New chapter up. Hope you're enjoying :)
Kenya retreated to her tent after a long day of negotiations. The talks for peace were going well, which wasn't a surprise, considering Baine Bloodhoof was leading the Horde contingent. The tauren had always been very level headed, much like Anduin. He wanted peace for his people just as much as the Alliance did and his friendship with Anduin only helped to move things along.
It also helped that Shandras had come to the table to represent the night elves, when Malfurion or Tyrande were unavailable. Kenya often thought of the night elf as family, since she was technically in the same situation, having been adopted by the leaders of the night elves. It was nice to have a familiar face sitting next to her.
Kenya changed clothes and waited quietly for her dinner to be brought to her by her Lady's maid, Clara, who had traveled with Kenya to her new post. Even away from Stormwind, she was still the Queen of Stormwind and was treated as such, no matter how uncomfortable it made Kenya feel.
As a bit of a rebellion, she opted to stay at the neutral site of the peace talks, rather than portal to Darnassus each night. The act made her feel more like an ordinary person. Even though she had been queen for several years now, it still wasn't the most comfortable position to her. It probably never would be. At least she'd only need to worry about it until Anduin wed. At that point there would be a new queen and Kenya could take herself out of the royal spotlight, just a little.
Clara slipped into the tent, standing quietly until Kenya saw her.
"Dinner is just about ready, Your Majesty, but you have a visiter."
"Sure, let them in." Kenya replied, though she was confused who was visiting. Did someone from the talks wish a private word?
Clara stepped out and held the flap open for Anduin as we walked in, a smile on his face.
"Anduin! What are you doing here?" Kenya said, rushing over to hug the young man. He returned the hug with a chuckle.
"Can't I just want to come visit you?" He asked. "It's been over four months and I missed you."
Kenya pulled away, looking up at him. "Of course you can, but you usually don't leave Stormwind without a reason. There's nothing wrong, is there?"
"No, nothing's wrong. There are just some things I wished to talk to you about and I figured there was no reason I couldn't come see you in person."
"I'm glad you did. Do you want something to drink? Maybe some dinner? Talks for the day just ended and I was just about to eat."
"Sure. Dinner sounds good. And wine."
Kenya narrowed her eyes and looked at Anduin critically. He never asked for wine, even during a meal. Something was up. She looked to the entrance of the tent. "Clara?"
A few moments later, Clara returned. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Bring dinner for two tonight and a bottle of wine, with two glasses, please."
Clara nodded and ducked back outside the tent.
"So, what's wrong?" Kenya asked again.
"Nothing. Seriously, there is nothing wrong."
"You just ordered wine with your meal. You don't drink. Something must be going on."
Anduin sighed. "We'll talk about it later. Right now, I'd just like a nice dinner with you."
"As you wish, but you will tell me all your secrets once you're fed."
Anduin laughed. "Agreed."
They sat at the table and began to chat lightly. Dinner was brought in and they ate and drank while they talked about nothing in particular. It was very comfortable. Anduin had two full glasses of wine, which served to make Kenya even more suspicious about his true reasons for visiting. As a general rule, Anduin never drank, probably thanks to the many interactions he'd had with his father when he was intoxicated. Varian was not a pleasant drunk.
After dinner was done and their dishes were cleared, they sat quietly by the fire in her tent.
"Why don't you portal to Darnassus at night? I'm sure it would be more comfortable."
Kenya shrugged. "I like camping. I'm a druid, remember. I'm more comfortable outside than most. And stop stalling. I love that you're here, but you have a reason for the visit. What is it, Anduin?"
"I've been meeting all of the women you and Jaina have been sending my way, as promised. No luck yet, but recently, Genn has brought something to my attention I thought we should discuss."
Kenya gave Anduin a confused look, but stayed silent.
"Genn has been keeping up on the random talk around Stormwind, which gave him this idea. He suggested, instead of trying to fix me up with a stranger, that maybe you and I can give it a try."
"You and I? Get married?" Kenya asked.
"Eventually. He was just thinking, since we're so close in age and we get along so well, that it might be possible."
Kenya stood, walking towards the fire.
"I was married to your father, Anduin. Don't you think it might be a little uncomfortable for us to try a relationship more than what we already have?"
"Yes, it will definitely be weird and awkward."
"But you still think this is a good idea?" Kenya asked, not entirely sure she wanted to know the answer.
"I don't know." Anduin stood and paced around a little. "It does make a certain amount of sense, if you think about it. I do love you."
"But not in that way." Kenya replied quickly, then looked at him sharply. "Right?"
"No, not in that way, just as a friend, but Genn did point out that most royal betrothals are built on less than that. It's possible that friendly love can turn to romantic love, if it's nurtured in the right way."
"And you think it's possible. You wouldn't have even brought the subject up, if you'd already dismissed the idea."
"I don't know if I can change the way I feel about you, or if you could love me in a more intimate way, considering your relationship with my father, but I think it's worth discussing. The Idea does have merit."
Kenya sat and put her head in her hands. "No wonder you needed the wine."
Anduin sat next to her. "Yeah, I needed a little liquid courage. I have no problems talking to members of the Horde, nobles, clergy, but this…I don't know what I'm doing right now. I guess I'm just hoping I didn't just ruin things between us by even bringing this up."
Kenya turned and took Anduin's hands. "Of course you didn't ruin anything. You are my friend and I love you. You've shocked me with this idea, but you're here asking for my opinion. This tells me you're considering it. And if you're considering it, then I feel I must consider it as well."
"I didn't come here to pressure you into anything."
"I know. Give me some time alone to think about this, okay?"
"Of course." He stood. "I'm having breakfast with Malfurion and Tyrande tomorrow morning, so I'm staying in Darnassus tonight. I'll stop by here tomorrow before I head back to Stormwind, but you take as much time as you need. If you'd like to talk it through some more, just let me know."
Kenya stood and pulled Anduin into a hug. They said their goodnights, but once the king was gone, Kenya doubted she'd be able to sleep.
To Be Continued...
