New chapter up. Time to move things along...


Anduin sat alone in the throne room, completely numb.

His father was dead. Well and truly dead this time, his demise having been witnessed by all of his soldiers aboard the airship which Varian had exchanged for his life. His father had given Genn Greymane a message to give to his son before sacrificing himself, but oddly the older man had one of the stewarts deliver it to Anduin.

After receiving the news, Anduin had ordered the throne room emptied so he would be alone while he tried to wrap his brain around it. He was also trying to build up the courage to tell Kenya her husband wasn't coming home. Kenya was a flight risk when it came to how she reacted when she lost someone she cared about and Anduin desperately didn't want her to run. He needed her to stay in Stormwind to get through this himself, even though he'd never say this to his stepmother.

Anduin stayed alone for only a few minutes, not wanting to risk Kenya finding out about Varian's death from anyone other than him. Very shortly, the news would be spreading like wildfire.

He left the room and headed towards the garden. Kenya would most likely be meditating in the garden at this time of day. Since becoming a full druid, she liked to spend many hours communing with nature. She'd go out into the actual forest when Varian was around, but since he'd left, she'd taken to sticking close to the Keep and using the garden for the activity.

Anduin wasn't disappointed when he entered the garden and found Kenya silently sitting on her favorite bench, off to the side where the shade was thickest. With a shaky breath, he dismissed her guards and approached her. As usual, she must have sensed someone approaching, since she opened her eyes and looked in his direction. A smile started to form on her face until Anduin got close enough for her to see him clearly.

"What's wrong?" Kenya asked.

Anduin suddenly felt his throat go dry, but he sat next to Kenya and took her hands, determined to get it out.

"The battle at the broken shore turned out to be an ambush. The Legion was ready for our attack and…" Anduin took a deep breath, doing his best to keep composed. "...Father sacrificed himself for his men, preventing the Legion from taking down his airship."

Kenya began to breathe rapidly and tears began to form in her eyes.

"This can't be happening. He can't be…" She couldn't say the word, she just stood, taking a few steps away from Anduin, wrapping her arms around herself.

"I didn't want to believe it, either, but there were multiple witnesses." Anduin replied, remaining seated. "Father's dead."

Kenya put her head in her hands and even though her back was turned to him, Anduin could tell she'd started to openly sob. She was trembling and looked like she might drop at any moment. Anduin hurried over to her, turned her to face him and pulled her into his embrace. She wrapped her arms around him and cried into his chest.

Anduin let a few tears slip down his cheeks as he held Kenya. He didn't really know what to say or do, so he just held her close while she cried.

After several very tense minutes, Kenya's sobs quieted. Anduin escorted her back to the bench and they both sat down.

"What are we going to do?" Kenya asked softly, not looking up at Anduin.

"We're going to press forward and continue on in Varian's memory. It's what he'd want us to do, look out for each other, this city and the Alliance. I do need you to do something for me, though."

This comment made Kenya look up at him. Her eyes were red and puffy, but her tears had slowed considerably. "Anything."

"I need you to stay. I know you traditionally run away when you lose someone, but…I need you. I need you to be here while I try to sort out what I'm going to do. I'm not ready to be king, but I don't have an option. I need to take the throne, but I don't think I can do this alone."

"You're not alone." Kenya said, wiping her eyes and composing herself. "I'm not going anywhere. Whatever you need, I'll be here. No running, I promise."


It had been three weeks since Varian's death and Kenya still had to fight to get out of bed in the morning.

She'd moved back into her own personal chambers, having slept in the royal chambers only on the first night, but quickly realized she'd never be able to sleep in that bed again, knowing Varian would never return to share it with her. Kenya had rationalized the move by saying Anduin, being king now, would want to move into the royal chambers, though she doubted he'd want to take residence anytime soon. The reasoning sounded good, at least.

Malfurion and Tyrande were staying in Stormwind, officially to advise the new king, but unofficially to make sure their former change was doing alright. They'd both worried about Kenya and didn't wish to force her to grieve on her own, even though she assured the night elves she was handling things.

Anduin and Kenya ate every meal in his sitting room, neither of them willing to return to the dining room where they once shared all their meals. They knew they'd need to go back to the room eventually, but the memories were still too heavy for either of them.

True to her word, Kenya didn't leave Stormwind for more than an hour or two at a time. She desperately wanted to turn into a stormcrow and just fly away, but she couldn't bring herself to leave Anduin alone. He was handling his father's death well, on the outside, but she knew he was devastated. He would be even more devastated if she'd just up and left. She couldn't do that to her friend.

She'd promised Varian that she'd take care of Anduin while he was gone and that was exactly what she was going to do. For as long as Anduin needed her to stay by his side, that is where she'd stay.


To Be Continued...