Shadowhunters Camp, 1509
Rhaenys looked at her father in disbelief. "Wait, did you just say wife?" The words hung in the air, heavy with implications.
Her father's expression shifted, revealing a mix of pride and uncertainty. "Yes, Rhaenys, I did," he replied, his voice steady yet soft.
Rhaenys took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation. "How long have you and Mahfiruze been married?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.
Her father smiled, a warmth spreading across his face. "We've been married for fifteen years now," he said, his eyes glinting with fond memories.
Rhaenys felt overwhelmed with emotions when she considered her father's hidden life. "Why didn't you tell me?" she pressed, curiosity mingling with a hint of wonder.
Her father sighed, his expression turning contemplative. "I wanted to tell you when we got to Dumbrock, but it seems the time has come for you to know the truth."
Rhaenys looked intently at her father, searching for answers. "Was your marriage an arranged marriage?"
He nodded slowly, a bittersweet smile crossing his lips. "Yes, it was, but love can bloom in unexpected places, and there were moments that made it all worthwhile."
Rhaenys then asked her father, "Which kingdom is Mahfiruze from?" Her father paused, reflecting on the question before responding. "Mahfiruze hails from the Kingdom of Ashara, a land known for its vibrant culture and rich history."
Rhaenys listened intently, her interest piqued by her father's words. "It's a place where tradition and innovation often intertwine, creating a unique atmosphere," he added.
She felt a sense of wonder as she imagined the kingdom, picturing its landscapes and people.
"I hope one day you'll visit so you can experience its beauty firsthand," he encouraged.
Rhaenys then asked her father when he and Mahfiruze first met.
Arthur reminisced, "We met at a royal ball, when our engagement was announced."
Her father's words piqued Rhaenys's curiosity. "Wait, did you just say when your engagement was announced?" she asked, her eyes wide with interest.
Arthur smiled softly. "Yes, like I said, it was an arranged marriage."
Rhaenys's curiosity deepened as she processed this surprising revelation. "What was it like for you both?" she inquired.
Arthur thought for a moment before responding, "It was strange at first, but we learned to appreciate each other."
Rhaenys nodded, intrigued by the idea of two people becoming allies through circumstance. "Did you ever wish for a different kind of love?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arthur sighed, "Sometimes, but I've grown to understand the value of partnership." The conversation left Rhaenys pondering the complexities of love and duty.
Rhaenys then asked her father, "How did my mom react to the engagement?"
Arthur then says, "She wasn't too pleased about it. But she knew I couldn't go against my father's wishes."
Rhaenys looked at her father, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Did Mahfiruze know about my existence?"
Arthur replied, barely above a whisper, "Yes, Mahfiruze knew you existed."
Rhaenys then asked, "How long did Mahfiruze know I existed?"
Arthur took a deep breath. "From the moment she learned of your conception from your mother," he said softly.
Rhaenys then said, "Wait, my mom told Mahfiruze that she was pregnant with me?"
Arthur nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, she did tell Mahfiruze, and that changed everything."
Rhaenys felt a mix of emotions. "So, Mahfiruze knew about my existence all along?"
Arthur replied, "Indeed, she was aware from the very beginning."
Rhaenys pondered the implications of this revelation. "How did that affect their relationship?"
Arthur sighed, contemplating the weight of his words. "She was there for your mother from the beginning. She was the one who helped your mother escape from Camelot. Before she got too far along with you."
Rhaenys' heart raced as she absorbed this new information. The realization of Mahfiruze's involvement changed everything for Rhaenys.
Rhaenys then says with a shocked tone, "Wait, Mahfiruze helped Mom escape from Camelot?"
Arthur nodded slowly, his expression grave. "Yes, and that sacrifice forged a bond between them that was stronger than you can imagine."
Rhaenys' mind raced as she processed the revelation about Mahfiruze. The woman she had never met had played such a crucial role in her family's history. "Wow, I can't believe someone like Mahfiruze was there for Mom," she said, her voice filled with awe.
Arthur watched her reaction, sensing the weight of the moment. "Her bravery and selflessness changed everything," he replied softly. Rhaenys felt a newfound connection to this mysterious woman, realizing the impact of her actions.
Rhaenys says, "When did Mahfiruze tell you that she knew of my existence?"
Arthur paused for a moment, searching for the right words. "She told me right before I came looking for you."
Rhaenys's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with questions. "What else did she say?"
Arthur says, "Mahfiruze loves you like a daughter. Although you and Mahfiruze are not related by blood, she loves you like a daughter.
Rhaenys felt a surge of emotion at his words, a mixture of gratitude and confusion swirling within her. "Then why did she keep the secret from you for so long?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, desperate for answers that could unravel the tangled web of her past.
Arthur sighed, his expression reflecting the weight of the revelations. "Sometimes, people hold onto secrets to protect those they care about, even if it means causing more pain in the long run," he replied, his gaze steady as he searched Rhaenys's eyes for understanding.
Rhaenys felt a flicker of hope mixed with confusion. "But what if the truth could heal instead of hurt?" She wondered aloud, yearning for clarity in the shadowy corners of her family's history.
"Perhaps the truth has the power to mend the very wounds it creates," he suggested gently, sensing her struggle. "It's a risk worth taking if it can bring peace and understanding to your heart."
Rhaenys considered his words carefully, the weight of her family's legacy pressing heavily upon her. "Maybe facing the past isn't just about uncovering secrets but about freeing ourselves from their grip," she replied, her voice steadier now, filled with a newfound determination.
Rhaenys then asked her father how long it would take to get to the Mahfiruze family estate.
Her father paused, measuring his response as if calculating the journey. "We'll need a full day of travel," he said, his eyes reflecting both caution and hope.
Rhaenys then says, "Okay. Let's get started first thing in the morning."
Arthur nodded his head in agreement,"Agree."