She spent her next morning last-minute packing. Not that she had her entire life's worth in this apartment, but she felt flustered not knowing when they were leaving. Kane supplied it was sometime early, but couldn't provide an exact time. He left saying he had plenty to do. She figured he was doing the same as her.

She brought her dresses and jewelry, tucking them safely away. The last thing she grabbed was one of her most cherished possessions. She gripped her new mask gently in her hand, holding it over her face as was its intended use. By the time all was said and done, his-truly appeared right on her doorstep.

"Are you ready?" He asked. His scarf was wrapped around his neck instead of his waist like it usually was. She brought her things into his hand, which consisted of a few bags and her suitcase.

"What about my lessons..? You were paying for them, it would be only right to-"

"Your instructor knows; I informed him earlier this morning. He sends his best regards and remarks how successful you've been."

"I can't even say goodbye to him?"

"If we want to catch our ship in time, then no."

He brought her belongings outside and waited for her to join expectantly. She rolled her eyes, figuring this was not worth arguing over. They did a few important things, like transferring her mail to his address and returning her keys. After doing all that was necessary, they left the building. She huffed at the back of the Commander's figure.

"I feel guilty for not telling him myself - we were, well, friends, I think..."

"Perhaps you'll meet with him again." He brushed off her concerns. "We should be on our way, now."

Valerie was offended at how careless he was. Then again, they were in a hurry, and as much as she would've liked to say goodbye, Aristide was out of the way. She remained silent as she followed Kane through Florenza. She made note of how brisk his pace was. He knew exactly where they were going, taking each step like he'd done this hundreds of times before.

When they were nearing the docks, she remembered about the night prior and bit her bottom lip. She wanted to speak about what was said. There was so much on her mind.

"That name, you called me last night..." She brought up quietly. "'Queen', wasn't it?"

He was silent, though his figure stiffened at her words. She didn't need a response, anyway. "-I liked it. The nickname. Your Queen."

"I like to think of you as one." He confessed under his breath. He wasn't helping the cause. Her cheeks heated behind her mask.

"Can you call me that, again? I think I like it more than my own name."

He finally looked at her, peering over his shoulder in surprise. He looked slightly confused. "'Queen'? You...actually like that name?"

"I adore it. It makes me feel..important. By no means am I putting myself in Her Majesty's title, but-"

"-Queen." He interrupted. She grinned hearing her new name. "It suits you."

They continued on their way. She felt like a great deal was lifted off her shoulders. Something about it rubbed her the right way. She liked hearing it, particularly off of his tongue. Having Kane call her that...implying she was like a Queen to him...such a big and meaningful title - it was more than flattering. If this was the way he saw her, then she could go along with it...

They approached the docks to a large ship, where the men waiting took their bags and hoisted them in. He allowed her to go first, bowing his head as he moved himself aside. She went up with little problems this time. It felt safer with him behind her for once. They boarded their ship and waited to leave. It didn't take the crewmates long to start sailing towards their next destination.

'Queen' and Kane were left on the deck, watching the image of Florenza grow smaller. She shivered as a breeze passed through her. This must be why he equipped warmer clothes for the trip. She felt foolish for not taking this into account. He noticed her shaking and removed his scarf, wrapping it on her shoulders politely. She thanked him and tugged it closer, enjoyed the protection from the cold wind.

Things were quiet otherwise, beyond the sound of the waves hitting the boat.

"Since we're going to be here for awhile...why not talk to pass the time?" She offered.

He looked at her thoughtfully before agreeing, joining her side and sharing a gaze at the vast sea that surrounded them. It was something he saw often and had no interest in. But as he turned his head, he found a curious look in her eyes.

"I've been thinking about the past," She moved closer to keep their conversation private. "There are things I wanted to tell you. I was wondering when the right time would be."

"Which is..?"

"I...might have been afraid of you when we first met." She grinned sheepishly.

He tsked. "What for?"

