark on the gates of Fraiea.
The gates slowly opened to the world of Fraeia, the world where I and my brothers and sisters will be living from now on.
I inhaled deeply as I turned to take a last glance on the world I am leaving. I know I can visit here any time I want, but it would be different.
“Gab…Take care always! I love you!” I whispered into the air hoping that the wind would bring it to him.
“Ri?” Eana called me. “Is anything wrong?”
I shook my head and smiled at her. I can almost master this act of hiding my true feelings.
“Come on guys!” My mom shouted from the inside.
“Coming!” I answered and walked to the gates. I dragged Eana on my way in.
“Ri.” She said, stopping me. “You know you can talk to us, right?”
Nodding my head, I said, “Yes. I just don’t want you to worry about me.”
She did not answer anymore. Instead, she hugged me tightly before walking to the gate.
As soon as I stepped in, I was met by the blue skies and the wide green fields of Azalkra, the town where the four kingdoms met.
It is where the people would go to get whatever they need. It’s like the city where malls can be found.
“Is – is this Fraeia?” Mom’s surprised voice got my attention. I looked at Mom then to my Dad, my grandparents, Justin and my brothers and finally, my sisters. Then, an outburst of laughter filled in.
When we stopped, I hooked my parents arms – my Mom at my left and Dad at my right.
“Mom, Dad, Tatay, Nanay, Justin, Kuyas,” I said and winked at my sisters.
“Welcome to Fraeia!” We all said together.
“I – I can’t believe it! It’s – it’s so modern!” My Dad exclaimed.
I giggled once again.
Yes. Fraeia is just like our world. There are buildings, trains and cars. It’s just like we never left the human world.
“How? But how? How – ?” Tatay spoke.
“Did you forget, Tay that the rulers of this world came from our world?” Tatay seemed to connect the relation.
“By the way, this is Azalkra! The main town of Fraeia. All kingdoms meet in this town.” I said.
“That’s the shoes store.” I said pointing to a huge building. We decided to have a tour around the city. “While this building has plenty of boutiques!”
I continued pointing out to our family the different shops and stores in Azalkra.
“Let’s go. We’ll tour you to the different kingdoms!” AC excitedly offered!
We walked towards the middle of the city.
“Freyren! Freyres!” I saw a young man who looks like in his mid twenties bowing at me and my sisters.
“Hello Juval!” I greeted him and my sisters followed. “How did you know we are here?”
“Freyren Brienne has told me you’re coming today.” I rolled my eyes. Freyren Brienne has ruined my surprise. I saw Juval smiling.
“Oh by the way, these are my grandparents Tatay Orly and Nanay Mira, my parents Drake and Rose Ann, my cousin Justin and of course, my brothers Drew, Drey, Red and Rochie.” I introduced my company to him.
“Welcome to Fraeia, Freyres!” he greeted them.
“Thank you!” I heard my Nanay and Mom said.
“Let me lead you to your ride, Freyres.”
He led us to a wide, golden carriage. “Really, Juval? I asked him. “You could have brought the cars!”
He smiled at me. “You deserve the best, Freyren.” Juval whistled and then came mine and my sisters Pegasus. Mine has a golden crown on its head.
“It’s nice to see you again Breeze.” I held her head on my hand.
Juval let us up the carriage which unsurprisingly fit us all. In a flash, we were in the air going to the great palace where the Freyren lives.
“Juval, can you please lead us to the train station?” I asked him. He was about to protest, when I cut him off. “We will have a tour of the different kingdoms.”
“But – ,”
“Please?”
He brought us to the train station. “I will wait for you here, Freyren.”
“Thanks!” I nodded at him.
We went inside the station and boarded on a train for Hydreo.
“First stop, Hydreo!” AC exclaimed excitedly.
“You will be our tour guide, A!” I said to her.
“My pleasure!”
The train went in a subway or more likely an aquarium where the walls are made up of glass and water is seen.
We halted in a big building. When we went out, I heard gasps from my family.
“Amazing!” Justin exclaimed. He ran to the glass wall and looked outside.
Amazing is an understatement for Hydreo.
This kingdom is magically situated in the middle of the sea, literally, where the sea is everywhere – left, right, down and up.
