Chapter 28: A Warm Fire in the Heart

Rei and Jadeite had settled into an easy feel with each other, spending the days handling official business as a pair and staying up late exploring each other's bodies. She had been in the Southern Kingdom for two months and was pleasantly surprised to see how smoothly she transitioned into being a Queen. Rei came back from her morning ride to stall Kiyoshi when a messenger with Eastern Kingdom livery rode up. That must be a response from Minako! That was a quick response, but the Kingdoms are closer together than they are in the Majikku Kingdom. The messenger leapt off his horse and dropped into a low bow, one knee on the ground as he presented a letter to Rei. "Letter from Queen Minako of the Eastern Kingdom for you, Majesty." Rei took the letter, pressing a couple of gold coins into his hand. "Thank you, please rest inside and replenish yourself before you ride again. My stablemen will take care of your horse."

Rei ran into the palace and quickly opened the letter, anxious for some word from Minako. This time away from Minako hurt her, for she was used to seeing her all the time. It was nothing for Rei to go on a 'vacation' to the Eastern Kingdom and be gone for a year, just to escape her father. Rei finished reading the letter, letting out a small squeal of excitement at its contents. A voice came from behind, startling her. Quickly turning around, she came face to chest with Jadeite. "What's all the excitement for, wife?" Jadeite pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek in greeting. "Minako wrote me back, her and Kunzite are inviting us to the Eastern Kingdom for a celebration of our marriages. It says here that Minako is going to have all of us Queens join her and you men will go out with Kunzite." Jadeite took the letter from her to read it over, his grin growing wider. "Well, it looks like we have a few days to get everything packed before we have to leave. This also gives me time to get everything in order with the Kingdom for us to be gone for a bit."

Jadeite put the letter into his jacket pocket and looked at Rei. "I'm glad they invited us, I know you and the others grew up really closely and it must be hard for you all to be separated." Rei nodded, lost in thought. "Yes, it's been a bit of a challenge, but I think I speak for all of us when I say everyone wants to make sure Ami's alright. She sent a letter off when she left the Spirit Kingdom but I haven't heard anything else. I hope she's doing well." Jadeite hugged Rei tightly. "She's probably doing just fine, Amaya will protect her and Zoi won't dare go up against his mother. That woman is very formidable." Rei wrapped her arms tighter around Jadeite and pulled away. "We'll all know soon, anyway. So what's on the agenda today, husband?"

Jadeite walked slowly down the hallway arm in arm with Rei. "I have to meet with the council to make arrangements for our absence. You can go with me, or you can go to our chambers and oversee the packing. If you really want, you can have the maids start the packing so you can go to the range." She paused in her step, pretending to think hard about her options, the laughed. "I think I'm going out to the range. It's so beautiful out today, and who knows when I'll be able to shoot again?" Jadeite laughed at his wife, kissed her fully on the mouth then parted ways, heading towards the council chamber.

The sun beat fully in the midafternoon sky, threatening to scorch the earth with its heat. The only saving grace was a cool breeze that blew off the ocean down the road. Rei let loose her final arrow, marking another bullseye when she heard a low whistle come from behind. "That's mighty impressive, Your Majesty. I had no idea you were that good of a shot." She spun around to see the Captain of the Guard, Yamashiro dipping into a bow. "Thank you, Yamashiro. I didn't think anyone came out here except for me." Rei set her quiver lightly on the ground and sat, motioning Yamashiro to join her. Once they reached comfortable sitting positions, Yamashiro turned to Rei. "You'd be correct, Majesty. However, I was thinking that it wouldn't be a terrible idea for some of our men to learn how to be archers. Too many depend on their swords, and as I'm sure you know, swords don't fit every scenario."

She nodded, intently listening to his words. "What I was considering Majesty, was asking you if you would be willing to teach them how to use a bow. It's obvious you have great skill, and I couldn't think of a better teacher in the Kingdom." Rei looked at the man for a moment, taken aback that he would request this. "I'm not sure it would be proper for me to teach men experienced in battle. The King and I will discuss it and I'll give you an answer in a couple of weeks." Yamashiro looked taken aback. "Surely this is a decision that you could make on your own, without King Jadeite's permission? If I may be so forward my Queen, why so long for an answer?"

"We have a trip planned to go to the Eastern Kingdom, we'll be gone for a few weeks at most." The man's demeanor made her unsettled, so she quickly rose to her feet. "If you'll excuse me, Yamashiro, I have packing to do." Yamashiro dipped into another low bow, and Rei walked away stoically. I wonder what that was all about; he seemed to be really interested in having me teach the soldiers, but even more so for me to make a split second decision. Rei sighed heavily. Calm down, for all I know it could be the normal for the Captain of the Guard to make these kinds of requests. It's odd sometimes how freely the people can approach a royal in this Kingdom.

Rei crossed the threshold into the main hall of the castle, shaking the thoughts from her head. Jadeite walked out of the council room, almost colliding into her. "Fancy meeting you here, Rei. Going to pack?" Rei smiled up at Jadeite, admiring his strong facial features and the haunting smoke colored eyes that seemed to reflect his soul to her. "Yes, I was heading there now. Care to join me for a bath?" His eyes turned molten silver, her most favorite shade of all, as he took her hand in his and walked down the hall. "If I had it my way, we'd never leave the bath, my darling Queen." They entered the chamber and shut the door tight, not wanting any intruders.