Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 220: Releasing The Lanterns

Chapter 220: Releasing The Lanterns

The next day, everything went fine within the royal Palace, and although Agathe’s absence was felt, so was their disappointment regarding her atrocious behavior last night. The guests within the Palace had secretly gossiped about it, even the Courtiers did not keep quiet about the matter– she was labeled a ’two-faced’ slum, and most of them were happy to know that her children did not turn out like her, and eventually, when they were done spouting out their inner thoughts, everyone had to move on with their own businesses.

Madeline had aided Samantha with the threading of the vines in the courtyard, because for some reason, she was unable to control the size of her vines, and each time they slithered her way, they hoisted her up in the air, but not threateningly. Madeline chuckled at the amicable bond between Samantha and her playful vines, but what shocked her was the current size.

The once thin vines could be compared to the size of a man’s arm, and that was something Madeline never experienced, even as a Fae who can bend nature as she pleased.

Alain, who had been adorable enough to lend a helping hand to his Mother, returned to the spacious courtyard. He handed his Mother the book and feathered pen she had requested he go bring for her.

"Do you know what you’re going to do for mama?" She crouched down to her son’s level and placed a kiss at the top of his head. "You are going to go and sit at that bench like a good little boy till I call for you. When I’m done, we’ll have your favorite afternoon snacks, and then, you must study, but only if you behave. Shall we cross it?" Madeline let out her pinky for Alain, and the boy didn’t hesitate to join their pinky fingers together.

"But I don’t want to study." Alain murmured his disagreement on that particular option. He pouted his small mouth and let his eyes droop to the floor, and Madeline had guessed much that her son was being helpful for a reason. After Cassian returned from Fernwood, he had gotten his hands on some books that were fit for Alain to use and study. Since they weren’t in Carmarthen, Cassian didn’t see it as an excuse for his son not to study while they were here, and that was something her mischievous son disliked.

Studying.

Cassian would tutor him before bed and give him assignments in the day, another reason why his mischievous galavanting around the Palace had reduced. In Carmarthen, her son did not have this free time to run about since being the Duke’s son had given him much attention, they had a reputation to maintain, but here, where no one knows them, he could be his free wild self, and that was stress to both parents.

"How about this," not liking how her son’s mood had dampened, she placed her palms on his chubby cheeks so he could meet her eyes. "Finish your assignments first, and I will talk to your Father to spare you for tonight. Hmm? But you must behave till then, or I won’t speak to him for you."

"Alain will behave." He assured his Mother with a bright smile before running to the bench she had pointed earlier. When Madeline tried to rise up, she felt a sudden pain in her back, and it was one she had grown used to receiving every now and then.

"I believe I’m still too young to be having the back pain of a sixty-year old man." She mumbled after stretching her limbs.

Samantha, who had been brought down to her feet by her over-grown vine, made her way towards Madeline with a smile. The courtyard was more pleasant than how it looked before, with the flowers sticking to the moderate vines Madeline had created on the walls. They both observed the new arrangements with folded arms.

"It’s perfect." Samantha commented, and when she glanced at Madeline who raised her hand up, as if wanting to smack something mid-air, her eyebrows creased in confusion, cause it seemed the woman was waiting for her to do something.

"Hi-five me." Madeline said after taking note of Samantha’s silent inquiries. When she still didn’t understand, Madeline lifted Samantha’s right hand and slammed their palms together.

"Like this."

"Is it some cultural signature from where you come from?" Samantha couldn’t help but ask, her green eyes gleaming inquisitively in a way that made Madeline smile funnily.

"It’s a friendly gesture, nothing cultural." Madeline explained briefly, and from the way Samantha smiled at the little hi-five, it was rather clear she liked it.

The sound of Alain’s loud giggling had them turning around to see he was climbing the arm-sized vine, only to be lifted up by the vine who played with him. Tiny tendrils peeked from the canes on the vines, tickling Alain who laughed out, and when he nearly fell, the vine was quick to catch him and hoist him up, wrapping him securely so he wouldn’t fall.