"All of the rumors around Valencia, for one. What you did in the wars...how ruthless of a Commander you are - it can get to anyone, I think." He hummed. "-But you've been such a gentleman to me. It's almost like you've changed. I feel like I owe an apology for misjudging you."

The figure beside her started to chuckle. She looked at him defensively. "What's so funny..?"

"Nothing." He waved it off, allowing the smile to remain. "Rather, that you were scared of me."

"I admired what you were doing..! I seemed to be the only one who took any of it seriously. Those young women - they would have killed to see the way you are now."

"Ah, yes...the cadets nearly 20 years younger than me..."

His tone made his point apparent. They knew those girls were too young for him - but the irrational side of her was still a little jealous at the thought. She lowered her mask for a moment, remembering her time in the barracks and training.

"...I think I started getting feelings for you when you punched that man for me..."

He tilted his head as he pulled at his gloves. There's thoughtfulness to the silence this time. He reflected on how he acted back then, what his intentions were when he came to her aid. He expressed a little sympathy for one of his future soldiers - but thinking of such a scenario now, it would bother him greatly if something similar happened again.

He thought a little more before rubbing his chin. "You say I've changed, but...you're different, too."

"What do you mean?"

"You were cold and forward with me. How you demanded my answers rather than asking for them. You say you were afraid of me - but I certainly couldn't tell."

She furrowed her eyebrows, using her mask to hide how deeply she was thinking. He made a good point. She regretted being as bold as she was. "-I think it's because I valued my work more than men. My only intentions were to join your forces and nothing more."

Her cheeks darkened with a blush. "-But then I ended up having feelings for you..."

His look made heart race.

"When I decided to join your army, I wanted to be something serious. A soldier. My friends told me I was nothing like myself, doing all of this training...my mother was worried with how my father's death upset me - I wasn't myself anymore."

"But the way you are now - would you say it's true to yourself?

She smiled. "I'm happy, now. You awakened my old self after I met you - the person I was before any of that happened. Someone more feminine, confident, and..."

Her words trailed off. She had a troubled look on her features, a thought stopping her mid-sentence. She turned to him and frowned.

"My graduation."

He looked at her curiously. She continued:

"What you said to me...when you shook my hand, you looked me straight in the eyes and said something about success and coming together. What exactly did you mean?"

A question that bothered her for what felt like an eternity. There was a lot she wanted to know - at this point, she pestered him more with questions than they've had relations. He seemed to remember what she was talking about and took a step closer.

"Call me hopeful. A little too much, even." He looked away suddenly. "I was talking about us. I didn't know what would happen exactly, but...I wanted to imagine you'd be successful at my side. So that we'd work together."

She widened her eyes in surprise. "You...thought of all that so early? Before we-"

"Even if you did not feel the same, I thought it would be something inspirational regardless. As I am usually instructed to give to the cadets that graduate."

"..."

She had no words. What could she say? They wanted what they had now far before they acted on it. As she opened her mouth to say something, he focused his gaze on something from afar. She followed his eyes and saw the island they were approaching.

Cadiz...


She climbed down the boat without any trouble and patted herself on the back for this small victory. Kane was still gathering her things and speaking with the crew in another language. She waited for him at the bottom, wanting to observe her new surroundings. She was distracted by all the people on the docks, carrying various boxes and loading cargo onto nearby ships. She was nearly swept in the commotion and hastily stepped aside.

She caught a pair of blue eyes. The figure was standing a few yards away, waiting to the side and out of everyone's way. His gaze did not wander. He was resting his weight on a cane held in his right hand. When they made eye contact, he held his head low as to not draw any further attention to himself. 'Queen' didn't catch this and smiled as she recognized who it was.

She approached him without any thought. "'Deacon', isn't it?"

He looked surprised at her appearance. His eyes widened beyond his mask's sockets. She still felt a little uncomfortable around this man. She had yet to know anything about him. Regardless, he bowed his head politely and shuffled something in his hands that she could not see.

