Divinity: Chapter forty six
"I hope your bastard child dies" Metallia laughed and vanished, leaving the terran queen laid on the marble floor.
Eros was waiting for her in the dining room, but already passed more time that she said she was going to take to be there, standing up he went to look out for her, on his way there he saw Obelix in the hall.
"Obelix!" Eros yelled.
"Your Majesty" Obelix turned to see a the worried king.
"Did Gaia go back to her room?"
Obelix gave his king a confused look "I thought she was with you"
Eros frowned "No, she told me she needed to talk with you about something"
"We talked in the afternoon…" the priest commented.
"Oh god…" Eros eyes widened.
"Is something wrong Your Majesty?" the priest sounded worried.
Eros didn't answer and ran to the shrine as quickly as he could, the priest followed behind. Once they reached the place the king called for his wife but got no response.
Obelix ran up the stairs and saw Gaia lying on the floor.
"Gaia!" the priest ran to her side and shook her fragile body, he noticed her lips were chapped and dry and her skin paler than usual.
"Something had happened to her, someone must have caused this" Obelix said with concern in his voice.
Eros caught up with the priest and saw his wife on the floor, his eyes started to cry in desperation "Gaia! Gaia!" he shook her body softly.
"Please, wake up!" Eros called out loud.
Obelix took her wrist and checked for pulse "Her pulse is very weak…" his eyes widened in fright "Her energy has been drained"
Eros lifted his wife off the floor and took her to their chambers. He laid her on the bed, still she wasn't responding.
"What should I do?" Eros asked panicked.
Obelix moved forward and placed a hand on her belly.
"What are you doing?" the king asked.
Aurea walked in few seconds later, she saw the king carrying his wife.
"What happened?" her hands were shaking.
"I found her lying on the floor at the temple" Eros said.
Aurea gasped.
Obelix started to press his hand softly against her belly.
Eros widened his eyes "What are you doing?"
Obelix turned to look at Eros "She's not responding…I must take drastic measures to bring her back"
"What …" Aurea trailed off.
"No…" Eros gasped.
"Please, trust me in this" Obelix said.
The priest pressed his hand against Gaia's belly waiting for an answer "Please child…wake up"
A few minutes later he started feeling movement inside "Please child, help her…bring her back" his hands started to shine with a golden energy that soon illuminated her entire body.
A golden aura started to flow from the priest's hands towards the queen's body. Eros and Aurea stared in awe.
"Amazing…." Obelix said softly. He could feel a strong energy flowing, stronger than the one he knew Gaia could actually hold.
The golden energy flowed for a couple of more minutes filling the room with a bright light, blinding Eros and Aurea. When the energy finally stopped flowing, the room went back to its normal atmosphere. Eros and Aurea stopped covering their eyes with their hands; their eyes widened when they saw Gaia's eyes flutter open.
Eros sat beside her and took her hand "Love…" he said, tears were falling down his cheeks.
Gaia frowned "What happened?"
"Your baby just saved your life" Obelix said, "Your energy was drained"
"Metallia…" Gaia whispered.
"The witch?" Aurea said in surprise.
"Why did you lie to me?" Eros sounded hurt.
"I felt her aura, I didn't want you to get hurt" Gaia defended herself.
"You put yourself in danger, and not only yourself, our baby too!" Eros raised his voice.
Gaia looked down.
"If it wasn't for Obelix…you…" Eros trailed off.
"It wasn't me…" the priest said from behind.
"What?" Gaia raised her head to see the priest.
"The energy you saw…was the baby's not mine" Obelix said.
"The energy you saw…was the baby's not mine" Gaia remembered the priest's words.
Gaia's hands went to her stomach; this baby had saved her again.
"So the energy flowing inside me is no longer mine but the baby's?" she thought again.
"I'm so sorry Eros…" her green apple eyes stared at her husband's back.
"You shouldn't have lied to me Gaia" Eros said hurt.
