Mother's Advice

"We haven't seen war in centuries. Small kingdom like Atlanea won't be able to face consequences. Do you think it's worth it?" Doris asked, turning towards Silja.

Silja was at a loss for words. She understood everything very well.

"Benji and your father will never agree to send you, but if you volunteer yourself and convince them….." Doris put her point.

"I….I understand mother," Silja replied.

Doris heard her and walked towards where Silja was sitting.

"I know it's hard for you, but think about it. We have to marry you someday, so why not now? And if the prince of the North chooses you as a wife, you will be the next Queen of the North. We are not losing anything here."

"And furthermore, it's just "the bride choosing ceremony." There is a high chance that the prince might not choose you. And if that happens, you can come back." Doris tried to convince her.

On the other hand, Silja just sat there listening to her mother say things.

She didn't know what she should say.

"Do you understand what I'm saying?" Doris asked. She put her hand on her shoulder from behind.

"Yes, mother," Silja replied like an obedient child.

"Good, I won't take your time then," Doris said and turned around and again went to the window and looked outside.

Silja looked at her back and stood up from her seat.

"Then I would like to take my leave, Mother," Silja said and started to move out.

"Silja…." Suddenly, her mother spoke.

Hearing her name from her mother, Silja's feet automatically stopped, and she turned around.

It was rare for her mother to address her with her name.

"Benji has always loved you more than anything. And In return, you won't like to give him a pile of ashes to rule. Do you?" Her words fell on Silja's ear, and as if something had hit her hard, her heart started to ache.

"I won't do anything that harms our kingdom or Brother Benjamin, Mother," Silja Replied and hastily took her leave.

She came to her yard and moved towards the horse barn. but as she approached the barn, her footsteps stopped. Incidence from a few days ago replied in her head, and Silja pulled away the hand she had extended to touch her horse.

She looked around and saw a few men working around, and she ordered them to leave. If god forbid it happens again, she won't be able to stop rumours from spreading. after everyone left, she slowly extended her hand towards her horse. As she felt the silky hair under her hand, her eyes stared at the eyes of the horse, but everything seemed normal this time. 

After the incident, she restrained herself from touching any animal out of fear. She waited quite a while before sighing in relief and slowly mounted the horse. 

"Please stay calm," she slowly murmured in the ears of her horse as she guided it out of the barn. 

"Where are you going, princess?" Mira was busy arranging things to come out when she heard the sound of a horse.

"Just to get some fresh air. You guys don't have to follow me." Silja said, and with just one kick, her horse left the yard like an arrow.

"My lady, wait…." Mira ran behind, but how could she match the speed of the horse?

Clouds of worry started to darken her face when she saw her princess on the horse. Evan Mira has become much more cautious after the incident in the forest. She wasn't afraid of Silja, but she was worried for Silja.

On the other hand, Silja left the castle, and her horse started to move in the direction of the forest.

After passing almost half of the forest, she finally stopped at a small water lake.

In actual fact, it wasn't a lake, but due to the geographical area, there was a small area where seawater came out from the ground and formed a place like a lake.

But the amazing thing was that the lake was filled with pure water. Instead of sore seawater, this water was drinkable and sweet.

The lake was named Golden Tears Lake. Which was based on the story of a fairy who fell from the sky and ended up on this island. She was lost, and because she started to cry, her tears were gathered in the pond, and because they were tears of fairy, the water wasn't as sore as any other ocean water. But when the sun rays fell on the water the surface of the water looked golden. Thus, it was named Golden Tear Lake.

Silja dismounted the horse and then sat on the lake shore while the horse started to roam around for grass. This place was her favourite place. Whenever she felt upset, she came here. It gave her the peace she needed.

Silja held her knees near her chest and put her head on it.

She sat there thinking till dusk. After the sunset in the west and night fell on the earth, then did she come out of her thoughts.

On the other hand, at the Royal Castle, the dinner table was set, and Benjamin and Doris were already sitting at the table.

"Sija is late? Father will be here soon." Benji was looking around worriedly.

It was a rule that every day had to be present on the table before the king arrived. Mostly, his father preferred that everybody eat at least one meal together if possible.

It was almost time for King Evan to come, but Silja was nowhere to be seen.

Benji was worried, but Doris was sitting there unaffected.

Even Kind Evan loved his children but was very strict about rules. If any rule was broken, the person who broke it had to be punished no matter who he or she was.

"Go check where Princess Silja is," Benji asked one of the servants standing not far away.

"Yes, my lord." The servant was about to exit the dining room and go to find Silja, but soft footsteps were heard in the room.

Silja arrived in the dining room with Mira.

"Good evening, Mother, Benji." She greeted both her mother and brother before taking her usual seat, which was near Benjamin.

"Where were you?" Benji asked as soon as she settled on her chair.

"I went out for some fresh air," Silja said.

Benji wanted to ask something else, but suddenly, heavy footsteps resonated in the room, and the king arrived.

King Evan came and sat on the head chair of the table.

"Good evening, Father." Both the siblings greeted their father.

The king nodded his head, and then the maids served the dinner. The atmosphere was a little tight from the last few days, so the whole family ate without saying anything else.

After dinner, all retire to their respective yards.