"Valerie." He said, more to himself than her. "You look...different."

She glanced down at her clothes and the mask held in her left hand. She was surprised he even recognized her with how she looked now. It was impressive considering they've only met once before. She waved a hand.

"It hasn't been that long, has it? You were with Kane at my apartment and spoke with him..." She hesitated to pry. "What exactly was-"

"Kane? Is he with you right now?" He interrupted.

She blinked and realized she was supposed to be waiting on him. She turned her head and found him climbing down the ship, looking around intently with her bags in his hands. He must be searching for her as they speak.

"Yes, he is right over there. Were you looking for him?"

He picked his cane up in his hand. "Would you mind if I spoke with him for a moment?"

"Of course-"

He didn't even wait for her response, walking over to him right away. She remained where she was in the meantime. Deacon adapted a quick pace as he approached Kane, who momentarily set the bags in his hands down. He must've seen him coming already.

"Buongiorno." He told his spymaster.

"Kane." His tone sounded relieved. "I wanted to ensure you'd return." He began to search in his coat pockets. "I have plenty to speak with you about-"

"-Save it for when I have the time. I have a lot to get through with right now."

He noticed his impatience and stopped. The Supreme Commander wasn't in the good mood he had been hoping for. He decided to cut to the chase instead.

"Then, enlighten me one thing-" Deacon paused to glance back at 'Queen'. He hushed his voice down. "Why did you bring her here?"

He followed his line of sight to see who he was speaking of. His girlfriend was several feet away from them, smiling and waving as if they weren't in the middle of battle station. He couldn't fight the smile that spread on his lips. Then he remembered Deacon's presence and promptly wiped it off his face.

"Not important right now. What matters is-"

"Yes, it's important! She shouldn't even be here." The Commander gave him a harsh look. "-What I mean to say, is she is a civilian in the middle of our bastion. No one beyond our men should be here. Unless you have a good reason, then I advise-"

"-We're dating."

Those words took him by surprise. He stopped mid-sentence to stare at him in awe. Kane's posture didn't falter, nor did the tone of his sentence. Deacon absorbed this information before turning back to stare at 'Queen'. She was currently watching some nearby soldiers load a cannon.

"...You two are..?" His voice faded as he held his gloved hand to his lips. He looked at Kane one last time, who gave him a serious nod. He finally caved in. "I did not see this coming."

"I already told you my intentions with her."

"I didn't think you'd take it this seriously, bringing her to Cadiz. How long have you two-"

"-All for another time." He waved this off. Time was ticking and there was only so much he could do on his schedule. "Deacon, I have a favor to ask of you."

"Go ahead."

"I need you to gather the rest of the Elite. Tell them I urgently request their presence at the house as soon as possible. Is that alright?"

"All of them?" Kane nodded. "What on earth for?"

"-To meet her." He motioned to his girlfriend. Deacon didn't understand why this was so important, but he figured she must be to him. This would eat into his personal time, but he was glad to follow such a request.

"I will do that."

"Bene. Grazie."

He patted him on the back, sending him off. Deacon retreated to another ship preparing for departure, presumably to hitch a ride. The Supreme Commander grabbed the bags and met with 'Queen', who looked confused as she watched the other man leave. It was almost a perfect reenactment of what happened last time.

"Let's get going. My house is not far."

They passed through the bastion with ease, each soldier saluting Kane and promptly getting out of their way. Many looked like they wanted to talk with him, but the Commander stopped for no one. She watched the figures move around with curious eyes, thinking to herself that she could've been one of them...

Things mellowed out quickly. Far past the barricaded walls were large buildings surrounded by the most beautiful landscape. It was nearly identical to the sights of Florenza, except a large castle overshadowed every structure. Its grand formation was giant, with faces of unicorns sitting respectively in many parts of its form. She recognized it as King Casimir's castle right away.

