The Oath and the true queen

Prologue:

"All you do is eat, sleep, and laze around the house. I am tired of that, you barren woman!" My husband, Lord Patrick Gattar, shouted as he forcefully grabbed my hair. Pain shot through every inch of my scalp, and my eyes welled up with tears. He dragged me across the room, pinning me against the wall. I couldn't plead; I tried to speak, but no words emerged. Pleading would only lead to more beatings, worse than before.

I could feel my pale skin reddening as he tightened his grip on my hair. Tears streamed down my face, and I bit my lip to stifle my cries of pain. He released me briefly and then-

Smack.

His palm struck my face, and I couldn't hold back the sobs any longer. Servants watched with pity or smirks, and I couldn't blame them. The lady of the proud House of Gattar was being humiliated by her husband in the most degrading way possible. I didn't blame them for their expressions.

"Useless wench! Why are you dolled up? Hoping to entice me to waste my seed inside you again, huh?" He taunted, pouring salt on my wounds. He breathed heavily as he ruthlessly removed the silver hairpin from my bun, surely taking countless strands of hair with it. My hair fell, and he ripped away other accessories.

"I don't want to see this on you ever again! No rouge! No accessories! No jewelry. I want to see the ugly ogre I married. The ogre who won't give me an heir!" He shoved me away, and I crashed hard onto the unforgiving floor. The fancy rug and multiple layers of my dress did nothing to cushion the fall. Every part of my body ached as my sobs grew louder.

I sobbed, not only from the physical pain but from the emotional torment inflicted by the man I had fallen in love with a decade ago. The man who once cherished me and promised me the world had transformed into a monster because I couldn't bear him a child. My eight-year-long marriage remained childless.

Miss Marilyn Rusé, once renowned as the golden maiden of Ruqgu. That was my nickname when I was sixteen-the most beautiful maiden in the entire city. Marrying into a powerful family like Gattar was expected, given my background.

The House of Rusé ranked among Ruqgu's five most prestigious families, and I was their beloved daughter, pampered and spoiled to excess. Abuse was a foreign concept during my upbringing, and I was too noble to mistreat anyone, even servants. While my friends bullied their servants and slave girls, I befriended them, raised by a maid myself. I lost my mother at a tender age, and servants became my family. When I turned ten, Eria, my handmaid, became my best friend.

At sixteen, I was betrothed to Lord Patrick of the House of Gattar. We were childhood friends, and love blossomed, hastening our marriage. Recollections of his former kindness fueled my hope amidst the torment.

Initially, he stood by me in the face of our childless years, defending me against the branch families who bullied me. However, as our marriage reached its fifth year without a child, he resorted to desperate measures. He filled me with fertility herbs, hired countless doctors, and forced me to ingest endless concoctions that practically became my daily sustenance.

Now, he had reached his breaking point, morphing into a hateful stranger. I wondered at times if he ever truly loved me. He drank excessively, abused me, and frequented brothels, leaving me untouched for months. When he did desire me, it was a violent, unwanted act. He taunted me mercilessly about my barrenness, weaving the word 'barren' into every sentence.

If his younger brothers welcomed a child, he'd get drunk, lash out at me, and take me forcefully throughout the night. I couldn't leave the Gattar Manor; news of my barrenness and his actions had spread throughout Ruqgu. I accepted my fate, trusting Eria to manage my businesses. She went to the market and tended to the cosmetics shop I had established with my dowry. If I couldn't bear a child, at least my finances thrived.

Eria offered me a sympathetic look as my husband stormed out of the room. The two servants hesitantly opened the door and left, fearing becoming his next targets. He paid them no heed; his primary victim was me.

Eria moved closer, dismissing the servants with a stern glare. She couldn't do that earlier; my husband delighted in having them witness his cruelty. He chased them away only when he wanted me against my will.

As for me, I no longer knew how to cry. Eria ran her fingers through my hair in a soothing gesture while I stared blankly ahead.

"It won't always be like this, Lina. I promise," she assured me, enfolding me in her comforting embrace.

"This is my destiny, Eria. I have nowhere to turn. The House of Rusé has forsaken me. You don't understand; I'm alone," I replied, my voice void of emotion. I had become a hollow shell, devoid of feeling.

