I'm so sorry this is so late. Life's been crazy and college is a lot more work with online classes. I do hope I'll be able to update at least two more characters before I start classes again, but I don't promise anything.
Pease review and let me know what you think.
I could barely breath. He was here. My stupid plan had forced him to show himself and ruin everything. And now he was threatening a man for it, probably creating another war. The moment his eyes met mine I wanted to hide under a rock. He didn't look mad, but his stone façade was back. Even Myra looked guilty. Dear Aslan, we'd done the worst thing ever.
Everyone else in the room was gaping at him. I knew for a fact that many of us didn't know what he looked like and were only aware of his supposed sickness. There were few paintings of him in the palace and he was rarely seen outside of his country. You could clearly distinguish those that knew of his title and those who didn't. All who was aware they stood before the Dark king seemed almost resigned to the scene before them. Others were trembling thinking he was a murderer or something of the sort.
His siblings were looking at him in astonishment. Who could blame them? They were just told he wasn't here to find themselves in the current situation. The youngest Queen looked like she was about to cry. Was it because her brother was back or because the man she was courting was being threatened with death? I honestly couldn't tell. Queen Susan seemed to wish to say something but was acting like a fish out of the water. The undignified way she was gaping was surreal. She looked so human and it didn't suit her all that well. The worse was King Peter who looked like he was about to be sick. I was glad he felt that way. Let him know of his guilt.
Truly how could he feel anything else when his clearly malnourished brother stood before him with fresh wounds being hinted at by his stance. He looked dirty, unkempt. Abandoned. I hated how true that was.
The strangest reaction, however, was from Prince Agash himself. He didn't turn around, just sighed and stated, "It's good to know you're feeling better, Edmund." We all looked at him like he'd grown another head. He was too calm and using his first name. The room broke into whispers. Everyone had realized what they were witnessing and even if the panic seemed to lessen, the tension rose tenfold. The Just King refused to answer but didn't jump into attack mode as I had expected.
With calmness that didn't belong to someone with a knife on their throat, the heir to Manis pushed Edmund's arm away from him, putting distance between the blade and himself. For a moment I thought the brunette would let it be but was soon corrected. As soon as the prince turned to face him, his weapon found his way back to his esophagus. Finally, the foreigner looked at least a little afraid. "Apologize." My beloved's voice was like a whip. Any murmur that had grown was silenced immediately.
That was the first time I saw a glimpse of a King in him. It suited him perfectly. Dark and hard yet acting out only because someone he cared for was being insulted. Because it was me on the line.
The protectiveness he was showing was also extremely charming. I loved how safe I felt. There was a profound knowledge that he would never let harm come my way. He knew when something wasn't serious and could put it in perspective like he'd done with Myra, but he still cared enough not to let me be insulted. I wouldn't call him a knight in shining armor. No, that would be insulting. He was too dark for it. He was more of an avenging angel, just as gorgeous. I knew I lost all credibility with my giddy grin in that moment but couldn't find it in myself to care.
However, my focus couldn't last as the Prince spoke again. "Edmund this isn't funny. Put down the knife." I was taken aback by his brashness. Speaking to a King that way was scandalous but knowing who that King was I could only assume they were friends, and quite close at that. And now he was holding a knife to his friend's throat. For me. I wasn't as happy anymore.
I was about to ask him to put the weapon down, but he beat me to speaking "I agree. It isn't funny." He bared his teeth like a wolf would and narrowed his eyes further. The future ruler of Agash took a step back but was followed. He looked terrified now. "Apologize to her." The poor redheaded Prince looked around for help but soon found out that was mistake as it angered The Just. He was further backed into a corner. Fear was tangible in the room. I had to do something. I didn't want him to murder someone over me.
"Edmund!" I interjected, sounding s horrified as I felt. His gaze flickered to me briefly, before locking in his victim again. "Ed, let him go. It doesn't matter." I pleaded. His eyes traveled to me just as briefly as before and his frown lessened but he kept the blade in place. I knew I was gaining terrain. "Ed, please. It's nothing. Put the knife down. There are more important things to discuss."
"I will. As soon as he apologizes." He countered and I knew victory wouldn't come as easily. To further prove his point, he brought the offensive object even closer. Anymore and he would break the skin. Everyone gasped and Queen Lucy sprang into action, throwing herself at her brother's back. It was a reckless move, the impact pushed him closer to his pray, drawing a line of fire critically close to the vital blood vessel. Some ladies fainted and I whimpered.
