Yesterday was not a good day. Today would not be a good day either. Melia knew that much.
The lack of sleep and the merciless migraine were enough to make the woman scorn the dawning of the sun. But it was the overwhelming sadness crushing her and the fury that threatened to set her on fire that sealed the deal.
All the Empress could think about as she dressed for the day and ate her breakfast was the fight last night with Dunban. The rage in his eyes; the bitter words from his tongue. The pain and shame that flushed her face. As she recalled each moment of the conversation, she felt her insides tighten and an anguish bloom in her chest. The Homs Entia looked down at the oatmeal and pushed it away.
The only time Melia remembered seeing Dunban enraged in such a way was the moment he learned his long-time friend and ally Mumkhar had transformed into the Mechon Metal Face, and he knowingly led the attack on Colony 9. The very same attack that resulted in Fiora's seeming death.
But this time, she was the target of his rage. Unwarranted of course, the woman knew. It was clear to her that inside, he was hurting. That was no excuse for the coarse language and accusations he flung at her.
She squeezed her eyes shut and buried her face in her hands. Her stomach turned. Deep down, Melia knew that a few of his allegations were undeniable. And perhaps that was the worst part. That she knew that there was a sliver of truth underneath the outburst.
It was hard to keep her head high as she walked into the Cabinet Chamber that morning, but Melia forced herself to do so. She was in no mood to talk politics, or fight fires of the sociological kind. No, the Homs Entia just wanted to leave. Go to Prison Island and focus on what she was building. At least there she be free of judgement. There, she could feel pride in the project that she had created, built, and grown on her own. Here, in the Cabinet Chamber, the Empress felt the crushed by obligations and duties that she failed to fulfill, and was quickly losing the strength to push back and stand tall.
But in the face of so many, she could not falter.
Melia sat down at the head of the table, her eyes passing over the two empty seats at the end. One for Jarrack, one for Miriall. Dunban was right, she was losing control of her people. How many more would leave her before the end? Her stomach twisted, but her face remained blank. A perfect picture of grace and poise.
Clearing her head, she opened her briefcase, pulled out a stack of packets, and distributed one to each of her personnel.
"Good morning, everyone. What you are looking at is the treaty that I will sign with Mayor Laden of Colony 9 and Mayor Phaedra of Colony 6 in a few days time here in Alcamoth. You may review it at your leisure, but allow me to outline the main points during this meeting."
"First, Mayor Laden will make an official apology to the High Entia regarding the hate crime that occurred in Colony 9 a week and a half ago. Both Mayor Laden and Mayor Phaedra will also make an official statement condemning all interracial violence. Here, both will sign into action that any such incident in the future will be dealt with swiftly and with maximum resources."
"Second, should any High Entia be victimized in such a way in either Colony 9 or Colony 6 by a Homs, there will be a joint jurisdictional trial by the High Entian government and either the Colony 9 or Colony 6 government. The same will be reciprocated should a Homs be harmed by a High Entia in a racially-charged situation here in Alcamoth."
There was a gasp, but she ignored it, pushing through and flipping a few pages into the document.
"Third, Colony 9 and Colony 6 will be required to inform the High Entian Empire of any criminals and convicts that have escaped and pose potential danger to the High Entian empire. The High Entian government will reciprocate the gesture as well as a show of good faith."
"Fourth, all Colony 9 and 6 residents will require a form of identification and stamp approval from their local governments in order to visit and/or immigrate to Alcamoth. The same will be required by High Entia visiting or immigrating to Colonies 6 and 9. In this manner, it will be simple to track individuals moving between our cities should any criminal activity arise."
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a questioning glance from Camar, but she disregarded it.
"Finally, Colonies 9 and 6 will lift all tariffs on trade between their cities and Alcamoth for the period of one year as partial reparations for the damage caused to our nation."
That was her least favorite point. Money could not buy back the lives lost. However, it would ease economic pressures on the High Entia as they grew their local industries and businesses once again.
Leaning back in her chair, Melia folded her hands in front of her, awaiting their reactions. All she was met with was silence. It mattered not to her. She knew it would be disappointing to possibly half of her public, but she knew it was the right way to handle the situation.
