Ch 9 – Finding Meaning in the Middle of Betrayal

Queen Rhenn of the United Alliance smiled as her ladies lifted a great copper basin onto the table. She leaned back balancing the weight of the child she carried. Though several months away from her due date according the healers of the Cathedral and her own daughter, Helene, her belly was already large enough to require special clothing once more. She had given her maternity clothing away after her last miscarriage to a mother who needed them in the city. Now the tailoring guild crafted her clothing fit for a queen, but with room for the ever expanding child. Her night elf friend, Nebyuleh, often teased her about once again carrying twins. Though the Druid was often about on Darnassus business, she did find time to visit with her friend. They would spend hours enjoying tea and small cakes that the Queen had grown fond of in her private garden where few people would dare enter and disturb them.

King Varian and his son, Prince Anduin, were both sure it was a girl, Alanis and others swore by a boy from how high her belly was. Jamiy and Helene were unsure what she carried other than it was alive and thriving. Highlord Tirion Fordring even made visits to see his dear friend/adopted daughter to check on her welfare. Though he considered her children to also be his adopted children, Rhenn herself was also close to him. She could go to him for any reason, as she had often done with Thrall and would be heard without judgment and given sound advice.

Rhenn held her hand on the swell as she stepped forward. She leaned her head over the basin, moved her hair to one side, and the handmaidens began to let the water fall in a slow shower above her head. She gently let it wet her hair and wash it in the cool water infused with rose water and rose petals. The scent in the room was heavenly and relaxing. The handmaidens chatted softly to themselves and two held towels and another held her dress for the day. It was a dress of cream colored fabric with silver thread.

King Varian Wrynn watched from behind a partition. He had come into his wife's chambers unannounced and watched the beautiful serene scene before him of his beautiful pregnant wife doing something so mundane as washing her hair. Her ladies let the sparkling water fall at a steady rate and it sparkled in the sunshine from the windows beyond her. He often would watch his queen with her ladies doing everyday activities such as sewing, reading, or even playing games together. It was oddly soothing. Once he had even watched her picking fabrics for her new dresses. In his reckless youth, such things would have bored him, but now they were a thing a beauty, something he had had stolen from him before and now had again. He was careful, however, to never disturb her when she was having business meetings unless invited. She deserved privacy and she had it when she either asked or he felt it was necessary.

He took a breath and stepped into the room. Rhenn looked at him as water poured down her hair. Though he was not in his armor, Varian was still an impressive sight with his sword at his side and in his courtier clothing. On his head he wore and every day crown that was light and made of silver, but marked him as the King. His long brown hair was pulled back in its normal ponytail. The light shone in from the window behind her and she looked almost angelic. He smiled at her. She smiled back at him.

"Sweetheart." He said in Tuskarr, then more formally in Common, "My lady." He said watching her as she watched him and continued to wash her golden tresses. Her facial tattoo seemed to fade slighting in the radiance about her. Her hair shimmered and shone like a halo about her head.

He just stared for a few moments until he noticed the ladies about her bowing to him. Well nearly all of them. The one pouring the water, the Lady Remy, dipped her head, but kept a steady hand on the bucket in order to keep from spilling it.

The king smiled and waved them to stand. "Forgive the intrusion ladies." He said and bowed to his wife. "Carry on." He smiled and walked away from the scene before he would not leave it.

King Varian Wrynn looked over the maps before him. The Varliance Expedition had just acquired new conscripts General Arlos had told him in a dispatch. He looked over the dispatches from Northrend. Things appeared stable there, but he never trusted such reports. He sighed. His army was split and though he had new recruits every day from every corner of the Alliance he prayed everyday it would be enough.

He lifted a dispatch marked in red. It was urgent. He lifted and opened it. He read the contents just as the members of his war council rose to their feet. The Queen entered the room with Helene and Remy flanking her.

"Your highness." The six men in the room said together. She bowed her head to them and walked to her seat to the side of the great table. It gave her a view of the whole room and had her on a dais. Her ladies sat beside her in the bowl chairs that had been brought in for them. The queen held an advisory capacity here, but never the less, her input was valued by all present.

Queen Rhenn was nearly the opposite of her husband. Where he was physically imposing, standing several inches past six feet, she was slight and lithe, though her body was now swollen from the coming child. Her flaxen hair was in twin thick braids that framed her head. Her headdress was severe like that of most of the high nobles. While she wore the rich clothes of her station, her husband preferred to dress in his armor, making him even more imposing. Both were imposing characters, but for different reasons. Varian, the tall, once handsome warrior, whose name Ghost Wolf came from his gladiator prowess. His wife's calm nature seemed to level even the most stubborn and angry of men around her.

