Chapter 84

Upon her return to the ship, Aurelia sought out Zinjo right away. She almost knocked the door to the cabin off its hinges. "Zinjo, get up." She jumped on him with the weight of her lion form.

"Gahhhh," the air left Zinjo's lungs in a hurry. He stared up at Aurelia, desperate to catch his breath. "What in Kivuli's name is wrong with you. I am all for being surprised awake, but what is that look in your eyes?"

Aurelia clasped his hand and smiled, "I spoke with Amouria, and we have to get married so I can make the bottle or bottles."

Zinjo stared at her like she was from the moon, "Excuse me?"

Aurelia rolled her eyes and straddled her soon-to-be husband. Soft hands ran across the muscular torso, "Amouria will anoint me during the ceremony, and it will grant me the power to forge the bottle."

"Are you sure you saw your goddess?"

"She let me in on what Lebende Dunkelheit has been doing," Aurelia smacked him on the chest, "What's the matter?"

"I expected us to be married in Shadowfen, with the entire kingdom present," Zinjo pulled himself into a sitting position and wrapped his arms around Aurelia.

A deep sigh escaped Aurelia as she leaned against Zinjo's broad shoulder, "I thought that's what I wanted."

"But?"

"The people would come out to watch me fail. I know the journey has changed me, but younger Aurelia is desperate for the approval of her people," Aurelia instantly felt ten pounds lighter after she spoke of her deepest fear.

"Then we will bind ourselves together here. Our friends will bear witness, and it will be perfect...," He trailed off, "What of your mother?"

"She wasn't there for me after the first failure, and she distanced herself more after the second. What right does she have?" Aurelia's voice went up two octaves on the last phrase.

"Easy, dark princess. Many young women wish for their mothers to be present at their weddings. I want you to be sure because you may come to regret the decision later." Zinjo helped her out of her top, "I am content to marry you at any time."

Aurelia rose and left the room, "We will spend tonight apart, and I will see you at the Altar."

***

The next day Aurelia took Liling and Tang Sai. Ming Je seemed terrified of the world at large and remained on the boat. Aurelia suspected the young Noblewoman cultivated a romance of her own. Messenger birds fluttered at all hours of the day to and from Ming Je.

Gael met them at the gates and handed them a metal card, "Do not lose this. It states you are a trusted visitor and may leave when the ceremony is over. I will be there as well."

"Understood. Liling and Tang Sai bowed as they accepted their cards and stepped in silence through the gates, and kept their eyes fixed on the ground.

On the surface, Antilla appeared to be a regular city with markets and shops. Aurelia noted there were no taverns and no brothels, or at least they were not on display in plain view. Flawless paved streets guided them to the wedding dress boutique.

Inside, A woman dressed in religious garb met her at the door, "You must be the Princess of Shadowfen. I am Althea, and this is my newest assistant, Ayasu. She comes from Kianzangi."

Aurelia pushed Althea aside and embraces the lioness, "Please tell me you will be there to witness our vows. I know Zinjo would be pleased to see you there."

"You know Ayasu?" Althea quickly tucked a lock of hair back into her cowl.

"Know her? She is the groom's mother," Aurelia smiled, "I wish Sahiri were here, then we could go on another grand adventure." The victory over Kongamato still gave her the chills.

Ayasu laughed, "Nothing would please me more. Have you accomplished your goals?"

"More or less. Marrying Zinjo is a big part of the plan. I am eager to be his wife. I shall flaunt my marital status to all who would listen," Aurelia turned and introduced her companions, "Ayasu, I'd like you to meet my friends Liling, wife to lord Nian, and Tang Sai, of the Huli jing."

The trio chatted for a moment before Aurelia asked, "What brought you here?"

"Sahiri was ready to take her rightful place among the lioness council. I had grown tired of sitting through meetings and arguing with my peers. I decided to steal a page from Zinjo's book and see the world," Ayasu gestured to the dresses, "Now let us find you the perfect ensemble."

Tang Sai's fox nature overtook her about halfway through the fitting, and she left to explore the town. Liling sighed, "I hope Tang Sai stays out of trouble. The Huli Jing enjoys playing tricks. The people here will not appreciate them."

Ayasu sighed, "I know everyone looks official and unwelcoming, but the people here are among the most peaceful I've met. I heard whisperings of trouble in the Cathedral, but they are little more than baseless rumors."

The owner of the shop smiled at Ayasu, "Please take the rest of the day off to be a part of your son's wedding process. I am sure he will be pleased to spend some time with you."

The rest of the day became a blur of flowers and cakes. Ayasu carried a lot of respect with the people. Aurelia looked up to the elder lioness. A familiar screech and harsh words caused her heart to sink.

"How dare you, I am looking for my missing daughter. She left Shadowfen a couple of months ago, and I haven't seen her since. Where are you taking me?" the voice demanded.

Aurelia watched a pair of guards grip the woman by the arms and dragged her toward the elaborate Cathedral, "I am royalty. I deserve respect and special treatment."

The princess desperately tried to keep her eyes averted. In a moment of weakness, she raised her eyes to the woman. Sophie caught a glimpse of Aurelia and struggled anew. "You and I are going to have words when I get out of here." the queen cried out.

"You know her?" Tang Sai appeared next to her, and the princess nearly jumped out of her skin. Her heart raced as she clutched her chest.

"Yes, that is my mother," Aurelia spoke in a shameful tone.

For the first time since they had met, Ayasu spoke to her in a rough tone, "I know not what the woman has done to you, but without her, you would not be here today. Not all women take to motherhood as I have."

"I remember being quite terrible at it myself," Liling admitted, "I had trouble balancing my life as a noblewoman and my parental responsibilities. I made mistakes as I am sure your mother did."

Tang Sai's eyes lit up, "Can I scout the place where they hold her?"

The guilt of her pettiness hit home, "I hoped to avoid trouble before I got married."

Liling put her hand on her shoulder, "It wouldn't be a wedding if disaster didn't strike. At least yours will be a great story to share with your children and grandchildren."

Ayasu remained closed-lipped and pointed toward the Cathedral and waited for Aurelia to make a decision.

"Let's save my mother," Aurelia balled her fist up in determination.