"Before Lord Patrick arrived earlier, I had a message for you," she said in a hushed tone, her eyes scanning for any prying ears.

"A message? What kind of message could possibly change my barrenness? I'm exhausted. Keep your message, Eria," I said, rising slowly with her assistance. She guided me to my vanity table, where I gazed at my reflection in the mirror.

"She claims to have the solution to your problems," Eria revealed, leaving me bewildered as she massaged my temples.

"Who is she?"

Eria's words hung in the air, shrouding the room in suspense. My curiosity overcame my despair, if only for a moment."Who is she, Eria?" I asked again, my voice steadier this time.

Eria hesitated for a second before replying, her voice barely above a whisper. "I met her on my way to the market this morning, She is from Nayak and she claims to know your mother"

" She knows my mother? she is From Nayak? How did she know about my predicament?" I murmured confused about the entire situation. Why would a total stranger be interested in me?

Eria's gaze bore into mine with unwavering determination. "She has heard of your plight, Lina. She believes she can help you, offer you a chance to break free from this torment."

I almost laughed but I didn't, I trust Eria but this? I'm not so sure.

"Eria, what if this is some kind of trick or deception?" I voiced my fears, unable to fully silence the nagging doubts.Eria's gaze bore into mine, unwavering in its sincerity. "I believe in her, Lina. And if there's even a chance that she can change your fate, isn't it worth the risk?"

" How can I meet her" I asked.

Eria's lips curled into a sly smile. "She gave me this," she whispered, revealing a small, ornate envelope concealed within the folds of her dress. The envelope bore an intricate seal, unlike anything I had ever seen.

" We are to meet her before midnight. my lady"

I never expected that this mysterious stranger would alter the course of my life. But will I truly find a solution, or will my situation worsen?

-

Chapter 1 - Stranger from Nayak

"And if there's even a chance that she can change your fate, isn't it worth the risk?" Eria's words kept on ringing in my ears as she led the way to my supposed freedom.

The familiar surroundings of Ruqgu's central market looked eerily unfamiliar tonight. It was nighttime, and it had been over a month since I left the Gattar Manor. The vibrant colors and the bustling night market contrasted sharply with my somber mood. Nothing amused a woman of twenty-six without a child, nothing fascinated a lady doomed to endure her husband's abuse.

I trailed behind Eria as we ventured into a darker, more sinister part of the market, where the night's offerings were far from innocent. I adjusted my hood, ensuring my disguise concealed my identity. The lady of the House of Gattar could not be seen in such a place. I wondered about Eria's intentions and hoped that this secretive meeting would prove worthwhile, despite the risk of sneaking out.My head throbbed, and a chill ran down my spine involuntarily as I contemplated the potential consequences of my husband discovering my absence. I prayed that tonight wouldn't be one of those nights when his temper flared uncontrollably.

Eria led us to a dimly lit inn tucked away from the main thoroughfare. She exchanged hushed words with the man guarding the entrance, who eyed me for a moment before allowing our passage. Eria shot him a stern glare, promptly wiping the smile from his face. I didn't understand the full extent of what was transpiring, but my head throbbed, and I longed for the comfort of my own bed.

Then I remembered Eria's words: a woman capable of fulfilling my dream of bearing a child was leaving Ruqgu tonight. I couldn't afford to miss this opportunity, risky as it was.Inside the inn, Eria moved with familiarity, as though she knew every nook and cranny. I furrowed my brow in confusion.

When did she find time, amidst her duties as my maid and managing my business, to become so acquainted with this place?

"You seem to know your way around this inn. Are you a regular?" I inquired, clearing my throat to get her attention. She halted abruptly, her head bowing slightly in a gesture of respect-something she reserved for public settings. Tonight's secrecy didn't warrant such formality.

"My lady, the inn is yours. It was established after the cosmetics shop became popular. Have you forgotten? You were the one who opened it and named it your 'little child,'" Eria reminded me gently. I surveyed the inn for the first time, realizing that it bore the mark of my own design.

How had I forgotten such a significant part of my life? My troubles had consumed me entirely."I apologize. You know how forgetful I've become," I replied with a nod, urging her to continue. She bowed once more and resumed leading the way.