Rhenn noticed Varian looking up at her and she bowed as well as she was able. Her handmaidens were far lower, but were also not with child. Lady Jonathon was not among the pair, though she normally would be. She was also with child by Lord Markus Jonathon, her doting husband. As Rhenn's orderly she oversaw much of the queen's appointments and scheduling, but today Varian noted her absence. He looked at his General of Stormwind Defense for a sign if he was concerned. Since he was not, the king assumed perhaps she was doing errands for the queen.

Varian smiled. "Greetings, my lady. Will you join us?" He knew full well that she would stay no matter if he did as the laws dictated that he invite her to Council.

Rhenn lifted her heavy petticoats up so she could ascend the small set of stairs to the dais. She sat down in her chair. She arranged her skirts and petticoats about herself and sat back her hand resting on her stomach.

Varian watched her a moment before he returned to the dispatch. What he had read made him seethe within himself. He had been about to voice his opinion on the Naga of Azshara, but such language was not for a queen's ears.

He went to the head of the table and coughed calling the Council back to order. Two of the men had begun speaking after greeting the Queen. They turned to the king. Varian rose to his full impressive height and set the dispatch down. Genn Greymane and General Jonathan looked at the maps.

"It would seem we have been deceived." Varian said coldly. His face held a scowl that made his scar appear deeper. Rhenn had come to know this look as Lo'Gosh, the part of her husband when he had been magically split so long ago, had become the powerful gladiator. Lo'Gosh was Varian's warrior nature, ruthless, born leader, and vengeful.

Rhenn was unruffled by his look as he extended his hand to her with the dispatch and stood near her his arms folded on his chest. Varian Wrynn was a presence. His son, Prince Anduin was slighter and had the look of his mother, but was no less of a warrior. He had learned some healing arts from his now stepsister, Helene, but he was a warrior when necessary. He, however, was more of a diplomat and like his stepmother looked for a diplomatic solution before charging in hot headed and looking for a fight as Varian was known to.

Anduin turned to his step mother as she rose and took the letter from her husband. She read the dispatch slowly and then sat down in her chair. Her face held something akin to horror. She looked so distort that Anduin quickly went to her side as she let the dispatch fall from her hands to the tiled floor. She took a breath and looked up at Varian's hard expression.

"Do you now council diplomacy, madam?" He asked, his voice biting like cold steel. She took a breath and shook her head slowly.

Anduin knelt beside her and took hand in his. "Mother." He said softly. He looked to his father who had a cold haughty expression that screamed "I told you so", though he did not voice it. He did not have to. It was clear to all in the room that the Queen was shocked.

"Mother." Anduin hissed softly. She met his clear blue gaze. Unlike his father's gray eyes, he had blue, like his mother, Varian had once told her when he was still young. The Prince reached unbidden to touch her cheek softly. "Are you well?" He asked as he watched his father turn back to the maps. Anduin knew his father was going to make an offensive to deal with such things. Anduin looked at the queen and touched her belly bringing her sharply back to the present. She looked down at his large hand on her midriff. Her eyes lifted to lock with his.

"Yes." She said. "I worry what is to become of this land. The Naga were easily bought by the Horde, but they will turn on them. It is their nature." She looked at the tall hunched over figure of her husband as he spoke to his generals. Rhenn took her stepson's hand and rose slowly to her feet, leaning far back to support the weight of the child she carried.

Anduin helped pull her up and supported her back with a firm hand. The generals were too busy confirming to notice the queen standing. Once she had her footing she nodded to her ladies and began to walk toward the door after giving Anduin's hand a squeeze of thank you and reassurance that she was well.

He moved to follow her as she made her way slowly to the door. Varian noticed her soft trailing skirts walk by him and he looked up as she came to the door. She felt his gaze boring into her skull and turned back to him. She bowed a little and opened the door.

Varian's eyes flicked to his son who was watching her carefully. He then looked back at his maps as Anduin forced himself to stay put as the queen exited the room. She walked down the hall. She began to move faster holding her sides. She made it to her rooms and walked to a chair by the hearth. She cried out and dropped to her knees as tears came to her eyes. She tried to stop them and will them away, but they fell and she gripped the cushion of the chair and tried to stifle her cries of heartache. Her ladies tried to soothe her to no avail and so let her cry out the pain of betrayal she felt and could not show to many.

Highlord Darion Mograine sighed as he looked about Stormwind. He and his undead brethren had once been unwelcome in the town, but since Highlord Tirion Fordring had pleaded with King Varian on their behalf, the Knights of Ebon Blade had been welcomed.

He rubbed the nose of Iydallus. The deathcharger, though as undead as he, still seemed to enjoy the odd affection his master had for him. Darion remembered little of love and affection, but what remained of his battered soul belonged to his mount and the sweet Lady Helene.