From her briefcase, she removed another set of packets and slid the copies over to each Cabinet member. "This is an outline regarding our new immigration policies. As it is a work in progress, I welcome any and all feedback. Once the policy is ready to enact, I will search to add another Cabinet member to create a team, build this system, and supervise it's running."
"I will take it on." Songya said
Surprised, Melia asked, "Would this not add more burden to you and your existing duties?"
"Yes, but I would be happy to do this."
"Alright then. We shall meet separately to discuss and plan out a timeline."
Songya nodded in agreement. "I don't know if it's the best outcome, but I think it's a solid, Empress."
A wordless 'thank you' passed between the two women. A slight warmth bloomed in Melia's chest. Perhaps the day wouldn't be so terrible.
Clearing her throat, Melia said, "Now that we have reviewed the treaty, I have one more thing to discuss before we resume our normal meeting agenda. Shalen, the defense program you were working on almost two months ago, what is the status of that?"
Shalen grimaced and answered, "There hasn't been much progress since then to be honest, your Grace."
"Not a problem. If you could make that your primary priority now, I would appreciate it."
"Yes, of course, your Majesty."
"Now, shall we begin status reports?"
As the meeting concluded, Melia stood and shuffled together her documents. Out of the corner of her eye, the Empress watched Songya walk across the room towards her.
"What can I do for you, Songya?" Melia asked as she placed the remaining papers into her briefcase.
"I don't know if you are aware, but the Entia are very impressed with your rescue of that Homs girl."
Melia shook her head. "Quite honestly, I'm surprised. I would have done that for anyone stranded in that shuttle. It was the right thing to do."
"Well, it affected them. Though, this document will probably take a bit of that favor away. Be prepared for that."
"I know. But we couldn't go to war with the Homs."
"Yes, but there is a lot of rage around this incident. From all of the High Entia."
Melia sighed and walked over to the window facing the courtyard below, gesturing for Songya to follow. The Empress heard them on her way to the Cabinet chamber that morning, but chose not to look at the spectacle. Now, her eyes watched a group of High Entia moving in a circle, carrying signs. Her ears picked up the sounds of shouts, but did not register the words. Not that she had to; she knew what they were doing.
"Regardless, the fanatics will try to usurp my throne if the Scepter is not found in the next two days. I'm not sure I have much to lose at this point."
Part of her was tired of worrying. What would be, would be. Or at least that's what she said to herself in order to temper the ever present anxiety that kept her on edge.
"True. But I think you need to watch your back. Who knows how people will react when you make the public announcement." Melia could see the concern in the Entia's narrowed eyes.
"Thank you for the warning. I will heed it."
Songya nodded, bowed, and walked towards the exit, where Kiefer waited for her. Together, they departed, their voices low in conversation.
As Melia returned to the table to collect her briefcase, she was confronted by Camar. Her palms began to sweat. Their recent encounters had unnerved her. She wasn't entirely sure what he wanted of her anymore. But one thing was clear to her, his motivations were untrustworthy.
"Your Majesty, how are you today?"
"I'm doing fine, Camar. Thank you for asking."
"And the Dahlias?"
Carefully, she said in a neutral tone, "They are lovely. Thank you for the thoughtful gift."
Giving her a satisfied smirk, he said, "I knew you'd like them. I remember when you told me. It was that evening we were going over the plans for the agricultural plans. Why don't we repeat that? I'll make you dinner tonight."
Her blood turned cold. She did not wish to recall memories of late night planning sessions with Camar. Neither did she like the fact that he remembered such details about her likes and dislikes.
"I appreciate the gesture, but my hands are full this evening. Another time, perhaps."
"Why, because of Dunban?"
Her eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry?"
"If you keep spending all of this time with a Homs, people are going to wonder." His tone was nonchalant, but Melia could hear the undertones of disgust.
"What are you implying?"
"All I'm doing is looking out for your reputation, Empress. People will question your priorities if you continue to spend a lot of time with the Homs."
She felt heat in her cheeks, but she maintained an appearance of evenness.
"Camar, I'm not sure what you believe is going on, but I would ask you to not make accusations regarding things you do not know. Dunban has been a trusted friend and advisor."
"And a bad influence. If he and his sister weren't here, you wouldn't have gotten involved in that crash. It's his fault you've been hurt. Can't you see he doesn't belong here?" He shot back.
