Chapter 18

The knowledge of Aidan Shafiq's origin weighs heavy in my mind.

I glanced over at him as we waited for Father to appear. We were back in Heaven, in the palace's throne room. How did he manage to fool Heaven's shield? Does he remember who he is? How much does he know? Aidan seemed unperturbed about my staring and where we were currently. Does he know that I know his real self?

Is he a ticking time bomb?

I eyed the monstrous power hidden inside him. More questions popped in my mind and I was getting light-headed the more I think about it. Father's Head Court Lady, Dimitra announced his arrival and my body automatically moved to accept his arrival; bowing a traditional bow meant for royalty.

Sensing Father's tremendous aura passing me, and the swishing of his robes, I didn't move from my bow until he settled in his throne and allowed me to raise my head.

The Chief bore the impeccable mark of regal stature—a countenance sculpted by noble lineage. His handsome features, chiseled and refined, hinted at an ageless wisdom. Sharp, piercing eyes, a hue of polished steel, gazed with an aloof detachment, reflecting an impenetrable facade of emotionlessness. Beneath a commanding brow and a straight, regal nose, his lips rested in a neutral line, devoid of sentiment.

"Athena, I see you have ascertained the true lineage of the monkey," he spoke. 

I can never get over Father's voice. It was commanding and resolute, resonated with unwavering authority. It carried the weight of power without a trace of emotion—each word, deliberate and devoid of sentiment, held an unyielding dominance that brooked no dispute. Its steely tone cut through the air, dictating with absolute control and unwavering resolve, leaving no room for question or emotion.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"It is imperative this knowledge stays between us," he continued. "I cannot allow this to spread far."

I could feel Aidan's stare on me. Chief's gaze turned to the monkey. "You are coping well here, I hope?" he asked, his eyes swirling with knowledge. "I know what you have been up to, mischievous one."

"Father -"

"There will be no repeat of the First Age War," he interrupted. "Too many was sacrificed, especially you, my daughter."

My hands curled into fists. I nod steely. I looked away, unable to look Father in his knowing gaze. I understood his statement and his sentiment. I had delved too deep in this matter and Father was adamant in keeping this under wraps. Though I did not agree with his methods, I was powerless against the Chief.

"You are continuing with the treatments I have instructed you to?" he asked.

"Yes, Father."

"Keep me updated with the progress," he said. "You are dismissed."

I bowed deeply, thanking him for his time before I turned away swiftly, keeping my expression carefully calm. Aidan followed me out of the throne room, despite the confusion on his face. Silence accompanied us as we headed back to my chambers, I was deep in thought and I did not wish to speak in the palace grounds.

There were too many eyes and ears.

As soon as we arrived in my chambers, I entered my estate and took a hard left to where my tea room was. My Court Ladies immediately swarmed around me, keeping up with my quick walk. I stopped once I was inside the tea room and allowed them to replace my attire with a more comfortable one.

I looked at Aidan. "Sit," I said as I got tea ready.

Keeping quiet as I made tea, I allowed the movements to calm my raging thoughts. The act of making tea was soothing and my kitchen staff came in carrying trays laden with dessert; setting them out on the low table before excusing themselves out. Once I was done, I set the tray down and poured tea into two cups.

I handed one to Aidan who accepted it quietly. I took a long sip of sweet tea, allowing the warm liquid to travel down, and took a deep breath. I used that moment to rearrange my thoughts and my facial expression. Once I was ready to speak, I set the cup down and regarded the being before me.

Aidan Shafiq.

"It seems that we have a lot to talk about."

He set his cup down and looked at me with a serious expression. The golden crown gleamed as it nestled on his unruly bed of hair. The dark strands have now gotten longer and some were tucked behind his ear. It was a strange expression on someone who has never cared about rules or orders. 

"My origins. You read that in that book."

"Do you remember everything?"

He nods. I tried not to let that knowledge seep into my face. In fact, I have no idea what expression I ought to wear. It worried me. The purpose behind his ascension to this realm. If he knew his origin, he could remember what happened and it made sense how he knew the destruction of Mount Lhisan.

"Tell me the purpose of you being here, Aidan."

Allowing him free reign over the palace may not be a smart move, I mused. I doubt Father's decision to allow him to remain here but he was All-Seeing and All-Knowing. He knows what would happen, he knows what Aidan would do and he knows the purpose behind Aidan's decision to come here. 

But why?

"I can't tell you that."

I dare not wonder more. I have an inkling of why he was here but I was afraid of knowing the truth and I was afraid that I might be right. I took a deep shuddering breath and closed my eyes; trying to will a sense of calm and peace over me. There were too many things happening right now and all I wanted was peace.

There were four hundred years of peace already, I thought.

"But rest assured, you won't get caught in it."

I opened my eyes and stared down at my tea; watching the brown liquid idly. His statement terrifies me the most. What kind of plan is he concocting that involves the Angels and Gods in this realm? Was he about to do the one thing I was afraid he might do? He might be crazy enough to start it.

And I might be insane enough to stop it.