Tap tap tap tap. It was hard to control it. Tap tap tap. As she grew tense, she bounced her pen on the desk with one hand and clenched her forehead with the other. The papers in front of her began to run together. Words became pictures and numbers were blurred. She stopped to take a drink from a bottle next to her. Then continued with her tapping.

"My Lady, please stop it with that racket."

Eleanor looked up suddenly after being interrupted. "I'm sorry Emmitt. I'm feeling a little anxious tonight."

"Eleanor, I was happy to come down to help you with this. But you are making it difficult for me to concentrate."

"I'll just go get some fresh air."

"What you need is some sleep."

"Right…" she trailed off as she got up from her chair.

The clock chimed to mark the afternoon. Eleanor went to the window, opening the curtain to gaze outside. The leaves were changing color and the wind was getting cold. Normally, this would be her favorite time of the year. But the cold only meant that winter would bring hungry mouths.

"Nothing to report here, My Lady."

"Thank you Collins."

"If I may?"

"You may do as you please," she said, looking up from the clutter on desk. "What is it?"

"There have been several requests to meet with you concerning your courtship. Yet you continue to ignore them."

"I don't ignore them," she replied. "I make sure they find their way into the trash."

Collins made a disappointing sigh and sat on the arm chair across from her desk. He was a handsome man with thick brown hair and dark brown eyes. As he walked straight and tall through the crowds in his uniform, women swooned over his demeanor. It meant nothing to him, however. He had been a soldier in Logan's army. And after Logan had lost the thrown, he made an audience with new Queen. He had only wanted to serve Albion and swore he would do right by her hand. During the battle with the Crawler, he had done just that. He had managed to evacuate many of the citizens out of the city before the Crawler attacked. Once they retreated to safety he returned to join the battle. It wasn't long before Eleanor was hearing his name. And with the Major position sitting empty, she had little choice.

"I know you do not want to hear it from me, but someone has to say it. You need someone to take your hand."

"Alright Collins," she said pushing herself away from her desk. "If I marry someone will you finally shut up about it?"

"I didn't mean to offend you. But yes. The problem will cease to exist."

"Then why don't you marry me?"

"My Lady," he said, looking awkwardly away. "I don't…"

Eleanor laughed. "I never thought I'd be able to make you blush, Major."

"If worse comes to worse, I might have to take you on that offer."

"Don't count on it."

"I was going to get married once."

"Please," Eleanor said, getting up to get another glass of liquor. "Humor me."

"She was a beast. Not the majestic or noble sort of beast. She was more like… a boar. Or a bear, maybe. But that would even be a bit of a compliment."

"Are you serious?"

"Very much so. I was very young. And I was devastated. It was an arranged marriage, of course. I couldn't say no. My parents were not good with coin. So I was to marry and inherit the girl's farm."

"Well I don't see you holding a pitchfork. What became of her?"

"I joined the army. And here I am."

Eleanor returned with a second glass. Giggling quietly to herself, she poured a glass for her Major and refilled her own. He took it willingly, toasted in silence, and then took a small drink. He swished the liquid around in the glass, watching quietly as his Queen made herself comfortable in her chair again.

"I don't think I want to get married," she sighed while looking out her window.

"I don't blame you," he sympathized with her.

"You ever been in love, Collins?"

"I can't say that I have."

"Hmm…" she continued to stare out the window. She could see the garden just outside. And beyond that, Bowerstone. And just a sliver on the horizon, she could see the ocean. She could see the ships loading into the harbor and pictured the sails billowing in the wind. She didn't like to think about the seat any more than she had to.

"You can't wait forever," Collins stated.

"I suppose I can't. I just don't know what it is I'm waiting for anymore. And I know, that just sounds ridiculous."

"Not at all, My Lady. If you would like my honest opinion?"

"Please, Major. Your advice is always welcome."

"It was his loss."