A Mother's Advice

Leandro was glad that Aisha was compassionate enough to put a stop to the banishment of the Gatekeepers' families. Though, he felt bad for her for experiencing such negative treatment by his own people.

However, he couldn't blame them. It has been centuries that Gaea hasn't encountered a human species. It is normal for them to be wary of her.

As soon as he heard how Aisha was being treated, he immediately left the Chancery. He didn't think that Aisha would go out of the towers at once. He thought she would familiarize herself first within the Castle walls, where it was safe for her.

He gazed at Aisha, who was furious right now. As much as he wanted to agree with her, he must put things in order.

If he allowed the Gatekeepers to be free, everyone would take their duties lightly. And there is no great or small duty in the Castle. Being responsible no matter how small a task is contributing to people's safety.

"I understand," Aisha said, making him heave out a sigh of relief. "However, I would like to request these people to live in a place where their whole family will not go hungry, and they will have a nice roof to their heads."

"Your grace is boundless, your Highness," the Gatekeepers fell at their feet and bowed to Aisha. "You will make a good queen."

Aisha scratched her head and smiled sheepishly. "That's the least I can do for your trouble. But still, it is up to the King to decide, isn't it?"

Everyone's eyes darted to Leandro. He drew in a deep breath and stated his decision. "Of course. I will do as Lady Aisha said. The Gatekeepers will have a place in the Eastern region near the fields. I also sent sacks of Spelta for them, together with potatoes, salt and honey."

"Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty," all the bystanders who were there to witness bow down to the King. It is not every day that they get to see the face of the king. And it is not every day that they could witness his merciful actions.

"Rosalia, please bring Lady Aisha to the dining hall. The Lady must be starving," he commanded her court maid.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she bowed down to him.

Aisha also bowed to him. But she left a word, "Let's talk later, okay? Your Majesty?" It seemed like she was glaring at him.

They were still outside, so Leandro also returned to the Towers. He was in the Chancery previously, studying how he could provide for the increasing demands of the people, and he wanted to return to his studies.

He walked back to the Castle while Lord Emilio followed close behind.

"I understand that you want the people to view Lady Aisha in a positive light, Your Majesty. But do you think it's alright for the people to know that you're planning to marry her at this point in time, Your Majesty? The Tribal Council doesn't know about it yet. They might think that you are bypassing them," Lord Emilio opened up to him as they walked back to the corridors.

Leandro nodded his head. He understood perfectly what he meant.

The Tribal Council was a group of people that the Great Theos also constructed as a form of government in Gaea. He is the King. But he must take into consideration the advice coming from the Tribal Council. And he was not just marrying a certain woman to bear his child. He was also establishing the Queen of Gaea.

He pressed his lips together as his feet trudged to the Royal Chancery. Leandro could easily win the hearts of bystanders. But knowing the attitude and mindset of the Tribal Council, he knew that convincing them to allow him to marry Lady Aisha was no easy task.

"Call the lords of the Tribal Council for a meeting," Leandro said as they turned to the right.

Lord Emilio immediately bowed down his head and complied.

Instead of going to the Royal Chancery, he decided to leave and went to the Western part of the Castle.

He has no biological family to confide in Gaea. But there was one family that was there for him as he grew up.

"Leandro! I mean, your Majesty," Olivia bowed down to him. But she immediately lifted her head with a twinkle in her eye. It has been a long time since they last saw each other.

"No need for formalities, Mother," Leandro opened his arms to receive her embrace.

Olivia may not be his biological mother, but she has been a family to her, one of the people in Gaea that he knew he could trust with his life.

He gazed at her graying hair and her wrinkling eyes. She was also not a human and was from the Nephilus Clan, a distant relative of Lord Emilio.

As soon as they sat down on their porch, he then shared with her his desire to get married to Lady Aisha. More than the Tribal Council, he values her opinion more than them.

There were numerous situations in his life, both as a King and as a human, that he was torn as to what decision he must make. Her view always proved to be of value.

"She's also a human, and there is a big possibility that she would give me an heir. The Great Theos has given her permission to live in the land, provided that she would also agree with it," Leandro continued to explain to her.

"I see," Olivia said after she sipped on her tea. "Marriage is not like cooked Spelta that you could spit out when you burn your tongue. If your purpose or desire to get married is enough to transcend all risks that come with it, then, by all means, do it. If not, don't put yourself in a tough spot."

Then she reached out and tapped on his shoulder. "Whatever your decision is, I will support you, you know that." She added with a supportive smile on her face.

Leandro gave her a warm smile as he pressed on her hand and pondered on her advice.

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It doesn't matter how old you are or what you're doing in your life. You will never stop needing a mom.