Chapter 18
Alina’s Story
When Alina left The Great Hall, she found Remus dressed in his finest clothing. Butterflies zoomed in her stomach as her heart raced at the sight of her handsome husband. She reached up to stroke his cheek, but his cold skin stung her fingers. She gasped and cupped her mouth as she began to cry and then threw her arms around his neck.
“There, there, sweetheart. I am all right,” Remus said, rubbing Alina’s back as she sobbed into his shoulder. “Pluto made a special appointment for me at his court. He claims it is because I ‘have done honorable things in my life that do not warrant an eternity of suffering.’” Remus mocked Pluto’s deep voice and chuckled at his own joke. “I think it is so he can keep an eye on me in case I try to start a rebellion, being the son of War and all.” Remus puffed his chest out proudly and gave her an award-winning smile.
Alina smiled at his ill-timed joke. He was dead, yet trying to make her feel better. “I need you, Remus. Our little girl is in danger. She can’t do this on her own.”
“She is not on her own.” Remus wiped away a tear. “She has the o’Conaills, her brothers, Eoghan, Lysandros, and you. Romulus will also play a part in this quest.”
Alina tensed. Her lip curled as she said, “He has already played his part and will suffer at my hands for it.” Her voice was low and venomous.
“Such fire! That is why I fell madly in love with you. Despite your anger towards him, his part must be played or else everything will be lost.” He took her hand to walk along the moonlit coastline. The waves danced in the white and blue hues. “Come, we don’t have much time.”
“Because I have to go or because Pluto will make you go?” Alina asked, squeezing his hand.
“Does it matter?” Remus smirked and made Alina blush. She turned away to hide a small smile.
“What do you think of our sons, Dear?” Alina asked, changing the heartbreaking subject.
“Our three fools?” Remus corrected. “They are fine warriors, always have been, but hot tempered trouble.”
“It is not I they resemble most, dear husband. Besides, Nikolaos has grown into a fine man, poised and strong, like his father,” Alina said and hugged Remus’ arm, pulling him tight to her body.
“He is eighty-years old, after all. I hope he has matured at his age with two brothers to babysit. Conversely, Leonidas is slightly childish, is he not?”
Alina furrowed her eyebrows at his comment and defended her child, “He’s my baby.”
“Alina,” Remus said exasperated, “he is forty. He is no baby.”
Alina laughed, “He is my baby.”
“Now Cole, he has a strong head on his shoulders. He may not be as physically strong as Nikolaos, but he learns quick and is not at impulsive as Leo. His magic is impressive. Sixty years have done him well.” Remus nodded as he praised his middle son.
“His father taught him well. That is until he banished him and his brothers to live with the Vikings,” Alina snidely commented.
“Alina for the last time, they nearly destroyed the peace between three different kingdoms! It was as if they were on a mission from Mars.”
“Then you should have been proud.” Alina raised her eyebrow and Remus knew that was her ‘you better not continue to argue with me’ look.
Remus sighed, “Yes, dear.”
Remus stopped walking and faced Alina. “You cannot hold my brother responsible for my death. I helped set this event in motion. Plus, he was possessed by an enchanted knife when he stabbed me.” Remus smirked and shrugged. “We’re twins, and nothing is ever one’s sole fault.”
“You are the shepherd of my soul. Who will hold my hand and lead me through this fight?”
“Hold your hand? Ha-ha! Woman, when has anyone ever guided you by the hand? My sweet, sweet Alina, you have been my Northern Star.”
Remus pressed her hand against his cheek. Alina closed her eyes as the tension released in her shoulders and back.
“You are the daughter of two gods; the goddess who gave up her divine throne for the lonely king of Alba Longa. I fear you have lived too long among the Greeks and have forgotten your strength as a Celt.” Remus brushed a strand of strawberry-blonde hair away from her eyes. “It is time to remember your heritage.”
Remus smiled and spun her around so her back leaned against his chest. He cradled her from behind, wrapping his arms around her as they swayed on the beach, gazing out at the ocean. “Do you remember the first time we met?” His scruff tickled her cheek and gave her goose bumps.
“Yes, you and your brother arrived at my family’s castle. Then you shot me,” She chuckled at the memory.
They both remembered the day as if it happened hours ago:
The Phoinix: Age of Demigods Page 42