"I will not tolerate this discussion. If you have anything to say regarding the location of the Scepter, I would be glad to hear of it. Otherwise, this conversation is over."
"Be careful of your loyalties, Empress." He snapped and stalked away.
A shiver ran down her spine as she watched him depart. If Camar was the saboteur, he certainly wasn't hiding it anymore.
"Empress, it looks like your wounds are healing nicely. Continue to apply the salave on them and they should heal in the next week or so." The healer smiled as she closed the back of the medical gown Melia wore. Because she had left before being formally discharged, Melia was forced to have two follow-ups regarding the burns on her back. Yesterday, just after the healer had finished her examination, Camar had shown up with his bouquet of Dahlias. Of course, he knew the Dahlias were her favorite flower and she'd accepted them, although given the circumstances, it unnerved her. And she had much preferred them to be from Dunban.
She wasn't so sure if that sentiment still held now. Especially regarding their fight last night.
Melia would not refer to it as an argument. It was very clear that Dunban had come looking for a fight, with how aggravated he was.
His last words echoed in her ears as the healer left the room, leaving her alone to change from the paper gown into her regular clothes. As she tugged on her slacks and buttoned up her shirt, Melia clenched her jaw. He'd called her selfish. A user of others. In denial.
Tears collected in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. Melia covered her mouth with her hands to keep her sobs from escaping into the world. A lump grew in her throat as her body shook. The words stung; slashing at her heart. They hurt because they were spoken with such poison. They hurt because they were true.
They hurt because they had come from him.
"Empress, Nae'ell is here to see you." James called from outside the curtain.
Quickly, she wiped the tears away, drying her eyes on the sleeves of her shirt. Clearing her throat, Melia blinked several times, trying to ward away any redness that could indicate crying. After collecting herself, she took a deep breath, exhaling the negative emotions inhabiting her body.
"Let her come in," she called.
Nae'ell swept in, her blue robes swirling around her like a mythical angel. Today, her black hair was done up in a messy bun, and her pallor was paler than usual. She rushed over and took Melia's hands in her own.
"How are you? I've tried to find you these past two days, but you're always so busy."
"I'm feeling much better, despite the injuries."
"Do you have time to take a walk?"
"Not according to my schedule," Melia gave her a sad smile before continuing, "But we haven't had a chance to connect in the past few days. I would very much appreciate your company now."
"More like a week than a few days. It almost feels like you're avoiding me." Nae'ell teased.
"I am not!"
Nae'ell linked arms with the Empress and they walked out of her patient room, and out of the clinc, James and Elrich only a few steps behind. As they walked out into the courtyard, Melia felt the sun shine down on her. It was unusally warm today, and she welcomed it, wishing each day could be warm like this. She smiled and tilted her head up towards the rays. It would be nice to sit on the beach and take advantage of the warm weather.
Nae'ell led them over to the Fountain of Eternity, and they sat on the edge. The sounds of laughter reached Melia's ears and she turned to see a group of children playing catch across the walkway. They looked so happy; a warmth bloomed inside her chest.
"So. Tell me what's going on with you. You look...sad."
The Empress felt her shoulders sag a little as she withdrew from the moment of joy and turned back to the Entian woman. Fidgenting with her hands for a moment, Melia thought about what exactly she could share. Certainly not her fight with Dunban. That was too private. But she could share her thoughts about Camar and Miriall. After all, Nae'ell was the first to be a vehement advocate of Camar's identity as the saboteur.
"I believe you were right. About Camar."
"Really? What happened?"
"He...threatened me this morning."
"What?" Nae'ell said, outraged. "You have to arrest him!"
"I cannot. Not just yet anyway. There is no actual evidence, just many possible theories, though most point back to him."
"What a coward. He must be doing this for revenge."
"I cannot think of another reason. I do not know of any other experience where I may have slighted him. I thought he would be a nobler person."
"You always try to see the good in everyone, Melia. It's going to get you in trouble someday."
"There is also the possibility that Miriall may be working with him." She looked away, back at the children.
"Miriall? That is such a surprise. She seems too sweet to be criminal of that nature."
"That is also what I thought. But when Dunban spoke with her yesterday, he noted her behavior to be somewhat suspicious."
Just saying his name hurt.