"I'm sorry. I apologize, alright? I'm sorry. Please put that away" pleaded poor Prince Agash. Somehow, even if he'd been tripped and the whole thing was an accident, Edmund stepped away, looking like everyone had done exactly what he wanted. It was a terrifying part of him that I couldn't recognize. Where had this King been when I was spending time with the man behind it?
The brunette was kind enough, considering his character, to leave it at that, accepting the apology with a nod. He even held out his hand and shook the prince's, who looked positively relieved. I would never understand man or the way they apologized amongst them, I decided.
As distance was put between the two man, the guests started breathing again. I would have been relieved hadn't two stares fell on me at the exact same time. My beloved and my father were staring at me. The first had a veiled question in his brown orbs. What were we doing here? Why did we betray him? My father seemed more concerned than anything else as it was proven when he came to stand behind me. I didn't know what to tell either one of them. I turned to Myra for help, but she looked like a kicked puppy. No wonder when Edmund gave her a death glare.
Worse was that this wasn't her fault. I had convinced her of it. And now she was burdening the consequences of my choices. I couldn't just let it happen. "Ed, it was my idea. Myra just agreed to come to give me credibility." I told him, hoping to appease him. it seemed I did the opposite. For what little openness was in his features disappeared. He probably thought of this as betrayal. But it wasn't. At least it wasn't intended as one. I wanted to kick myself but stood my ground. He needed help and he could hate me if it meant he would get it. If it meant he would live.
I expected him to lash out when I set my chin and crossed my arms. He didn't. He held my gaze for what felt like forever and if someone talked during that time, neither of us heard it. I was pleading him to accept help, he was arguing they already let him down once. I pleaded him to understand they had changed their opinion, he scoffed with his eyes. It was a heated argument made without a sound or movement from anything but our brows. A part of me registered this was way of communicating usually reserved for couples that had been together for years. We knew each other for two weeks yet it felt natural. Surely, that had to mean something.
It all ended when my stare threatened to say everything if he didn't. He did that odd movements teenagers make when they are talked out of something they were infinitely set on. His body seemed to fold a bit upon itself about three times and his legs bounced slightly. He then deflated and put his stone façade back. It was so endearing I almost kissed him right there and then. I settled for a small chuckle that earned me a mocking frown of anger that broke too soon in a small smirk to be real.
Oh, how I wanted to kiss him.
All warmth was gone when he turned to his siblings. The way he eyed them could have brought the land back to eternal winter. The other monarchs looked positively sorrowful and almost afraid of what he would do next. Like they couldn't predict him. How could they not? They had known him all his life. It felt ridiculous. His intentions were written all over him: from the way you could just make out the outline of his tongue on his lower lip to the way his left feet were pivoting ever so slightly without ever leaving the ground. He was nervous, waiting for what the way they would judge him. Even his eyebrows raised in what he intended as a challenging gesture but came out more anxious than anything else.
He felt so alone he seemed to be irradiating it. I didn't need to think to walk to him and take his hand in mine in a calming fashion. He immediately stood a little less stiff and returned the gesture. He wasn't angry even if I couldn't comprehend how he wasn't, but when his gaze shifted to me for a second it was again confirmed. He looked almost… thankful. I would have to speak with him about it later.
"Edmund, it's good to see you're feeling better. Are you finally well enough to break your fast with us?" King Peter's voice was so forcedly nice and casual it came out rather ridiculous. I understood where he was coming from: all thought Edmund merely sick instead of away in a war. They had to keep up the charade. His brother must have a similar thought process because he smirked, mockingly.
"Indeed. Why else would I come here and put a knife to the throat of one of my oldest and dearest friends? Let's eat!" He said feigning the same tone. Even fluttered his eyelashes in an overly innocent manner to make even clearer what he thought. And then, like he had no care in the world, he went to the head table and sat in one of the empty seats, dragging me with him as we were still holding hands. His sardonic expression wasn't gone either as he leaned back on his chair and stared at the rest of the guests.
I could see where he had gotten his reputation but knowing him, I couldn't avoid bursting in laughter as he repeated the fluttering of eyelashes once seated. He looked at me like I'd hung the moon in that moment, smiling with fondness enough to make my heart throb. He went as far as winking at me before resuming his stance. The world seemed paralyzed, content with just staring in bewilderment.
I took the opportunity to study him in the clarity of daylight. His hair was indeed brown instead of black and freckles painted a bit of his face. He was tanner than I thought but it was clearly the effect of long days in the sun instead of his normal complexion. His brown orbs sparkled with the sleep he had just recently woken from. His lips were surprisingly colored and small scars were made visible in his face; proof of the battles he'd seen. He was magnificent: an avenging angel that became human in the daylight.