Her eyes went to the people passing them. They were of upper class and sophisticated nature. Before, she could've spotted people like herself in Florenza - the few who did not come from the rich. But there was no sign of anyone that dressed humbly around here. A sort of weight pressed on as she followed Kane. Nobody gave them a second glance. They were more immune to the sight of him here.

She tore her gaze away when they approached a mansion. No amount of confidence would stop her jaw from falling. The gardens were beautiful. There were blossomed trees, hedges, and flowers, all purposefully tucked to the side of the walkways to give them room. A few benches and petite bird baths were placed around, but there was not much to look at beyond the shrubbery.

"This is my home." He motioned to it with a hand. "Yours now, too."

She could barely manage words. "It's beautiful."

He wasted no time bringing them inside. She was taken aback when they stepped through. What she would've imagined to be large, spacious rooms with grand staircases and expensive mirrors...were mostly closed rooms and doors. There was an attractive-looking kitchen they passed, a couple of chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, as well as a large dining room with a long table...but for the most part, things were closed off from her sight.

Questions formed in her head. She wasn't afraid to ask them. "It can't just be you living here...?"

"I live with my family." He answered, stopping in his tracks. "Shall I drop your things off in my bedroom?"

"I would be delighted."

She followed him up the stairs. He showed no hassle carrying her stuff. Her eyes wandered, scanning his walls and admiring the paintings neatly hung on them. They were beautifully made and she was in awe at how well they were crafted. Her ogling was soon interrupted by the sound of a door opening.

Kane went inside and she came in after. It was a spacious master bedroom, with a reasonably-large bed sitting in front of them. The walls and ceiling were marvelously-detailed, as were the dressers and nightstands that sat against the walls. There were a couple of doors in the room, one for the bathroom and the other leading to the balcony outside. Her attention was caught on the pair of windows that illuminated the room in light, complimenting the bright colors of the ceiling.

He wasted no time putting her belongings down. She moved to the table, admiring what looked like little machines. There were gears and springs sprawled about, as well as small sketches of mechanisms on paper. She admired how detailed the drawings were. He mentally scolded himself for leaving one of his projects out in the open like that.

"We'll be sharing the room." He told her. "I hope you like it."

"Naturally." She grinned, finally moving her eyes away. "How could you stand visiting me all those times..? Your bedroom is bigger than my entire apartment was."

He collected the parts from the table and placed them in a nearby drawer. He discarded the drawing along with them. "You deserved a bigger living space. Whatever you need, I will provide for you."

She decided to push her limits. "...May I make a request?"

"Of course."

"What about my own closet..? For my shoes and my dresses?"

"That can be arranged."

'Queen' wanted to toy with him a little more. She went around the room and pretended to scrutinize what she saw. "-How about a little rearrangement..? I can decorate a little in here...or, maybe, I can even have my own side! A 'his & hers' sort of thing, don't you think?"

"If you see anything you'd like to improve, I won't mind. I barely use this room as it is."

"You barely use your own bedroom...?"

"I work in my offices for countless of hours. At times, there's no need to return for the night." He checked the device on his wrist. "..We should start heading down to meet them."

"What? Meet who?"

He grinned pleasantly. "My elite."

"..You mean, the men who work with you?"

"It's important to me that they know who you are." He offered her his gloved hand. "-Come."

She smiled and took his hand. He paused before bringing it to his lips. Butterflies grew in her stomach as he kissed it. He led them to the stairs and carefully climbed down. She already felt like a gentlewoman with the grace he was treating her with.

He brought them to one of the closed doors she first saw coming in. There were muffled voices beyond it, though faint. He reached for the doorknob but didn't open it yet. Instead, he let his hand linger in thought. He soon pulled away and offered her an odd expression.

"I'm sorry for not mentioning this to you before. I'm trying to get everything done as timely as possible. I hope you're not nervous."

She couldn't deny the anxious tingling in her fingertips. But then he squeezed her hand in assurance. She knew then things would be alright. With her permission, he twisted the doorknob open. They were granted access to a room she was about to step in for the first time. She found four men waiting for her on the other side.