Sweat glistened on his forehead as he slowed from a jog to a walk, his feet pressing deep into the wet sand, leaving a trail of footprints in his wake. Goosebumps populated his arm and back of his neck as his skin felt the kiss from the breeze, sharp with the crisp morning air. A shiver ran down his spine as his breathing gradually slowed and he walked to the grassy ledge at the end of Anu Shore. The sun peeked over the horizon, beginning its ascent into the sky, warming the cool wind flowing through the Eryth Sea. Dunban welcomed it as he brushed the sweat from his face, feeling his shirt stick to his skin as he took a seat.
Three days had passed since the events of Camar's attempted coup d'etat. Life in Alcamoth had reverted back to some form of normalcy, but Dunban could still feel a certain tension in the atmosphere. He hypothesized the war of philosophies between Camar and Melia was still at the forefront of the minds of the High Entia, but he would not make assumptions. It was not his place as a Homs. But he had faith that sooner rather than later the emotional effects of Camar's terrorism would become nothing than memories, and the attention of the High Entia would fully focus on Melia's efforts of restoration.
Melia.
The mere thought of her made his mind stand still and pulse quicken. These reactions were something he had not experienced in a long time. Not that it was unwelcome. Quite the opposite. Though it slightly unnerved him how much he looked forward to seeing the Empress each day. Unfortunately, the past few days had not afforded them much time alone in each other's company. Between the ceremony inducting the winning candidates into the People's Council, and the signing of the treaty between the High Entia and the Homs Colonies, not to mention the preparations for Camar's trial, Melia had had no time to catch her breath much less rest. He knew it would be selfish to ask any more of her, and no matter how much he desired her company, that was not something he would do.
Though they spent little time together, Dunban observed as much as he could. Melia had taken complete control, leaving no trace of fear or doubt in her abilities to lead. She was the picture of strength and grace, making plans and solving problems as they came. It was difficult not to admire her ability to rise to her duties, leaving behind all hesitation.
Separately, Dunban noticed that while her duties began to grow (noting the fact they had already been numerous), his began to dwindle. Projects were wrapping up; infrastructure was settling into place without need for constant maintenance. To him, it appeared that there was less than a month's left of work he could still contribute to. Which brought many questions to mind; questions he did not know how to answer and had no inclination to entertain anytime soon.
Though he knew he must. There was no use in shying away from the inevitable.
"I thought I would find you here." He turned to see Fiora skipping over to him, a big smile on her face. "Jogging?" She asked as she took a seat beside him, tucking her hair back behind her ears.
Dunban nodded. "You're up early."
"Couldn't sleep. Shulk was snoring."
Dunban shook his head, hiding a smile. It seemed his sister was still adjusting to cohabitation.
"Anyway, as I was eating breakfast, I started thinking about what to do for your birthday." He saw the mischievous glint in her eye and felt himself sigh.
"Fiora, I don't want a party."
"Oh, come on. It'll be fun!"
"We're guests here. It wouldn't be appropriate."
"Melia's already agreed to it, so technically she's the host." Fiora winked at him. She put her hands on the ground and leaning back, face upward to the sky. "We'll hold it in her secret apartment. That way it'll be out of the way and we won't bother anyone." Of course she had already thought the logistics through; it was the only way to prevent him from putting a stop to the event.
"You've talked with Melia about this?"
"Of course! She's very excited."
Skeptical, he raised his eyebrows as Fiora opened one eye and looked at him.
"I didn't force it on her if that's what you're worried about." Fiora said, "Besides, it'll be a good distraction for Melia. Especially after everything that happened."
Dunban turned to look out at the ocean, the blues and greens of the water commingling in the sunlight. It was peaceful; the sounds of gulls squawking in the sky and the whistle of the breeze. It made him miss the beaches of Colony 2. He wondered if he would ever go back home.
"I know what you're trying to do." Dunban gave his sister a side glance.
"Is it working?"
He sighed, acquiescing. "Fine. But no surprises. And no gifts."
"Thank you! I promise you'll have fun." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, hugging him.
