A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.
WARNING: LANGUAGE, OOC
Chapter 16: Always Darkest Before the Dawn
Roland gritted his teeth as he left the chambers. He could do nothing. And so, as soon as he stood outside the king and queen's chambers, he dismissed the other guards.
He himself was uncertain of what exactly was to transpire between the king and queen, but one thing was certain; the queen would be weeping by the time it was all over.
The king was absolutely furious.
He narrowed his eyes; he wanted to protect her.
He remembered his behavior with the chambers. He had been deadly serious…Even if it meant treason…he would've gladly given his life to save the queen's.
He was prepared to betray Arkanadara and defy the king just to save the queen. That was how much he loved her.
He stiffened as he heard the muffled sound of yelling and sobbing. His heart burned and his chest tightened. He clenched and unclenched his hands rhythmically as he continued to hear whatever it was that was happening.
He frowned; it was the queen…
Those sounds of pain and anguish…they were all from the queen…He then turned around and looked at the sturdy door in front of him.
His eyes narrowed as his blood rushed within his veins. He wanted to burst in there and help her but forced himself to remain where he was.
He had seen the king's eyes; the way they looked at his wife. The king felt strongly for the queen…That was why…he was this angry with her.
The king would not kill the queen; that, Roland was certain of.
And that was why he shouldn't interfere. If he did, the king would just defeat him in battle and then do away with the queen as he wished it. He would speculate that there was something going on between himself and the queen. That, he cannot allow.
If the king killed him for insubordination, and he will, who will be there to protect the queen then? Who would be there with her to face the condemnation should they be found out?
No one.
And so…for the remainder of the hour, he endured.
He endured and persevered as he continued to stand guard, all the while hearing his beloved's cries of pain and anguish…
He ground his teeth together. He hated being stuck in the middle this way. He was there and yet he could not do anything to help her…
His heart stopped and he turned around and immediately bowed as he saw the king walk out. Roland cast his face down, as a sign of total respect.
The king sneered, "She is not to leave the chambers."
"Yes milord."
A second later, he was gone.
Roland's throat felt very dry. As soon as the king was out of sight, he immediately burst into the room, closing the doors behind him steadily.
His eyes widened as he regarded her form.
There, on the floor was his beloved. She was crying…and bare. She clutched the torn piece of her skirt to her chest greedily, attempting to salvage what little of her dignity remained. Roland ran to her and knelt down, "My Queen…"
She said nothing, not even meeting his eyes as she continued to cry and hide her exposed flesh from his eyes…
Roland immediately stood and made for the blanket on the bed. He grabbed it and there, made his way towards the queen, and draped her shoulders with it.
Argilla clutched the blanket and looked upon Roland's face with grateful eyes. Roland looked at her sympathetically. He hadn't been blind to what he saw. Although her body had now been completely concealed from his vision, he had seen the marks on her.
There were bruises all over her body…
But the most distressing were the marks on her neck.
'That bastard was suffocating her…' Roland thought with contempt.
He sighed and there lifted her off the floor, carrying her within his strong arms. Argilla, tired and beaten, leaned on his chest for support. His arms and hands encased her protectively and once more, she felt safe.
Roland set her on the bed carefully and rose to leave when she grabbed his arm, "No! Please stay…"
He knew that it was transgressing whatever barrier that he had set for himself with regards to his issues with the queen, but he found himself doing what she asked of him.
He knelt down in front of her, feeling nothing but sadness as he appraised her sad countenance…He hated to see her this way…Her perfect flesh had been marred mercilessly. Her pearly white skin that was once spotless was now decorated with bruises, large and small…
And the eyes that twinkled innocently, happily, were now dull…dead…
Her appearance was nothing short of abysmal to him…It was repulsive in his eyes…But not so because he found her ugly or unattractive; on the contrary…She was as beautiful as he had first laid eyes on her…
But seeing her lose her soul…finding her with her spirit shaken…
It was enough to make his heart break.
As their eyes met, Argilla broke down into tears. She felt nothing but humiliation in front of him…
Roland's heart stung in pain as he heard her cry. And there, not caring about the world or about who might see, he took her in his arms and embraced her gently…affectionately.
'Damn the consequences!' he internally said with unwavering resolve.
