I closed the chat, my head spinning. Frustration and grief warred within me, threatening to consume me entirely. No. I wouldn't succumb. I wouldn't let despair cripple me. I had a kingdom to rule, a family to protect, and a mystery to unravel.
It was time for answers. It was time to talk to Athenia.
I knocked gently on Athenia's door, waiting for her permission to enter. When a small, hesitant voice granted it, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Athenia was sitting on the bed, surrounded by stuffed animals and coloring in a book.
I sat beside her, picking up a stray crayon. "What are you drawing?" I asked, trying to keep my voice light.
"A castle," she said, pointing to the colorful structure on the page. "With a princess."
"That's beautiful," I replied. We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the tension in the room slowly dissipating. It was time.
"Athenia," I began, my voice soft. "Can you tell me about your mom?"
Her blue eyes, so like Torrance's, clouded over with sadness. Then, almost imperceptibly, they darkened.
"My mommy… she was the Queen of Revenge," Athenia whispered, her voice barely audible. "Her name was Himura."
The Queen of Revenge. The name struck a chilling chord within me. A figure whispered about in hushed tones, a legend of darkness and retribution.
Athenia continued, her voice gaining a little strength. "My daddy and mommy… they were supposed to get married when they were 18. It was arranged." She frowned. "But they didn't love each other. Mommy cheated on Daddy a few months later and he wanted a divorce." She paused, fiddling with a loose thread on her blanket. "But Daddy stayed after I was born and raised me with Mommy."
"What happened?" I prompted gently.
"Mommy… she sold me. She sold me for diamonds, rare diamonds. Daddy found out, and she disappeared. That was two years ago. Daddy looked everywhere for me. He found me two weeks ago." Her small voice trembled.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to her story. To think that this innocent child had been sold like a commodity, abandoned by her own mother… I reached out and wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close.
"You're safe now, Athenia," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "You're safe now."
I vanished my tears, wanting to be strong for her.
Athenia hugged me back, her small body trembling against mine. After a moment, she pulled away and looked up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You're better than my mom," she said, her voice filled with conviction. I smiled sadly. "Thank you, Athenia."
"I love you, Ms. Isabella."
The words pierced my heart. "I love you too, Athenia."
I tucked her back into bed, making sure her favorite stuffed animal was within reach. As I was about to leave, she tugged on my sleeve.
"Ms. Isabella?"
"Yes, honey?"
"Can you be my new mommy?"
My heart skipped a beat. A lump formed in my throat. I looked at her, at her innocent, hopeful face, and knew what I had to do.
I knelt beside her bed, taking her small hand in mine. "Yes, Athenia," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "I would love to be your new mommy."
A radiant smile spread across her face, chasing away the shadows that had lingered in her eyes. I kissed her forehead, whispering a goodnight, and left the room, my heart aching with a mixture of joy and sorrow.
I needed to talk to Torrance.
I dialed his number, my fingers shaking. He answered on the second ring.
Isabella: Torrance?
Torrance: Isabella? Are you alright? Grayson told me what happened.
Isabella: I'm… okay. I just talked to Athenia. She told me about her mother, about everything.
Torrance: (A pause, then a soft sigh) I'm so sorry, Isabella. She shouldn't have had to carry that burden.
Isabella: She asked me… she asked me to be her new mommy.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line. Then, Torrance's voice, low and husky, filled my ear.
Torrance: And?
Isabella: I said yes.
Torrance: (A warm chuckle) I knew you would. That's my Isabella.
Isabella: Torrance, I don't know if I can do this. This whole queen thing, the kingdom thing, and now...
Torrance: You can. You are the strongest woman I know. And I'll be there, every step of the way. I promise you, when I get back, we will sort this out. Together.
Isabella: Torrance... I don't know what to do with my parents and Lyra
Torrance: Grayson and I are going to pull every string in the world, my love. We will find them.
Isabella: I love you Torrance.
Torrance: I love you too, Isabella. More than you know. Now, get some rest. You deserve it.
I hung up the phone, a small measure of peace settling over me. Torrance was right. I could do this. I had to.