NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17: Orien family
Anezka's Pov
Once dinner concluded, Mother gracefully commanded the maids to present a special wine known as Sacred Imber for everyone. As the rich aroma of the wine filled the air, I turned my attention to the stunning copper Bordeaux glass before me. Its intricate design showcased delicate lavender flowers swirling around the rim, creating an enchanting visual. But what truly mesmerized me was the glistening blue wine within the glass, sparkling like a calm sea. It seemed to dance playfully, whispering gently to me, urging me to consume it whole.
Before I could fully savor the rich essence of the wine, the sound of my mother's enthusiastic clapping broke through the moment, drawing my gaze toward her. With a warm and inviting smile, she announced, "Before we all take a taste of this sacred wine, I would like to introduce everyone to the future Queen of Gaelen: Anezka Orien." As she spoke, her hands danced in the air, creating a soft rhythm that filled the room. Her bright expression radiated joy, and I could feel the anticipation thickening in the atmosphere. "Finally, the wait is over," she continued, her voice filled with emotion. "I hope you all will cherish and protect her just as you do for Adrian." The warmth in her words enveloped us, making the moment feel even more monumental.
"Let's celebrate this moment with our sacred imber and cast even deeper ties with our kingdom and family. To the happy and prosperous Gaelen!" Mother exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth as she raised her elegantly crafted glass.
As she savored her first sip of the rich wine, a wave of anticipation washed over the table, and soon everyone joined her, their glasses clinking softly in unison. With my first sip of the sacred imber, a rush of sensations enveloped me. I became acutely aware of my surroundings; the very texture of the wooden dining table seemed to come alive beneath my fingertips, each grain whispering secrets of the forest. The humidity in the air wrapped around me, sinking deep into my bones like a warm embrace, making me feel like nature itself was intertwining with my very being. The moment was exhilarating, yet disorienting, until my mother's gentle hand found my shoulder, grounding me once more.
"It's okay, dear. You might feel a little strange since this is your first time experiencing our royal wine. Sacred imber holds great significance. It helps us connect more deeply with our roots, with nature, with our people, and with our kingdom." Her soothing voice was a lifeline, leading me back from the precipice of overwhelming sensation.
I tried to steady my racing senses, struggling against the overwhelming urge to take another sip of the rich, azure wine. My mother, however, insisted that it was sacred—a precious gift that should not be squandered. Reluctantly, I resolved to finish the glass in my hand. To comfort me, she gently caressed my hands and shoulders, her touch like a warm embrace that reminded me I wasn't alone in this moment.
As I sipped, she began to weave a tale about the history of sacred imber. "You see, Anezka," she said, her voice soft yet filled with reverence, "this sacred imber is crafted from the very first rainwater that falls each year. It is a potent elixir steeped in the essence of our kingdom, nourishing the earth and quenching the thirst of all living beings. Our ancestors believed that 'rain always washes away the pain and brings the peace of eternity,' a timeless truth passed down through generations." With every word, I could almost feel the weight of our heritage surrounding us, as if the stories whispered by the raindrops themselves were filling the air with their wisdom.
As I drained the last drop from the glass, a soothing wave of relief enveloped me, though a slight lightheadedness fluttered in my mind. My mother gently took both of my hands in hers, her grip warm and reassuring. With a tender gaze, she said, "Anezka, you are now officially woven into the tapestry of our roots, our family, our kingdom. I hope you will cherish this kingdom and hold us dear as your own. I understand that adapting to such a sudden change can be challenging, but can you promise me you'll at least give it a try? I swear to you, my child, this kingdom and its people will never let you down."
I offered my mother a warm smile, her hands soft and familiar beneath my grasp. "Yes, Mother," I said, my voice steady with determination, "I promise I'll do everything in my power to be the best for the residents of Kingdom Gaelen and for our family. I will never disappoint you." Just as the warmth of our intimate moment enveloped us, it was abruptly shattered by the sharp, grating voice of a woman. She was the same striking figure I had encountered on my previous stroll through the echoing corridors, and her presence cast a sudden chill. "Pardon, Your Majesty," she sneered, her gaze locked on her glass of wine, the liquid swirling ominously within. "But expectations are disappointment in disguise." she said, her wicked smile revealed a deeper malice, as though she relished the disruption she had caused.
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted from joy to an oppressive weight. My mother, with a warm smile that contrasted the seriousness of the moment, turned her gaze toward me. "My dear daughter," she began, her voice gentle yet firm, "I have a piece of wisdom to impart. As of today, you are an official member of the Orien family. You will encounter countless faces along this journey—some will delight in your successes and celebrate your decisions, while others may lurk in the shadows, ready to criticize your every step." She paused, allowing the gravity of her words to settle in. "Remember this: when faced with criticism, let silence be your shield. Instead of engaging in conflict, focus on taking action that speaks volumes. Prove your worth not through words, but through deeds that shine brightly and draw attention away from your detractors. Stay true to yourself, and let your good actions illuminate the path ahead."
————————————————————
"One may smile and smile and be a villain."
- By William Shakespeare