Chapter 6

Peninah arrived home from visiting the oracle. Her parents were anxiously waiting for her. They were eager to hear what she had been told by the oracle. They also wanted to share to her the news about the change of the traditions.

“My daughter, I see that now you have all the answers you necessitated. There is not fear on your face no more.” Peninah’s mother said.

“Of course mother, the fear is gone, although not all of it but, I hope it shall clear as I learn to accept my lot.” Peninah replied.

“What did the oracle have for you my child? What did he add to what I had told you?” Her mother asked curiously.

“Well, in fact, all that you told me, he has just confirmed. He has also told me to befriend the Prince and something about Rimberia changing the decrees of the land.”

“Aah I see. Well then my daughter, we had the same news for you. It seems the gods are surely at work and serious about it after all.”

“What same news mother?”

“…The news about Rimberia working to have the edicts of the land changed.”

“How did you know about that?”

“When you left Rimberia here talking to your father, it seemed he was not interested in anything else. He was asking your father to help in convincing the other council members to change the regulations.”

“Well, I think I do not need to fear anymore. If this is happening, then everything about the prophecy is true.”

“The prophecy is true and always has been my daughter.”

“Oh, one more thing, he told me that Rimberia was to tell the Prince that he is responsible for our hook-up but, the oracle said we should not bother him. He said we should let him be and let the gods be his judge at the end.”

“Of course my daughter, we shall let him be. Who are we to interfere with that which the gods have put into motion? About this Prince, what did the oracle have to say?”

“Nothing much, just what I needed to hear. I am to flirt with him when he comes to me and learn to love him and accept his love for me. That’s all.”

“Wow, that sounds good my daughter. Just as I was telling you. You are truly blessed. Not many have this kind of privilege. I just wish I were young again and in your shoes. I just wish you knew to what length a woman would go just to have what the gods have blessed you with.”

“Why do you say that mother? Why wish you were young and in my shoes?”

“My daughter, who would not love to be wooed and fall in love with a Prince, after all, you people shall be free to be with those you love and talk to them at your age unlike us back in the days.”

“Mother, don’t worry. You and dad make a very good couple. You were meant for each other. I am sure you made up for the time you could not be together. After all, every partner is a blessing from the gods.”

“Yes my daughter, you are right. We surely did make time to make up for what we had lost. You are the living proof to the fact. Embrace what you have when you have it. We used to wish for it day and night. Do not let the gods down.”

“Mother, of course I will and, stop talking as if these laws have already been changed. We still have a long way to go.”

“My daughter, they are as good as changed.”

“What if these council members do not agree to this change?”

“You do not have to worry about that. The gods are in control. After all, no one will oppose Rimberia. He always has a way of getting whatever he wants and things done his way.”

“Okay then, I shall get back to my duties now.”

“Fine my daughter and, do not forget to thank the gods for this miraculous and golden opportunity.”

“Of course I cannot forget mother. A Prince is not easy to come by, right?”

“Sure, right my daughter. He is hard to come by. Cherish the opportunity and love him.”

At that moment, even her parents were surprised of how fast the gods were taking into the matter. Peninah too was overwhelmed. This got her to clear her fear completely. Her faith in the gods and her destiny was firm enough. All she had left was to think of the Prince about to be the apple of her eye. She and her parents’ faith in the gods went up tremendously and could no longer have doubts in them.