As she watched her father leave the room, Lucia felt disturbed and confused about what she had just learned. How could she be the Great Sentinor destined to defeat Eiess? She had heard stories about an evil, powerful ice empress, but she had given no thought to it because she did not think such a one actually existed. What powers did Lucia possess? None that she knew of.
Nora returned. “Why so gloomy?” she asked while undressing Lucia, helping her get ready for bed.
“There is so much I do not understand,” she said. Then she wondered, Does Nora know about Eiess and the Aesira Jewel?
“Time will answer all mysteries,” Nora said, helping her into her night tunic. “Everything you need to know will reveal itself to you, here a little, there a little. You have within you the ability to reach further than you ever imagined.”
“But…I am…afraid. Do you know of…?” She stopped. She should not reveal what her father had said to anyone.
“I do know of the Aesira Jewel and of the Great Sentinor,” Nora whispered.
The knot in her stomach eased.
“Listen to your heart. What it tells you is the right thing,” the old woman said.
She thought that sounded like good advice. Thankfully, not everything had changed. “At least I know I am supposed to marry Soren.” She sat down on the bed, holding onto what little was left of holding onto.
“He is a good man,” Nora said.
“When you got married, were you excited?” she asked.
Her wrinkled eyes came alight with joy. “Oh heavens, yes! My husband was not such a noble man like Soren, of course, but he was simple and sweet and a hard worker. I loved him very much.”
“I care for him and he has tried very hard to earn my affection, but I do not know that I am in love with him yet. There is not really any passion between us.” She was not disillusioned enough to think she could marry only for love. Marriages had more to do with duty and Lucia was prepared and willing to make that sacrifice for her kingdom, and although her relationship had been strained with her father, she trusted her parents enough that they had made the right choice for her. Her mother had said on her deathbed that Soren was meant for another, but Lucia had dismissed it now that her father had told her they were predestined to be together.
Nora paused and looked Lucia in the eyes, as if trying to choose her next words carefully. “He will make his wife very happy.”
Lucia sensed the hesitation in her words. It was the same hesitation she had heard in her father’s voice. Is he not a good man? Is he cruel? He had not seemed an angry man the times she had met him.
“Do not fret, young princess. Love will come in time,” Nora said. “Off to bed you go.” She gently nudged Lucia under the covers.
After Nora left, her mind continued to race. Her thoughts wandered back to her immense responsibility and she felt overwhelmed about all the new information she had received. The thought of Eiess being on her way to the castle sent a chill through her spine. Would the Empress of Darkness come tonight? Would she kill Lucia in her sleep? However, Lucia had not been crowned queen yet, so there should be no threat—at least not until after the coronation. In addition, this castle had withstood Eiess’ supposed attacks in the past, so surely, she must be safe within these sturdy, stone walls. Day and night, hundreds of guards stood at their posts without the walls. She could not be in a safer place in all of Midgard.
Finally, she drifted off to sleep.
* * *