Gaia lowered her gaze in shame "I know…I'm sorry"
Eros turned to see his wife, Obelix and Aurea had left the room a while ago, right after the priest told them what just had happened.
"You don't seem to fully understand…how much I love you…how much I love this baby" Eros said.
"I do but…" she trailed off "I had to confront her"
Eros walked towards the bed and kneeled in front of her, taking her hands into his large ones he stared at her golden green eyes.
"I can't picture my life without you"
Gaia's eyes started to tear.
"I love you Eros…" she whispered.
She tried to stand up but failed, she wasn't feeling very well, the confrontation with Metallia really worn her out. But she knew if she tells Eros he might be more worried than he is now.
The next morning three carriages arrived at the Northern Palace. Leonidas watched them approach and went to look for Eros.
"Did they told you why are they here?" the young king asked.
"No, they are waiting for you at the study" the general said.
They hurried down the halls to meet the three kings that just arrived. Leonidas opened the door and stepped aside to let the king come in. the three men in the room stood up at the same time to receive the king.
"Gentlemen" Eros said.
"King Eros" King Bernard nodded.
"What do I owe this unexpected visit from you?" Eros motioned the man to sit; he took his seat at the front chair of the large round table. Leonidas sat by his side.
"We have heard nothing but good reviews of your new reign" King Urmanus said.
"I'm doing my best, and of course this will improve our arrangements" Eros said.
"You might be wondering why are we here" King Isra went to the point.
"As a matter of fact, yes I am. We didn't schedule anything for today" Eros voice was calm but cautious.
"Everything has been working perfectly, our commerce matters can't be in better terms, but there has been a rumor that is truly affecting our relations to our people" King Bernard said.
Eros raised his right brow. "What rumor?" his voice was clear.
"That you all live under a spell caused by Her Majesty the Queen" King Isra answered anxiously.
Eros lowered his head and chuckled. "This has to be a joke"
"It's a rumor that has reached our three kingdoms" King Bernard said.
Eros raised his head to meet the three kings. "And you are really paying attention to a rumor? Do you even know who started it?
"Well…no" King Urmanus shock his head. "But like the Western King just said, it's stating to affect our relations with our people"
Eros let out an exhausted sigh "What does this mean? That you are holding back the negotiations we have been working on to make this all work better for our people, just because of a rumor?"
"We better suspend this until these rumors dissipate" King Urmanus said.
"If we suspend the exportations it will affect in great manner your kingdoms and ours!" Eros ran a hand through his dark chocolate hair, his blue eyes showed concern.
"We are going to take that risk" King Isra said.
"Do you believe in those rumors King Isra?" a soft voice interrupted their dispute.
Five pairs of eyes saw a Queen Gaia standing at the door with her assistant holding her softly.
"Gaia…what are you doing here? You should be resting" Eros pleaded.
Gaia didn't hear her husband and walked inside the room with Aurea by her side. "Do you? King Isra" she asked again.
King Isra swallowed hard. "I believe in what my people say. We all do"
"If I were a witch, like they're all saying, shouldn't I be in good health? Shouldn't I be stronger? I'm pregnant Your Majesty and I'm ill…if I were a witch I would have conquered the world or something similar to that" Gaia stayed still in her place.
King Isra stared at the beauty before him. She did look ill, tired and very pregnant.
"Do you believe it King Bernard, King Urmanus?" Gaia directed her gaze to the other royals in the room. They all stayed silent.
"We shouldn't be listening to these rumors, like my husband said…we must think for our people and what's good for them instead of listening to random gossip. We should unite as one, four strong points to protect this planet from war" her voice was determinant.
"Unite as one? With all due respect Your Majesty…that is insane!" King Urmanus protested.
"Why is it an insane idea?" Eros asked.
Gaia turned to see her husband and smiled, he was supporting her idea.
"We are not going to yield our throne, ever" the Eastern King said.