Argilla clung to him for dear life as she continued to sob. He was the only one for her now…Her sisters…were all having lives of their own; they were dealing with problems of their own…She needed not drag them in her own dire affairs…
But Roland…he remained faithfully by her side…
And aside from Serph's beatings and his forceful hands, she found a small smile gracing her swollen lips…
"Roland…" she breathed out affectionately.
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Cielo scratched his head as he walked over to Sera, who was busy at work, keeping the house tidy, "Sera."
She turned and smiled at him, "Hello Cielo. What is it?"
Cielo smiled tightly, "I've just been assigned another mission. It takes place in a few days."
Sera sat down on the chair, her eyes never leaving his. She nodded and urged him to continue.
Cielo's smile vanished and was replaced by a stern face, "It's a raid on a Shankaran caravan bound for Arkanadara." He sighed and sat down, his hands holding hers tightly, "Due to the lack of manpower, we are planning on doing this with quick and precise strike…using the newly recruited members."
Sera's heart-rate climbed; this was it.
This was her chance…
She had trained long and hard for an opportunity such as this…No…she would not be useless…Never again.
Cielo's blue eyes penetrated hers, "As an archer, you had been assigned at the trees to give us support fire."
She nodded; her soul smiling within.
Cielo sighed and cast his face down, "I don't like this setup Sera…If it were up to me, I wouldn't let you go out there at all…"
Sera appreciated his concern…however…
She touched his face and stroked it lovingly, tugging it to meet her eyes. He complied and there, blue met silver. She smiled, "Cielo…you and I both took the oath of service and loyalty…You have trained me for this precise moment…I cannot go back on my word…If I did, and again let the others do the fighting for me, as I had done back when I was at Flavius Adeodatus, I would never be able to live with myself…"
She smiled tightly, "My eldest sister…although she was queen, she had led our people to battle. I want to be as strong as she Cielo. And you helped me fulfill that dream…but now, the time has come. I am ready."
"But I…"
"Ssshh…" she shushed him soothingly, "You have shown me my path…but it is I who must follow it; alone."
Cielo couldn't help but smile at that. He was so proud of her. She had changed so much since the time that she had first come to stay with him. She may still be that gentle and mild-mannered girl…but within her burned a strong spirit.
Her strength was within her although she still was as gentle as ever…
That was what he loved about her…
'Love…?' he asked himself in disbelief.
'Yes.' his inner voice said firmly, 'Love.'
He took her hands and kissed the tips of her fingers, "I would fulfill the mission. I would make sure that it's a success. But…I shall protect you as well."
She chuckled, "I'll scream for you should I need you." she finished playfully, emphasizing on the words "should" and "need".
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Jenna hummed to herself as she sat on the bench, reading within the gardens. The previous night had been the most wonderful that she had ever experienced…
Gale had been nothing but loving to her…And she as well towards him.
She sighed and closed the book. She couldn't get her mind to focus…All that she could think of was Gale. He wasn't with her at the moment as he had been called away by the king.
She had wanted to see Argilla but she had been told that the queen was predisposed as well. She could only wish that Sera was there…Her heart was tempted to worry but she remembered Gale's words.
The rebels wouldn't harm her. They needed her.
And so, knowing that, knowing that she was alive was enough for Jenna.
"Jenna." said a low masculine voice from behind her.
She turned around and saw Gale. Her heart skipped a beat and she smiled, "Milord…"
Gale walked over to her. Her smile slowly vanished as he neared her and she saw his stern face. Something had happened.
She stood up, her hands clutching the book tightly, "Gale…?"
He came over to her and immediately caressed her cheek affectionately, while his other hand grasped her arm firmly, "Jenna, the king had ordered the execution of fifty of your people."
Jenna's eyes widened, "B-but why?! My sister would never allow it!" she hissed indignantly. She squirmed within his arms but he held her still.
His emerald eyes pierced her eyes and mentally told her to be still. She complied, releasing her breath calmly.
"Your sister is the reason why the people had been condemned."
"What? Why?!" Jenna growled furiously, clearly not understanding what it was that was happening.
Gale's emerald eyes penetrated hers, "The king had found out the reason why the queen continued to be without children."
Here, Jenna's heart sank. Shailendra found out…
Gale nodded, "He has considered her act as multiple murders and demands the blood of your people be spilled for retribution. It is Arkanadaran law. I am sorry Jenna. But there's nothing to be done. Our law states that for every life that is taken, life must be given in replacement of that which had been lost."
