One Month Later
The chamber was quiet except for the faint rustling of silk.
Maids carefully applied makeup to Stara's pale face. Her skin had grown thin and fragile, her body weakened by grief and childbirth. She looked like a shadow of the vibrant woman she once was.
Omuro stood behind them, watching silently.
Finally, Stara spoke.
"Leave us. My sister will do the rest."
The maids bowed and slipped out of the room.
Omuro stepped forward and lifted the wedding veil.
"Try to smile," she said gently. "It's your wedding day."
Stara gave a faint smile. "I am happy."
Omuro scoffed. "Are you seriously bragging right now?"
Stara chuckled weakly, "I'm happy because it's me going through this, not you."
Omuro didn't grasp the meaning behind Stara's words. To her, it was just another wedding day talk. So, she ignored it and finished attaching the veil.
"I had a dream about you," she said quietly. "You came to Pavo. You let me hold your belly. I felt the baby kick."
Stara's eyes flickered.
"You told me I wouldn't get another chance." Omuro swallowed. "You were crying in that dream. You told me to come home." She lowered her gaze. "I'm sorry I was late."
Stara turned toward her and embraced her tightly.
"You're here now," she whispered.
For a moment they held each other like the sisters they had once been. For a moment, whatever caused their fallout disappeared. It no longer mattered.
Stara leaned close.
"When this is over," she whispered, "go see Lila."
Omuro blinked, confused. "When what is over?"
Stara only smiled. "I'll always be with you."
Omuro was now bothered, "Sister—"
"You're my soulmate, you idiot."
Omuro rolled her eyes through tears. "Don't call me that." But she smiled anyway. "You're my soulmate too, idiot."
...
Evening
The palace courtyard glittered with lantern light. Music filled the air as guests celebrated the royal wedding.
Stara and Bazi stepped into the carriage together as cheers erupted around them.
Omuro stood among the crowd.
Stara blew her a playful kiss. Omuro pretended to catch it and put it in her mouth. Then she spat it out dramatically, wiped it on her dress, and pressed her hand over her heart.
Stara laughed softly as the carriage rolled away.
It was the last time Omuro ever saw her alive.
...
Late that Night, hidden deep beneath the palace, a secret chamber lay shrouded in darkness. Priests lit torches along the walls as the head priest slowly lifted a sheet.
Omuro's breath caught. Stara's cold and lifeless body lay beneath it.
Her throat tightened with rage, but Queen Waridi caught her arm.
"Do not cry," the queen whispered, "You will contaminate the spirit."
Omuro's fists clenched.
"Wh… what happened?"
"Shh," the queen said coldly. "Let it eat you alive. Quietly."
Omuro tried to step away, but the queen gripped her arm tightly.
"You want the truth?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Stay. Leave… and you will share her fate."
Fear rooted Omuro to the floor. She was forbidden from grieving, which made it worse.
...
Several Months Later
A knock sounded on the infirmary door. Lila opened it.
Crown Princess Omuro stood outside.
The midwife bowed deeply. She had been expecting her.
...
Two Days Later
Omuro wore simple clothing now, rough fabric meant to disguise her noble status.
She and Lila stood hidden behind a small wooden fence.
Across the yard, a woman swayed gently while singing a lullaby. In her arms rested a tiny baby girl.
Omuro's breath caught.
"That's her?"
"Yes," Lila replied softly. "The baby your sister died to save."
Omuro stepped forward.
"Your sister sacrificed everything for this child. For her safety, she must stay far away from the palace."
Omuro nodded.
"You're right." Her voice was steady now. "This child will never see the inside of those walls."
***