“I know,” she whispered, her voice catching, “I know.”
He stood, offering her his hand. “Then come on, let’s get you inside. I need you to become the queen our province is accustomed to. They cannot believe that anything is different, that you are different. You will resume your market visits, hear our citizens, and show them our united front. Word cannot get back to Rune of anything amiss. Vivian must not suspect.”
She hesitated, staring at him through the tears. For a moment, it seemed like she might refuse, as if she might anchor herself to this place and this pain forever. But then, slowly, she took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. Ellis had seen her fight for what she believed was right for years in this province. The shift in Rivka’s demeanor was resolute, and Ellis could feel the gates of her pain slam shut.
Rivka
Days turned into weeks, time flashed by in a blur of council meetings and trivial matters. Rivka knew that the time to leave was almost upon them. Her stomach was starting to round, and it would be only a matter of days before one of her attendants noticed. She had already heard them gossiping about missing her last three bleeds. She couldn’t afford for rumors to begin flying.
The afternoon sun streamed through the window, splashing color across Ellis’ face. They had taken to spending most afternoons together, in the library or in their bedchambers. Today she was reading aloud to him, while he lay with his head in her lap. She had come to look forward to these quiet hours. That little piece of intimacy she was missing. Rivka was mid-sentence when Ellis sprang up, spinning around to face her.
“Did you feel that?”
Surprise speared through her before turning into wonder.
“I did!”
The baby had kicked for the first time. Rivka was so happy that she had someone to share this moment with. Grabbing Ellis’ hands she placed them on her stomach, willing the babe to move again. A huge grin spread across his face, as the baby did just that, tapping a little beat underneath the warmth of his fingers.
They sat like that for what seemed like hours, basking in the amazement of it. Slowly, though, Ellis’ joy dimmed. “Youknow it is time for us to go, right? We can’t hide this any longer.”
Pain rippled through Rivka. The thought of running speared her deep, cutting into her soul. She loathed the very thought of it but knew there was no other way. “Yes.” She said, letting out a breath. “I think it is time to start putting the plan into motion. We need to let my father know.”
Rivka knew how much Ellis hated the pain this was causing her and that her joy of motherhood would be forever tainted by it. But it couldn’t be helped.
“I will let it be known that you want a market trip later this evening. We need to finish gathering supplies for our journey and I think it would do well for you to see the citizens one last time before we depart.”
“Of course. I would like that very much.” Her voice strained with her emotions.
Leaning in, Ellis placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. “Just remember that it isn’t a goodbye, my love. You will see your home again, your people.”
Rivka looked up at him, her lips turning up in a small smile, pitiful as it was. “Thank you for always being my voice of reason, El. I would be completely lost without you.”
“You underestimate yourself, my Queen. You are stronger than you think.”
With that, he stood, moving towards the door. “I will be back in a bit. We will leave within a fortnight.”
The sound of the door snicking shut reached Rivka’s ears as her first tear fell. She hated that she cried so often lately, her emotions erratic at best. Laying her hands on her stomach again, she started singing softly, a lullaby that her mother sang to her when she was little, soothing not only the babe, but herself. Ellis would return soon, and she would have to begin her goodbyes.
Ellis’ meeting with Evanar went as planned, and they were now on their way to the market. Captain Wright was with them of course, silent as usual, rarely speaking unless necessary.
Rivka walked with her arm draped through Ellis’, Wright a few steps behind. Up ahead, they could hear the sounds of fighting and blades clanging. Ellis slowed his steps; the sparring ring coming into view. All soldiers were required to train, to stay in peak shape, to be ready in the event of another war. Standing around the fighting ring, several soldiers called out to the two men grappling within. Both were shirtless, toned muscles rippling. Rivka quickly recognized McConnell, as one of those men. She had forgotten how attractive he really was, glistening with sweat in the afternoon sun.
“Why did the Gods gift such handsome features and muscular abs to someone with such little common sense?” Ellis mused out loud, not really speaking to anyone in particular.
A snort of laughter, followed by a cough, came from behind them. Rivka and Ellis both whirled in surprise. Had Wright just broken protocol andlaughed?Grinning from ear to ear, Rivka let out her own laugh. Ellis always knew how to lighten a mood.
A blush crept up Wright’s face. Rivka just laughed harder, slapping his arm.
“It’s ok to laugh, Andrew. We all know Ellis is right.” Still smiling, Rivka looped her arm back through Ellis’, turning them away from the sparring ring. “Let’s get to the market. The sun will be setting soon, and I have my heart set on getting something sweet to nibble on.”
The market never ceased to amaze Rivka with all the smells and colors. Ellis meandered with her for a bit, greeting their people, tasting some of the wares. Rivka’s stomach rumbled loudly, when a stall containing fresh baked goods came into sight. Using this as his chance to slip away, Ellis excusedhimself, promising to be back shortly. Evanar had instructed him to deliver a package to a man at the docks. He hadn’t explained further, just that the arranged meeting was necessary.
Ellis
The docks were no place for a lady, let alone a queen. She would draw too much attention. Ducking in and out of stalls, trying his best to blend in with the citizens going about their daily routines, Ellis surveyed his surroundings. The sky was streaked in orange and gold, casting long shadows over the docks. The ships creaked as they bobbed in the water. Men were working the docks, loading and unloading the ships, shouting orders, cursing, and laughing at one another. Life pulsed here, loud and constant.
Ellis weaved through the crowd, head down, hefting the heavy box in his arms, just another face in the sea of people. May Fari, goddess of fate and luck, be with him. His eyes scanned the dock, congested with cargo stacks, containers filled with various materials, and supplies from other provinces.
