The Ruler of Gilead 50 Dreaming of the Past: The Engagement Ceremony

Sitting on the balcony of their private villa on the castle grounds the girls would often come to enjoy the scenic view of the garden below. The Emerald blades of grass would sway in the wind as light would filter its way through the leaves of the Star Apple trees. All that calm beauty was bordered by the charm of the Ruby and Sapphire flowers now in bloom.

"Mother has certainly laboured for us, tirelessly. Right, Kaija?"

"Yes, she has... Let's pay her a visit today."

"Are you willing to call her "Mother" again? Since we now know why she agreed with Father in keeping us from going to him."

"... Why should I blame her anymore? It would be better to blame myself for asking her to do as we instructed."

"Right, plus with each day we gain more memories and we can also try communicating with them. Why not try this Low Sun? What do you think?"

"Okay, we can try. But let's go see mother now."

…

"You're late!"

"What? We came right after the memory appeared. Right, Kaija?" Kaia looked at Kaija for confirmation as she explained their haste to visit.

"We're sorry to have burdened you so, Mother." Bowing her head Kaija got straight to the point and soon followed Kaia.

"Well, I'm happy it has worked out now. I can feel a weight drop from my shoulders."

"Mother, do we really have to wait a 1000* years before we see him and the others in person?"

"That depends on you both and the new actions you'll take. You could wake up tomorrow as your younger selves with no memory of this future or you could repeat it. But what is certain, is that your younger selves are living in a world with an unknown future. Even with your abilities, you can only view short glimpses of that future."

"It's because every step he takes builds a new world and future for us, right?"

"Yes, Kaija. He certainly is changing things up."

Having spent a few hours with their mother trying to mend their strained relationship. The girls decided to return to their villa while trying to hide their desire under the telling smile of their mother.

…

Running to her room Kaia only looked back to smile at her sister before swiftly shutting the door!

"You greedy girl, haha! Well, greedy boy, how long will you have us wait?"

After entering her room Kaija took a bath before changing into her sleeping gown and climbed into bed smiling. Shutting her eyes and allowing her mind to settle before concentrating on the past.

Vaguely appearing before her it was not until she vividly felt his embrace that she started sleeping…

"... New memories for us all." Looking at all four girls Hittan made his declaration.

Looking up at Hittan both Kaia and Kaija seemed to wear a smile that had a hidden meaning. Having been told the things that they needed to hear the group headed back to the throne room to conclude their business.

Walking into the room Hittan made his way to his parents and grandparents to have their first formal meeting with his brides.

"Mother, Father, Grandpa Fan and Grandpa Jalil please meet my future wives. Kaija, Kaia, Lagina and... Valencia."

Stepping forward one by one the girls curtsied. As Valencia stepped forward when Hittan called her name it was to his parent's surprise and that of Elder Delmar. Elder Delmar between Valencia's Council mentor and Father! Hearing his daughter mentioned as one of the brides Elder Delmar hurried over to the group. Where he joined the other Elders with curious looks staring at Hittan and Valencia.

"No need to look at us like that. We share a bond stronger than blood and... we are inseparable." As Hittan looked at Valencia to see a blushing confirmation he went a step further. "Which means you are looking at the future Queen of the Village."

"What! Hahaha!" Unable to keep his joy contained Elder Delmar burst into laughter! While Valencia held her head low in the bashfulness of the moment unable to meet the eyes of those around her. It was only after a few minutes that she reached out to Hittan to pull at his sleeve unable to take the new looks from the Council members. Seeing the scene unfold Hittan couldn't help but smile then waived to the room to resume the meeting.

"Okay, okay, let's complete today's meeting. We can focus on that when we return to the Village." With that Hittan went back to his seat holding Valencia's hand.

"Young King, the original idea was to keep the engagement ceremony tomorrow. If you're okay with that schedule we can continue on track with the ceremony tomorrow and a year later the wedding? Also, from what I gather by your actions today, the Village plans on stepping out of the shadows, correct?"

"I am certainly okay with that schedule. But I will not be separated from them during that year-long wait period. As for the Village stepping forward and into the light, your assumptions are indeed correct."

"Good, since we have settled that matter let us retire for Low Sun and tomorrow we can enjoy a new alliance!"

"Students, follow me. Elders, you may follow Abdiel and he will show you to your accommodations." With that Ragna began to guide the children out as Abdiel appeared next to Emperor Vanya. Saluting his Emperor with a bow before taking the Elders of the Village to their own individual lodging.

"Wait! Girls."

"Yes, Mother?" The girls answered in unison.

"Take your marriage sisters and husband to your private villa."

"WHAT!?" All the other parents responded in unison!

In the midst of the surprise responses and shocked faces, Hittan got up with his head held high and smiling from ear to ear. While the girls followed him with rosy cheeks and bashful smiles.

Chapter end