Jenna's breathing stopped. She was the cause of all of this…She had been the one who had given Argilla the impetus to commit such an act…
It had been she who had urged her to kill those children…
'Oh God…!' she thought, hiccupping as she finally sobbed, her tears cascading down her cheeks, "W-what have I done…?" she asked openly, lamely, her eyes not meeting his.
Gale raised an eyebrow; what had she done? She wasn't even involved! Suddenly, his thoughts became clear. He understood now.
Her words and reactions now made sense.
"You suggested it to the queen." he stated calmly.
Continuing to be disoriented, she nodded.
Gale suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her to him roughly. She gasped as he gripped her tightly, painfully. As soon as their eyes met, his hand made contact with her cheek. He had backhanded her; hard.
Gale gripped both of her arms now and shook her, "I should bring you before the king for this Jenna…He shall have you punished for this…!"
Jenna winced but said nothing.
Gale then shoved her on the bench and looked at her with disapproval, "You shall be punished for your crime Jenna. Rest assured." With those words, he left.
Jenna looked on after him; hurt. It didn't hurt that she had to face punishment for what she had done. No. What hurt was…
Was that he loved the king more than he loved her…
He was willing to trade her in order to remain outmost loyal to the king. Didn't their passion and love mean anything to him?
She supposed not…
She let out a strangled cry.
She sobbed for but a moment but remembered who she was. She was stronger than this. Releasing a trembling breath, she stood up and made her way out of the garden when Imperial Guards barred her path.
She raised an eyebrow, "What is the meaning of this?!" she hissed.
The guard looked at her coldly, "Her Highness Princess Junia Valeria Flavia, princess of Flavius Adeodatus and wife of Lord Gale, you had been indicted for conspiracy against the royal crown. Come with us."
Conspiracy against the crown…?
She growled but did not protest. And so, she let herself be led away.
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Roland pulled away as he sensed her calm down. He looked at her with stern eyes. Her pink eyes twinkled as she gazed at him and she smiled, "Roland, thank you…"
Feeling himself be drawn to her by her hypnotizing eyes, he leaned in closer to her…Argilla's heart fluttered as their distance became less and less…
Roland's steady heart beat louder as he felt her breath on his lips…He slowly closed his eyes and she did as well…
He was going too far…but he was surprised to know…that at that moment, he didn't care. Her lips were trembling now…they were so close…too close and yet not close enough…
Then, suddenly as quick as lightning, Argilla saw Serph's face within her mind. Snapping back to her senses, she turned away at the last moment, letting Roland's lips drift onto her cheek instead.
Roland immediately opened his eyes as he felt the contact.
'Damn…!' he cursed himself. He immediately pulled away and saw her embarrassed state.
Argilla's heart beat faster. No. She shouldn't have done that…Serph was already furious enough with her…She didn't need more trouble than she already had.
She clutched the blanket tighter against herself and spoke no words, waiting for him to make the first move.
Roland sighed and rose from his position, "Highness, I shall return shortly."
She didn't know where he was to go and by the time that she turned towards him, she was already alone. She blinked.
She sighed; the guilt was killing her. Fifty of her people would die…And it was her fault. Her face suddenly drooped and her eyes dilated, her soul leaving her body as she isolated herself within a world of her own… where none of this had happened.
She let out a pained breath; she couldn't seem to breathe. Her chest heaved up and down but she felt as if she were drowning. Again, her tears flowed on her face…
She stiffened and turned her face to the left as she felt a warm and wet piece of cloth on her cheek. She looked to see that it had been Roland, with a towel, wiping her face gently.
He also brought a small pale of water with him.
She sighed and closed her eyes as he continued clean her up. She laughed humorlessly and Roland looked at her, puzzled. She looked at him and halted his hand's movements on her face, "Roland…you do all of this for me…and you don't even know my name…"
Roland regarded her coolly, "I am aware of that Highness…but…even if that were so, I feel that I've known you enough." he finished, his eyes laced with emotion. He knew that he shouldn't have said that, but the words just flew from his mouth even before he could think of not uttering them.
Argilla turned away; all the more ashamed.
She saw love in his eyes…
But it wasn't that that bothered her. It was what Serph would do should he find out. She felt ashamed because, like her damned people, Roland would suffer by Serph's hand because of her…
She didn't need any more of that for the time being.