It took everyone a couple of minutes before coming back to the table. I was surprised Prince Agash decided to seat right next to Edmund. Of course, The King had just said he was one of his closest friends but had also threatened his life. And he was treating the wound in his neck like it was nothing. Sure it was rather small and very superficial, but it was still there. Blade just smiled at him with coldness as silverware was positioned neatly in front of him by a flustered servant. He'd taken his insult to me much to personally. I kicked him lightly under the table, trying to convey that he needed to let it go. It seemed, however, that whatever allowed to communicate wordlessly so well before was gone as he looked at me, confused. I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. I was about to give him a scolding when the Manis Prince spoke.
"I truly must apologize, Lady Maucin. That was unbecoming o me and merely a reaction to what I perceived as a threat to my beloved." He said, kindly and I found myself smiling. He was a man fit for the ray of sunshine that was Queen Lucy. He would make a fine husband to her. The sweetness was broken by Edmund's scoff at the endearment. It felt natural to slap his arm for it. Only after I did, I realized that if he accepted the action in private, in this setting it was outrageous behavior. How could he make me forget so easily?
Trying to make myself and others forget as soon as possible, I picked up the conversation, hoping none took notice in my burning cheeks. "It's quite alright. And as he clearly won't do it himself, I must apologize for Edmund. I do believe he took it too far." I said, staring more at him than at the man I was speaking to. Again, he scoffed and rolled his eyes.
"It's quite alright. I've known him since we were twelve. If I was offended every time he threatens me I would have let him be years ago." I smiled at that, knowing it to be true. It seemed this was even common occurrence like banter was for others. "However, I must admit I was surprised he was so adamant on defending you. I hadn't known you were involved. Much less enough for him to allow physical contact in a public setting." He was mocking in a teasing way, but the question remained. How had we met? How had we become involved? I started panicking: the whole court and the neighbor countries were listening, and I couldn't speak the truth. Just when a ramble of nonsense was about to escape me, probably trapping us more than helping us I felt a reassuring squeeze in my hand. I stared at Edmund, my heart in my throat as I waited to see what he would do.
"Oh, it's nothing really. On one of her first nights here she got lost after a ball and found herself in my quarters. It just so happened that I was taking that chance to get some fresh air. I find her company to be quite likeable. She brings the nicest of changes to this place." The lie was easy for him. It was good for it was much like the truth, it wouldn't be hard to keep it credible, just twist some details here and there. I was thankful for it. I wasn't as thankful at how it felt like he had just diminished our relationship, saying it was basically just a distraction from his illness.
"Surely one late night encounter while you were delirious from fever doesn't guarantee the liberties you are both taking with each other." Criticized his older sister, pompous as she'd been when asking a grieving Queen Lucy to behave at the beginning of my journey here.
"Oh, surely. But I must ask, dear sister, who said it was only one meeting? After seeing the wonders she did for my state, I invited her to join me again. Chaperoned, mind you, by Sir Myra at all times." I wanted to laugh at that part of the lie. If it had been up to him, I would have disappeared from the land after that first encounter. I was surprised to notice he was adamant about creating the illusion of us not being alone. I knew, of course, this was to protect my honor, but I just never thought he would think of it. It took me a second to realize that he was quelling rumors before they could begin and, I noticed after I saw a specific face in the crowd, freeing himself of my father's wrath.
"So, you are the reason she's been retiring so early from the evening activities?" Continued the Gentle. She sounded almost accusing. Why, thought? I had made my choices, he never forced anything on me. I was the one who kept looking for him after he shut me out so many times. And here was his supposed family, discouraging from caring. Trying to guilt him over spending time with me. How I loathed her in that moment. I could truly start to see why he so desperately wanted to be away from them.
"I must apologize for that. You must have missed her dearly while you danced the night away in your lavish parties." He countered with the same judgmental tone. I knew he felt contempt for richness and titles, probably because he wasn't born to this world. He'd been born to a foot soldier and his wife, raised in wartime. However, he always seemed like even if he didn't wish to partake in it, he could indulge those that did. That curtesy didn't seem to extend to his own blood.
"Oh, don't give me that. Entertaining guests is a real job, one you wouldn't know how to handle as you're proving right now. You've been back at court for less than an hour and already threatened one and acted in the most shameful of ways with another." The Queen rebutted with narrow eyes. It seemed this was an old fight, a nerve that was constantly struck in the regal woman.
