"Again..?"
I hear her soft voice worry for my well being as I put on my armor. Turning around, I cannot help but feel guilty at her source of such worry. I walk up to her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders from behind, kissing her cheek as I hear her divine giggle.
"Apologies. But yes, it should only be a small round. A quick perimeter check around the Castle. I will be back before you even notice my absence Monica. Seth may even come by as well. Not for long, just so we can discuss quickly. Afterwards, I promise that I am all yours."
I can hear her subtle sigh, but she soon smiles and nods understandingly. How blessed am I to have such a beautiful and understanding wife? I sometimes wonder. I reluctantly let go of her, strapping on my armor and opening the door, briefly looking back and smiling at her. Once more, this smile is all I need to carry on with my day.
The rounds go smoothly. As usual, nothing to express or notice to the king. Seth and I talk about some of the knights during our patrol. Franz and Kyle especially. These two show promise to become some of the finest cavaliers in Renais. I invite Seth to come by and, as I predicted, he accepts. We sit down around the table with a hot stew to warm us up. The chair I sit on creaks a bit, causing my dear wife to poke at my side playfully.
"Ah? Maybe I should give you less rations. I wouldn't want you breaking chairs now."
The comment breaks through Seth's usually cold facade, making him chuckle a bit as I just nod with a half smile. Monica then giggles, putting a hand over her mouth while closing her eyes. She looks absolutely radiant, but also slightly tired. I get up softly and stroke her hair, smiling. How could I not? She's absolutely breathtaking.
"Monica dear, you can go to bed. I will handle the dishes. Your dinner was absolutely delicious."
She nods softly, thanking Seth for coming and pecking me on the cheek with her warm lips. I can feel a blush across my face as I sit back down, with Seth waiting a bit before we go back to talking.
It doesn't take much longer, as Seth gets up and apologizes quickly about the sudden leave. I don't blame him, as I grab the empty plates and washes them as I promised my wife. I walk back to our chambers, discarding my heavy armor and slipping into the bed discreetly. Monica might be a heavy sleeper, but I wouldn't want to wake her. As I turn my back to her, I feel her arms wrap around my waist as she softly pushes herself on my back, hugging me.
"I love you Darling." is all she says, snuggling her head on my back as I chuckle deeply.
"I do too Monica. I love you."
The next morning comes around and, as usual, I wake up after my beloved wife. It's a simple existence, but I cherish it. I have no plans for the day so I walk to the kitchen to see my wife preparing breakfast. She is so thoughtful. Once again, I find myself asking how am I so blessed?
"Good morning dear! You slept well?"
She cheerfully says with a smile far more radiant than any suns. I cannot help but walk up to her, gently put my thumb on her chin and kiss her on the lips. Her eyes widen a bit, but she pushes back for a bit. We break it apart, the adrenaline of the kiss fully waking me up.
"I did sleep wonderfully. No small part due to your warmth."
She acknowledges my words, putting the food down with a nod and giggle. I follow suit, eating the food while it's still hot. The weather outside isn't so warm, as I can see clouds forming. Maybe rain tomorrow? No… the day after? I can't quite pinpoint as I finish my dish and get up, taking the rest of the day to practice dancing with Monica. Her steps are elegant, graceful and controlled. We dance until our feet hurt, that's when we eat. And then, we dance again. Both exhausted afterwards, I choose to carry her to bed. A sudden yelp escaped her lips, but I find it adorable. I put her in bed and soon joined her, locked in her arms as she was locked in mine.
Another day, but this time I do have knight work to do. I get up, noticing that Monica is half awake this time. She still mutters to me a good day at work, getting off the bed with a yawn. Even when her hair is unkempt, she is beautiful. I make for the door once I dressed up, opening it slightly before I hear my wife once more.
"Stay safe Darling. I love you!"
"I do too Monica. I will be back soon I promise."
The security check was as uneventful as ever. Seth and I discuss the king's son and daughter. Talented, trained by our neighbors of Grado as well. The Obsidian itself apparently teaches him the way of the Lance. Surprising to me, as most lords his age take keen interest in the sword. Regardless, I cannot help but smile as we chat. The clouds however are dark, rain is probably around the counter. Seth notices my worry, so we agree to do our rounds quickly to not get too sick. We take the rest of the day to train new recruits, before I finally finish my time and propose another dinner to Seth. He refuses this time, but does say he might visit later today. I nod, and leave him be.