"Well, it can't be helped. A wolf in sheep's clothing." Nae'ell paused in thought. "You know, she has been acting rather strangely. A few days ago, she invited me to go with her to the ceramics studio. She said she needed to make a new set of mortar & pestles for the clinic. I wonder if that's what she was doing."
Melia turned back to Nae'ell. "I will have someone follow up. That is not entirely unreasonable reason, as she was the manager of the clinic, but anything is now worth investigating."
They fell silent for a moment. Melia let her eyes wander sideways towards the figures of James and Elrich, who stood a few feet away with their backs to her.
"Is there something else bothering you, Melia?"
Melia returned her gaze to her conversation partner and hesitated. Something in her wanted to discuss Shulk's findings with the woman. Nae'ell would offer a unique perspective being Entian.
"There is something else. That I would like your opinion of, as this may directly affect yourself." She murmured.
"What is it?" Nae'ell asked, leaning her head in.
"Shulk has discovered this pocket of ether just off of Hovering Reef 9."
"Pocket?"
"Essentially, it is a hole in the sea. Filled with massive concentrations of ether."
Nae'ell's face contorted with horror. "The Entia could transform back into Telethia."
Melia nodded, swallowing the growing lump in the her throat. "Exactly."
"That is...terrifying."
"It frightens me as well. I need to find a way to tell the public. I want to avoid inciting mass panic. If you were to learn this information, what would you want to hear?"
"Well, I'm a little biased as you're telling me now." Nae'ell smirked and continued, "Do you have a plan?"
"Currently, the teleporters to that Reef have been deactiviated. All shuttles have been grounded save for those traveling to the Highlands and back. Or those with special approval from myself. Shulk is working on a plan to hopefully quarantine the area."
"That is all helpful. But until you have a plan for quarantine, I think it's best to keep it a secret."
Melia nodded. That was logical.
Silence fell between them as they felt the reality of the situation. With a pocket of ether this close to Alcamoth, it could mean the end of the High Entian civilization. Unless there were some way to quarantine it, or destroy it.
"How are things with Dunban?"
Before Melia could give a vague answer, Fiora ran up to them, her cheeks red from the exertion.
"There you are! I've been looking all over for you!" Fiora grinned at Melia, and then turned to Nae'ell. "It's nice to see you, Nae'ell."
"You as well, Fiora."
"It looks like you're feeling better." Melia smiled at Fiora. "What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to steal you for a moment, if you've got one."
"We were in the middle of a conversation." Nae'ell raised her eyebrows.
"That's why I asked if she was free." Fiora returned.
"I'm sure Nae'ell won't mind." Melia said, giving Nae'ell an apologetic look.
Indifferently, the Entian woman shrugged. "I guess we're finished." Nae'ell stood. "I will see you later, Melia." Then, she walked off, clearly annoyed at being dismissed.
Immediately, Melia was awash with guilt.
"It's not your fault." Fiora said as if she'd read Melia's mind. "She's a touchy one."
"What did you want to do?" Melia asked, changing the subject, though inside she felt as though she'd let another person down.
"Serenity and I have a surprise for you!"
Melia frowned. "Unfortunately, I think I have strayed too far from my schedule. I may have a meeting right after lunch." She would've liked to see what Fiora had in store.
With a hand wave, Fiora said, "Serenity's moved everything in your schedule, so you're free for the next few hours."
Melia knit her brows together. "I don't know if that is appropriate. I need to begin preparations for Mayor Laden and Phaedra's arrival."
"Oh, don't worry. Serenity has done a great job of taking care of everything."
The Empress knew that she should go back to work. She knew that there were a great many things to do the prepare for the events in the coming days, even with the possibility of impeachment. But the last 24 hours had left her exhausted, physically and emotionally.
Perhaps she could allow herself a break. A few hours to rest and recharge. Then she could resume her duties, plausibly with more energy, and thus be more productive.
Still, she was uncertain, as if saying yes to such a proposal would get her in trouble. But the offer was tempting. Too tempting.
"Come on. I promise it'll be fun." Fiora winked at Melia and extended her hand.
Melia nodded, hesitantly taking her friend's hand. Fun was something she could desperately use. And if Serenity had secured free time, who was she to say no?
