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The halls seemed warmer as I strode through them seeing many a Gargoyle bowing low, most smiling. All offer their sincere congratulations on her choosing me over so many. I for once didn't need to fake a smile as I beamed with pride, every fiber of my being didn't care any longer why she said my name it was just that she did say it. I will soon find out her out the reason for it, but for the time being, I was content finally.

But once I reached my chambers Helena was waiting, not looking any different than any other time. But she was to be my wife and now I didn't give her a second thought. She listens as if my words are golden, perhaps some elixir she's been waiting all these days to hear. From what she says next I can tell she is thinking so deeply, already with a strategy that's several moves ahead of what I am capable of. And in her words are a kindness, a concern that is so quick that, for me, it is natural. This attentiveness is apart of who she is and that is, if I'm honest, the most attractive feature I've seen in her for quite some time. She finished, "I am so happy for you, but make no mistake my friend. You will treat her right and with the respect she as the woman you love and as your wife and our future Queen. You must show her a new side to you one you have refused to show any other, only then will you be able to make her happy," her tone was mothering now it switched from a love interest into a nurturing tone.

"I never would have made you happy, you deserved so much more than anything I could have given you. I never fathomed she would say my name, but she has and in no way will I turn it down," she patted my arm before walking away. It hurt me to understand I hurt her, she was my friend and a fierce warrior. I was not so cold as I entered my room in a rage, not at any but myself. She was hurt after everything she was willing to give up to marry me, I just abandoned her alerting her I would not turn down the Princesses offer.

Bathing was a small form of escape before our evening meal, just feeling the heated water was enough to relax every muscle in my body, The water envelops me as closely as my own skin. Every new sore stung with the salt being washed in, but it is the only way to avoid infection. I wince as it swirls without mercy, penetrating to the cells that should be protected by smooth skin but lie open and raw. After the initial surge of pain, it ebbs and I can even enjoy my newfound weightlessness for a while.

The water was cold now, but my own time was running out as it was time for the feast, I dressed faster than normal as I never lit my fireplace. The room was bone jarringly cold, it touched my bones. I lit it before walking away so that I would not freeze to death before my slumber.

Barachel bowed his head as I strode to the east wing where our Queen was in her office going over things. 'Commander, might I offer my own congratulations on your being chosen. I have such faith in all you will do for our beloved Princess and all she has done and will continue to do for you," clapping him on the back. "Thank you, friend. Let us take the Queen to the feast we have time to talk after she is safe in her room," something he said got me, all she has done for me and all she will continue to do.

What did he mean?

With the Queen in front of me, my hand braced protectively on her lower back I stalked with her down the marble staircase, my body like a panther. I dare any to attack but none are so foolish to try such a feat, "My Queen, you look most stunning tonight. You seem to have a glow about you," I offered her and all she did was smile with my arms helping her into her throne.

It was cut off when Princess Shaylee walked in, Keziah, Kylie, and Ophir right behind her, she looked radiant in the pale green gown. She tucks her gown and sits avoiding eye contact with me, but all I could do was stare at her. "I am very happy with her choice, you two will be what our great race need after I ascend," the Queen said to an earlier question, her head was closer to mine as we talked in semi-private.

I was shocked, "You do not feel that I am not worth her or too old," her face turned soft. "No, Gideon. I do not feel that way," the feast was in full swing with joy at the engagement. Tables laden with delicacies line the walls. Everything you can think of, and things you have never dreamed of, lie in wait. Whole roasted cows and pigs and goats still turning on spits. Huge platters of fowl stuffed with savory fruit and nuts. Ocean creatures drizzled in sauces or begging to be dipped in spicy concoctions. Countless cheeses, slices of bread, vegetables, sweets, waterfalls of wine.

I drink and watch my future wife when she speaks directly to her mother. "Mother, we can have words in the morning, I am very tired it has been an eventful day," when she stood, we all followed suit standing with her, it was in respect we would only sit after she left the table.

The Queen nodded, "It has, you have made such a wise choice, one I know will bring the blessing of Michael down on us. I am so very proud of you Shaylee, as is your father as he looks down upon us. Sleep my child, we have time another day for words," her gentle hands on the Princesses face, the love between them was leaving us all in awe.

I ask, "Might I leave for a little and have words with Princess Shaylee, I will return to escort you to your chambers,"

Waving her hand in dismissal, "Yes, of course. I would hurry she was in haste to get to her chambers," I knew this as I bowed taking to my feet heading after her in my own haste. Her long blonde hair shined like spun white silk in the moonlight as she leaned on the stone wall gazing out into the night.

I give a smile, she can not see it but that didn't matter in the here and now. "You chose me?" his deep voice washed over me, I do not turn to him, can't bear to look into his eyes, I was forcing him into this.

"Yes, I chose you, Commander Gideon," likewise she makes no move closer, not even to turn to me.

"A wise choice," I say coming closer to her, feeling the warmth of her body, the warmth of her scent.

Annoyance was heard, "I have heard this, many times. But I did not make this choice because it is wise, or that you are entitled to guard the new Queen. I had my own reasons," she leaves the window starting to head to her chambers, she rather avoids me even after choosing me. I was not going to allow this, not tonight as I rushed after her slamming my hand on her door denying her the escape, she so desired.

I stood so close to her if I so wished my tongue could trace the small fragile vein on the side of her neck. "Why then Princess, why was I chosen?" she could feel my hot breath on her neck.

She refused to answer, and this bothered me earning a low growl in return she was being so stubborn over a simple question. It unnerved me, my hands spin her to face me my hands braced on her delicate arms, her face was pale and worried. "Do you care for me? Tell me, my Princess, I am yours now," trying to get her to talk to me.

By the grace of Michael, she finally does, "I feel distressed to have forced you into a marriage you didn't want, when there are so many other female Gargoyles that strive for your attention, I robbed you of your future." She was not giving me the answer to my dying question just trying to avoid by answering in a way it was not an answer. But in shock I release her taking a step from her.

Stating to her, "I can decline your offer; I don't want another; Princess. I want you, you're my sun and moon, my northern star the one that shines the brightest." I was lucky that my words are cut off by Gale, I was making a show a fool of myself. "You are needed Commander Gideon, Queen Lenore needs you at once an urgent matter in Ireland sir," he looked and sounded nervous, due to his breaking up our conversation.

I was calm and in control now, "I am coming, please leave us for a moment,"

"Yes, Sir," he vanished the candles going out in his wake making the lighting dim further.

This was the end of this conversation for now, but I was going to get my answer and soon. "I must be going, be safe while I am gone, my Princess. We will continue this conversation upon my return, sleep well," before I understood my own intentions my hands cupped her small face, forcing her to look at me when I finally pressed my lips to hers, warm and soft to the touch to the touch. It was lingering, it was something I never felt before, the passion in a single kiss from her.

Smiling, my body moves from her's taking to the left hall.

I was still smiling as I flew through the night sky,

There is more than one kind of ambush, you dot-to-dot thinkers. I guess that can be fun if the quarry is sufficiently evil. But we make an art form of it. We take them down from every side, pick their life apart until they are in ruins, then we let them do the rest. Call it a monster-removal-service if you wish, because we are the predators of the predators, the protectors of the mild. We're a sort of societal immune system; that's our function.

But coming home gave me new feelings, this was where I belonged with her, my Princess.