The kingdom is encased in glass. It is like a mermaid city. The Hydreans looked at us as we passed. I guess they were surprised with our number.
“Just amazing?” AC asked. I giggled with her comment. AC is just so proud of her future kingdom.
“Actually, no!” Kuya Drew answered. “It’s marvelous, babe!”
“And it would be ours to take care, babe!” AC hugged Kuya.
“I would be honored!”
We reached the palace ground. Gasps were further heard. Of course, the palace is situated in a small island. A bridge connects the palace to the entrance.
“Freyre AC! Freyren Ri! Freyres! Ashkar nash!” A tall, white-bearded man greeted and bowed before us. He was wearing a Hydrean attire.
“Ashkar nash, Marsol!” I greeted him back.
“Ershap Marsol!” AC hugged her which caused Kuya Drew to growl. AC stepped away from the man. She went to Kuya Drew, took his hand and walked back towards Marsol.
“Ershap, I would like you to meet my mate, Drew. Babe, this is my great great grandfather, Marsol.”
Kuya Drew blushed. “I – I ‘m sorry, Sir. But I’m happy to meet you.”
“No problem, Freyre!” Marsol is the head of the Hydrean council. He also became our tour guide as he toured us to the rest of the Hydrean palace.
We went back to the train station and boarded another train.
“Now, we will go to Agreo!” Bianca excitedly said. “One of the reasons why I like your pack house, Tatay, is because of the kingdom of Agreo! And this time, I will be your guide.”
When we reach the station, I heard Tatay’s gasps as he saw a vast field of wheat.
“Welcome to Agreo!” Bianca exclaimed. “The Agreans uses carriages and carts for transportation. For now, we will be riding this one.”
She got a leaf and turned it into a carriage and vines to wheels.
“Fauna! Flora!” she called out to the wind. A few minutes more, two unicorns came to view and took their place before the carriage. “Gaea!” she called out once more and her white Pegasus came to view. She took the lead in front of the two unicorns.
The town has a great plantation of fruit trees, vegetables and other fruits. And in the midst of it all, lies a beautiful palace where flowers seemed to crawl towards its entrance.
We tour inside the palace with Bianca and Merci, the Agrean head lady.
The next place we went is Fireo, the land of the fire people.
Fireo is situated on a mountain top where the climate is cool. Ironic isn’t it? The Fireans are great blacksmiths and engineers. I guess, for me, this is the busiest kingdom. I can see why Kuya Red is destined to be their ruler. He is the most focused one.
It is in this kingdom where we can see many “factories” because almost everything is made in here. From clothes, to weapons, jewelries, shoes and other products.
The palace is one unique building. It was built in the most unique design since it was a very open palace. I could see Fireans come and go.
From Fireo, we travelled back to the station.
“Aren’t we going to Aeleo?” Dad asked. He knew it is where our family originated.
“We are, Dad but Aeleo can’t be reached with the train.” I told him and I can’t help when a giggle escape from my throat as I saw his eyebrows meet. When I looked at the rest of my family, they have the same face, too, except for my sisters.
I heard my sisters laughed. “You’ll see!” Chaunelle spoke, excitement in her face. “You’ll surely love Aeleo, hon!” she told Rochie.
As we stepped outside the station, Juval is their waiting for us.
“Juval, please take us to Aeleo!” I asked him.
“Yes, Freyren!”
We rode on the carriage and off we went.
The Pegasus flew us to Aeleo. The kingdom is situated on a wide floating island high above the skies.
On its right side, a waterfall falls from the kingdom directly to the sea. On its left, you can find many Pegasus and other flying creatures. They seemed to be using their powers to produce rain as under the left part of Aeleo is the Agreo.
We landed on a terminal-like building. There are also other carriages arriving and departing for there are other Fraeians who would visit the kingdom.
The Aelean palace is located on top of the clouds, floating, with a long stairs which connects it to the main island.
Tatay, and the rest of the family went to the Xyntreo (Sen-trey-o), where our dead ancestors lie.
We paid respect to them before we went to the palace entrance.
“Freyra Chaunelle!, Freyren Ri! Freyres!” This time, Crea, my friend and Chaunelle’s cousin called us.
“Crea!” Hugs and greetings followed. We also introduced our family to her who greeted her, as well.