Fiora led her to the main entrance and indicated they were heading down to Lafael Shore. About twenty minutes later, Fiora and Melia had arrived, James and Elrich silently following. A slight gust of wind passed by, lifting wayward tendrils of hair off of Melia's forehead as she put her hand up to shield her eyes from the sun. The scene in front of her looked like paradise. It had been a long time since she had come down to the shore. As they walked along the beach, Melia caught sight of Serenity a few feet away, sitting on a large blanket, a large basket next to her.
Fiora waved and skipped forward, gesturing for Melia to follow. As the Empress neared her assistant, she saw the whole set up. Checkered napkins and white ceramic plates; a meat and cheese spread; tea sandwiches and grapes.
A picnic lunch.
"Empress, do you like it?" Serenity asked timidly as Melia sat down across from her assistant.
"Oh yes. This is...wonderful." She felt herself chest tighten with gratitude. It was a thoughtful gesture and she felt undeserving of such kindness.
"We thought you could use a little fresh air." Fiora added as she seated herself adjacent to the two Homs Entia. "And Serenity mentioned that you hardly get out of the city. So why not have lunch by the sea? It's such a beautiful day, too!"
"Thank you, both. This is very kind of you." Melia smiled, straining to hold back happy tears. With the exhaustion of the past few days, she was very sensitive.
"Oh stop. We just want you to have a good time!"
"I'll leave you two to it then." Serenity nodded and began to stand.
"No, stay!" Fiora said, catching the younger girl's hand.
"I don't want to intrude..."
"You're not. Right Melia?"
"Of course." Melia agreed. "Serenity, you helped to organize this. I would very much like you to stay. If you do not, I will just have to order you as my subject."
A smile crept onto Serenity's face and she resumed her seat. Quickly, they broke into the bread and cheese. A warm breeze passed through, and Melia savored the heat on her skin as she dropped a grape into her mouth. This was indeed a wonderful surprise.
"Can I ask you guys a question?" Fiora asked as she set down her tea cup. "It's of the...personal nature."
"Of course."
"My six month anniversary with Shulk is coming up. I want to do something to celebrate. Do you guys have ideas? I don't know this area too well." Fiora asked as she spread cheese on a piece of bread and bit into it.
"Um...you could go stargazing at the lighthouse." Serenity said.
"That's a great idea! Have you done that before?"
"Oh yes. If you ask Shalen, she could give you the key to the roof. You can see all of the stars from there. It's quite romantic." Serenity answered dreamily.
"Have you gone with your boyfriend?" Fiora grinned.
"Oh! Well...um..." Serenity trailed off as she blushed three shades of red.
"I didn't know you were seeing anyone. How long?" Melia asked, genuinely curious. This was certainly an interesting development. And a most welcome distraction.
"It's only been a few months..." Serenity answered, her eyes downcast as she fidgeted with her hands.
"Who is it?" Fiora asked.
"I'd rather not say..."
"Can I try guessing at least?"
Serenity thought about that for a moment and nodded. "Okay, you can have three guesses."
"Is it James?" Fiora whispered, casting a glance over at Melia's bodyguards, who stood a few feet away with their backs to the women.
"No." Serenity shook her head and took a bite out of her tea sandwich.
Melia observed her assistant. She seemed calm, especially considering she had not wanted to reveal the identity of her lover.
She doesn't think we'll guess correctly.
So that meant it was someone unexpected. Melia ruminated on the puzzle, brainstorming various ideas in her mind.
"What about Kiefer?" Fiora guessed.
Serenity shook her head and dropped a few grapes into her mouth. "Kiefer's nice, but he isn't exactly my type." Serenity answered and then hastily added, "Not to say that he's not handsome!" Always conscientious of others. It was something Melia admired in the younger woman.
"No...Kiefer is with Songya." Melia mused, taking a sip of tea.
"Oh my! How do you know?" Serenity exclaimed.
A small smirk danced on Melia's lips. "It's quite obvious to me, the way they look at each other. How often they are together. I haven't known Kiefer that long, but I can see he's quite taken with her."
"Is it...Jarrack?" Fiora grimaced.
Serenity shook her head. "Oh no!"
"Thank god. You had me worried for a moment!"
The three woman burst into a fit of giggles. Melia felt a rush of happiness invade her body, and became a willing prisoner to it. The next hour was spent in lively conversation combined of jokes, gossip, and anecdotes. So engrossed in the conversation, Melia hardly noticed the passage of time, nor did she think about the state of affairs in Alcamoth.
