The King returns, my Queen." Spoke Sir Alexzar Wemsey Hexonia's personal guard. He found her resting atop the high window seat body wrapped in the tight fit of a long and gleaming white gown. Her hair pulled tightly into a nest of curls that was formed larger than her head.
"This is known, I gaze upon him now," she replied. Wemsey stepped forward, his hand extending towards her. "Shall I escort you to greet him with a warm welcome?" "Yes, I suppose it would be appropriate." She came to stand before him, his eyes drinking in the perfection of her body. "Do I look pleasing?" "I fear you ask the opinion of your most loyal attendant. My answer will forever remain the same, my Queen. You look beautiful as always." She blushed. "Your reply has stayed the same since we were young and foolish. Though I will admit, I enjoy your constant reassurance. Do you think he will find me stunning as well?" Wemsey gave a devious smile. "He would be a nothing short of a blind fool if he came to view you otherwise. In my own opinion, he has been gone from you for too long."
She playfully slapped his shoulder with a chuckle filling her breast. "Oh, stop it. I know you hold love in your heart for my dear husband but speaking him a fool could cost you your life. He was taken from me due to the will of my father. I am absolutely certain it was with greater purpose that he was forced to leave my side." Leaning forward and unlatching the door, Wemsey led her grace into the main hall continuing their discussion.
"I do understand his grace Ramsra is a being of great success. I am sure he plans the future of the land with your husband. But even still, no matter the need of the people he serves, a king should always tend his queen first because, without her, he is but half a shadow of nobility." "Do you honestly view him as such? He is a wonderful husband and king, and would be a father as well if not for me." Her voice was latent with disappointment. Stopping his stride and turning to face her, Wemsey took both her hands; his eyes searching her own.
"He is one of the greatest rulers to follow the command of your father. I cannot as an honest dragon speak otherwise. But remember, sweet Hexonia, of the nights my shoulders, have remained wet with the warmth of your tears. And though I would never turn you away, know it pains my heart to watch you weep upon a man who does not share your bed." Since their young years, the pair had remained each other's strongholds, but now as adults, their close relationship made things all the more complicated. Since her marriage, the love Alexzar held for her had continued to grow in secret; its longing for her, a festering pain.
"Come. He awaits you. I am confident he will wish his wife bright-eyed." The doors before them began to swing open allowing the strong bronze glow of the sun to beam onto pale faces. All the king's men stood silent, looks of wonder and uncertainty upon each and every one. Among them stood his Majesty King Laxrindren Talon and his pearl armor. Its golden embossing sparkling under the reflected rays of the crystals surrounding them. His hair was tied behind him in a braid that swept across his back; its thickness resembling rope. About each of his sides rested the Talon scouts, their white horses in golden barding ridden by knights bearing the weight of the uniforms of Crystal Springs. Upon a background of green landscape and blue skies, the ivory glow of the riding robes of the land shined bright, the purity of color only tainted by the golden thread upon the hems and hoods of their clothing, which sat upon them with perfected fitting. Dismounting, Talon took the first steps towards his queen, Shovawn, and Giar beside him. "My wife I have returned home to you as promised." He moved forward wrapping his massive arms around her waist lifting her from the ground in a swirl of pure excitement.
She laughed as she swung around, her arms tight around his neck. With a friendly kiss, her feet hit the ground, and the questions began. "How blessed a wife I am that her true love returns to her once more alive and well. Brightest greetings to you Giar and to you Shovawn." "Milady," they responded. Turning to lock gazes with the King she continued, "Tell me, how fares my father? Were your travels fruitful?" He smiled. "He is well indeed, and they were. I have brought with me many gifts and tales of the sea and its creatures." "Oh, what lavish gifts have you brought for me this time?" Talon rubbed his chin and looked away for a moment. "Oh love, will you tell me I beg of you. You know I cannot stand surprises." He kissed her again. "You will enjoy them, but there is someone I would like you to meet." Wemsey watched the couple his interest peaking. "Who, my love?"
