* * *
“What is going on? What is she doing here?” Marika whispered to Giselle.
“I don't know. He wasn't expecting her, not that I could tell. And I have been keeping an eye on things as you've asked me to. She just sort of appeared and they have been talking in that room ever since.”
“I need to know what's happening; he hasn't seen her in over a millennia. Get some refreshments and have them brought in to them. Keep your ear close to the door and report back to me later.”
Giselle scurried off to do Marika's bidding. No one had been expecting Diokles mother to arrive and to Marika, with everything that had happened, it seemed like the worst time possible. She didn't need his mother interfering in their lives, especially when she was putting a plan into action herself. Giselle helped bring the refreshments in and then stayed close to listen as Marika had requested.
“So my son, how have you been?” Diokles mother had long auburn hair and deep green eyes. Her ivory skin had a soft glow to it. She was fairly tall and looked around the same age as her son did.
“We are doing well mother, what brings you in for a visit?”
“Must I have a reason to visit my son, could it not simply be I just want to spend time with you and see that you are well?”
“Of course mother, you are always welcome. But it has been so long, I just wondered what made you decide to come.”
“Well, I do have a few things to talk to you about. And how are your children? I have not yet met the twins. Are all your children here right now?”
“I think you know well they are not. You have been spying on me?” Diokles stated bluntly with a hint of a question in his tone.
“With all the rash decisions you have been making, did you not think word would get back to me? You are my son, my eighth child, my immortal one, I care about what happens to you as well as what happens to my granddaughter.”
“You say that as if there is only one, you have several.”
“I do, but none like Arlana. She is the eighth child, have you forgotten the significance that comes with that? She can spin time too, just like you, and just like me. But did you know that she is only the second female to be born an eighth child? I am the first. She will also be exhibiting special powers soon, with no one to train her and no idea who she is. Do you spit on our legacy by throwing her out like unwanted trash? She is my blood. Where is she now? Do you have any idea what is happening to her at this very minute?”
Diokles seethed with rage. No one spoke to him like that, and yet he felt his resolve waiver, he wasn't sure he had done the right thing. He started to fire back at his mom, but then hesitated.
His mother continued to speak, “I guess you do not. I will tell you this, she is getting married, they think she is a witch, and she has been injured.”
Diokles eyes widened, he was completely flabbergasted. He had been so busy these past few weeks that he had not checked in at all to see what Arlana was doing. Marika had begged him to go traveling, she had said it would be good to get his mind off things and focus more on each other. “I didn't realize, but the curse, I can't take it back. It has to play out now that it has been set into motion; the magic I used was very powerful.”
His mother, Briella, sighed. “Oh yes, I know the anger that was behind your curse. I have had quite a time putting any modifications into it.”
“You modified my curse?”
“Only a couple of things. For one, I put that boy who keeps trying to find her a little closer to her this time. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he is the right one for her, but at least he cares! Right now she is about to be married off to a stranger.”
“Mother, I wish you hadn't done that. I do not want Cole to find her!”
“Would you rather she is beaten and taken advantage of some more? Well, if that is not enough to spur you into action than maybe the fact that you will be held personally responsible if any harm comes to her while she is under a century. Maybe you forgot that part of the laws but luckily I am here to remind you now. And here's another thing that I want to remind you of-babies.”
“Babies, what are you talking about mother?”
“As an eight child she is a creating force, creating time travel, what special powers she may possess, and also the ability to have children.”
Diokles jaw dropped. He felt like he had been in some sort of fog. Why had he forgotten all these things?
Before he could say anything else Briella spoke again, “My dear son, I am not happy with the decisions you have been making, but I still love you, I don't want you to come under judgment for this. So you know what? I will help you. But once she is found by that boy your curse will end. I don't want you to go after her at this point. I will take her under my wing and train her. There are also some young men in my court who may be suitable for a marriage to her, unlike this other fellow.”
“She is my daughter, you can't just take her!”
“I thought you would be thanking me, you don't seem to want her. Well, when the time comes we will see what happens. I have one final piece of advice my son; keep a close eye on your wife. I will be watching you,” Briella warned and disappeared in a flash of light.