"It's rare for you to apologize to your servants," Eria muttered under her breath, but her words reached my ears clearly. She still viewed me as her "young miss," a role she felt duty-bound to fulfill. But to me, she was more than a servant; she was my dearest friend. Someday, I vowed to find her a loving husband.

Eria led us to a simple room, the smallest I had seen so far. It lacked the extravagance of the Gattar Manor but exuded a regal elegance. Pink chiffon curtains adorned the windows, and two red knots dangled gracefully from their ends. The bed was adorned with silk sheets and intricate embroidery. Eria's meticulous care and attention to detail did not go unnoticed.On the right side of the room, two chairs faced a table stacked with books.

The presence of those books intrigued me; it hinted that our guest had a penchant for reading, much like myself. While women in Nayak were denied basic education, Ruqgu encouraged its women to read and write from an early age. Women here enjoyed greater freedom-they could own businesses, reject suitors, and pursue careers in various fields, excluding the military. Despite the shared language and many cultural similarities, Nayak and Ruqgu diverged significantly in terms of women's rights and societal norms.I marveled at the books, pondering whether our visitor was indeed from Nayak or if there had been some misunderstanding.

I then noticed that the room was empty, and I removed my hood, casting a puzzled glance at Eria, who responded with a reassuring smile. She gestured for me to take a seat, but my impatience surged. Time was of the essence, and I couldn't afford a leisurely introduction. My husband must not discover my absence, and I feared his wrath more than anything else.I watched as the candle on the table burned slowly, each moment ticking away, adding to my frustration.

Eventually, I surrendered to the inevitable and settled into one of the chairs, exhaling deeply. I hoped that this secretive rendezvous would prove worthwhile, for I had risked everything for this opportunity.Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a woman garbed in the attire of Nayak. While Ruqgu women took pride in modesty and covered as much skin as possible, their Nayak counterparts flaunted their bodies, revealing more than we did.

Although this woman appeared too mature to expose her belly button, her blouse accentuated her cleavage, and her skirt boasted a daring slit that reached just above her knees. She discarded her hood and gazed at me for a moment before tears welled up in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Marilyn. I should have come sooner," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She reached out as if to touch my face, but I shifted slightly, maintaining a cautious distance. I couldn't fathom why this stranger, upon laying eyes on me, would break into tears and beg for forgiveness.Drawing nearer, she enveloped me in a tight hug, her tears staining my clothes.

I had little patience for emotional displays at this moment. My husband's wrath, if he discovered my absence, was a far greater concern than this stranger's tears.

"You resemble your mother greatly, Your Majesty," she declared after releasing me from her embrace. My heart skipped a beat. My mother? But how did she know my mother? My mother had passed away when I was just four years old. Why did this stranger refer to me as "Your Majesty"? Was there a queen behind me?

Chapter 2 - Tangled Threads of Destiny

The woman settled into the chair opposite mine, while Eria discreetly positioned herself in a corner, out of our line of sight.

"My mother? And 'Your Majesty'? There are no queens here," I replied with an unintentional iciness that highlighted just how much I had changed from my former self. My tone was devoid of emotion, reflecting the inner turmoil I had endured.

"Yes, Lady Ruby Kali Rusé. She was best friends with my former mistress," the woman responded calmly, brushing aside my cold demeanor and disregarding my previous comments. There was a melancholic undertone to the way she mentioned my mother's name, hinting at a deeper connection between them. If she knew my mother's noble lineage despite her Nayak origins, she undoubtedly had more to reveal.

"I understand that you don't know me, and that's partly my fault. By the end of our conversation, you might despise me more than anything in this world. Nevertheless, I must share what I know. If I don't, both your mother and my Queen will forever curse me in the afterlife," she said with an air of somber responsibility, her words laden with a sense of impending judgment.

"You're confusing me with your cryptic words. If you have something to say about my infertility, say it plainly. Time is not a luxury I possess," I sighed, my posture relaxing slightly in the chair as I waited for her to cut through the enigma.

