Oh, another chapter.
I don't really know what else to write here, so I might sa well leave off now.
Queen Lianne gives her daghter some much needed advice...
Mother never got over her shock of seeing her nephew and would-be murderer again. Her health faltered over Midwinter, and she spent most of the early Spring in bed. One day she called me to her side.
I sat next to her, alone in her room, and took her hand. "Hello Mother," I whispered, already fighting my tears as I took in her emancipated state.
She smiled wearily at me. "Hello, Willow. Do you know why you're here?"
I shook my head, my throat one big lump. She squeezed my hand. "Have you given any thought to your future?"
"You mean marriage? No, Mother."
She nodded. "I suspected as much. You need to marry."
"What? Why? Can't Jon-"
"It is not about the crown, Willow. It is about you." Shocked into silence, I stared at her. She carefully raised herself on her pillows to look at me better. "Do not wait too long, daughter. Otherwise you will be old and lonely. And despite all your words and your actions, you do not want that for yourself, any more than I want that for you."
I found the strength to nod mutely. "I thought, I mean, Thom," I began hesitantly, "but he…"
"Ah, the Master Lord Thom of Trebond? I thought I spotted something there. It is good to know that my mother's intuition is still perfectly functional." My mother was smiling gently. "If you wish to pursue that…"
"But-what he's done-" I blurted out.
"Do you love him?"
The question caught me by surprise. I stared at her for a moment, then buried my face in my hands. "I don't know, Mother. He was a good friend, and yes, there was something there…I just don't know how I'd be able to look at him after now."
"There was something? So, there isn't anymore?" Lianne wanted to know.
I looked at her again. "There is still something," I admitted, meeting her gaze. "I'm just…I don't want to…"
Mother gripped my hand with a strength that was surprising. "Do not let fear stop you from following your heart," she whispered. "If there is something there that is good and wholesome, then chase it, for it will triumph over everything else in the end." After speaking, she sank back onto her pillows again, looking exhausted. Carefully I brushed her head with my fingers and my Gift. I was frightened by what I saw – her light was fading slowly over time. I knew it wouldn't be long now.
"Mother…I…." I stared at her, at a loss for words.
She only smiled gently. "I know. I love you too. And heed my words. You were always more my daughter anyway," she sighed softly, "love was more important to you than diplomatic treaties. So follow your heart, and the rest will sort itself out…"
Her eyes closed. I held her hand for a little while longer, then leaned over and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Mother," I whispered, feeling the first tears begin to fall. Letting go of her hand, I rose and left, shutting the door silently behind me.
The next morning I was woken by Duke Baird knocking at the door.
Mother was gone.
D':
I didn't have the energy or motivation to elaborate on this, for obvious reasons. Hope it was up to everybody's standards.
~ MagicalLeaves
