Hello everyone! This is my first fanfic on here. I was inspired after having some really intense Arthas and Jaina feelings the other day. They happen to one of my favorite video game couples and I've always been drawn to their story and how tragic it is. I haven't seen much Jaina and Arthas fan fiction on here so I thought I'd give it a shot on my own.
This is my FIRST so PLEASE be gentle if you criticze. I'm in no way a professional writer so there will be errors. Please point them out to me as nicely as you can.
Originally, this was going to be a one-shot fic, but if people enjoy the first chapter I'll continue writing from there. Let me know. Thank you all!
Chapter 1- Thinking
Ice. I feel it on my skin. I feel it slowly crawl on every inch of my body. It burns, but I don't move. I let the pain intensify and I don't say a word. For some reason, I feel like I deserve this pain. I want to scream, I want to cry, but there is a knot in my throat and a never-ending sense of dread. I feel like I'm dying and I'm waiting, hoping, and praying that it will end soon. Suddenly, I feel the warmth of familiar arms around me. The chill around my body is gone and I feel safe and… happy. "I'm sorry, Jaina.." a voice says. Then I cry. I don't dare open my eyes. I don't want the illusion to end, I don't want to see what I know is true. I would rather live this lie.
"Why?" I whisper in between my sobs as the warm arms hold me even closer. As the word leaves my lips, I feel the warmth fade away as quickly as it came and I am once again wrapped in the never-ending cold.
I hear his voice, "My Lady"
I try to call out to him, but once again I cannot make a sound. "My Lady?"
As I struggle to speak I reach my hands out and try desperately to touch him, even though I know he isn't anywhere near. I need to try though. I need his warmth against me. Slowly, my lips part and I use my last breath to whisper, "Arth-"
My eyes open and I'm in my living quarters in Stormwind Keep. The faint glimmer of the rising sun shines through the edges of my curtains and I sit up slowly holding myself close. I'm still cold. "My Lady," someone says and I turn and see one of the servants standing by the door.
"I-I'm sorry Lady Proudmoore. I didn't want to wake you, but you were crying in your sleep." I notice the young woman shift uncomfortably and bow her head to the ground unsure if she made the right decision in waking me up.
"Oh, thank you. You were not wrong in waking me up. I was having a bad… dream." I smile at the young woman.
"Is there anything that you require, Lady Proudmoore?"
"Please, just Jaina is fine. I feel so old when people call me by my last name!"
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend!"
I smile at her, "No need to apologize. You didn't offend in the slightest. I just like to think of myself as younger than I actually am."
"Oh, but My Lady, you are already so young."
Young? Maybe I am. However, I didn't feel young. I've always felt that I skipped my youth. Or rather, my youth was taken from me. When you're the daughter of a Grand Admiral there isn't much time to be a child. And as I grew I became so dedicated to my studies that leisure time was rare. Sometimes even non-existent. There were a few times in my life that I remember feeling young. And that was when I was with…
"A bath." I stop my thoughts.
"I-I'm sorry, My Lady?"
"A bath.. A hot bath..would be nice. Is it possible? I don't wish to take you away from other duties you might have.."
"N-not at all, My Lady. I shall prepare the water. I'll let you know when it is ready." She bows and slowly closes my door.
When the door shuts I remember how much I hate the silence. The last thing I want to do is think. I make my way to my window and pull the curtains back. The sun feels nice against my skin and I stand in the sunlight to bask in its warmth. I look out the window and watch citizens start their morning. Stormwind has always felt like home to me, but it will never come close to feeling like Theramore. I feel an ache in my heart and I shake my head in a desperate attempt to clear my head of any thoughts.
Theramore… The Alliance… The Horde… Death… Arth-
"STOP!" I cry out as I burry my head in my lap. Once again I am cold.
"My Lady," calls the servant as she knocks on my door. "I prepared the bath for you. Do you require my assistance?"
I approach the door and open it. "Not at all. I can manage from here." I smile at her and as she leaves I grab my robes and make my way down the hallway. Guards salute and others bow. I nod and smile and as I make my way into the washroom. Upon entering I realize how bad of an idea this was. It's just giving me an opportunity to think. However, I welcome the idea of sitting in the hot water.
Slowly I begin to slide out of my evening robes. As they fall to the floor I look up and see my reflection in the standing mirror beside the tub. My once fair golden hair is now white except for one streak of blonde in the front. And the circles under my eyes are apparent. Not only am I exhausted, but I look it.
After a moment I make my way into the tub without even testing the water first. I wince slightly realizing my error, but welcome the hot water against my skin. As I sit down, I feel the hot water flow in between even crevice of my body. I take in a deep breath and dip my entire head into the water. It only takes a few seconds before I am lost in my thoughts again. As my eyes close, I feel him on top of me holding me close and kissing the nape of my neck. "You taste sweet, my love." He whispers in my ear.
I sigh happily, "Arth-"
Instantly, I come up for air and scold myself. The past isn't something I want to think about now. Nor do I want to think about.. him. It hurts too much.
I let myself soak in the tub until the water becomes cold. It only takes a few moments before I am dressed and ready for the day. A day that I eagerly look forward too. The idea of keeping busy brings me much joy. The last thing I need is time to think.