[A/N: This is technically the 500th chapter lol. Enjoy. ]
(Drakken's POV)
[The Dark Shade}
I let out a sigh as I stood in front of the Golden Tree, "Okay...." I said, "It has been a while...hasn't it....?"
I placed my hand on the trunk, feeling the warmth of the pulsating light. I stood there for a couple of seconds, staring at the golden bark. After I spent enough time contemplating, I pushed myself through, phasing into the tree.
I was suddenly back into the room; Daranne's room. It hadn't changed much at all, still the same as always.
I took a step forward and saw that she was sitting down on the chair with her eyes closed. It appeared that she was asleep, which was strange for someone being in the Dark Shade. Maybe it was one of the effects of being here.
She was so beautiful, this woman. Her golden hair fluttered slightly in the breeze that came through the window and some of it got in her face. Her sleeping expression seemed to be so peaceful, so unbothered by anything else. Just looking at her made my heart ache slightly, there was something I wanted to do with her.
I walked up to her and reached for a strand of her hair and moved it out of the way, trying not to wake her up. I simply admired her beauty, her fair skin glowing slightly due to the sunlight that shone through the window. Her soft-looking lips were something that I missed, kissing them every chance I got.
I missed her.
I missed this woman.
And I didn't know why.
I watched as her eyes slowly opened, "Hm?" She said softly, "Lord Drakken...?"
"Daranne...." I said as I got on one knee, "How are you feeling?"
She smiled, "I am fine. Just felt tired." She said, "You're here....how long has it been?"
"It's been some time, I must admit." I told her as I reached for hand, still not being able to feel her, "A lot has happened."
"Hm...." She said as she looked at my hand, "There is something different about you, is there something you should tell me?"
"Not really." I reached for my pocket, pulling out Sylas's lock of hair, "I brought you something."
I showed it to her, to which she simply stared at it with a bit of surprise.
"W-What's this?" She asked as she took it in her hand, "Is this....?"
I reached for her cheek, feeling a bit angry that I could not feel her, "He's grown so much." I told her, "Your boy....."
She stared at the hair for a couple of seconds, "This is....." she said softly as a tear formed in her eye, "My baby..."
I placed my hand on her lap, "He's doing good, that boy of yours." I told her, "He's so bright, so smart."
Daranne looked at me, "Is he?" She said, "I'm so happy...."
She smiled, a tear running down her cheek. The mere sight of her tear made my stomach churn. I didn't know why I was feeling this way; so sad and pathetic. Why did I feel these emotions? Ever since she died, I couldn't help but be so soft and weak.
I didn't like it.
I hated it.
But right now, that didn't matter. I just wanted to see her face.
"I'm sorry." I said as I looked down, "It's going to take longer than I had hoped."
"It is okay. I did tell you to live without me, didn't I?" She said with a chuckle, "I am sure you've given Maegelle more babies?"
"I have twin sons with her." I told her, "Maekar and Maelor."
"Oh my..." She said with a look of awe, "Twins??"
I nodded, "Yes. The two of them take after their mother." I said with a chuckle, "They look so much like Maegelle and are mama's boys. They don't leave her side much and she spoils them."
She smiled, blushing, "Oh, that sounds like something I would love to see." She said with a chuckle, "How is Vaella? Is he doing well?"
I nodded, "My daughter is as beautiful as Maegelle." I told her, "You would love her, she is so gentle and kind."
"I am sure." She said
"Saera gave me another daughter. Her name is Viktoria." I told her, "She can be as clingy as Astorias but she is a sweetheart. Fortunately, she doesn't hit Riktor like her sister does."
"Astorias....." Daranne said as she gently rubbed the hair, "That one, I am quite interested in her. She seems to be something different."
"She is." I said as I stood up, pulling her up with me as she looked at me with a smile, "My daughter is so beautiful.....white hair.....red eyes.....she is eager to learn how to fight. She wishes to be a warrior capable of making me proud."
"Oh my." She said, "Such mentality can be taxing, Lord Drakken. Is she capable?"
I nodded, "She is." I told her, "She'll be capable of rivaling Riktor and Sylas, should she work hard enough."
"And speaking of....." She said as I pulled her closer to me, "How is he? The Heir?"
I sighed and leaned down, trying to smell her hair, "I don't want to speak about it now." I said, "But he got himself in some trouble. As expected of the boy, though. He is 14, it is no surprise to me that he's rebelling a bit."
"Oh." She said, "I hope nothing bad happened."
"Hm." I said, "It's debatable. But I sent him to war, by himself. Should he wish to prove himself a man, that is what he must do."
"War....?" She said, "My Lord, isn't that a bit too harsh?"
"Everyone will agree with you." I said, "But he is my son. Riktor will be fine."
"If you say so...." She said, "I wish to see how much he's grown, both of them. Do you think they've forgotten about me?"
I gave her a serious expression, "Never." I told her, "They will never forget you. You have my word on that, Daranne..."
"They would never forget their Golden Goddess."