Free Phantom of the Heart by Stein Willard Page B

man. He was not short by any means, but she was taller. As she studied him, she saw something akin to pride lightening his dark-blue eyes.
    “Who…who are you?”
    The man bowed low, making her take a step backward.
    “Your humble servant, at your service, milady.”
    Orla cast a quick look at the door and back at the man whose dark head was still bent low.
    “I do not understand.”
    The man came upright and looked at her intently. “You will, very soon.” With another bow he walked over to the door and left. Thoroughly confused, Orla sunk into the chair. Before she could delve into the puzzling event, the door opened again. This time, it was her mother.
    “We are about to commence with the service, my child.” She drew closer to Orla. “I do not like the pallor of your face. What is wrong, child?”
    “I…I will tell you later,” Orla rose to her feet. “Let me first get married to the most beautiful woman in the world and then we can talk.”
    Lima smiled widely. “Yes, let's do that first.” She took her daughter in her arms and held her tightly against her bosom. “I am so proud of you, Orla. Deep down I have always known that you were destined for something bigger and better. Your pureness of heart has set you apart from many – a leader in your own right.”
    Orla tenderly kissed her mother's cheek. “I am just a simple blacksmith, mother. If I am pure of heart, then it is you who made me so. Besides that, there is nothing special about me.”
    Lima laughed. “The princess believes otherwise, my child, and I know she will make you realize your true potential and help you attain your destiny.”
    The deep, sound of the organ throbbed in the air, and Orla took her mother's hand. “I will tell her what you said.” The pale-blue eyes were bright. “It is time.”
     
    ***
     
    A tall, dark figure stepped out of the shadows of the overgrown tree. Sharp, steely eyes zeroed in on the tower of the majestic cathedral rising out of the picturesque setting that was Kemble . A slow smile curved around his lips and with one last look at the city, he turned away and was swallowed by the dark forest.
     

Chapter 8
    Orla felt her heart contract at the sight of her bride dancing sensually to the slow, haunting melody of the flute. Her hair was loose and bouncing gently, as her tall, slender body floated with the rhythm of the accompanying clapping of the guests. Their eyes met and Orla swallowed at the look of hunger in the quicksilver eyes.
    Earlier, while waiting at the altar for her bride to join her, she had once more been attacked by a bout of insecurity.
    Was she ready…no, would she be able to adapt to her new lifestyle, her new status? Was she truly a good enough candidate to take over one day from Cybralle? What would happen to her mother now? Would her new family expect her mother to wait on her? Could she accept that? But then the organ had started playing and, turning toward the entrance of the cathedral, her eyes fell on the most beautiful vision. The bright light from outside cast her bride’s face in darkness, but Orla was mesmerized by the small beams of sunlight dancing in auburn hair. There was a movement behind this vision and that was when she saw the familiar shape of her mother, entering behind Sterling.
    When Cybralle placed her daughter's hand in Orla’s, Sterling stepped closer, her eyes filled with love. For a moment, they stood there looking at each other as the guests held their breath.
    “I chose your mother as our guide. It is my tribute to her for having brought you into this world and granting me such happiness.”
    That was when all her insecurities disappeared. As Guide to the Second Royal Couple, Lima was elevated to a status of semi-royalty. She would now reside in the palace and they would see each other every day. A smile worked its way from Orla’s heart onto her face.
    Sterling had thought of everything. Orla watched her bride dancing suggestively; their eyes locked