17 The decision

Dominic slowly get up and exit the cemetery. As silently as possible.

One month passed in just a blink, but he was still not over the fact that Anna was gone. His life that was full of love and happiness, was now dull and painful to live. Her absence created the big hole in his heart and life that cannot be fulfilled by anyone.

***

In the royal castle

Mia, Judith, and Dominic arrived at the castle. After parking the car they entered and walk towards the garden.

In the middle of the garden, beautifully carved tea table was placed. Six chairs were arranged around it. Two people were already seated on the chair. One was a woman in fiery long red dress. Her beauty and aura were perfectly melding with her clothes. Besides her was the man in gray shirt and black pants. His facial features were mild and gentle, Completely opposite of the woman. He was Edwin Gilbard, Augusta's husband.

As Dominic and all reached near, he rose from his seat and greet them. He slowly patted Dominic's back, and smile warmly at him.

" Good morning sir. Gilbard." Said Dominic with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

" How many times I need to tell you don't need to call me formally. You can call me uncle." Said the man.

" Yes dear. You don't need to speak to is so formally." Butted in Augusta. She also stood up.

Then she turned towards Judith.

"How are you doing, Judith?" She kept a small smile on her lips.

" I'm fine, lady Augusta. Thank you for your concern." Said Judith. She stretched her lips little. But her pale looks and thin body were evident that she was very far being better.

" You should take care of yourself. You are looking thinner than before." Said Edwin Gilbard. At his words Augusta's eyes moved a little.

Judith just nodded with a slight smile.

"Good morning Uncle and aunty." Greeted Mia.

" Good morning, Miaki. Come lets take a sit." Said Edwin.

With that everyone took their seats. Edwin and Augusta take their previous seats and other three settled on empty seats.

Soon the maids came and serve the refreshments. Edwin took the kettle and pour tea for everyone himself. While Augusta just sit there, maintaining her superior attitude.

"So Dominic, how's the work going at Lunacourt?" Said Augusta as she lifted her cup and took a sip.

"The core members are supporting the new idea but, some are still creating troubles. But don't worry they won't be able to decline the final proposal." Answered Dominic.

" Hmm, with your skill we can be rest assured. But still take it easy for now. You can take some time off if you want." Said Augusta.

" There is no need, aunty. I'm fine."

"Did you find any leads in Anna's case?" Asked the man in the gray shirt.

At his question Dominic's eyes dimmed a little. Judith and Mia also look little lost. They were investigating that why Anna was there in that abandoned church, and who killed her. It wasn't any accident as no one will burn the church that was abandoned, and at the same time Anna was also there. It was murder.

"My men are trying, but still there is nothing much that can help." Said Dominic, there were a little disappointment and anger in his voice.

"My father has also appointed some man for investigation." Said Mia. Her father and mother were also very powerful Witches who held the high position in the village.

"I think, I can lend you some of my expert Witches. They will be very much accurate and useful." Offered Edwin.

At his words Augusta's eyes widen and her heart flipped in her chest. But her face remain composed. Everyone knows that Edwin has a troop of very powerful Witches. Who work under him and possess unique and immense abilities.

"That would be great help." Said Dominic.

There was a look of gratitude in Judith's eyes.

Soon the silence fell between them. No one knows how to start the conversation. After sometime Edwin cleared his throat and start.

" Today we asked to meet you guys because of some important matter. Specially, to Dominic and Judith. As we know there is no news from our queen for a long time. Because of that some of our enemies are trying to surface." He paused for a while.

" So, Augusta and I have discussed this problem in court, and we heard the opinion of the courtiers. Most of them are suggesting choose the new queen in the line. So we decided that it's time to declared Rosalie as a queen." Said Edwin.

"But the current queen is still alive, so declaring Rosalie as queen isn't possible." Said Mia.

" We understand that very well, Miaki. But the situation is getting out of hand. Throne can not be empty for such a long time." Said Augusta.

"We can select Rosalie as a temporary queen. As she is the chosen one, it's not wrong. If the real queen return, she can take back the crown. We want your opinion on this Dominic, as advisor of crown what you think about this?" Said Edwin.

Dominic pondered on the matter for a while and then give his answer

" I think you are right. I think there is no problem with this temporary arrangements. I agree with your decision." Replied Dominic.

" There is also something that we want to discuss. We have decided that it's best time for Rosalie's marriage. A man that can make her position and our village stronger and secure." Edwin paused a little. With the mention of Rosalie's marriage Judith and Mia also looked at him.

Judith was little distracted at the word marriage. Her mind repeated the scenes from one month ago.

" We have tried to find a suitable man from the proposal we received in the past, but none of them seemed good enough. So we decided that it would be better…" He was little hesitant to speak. So Augusta finished his words.

"So we have decided that it would be better if we marry Rosalie and Dominic."

BOOM.

At her words everyone looked at her with a snap. Mia, Judith, and Dominic were in great shock. Judith's eyes become misty. Dominic was also in shock. While Mia looked little angry.

" What are you saying, aunty? How can Dominic marry Rosalie? He is Anna's fiance." Said Mia

" And we all know that Anna is dead. So he WAS Anna's fiance." Said the lady.

" We understand your point, Miaki. But people of Bravrot clan are creating chaos in the village. We must choose a groom for Rosalie from their clan. As a leader of Bravrot clan Dominic is the perfect choice. And after Rosalie's coronation her husband will become the second powerful men in the village. We can't choose anyone for this position. You may not understand but the situation in court isn't favorable" Explained Edwin.

" The outer forces are getting stronger, with absent of our queen, the situation is not favorable. It's the most crucial time for us to make Rosalie queen. And wedding of Rose and Dominic will make our forces stronger" Added the man.

" We know this is not the best time for the wedding, but it is crucial. Judith, Dominic thinks of you as his mother, And as you are Anna's mother. We would also like to ask your thoughts for this marriage."

By now Judith's eyes were red with tears.

Mia was little upset with the idea of Rosalie and Dominic's marriage, but she didn't have rights or reason against it. So she didn't speak anymore.

"I understand that sir Gilbard. Anna is gone, and there is no meaning in waiting for a dead. And Dominic had suffered enough in the past month. If he is ready for the marriage I won't object to it. " Said Judith after calming herself down.

"What are you saying mother?" Said Dominic, his voice was little higher.

"Take your time to think about it. This is the best solution we can find. We respect your feelings but trust me this is the most suitable decision now." Said Edwin

" You are like my own son, and I would Have been more than happy to see you and Anna together. But the situation has changed now. This is time for you to move on, and Rosalie is a good child. If this wedding can help to solve the problem for our village and royal court, then I have no issue." Said Judith.

" The final decision will be in your hand, we will wait for your response. Think carefully and then answer" Said Augusta.

Dominic was very displeased with the idea but said nothing more.

Mia was about to speak something but Judith pressed her hand on her shoulder, signaling her not to speak anymore.

" Anna was just like my own daughter Rosalie. I will issue my best man to look for the culprits. Rest assured." Said Mr. Gilbard.

"Now we would like to take our leave." Said Judith.

With that three of them rose from their seats and left after bidding goodbye.

On the way back home all of them were silent, drown in their own thoughts.