Thank you so much to those who are reading these and also those who reviewed. I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. I really value your input/thoughts on how to proceed so don't be shy to review. Constructive criticism welcome... as well as comments about how much you liked it of course :p

CHAPTER 3: FOR YOU

Eragon sat in his chair, drinking from his goblet, eating and talking. While doing these things, he found it a great struggle to stop staring at Arya. As delicious as the food was- he had made sure the cooks would produce the best of recipes- he had no appetite. It was as if the sight of her satisfied his hunger. However, as he regarded her, he found himself wondering at the significance of her arrival. Questions arose in his mind- the foremost being the reason for her lack of contact. But even these began to fade away, slipping from his grip when Arya looked at him with those pensive eyes. Here, in the presence of everyone, she did not show him the same degree of warmth as she had at their first meeting. Again, the Queen was all politeness and formality. Eragon was forced to play along, and discuss dry topics with her. He learned that Ellesmera was growing in size, strength and affluence. Since the fall of Galbatorix, her people began to thrive and develop. More children were being born, more places being discovered and more magic learned. Arya was well pleased, as were her people.

"But of course, politics being politics, I must admit that I struggled through a thornbush to travel here," she added wearily.

Eragon frowned. "The Council?"

Arya nodded. Then, after scanning the hall for any eavesdroppers, she leaned toward him slightly, lowering her voice. "They are not what they once were."

He struggled to think in such close proximity to her. The strong scent of pine suffused his head like a net of magic. "H-how so?"

"In many ways," she answered cryptically. Arya looked at him warningly.

Later, not here.

Eragon inclined his head. "Of course."

She turned back to her plate, cutting baked potatoes stuffed with quinoa, kale, dried cranberries and almonds. Eragon watched as she lifted the fork to her mouth, stopping midway.

"It is slightly disconcerting to be watched while eating," she said to him, amused.

"Oh, my apologies," he replied, blushing. Eragon cleared his throat and looked away.

As soon as he was sure she had taken the bite, he turned around again. Her sculpted eyebrows lifted up in pleasant surprise. A smile rose unbidden to his lips.

"Do you like it?"

"Yes… this combination works well. And the seasoning is perfect."

Eragon chuckled. "The cooks have paid special attention to the food today."

"That they have. I am impressed."

"We still have dessert…"

Arya laughed softly. "I do not know if I have the room for more food, but I will try." After finishing the dish, she set the cutlery down. She gave him a sidelong glance. "You have changed."

"Why do you say that?"

"There is something about you… a gravity that did not exist before."

He considered this and was not sure if it was a good or bad thing. "I am still the Eragon from twenty years ago."

This time, she faced him directly. Her eyes searched his face along while, as if hoping to excavate something.

"You should not forgive me, Ebrithil. I am ashamed to be sitting here after the treatment I gave you."

How to answer her? A storm of emotions threatened to engulf him, rising like acid in his throat. How can I tell you what I've been through? To be truthful, he had envisioned taking her from Ellesmera for many years, demanding to know if she still felt anything for him. Where she had been, why she had not contacted him… but he found that, upon seeing her here, alive and well, as beautiful as ever, he was content. His anger, hurt and frustration melted away.

As long as you are here, beside me.

"I did wonder… at your lack of contact. It has been a long time since I saw your face."

She nodded, silent.

"I must confess that I had begun to doubt our friendship."

At this, her eyes wavered.

"But…" he took a deep breath. "It gives me great pleasure to see you here."

Before I passed into the void, I longed to see your face.

"I could not understand how you secluded yourself from the rest of the world… but that matters not. You are here. You are happy, and I am content."

The formal mask on her face cracked. Her eyes softened.

"I forgive you."

For a time, she stared at him, all pretense gone. Her face showed disbelief.

"You do not ask why I kept the distance all these years?" she asked incredulously.

"No."

As if afraid, Arya gazed down at her plate.

"I did wonder… how you would respond," she said quietly.

"Was it as expected?"

"No. No…" she said. "You have been very merciful."

"I settle for no less," he said with a wry smile. Then, breaking the serious mood, he indicated to the table. "Come, enjoy the food. I want our special guests to be well fed." Eragon clapped his hands and elves appeared with trays piled with dessert. There were exclamations of delight all around as the plates were lowered. Arya still had her eyes fixed on her plate, not moving. It was only when the serving elves neared them that she lifted her head to thank them. Then, slowly, as if her neck pained her, Arya turned her eyes on Eragon. She scanned his face, looking into them for a long time. Eragon returned her stare, uncertain of what she searched for. The elf woman bit her lip and finally spoke.

"You needn't fear that I may starve." She glanced at his plate. "What of you? I noticed you have barely eaten anything since the feast began."

"My hunger is sated when you eat."

A faint crimson coloured her high cheekbones. Arya averted her gaze.

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked uncertainly.

"No, but to say such things so publicly…"

"Oh…" Eragon blushed with her.

They were saved from the awkwardness by Advisor Ciseron, who filled him in on his duties for the day and the elves that Arya had brought with her. Eragon was glad of this diversion and did his best to form a sound schedule for the day. He chatted with the visiting elves, Saphira, Firnen, Blödhgarm, Ciseron and others during the feast. As he had the rest of the day ahead of him to spend with the Queen, Eragon refrained from drinking too much. When everyone had filled their bellies till bursting, Eragon signalled the end of the feast.

"I hope everyone has enjoyed the meal. My thanks to the cooks who have made this possible!" The cooks bowed. "Students, you will be pleased to hear that you may have the day off."

A loud cheer rose up. He laughed. As the students dispersed, Eragon offered his arm to Arya. She took it, and together, they left the castle to admire the outdoors.

