Chapter 80

The heralds sounded in the rosy-lighted morning. Their ringing tones signaled the end of the old day. I sat on the stone bed waiting for the chamber doors to open again.

Then a golden light split through the darkness as my fair dainty princess entered the temple. She hurried inside with an anxious look upon her features. Her piercing dark eyes widened in profound relief once she saw me. A sheer delight crossed our faces at the same time. I stood and smiled, causing her tears to fall afresh over the rims of those carved lashes.

"Nikita..." Amarisa breathed.

"Your Highness," I greeted her back. She rushed towards me with uncontrollable joy. I opened my arms to welcome her.

"Oh Nikita, Delighter of my soul! I'm utterly glad you're well again!" she cried. "I was so afflicted by the burden of my pains, but seeing you back in all goodness and health, the pains ebbed and had swiftly gone! Thank heavens, now you have truly returned to me!"