He gave her a sidelong glance and couldn't help but smile. After everything that happened since her "death" at Colony 9 almost a year ago, all the man wanted to do was make his sister smile. Even if that meant letting her plan a birthday celebration he most certainly did not want. Dunban didn't like being the center of attention, but if it meant that much to Fiora, he'd endure it for an evening.
They fell silent, gazing out at the sea. The sun had finally taken its rightful place in the sky, commanding the attention of those waking to greet the new day. As rays of light hit the towers of Alcamoth, they began to sparkle, causing the city to shimmer. He had often heard it referred to as the 'Diamond City' by locals, but never understood. Now he knew why.
"Hey Dunban, now that Camar's been caught, how long are you planning on staying here in Alcamoth?" Fiora asked, turning her head towards him and resting her chin on his shoulder.
So he wasn't the only one thinking about the eventual end of things.
"There are still projects to finish up. Most likely until those are done." He kept his profile to her, assuming a blank expression.
"What about Melia?"
"What about her?"
Fiora rolled her eyes and sat up. "You know what I mean. What's going to happen between the two of you?"
"We'll have to speak about that."
Fiora furrowed her brow. "Well, what do you want to do?"
That was an easy question for him to answer. Dunban wanted more time to get to know the Homs Entian woman. More time where they could be alone in each other's company, without the masks they wore in front of others.
But he didn't share that.
"Unfortunately, it's not a matter of want. It's a matter of what is realistic."
Which, if the Homs had learned anything about High Entian royal traditions, meant Melia would most likely take two consorts in the near future. One would be a High Entia, and the other would be a Homs. Though he wondered if this would no longer be the case, as Melia had been an experiment of genetics, whose purpose had been served. With the Telethia gene now recessive in her DNA, she would possibly be free to choose her own path.
"And what is realistic?" Fiora asked, her voice splitting through his thoughts.
"Truthfully Fiora, I do not know."
She opened her mouth, hesitating, then said, "I hope it works out, Dunban."
He didn't answer her, keeping his eyes ahead though he was far off in his thoughts. He hoped it would too.
After a shower and a meal, Dunban left his quarters to find Kiefer and see what the Homs Entia had planned for the day. As he exited the Villa and headed down the path towards the teleporter, the man forcibly pushed all thoughts away in his mind of his earlier conversation with Fiora. There was no point in worrying about what would come; he had no control over it at the moment. And it was all unknown. Until he had some concrete information, it was pointless to spend mental space ruminating. He would just have to speak with Melia when there was an opportune moment.
Walking down the stone path towards the exit platform, Dunban watched as the teleporter came to life, and a High Entian man materialized on the dais. The Homs recognized James and paused in his stride. James stepped to the side and Melia appeared. He felt his heartbeat speed up as they locked eyes. She wore her usual white collared blouse and black slacks, hair tied back into a bun. In the light of day, she looked simultaneously regal and austere; a pillar of strength even after the dark times of the past few days.
"Good morning." He said as she approached him, James and Elrich following a few feet behind.
"Good morning, Dunban." Melia replied, her tone more formal than he expected. Her gaze pierced into his own without warmth or coolness. She was stone.
That was strange. Even though the past few days provided little interaction between the two, it had always been warm and friendly, though not too much, considering they were in public. Save for a small group of people, no one else knew what was happening between the Empress and the Hero of the Homs. And both Melia and Dunban thought it best to keep it that way. At least for a little while.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine."
"You seem preoccupied."
"I had unexpected matters to deal with earlier this morning."
He saw the dark circles under her eyes, and the tension in her shoulders. Something was bothering her, but the evasion in her answer made it clear that the woman did not want to go into detail. A slight pang of disappointment ebbed through him, but he immediately dismissed it. She had no obligation to confide in him and would do so if or when she was ready.
The man only wished she were comfortable enough to do so.
"Do you have time to take a turn in the garden?" Dunban asked. The least he could do would be to try and take her mind off it, even for a little while.
Melia hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. Though not for too long."
Side by side, the pair ambled over to the garden silently. After a few moments, Dunban turned his head in her direction and said, "How has the busy schedule been treating you?"