Enjoy your time, little one, Saphira said to him before taking off into the sky with Firnen.

You too, he replied. Just remember to let Firnen rest- he's had a long journey.

Humph. Just worry about yourself, youngling.

When they stepped outside, he noticed Arya gazing around in wonder. He had the feeling she was waiting to do this for the whole time. As if it was prepared for this day, the weather was especially excellent.

"It is just as you described. Magnificent… truly magnificent," she breathed.

"Better than Ellesmera?" he joked.

She gave him a solemn expression. "That is hardly a fair comparison. My city is only a part of Alagaesia."

"You are right. Forgive me; I could not wait to show this land to you."

She smiled. "Yes, I must say- it is a perfect land to settle in. The city is beautiful," Arya breathed. "I am amazed that you have accomplished so much in so short a time."

"I had help from many," he said, shaking his head.

"That may be, but I can see that you have ruled over them well."

"I am not sure that ruling is the appropriate word."

"And why not? You are clearly the leader of Oris-Vel, whether you intended this or not. All respect and love you… it seems like an unspoken but accepted fact."

This troubled him. "I do not want the title."

"Whyever not?" she asked, incredulous.

"It's too formal, too distant. I want my students and friends to know that I am close by, accessible and approachable."

"I understand your reason for this, but embrace this leadership- this role. It is a great privilege."

"And would you say that being Queen agrees with you?"

The two slowed down. She glanced at him. A tension formed between them.

"It is… a great honour," Arya replied, choosing her words carefully. "For certain, it can sometimes be a burden. But the reward was seeing my people flourish."

"And now?" he pressed her.

"It still is, an honour."

Eragon nodded and decided to leave it at that. There was no need to investigate further. The sun was shining, birds singing and the breeze welcoming. More importantly, she was here by his side. As they walked in silence, Eragon took the time to observe her profile. He committed himself to etching the memory of her face into his mind. Every contour, every expression, every flicker in her eyes. She seemed at such ease in nature, a free spirit. These were what made him love her. The strength, knowledge, self-assurance… but also her paradoxical vulnerability, her graceful and gentle nature. He delighted in her headstrong attitude.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For the rest of the day, Eragon showed her the forests, lakes, glades, mountains and beaches. Arya responded favourably, her face rapt with awe- he found himself staring at her more frequently. He had never seen her so happy, so comfortable. He welcomed this new side of her. Next, they visited the city of Erondel, where they navigated their way around the streets, greeting citizens and browsing shops. Once, they passed the jeweller's, where he bought her a diamond necklace wrought like elegant leaves on a supple branch. She thanked him with a surprised smile and wore it around her slender neck. During their walk, he noticed that she kept looking at it, admiring its splendour.

After touring the cobbled streets of the city, he guided her outside to the castle gardens. They passed numerous ones that had been sung into various arrangements. He led her to one in particular, stepping through the elaborately decorated gate. Arya followed. To his pleasure, she seemed impressed by the creativity of the displays. Above them, boughs from both sides were curved over to intertwine with each other. They glowed with a pulsating gold light. Deep blue flowers blossomed on the branches, and one such collection was manipulated to form the shape of a swan. They were nearing the project he had been working on for the past ten years… in the ancient language, he whispered "Open" to the wall of vines in front of him. Like a puzzle, the vines snaked away from each other, disentangling and unwinding themselves. Finally, he and Arya faced an open archway. He stepped through it and they entered a small, moist clearing.

"Eragon, what-?..."

Arya fell silent. Deep throated lilies grew all around them. The majority were pale blue, but some of them were solid gold- and alive. She whirled around to face him.

"You gilded the lilies," she said, half laughing.

"Yes," he replied softly. "Wiol ono." For you.

"This is no ordinary feat," Arya continued in wonder. "How long did it take-no, how did you do this?"

"It was… challenging, but I managed it with the help of spellcasters. I must say… the spell is very long-winded and complicated. But with the appropriate manipulation of gramarye, it can be done."

The Queen shook her head, raven hair rippling.

"I do not know what to say."

"You need not say anything," said Eragon, laughing softly. He stepped forward and took a lock of her hair in his hand. He kissed it. Inwardly, he was surprised by his own boldness, but he didn't care. Time was too precious, too fickle for him to fear taking risks. Eragon offered her his arm again. She seemed stunned, but recovered in a manner of seconds.

"I must confess that your boldness takes me by surprise."

He shrugged. "Perhaps I know the value of time."

Arya looked at him sideways. "Some may call it rashness…"

Eragon looked back at her, slightly worried. Her lips twitched. His eyes narrowed.

"You are teasing me."

"Perhaps…" she said, smiling and turning her face to the front.

"Well," he began, an idea forming. "In that case, I shall make you pay your debt of twenty years."

She stopped, expression serious. Eragon turned around.

"What do you require of me?"

"How long will you be staying?"

"That I cannot say. A month? Maybe even less?... Why?"

Eragon thought a moment. Then: "Your payment is this: you must not leave my side from noon till moonlight every day."

Arya stared. "That… is my payment?"

"You do not agree?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and crossing his arms.

Her lips parted, but then closed. She shook her head. "No… I shall pay my debt with time."

Eragon nodded once, satisfied. He extended an arm to her.

"Then come, your Majesty. You have many days to spend chained to me."

For a brief moment, she faltered. Arya seemed torn, her face troubled. But then… very slowly, she linked her arm with his. Eragon frowned inwardly at her hesitation and her expression. However, he could not ask her now- he could see the barrier she had erected. No, it would have to be later.

The two walked towards the sun's direction, each occupied by their own ocean of thoughts. And Arya Drottning- the warrior, the regal, the dutiful, and the resilient- carried herself with calm and poise to conceal the secret within.