Chapter 87

Luckily for Aurelia, Zinjo and Nian Chose to return to the ship early that night. Gael managed to get the other ships supplied and ready for the trip back to Shadowfen. Sophie locked herself in a cabin and refused to open the door for anyone, "I have nothing further to say to my traitorous daughter," She said before the door slammed shut.

Tang Sai joined Han Xin up in the crow's nest, "I sense a lot of family drama on the horizon, and I'd rather not be a part of it."

Ayasu headed toward Sophie's cabin, "I will speak to her, mother to mother, perhaps she will see reason," the lioness didn't make a noise as she approached the barricaded door.

Aurelia headed to the bow of the ship and leaned against the railing. She stared out into the endless waves and sighed. The princess felt the loving arms of Zinjo wrap around her waist. Aurelia leaned back and allowed her to kiss him, "How do you manage to find trouble where ever you go?" Zinjo smiled as he spoke.

"I didn't expect my mother to leave Shadowfen to find me. Now she is angry over nothing..."

"Hmmm," Zinjo grunted, "You took off and said nothing. Any mother would have acted in kind if their child was missing."

"Why are you taking her side?"

"I am not on anyone's side. I am saying your mother cared enough to come and find you. Perhaps your formative years were colored by teenage angst?"

Aurelia turned and drew her fist back. Zinjo made no effort to defend himself. Her mind flashed an image of the tear-stained door, and the guilt tore at her mind like a wounded tiger. "I'll deal with her. I hate how dramatic she is."

"Does it make her a bad person?" Zinjo smiled and kissed her again. Is it worth kicking her out of your life for?"

"No," Aurelia marched to the cabin and knocked on the weathered wood, "Mother, please open the door. We need to talk."

"Why should I? You remembered the past wrong and painted me as this uncaring figure in your life," Sophie's voice choked and sobbed between words.

"I remember the tear stains on the door. You were so sad you couldn't help me, and I forgot about it. The second time the Heart's Call failed to deliver, I shut down and shut everyone out." Aurelia's heart ached with shame.

"Imagine how I felt. I watched my daughter change into this joyless person who refused my help. I extended my hand so many times only to have you slap it away. I wanted you to get better. I never meant to make you feel like you didn't matter."

A single tear burned down Aurelia's cheek, "Can we talk this out. I am getting married, and I would like things to be right between us. I want you to be there."

The lock clicked, and the door squeaked open. Sophie threw her arms around Aurelia and stroked her hair, "I wouldn't miss it for the world," She gestured to the cabin, "Let's talk over some tea."

***

For the next three hours, Aurelia regaled her mother with her many adventures. Sophie spat out her tea when she spoke of Zinjo's ability as a lover. Ayasu remained silent and let them talk.

"Anyway, a shipment of clockwork creations are headed to our side of the world. Amouria told me what Lebende plans to do, and if he succeeds, it will spell trouble for everyone on the continent."

Sophie held Aurelia's hand, "Then we had best get you married to Zinjo as soon as possible. I was hoping for a better venue, but we shall make due." Sophie reached into her bag and produced paper, ink and quill included.

Ayasu joined them at the table, "I never had any daughters. Do you mind if I help?"

Sophie held the old lioness's hand, "You helped heal the rift between my daughter, and we would be honored."

Loud thumps came from the door, "Aurelia, are you going to eat with me this evening?" Zinjo's voice came through the door with crystal clarity.

Aurelia strode up to the door with her hands behind her back, "We are planning a wedding. I suggest you prepare on your end."

"We won't be in a temple or have an officiator."

The eyes of Ayasu rolled, and she stood beside Aurelia, "Have you forgotten I was once in charge of our people's spirituality?"

"Yeah, but what if you have to be a fully-fledged priestess of Amouria? The ceremony wouldn't count, and we'd still be at square one."

The three women laughed at his words, "Zinjo, does love exist everywhere in the world?" Sophie grinned and put her hand up an ear, eager to hear the warrior's response.

"Yes, but.."

"Do the lions have a goddess of love?" Aurelia queried.

"Yes, we call her Oshun..."

"Zinjo, I hardly think either goddess is going care who performs the ceremony, so as long as love is the main component to it, do you agree?"

"Yes...How many of you are behind that door?" Zinjo shouted.

All three women laughed together, "I suggest you make your preparations, young man. When we meet up with the other ships, you shall marry my daughter."

"Who decided that?"

Aurelia put her hands on her hips, "I did. Is there a problem with that?"

"No, but I..."

"Just like his father, he refuses to quit talking when the argument has already ended. You have to be clear with him," Ayasu giggled.

"Zinjo, why are you protesting so much?" Aurelia demanded.

"Lion Ceremonies have a combat aspect to it. Do you want to carry on this tradition?" Zinjo sounded worried and happy in the same breath.

Aurelia pondered the idea, a smile spread across her face, "How hard are we expected to fight?"

"Until someone is disarmed or yields to the other. It's symbolic..."

"I can get the details from Ayasu, thank you. You may go."

"Are you coming to bed tonight?" Zinjo asked.

"You'll survive without me for a night or two. It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."

"Fine," Aurelia could hear Zinjo stomp away in frustration. The women collapsed in a fit of laughter.

Sophie hugged her daughter, "Let us not waste time. We need to acquire flowers and dresses for the bridesmaids. We need to plan a feast for three boats..."

All through the night, The three women planned Aurelia's wedding."

***

Aurelia awoke to Tang Sai's voice, "You have to come out on the deck at once. A visitor came early this morning and demanded to see you."

Aurelia yawned and let her feet touch the rough wooden planks, "Who on earth would visit? We are on a ship."

"He is a winged man, and his long nose...,"

The princess could not believe her ears, "Is his name Sojobo?"

"Hang on," Tang Sai's feet padded away and returned a few seconds later, "Yeah, that's his name," he Huli Jing said.

"Tell him I will be right out. I'd like to invite him to the wedding myself."