Later, as we break our fast in our chambers rather than joining the court below, I find myself making plans to ensure her safety, her happiness, with an intensity that would have surprised me a month ago.
"The threat from the south concerns me," I tell her as she sips her wine. "Lord Aiden will make another move, likely sooner rather than later."
She looks up, her expression serious. "Do you think he'll attack directly?"
"No. He's not a military man. He'll try something more underhanded." I reach across the table to take her hand. "Which is why I want you to start training with a sword, as we discussed."
Her eyes widen in surprise. "You were serious about that?"
"Deadly serious. I want you able to defend yourself if necessary." I squeeze her hand. "I've arranged for Callum to begin teaching you the basics this afternoon."
"Callum?" She frowns slightly. "Not you?"
The question pleases me more than it should—her desire for me to be the one to teach her. "I would, but I need to meet with the border commanders today. And Callum is actually a better teacher than I am. More patient."
She nods, accepting this, but there's something in her expression that makes me add, "I'll oversee your progress, of course. And once you've mastered the basics, I'll work with you myself on more advanced techniques."
Her smile returns, brighter than before. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."
"I know." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I want you strong, Fiona. A true queen, not just in name but in capability."
"Why?" she asks, genuine curiosity in her voice. "Most men would want their wives weak, dependent."
"I'm not most men." I hold her gaze steadily. "And you were never meant to be most wives."
After breaking our fast, we separate for the first time in days—she to prepare for her training session, I to meet with my commanders. Before leaving her, I pull her close, unable to resist tasting her lips once more.
"Be careful," I murmur against her mouth. "Remember that even in training, blades can cut."
She laughs softly. "Are you worried about me, my fearsome king?"
"Always." The admission comes easily now, my pride no longer requiring me to hide my concern for her. "You're precious to me, Fiona."
Her expression softens, something glimmering in her eyes that might be the beginning of deeper feeling. "I'll be careful," she promises, rising on tiptoe to press another kiss to my lips.
I force myself to leave her, though every instinct demands I keep her by my side, safe under my protection. But I know too well that smothering her would only push her away, and after last night's breakthrough, I can't risk losing the ground we've gained.
The meeting with my commanders is tense, reports from the border confirming my suspicions about Lord Aiden's movements. He's gathering forces, making alliances with other minor lords who resent my rapid expansion of power.
"We should strike first," argues one of my younger captains. "Before they can fully organize."
"And appear the aggressor?" I shake my head. "No. We wait, we watch, we prepare. But we don't strike unless provoked."
"Is this caution I'm hearing from the Warrior King?" another asks, surprise evident in his tone. "You've never hesitated to strike first before."
I fix him with a hard stare. "Times change. Strategies evolve. And I have more to protect now than just my honor or my borders."
The unspoken addition—Fiona—hangs in the air between us. My men exchange glances, some speculative, others concerned. They've noticed the change in me, the softening that both terrifies and exhilarates me.
"The queen has settled in well," Callum observes carefully, changing the subject. "The people speak highly of her kindness during the village relocation yesterday."
"She was born to rule," I say simply. "It's in her blood."
"And in her spirit," adds another commander, one who's been with me since the beginning. "She reminds me of your brother—that same quiet strength."
The comparison startles me, but upon reflection, I realize its truth. Fiona does have the same quality that made my brother beloved by our people—a natural authority tempered by genuine concern for others' welfare.
"All the more reason to ensure her safety," I say, turning back to the map spread before us. "Double the guards on the castle perimeter. And I want our best men accompanying the queen whenever she leaves the main buildings."