"Queen Amadeus…"
She laughed again and looked at him sadly, "No…My name…is Argilla." she finished; her tone as gentle as a cool and quiet breeze.
Roland smiled. Argilla blinked in surprise; she had never before seen him do that. She smiled tightly, "I've…never seen you smile…"
The aforesaid smile slowly vanished and once more, she beheld his cool mask. He regarded her lazily, "There had yet to be a reason for me to smile Your Highness…"
She smiled wider and blushed; turning away.
"The king has hurt you." he whispered.
She nodded, "Yes. But it is not without reason…" she admitted guiltily.
Roland's eyes narrowed, "There is never a reason to hurt a woman."
She looked down and saw that he held her hand. Her eyes flew to his and her lips parted as they quivered; what was he doing…?
"I am aware that it is not my place to say this…but…I am concerned about you milady." he stated boldly.
Argilla blushed, "Go Roland…My husband might return any moment now…"
Roland felt his heart churn. She was right. He slowly stood and bowed, "I thank you milady."
Argilla gazed at him gratefully, with a small smile on her face, "No. It is I who should thank you for your loyalty. I saw you when my husband had been here…"
Roland looked at her steadfastly, "I would protect you from all foes milady…"
"Why?" she asked, entranced by his eyes.
"Because I…"
He shook his head, "It is my job milady." he said in feigned truthfulness.
She stood now, grasping the blanket against her body, "You're lying…"
Roland shifted uncomfortably and he took a step back as she stood. Her presence was driving him insane with want and need…Couldn't she see what she was doing to him? It hurt him to see her this way…Yes…But at the same time, it made him realize how much she needed him.
He had wanted to leave; resign from his position…But as he saw her now, hurt and maltreated, he wondered if it was still the best course of action…
She now stood right in front of him, their eyes never leaving the other's as they were engulfed with a pregnant silence.
Roland wanted nothing more than to hold her in his arms…protect her and shelter her so that no man may hurt her ever again…
He was well aware of the promise he made to himself; that he would not allow himself to feel anything for the queen and protect her honor. But as he looked upon her a few moments before, he realized that if he continued to uphold his foolhardy values, then, there would no queen left whose honor he was to protect.
The way the king hurt her…
Each time that he hurt her, little by little, the dignity that he had sworn to protect and uphold diminished.
Up to how long can he endure at seeing her suffer?
Argilla gulped as she saw the longing in his eyes…This man…would never hurt her…
'Not the way Serph would…' she thought with uttermost sadness. Her mind once more became plagued with thoughts of her cruel husband that she found herself disoriented.
Roland leaned closer and there, took the broken woman within his arms. He looked at her face…at her disheveled hair and shaking body…
He drew her closer to him and saw her eyes sparkle. There, he saw her close her eyes shut as her tears flowed down again.
She looked so lost…So vulnerable…
His hand touched her face soothingly and there, caught in the moment, he found himself leaning down…
A moment later, he had transgressed all of his moral duties…
He had kissed her.
Her soft lips were moist and warm…It had not been like anything that he had ever felt before…There, as they performed their act of treason, he felt nothing but bliss…As he pressed her against him tightly, there was no question of right or wrong …
He could feel the stress within his veins of continuously hiding his feelings from her slowly evaporate as he kissed her…chastely…innocently…
'Serph…Serph…' Argilla thought over and over…She opened her eyes, hoping that it would be him that she saw. Her body stiffened as she saw that it was Roland. She immediately pushed him away, "This is wrong!" she hissed.
What had she done?!
She let out another cry; she couldn't do anything right! It was all wrong!
She would admit that she felt something for Roland, but…this wasn't the time to feel them! Serph could see them!
'This is so confusing…!' she thought, frustrated.
Roland cursed himself, "I…I apologize…!"
Argilla turned her face from his, "Please…Just go…"
Roland gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists, and there, he walked away. He stopped in the middle of the room and spoke slowly, "Up to how long can we hide it milady…?"
Argilla stiffened.
She looked at him and saw that he had already left the chamber.
