Chapter 208
Another two days passed and the ceremony for the Guards who had been killed was held yesterday. It was beautiful and honorable but when I saw all the families distraught and heard the loud cries, I nearly fell apart. Today was our turn, Mathilda and I were saying goodbye to our parents.
The driver took us to the cemetery, and we walked out onto the green grass. The headstone was in the shape of a halo, and the two would lay beside each other, resting together forever. Darian stopped a few feet away.
“Go, I’ll stand here,” his fingers trembled when he cupped his hands behind his back and lifted his head. A gentle smile stretched on his lips and he opened his mouth two times before he spoke.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered through clenched teeth and his eyes were turning red. I bowed my head, my eyes caught on his shoes when a drop fell from his cheek and landed on the black leather.
I walked to the headstone, and as I came up behind Mahtilda, standing in her black dress with black ballet slippers, I saw the little girl who would squeal when Mom lifted her up in her arms. When we were kids, we would cuddle on the couch before bedtime, and Mom would read us a book.
The bow that was tied behind Mathilda’s back hung softly and fluttered as the wind drew in. In her hands was a bouquet with yellow roses, mom’s favorite, and Lillies for our dad. He was never much for flowers but one year for his birthday our mom gave him Lillies and ever since then, he said that no other flower compares because of the love he feels when he sees them.
Tears fell down her cold pink cheeks and her brows were deeply furrowed as she gasped for air.
“I’m going to miss you so much,” she whispered and wiped her eyes.
I squatted down, my black dress covered my heels and I put the flowers in the middle.
“I’m sorry,” my voice broke, shattered, and the tears landed on the petals.
“If I’m half as good with my pups as you were with us, I’ll consider it a job well done,”
Mathilda put her flowers down, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. We stood there like that for a long time, remembering and crying- telling stories and reminiscing. She asked me yesterday how it happened and why they died, and I told her the truth. They sacrificed themselves for their girls. She asked if it was Darian’s fault, and I told the truth, I told her that he killed our mother but that I didn’t blame him for their death. I blamed the Elder, I blamed the Council and the Councilmen, and I blamed Ophelia. Darian was to blame for many things, but not my parent’s deaths.
When we walked back to the car, Darian stayed still, and by the time we got in he was walking down to the headstone. He got on his knees and put his hand on the grass where they rested.
I put my hair behind my ear and listened.
“No amount of apologies will rectify what I have done, but I want you to know that you did a good job with your daughters and that you don’t have to worry, I’ll take care of them from here. I’ll keep them safe for you,”
He sat for a moment in silence before he joined us in the car.
We locked eyes and I took his hand over my knee, tightened the hold around his trembling fingers and we drove home.
Gabby and Kiera were playing outside as we drove up to the palace. I could see from afar how he chased after her and her precious giggles welcomed us home.
We stepped out and I stopped by the car, watching them for a moment and enjoying the sound of happiness coming from the same place that housed so much pain.
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