"Well enough. Good progress has been made."
"It appears the ceremony went as expected. Better than."
"Yes."
"Though I'm sure you're regretting it now that the People's Council officially have your ear to complain in. Serenity tells me that they have been quite vocal for only being in office for a few days." Dunban paused and added. "I think she used the word 'insufferable'."
He saw a dimple pop out on her left cheek as a smile struggled to break through the line of her lips. A grin spread across his own mouth; he had cracked through her shield.
"Perhaps. Especially since I already have you whispering in my ear." Melia said, looking up at him from beneath her eye lashes.
"But you like that."
"Most of the time."
"Melia! Surely you jest." He said in mock outrage.
She looked at him for a full second silently and then began to laugh. It was a small laugh, her voice just above a whisper, but it shook her shoulders and curved her mouth into a smile that reached her eyes. His heart leapt seeing her so freely express herself in front of him. He wanted to see that smile every day.
After a few moments, the laughter gradually stopped. She caught her breath, relaxed her shoulders and continued, "Truthfully, I am thankful the treaty signing with the Homs colonies went smoothly."
"Were you worried it would not?"
"I...I feared there may be some sort of retaliation after Camar's speech."
Dunban nodded his head in understanding. They had wandered through the various planters and reached the hedge maze. Gesturing for her to enter first, Melia walked inside and Dunban followed her. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw James and Elrich position themselves on either side of the entrance to the garden labyrinth, but not follow them. They were finally alone.
"But it seemed the fear to be unfounded." She resumed the conversation as they passed down a corridor, the tall hedges looming over them with each step.
"You don't sound satisfied."
"I wish there were something more I could offer my people. To show we will never tolerate such violence towards our people. But I know feeding the pain will only increase anger and hatred." The Empress said in a low voice, tucking her hands into her pockets.
"The fact that the signing of the treaty was relatively a silent procedure is on some level satisfying to the High Entia."
"How so?"
"They understand what you have chosen. And they respect the decision."
"Do you really think so?"
"Well, consider this. No one has stepped forward to demand you remove yourself from the throne. And the People's Council hasn't tried to uproot you."
"That is true. At least, not yet."
"You may not have won over everyone. But it seems the majority take no issue in your course of action."
Melia did not respond, turning her eyes forward in thought.
"I am sorry we have not been able to meet." She changed the subject as they turned a corner, the green hedges continuing to shield them from the outside.
"Nothing to apologize for. I understand." He paused before adding, "That's not to say I don't miss our encounters."
She blushed. "I as well."
Silence settled between them as they continued to keep a slow gait. He wanted to say something, but didn't know what. He just wanted to keep talking with her.
"Fiora tells me it is your birthday the day after tomorrow." The Empress interjected, almost as if it were a question.
"It seems she insists on having some sort of party."
"Do you not want one?"
"It's unnecessary."
"You mean to say you are too old."
He raised an eyebrow at her. The ends of her mouth twitched upward, but she maintained a serious expression.
"As the elder of the two of us, wouldn't you agree?"
"You know it's rude to comment on a woman's age."
"My apologies, Empress. I will respect my elders as I was taught."
"I could have you disciplined for such disrespect." Melia stopped and turned to face him, hands on her hips. But he could see a playfulness dancing in her eyes.
"Would you throw me into the dungeon?" Dunban turned to face her and took a step towards her.
"That is one possibility."
"There is another?"
"I could...make you my personal slave." She reddened but squared her shoulders in confidence, as if daring him.
"And what would you have me do?"
"Cooking would be the obvious choice."
He laughed.
"And you would like that?" He took a step closer, closing the gap between their bodies so that they just barely touched one another.
"There is something attractive about the thought of you waiting on me." Melia admitted slyly, biting her lip flirtatiously.
Desire burned brightly inside his body and he could wait no longer. Dunban crushed her body to his, kissing her fervently. Melia moaned as he covered her soft lips with his, the sound sending a shiver of exhiliration down his spine. Her lips responded to his, matching his passion with her own as she deepened the kiss and nipped his bottom lip. Surprised, he felt the fleeting pain bloomed into pleasure as she plunged into the next kiss, making him want her more.