What amazed us was when she focused on Justin who in return was also staring at her.
And then we heard the most wonderful word from Justin’s mouth. “Mate.”
“Finally!” Tatay exclaimed.
“At last!” Kuya Drew and Drey shouted, too.
“Yes!” Cheers erupted among us as we pushed Justin closer to Crea.
“Oh my gosh! Justin’s blushing!” I teased. We all burst in laughter as Justin blushed more and more.
Crea on the other hand, was blushing too.
“Oh, my,” Chaunelle said. “Welcome to the family!” And once more, my sisters and I and even my Mom and Nanay hugged her.
“I guess, the tour is done. Let’s all go home now.”
“Aren’t you gonna stay in the palace?” Crea asked.
I shook my head. “I have to show them Azalkra Palace .” I smiled at her. “Want to come with us?”
“Sure!”
We went back to the terminal and rode on the carriage. We were brought by the Pegasus to the entrance of the palace.
“Welcome to the Azalkra Palace, everyone!” I said as the carriage touched down.
The palace stood on another floating islet, but not as high as Aeleo. Behind it is a wide waterfall where the rivers run from it to the both sides of the palace. In its façade grew colorful flowers of different kinds.
The carriage passed by a bridge and stopped in front of a stairway.
“This place is magnificent!” I heard dad exclaimed. I thanked Juval and led my family to the door.
The door is magically made of flames. It doesn’t allow uninvited guests inside. It was made like this when the rebellion started.
When we came to the flaming door, I raised my hand showing my mark. The fire crawled to the side and opened to a big hall.
The door closed once again.
“Ashkar nash, Freyren Ri! Ashkar nash, Freyres!” We were greeted by the people working in the palace.
“Ashkar nash, everyone!” I smiled at them.
“Welcome back to Fraeia, Rianne, Eana, AC, Bianca, Chaunelle!” A voice spoke from upstairs, a voice I knew so well. I turned around and saw her coming down.
“Ermash Brienne!” I ran to meet her and gave her a hug.
“You almost did not manage to come back, Chansh. I’m happy you’re safe!” She said hugging me, too.
“It’s a good thing I have my family with me, ermash!
“I know!” she said walking towards my sisters. “Welcome back, Eana, AC, Bianca and Chaunelle!” she greeted them, hugging one at a time.
“It’s nice to see you again, ermash!” Chaunelle and Bianca said.
“Thank you, ermash!” Eana spoke.
“We miss you!” AC answered.
“Ah, Ermash, I would like you to meet the rest of our family.” I said.
“Orly!” Ermash Brienne went to Tatay and hugged him. ” Oh my poshen! It’s been so long since I last saw you!”
“I know Ermash! By the way, this is my mate, Mira.” Brienne also went to Nanay and hugged her.
“Ermash, my mom, RoseAnn.” I said and she went to my mom and hugged her, too.
“My, my, RoseAnn. The last time I visited you in your dream was before you met your mate. And now, you haven’t change!”
Mom’s face blushed. “Ermash, I thought , you’re not real.” She giggled. “I’m so sorry! By the way, this is my mate, Drake!”
“Drake, it’s nice to meet you! I would like to tell you I am proud of you for making that big sacrifice for your mate.”
“It’s not a big deal, Freyren. I love them!”
“Freyren?” Ermash Brienne was surprised. “Nonsense. Call me, Ermash . You are part of the family.”
“This is Justin, ermash, another grandson of mine!” Tatay introduced Justin and Brienne also hugged him.
“Ermash, these are my brothers.”
“Oh, Drew, Drey, Red, Rochie!”she said and hugged them one by one. “Thank you for helping these girls!”
“You don’t have to thank us, Ermash. It is our duty to protect them.” Kuya Drey spoke.
“I know!” She smiled to us then turned to the workers. “Please prepare the dining hall.” After a series of “Yes, Freyren” the workers went back to their works.
“Finally, they’re here!” I looked up to the stairs.
“Mashems Aeria, Mashems Igni, Mashems Vine, Mashems Siren!” My sisters and I ran to meet them too.
Once again, we were hugged and kissed by the four princesses. We introduced our family to them and they, too, were hugged and kissed by them.
Ermash – Grandmother
Ershap – Grandfather
Mashems – Great grandmother