Chapter 33
Dimitri’s body, wrapped in white linen, rested in the center of the garden, surrounded by lush greenery and blooming jasmine—his favorite flower.
Celestina stood among the mourners, dressed in a simple black abaya, her face pale and drawn, her eyes red from days of weeping. She clutched a single white rose in her trembling hands as the imam recited verses from the Quran, his voice calm and steady, invoking prayers for Dimitri’s soul.
The Al-Sayeed family stood in a solemn line, Dimitri’s father, Sheikh Rami, looking every bit the grieving patriarch. His eyes, so much like Dimitri’s, were rimmed with grief, though he stood tall for the sake of tradition and dignity.
Celestina’s gaze drifted to the coffin, her heart aching as the reality of Dimitri’s death settled in once more. She barely registered the figures around her, though one face stood out: Kael. He stood near the back of the gathering, his hands clasped tightly in front of him, his expression a mixture of grief and guilt.
When the time came, Dimitri’s body was carried by the men of his family to the burial site, a serene spot under a cluster of palm trees. The air was thick with the sound of whispered prayers, and the scent of incense lingered as the body was gently lowered into the ground.
Celestina stepped forward, her hand shaking as she dropped the white rose into the grave. “You were my light,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “And I’ll carry your love with me always.”
Tears streamed down her face as she stepped back, allowing the others to offer their final farewells. Kael approached the grave, pausing to bow his head. His lips moved silently in prayer before he glanced at Celestina, his expression unreadable.
A few days later, Celestina returned to the presidential palace. The familiar grandeur of her childhood home felt cold and empty without Dimitri by her side. She wandered the halls aimlessly, her thoughts consumed by memories of his laughter, his kindness, and the way he had always made her feel like the center of his world.
Her father watched her closely, his concern evident. “Celestina,” he said one evening, his voice gentle. “You don’t have to bear this alone. I’m here for you.”
“I know, Father,” she replied, though her voice was distant. “But it feels like a part of me is missing. He was… everything.”
The president placed a hand on her shoulder. “Grief is a heavy burden, but you are strong. Dimitri would want you to find your strength again.”
A knock at the door broke the stillness of the afternoon. Celestina sat in the drawing room, staring at a book she hadn’t touched in hours.
“Lady Celestina,” a guard said, entering cautiously. “Kael Veridan is here. He wishes to offer his condolences.”
Her heart sank. The last person she wanted to see was Kael. Memories of his outburst at the reception still stung, though she knew he had been at the funeral.
“Let him in,” she said finally, her voice heavy with reluctance.
Kael entered the room, dressed in a dark suit that only added to the somber air he carried. His hair was neatly combed, and his face was pale, his jaw tight with tension.
“Celestina,” he said softly, his voice filled with an unfamiliar gentleness.
She rose slowly, her hands clasped in front of her. “Kael.”
“I’m sorry,” he began, his eyes meeting hers. “For everything. For Dimitri. For what I said at the reception. I didn’t… I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Celestina’s gaze softened slightly, though her pain was still evident. “He was your cousin,” she said. “I’m sure his loss is difficult for you too.”
Kael nodded, his throat tightening. “He was a good man. Better than most of us deserved.”
Silence fell between them, the weight of their shared grief hanging in the air. Finally, Kael spoke again. “I didn’t know what to say at the funeral. Seeing you there, so broken, it… it reminded me of everything I did wrong. I don’t have the right to ask for your forgiveness, but I hope you know I’m truly sorry.”
Celestina studied him, her expression unreadable. “You’re right. You don’t have the right to ask for forgiveness. But I can’t hold onto hate forever, Kael. It’s exhausting.”
His eyes glimmered with something that looked like hope. “I’ll take whatever peace you can offer.”
She sighed, gesturing for him to sit. “You’ve offered your condolences. Let’s leave it at that.”
Kael hesitated but nodded, taking a seat across from her. “For what it’s worth, Celestina, Dimitri would have wanted you to keep shining. Don’t let this grief dim your light.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, her fingers tightening around the arm of her chair. “I’m trying,” she said softly.
Kael rose, sensing the end of their conversation. “I’ll leave you to your peace. If you ever need anything… anything at all, I’m here.”
She didn’t respond as he left, the door clicking shut behind him.