"That is quite enough. This discussion can wait until we are in a more private setting, I believe." Tried to reason King Peter. As much as I hated him, I had to admit he was right. Enough scandals had happened this morning, we hardly needed another. It seemed; however, the two brown-haired siblings wouldn't be as quick to let the argument drop.
"Excuse me but I fail to see how anything I did with Ariana is as scandalous as you say. I do believe that all we have done is hold hands. How is that outrageous when men lead woman by the arm in innocent walks all the time?" Even I couldn't agree with him there. I mean, sure we had at least restrained from kissing one another but we hadn't behaved properly at all. Holding hands was much too intimate compared to merely being led by a man's arm. It was a lover's gesture and since the courting had happened privately it was rather unbecoming.
"You know exactly what I mean, Edmund." She chastised the way a mother would a toddler, but he remained unaffected. I would even consider him to have won the fight with his next words.
"Right, of course. I'm sorry. It must be the values mom drilled into me coming to light. I'll try to behave more like the middle ages for you." Everyone went silent. I had no clue what 'middle ages' meant but it was obviously derogatory. He was implying the way a royal had to behave was ridiculous. Even if I knew him to believe so with his entire being, saying in front of so many dignitaries were much worse for his reputation than kissing me would have been.
Everyone was looking at the floor or at their plate of food, trying to ignore the awkwardness that had settled over the room. The way he was insulting their way of living without a second thought had us all baffled. He was so confident in his views and as endearing and powerful as that was when it was just us, I feared for the consequences in this setting. He needed to learn to adapt himself to his surroundings. Not everything was a battlefield.
"It seems you are not well enough to come back to court if you are speaking such nonsense and inventing such odd terms. Perhaps you should refrain from it until you get your condition under control." If Ed's voice was like a whip a little before, King Peter's was an axe at the moment. He was destroying any courage I could muster to stand up to him, intimidating because he rarely showed this side of himself. All said he was the opposite to my beloved, but I was finding them strikingly similar.
"My condition is under perfect control. My only fault is memory." He spat harshly. It seemed this was in reference to the far-off place they were born at. Finchley, if I remembered correctly. The idea of the coming from another world still seemed laughable but I possessed no information to deny it either. The monarchs had all admitted to forgetting a lot. I knew, after reading his diaries, that even Blade forgot sometimes but he had forced himself to keep what he recalled, almost like a memorized song.
"I do believe your misleading memory has proven to be an impediment to your health before." The tension was suffocating, even worse was the dread in Edmund's eyes, like he knew exactly what was to follow the heartless comment and feared it already. "Have you forgotten about the cliff incident or the months that followed? All your babble of the other place almost killed you." I was surprised to see the blood leaving Blade's face at such speed. By the time his brother was done he looked white as a sheet. His eyes had become misty and his whole body was trembling. I never thought something could get such a reaction from him. I glared at the High King, wondering how he could be so cruel. This was his brother; one he hadn't seen in months. Why must he behave so crudely?
I realized I wasn't the only one looking at him that way. His sisters stared at him, horrified and furious, but most importantly the looked at Blade's reaction with fear. Whatever that incident was, it seemed to be unspeakable amongst them. The court didn't seem to understand what they were referring to, but the idea of the younger King's death was clearly terrifying. Even the golden monarch looked guilty from ever letting those words outer his mouth. His eyes were panicked and sorrowful. He was conscious of his mistake and even if I didn't know what that was, I wanted to strangle him for it. Myra seemed to be having the same thought process as she growled so deep, I wondered how anything could make such a threatening sound.
Thankfully that seemed to snap Blade out of whatever he was thinking and feeling. With a deep breath he seemed to somehow force color back into his features and ice to his eyes. "Myra, enough." His voice was low but perfectly enunciated, carrying the order the way only a royal voice can. Seeing him today it felt ridiculous to believe I hadn't known who he was. His personality was perfectly tailored to his role. "I dare say, brother, that I remember that time in a way you never could. No need to fret thought, such matters are in the past." I was impressed at how calm his voice was. No venom, only facts. How did he turn that into such a scary thing? "I can assure my health is better now than it has ever been. It seems change has suited me." When he said he looked at me for a brief second, making me melt and smile. He returned the gesture subtly before going back to his conversation. "However, if you wish to further discuss the issue, I would gladly do so privately. We wouldn't want to waste Susan's effort in keeping our guests happy, would we?" I found myself proud at how he got control of the situation back so smoothly, almost like he had never lost it. I knew it wasn't true. He was incredibly nervous and scared I could tell.