'Serph…Roland…' she thought in confusion…What was she to do? What was she to feel? There, the two men in her life tormented her so…
Serph, she loved…That was of no doubt…
Roland, she felt strongly for…He was a kind and gentle man…and a loyal guard. At the moment that their lips had met, she had given in to her desires…
Yes…she had wanted Roland but had always suppressed such feelings…But as she stood there, hurt and weary, she saw only him as her savior…And in a moment of weakness, she lost herself…
But as she said so before, she didn't need another person to be dragged into her personal abyss…
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Jenna sat there with her silver eyes dull within her cell. The Imperial Guards had taken her there. She had been in there for hours…
At first…she would stand up attentively whenever she would hear rustling noises, time and time again, hoping that it would be Gale coming to see her…
But…he did not come.
However, she kept her hopes up and continued to wait…
But still, he did not come.
She was beginning to lose hope…
And now, her eyes simply stared into the darkness, waiting for whatever might come her way…If it was to come at all.
She sighed.
She suddenly stiffened and stood again as she heard footsteps echoing within the passageway outside her cell. But again, she cast her face down, "It's not him…"
'So why bother…?' she thought.
"Because I hold your life in my hands." a silky male voice spoke. Jenna cursed herself; she had spoken her thoughts.
She turned to the source of the voice and there saw the cell open slowly. She narrowed her eyes as her visitor had been revealed via the lamp that he had brought.
She gave the man a disgusted look as she saw that it had not been Gale.
She immediately bowed despite her dislike for him, "My King…"
Serph grinned at her, "Come now Junia. There is no need for that. We are practically family." he said, drawling.
She said nothing but continued to glare into the darkness.
Serph stood in front of her, "Please sit." he said politely, motioning her to sit on the floor.
She did as she was told.
Serph nodded, "Very obedient. Not like your sister." he observed, looking at her intently.
Jenna made a disgusted face; she didn't even want to speculate whatever it was he was saying.
He was such a pig.
Serph chuckled as he saw the spitfire in her. Well, in that department, she was like his wife. He chuckled, "Do you know why you are in here?"
Jenna narrowed her eyes but still did not look at him.
Serph glared at her, "You were the one who suggested this to my wife, your sister, was it not?"
She nodded.
"Why?" he asked firmly, wanting to know, earnestly, why she had done it.
She said nothing and Serph growled, "Tell me why."
She raised her head and glared at him, "I would not allow my sister to bear a child whom you would use as a pawn to your quest for eternal power and carnage! You love only yourself Your Majesty…How can you love anyone else!?" she seethed in anger.
Serph looked at her sourly, "Be thankful that you are your sister's sister and that you are Gale's wife. If you had been another person, you would have already been a rotting corpse."
Her words had a point. But she was wrong about him. She did not know him to pass unto him that sort of judgment. He loved Argilla but that was a detail that she needed not know. She could think what she willed but her actions, he would control.
He stood, "I shall spare you Junia. I will not have you killed. You are free the moment Gale comes for you. The punishment though, I leave up to him."
Jenna gritted her teeth and she stood, "Why are you sparing me?!" she barked impudently.
Serph stopped, "Because I want you alive." he calmly spoke, "You are here to entertain my wife and my strategist. If I have you killed, my wife would be…distraught…and that, I cannot allow. It isn't favorable for pregnant women after all." he said lazily.
He then turned around and faced her, smiling now, "I suggest that you keep your nose out of your sister's and my business hm?" his eyes then narrowed, "For every time that you interfere and my desires aren't fulfilled, Argilla will suffer and along with her, your people."
Jenna stiffened again and there, her eyes brimmed with tears. Argilla had been punished…That was sure enough. Her people as well…
She nodded again.
He was pleased that she comprehended what it was he wanted. "Good. Now, no more questions please Junia." he said, waving his dismissively before leaving altogether.
"Tch…" she spat; he was selfish.
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The night had rolled in and Sera hummed to herself, stroking her still flat stomach. She sat by the windowsill, waiting for Cielo. He had gone for a reconnaissance mission but assured her that he would return early.
She wasn't disappointed either as she saw him whip through the trees, as light as a feather, and there, slid through the window.
"Cielo!" she exclaimed happily as she embraced him.
He returned her embrace and smiled.
She pulled back; no matter how many times that he told her not to worry…She always did worry. There really wasn't any point in telling her otherwise…That was why she always waited up for him by the window every time he would go for a mission.
And tonight was no different.
She looked at him and saw his serious eyes, "Cielo, what happened?"
Cielo didn't know how to say it to her…He nodded, "Sera, the king had rounded up people from your country and will have them executed at first light."