Melia wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her figure into his. He could feel the curves of her breasts against his chest and lust lit his body on fire. He wanted nothing more than to feel her body under his hand, her bare skin on his, their legs intertwined. Her lips parted and he slid his tongue between them, exploring slowly, tantalizing her. She gasped; her body shuddered against him. Each response enticed him, the urge to please her growing aggressively within him. He dropped his hand, trailing his fingertips down her spine to her lower back and stopped. Her hands slid over his shoulders and down to his chest, clutching the cloth of his shirt tightly.
She pulled her lips away slightly and he brought his lips to her neck. He kissed the soft skin, and he heard her breath hitch in her throat. "Dunban," she pleaded in a whisper, her voice breathy and ragged. Without stopping, he kissed up her neck and along her jawline, finally diving back into her lips. She welcomed him, though the tone of each kiss changed. The furious passion succumbed to smooth sensuality, their mouths elongating each kiss, drinking each other in and savoring the taste of one another. Each caress slower than the first, their lips finally stopped in movement, locked together. After a moment, they simultaneously pulled away. Opening his eyes, Dunban gazed at Melia in wonder, his heart beating faster than it had at the start.
The effect she had on him...it was extraordinary.
Clearing his throat, the man took a step back and straightened his shirt. Melia cast her eyes downward as she adjusted her collar and tucked in her rumpled shirt. Stealing a glance at her, Dunban wanted to know what she was thinking, how she was feeling. She gave every indication of enjoyment in the moment, but maybe in the aftermath she was reconsidering their actions. Worry overshadowed his pleasure. Perhaps this was moving too fast for her.
"Melia."
She looked up at him, her chest still rising and falling in a quick rhythm.
"I hope I did not make you uncomfortable."
Surprise lit up her countenance. She shook her head furiously. "No, no. Not at all." Shyly, Melia added, "I...quite enjoyed it."
Relief poured through Dunban and he felt his shoulders fall, all the tension escaping.
"Unfortunately though, I need to leave." The woman said, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Of course."
She started to turn but stopped and said, "Perhaps if you're available tonight, we could spend a little time together."
"I look forward to it." He said with a small bow.
She nodded and sped away towards the exit. He watched as her form disappeared behind the corner at the far end of the path before letting a smile break out on his face. It was silly, he knew. But, Dunban was already looking forward to the evening.
Looking up into the sky, he realized it was mid-morning. He too needed to leave and get on with the day. But as he stepped in the direction Melia had taken, the man thought better of it. Instead, he pivoted, and continued deeper into the labyrinth. It would take him a little longer before he could leave without embarrassing himself.
After spending the day working with what was formerly Camar's team out in the fields, Dunban found himself in desperate need of a shower. Once his shuttle touched down at the landing bay, he headed straight for the Villa, eager to wash the sweat and grime from his skin. But as he reached the Great Hall's interior and turned the corner towards the teleporters, the man found himself face to face with an Entian woman.
Nae'ell.
Her black hair fell in waves over her shoulders, framing her face with its tresses. There was a slight blush on her pale face, giving her the look of a porcelain doll. Her full, pink lips curved into a smile at the sight of the Homs. She wore dark purple robes and a lavender dress with a plunging neckline, exposing the curves of her breasts. There was no doubt she was beautiful, but he could tell her dress was intentionally provocative, attracting the glances of passersby. If Fiora had ever made herself up in such a manner, Dunban would have never let her out of the house.
"Well met, Dunban."
"Nae'ell. How are you?" He kept his voice cordial, all the while remembering the aftermath of Melia's recent encounter with Nae'ell. The memory of the Empress' tearstained face pained him, and Dunban stiffened. He had no desire to engage in conversation with the Entian woman and wished to extricate himself as soon as possible.
"Getting by. Considering." Her voice dripped with indifference, though he could see the anger that lived in her eyes. It was easy to understand her anger, and the reason why she lashed out at Melia, but he would not condone her behavior. She too had a responsibility to understand Melia's point of view. And he could not forgive Nae'ell for hurting Melia so deeply, though he was aware he had no business with their quarrel.