The King took both her hands softly, his next words coming with a lack of ease. "A girl...a very lost and abused girl. We found her upon the waves adrift we had to bring her back." The Queens face lit with joy. "Well, where is she?" "She's in the coach at the back. I apologize ahead of time if she does not correctly show gratitude toward you immediately. She is very confused, and well I believe she has been the victim of prostitution." His lips brushed against her ear his words soft and secretive.
"Oh, the poor dear. I will see her properly tended. Do bring her to me, I wish to meet her." With a nod, the King moved to the coach retrieving the girl. Placing her upon the ground, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Go to her. Now remember what we spoke about, there is no reason for you to be afraid." He pushed her softly forward towards her grace who had fallen to her knees to greet the child eye to eye.
"Greetings, your majesty," Wailora spoke above a whisper. "It is my pleasure to meet you." She wore the clothing of a sailor, long loose fitting pants, a white blouse of cotton tied just below her bosom, and no shoes. Her hair was tangled and brittle, her skin burned by the sun but even so, the young child had the face of a pure-hearted and loving being. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well.Tell me, what is your name?" "Wailora, your majesty." "And your age?" "I hold thirteen wisdom years until next winter season." "Oh, you are but a baby, I do not know what you may have been through, but you will enjoy your stay here. All will greet you with kindness and compassion. The gods have blessed you indeed. Come, let's see you to a proper bath and a hot meal." Hexonia extended her palm.
"My love, it seems my gifts will have to wait. I have other matters to attend," she spoke sweetly. Taking her hand, Wailora and the Queen disappeared into the castle. "Your grace, I am forced to give you a compliment. I have not viewed the queen this happy since you exchanged vows," spoke Wemsey. "I am glad she has come to accept the girl. It was my hope she would mother her in some way. My prayers have been answered in exchange for my good deeds." Turning to wave off his men, Talon, Wemsey, Giar, and Shovawn formed into a group deep in discussion. "How were the seas upon the Red Fae, calm and quiet as they have remained?" Wemsey said, his hand moving to grasp the handle of his long sword. "No. They seemed alive with life. We even encountered a pod of Navoni," replied the King.
"That was not all we encountered. We have come to believe finding a young and bare witch floating the seas of Rani far more impressive than whale watching," Giar suggested. Talon shot him a look of disappointment. "I made you vow not to speak of her race! If you had done so before my wife—" "The Queen would not turn her away. It is known throughout all lands how she prays for a daughter." Shovawn continued, his eyes now looking upon a shocked Alexzar.
"Forgive my forwardness, my lord, but have you brought a spell caster into the walls of your home?" "I have. The benefits of her presence outweigh the risks of her race's history. I am to leave my wife again, and for how long I do not know. Tending to this child's every need will keep her busy until my return." Wemsey continued to walk his mind plagued with vivid thoughts. "Your Grace, do you think that the best idea? You have just returned from over a fortnight away from the Queen, and such has proven hard for her." "Alexzar, I have no choice. I am ordered by the command of his high majesty. It seems our years of comfort draw to a close. I am summoned to Aleanthos no later than twelve days' time. And within those, I must also venture to the lands of Dread. And somehow convince my brother-in-marriage to join us in this fight."
"Aleanthos! Are you mad? Is Ramsra trying to have you killed? This is treason and breaks all laws forged for our protection. If you step foot upon the protected soils of Aleanthos, you could be slain in cold blood with no remorse. And with that, their forces could invade our lands and have the means to rightfully do so," spoke Alexzar, his voice blazing with the fear of his knowledge being real.
"I have no other choice. Come inside, I will explain further." The four made way into the throne room, its ice blue walls and magnificent paintings catching their eyes. The queen had been decorating again. They all took the passage into the council chambers where they took a seat and began their conversation in depth. "Shovawn, explain to Sir Wemsey why I must break the treaties," spoke the King reaching to fill a chalice with wine. "His Majesty must venture forth into the lands of taboo to prevent the spread of a toxic cloud that has been consuming the land from Tridonia to Exo. It is said it has graced the grounds of Aleanthos, but they were able to rid themselves of the nuisance. They hold perhaps the key to destroying it, and for those reasons, we must journey into their territory."