Sera stiffened, "But why?!"
Cielo shook his head, "I've been told that the charge was murder…But those people that the guards have taken from the villages were all innocent farmers…It doesn't make any sense."
Sera's eyes began to brim with tears and she trembled within his arms. Cielo held her and embraced her, sliding his hand up and down her back.
He pulled away and there, slowly spoke, "The Resistance are going to break them out tomorrow at the time of the execution. We would…"
Sera's face fell as he said the word "we".
"You're going…?" she asked, afraid.
He smiled, "Nothing's going to happen. Besides, you're talking to me, Raikiri. I'd be long gone with the prisoners even before they would notice that they'd been gone!"
Sera smiled as well but then looked at him with steely eyes, "Take me with you."
Cielo's smile disappeared, "Sera, you're not ready."
Sera frowned, "I am! I can be useful! You saw my aim today! I'm improving!"
Cielo didn't want to admit it but she was right. Today, they had practiced sharp-shooting from horseback. And after that, moving targets atop a tree. Sera was a natural archer. Her improvement was phenomenal…
But be that as it may, he cannot take her with him.
She wasn't ready.
Cielo gripped her arms firmly and leaned down, his eyes steadily on hers, "You have your mission cut out for you in a few days. This time though, you had not been assigned there."
"Who's going?"
Cielo nodded, "I am leading a team from my tribe. We would be at an advantage Sera. Do not worry."
"But I-!"
"Not buts!" Cielo said sternly, his grip on her tightening. He sighed, "I mean it Sera. We'll be fine."
"They're my people…" she said choking a bit.
Cielo's eyes softened and there he embraced her again, running his fingers through her short ebony hair, "I understand your distress Sera…But I still cannot allow it." He pulled away and looked at her, "I will save them Sera. I will save them…"
Sera smiled weakly.
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Gale stood just outside the dungeon. He had just spoken to Serph and he had been told that he was free to collect his wife from her cell.
He sighed; he wanted nothing more than to be with her…
But after remembering what she had done, he felt disgusted. When will she ever accept Arkanadara's laws?
He sighed; didn't she understand that by conspiring that way against the king that not only had she betrayed the crown, but him as well?
Didn't she realize that she had betrayed her own husband?
He narrowed his eyes.
He had all been patient with her and had given her everything…but still, this was how she repaid him. He had asked only for one thing in return; and that was loyalty…
But still…she couldn't do that…
However, being who he was, he wanted to know what demon possessed her to commit this crime. He had to admit that he had been unfair with her earlier in the morning…and he wanted to apologize…
'There I go again…' he told himself hopelessly as he touched his forehead.
Yes. There he went again. No wonder Heat and Serph told him that he was weak. He always was too gentle.
But he couldn't help it.
He just couldn't help it when it came to Jenna…She had that profound effect on him that he just couldn't resist. And so, he set down in the dungeon.
He navigated expertly through the dark and narrow passageway, unbothered by the repulsive stench that seemed to cling to the very walls of the establishment.
He was used to places like those.
But, it wasn't what he could say about his wife. He strode through the halls briskly. Soon, he reached her cell.
He dismissed the guard outside without delay and opened the door. He walked in calmly. He had expected two possible scenarios.
First, he had expected to find her angry at him for abandoning her. Second, he expected her to fly to his arms the moment he entered her cell.
But he didn't expect what he saw.
There, on the corner of the small room, sat his wife with her head on her bent arms that rested atop her knees.
He heard a faint sobbing. Gale looked at her with softened eyes, "Jenna…"
She didn't respond. He walked over to her and knelt down, touching her hair, "Jenna, it's me."
She didn't care though.
There were just too many issues floating around her head to care at the moment…
There were the issues of her people being massacred and her sister being punished for something that she herself had orchestrated.
There was Sera still missing…
And finally, the betrayal that she felt…from Gale himself.
Gale called on her again and still, she was unresponsive. He sighed. Without another thought, he scooped her up within his arms and carried her out of the cell.
Another hour had passed by. Gale looked at his wife. She was in bed, on her side, her back towards him. She hadn't spoken a single word to him ever since he had brought her back. She hadn't made a sound even as she was cleaned up by the servants or even when she had been dressed.
No.
She was…somewhere far away.