After the food was gone, the three woman fell silent, satiated physically and emotionally.
"Let's go wade out into the water." Fiora gestured to the sea with her head.
Serenity shook her head. "I'll stay here, thank you."
"Melia?" Fiora stood, holding out her hands to help the Empress to her feet.
"I'm not sure..."
"It'll be fun! Just roll up your pant legs. Like this." Fiora bent and quickly rolled up her right pant leg, then her left, all the way up to her knees.
Melia mimicked Fiora's movements. She felt rather silly, seeing the fabric bunched up around her knees. It occurred to her that her sleeves would possibly get drenched should she wish to run her hands through the water. The High Entia then rolled up her sleeves, right above her elbows. Perhaps she should have worn something more suited to the warm weather. A dress, maybe. But it had been so long since she'd worn a dress or anything besides slacks and a blouse. It would make her feel awkward now.
"Let's go!" Fiora shouted and ran out into the water. Melia looked back at Serenity, who giggled. With a smile, Melia followed, walking out to the water, savoring the feeling of wet sand underneath her feet. As she waded into the water, the liquid felt cool on her skin. Refreshing. A perfect compliment to the balmy weather of the day.
"This is nice." Fiora mused, extending her arms out horizontally.
"I couldn't agree more."
"I wish Colony 9 had a big sea like this one."
At the mention of the Homs home, a question entered Melia's mind, pestering her. She tried to push it away, focus on the moment, but it was persistent. It clouded her mind, sapping away the joy. She didn't want to ask it, but considering the recent upheaval, it begged to be answered.
"Are you going to leave? Go back to Colony 9?"
Fiora frowned and put her hands on her hips. "No, of course not. Dunban's just being over protective."
A small surge of relief coursed through the Empress, and was immediately followed by a river of guilt. Dunban's words rang out in her head, shaming her. Was she being selfish in not wanting Fiora to leave? Would it be safer for her to leave?
"Did the two of you talk?" Melia asked hesitantly.
"Talk is a nice word for what happened." Fiora pursed her lips.
"Did you argue?"
"That's an understatement. I don't think we've ever had a fight like that."
"He did appear to be quite enflamed." Melia folded her arms across her chest, keeping her voice monotone. The Homs Entia had no intention of exposing how upset the conversation had made her. She didn't want to put Fiora in an awkward position, even if Fiora would be willing to listen.
"So you two fought too?"
"Yes." Melia creased her lips into a fine line.
"Oh jeez." Fiora sighed and rolled her eyes.
"What?" Melia asked, surprised.
"Dunban can get pretty hot-headed when it comes to my safety." Fiora said, kicking the water, miffed.
"I understand that. You're his sister."
"Yeah, but it's a bit more than that. It's always been his job to look out for me since we were little, especially since our parents died. For a long time, we were all each other had. So it messed Dunban up pretty bad when he thought I was dead. When Metal Face, um Mumkhar, stabbed me back in Colony 9. I think he blames himself for that." Fiora bit her lip and cast her gaze down at the water. "He's always watched out for me, you know? We're very close. Tell each other almost everything. He's my best friend. I'm sure you felt the same about Kallian, right?"
Melia nodded, feeling the familiar tug at her heart upon remembering her brother's face. If she could have saved Kallian, Melia would have done anything in her power to do so. He was never far from her thoughts, even now, nine months after his death.
Fiora sighed, stretching her arms behind her back. "To be honest, I do the same too with Dunban. I don't really worry about his physical safety. Obviously, he can take care of himself. But, more like...looking out for his emotional side." Fiora smirked. "You know, I didn't like Senara for the first six months she and Dunban were together."
"Really?" It was hard to keep the surprise out of her voice. It seemed Senara and Fiora were on friendly terms when she'd seen the two Homs women together weeks ago.
Fiora looked up at Melia. "She wasn't exactly...the nicest person. I only made an effort to be friendly to her because Dunban asked me to. Between you and me, I think she took Dunban for granted."
That would explain a few things.
"Anyway, we both get a little protective. I think it comes from when we could depend only each other." Fiora paused, then continued, "I'm not saying you should forgive him. I just wanted you to understand. Chances are he's feeling pretty bad for upsetting you. Dunban puts up a strong front, but he's a big softy."
