Amia's POV
"I'm glad you ate well yesterday," Serai said happily.
Ate well?
I didn't enjoy the meal at all, despite not feeling like throwing up when he touched me. I hated how I had to eat more than I wanted.
Also, he even came to see me eat at supper! Something was definitely going on!
"Serai, about what happened yesterday. Perhaps you should always leave when the lord comes; I can serve myself," I said simply.
"Never! Do you know how much pardon I was shown by the Oracle and the lord to be forgiven? My purpose is to serve you without rest; the only time I can lower my guard is when you fall asleep," she answered and then pointed at a bell that was on the bedside table.
"Even in the middle of the night, you ringing that bell would have me running to your side," she said strongly and then moved to the balcony where I was standing.
"My lady, please understand that I am honored to serve you, so don't ever think differently," she said seriously.
She really was so stubborn that she reminded me of my little sister.
"Okay, but when you aren't well, you have to tell me no matter what. Promise me," I answered.
"I promise," she said cheerfully.
"Lucian is here," I told her when I picked up his scent.
She quickly turned and faced the door, bowing.
When the door opened, I was surprised to see him walk in with legs. I was very shocked to see him in a beautiful white garment too which was adorned with red diamonds.
"Ah, there you are, my lady," he said with a smile as he approached me.
I was about to bow when he stopped me.
"Don't do that. In our nest, we have rules for all pregnant bonds or partners, and one of them is never to let them bow," he said as I frowned.
"What happens when one does bow?" I asked curiously.
"It's believed to bring misfortune on the neonate. You know, it may experience unknown sickness and die, or even worse, bad karma throughout their lives," he answered simply.
"So it's just a belief," I muttered.
"Yes, but my kind strongly believes in it, and as an oracle, I uphold their beliefs as well," he answered and then looked at Serai.
"Has she been serving you well? With what I heard yesterday from the lord—" he trailed off.
"She has, and I'm so grateful to you," I answered quickly.
"Is that so?" he asked with a raised brow.
"Absolutely. I am very happy and because of her, I am eating a little more than I should," I answered.
"I'm so glad to hear that, because yesterday I urged the lord to visit and check on you. So imagine my surprise when I heard of how a servant dared to act recklessly in front of him and you, our Lady," he said coldly.
So that's why my mate had come to pay me a visit. It wasn't on his own accord, but because he was forced to come by him.
I looked at Serai, who was slightly trembling and then back at him.
"If something were to happen to Serai, I would lose my will to do anything. I wouldn't eat or drink a drop of water," I answered, and that seemed to shock him because his expression changed and his eyes widened.
"Even if your sister would suffer in your pack?" he asked in a whisper.
"Serai is like a sister to me too," I answered strongly.
He kept quiet for a few minutes and then smiled.
"I understand, my lady, so do allow me to do something for her," he said as he moved closer to us.
"What do you mean?" I asked seriously.
He ignored my question and moved his hand to Seria's chest.
"What are you doing?" I growled loudly.
"Returning the most precious thing that was taken away from her," he answered in a low tone.
I was stunned when I looked at the tip of her tail and saw how the scales were returning.
I smiled, then looked at her. She seemed to be in pain but also in so much joy as tears filled her eyes.
"These magical scales will also grant you the ability to acquire human legs at will; that way, you will be able to serve the lady of the nest with utmost devotion," he said when he pulled away his hand.
Serai fell to the floor, sobbing loudly.
"May the gods bless you, oracle; may they uphold you in their midst forever," she cried at the top of her voice.
I looked at Lucian, not knowing what to do. I wanted to bow and show my gratitude, yet I knew he couldn't let me.
I stood there, trying to think of a way to show him how grateful I was.
"You taking good care of yourself is the only thank you I would accept," he said as I nodded and blinked back the forming tears.
"I will eat well and rest well; you have my word," I answered honestly and then moved my hand to Serai.
"Please get up," I whispered.
She looked at my hand and then took it as her tail turned into legs. Lucian took in a sharp breath and snapped his fingers as a robe appeared on Serai's body.
"I'm glad to hear your words, my lady," he said after clearing his throat and then turned to walk away.
"Lucian," I called with hesitation.
He turned and smiled at me.
"Yes, my lady," he answered.
"You have seen this life I'm living and the future outcome, haven't you?" I asked seriously as his smile faded.
"No, my lady," he answered, and I felt my heart ache.
"As an oracle, I can see a few different paths of one's future, but they are not usually accurate. Do you know why?" he asked as I shook my head.
"Because the future changes constantly, and fate is always decided by one's self. I can foresee the downfall of one, but in another string of fate (path), they would still hold their glory. In another, they may have never been born, and in another, they would have never been who they were destined to be," he said.
"In all my life, I have tried to prevent minor things from happening, and I have succeeded. But whenever I tried to change the outcome of something big, it failed and came to pass, my lady," he said in a pained tone as sadness filled his eyes.
"The only thing I could do is intervene here and there, but that's as far as I could go. My gift is a curse and a blessing that I fail to fully embrace and understand," he said, then forced a smile on his face.
"Something great that is bound to happen will always happen, just as something terrible and disastrous that is bound to happen will always happen. The only one who can change that thread of fate is oneself, not me," he whispered, then brushed his hair back.
"Well, forgive me for my bubbling nonsense, but I have to go. I will see you soon, my lady, so do keep your words," he said cheerfully, then walked out of the room.