Favoritism
(Sometimes, it's hard for Nasuada to be an objective leader.)
Nasuada's vision is beginning to blur from staring at these damned records for so long. The Varden is on the brink of starvation, as usual, and they have no readily available sources of money, as usual. Which means sending envoys to Surda to beg for aide, as usual. Nasuada cares nothing for her dignity if it means ensuring the Varden's survival, because her father entrusted the Varden to her and she will not fail that trust, but that doesn't mean she has to like it.
Cool hands rub her shoulders gently, and Nasuada closes her eyes with a sigh. It is late, and she is so tired, but she must keep working. There is no time to spare, not even a moment...
"A short break won't topple Tronjheim," Trianna says as she massages her leader's shoulders, her voice gentle and teasing. "You'll get nothing done if you don't rest."
"There's so much to do," Nasuada whispers, not leaning into the touch but not pushing Trianna away either. "There's never enough, not of money, not of time, not of men to fight..."
Soft lips brush Nasuada's cheek. "You'll find a way. You'll think of something..."
"What if I can't?" Nasuada murmurs, turning her head, and Trianna kisses her lips.
"You will," she whispers, her warm breath ghosting over Nasuada's face.
Trianna's hands begin to slip down towards Nasuada's waist, but Nasuada sighs and pulls away. "We can't."
"No one has to know," Trianna says, her voice almost a purr, her eyes dark and burning.
"I can't favor one of my subjects over the others. It's my duty to deal fairly with all."
Trianna straightens, a half-smile on her lips. "I know. You'll never abandon your duty. It's what makes you so attractive...but so frustrating, too..."
Nasuada shrugs and turns back to the reports on the table, feeling weariness creeping back into her. She would like nothing better than to forget her position and her duty and the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she can't. Not when so many people have trusted her with their lives.
"Someday," Trianna says as she turns to go. "When the war is over. I can wait...I'm in no hurry."
Nasuada doesn't look up, because she knows what Trianna's expression will be if she does, and temptation might be too great. After a moment, the door closes again, and Nasuada can hear Trianna's retreating footsteps.
Someday, she thinks. Someday.