"We'll see."
Melia wouldn't make any promises. He had been nasty.
"Hey, I never got to thank you. For saving me." Fiora said, her voice soft.
"Fiora, no thanks is needed. You're my friend."
"All the same. Thanks, Melia."
Fiora put her arms around the Empress. Slowly, Melia returned the embrace. It was comforting, the hug. Fiora was always so open, so gracious. Melia couldn't help but smile. It felt good, connecting with another person.
Then Fiora stepped away and splashed her.
"Ah!" Melia cried out in surprise as the bottoms of her pants were doused in water. A wicked gleam appeared in Fiora's eyes. In response, Melia raised an eyebrow. Kicking at the water, the Empress splashed back at her friend.
Soon enough, they were engaged in a water war, laughing as they attempted to shower eachother in salt water while avoiding getting completely soaked. For those few minutes, Melia laughed all the way to her bones, drowning out all the despair and torment that crushed her during the day.
Finally, they called a truce, giggling as they held onto each other. Face flushed and out of breath, Melia felt joyful butterflies in her stomach. Arms linked, the two young women walked back to the shore, their pants wet above the knees, droplets of sea water staining their shirts. Arriving at the picnic area, they joined Serenity in lying down on the blanket, sunbathing.
Melia closed her eyes, feeling the sun's rays on her body. Taking a deep breath in and out, she attempted to empty her mind of all anxious thoughts, instead focusing on the present moment. The Empress concentrated on the sound of the waves hitting the shore, the birds squawking in the sky, but to no avail. Her thoughts always drifted back to the problems at hand.
Despite the possibility of losing her throne, she could not find it in herself to regret the time spent that afternoon on the shore instead of attending to restoration business. It meant the world to her that her friends surprised her. She'd treasure these memories always.
The sound of footsteps crunching into the sand alerted Melia, sending a shock through her veins. Before she could open her eyes, the footsteps stopped.
"Fiora, I've been looking for you."
That voice. She would recognize it anywhere. The rich tones that warmed her blood.
"Save it, Dunban. I'm staying in Alcamoth." Melia heard Fiora rise and dust herself off. "I'm heading back. Do you want to go, Melia? Serenity?"
"I'll come with you." Serenity piped up as she rose from her position.
Turning her face towards Fiora, Melia slowly opened her eyes, using her hand to shield her vision from the sun and said to Fiora, "I think I'll stay here just a little longer."
"Don't worry, Empress. Your next appointment isn't until four o'clock. Take as much time as you need." Serenity smiled with her eyes and bowed, the basket in hand.
"See you." Fiora waved. She turned and pushed passed Dunban, deliberately bumping into his shoulder as she headed back towards the city with Serenity.
Silence.
Melia lay down and closed her eyes again, putting her arm over her eyes, desperate to return to her peaceful meditation. But her heart thumped in her chest at his nearness. The calm was gone, replaced by apprehension. It was odd, feeling this mixture of anger, hurt, and hope. Which was the primary emotion? Which was the one she should absorb herself in?
"Funny thing is I was trying to apologize to her."
Melia didn't respond. What was she supposed to say to that?
"Can I join you?"
"I can't stop you from doing anything, Dunban."
"May I join you?"
"Alright."
She felt him sit next to her. Her pulse quickened.
"How are you?"
Part of her was astonished he would ask such an inane question, especially with the elephant in the room. But she bit her tongue, refusing the sullen response to leave her mouth. Instead, she opted to keep her voice as neutral as possible.
"Taking advantage of the beautiful weather."
"And your back?"
Immediately, Melia remembered his seeing her naked back the previous morning. Heat rose to her already warm cheeks. The intrusion had roused mixed emotions in her body. One was embarrassment. The other was exhilaration.
She would not be exploring what that second emotion meant anytime soon.
"It's mending, though the healers say it will scar."
Silence. She would not be the one to break it.
"Melia, about last night. I want to apologize. My behavior was...deplorable."
Heart still, she held her breathe, waiting to hear more.
"I took my anger out on you. You deserved none of it and it was wrong of me to direct it at you. I lashed out at you and deeply regret the things I said. I know that you may not forgive me, but I wish I had never said any of those things."
