New chapter up. Hope you're enjoying. There are still several directions this story can go. Let me know what you think. It might help me decide which way to take.


About 3 and a half years later

"I don't like this." Kenya said, pacing back and forth through the royal bedchamber. She'd been pacing since Varian told her he was leaving to command a joint effort with the Horde to defeat the Legion. The continued demon attacks were becoming more and more common and Varian determined they needed to reply before the Legion was able to get a foothold in Azeroth.

"I know you don't, but this must be done. If we wait any longer, the Legion will be even harder to defeat and this truce we have with the Horde is fragile, at best. We can't afford to delay."

Kenya sighed, taking a seat next to Varian on their bed.

"I know you have to go, but it doesn't mean that I have to like it. You riding off to battle is terrifying. You've done it several times since we got married and it's just as terrifying each time."

Varian pulled Kenya into a hug. "I hate leaving you behind, but I wouldn't be able to do what I must do, if you were there with me. I'd be too focused on protecting you to command the soldiers, regardless of the knowledge that you're a fully trained druid who can take care of herself. Besides, I feel better knowing you're here with Anduin. He's a man now and more than capable of being king while I'm gone, but he's still young. I feel better knowing you're looking after him."

Kenya eyed Varian. "I'm not much older, remember?"

Varian laughed. "How could I forget! Everytime I look at you, I think to myself, how could this beautiful young woman possibly be my wife?"

"I'm being serious, Varian." Kenya chided, pushed him playfully, though his hold was far too strong for the push to cause any kind of movement.

"So am I. You're both young, but together, Stormwind will be in good hands until I return. I know you'll take care of each other."

Kenya held Varian tighter. "Emphasis on the return part."

Varian wanted to reassure Kenya that he'd return to her. Unfortunately, that was a guarantee he could not make and he refused to lie to his wife, no matter how strong his intent was to not die in battle. War didn't work like that and Kenya knew this fact all too well. She was young, but she knew how the world worked.

After several minutes of silence, Kenya pulled out of Varian's arms and he let her.

"How's Anduin doing with all of this?"

It was Varian's turn to stand and pace.

"He's actually handling all of this very well. This isn't the first time I've marched off to battle, leaving him on the throne. I've done it several times over the years, but this is the first time he's technically taking the throne as an adult, though. This will be good for him. Good practice."

"You just keep your mind on the battle. You don't need to worry about anything here. Just focus on coming home to us."

"I'll do my best, I promise."

Kenya nodded. "I know that's all you can do."


Kenya stood next to Anduin as Varian's ship sailed off. He'd held her hand since Varian had said goodbye and she was thankful for the contact. This was her least favorite thing about being queen. She doubted she'd ever get used to it. It made her admire Anduin, knowing how many times he'd had to go through this very thing in his life and how well he handled the event.


To Be Continued...