Chapter 14

Dave had returned from his small trip to find his Queen sitting quite still, her back to him. A frown took his features at her stillness.

"Nasrim?"

Nothing. She never turned to him nor did she acknoledge his presence. he took a step closer, closing the gap between them. As he approached the Spartan King expected her to turn to him, or at least say something, but it was beginning to trouble him. He knelt at her side, slowly and catiously setting his hand on her shoulder. he scrutinized her face, focusing on her closed eyes. Nasrim was a peace, completely calm and detached from the world around her.

"My Queen, answer me." Dave squeezed his hold on her gently.

Nasrim was shaken out of her meditation, her eyes fluttering open and her senses returning to her. she turned to see her husband's concern brown eyes on her. She smiled, bringing up a hand to cup his face.

"Are you alright?"

"I was meditating, Dave." she shook her head. "I did not mean to startle you with my silence."

"Do you meditate often?"

"When I panic, yes. it is the only way i seem to calm myself."

"My return was late, i know. i apologize for it."

"It was well worth the wait." Nasrim smiled warmly. It indeed was, her mediation had taught her good things happen when you wait. She just needed to keep her mind off her paranoia. Dave had returned unscathed, proving her worrying pointless. her King was back at her side.

"I brought food and more wood for the fire."

"Good, I feel the wind had picked up." the queen nodded. It was true, the night air was chilling around them quickly with the sun's disapearence. It was good Dave had returned when he did, her mediation could only occupy her for so long.

"I will set the fire." she said. Narsrim tried to stand, but before she even was able to lift herself off the ground, Dave pushed her down gently with the hand on her shoulder.

"No, you rest." he shook his head at her. "I will do what is necessary."

"I can help."

"And you will by not worrying me."

Nasrim frowned and before she knew what she was doing, she pouted. Dave's eyes grew slightly at the sigh before a laugh took him. He never thought his Queen to be childish as she was right now.

"Nasrim, i understand you want to help, but pouting will not get you what you want."

"And apparently neither will you."

"My Queen, i am being simply a concerned husband." Dave bowed his head to look straight into her eyes. he brought a finger under her chin so their eyes locked with one another. he smiled gently with a nod.

"You may do anything your heart desires, but for now i ask that you simply rest."

Dave's brown eyes were big and it was hard for any woman to disagree with him now. that being said, Nasrim could only sigh at her husband's face.

"Fine, go on then. i will supervise."

"Do you need anything?" Dave was happy his wife wasn't pushing the matter.

"Yes," she nodded. "A whip."

Dave laughed again, kissing the Persian's forehead before standing. her skin was chilled meaning he had to work fast. he went on to build their fire first, then spreading an extra blanket about the fire. He came back and scooped up his wife gentle with her injury before setting her in front of the flame. it was a good thing they were away from the road, an enemy would have seen the fire and come for them instantly. Dave didn't care originally, but now he wasn't alone. he had Nasrim to worry about and he wouldn't be fit to call himself her husband if he put her in harms way.

He made them a meal before coming over and settling himself behind Nasrim. his queen leaned back on him, using his chest as a rest. she smiled at the warmth he was radiating. it was nice with just the two of them and the wilderness around them. the sky above was clear and she could see the stars dancing in the night sky.

"What do you think of them, Dave?"

"It is believed that a man's legend will be written among them if he is fit."

"Is that what you aim for?"

Dave nodded. "Yes, i will be there with my forefathers, looking down at the world."

"Where do the queens go?" Nasrim asked calmly. sleep was coming to her quickly but she fought it with everything she had. She wanted to spend her time with her husband alone and with not interruptions.

Dave smiled. "They are the moon, my love."

Nasrim's eyes instantly went off to the large crescent in the dark sky. it illuminated the sky with it's radiance, even at it's partial state. the sight of it made her smile.

"The kings and queens of old hold power over the skies."

"While the later kin holds over the land and sea." Nasrim added, a yawn taking her. She grunted in the back of her throat from the sudden pain in her side. She couldn't wait for the injury to heal so she could be free of it finally.

Dave grew concerned at the small sound his wife made.

"Are you alright? Does it hurt?"

"I am tired of being in binds." Nasrim replied softly.

Dave laid his chin on the crown of her head, kissing it softly. She constantly felt like a prisoner, even now. thought their relationship had started off that way, he no longer saw her as one. However, Nasrim did. It perplexed him greatly. He needed a way for her to see that she was not a prisoner, that she could do what she wanted now. That she was free.

"Nasrim, you know that there is no bind that could hold you." Dave said with a smile. "You are as free as the ocean and just as vicious."

Nasrim smiled, nodding. "I can only hope so, my love. I sometimes feel I am only a puddle than an ocean."

"Then, one day I will show you your greatness."

"Perhaps another time, for now I feel sleep taking me." Nasrim said with another yawn. Dave pulled away from her, feeling her push herself into him. Dave smiled, yes it was time to sleep. His queen was tired from her travels today and quite frankly so was he.

Dave easily and as gentle as he could laid back with Nasrim on top of him. She turned carefully to her side, using her husband's chest as a pillow. She sighed at the warm of it, smiling against it as sleep came to her full force.

"Sleep my queen, for tomorrow is a new day full of promise."

"Then i will see you tomorrow." she replied before falling into a deep sleep.

Dave kissed the top of her head before pulling a blanket over them. He turned his head to look at the fire dancing about in front of them. The flames were enticing and for some reason it reminded him of his beloved queen. He smiled at the thought as sleep too took him.

The rising sun rose him from his slumber, Dave's eyes slowly opened, sleep slipping away from him. He was fully awake when he noticed something wrong. Nasrim was no longer at his side, in fact her bandages from yesterday were completely discarded on the ground near their makeshift bed.

He stood up immediately, searching the ground for her footsteps or any sign of struggle. His animal instincts came alive as he began hunting for his queen.

"Nasrim! Where are you?" he roared.