Chapter 2

How much longer do I have to be here? It's dark and I can't feel anything. Is this some weird nightmare? Actually a very fitting nightmare if I'm being honest. To be ignored my whole life and now I'm stuck in total darkness. Is this the end goal, the finale stage of solitude.

What's that? I see a light, could this be my escape? Well nothing else to do but go towards it I guess. Anything is better than this darkness.

I feel myself getting closer and closer to the light. Almost like I'm being pushed towards it. Eventually, after many stops and starts I make it to the end and am blinded by light.

I feel a sharp pain on my back and cry out in pain. The sensory overload is far too intense. "Congratulations your highness, you have a son." Who is that? I don't recognize that voice. And what do they mean by your highness?

"Let me see him." I feel myself being handed over and carried in a gentle embrace. I still can't see anything but I can hear just fine, well things are a bit too loud but I can cope. "He is beautiful my love. A beautiful boy."

"Of course he is, he is my son after all." A new voice, deep, a man's voice. "What will you name him my love?" "His name will be Naman, prince of Xebel." Xebel, what the hell is going on right now? Wait, could this really be what I think it is?

"A good name my love. But I fear I will not be able to see him grow up." The feminine voice is getting weaker and weaker. I must have reincarnated and my new mother is about to die if her words are anything to go by. No! I just got here and I am already losing someone.

"Take good care of him my love, he will do great things. I know it. He will be a great man, this I know." I feel the arms holding me tremble a bit before a soft but moist sensation is felt on my forehead. A mother's kiss, I haven't had one in so long. I don't want to lose her, we haven't properly met and now she is being taken away. Damn these eyes! I want to see her! Let me see her face!

Please just let me see her face once! I fight but my eyes feel heavy. Eventually I manage to open my eyes but I'm blinded by light and am trying to adjust. "I will take care of him my love. And our daughters. I swear to you I will."

"Don't forget the plan, we can't let Mera marry him. She will be nothing but a tool and when she has served her purpose they will lock her away. I want her to be free, to live her own life and follow her own path. Promise me this Ryus, promise me that she will be free."

"With all my being I will make sure she will be free my love. I promise you this, she will not be bound by our people's expectations."

I finally open my eyes and what I see stuns me. I have not met many people other than family and the people of the hospital. But even famous models and actresses pale in comparison to this woman looking at me with such love. I am captivated by it, but what truly draws my attention are her eyes. A beautiful blue, and they portrayed the deep love only a mother can. I, I, I want to know this woman.

"Such beautiful eyes. My baby boy, I wish I had more time. I wish I could watch you grow. But I know you are destined for greatness. Be free my son. Don't let anyone take that away from you, your freedom. Be kind but strong. Don't forget to eat well so you can grow big and strong. Watch after your sisters. Find a purpose, whatever that may be. As long as you are passionate about it I will be happy. And find a woman that will love you.

That will stand by your side against any hardship. A woman who can be your equal, in all things. That will complete you and support you. I wish I could be around to see her. To see the woman who has stolen my son's heart. It's not an easy thing for a mother to see her son, her baby boy with another woman. But I know you will choose well.

Love her and cherish her my son for she will be your greatest support in all things. There's so much more I want to say, so much more I want to do, so much more I want to see. Life is precious my son so don't waste it, live it with all you have. Goodbye my son, I will always be with you."

She plants another kiss on my forehead and holds me close to her chest while she lays back in her bed. I can hear her breathing and it's getting weaker with each passing second. Thank you mom, I will heed your words. Though our meeting was short, I will cherish it and never forget your wisdom. Thank you for giving me new life, I will try not to fail you.

After a while she starts to hum a song. It's so calming and filled with love. I'm so tired, I don't want to sleep. I know if I do she will not be there when I wake up. But I feel so sleepy.