He too had prepared for retirement for the night. He climbed in the bed and blew out the candle, letting the twilight of darkness bathe the room in its glory.
He shifted within the bed and there moved closer to her. She moved not. His arms encircled her lithe frame. She spoke not. His lips found her neck and cheek. She protested not.
He sighed; she was hurt…He could tell.
"Jenna, please…say something."
She remained as quiet as a graveyard. Gale wondered at that moment; was it that she spoke not because she couldn't care any less of what he said? Or was it because she genuinely couldn't hear what it was he was saying as she had isolated herself within a world of her own making?
None of the two choices were of appeal to him.
But still, he understood her. These were the times that she'd rather be alone and sort out her own problems. His pestering questions and persevering nature to convince her to talk would only worsen the situation.
The king had told him to punish her…
But he wondered, as he gazed upon her unfeeling countenance, as he felt her cold body…as he beheld her damaged persona…he wondered…
'Isn't this punishment enough…?'
In his own opinion, yes.
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Roland once more found himself unable to sleep. He sat there by the window of his room, drinking.
His eyes gazed upon the horizon with longing eyes…
He shook his head as he remembered his moment with the queen…
With Argilla.
He had felt so invigorated when he kissed her…He gritted his teeth; he knew he shouldn't have done it. He had set numerous barriers around himself so that he may never fall for her spell completely…
But as he looked upon her broken stature that day…
He felt his resolve waver for but a moment before dissolving completely.
At that moment, it was just she and he. He knew; he felt it. She wanted it as much as he did…He had prided himself as a man who always put his duty ahead of his personal needs. How was it that this woman had managed to destroy his reputation that took him years to perfect in a matter of weeks?
His heart burned with pain as he remembered her pushing him away.
He wanted to take her away from this place. He wanted to take her from the king…He wanted to run away with her and start over with their lives somewhere else…
He needed it. She needed it.
He wanted to make sure that…she would never again hurt the way she did that day.
His own question rung fresh within his ears.
"Up to how long can we hide it milady…?"
Yes. Up to how long…?
He narrowed his eyes. He needed to leave; she needed to leave as well. But the question was, did she know it?
That was another problem.
She was in love with the king; he could see it in her eyes. But at the same time, she felt affection for him as well.
He wondered though, why she wouldn't choose him. He laughed; suddenly. How he had changed. A few weeks ago, he would have dismissed these thoughts and branded them as treacherous.
But now though, as he openly pondered and contemplated his issues with Argilla, he was glad and a bit surprised to know that his soul felt at ease; it did not protest or remind him of his duties.
Now, more than ever, he knew what he wanted.
He wanted her.
He drank from his cup again and narrowed his eyes. He wanted her; he wanted to be with her. She wanted him as well. Why couldn't she make a decision…?
He released a long breath. Now that he knew what he wanted, he must think of a way to get it. The easiest way was of course, to run away with her…
To be selfish…for once in his life!
But it all depended on one thing.
It depended on what she wanted.
He frowned at that as his heart sank. Would she really choose him over the king?
He didn't want to answer that.
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The morning had arrived. Well, the early hours of morning that is. Heat fastened his cloak and hood securely and walked out of his room at the inn of Angara.
He had heard of the execution and had decided to travel to Arkanadara.
If he knew the rebels, they would probably try to sabotage the proceedings. He smirked; this was a good chance to observe them and gather information about his beloved.
He walked to the stables and took his horse. He touched the stallion's hair, petting it, "Come boy. We have a long way to go."
He mounted the horse and rode out of the wilderness. It was still pitch-dark but he had to get there as soon as possible.
He could only wonder as to why Serph had decided to condemn those people.
He really couldn't know why. But he had an idea. They were all people from his wife's country. Heat cackled as he rode even faster; the queen must have done something to offend him. While Serph was a genius himself and a great warrior with a cool and calculating mind, there would be times that he would just do things that were devoid of reason. He would do things just because it amused him and not because it held any strategic value.
Or because it could give him more power.
No.
He remembered all too clearly how Serph had found a pretext for war at Flavius Adeodatus. He conquered that land simply because he wanted to.
That was all.
If he had really been interested in power, the war was unnecessary. But he did it anyway.
Because he wanted to.
Serph could behave like a child at times…And if he was executing those people for the sole reason that the queen had wronged him, then, he rested his case.
He did know his king and friend better than most people.
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