During the rest of breakfast the siblings ignored one another. The most they interacted was sending nasty looks to one another when no one was looking. Each of them conversed with those close to him. That meant Ed's attention was back on me. I kept expecting anger but there was none of it. He smiled at me kindly and went as far as kissing my knuckles right there in front of everyone. I was blushing like the first time we'd been close but didn't mind. I loved that he wasn't hiding our relationship. He was, in fact, broadcasting it for the entire world to see.
However, as soon as the platters of food were brought, he forgot about me and the rest of the world. He pilled food in his plate, and I couldn't help but notice more than half of it were pastries. It reminded me of when I stole Muffins for us in one of the first nights. His sweet tooth was bigger than I had thought. I was surprised at how quickly he could eat while maintaining perfect etiquette. A part of me couldn't keep the images of his wild side away long enough to stop marveling every time he acted befitting of his title. It was a whole new side of him, and I was liking it.
He must have felt me staring for he turned to me, question in his gaze. I simply chuckled. How could I explain that all he did was endearing to me? That I was that far gone? Even if I had the words to express, I couldn't do it with so many spectators. He seemed even more confuse by this and brought a napkin to his lips in a worry, probably worrying there was food on his face. I couldn't help but giggle even more. He raised an eyebrow in silent question as he chuckled lightly and that was the end of my self-control. Forgetting where we were, I kissed his cheek, dangerously close to his mouth. I enjoyed seeing his expression becoming even more surprised before he shook his head and went back to his mountain of sugar, smiling all the time.
When I went back to my own plate, I noticed many were staring at us. He'd initiated contact before, and it was labelled scandalous but having a woman kiss a man at a table was beyond so. I blushed and tried to hide by lowering my head. Not that he would let me. As soon as he noticed he lightly elbowed my ribs, forcing me to look at him. He lifted his chin impossibly high in a clear instruction. Never bow your head. I followed his advice but still felt incredibly nervous. I was a lesser Lady which meant I was mostly invisible at most events. I wasn't used to sitting at a head table much less to having so many eyes glued to my every movement. I realized, if I was to stay with him, I would have to adapt to more than I had considered. Such thoughts didn't help my anxiousness whatsoever, no matter how worthy it all was to be with him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of pleasantries everyone was dismissed. Our hosts stood up themselves and started walking towards a side door that no doubt led to more private quarters. I was so busy watching the Queens and High King leaving that it took me an embarrassingly long time to notice Edmund standing over me, offering his hand. I looked at him owlishly. It wasn't my place to be there. This was a family discussion, but he didn't seem to have any intention to leave me behind. He wanted me there, was asking for my support. The thought warmed me more than it had the right to.
I took his hand and immediately found myself latching to his arm like a proper Lady would. If only I had given this image during the rest of my visit I wouldn't have felt as self-conscious. I followed him to where his siblings had disappeared to, Myra close behind us. I noticed then that he was the only royal with a shadow and couldn't help but wonder why. I stored the question away like so many others that had come today and tried to appear confident.
We entered a small parlor decorated with the sibling's royal crest and the furniture befitting someone of royal blood. It was so different form Queen's Lucy private zone and for the first time I realized how much this family had truly let me in. They hadn't used the rooms designated for entertaining with me. They had shown me the realest version of the palace and so much more. When we crossed the door Edmund's siblings were already staring at us inquisitively. There was longing in all their eyes and concern was written in their faces.
I had expected for the siblings to embrace or considering the recent conversation to at least talk and apologize. Such a thing didn't happen. Instead, my beloved let go of my arm and walked closer. I hoped for them to hug. I was wrong for instead he punched his brother straight in the nose. The oldest man was sent tumbling back to the sound of gasps. Before he could recover, Blade was tackling to the ground and continuing his assault. The Queens and I leaned away from the violence yelling for him to stop. It was no avail. Myra was trying to pry them away, but it seemed to be hard without hands.
The High King got his bearings back together and counterattacked, throwing the younger man into one of the tables. It broke with a deafening crack. The fight kept escalating and so did the ruckus. Finally, we must've been loud enough for the guard to come in. They immediately helped the she-wolf, two of them holding each King. They both had such a wild look in their eyes I found myself shrinking away. The anger was palpable, and I found myself praying the damage could be repaired.
"What the hell?" shrieked the blond man, still in the hold of the guards. His chest was raising heavily as he took gulps of air to make up for the exertion. "What is wrong with you, Edmund? You go missing for almost six months and when you come back all you do is attack others! Are you back to being ten years old or something?"