He walked into Cathedral Square. Though he was well passed the Light's saving, he felt an odd peace within the walls. He walked to the graveyard and was started to see Helene there. She was laying flowers at a grave.

He walked up to her and cleared his throat.

She turned startled out of her revere. She lowered the scarf about her head as he stepped to her. He looked down. The grave was that of Marius Coulter, her husband. She looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"He was a good man." Darion faltered. Not used to female tears he looked back to the grave and swallowed. He was not sure why the droplets of water moved him so, but they did.

She nodded and dropped her head. "Yes." She said. "He was kind and gentle."

He looked up at her. "Come away from this place. It only brings you heartache and you must not live in the past high priestess." He said.

"Did you ever lose anyone close to you?" She asked him.

He sighed. "My father and brother." He said. He looked down. He was not used to showing emotion to anyone, least of all a woman.

She looked up at him searching his face. She then ran into him and embraced him letting herself weep against his armor. He was so startled he held his arms spread for a few moments. His body reacted to her being so close to him. She was warm and her sobs made her whole body quake against him like a leaf. Shaking his head he let his hands wrap about her body gently and hold her stiffly. He was caught between wanting to comfort her and not truly knowing how. He had died too young with little experience with women since he had been devoted to the Argent Dawn and had his mother die birthing him. The fairer sex was a mystery, but he was moved by an urge to aide her.

Her sobs lessened and he looked down at her. Her face was puffy from weeping. He had never seen a woman so undone. He watched her with an curiosity he could not explain and yet he hated seeing her hurt so.

"I fear you now have cause to mock me, highlord." She said.

"I would never mock someone's true pain." He said seriously. "Are you well, Helene?"

"No." She said. She shook her head and wiped her eyes. "Forgive me, I should not burden you with my petty problems. You being here means there is trouble in Icecrown. I will take you to the King and Queen now if you…"

As she turned his hand shot out and gripped her elbow. "Helene." He said. "Please." He said. His metallic voice was oddly soft and she looked first at his hand and then his face. "Please. Tell me what is wrong?"

"You are a Death Knight. What do you care about what ails the heart?"

"I do not." He said flatly. She nodded and moved to turn, but a finger lifted her chin to look up at his white lifeless eyes. "But I do care about you." He said.

She looked up sharply. Unhelmed, Darion Morgaine was a handsome, though imposing figure. His skin was pale as though he was never in the sunlight and his eyes were white and without pupils. The rest of him was ageless staying the same age from the time he had killed himself with Ashbringer in order to free his father's soul.

Helene blinked at him. "Why me?"

He shook his head. "You help me feel, remember what it is to be human." He lifted his hand to keep her close to him. "I do not wish to repel you." He took a breath of air that he no longer required. "Your friendship, as I remember friendship is the best I have had since my childhood." He looked down. "Forgive me. I will leave you."

"No." She said and laid a hand on his arm. He could feel her warmth even through the mail armor. Warmth on his skin. "Please stay with me."

He turned back to her. "But…"

"Darion please."

That did it. She dropped onto a bench nearby. He realized he would do anything for her if she but asked him. She was startled when he knelt beside her. She was again taken aback. This time not by his words, but by his actions. To kneel before her meant he was putting himself entirely at her command. He would do anything she asked, abandon life, kin, or loyalty at her word. He was totally at her mercy and trusting her not to abuse it. He had been a warrior for the Light once and had been taught chivalry by his father before he passed.

"Darion…I…"

He lifted his head. "Helene, may I speak?"

She touched his pale cheek. "Of course."

He looked up at her. "Helene. You are the one thing that I have grown to know as something I never thought I would feel again. I do not expect the trust or even emotions in return, but know that I love you." He said. There he had said it. It was true, however. He had never admitted to it until that moment. He was in love with her. He knew the implications. She was living and he was undead. How could she love him? What could he offer her that she could not find elsewhere?

She pressed her other small warm hand to the other side of his face. To his surprise she did not recoil at his confession. She caressed his bearded face before smiling as she searched his eyes. She had tears in her eyes again, but she did not look sad. "I never thought I would be loved as I am…damaged goods that cannot be married off because of the sin…"

He reached up and clenched her arms fiercely. "That sin was none of yours." His eyes flared. "You are a victim." He said. When she looked down he lifted her chin with his finger. "You are an amazing woman with many things to share. The man you will marry will be blessed."

"But you said you loved me."

"I do, with all that remains of my heart and soul, but you are a human and I am not living. How can you love such a creature? It is not fair to you."

"But I do." She said softly."And I would be his if that man wished it."

He looked up at her startled and then his eyes hardened. "I will not have you ridiculed for that choice."