"Yes. What Camar did was despicable."
"But you saved the day. We are indebted to you."
"It was the effort of many. I only played a single part."
"If you say so. But the High Entia saw you lead the charge onto stage. A Homs hero coming to the defense of the High Entia. Very timely considering what Camar was proposing." Nae'ell arched an eyebrow.
"I did what was needed. And now he is behind bars."
"If only." Nae'ell scoffed.
He felt his heart still.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, you don't know? Apparently he escaped."
"What?" His blood ran cold.
"Dunban, the news is everywhere! How have you not heard it?"
"I've been out in the fields all day."
"That would explain it. I think Melia tried to keep it quiet, but the guard who was responsible couldn't keep his mouth shut." Nae'ell assumed an expression of surprise. "Though I thought Melia would've told you immediately after she found out."
"No, she didn't." He creased his lips into a line. Was this what Melia had been worried about when he had seen her earlier in the morning? And she had chosen not to tell him...
"Ah. Well, I'm sure it's only a matter of time until he's caught." Nae'ell said and patted his shoulder.
He narrowed his eyes at her. "You seem unconcerned."
"If Camar knows what's good for him, he'll leave the city. Then he won't terrorize the rest of us." Nae'ell tossed errant hair over her shoulder. "And Melia is strengthening her security around the city. But honestly, I know Camar won't target me again. Especially, now that he knows Melia doesn't care if I live or die."
He didn't respond and instead tucked his hand into his pocket.
"Don't look so sour. I'm sure it just slipped her mind." Nae'ell quipped. "Have you seen her today?"
"Briefly this morning."
"Oh, well it takes some getting used to. Being a secondary priority, I mean." The woman said, giving him a look of pity. "Between her and Kallian, I got used to it."
"Melia is the Empress. She has responsibilities that cannot be ignored."
Nor would he wish her to ignore them on his account.
"But you did save her kingdom. There should be some sort of recompense for your efforts. Like her ear whenever you need it, if not her close confidence. Don't you think?"
"Her thanks is enough."
That and her kiss.
"You are such a noble soul, Dunban. If only there were more men like you." The High Entia laughed.
"I only do what is right and necessary."
"Well, should you need a cure to your loneliness, I would be happy to thank you for your efforts with company and conversation." She curtseyed and smiled. "Till next time, Dunban."
As the woman walked away, his eyes watched her, scrutinizing. There was something about Nae'ell he couldn't quite put his finger on. Something that lay beneath the surface that she kept close to her heart. But she was elusive, clearly trained in the art of dissembling and he doubted he would ever figure out the puzzle.
And it bothered the man how familiar she treated him, as if they were in the same boat, separate from Melia's world.
But the Homs put these thoughts out of his head as he continued towards the Villa. He needed to find Melia and learn how their enemy was now freely roaming the Diamond City.
"When were you going to tell me?" Dunban asked as he strode into her suite, not waiting for James to announce him. His wet hair stuck to the back of his neck, sending a chill through his body, but he cared not. His entire focus was on the Empress, who sat at a mahogany desk, in the middle of answering correspondence.
"What are you talking about?" Melia asked, looking up from her work.
"Camar." He crossed to stand directly in front of her on the opposite side of the desk.
Closing her eyes, she set down her pen. Taking a breath, she reopened them and stared into his eyes. The man watched as the gears turned in her head, waiting for her to respond. Emotions swirled about in his heart, flashing red and blue and gray. He couldn't tell which reigned: anger, concern, or disappointment. Why had she not told him?
"I found out early this morning." She stood, not taking her eyes off of his.
"How did he get out?" Dunban asked, searching her eyes for some sign of emotion. But he found none. "There's only one way into those dungeons."
Melia rounded the desk and walked over to the window. "It seems someone may have paid off one of the guards to release Camar. The guard on night duty is missing. When the guard who was to take over for the day shift appeared, the dungeon gate was open with no guard or Camar in sight."
Which meant Camar could be anywhere.
"But who would have helped Camar?"
"As you said this morning. He could still have sympathizers amongst the High Entia." She sighed and he saw her shoulders slump. "Miriall is also missing."
