Vione’s hope was the promise she had made to Ivan. After so much suffering and sacrifice, there was only one thing she wanted most: to live a peaceful life surrounded by those she loved-Usher, Jemma and Rowena.
They were owed many happy days because of the tragedies that had unfolded over the years, along with the war. Now Vione simply wanted to repay that debt by enjoying their time together, especially with Rowena.
For countless days, Vione had longed for the loving touch of her biological parents. Despite the fact that her life with Addy and Hilary had been happy and full of love, she could not deny that deep down there was a part of her that longed for the warmth and love of her real parents. And when she learned that Ivan was long gone, all her hopes were placed in Rowena.
Vione wanted to experience the affection she had only imagined. She wanted to spend endless days with Rowena in the palace. But it seemed that Rowena had other thoughts than her own.
“W-what do you mean, Ma?” Vione blinked uncertainly. Rowena’s words buzzed in her ears like the hum of bees. “Y-you want to leave?” She took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “Why? Is there something that makes you uncomfortable staying in the palace? If so, tell me.”
Usher didn’t remain silent. He spoke as well. “This palace is your home too, Rowena. So, if there’s something wrong, we’ll sort it out. Just tell us.”
As she had expected, Vione and Usher’s reactions showed shock. Rowena smiled slightly and shook her head. “There is nothing wrong with me during my time at the palace. Everyone has been very kind and I’ve been quite happy here.”
“Then why?” Vione asked, her voice shaking. Her eyes were full of confusion. “Why do you want to leave, Mama?”
Rowena didn’t answer right away. Instead, she took a moment to compose herself. She, too, felt a surge of emotion well up in her heart. It wasn’t easy for her to make this decision. She also wanted to stay with Vione, to exchange the days they had spent apart in longing, to replace every tear that had fallen with bursts of laughter-but not like this, not by staying in the palace.
“You know it well, Rowena. You’re not just Vione’s biological mother.” Usher spoke wisely. His voice was calm, but it conveyed firmness and many layers of meaning. “In my eyes, you are more than just Vione’s mother, who deserves every honour of the pack. You are also a hero who has helped the pack, both in the past and now. You are also the wife of a former warrior leader who served the pack well. So, frankly, staying in the palace is too small a gesture to truly represent the respect we have for you. So, I ask, what do you want? As long as it can keep you here with us, I will grant it.”
Vione nodded hopefully. “Please, Mama.”
Rowena’s emotions rose even more uncontrollably. She knew that Usher would do anything to make Vione happy, and she also knew that she was a source of happiness for Vione. Unfortunately, their desires were different. Vione wanted them to stay together in the palace, but she couldn’t.
“No,” Rowena shook her head gently. “Don’t say that. I am truly grateful for all of this. I swear, I’ve been so happy to stay here with all of you, but…” She smiled sadly and looked softly at Vione. “… my place is not here.”
Vione looked back at Rowena with growing confusion. For her, Rowena had no other place than at her side. “What do you mean, Mama?”
“My place is in Amerotha Forest.” Rowena took a long breath, as if releasing a burden she had been carrying. “That is where I truly belong, in the forest, surrounded by trees and wild animals. They need me.”
Vione was silent. Her tongue felt tied. Rowena’s answer was truly unexpected. Her heart rebelled against it. She wanted to say that it wasn’t just Amerotha Forest that needed Rowena-she needed her too. She needed Rowena, perhaps more than Rowena had ever imagined.
But Vione caught a glimpse of emotion. It was brief, but she could see a flicker of longing in Rowena’s eyes, a longing that squeezed her chest. She stood frozen, thinking with the certainty that she had felt the same way once-when she had spent her days without Usher.
“So, I hope you don’t think I don’t enjoy living here,” Rowena continued, trying again to reassure Vione and Usher. She smiled wider. “I’m very happy, very comfortable, but…”
“… but this isn’t our last meeting, is it?”
Rowena’s words were interrupted by Vione’s sudden question. She was silent for a moment, looking at Vione. Then she realised that there were tears in Vione’s eyes.
“That’s true, isn’t it?” Vione asked again, her tone more urgent this time. “We’ll see each other again, won’t we?”
Rowena bit her lower lip. Then she nodded, unable to stop her own tears from falling. “Of course we will. I promise to visit every month. I-”
Rowena couldn’t finish her sentence as Vione rose from her seat and hugged her tightly. Her heart felt squeezed, her soul pierced. Guilt filled her and for a moment she thought about reversing her decision. But Vione spoke first.
“In that case, it’s all right. You can go, Mama. We’ll see each other all the time, so it’s no problem. Besides, I promise I’ll visit you in Amerotha Forest.”
Rowena swallowed her words. She returned Vione’s hug just as tightly and nodded. “I’ll be so happy if you visit me, Vione.”
On the other hand, there was nothing Usher could do once Vione and Rowena had come to an agreement. To be honest, he wanted Vione and Rowena to live together. Even if the hustle and bustle of the palace made Rowena uncomfortable, it wouldn’t have been difficult for him to provide a special pavilion. He could do anything when it came to Vione’s happiness, but he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t force them and he would respect them choice.
*