I arrive home with a tired body, but a smile. The lights are still on as I open the door. I see the moon rising already. Was it this late? I notice the kitchen is empty, not even a dish or anything on the table.
"Monica?" I call out, yet I only hear myself. Dread fills my body, as I run to the chambers and open the door slowly. Right. Her nap. She was napping often these last few days, even asking for me to hug her at night. I calm down, noticing her sleeping on the bed. I gently close the door, deciding to make the food for both of us. I am no master cook, but it should suffice.
Doing a simple stew, I finish my bowl and grab Monica's own. She probably will enjoy a good meal in bed. I open the door quietly, putting the bowl on the desk near the mirror, kneeling to get to her level.
"Monica? It's time to eat." I softly say, putting my hand on her shoulder, shaking her a bit. She doesn't respond.
Ah. Right. She's a heavy sleeper.
I chuckle. Why did I chuckle? I am not too sure. I just shake her harder.
Nothing.
"Monica?"
My hand shakes, lowering to her face. A shiver goes down my spine. W.. Why is her face so cold? She still says naught as I shake harder.
"Monica. Monica? Monica wake up. Honey?"
Nothing. Nothing. My fingers go to her neck…
"Monica? Monica? Sweetheart? Honey?"
No pulse.
I don't fully understand what happens. I scream. I can only hear my scream before my head hits the bed. My vision is blurred, my breath is limited. What's happening?
"D-Darling? W.. Wake up!"
I choke on my own tears, barely able to see her face.
Her beautiful hair.
Her smile.
Her lips. I…
Darkness takes over me. Next thing I know, I wake up in the knight's barracks, still in my geared up outfit, sword and all. Seth, Forde and Kyle by my side. My eyes close again, flashing an image of my wife in bed.
"MONICA!" I stand up, panting and looking around. Before I can do anything, Seth grabs my arm and looks me dead in the eye.
"follow me."
I am lost, but I follow. He leads me home, Forde and Kyle were following us I think? I don't know. He shows me to a freshly dug grave. The words leave my mouth before I can think.
"What is this?"
I whimper, limping to the cold hard stone as I read the carved name.
Monica. Dearly beloved of Orson rests in peace in this very soil.
My body tenses up, my hands form into fists. I can feel my glove dig so deep in my palm, I might just bleed. It rains deeply, the wet footsteps of someone coming closer becoming louder and louder. I feel a hand land on my shoulder.
"Sir Orson I… I am so sorry. We, can talk this out around a cup of-"
Sorry? For what? And leave this place? Leave her side?
"You won't come between us Forde."
I get up and back hand him hard enough to send him back. Seth hurries to his side, pulling him back a bit as I stare them down.
"GO AWAY!"
My body moves on its own. This… this is my home. My place-
No. Our.
Our home.
"This is my and Monica's place. GET OUT! GO AWAY! ALL YOU!"
I draw my sword when I hear Kyle approach. He was getting closer to her. No way. She is my wife. No one else.
"Sir Orson. You need-"
Nothing. I need nothing else but her.
"wasn't I clear? GO AWAY! ALL OF YOU!"
My throat hurts from my yells. I can see Seth ordering the two to leave, yet he stays behind. Staring at me.
"Orson. I know you are hurting."
Shut up.
"But Monica wouldn't-"
I bite my lip, clutch my sword and lunge myself at him, striking down at him in a swift manner. He manages to barely block it as the rain drips down on our blades, staining my silver sword in some red from my cut lip.
"You know NOTHING SETH! GET AWAY FROM HERE!"
I push him back, before trying to slice at his side. He jumps back and sighs, sheeting his sword.
"Fine. But know that the knights are here if you need us."
He leaves. Finally. The sound of his horse echoing away as I sheet my sword. I turn around, heartbeats echoing in my ears as I kneel next to the stone…
Warm.. It's so warm..
"Monica. I am so sorry you had to see this violence. But it's okay. I am here. I won't let anyone disturb us. Not now. Not ever."
I lay down next to the tombst-
No no what am I saying?
I lay down next to my wife. My warm, beautiful wife.
I am at her side again. Yes.. I can definitely say it.
I am happy now.