"I'm sorry. If I had introduced myself earlier, you might have understood better. I am Annalise, the former head maiden of the late Queen of Nayak, your mother's childhood friend. Your mother and Queen Marie maintained a deep bond that transcended the physical distance between Ruqgu and Nayak. They were like sisters and seized every opportunity to visit each other. But during their last encounter, something extraordinary occurred," she began, pausing for a moment. I regarded her with a warm, albeit impatient, gaze. While I wasn't particularly interested in stories about my mother and her friend, I was eager to discover the connection to my infertility.

"Your mother was heavily pregnant with you during their last visit to Ruqgu. However, complications arose on the day she was to give birth, threatening the lives of both her and the child. It was a dire situation, with no apparent solution. Unable to stand idly by, my mistress couldn't resist extending a helping hand."

"A helping hand?" My bewilderment deepened, rendering me utterly perplexed.

"Yes, a helping hand. Have you ever heard of the 'Teardrop of Goddess Natalí'?" she inquired. I shook my head, admitting my ignorance. My knowledge of Goddess Natalí was limited to her being the deity of life and fertility, worshipped by the people of Nayak alongside her consort, Nati, the God of war and death. Beyond that, my understanding was lacking, as we were not particularly religious in Ruqgu.

"The Teardrop of Natalí possesses the power to heal illnesses and even restore life from death. It is a sacred relic entrusted solely to the true queens of Nayak. Safeguarded within the Queen's temple, it is said that only a true queen can handle it. When a true queen employs the teardrop's magic to save someone, that person must offer an oath of gratitude in return for the miracle to manifest," Annalise explained, shedding light on the subject. However, I still struggled to grasp the connection between these mystical tears and my infertility.

"My mistress, the former Queen of Nayak and the guardian of Natalí's tears, employed a droplet to save your mother's life, ensuring the safety of both her and you. In return, your mother made an oath to my mistress, with me as the sole witness."

My impatience swelled as I pondered the nature of the oath my mother had made, and how it could have led to my current condition. Had she offered my womb as part of the bargain? What words had she uttered that rendered me barren, especially since I had no knowledge of this pledge?

"What precisely did my mother offer to the queen?" I inquired, struggling to find my voice.Annalise's expression darkened, and she hesitated before answering.

"She offered you, my lady."I felt a lump forming in my throat at the horrifying revelation. Me? How had my mother, without my consent, bartered my future in such a manner?

"Me?"

"Yes, and you must leave your husband's house as soon as possible if you wish to bear children," Annalise cautioned, her tone laden with urgency.I couldn't help but find humor in her outlandish claims. The idea of leaving my husband's house to have children was preposterous.

"But how could I have a child without a husband?" I laughed heartily, the absurdity of the situation overpowering me. Annalise's claims seemed more like a comedy act than reality.

"Because he is not your true husband," she declared, her tone grave.My laughter redoubled, echoing through the room. This woman and her fantastical tales had taken me to new heights of amusement. The man I had been married to for eight years was not my husband? The notion was ludicrous.

."And who, pray tell, is my 'true husband'?" I inquired, struggling to maintain composure amidst my mirth.

"King Treven of Nayak's kingdom, my lady. If you do not marry my mistress's son, you will never have a child. That was the oath your mother made," she said solemnly, unmoved by my laughter.My laughter came to a halt, replaced by incredulity.

Marry someone I didn't even know? I couldn't fathom the idea. Doubts began to creep in. Was this woman truly speaking the truth, or was she weaving an elaborate deception?

"Eria, lead the way home. I've had my fill of this nonsense. 'True husband,' indeed. I'm beginning to lose faith in you. I can't believe I sacrificed my rest for this absurdity," I stated, shaking my head in disbelief.

Eria, who had been silently observing the conversation, stepped forward, concern etched on her face.

"My lady, we should consider what Annalise is saying. It may sound implausible, but we cannot dismiss it outright."I shot Eria a withering look, my patience waning.

"Eria, don't tell me you're buying into this ludicrous tale as well."

Annalise, undeterred by my skepticism, leaned forward earnestly.

"Lady Marilyn, I understand that this is a shock, but I implore you to take this matter seriously. We must act swiftly. Leaving your husband's house is the first step to fulfilling the oath and potentially restoring your ability to bear children."

I remained unmoved, my disbelief overshadowing any sense of urgency. "This is utter madness. You expect me to abandon my life and home, marry a stranger, and believe that it will cure my infertility? I won't be part of this farce."