How she had waited to hear those words. They were a balm for the wounds he had inflicted upon her heart. Not a complete cure, but a soothing antidote to remove the stinging.
Her eyelids fluttered and she opened her eyes. Sitting up, she faced him, bringing her knees to her chest. Levelly, she looked at him, trying to ignore the racing of her heart. "It's true, you should not have been so rude to me. I did nothing wrong."
"I am sorry. And I know you're right. Everything you said. I have to let Fiora do what she thinks is best." He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "Just seeing her unconscious in that shuttle...it felt like Colony 9 all over again."
Her heart softened as she looked at his eyes, full of fear and loss. Despite her anger, Melia wanted to reach out and hug him. Let him know everything was alright. That he was not alone.
But she could not give in. Not just yet. The Homs Entia had to stand her ground.
"I understand that, Dunban. But that does not change the fact that you insulted me."
"I regret that the most, Melia. You did not deserve such treatment." His voice was coated with anguish. It made her ache. Her throat constricted, feeling the emotion rise, attempting to release itself.
But it scared her. How much his words had affected her. How much she believed in him.
Dunban cleared his throat and continued, "And I am sorry for the things I said about your abilities as Empress. Those were extreme and appalling as well. I should have recognized what lay beneath my anger: my own failings and insecurities. Instead, I turned against you."
She flinched and adjusted her position, now sitting crosslegged. Her eyes wandered to the sea, watching as the water glistened under the sun.
"But you were not wrong. Things are falling apart and I'm not able to catch them."
"I don't think that's true, Melia."
His tongue slid over her name like velvet, running a shiver up her spine.
"It is. I have lost two of my cabinet members. As a result, restoration projects have slowed. And with this new accord with the Homs colonies, I'm only adding more and more work to an already understaffed team. Additionally, my people want to dethrone me. And someone is systematically destroying my reign. And possibly trying to kill myself and those dear to me." She closed her eyes, feeling the crushing weight of hopelessness. "I am losing the ability to hold everything together."
There was a slight pressure on her knee. Turning, Melia saw Dunban had placed his hand there. Hastily, he removed it, an expression of uncertainty crossing over his face.
"You've done much more than you realize. It's hard now, but it doesn't mean it will be forever. You've pushed through worse."
Overwhelmed, she brought her hands together, squeezing them together. She felt the familiar twinge of her heart's strings. Thoughts of her father, brother, mother, step-mother filled her mind.
All of her family, gone. Wiped out.
Tyrea was the only one she had left. And even that relationship was tenuous at best.
The woman wanted him to put his hand back on her knee. She wanted to feel the connection between them.
"I have two days left to find the Scepter. One and a half if we are to be accurate."
"I believe in you."
Her heart skipped a beat; her eyes widened in surprise.
"I have seen the strength of your will. I know what you're capable of."
In that moment, Melia wanted to kiss him. His certainty consoled her, alleviating the despair that hung over her like a thundercloud, drenching every moment of hope.
But she held herself back.
"I'm still upset with you."
It was true; but it was quickly giving way to forgiveness. The Empress stared into his eyes, losing herself in their safety.
"I know. I'll find a way to make it up to you." Dunban hesitated and said, "If you'll let me."
How could I not?
"It may take a while."
"I'm willing to wait."
It was half past eight when Melia finally walked into her apartment. The late afternoon had been packed with small meetings, presumably because Serenity had squeezed everything into smaller increments. It didn't matter. She was happy to have taken the few hours in the early afternoon for herself.
As the Empress walked into her bedroom to change for her outing to Prison Island, her eyes caught sight of a vibrant purple. A bouquet of Mystic Dahlias bloomed in a vase on her night stand. Smiling, she bent to smell them.
"I knew you couldn't resist."
She turned and stopped.
Adrenaline shot through her body. Her breath hitched in her throat.
In the far corner, Camar sat in an armchair. In one hand, he held an ether rifle to Serenity's head. In the other, he held the Scepter.
Tears streamed down Serenity's face, shining in the lamp light; she was gagged and her hands were bound behind her back. One of her eyes was black and blue. The Empress locked eyes with the younger Homs Entia, and she saw absolute fear.
Melia's hands clenched into fists.
"Good evening, Empress. If you want your dear assistant to live, I suggest you do everything I say."