"You are not going to yield your throne; you are going to work as a team with us…" Gaia trailed off.
"And give you all the credit? Absolutely not!" King Isra said.
"To leave my kingdom to others to reign? never!" King Urmanus explaimed.
Eros sighed "We cannot expect a peaceful planet if we don't work together"
Being the reasonable and patient king of the three, King Bernard stood up "We just wanted to know if these rumors are true, if they are and you are lying to us…there will be terrible consequences"
Gaia caught his gaze "If I were a witch, if I had this…power thirst they say I have now all of the sudden…I wouldn't be here, reasoning with you alongside my husband in the state I am now"
King Bernard's gaze softened "You're right. My apologies, Queen Gaia"
"I will continue our treaty with you despite of the rumors then, but I will not support the Queen's idea of making just one kingdom for this planet" King Isra stood up next.
"The Alliance is finally formed, Your Majesty" Luna said from her seat in the large white table next to the lunar queen.
"Every God signed, including the Higher Gods" Artemis said from his seat, across Luna.
Serenity nodded absently, her mind was else were.
"Your Majesty?" Luna waved a hand in front of the queen's face.
Serenity batted her lashes as a sign of her mind coming back to the matter "I'm sorry…you were saying?"
"Are you feeling well Your Majesty?" the young man in white asked.
"Yes, yes, of course. I'm fine" the queen waved her hand softly.
"I'll deliver the signed papers to King Athan" Artemis stood up and left the room.
Luna turned to see the queen's face and admired her delicate features. She had heard of her when she lived in Mau, that she was one of the most beautiful goddesses in the universe and also known for her very kind heart along with her best friend who never found out who she was until now. When mauians knew she was leaving her home to be at the moon palace to serve the new lunar queen they went in complete shock and knew this was going to change their lives forever.
"Is something wrong Your Majesty?"
Serenity turned to see Luna and smiled at her "I was just thinking how far we have come and how much we have accomplished with this new alliance"
"But am I wrong to think there is something else?" Luna's voice was soft and caring.
Serenity lowered her lavender gaze and sighed. "I know I should feel happy because of all the treaties we are making with other gods but…somehow, my heart still feels sad"
Luna stood up from her seat and went to the queen's side; kneeling next to her she placed her hand over Serenity's.
"I may not know anything about love…but, the King really loves you Your Majesty" Luna smiled.
Serenity's eyes widened "Luna"
"When you walk into a room, his eyes light up" Luna continued.
Serenity's lavender eyes softened. "You are a very special friend to me...I don't know what would I do without you" the queen smiled and placed her left hand over Luna's.
"Let's just listen to God Chronos's advice. Let's give time some time" Luna said softly.
Serenity nodded. "Let's give time some time"
Serenity saw Luna more like a friend than an advisor, even though she did a wonderful work as well as Artemis; she always knew what to say or do to help her whenever she feels sad. Just like Gaia, she always knew when she was feeling lonely or just wanted to talk of something else and not just about politics.
Ares walked through the halls of the white palace. It has been a long time since he was there; he asked several maids and butlers where the queen was, until he found her walking towards the entrance lobby as if looking for someone.
Serenity showed surprise when she saw him walking towards her, she stopped in her tracks and waited for him to catch up with her.
"Serenity" Ares said once he was standing in front of her.
"Ares…" Serenity said with a soft voice.
Ares lowered his face and chuckled. "It's been a while"
Serenity remained silent and with a stern expression. After a few seconds she sighed. "Yes, it is. What do I owe this unexpected visit? Athan is not here at this moment, he's at Olympus in a meeting, he won't be back until tomorrow evening if you…"
"I didn't came to see Athan Serenity, I came to see you" Ares interrupted her.
Serenity raised a delicate brow at him "Me?"
Ares sighed. "Serenity…I haven't been the most reasonable god around since what happened…you know…"
"With Gaia" Serenity completed his sentence.
