I'm sorry this has taken ages to post but for a variety of reasons I haven't had the time to write or post. I promise I will have this finished by the time Uni starts in about a months time- try to bear with me!
Taking care not to be seen leaving the Palace, Aly headed off at a brisk jog. Every now and then she checked over her shoulder and listened for sounds of pursuit; the last thing Dove needed now was for someone to find her! The hairs on the back of her neck bristled and she halted, quieting her breathing until all that could be heard was the sound of the jungle around her. A faint crack could just be heard over the din of the brightly coloured parrots racing overhead. Aly waited a few heartbeats longer before taking off again. She would deal with who ever it was later.
By the time she reached her destination she was positive that she was being flowed, and by someone with tracking experience. When she looked up, the scene before swept her breath away as well as any thought of caution.
Her path and led to a small clearing in the middle of the jungle. It was carpeted with soft, springy grass and bejewelled with the dazzling colours of tropical flowers. It was not the beauty of the clearing that took her breath away, but the girl standing in the middle who was accepting the fawning allegiance of a large herd of wild Kudurang. Miniature kudurang dipped and danced through the air above the girls head while larger ones of all sizes bent their forelegs and extended their wings in a unanimous display of obsequiance.
The look on Dove's face was dazed, mirroring the expression on Aly's- the two of them had expected and worked towards a level of loyalty from the Kudurang but neither had guessed the magnitude of their affection for their new Queen.
A sound caught Aly's ear and she whirled, automatically palming her knives and ready to yell abuse at whoever had dared disrupt the idyllic scene. A tall man, dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the Queen's guards, burst from the trees and past the place where Aly stood. He stopped as if winded and stared open mouthed at Dove and the fawning Kudurang. Aly took advantage of his distraction, using it to sidle up behind him and press a dagger to his throat. He tensed then relaxed as she flirtatiously moulded her body against his back before stepping away with a low giggle.
"Aly." He turned toward her and his face was unreadable. She fidgeted, discomfited by the seriousness of his gaze. Instinct told her that nothing had happened back at the palace, that the look in his eyes was for her alone.
"Why did you follow me?" She whispered, dropping her eyes to the ground. Mithros sake, why was she so edgy?
He didn't answer her for a minute then drew a finger down her cheek, lifting her chin up. "To do this." He leant in and Aly felt like swooning as his lips pressed against hers. Taybur drew back and Aly followed his lead, wandering if he regretted kissing her. Suddenly she felt something hard at the small of her back and then.. "oomph!" it pushed her forward and into Taybur's open arms. She looked over her shoulder and grinned at the sight of a young kudurang, legs too long for its body and wings that seemed to big to work properly. The look on the colts face was mischievous and the pair burst out laughing.
Their laughter alerted Dove to their presence and she wandered over to join them.
"Aly, Taybur… how did you?"
Grinning, Aly hugged her friend. "Do you really think I had no idea of what was going on?"
"Well… no." the girl blushed slightly. "I should have known you would know. But what is Taybur doing here?"
It was Aly's turn to blush. "He.. ah… followed me here."
"But why?"
"To do this." And so saying Taybur swept Aly off her feet and kissed her firmly before replacing her on the ground. She clung to him, feeling like her knees were going to buckle. Dove nodded knowingly.
"Bout time you two got around to it. But it's almost time for the coronation." She looked thoughtful, wrinkling her nose up at the same time. "I know! If you fly on a Kudurang then you can get there quickly and let everyone know there has been a change of plans." As Dove spoke an adult Kuruang with the same honey markings as their mischievous friend landed next to her. She absently lifted a hand to rub his neck.
"I... you will support me in this?" She looked at Aly with longing written in every line of her body. Aly nodded. It was easy to see how much this meant to Dove and for that reason she would see it through.
No sooner had she agreed then they were mounted and on their way to the palace. Taybur, seated behind her, wrapped his arms around her, whispering in her ear. "I nominate you to do the explainations!"
Aly shot him a dirty look over her shoulder and then concentrated on holding on while they landed in the middle of the courtyard where a big fuss was carrying on. Their arrival did not go unnoticed and by the time they had touched down everyone had stilled and was watching them.
Aly noticed Winnamine and Nuritan stalking towards them and held up her hands quickly. Her voice boomed across the courtyard.
"There has been a slight change of plans. Seating will need to be brought outside to this courtyard as will all other preparations for Dove's coronation. We don't have long so I suggest you all get a move on so that you are ready for when she arrives."
Nobles and commoners alike scurried to do as bid. No one wanted to risk missing their Queen's arrival and no one wanted to feel the young spymaster's displeasure. Aly stalled Winna's comments. "She is doing this her own way. A way that will show not just her Luarin side and not just her Raka saide. She has achieved a melding of the two and you will show her your support when she arrives." Turning her back she left the two women stunned at her forceful manner. She giggled inwardly. That had been quite satisfying!
Helping to drag tables and chairs out into the courtyard She found herself taking glances up at the sky where a lone Kudurang glided on the thermals. Taybur came over to help her and the two stood watching the jungle for a moment. Aly found herself feeling a growing respect for the girl that she knew would be a fine queen.
Anticipation filled the air as people found their new seats and only Aly and Taybur were left standing at the front of the courtyard. A speck grew on the distance as Aly called out:
"People of the Islands- Your Queen comes!"