It was a lovely morning. Azkadellia enjoyed the sun on her face as she entered the palace gardens with her mother.
"The flowers from the Papay are lovely. I don't believe I mentioned that before." The queen noted. Az glowed inside. As they came to a bench by the central fountain, her mother took a seat and indicated that her daughter should do the same.
"I know I have been hard on you lately. I do apologize for that. But I want you to know why it is that I seem so critical. I know you consider yourself unfit for the throne after your ordeal, but I have come to disagree."
Az was pretty sure her stomach dropped into her shoes. She blinked twice, resisting the urge to pinch herself. "Disagree?"
"You have proven yourself to be quite well-versed in matters of state and diplomacy. You have the patience required to survive endless meetings and a level head to consider many points of view. You do not wear your thoughts on your sleeve as your sister does, nor are you prone to rash action as she is.
"At first, I was concerned that public perception may be against you, but you have such a different demeanor, and now, appearance as well, that any who come into contact with you would never mistake the two. You truly want what is best for your people.
"Azkadellia, the day will come when I relinquish the throne, and when I do, you will be my successor."
She could find no words. Her mother did have confidence in her. A small tear leaked out of her eye as she threw her arms around the queen.
Az stayed in the garden after her mother had left. As soon as the queen was out of sight, she stood up on the bench, kicked off her shoes, and twirled around several times, grinning like a crazy person.
"Nice hair, Azkadee." A familiar voice from behind startled her, causing her to lose her balance and fall backwards into the fountain pool.
Ambrose rushed over as she sat up, soaking wet, feet sticking over the side. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?"
She wiped the hair out of her face and looked up at his offered hand. Grinning, she took it, but instead of letting him help her out, she pulled hard and he tumbled in beside her. Now it was his turn to sit up, sputtering, as she laughed. He just stared at her, both confused and amused.
"Now what could your mother have possibly said that would leave you feeling this ridiculously happy?"
She scooted to sit right beside him in the water and whispered in his ear. "She trusts me to be queen." He smiled knowingly – of course he already knew. As he reached over and drew her into a kiss, Azkadellia finally knew she had a happy ending.
I know, I know, but after all the stuff she went through, I though Az needed some disgustingly sticky-sweet happiness, so I gave her some :)
Thanks for sticking with me, I appreciate it!!
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