Wemsey could not believe what he was hearing. It was suicide, a death in vain that would endanger all who inhabited the holy lands. Giar came to find voice, "If we do not move soon, the threat could spread and eventually touch the soils of Crystal Springs. Either way, death is factored into the situation. But it has been figured that the lesser risk of imminent death is to test fate and history and attempt to find answers from the mouths of old enemies. Perhaps the persuasion of the king's wealth and the tokens of peace we offer may see us granted another day of comfortable living."
Her lady's guard came to rub his temples. "And what of her grace? She has just begun to recover from the loss of her son. When she finds she may lose her husband, she will fall deep into the dark dungeons of her mind. How much more is she expected to carry on her conscience? It is not the queen's duty to break her back with the woes of the world."
"No, it is not. But it is her obligation to support her King and his cause," Shovawn interrupted. "She may weep and long for him, but she will grow to understand that the needs of the many you are sworn to protect, outweigh the trials of the heart. She is the Queen of Crystal Springs, not the wife of a mere commoner. It is her duty to hold faithful to her vows," he spoke with brash tone.
"Enough all of you. There is no need to fight amongst our own when there is something out there we know nothing about threatening to wipe our existence clear out of this world. For now, we shall all take rest, fill our bellies, and be merry until the time comes that dedication and wit must return to mind."
The King rose from his seat and turned to fetch a small vile of Refilia, a soft yet potent sedative. Sprinkling it atop his drink, Talon took a long gulp and continued, "Alexzar, I need you to keep an eye on my wife in my time away. You are like a brother to me, and I know I can trust you to protect not only her life but her mind as well. She has always favored your company see her given all she needs, whatever she asks of you see it done understood?"
"Yes, your grace. By any means, I will see her given the comfort she deserves. But I am not her husband. There are things all present know I cannot give her." The King gave a laugh and placed a hand on his shoulder. "My wife is completely satisfied in the ways you speak, old friend. Do not worry. I will discuss things with her. All I ask of you is to do as I have commanded. Now if you all will excuse me, I must tend to my mate. I bid you all a pleasant afternoon."
They watched him leave, his cape wrapping the corner as he vanished from sight; the remaining three coming to face each other in a battle of opinion. "Shovawn, do you and Giar ride with his majesty when the time comes?" "Yes. In fact, we have been given the honored title and station of the king's commanders. It is something I have dreamed of since my birth, though I may not live long enough to use its worth to my advantage." "Have honor, Shovawn. The title is one of the greatest accomplishments one can achieve. You should not use it for the use of drink and whores," spoke Giar sarcasm in his speech. "Oh, you are one to talk. Did you not enjoy the warmth of not one but three of Sek's daughters?" "I did indeed, and the tales are true. They do live to serve the men who claim them. I may just return and claim one, my wife." "As if such beauty would wish to wake up to your mug every morning. Have you gazed into the face of a mirror lately?"
Shovawn joked punching Giar in the shoulder. Wemsey watched in disgust, his head shaking in irritation. "I am so pleased to see the king's two commanding officers joking about while death comes marching toward our gates. Both of you should be ashamed of yourselves." "And why should we? Just because I know death is stalking me does not mean I will not enjoy the time I have left. Perhaps if you found a woman to warm your bed, you would think differently," Shovawn replied, his brow arching.
"Oh, that is not an option he is stuck on her majesty he would not dare lie with another. Would you, Sir Wemsey?" "You should not speak baseless accusations, Lord Giar. You know nothing of my feelings toward the queen. I am but her protector as I have always been and shall remain until my dying breath. I will leave you both to your cock measuring. I have much more important things to do than to stand about hearing of your reckless and shameful behavior. Good day." He left in a sudden rage, his boots daring to break the floor with every step.
"Do you think he loves the queen, Giar? He is so protective of her...always has been." "Perhaps I have noted his lingering gazes upon her. But I am guilty of the same. The queen is not without charm." "I suppose so, but she will be vulnerable. If he does carry such lust within his heart, he may be driven to do the unthinkable." "He would never. He holds to much love for the king. He may be tempted but would never carry out the deed." "I would not be so sure the temptation of a female is undeniable. If given a chance, he may take advantage. After all, as he stated in his own words, the king has fallen short of his husbandly duties. All we can do is wait time to roll and reveal what it has in store."
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