"Miriall. You can't actually believe she is capable of this?"
Melia looked away from him, her brow furrowed. He almost forgot his anger when the overpowering urge to hold her close overcame him. But he resisted.
"I don't know what to think, Dunban. But it is a strange coincidence she disappears when he does as well."
"I thought you placed her on house arrest."
"I did. But it seems she was able to escape their detection."
In a low voice, he asked, "Were you going to tell me?"
She closed her eyes and sighed. "Only if we hadn't found him in a day or two."
"Melia, what if he got to you in that time?" His hands clenched into fists at the thought of Camar taking Melia hostage. He remembered how his stomach turned as he watched the Homs Entia run his hands over Melia's skin. Never again.
"I'm on my guard now. So are James and Elrich."
"But the more people looking for him, the better."
"I didn't want to worry you."
"It would worry me more if something happened to you and I could've done something to prevent it." More than worry him. But he kept the anger at bay. There was no use for it.
"I apologize, Dunban. It was not my intention."
He shrugged. "I just want you to feel like you can trust me."
"I do."
She walked over to him, their bodies barely touching, and took his hands in her own. Without hesitation, the woman rose on her tiptoes and kissed him. It was a brief kiss, but comforting nonetheless. Her lips caressed his, an apology in the undercurrent of its sweetness. Inhaling the scent of lavender she wore, Dunban felt his senses energize. But she pulled away too quickly, leaving him wanting more.
"Come with me." She said, still holding his hands.
"Where?"
"You wanted to know where I go at night. Let me show you."
About a half an hour later, the shuttle touched down at Prison Island. Alarmed, Dunban followed Melia down the ramp and into the dark landscape. He was surprised to see it was lit by various lanterns he could only assume Melia had placed to light the way. Casting a glance over his shoulder, he noticed that James and and Elrich stayed behind in the shuttle. They were always with Melia, always watching for threats to her person. If they did not follow, that meant Prison Island was safe. Supposedly. He turned his gaze forward. Curiosity filled his mind as they hiked up the hill towards the main plateau.
"What are we doing here?" He asked as they continued walking.
"Patience, Dunban. You shall see soon enough."
She walked onward, shoulders straight, her pace quickening with each step, as if something were calling out to her. He followed in silence, his eyes scanning the environment for any possible threats. He didn't believe this place could be secure, not when it had been home to malevolent and hateful forces for so long.
And that's when the man saw it as they crested over the hill. The Empress stopped mid stride, slipping her hands into her pockets. Dunban walked up next to her, his eyes sweeping over the scene in front of them. For a moment, they were silent, absorbing. Dunban couldn't believe his eyes.
"Did you do all of this?"
"Yes."
"It's...beautiful, Melia."
"You are the only one who has seen this besides James and Elrich. No one else knows."
He turned to look at her. "Thank you for choosing to share it with me."
Melia turned to him, a solemn expression on her face. "Dunban. I have mentioned it before. This...this is not easy for me. I do not have many close relationships. You...this time has been challenging for me as Empress. But you have been here for me, regardless of what has happened. You have helped me in more ways than one. You...saved me." Gently, she laid a hand on his chest. "There are not enough words to convey the depth of my gratitude. And I want you to know that I only wish to protect and honor you as you have done me. To be there for you as you have been for me."
The moonlight shined on her pale face, lighting up the turquoise of her eyes, giving her an ethereal aura. The magnitude of her beauty hit him, a lump of emotion growing in his throat. It was he who felt lucky to have her in his life. Dunban reached out and pulled her close to him in an embrace, feeling the warmth of her body against his, hugging her tighter. She peered up at him, her eyes piercing into his own. He wondered if she could see straight into his soul; if she could see the turmoil of emotions within him, but most of all, his affection for her. He leaned down and laid a kiss on her forehead. When he pulled away, Melia gave him a small smile, and laid her head against his chest. Gradually, he leaned his cheek on the top of her head and closed his eyes. And they stayed like that for a while, locked in an embrace, oblivious to their surroundings, only aware of each other's heartbeats.