"What is wrong with me? What about you? What right did you have to bring up the cliff, to criticize my memory? Do you remember anything about mom and dad? Because last time we talked about them you couldn't even recall their names!" accused the brown-eyed man with such spite to make the thunder seem inoffensive.
"What do they matter? They're gone Edmund! Open your eyes!" the blonde's word seemed to bring even more anger to Blade's eyes and body for he almost broke the grip that held him in place.
"They matter because they were our parents! They thought us everything we know and yet you ignore that and try to take their place, but you can never live up to them. You are cold and arrogant and everything they hated!" Spat the younger man pushing his torso forward to reach him with his arms restrained. I expected a retort from the usually prideful King but saw shame creeping in. He lowered his head and composed himself.
"What are you doing here, Edmund?" he asked bitterly. I hated how pride was destroying this moment. They all wanted each other back desperately but wouldn't admit it. They were taking the easy way out, afraid of the judgements flying through the room.
"This is my home as much as it is yours. I have every right to be here." Blade was throwing himself against the guards hold, anger distorting his face in the nastiest of ways. For the first time I found myself not attracted to his perfect physique. Such a grimace in his face was a revolting and frightening sight and I wished I just will it away.
"Stop twisting everything I say. I didn't mean it like that, and you know so." Snapped the oldest brother. Even if the younger didn't stop scowling he did stop struggling against the guards. The gesture seemed to ease some of the tension in the room as silence settled. Everyone waited for Edmund's response, but he didn't seem keen on sharing yet. Eventually the High King caved and went on. "Is it over?"
"Oh, so now you believe me?" I was sure that was he not being held down by the forearms he would have crossed his arms in a defiant way. Bitterness painted his words an ugly tone. The word had the desired effect as all recoiled. Something had changed since this had been last brought up, they had now accepted the facts. This, however, was clearly still confidential as even general Oerelious was unaware.
"I saw the proof you left in my desk a couple of days ago. I'm sorry I didn't believe you. It just…hurts. I didn't want it to be true and I took it out on you." The apology from the blond man seemed to appease the entire room. Tense shoulders relaxed, and the two young monarchs were unhanded tentatively after moments of tense silence with no attempt to hurt one another happening.
The two men barely moved, locked in a stare contest that could send even Aslan into hiding. Blade however, seemed to make peace with the happenings in that moment as he dropped his façade and allowed much more human emotion to take their place in his face. There was some anger, but most was tiredness and hopelessness. The pain of abandonment was permeating into many more emotions. He still looked reluctant to talk but he knew he didn't have much of a choice. The moment he stepped into this room he had agreed to share this information.
"It's not over. It won't be any time soon." The dry answer, I knew, was born from pride. He didn't want to have to ask for help in fear of being rejected once more. I came toward him and put my had in his arm, trying to convey to him that such ideas were in his mind. He looked at me, betrayal shining in his eyes. He had been put to the side; he wasn't willing to let that go so easily. It made sense, but his country needed him to be much more mature. I willed him to understand and by some miracle he did.
"Then why…?" Started the Gentle Queen before interrupting herself, probably noticing her question would be beyond rude. Her meaning was clear, however: if his troops were still fighting, why did he leave? I knew the answer was more complex than just me, he loved me, but he cared for his people even more. I knew that and in all honesty it made me care for him even more. I adored how much he cared about so many things it made him this adorable selfless man.
"Why am I back?" he supplied calmly. I saw him sigh heavily and look at Myra who seemed to give him an encouraging smile. His whole body tensed before he managed to say what was in his mind. "The immediate problem is… controlled. But this goes much deeper than we thought. They weren't acting alone. The conspiracy we thought we crushed a coupe years after the Witch's death was just the begging. It's still there and I won't go away any time soon. If ever. Right now, however, armed force won't take us anywhere for we don't know where to strike."
I was beyond relief when he started but as he went on sorrow and tension returned. All knew how good the monarchs were to their people and here they were, trying to bring back a dictator. Why? I couldn't understand why they would try to kill this people. For the first time in a century people had freedom, they could choose. The idea of anyone throwing that away was beyond unreasonable.
"So you're coming back?" asked the youngest monarch hopefully. "You will all be home again?"
"For some time. I came before they did to make sure they would be well received, and that the infirmary would be ready for the wounded. A man travels faster than an army after all." His answer made calm settle all around us. The threat was over. He was home and he was staying.