Chapter 53: Ancestral Shrine
[London]
Dylan was gently patting Isabella's head as she fell asleep. It was night, and their school would start tomorrow.
Carefully tucking her inside the blanket, Dylan got up and went to the living room couch. He didn't turn on the lights and just sat on the couch silently. His eyes were closed, meditating.
These days Dylan was trying to see the other side himself. Though Lawrence did tell him that this was all possible because of the coin, he didn't believe it. After all these interactions with the king he could see that Lawrence was forced to see this world through him. As if there was no other choice.
He guessed it must have something to do with him. So every night he would closed his eyes and focus within himself. Sure enough, he did feel a guiding force within him. As if he already knew the way.
What fascinated him was that he could really feel the journey physically and emotionally.
Right now he was feeling as if he was floating in a vast space, calm and peaceful, but drifting with a purpose.
Different energies vibrated in his chest, but he didn't feel any ache except for a light twitch. Soon, he felt a gentle breeze, as if someone opened a window. His consciousness too drifted towards it.
Dylan frowned and slightly tilted his head as he heard some sounds. Like people moving here and there, talking, and hurrying.
He focused more. The blankness in his vision slowly started to clear out. His vision was first blurry, but then became more sharp.
"Arrange those flowers there. Yes."
"Those two seats are too close. Make more place there."
"Hurry up, the guests will arrive soon."
Dylan looked around. Completely dumbfounded looking at his surroundings. He felt like he was standing in a gold mine. Huge pillars of gold and sculpted in rich artwork, white marble floor, high ceiling studded with different stones which he didn't even know.
Not to mention the seats arranged. All made of gold and silver, probably to distinguish status.
And there was a magnificent throne, carved out of one huge gold block, with massive golden wings behind it. The circular window behind the throne showed the rising sun, giving the throne a divine a glow.
He noticed how the people in the room.. or hall.. behaved like he was invisible. Dylan calmly took in his surroundings, trying not to get excited or panicked.
He climbed the huge stairs leading to the throne. There were two other seats on either sides of the throne. One was empty, but there was an elegant crown sitting on the other seat. He wondered who was so careless to forget such a beautiful peace here, but then looked at his surroundings and realized the owner probably wouldn't care.
"Your Majesty." Dylan turned around hearing all the people greet someone in unison. The huge doors of the hall opened and there walked in a man dressed in white silk robes.
Dylan slowly descended the stairs looking at the man. His eyes widened in realization.
"Vacate the hall." Lawrence ordered, and within few seconds everyone in the hall left, closing the doors behind them.
Lawrence scanned the entire hall as he regally walked towards his throne and took his seat.
Dylan was awestruck looking at the man in front of him. His Isabella was a carbon copy of her father. That golden brown hair on Lawrence looked no less than a lion's mane. And those green eyes needed no description. The exact shade as Isabella's.
Lawrence sat there silently tapping his finger on the armrest. His white robes fluttered lightly with the wind. The golden lining of his robes blended with his throne. There was no weird jewellery or anything, but the aura around him was enough to tell who the king is.
"Dylan"
Dylan snapped out of his daze hearing his name. He was sure that no one could see him. Might be he underestimated Lawrence?
Dylan cleared his throat before speaking. He wasn't sure if anyone could hear if he speaks here.
"Hii Dad"
Lawrence raised his brows. Dad? This kid was taking too many liberties.
Seeing the king silent, Dylan thought he wasn't audible. So he started looking around again. The hall could easily accommodate around 500 people. But there were only 100 or so seats. Some VVVIP party being held.
Is this the royal palace? He thought. This hall alone would be more than enough to buy entire London if he wasn't wrong.
"How did you come here?"
Dylan got startled. He though Lawrence couldn't here him. "Can you hear me?" he asked.
"Yes I can. How did you arrive here?" Lawrence repeated again. Dylan scratched his head as he thought.
"Uhm.. I meditated?" Dylan said. Unsure of his answer. What else can he say about all these things. He felt like harry potter, and was just going with the flow.
Lawrence didn't press further. He thought of teaching him some magic after the festival was done, but seems like the gatekeeper was more capable and mysterious than he thought.
"Is this the royal palace?" Dylan asked.
"No. This is the ancestral shrine. We stay here for a few weeks to worship our ancestors and celebrate some festivals before returning back to the royal palace." Lawrence answered.
Dylan nodded and went quiet not knowing what else to say. At least he got to know that Lawrence is really Isabella's father. He didn't have to worry or be cautious about them anymore.
Just then the huge doors opened again and someone walked in. Dylan looked at the elegant lady walking in. Her traditional clothes looked so beautiful. A long skirt with heavy embroidery, a yellow blouse and a gold netted scarf neatly draped and going over her shoulder with the end tucked into her waist.
"Lawrence. What are you doing here so early?" Aliza asked as she neared her husband. Their schedule for the day was so tight, and her husband was peacefully sitting here doing nothing.
Lawrence slightly smiled and made place for Aliza to sit on the throne. That gesture was enough for Dylan to understand she was Aliza.
Though most of Isabella's features were inherited from Lawrence, her lips and chin were from Aliza.
"Al, we might have another person joining today." Lawrence said with a slight smile looking at his queen. Aliza frowned thinking who might that be. Not like they cannot host another extra person.
"Who?"
"Dylan" Lawrence answered. Aliza parted her lips in surprise. She got excited thinking her daughter might have returned.
"Dylan? Dylan is here? So Isabella is also here?" Aliza stood up unable to contain her excitement.
Lawrence didn't want to dampen her spirit but still had to explain. "No. It's only Dylan."
A little disappointed, but still elated, the queen looked around searching for Dylan. "It's fine. Where is he?"
Lawrence was about to answer but Aliza cut him off. "And shouldn't you be with Dylan. He is new here. We should make him feel at home."
The king was displeased with Dylan after getting scolded by his wife for no reason.
"He is not here physically. Only his consciousness traveled here. He is somewhere in this hall." The king answered. Aliza curiously looked around.
Dylan smiled seeing Aliza's acceptance. He noticed even Lawrence had come in terms to accept him.
"I am here mom." Dylan spoke finally, and Aliza's eyes snapped towards his direction. Her smile widened.
"Dylan.. Are you okay son?" Aliza asked. She had seen Lawrence and Dexter struggle so hard to cross the space. So she assumed Dylan too had a hard time.
Dylan didn't understand that, but still replied. "Yes mom. I am fine. Thank you."
"No need to be so polite. Come let me show you around."
And Aliza and Dylan left the hall leaving the king sitting there all by himself. Lawrence sighed but let them go. Dylan was more perceptive, calm, and brave than he expected. But it was good. He wouldn't have to worry too much about Isabella's safety now.