"I do not care." She said firmly. "We are two broken people who found each other. If that is enough for us than can it not for everyone?"

Darion laughed. It was a hollow sound from deep within him. "What a fool I love."

She leaned forward and kissed him. The sudden reaction startled them both, but they wrapped each other's arms about each other. He pulled her down from the bench. His lips were cool, but they warmed as they kissed. He pulled back and caressed her neck softly and her hair. "Promise me if you are ever frightened or uncomfortable, you will tell me."

She kissed him again firmly. "Only if you promise me something." She said inches from his lips.

He cocked his head.

"Not to stop touching me until I do."

He nodded and with a possessive growl he lifted her up in his arms. He walked quickly to the Cathedral and in. Few were about and no one took notice since it was mid-afternoon. Her chambers were large and airy compared with many. She had a balcony, an office, a bedchamber, and a sitting room. When Darion kicked the door shut behind them, she realized his intention and snuggled closer.

"How did you know which room was mine?" She asked. Bishop Farthing, Archbishop Benedictus, and several others had rooms on this level.

"I watch you from the balcony some nights." He admitted slowly. "You are so peaceful as you sleep. It is...soothing."

She looked up at him. "I felt watched, but I always felt safe." She said as he set her on her feet near the bed. He stooped and kissed her neck lightly.

"It has been a while." She said softly.

"It has been years for me." He said. That was very true. He has only had one lover and it had been quick, in the dark, in the hayloft of the barn with a neighbor girl. This time he planned to do it right and be gentle, calm, and reassuring.

He began to free himself from the thick armor he wore. When he was to the light leather beneath he turned his attentions to her. He caressed and kissed learning her curves and what parts made her groan at his touch.

With oddly skillful ease he undressed her. He was thankful her garments were not more complex. She wore a simple mooncloth robe. She was exploring as well. He was muscled. His skin was cool to the touch, but he warmed where her body touched him for longer than a few seconds. She never had thought that an undead could be aroused or even arousing, but the clear evidence was pushing against his pants. Strangely, she was not alarmed. She felt secure, safe, and loved. Marius had been a political arrangement and he only asked to bed her once every six months when they married. Darion loved her for her whole being and she loved him. They could give each other everything. This relationship would be unique. Death Knights did have relationships, but that was often with other Death Knights whom were spouses a lifetime ago. Never had a Death Knight and a living being mated and loved each other.

Darion was a demanding lover, but he was also gentle and considerate to his bedmate in order to rouse her passions as well as to help her feel safe and secure with him. He had a prowess she never thought a non-living man could possess.

He pressed his cool forehead to hers as they panted from the aftermath. He nuzzled her even as he kept them joined and his weight light. He no longer required air, but he panted all the same. His lover was doing the same as she looked up at him with half closed lids full of wonder.

When he felt he could, he moved to her side and wrapped his cool body about her warmth. His soul, what remained of it, felt more whole than it had in as long as he could remember. This felt right to have her here in his arms.

She rubbed a hand over her face as they lay together. A soft breeze stirred the curtains of the balcony.

"What is it, love?" He asked. He felt secure calling her so. It felt right.

"Nothing." She then looked up at him. "I wonder how everyone will take me being in love with a Knight of Ebon Blade. Not even a Knight, but the Highlord himself."

He kissed her shoulder and then her neck. "They have no business telling us what we can and cannot do."

"But my stepfather is the King of the Alliance. He must at least consent. I am his stepdaughter and a member of his wife's household. The rules dictate that…"

"The rules be damned." He hissed at her. He lifted her face to look at him. "We both have found love, or as we have come to understand it. No one can come between us on it."

She looked at him. The conviction in his voice made her smile. She then snuggled against him and soon slept. He watched her. He no longer required sleep, but he would watch over her. She was his mate now and he would never abandon her. He idly caressed her thick blond curly hair.

It was dusk when she woke and found Darion standing outside on her balcony with his hands behind him. He was shirtless with his thin leather pants. She pulled on her light night dress and a mantle. "What are you doing?" She asked.

"Meditating." He said. He turned to her. "Highlord Fordring taught me. It is a way to quiet my mind and allow me to think when my thoughts become clouded with hatred."

"Hatred?"

"For my former master. I am more thinking about the future." He smiled a little at her. He came to her and kissed her gently his hands cupping her face. "Must you go attend the queen?"

"No." She said. "This is one of my days to sort out my priestess duties."

"Oh?" He asked. He smiled. "And you are sleeping with an unholy man." He smiled at her.

She smiled. "No." She said. "I am sleeping with the man I love."

He chuckled and lifted her in his arms and looked down at her. "You are so small." He kissed her again. "Thank you." He said.

"For what?" She asked.

"For being you. Never change." He grinned and carried her back to her room.