"I still wonder how viney got so big." Samantha mused as she watched it play with Alain, and that was something Madeline couldn’t give answer to as she was clueless herself, but what if by chance, the vine grows along with Samantha? They are both connected so there was a chance that her positive growth was affecting her vines, making them triple their size.

"It’s like taking care of a child and still wondering how they got so big." Madeline said it as that. What eased Samantha was the fact that it doesn’t harm anyone within the Palace.

The day went by as it should for everyone until it was time for the Celestial Lantern Release. The grand Chevalier Palace was bathed in moonlight, casting an ethereal glow over the spacious courtyard. The air was filled with serenity, whilst the gentle breeze wistfully rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees.

Ivan, who had stepped into the courtyard to join everyone, spotted Samantha amongst the few crowds as she communicated with Mallory. They both, surprisingly wore the same dark, flowing robe for tonight– a stark contrast to the pale moonlight background, and although they were strikingly the same, hers possessed a more feminine appearance, which brought the difference.

In her hand was a basket filled with delicate glowing lanterns, and when her beautiful face was illuminated, Ivan couldn’t hold back his smile as he made his way to where she stood. When he reached her side, he noticed how her eyes gleamed in his direction, and just like him, she was awestruck to see that they had dressed almost alike for the Celestial Lantern Release.

"After this, I’m going to have more matching outfits made just for us. I’m not supposed to say this on a night like this, but we look striking together." He winked at Samantha who averted her gaze with a blush creeping in.

The massive courtyard was adorned with countless lanterns, each intricately designed with celestial motifs. They hung from the branches of the trees, whilst surrounding a graceful fountain in the center. The lanterns possessed a soft indecent glow, their colors ranging from vibrant blues to a radiant purple.

Samantha, who was seeing a different kind of lantern lights, couldn’t help but be captivated by their beauty. Ivan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, but her gaze did not avert from the lanterns.

"These lanterns will guide the spirit of our loved ones, Samantha." He whispered, calling her by her actual name. "They will illuminate the heavens and allow your Father to find peace."

Samantha looked up to meet the gaze of Ivan, and with a gentle smile, she nodded and quietly took a lantern from the basket she held.

Together, they approached the fountain, where those who are well acquainted with Mr Dufort, and others who were present to only send their well wishes had formed. Maurice, Alistair, Tobias, everyone was present.

Each person held a lantern, their faces now filled with remembrance and hope.

Ivan didn’t need to stand in the center before addressing the people present, "Tonight, we gather to release our lanterns, a symbol of honor to the loyals. Let the spirits soar, let them find solace in the twinkling stars above."

When he was done, everyone began to light their lanterns, the flames flickering and glowing. In a matter of minutes, the air became enchanted with a soft, warm light as more and more lanterns floated upward, illuminating the Palace’s night sky.

Unlike everyone else, Samantha took a moment as she clutched her lantern close to her heart. Softly, she whispered words of love and remembrance to her Father. With a deep sense of fulfillment, and with a teary smile, she released it into the night.

The lantern took flight, soaring high and above to join countless others that shimmered like stars, whilst everyone marveled at the sight. The lanterns danced and twirl, creating a mesmerizing display against the velvety sky.

Samantha’s gaze never left the lanterns, her eyes filled with joy and longing at the profound thought of doing justice to her Father’s name. Now, she felt sure in her heart that her Father’s soul will be at peace.

Ivan stayed by her side, his gaze never leaving her as more lanterns embraced the heavens. Taking in a deep breath, Samantha looked at Ivan whose eyes crinkled at the side into a smile, and she held his hand, her voice filled with gratitude.

"Thank you for this, what you have done and your presence means a lot to me tonight."

"You deserve more than what I have to give, but I won’t go anywhere, my beautiful Samantha."

Together, they watch the celestial lanterns fill the sky, their flickering lights a testament to love, loss, and the enduring connection between worlds.