I spot Stormfall sleeping high in the pine above us when I land on the ground, the Bird of Ash looking so serene with his wings tucked into himself. The sight makes me smile as I make my way to the bathing chamber, my sights set on taking a quick bath before we depart, though not knowing if any water will be available. Thankfully, the tub is filled to the brim, and I make a silent note to ask Keane how that magic works.
I lower my aching body into the large black granite tub, letting the hot water relax against my sore muscles. Every part of me is tense from our ride, not to mention the area between my legs that is sensitive from last night. I sigh and let the hot water do its work, closing my eyes to the early morning as I dip my head under and think of the days ahead.
So much is set to happen.
Keane’s coronation. Our trip to Woodlands. Our travel to Livyatan at some point. More Ancients waking from their sleep… whatever Hirovale has planned for the Old World.
So much is set to change.
My thoughts roam to the Ancient of Death and Exploration in deep consideration, thinking of our brief conversation with him last night.
It was the first time Hirovale was completely forthcoming.
He was open in his answers,thoughtfulin his answers, and gave Keane and I information that better helped us understand the Leviathans and the Ancient they coveted. I understood now why Hiro was so tense when he arrived. He truly was nervous about his sister being awake, about the power that she would provide the Leviathans. He aimed to warn us, to warn Keane, and while I suspected that their thoughts were more fixated on the battle to come, I was more concerned with the price that it took to wake her.
My heart has been weighing heavy with a deep anguish for the humans of Livyatan since the news last night. I knew the Leviathans were evil, had suspected from the night in the Bulwark Plains when I met Yiannis and his small crew. But nothing could prepare me for the resounding knowledge that they had indeed resumed their sacrifice of human lives, young andinnocenthumanlives. The time for rumors were over, and the knowledge of the truth was beyond devastating.
I wonder if Prince Isham will still be in Castle Bardot when we return? Do I talk to him? Asses the truth? Or do I just plunge my dagger straight into his heart?
Hah.
That would certainly have Keane rethinking his desire to have me as his Queen.
Queen...
My full body sighs in the water, the implication of the word still foreign and causing anxiety within my whole being.
What did I know of being a Queen? How could anyone possibly expect that of me? What did I expect of me?
I frown.
Perhaps it’s time to have an honest conversation with myself.
The thought of being Queen or Princess never once crossed my mind since meeting Keane, but it makes sense now. Keane and I are going to be together for the rest of our lives, that much was made clear last night by both our words and our bodies. And while I had never thought on the status of my title with Keane, I knew I had to start now.
Because I also knew that I wouldn’t sit around idle and let him Lord about. I knew I didn’t want to be just his wife or the woman who bared his children. I did want both of those things,desperately, but the very being of me was too curious to let only those simple desires consume my life. I wanted to learn all I could about Woodlands Court and help the humans there. I wanted to engage myself in the Old World and protect the children who were being harmed. I wanted to be active, not sit idle and content.
Keane knew that and said so last night. He’s always known.
He also knew that he would make me his wife,his queen. And although I wasn’t sure if I would make a good queen or not, I did know that I would fight my hardest to be worthy of the title.
The biggest question, then, came down to whether or not the Lords and people of Disce would accept a human woman without title. Keane was expected to make a strategic marriage for the Kingdom, just as Zander didwhen he wed the Queen. It’s the same expectation that’s set for Troy, Desmond and Elena as well… the royal children are meant to marry for alliance, not emotion.
Would Disce fight against us? Would the Lords of this Kingdom and Keane’s advisors demand that he take another, more suitable Lady? Would he give in to that? And if so, where would that leave us?
The thought consumes and worries me as I step out of the tub. I wrap myself in a towel and feel the heavy crease marks of a frown settle perfectly into my brows, scowling as I walk back into the room.
“What’s wrong?” Keane sits up swiftly from his large black bed, noticing my features.
I shake my head and attempt a small smile, “just lost in my own thoughts.”
Keane moves with his Discerni speed, covering the space between us before I even finish my sentence. His brown eyes peer down at me as he moves both of his hands to my waist, pulling me towards him.
“Talk to me.”
“There’s no use worrying about it now,” I give him another small smile, bringing my hands to face as I let my fingers run through his brown hair.
And there really isn’t.