"Yes…I want to apologize to you for that" Ares showed regret in his gray eyes.
"I'm not the one who you should be apologizing…" Serenity's voice was stern.
Ares's eyes widened "By hurting her I hurt you as well"
Serenity's gaze softened; placing a hand on his shoulder she gave him a sympathetic smile "Walk with me to the gardens Ares"
The two gods walked through the lunar gardens talking about what have happened with Gaia, Metallia, Geb and Nut the audience and his rage.
"At first I couldn't believe what was happening…I wanted to think it was some sort of a joke, but when I saw her standing there in front of the Higher Gods…I thought it wasn't either a joke or a dream, she was really being punished" Ares said.
Serenity nodded "It was hard for me too to see her struggle the way she did"
"Then, Metallia came to my palace several times to poison me…I got mad…I don't know how did my feelings towards her changed the way it did…I wanted to have her here, it was desperation, hurt, desire to see her walking through this gardens again, to see her smiling, to stare at those beautiful mystic eyes…" Ares's voice was sad.
"Metallia will not rest until she sees us destroyed. She will say anything to get what she wants"
"She's been missing" Ares said.
"No, she's out there somewhere waiting for the right moment to come out again" Serenity looked up and saw the blue marble hanging in the sky.
Ares followed her gaze and stared as well at the same planet "She will always look beautiful, no matter what she is, goddess or mortal"
Serenity turned to see him and frowned "Do you love Eris?"
Ares still had his gaze fixated on the blue planet. "I care for her"
"Why did you marry her?" Serenity asked again.
"She's been with me since I can remember…it wasn't fair for her to be treated the way I was treating her"
"You married her without being in love…"
"Love is something I don't think I'll ever feel again Serenity" this time he turned to see her.
"When I saw her Serenity…I was sure I was going to bring her back no matter what…I was sure she would come back, that she would admit she made a mistake and that she would ask me to bring her here, to live among us again. But instead of that she protected the mortal and fought me, her eyes were full of determination…she looked so beautiful. She could never have won, but she tried and that made me think she isn't regretting living as a mortal now…that she moved on, and even she didn't have the strength as a goddess she still had that goddess pride and security. That's when I knew she wasn't in love with me anymore but with him, and the next thing I knew is that Eris was waiting for me to come home, crying. I couldn't break her heart anymore…no matter how much I love Gaia. I had to let her go"
Serenity's eyes filled with tears. "She still cares for you Ares; she could never stop loving you…just not the way she used to, and now she has more reasons to not loving you the way she did"
"What do you mean?" Ares asked.
"She's expecting a child" Serenity smiled.
Ares's eyes widened in shock "Gaia is…pregnant?"
"Yes" the lunar queen nodded.
"No…" Ares breathed.
Serenity frowned "What's wrong?"
"She can't be pregnant!" Ares turned to see Serenity with sadness in his grey eyes.
"But you already said that you…" Serenity trailed off.
"If she gives birth to a child, her health will be in stake" Ares interrupted her.
"What do you mean?" Serenity asked frantic.
"Her health is not strong anymore; all her left energy is going to the child in her womb…if she gives birth to a child she might die. Hades will go for her…" Ares explained.
"No…Hades said he was going to take her to Lethe's river with the forgotten once she ceases to exist" Serenity's voice trembled.
"But she isn't ill…" Serenity tried to convince herself.
"She might not be ill Sere, but the Higher Gods will never approve a child with a bloodline like the one that baby is about to have…" Ares raised his face to look at the blue planet in front of him again.
"Gaia…" he breathed.
A/N: I'm soooooo soooooooo soooooo very sorry, I know it's late but...I got sick and then got to work for extra hours and well... a lot came on, but, please pretty please never think I'll leave this story unfinished. To show you my grattitude for waiting here you go chapter forty six and seven :) I hope you like them.
I'll wait for your reviews :)
I do not own sm just the story, plot and some of the characters