Hi. I hope you liked the first chapter. But you probably did because it's copied directly from the Queen of Nothing. The song recommends for this chapter are: "All of me" by John Legend and "I'm yours" by John Mraz. Enjoy.

Chapter 2: Home, sweet home

After a week of shopping in malls (Cardan really went all out – Metallica T-shirts, an abundance of mortal makeup that I've never seen in such quantities), indulging in pizza feasts (turns out, Cardan's favourite combination is tomatoes, cheese, and anchovies), and Oak patiently explaining the world of video games to Cardan, we decided to wrap up our mortal world adventure and head back to Elfhame.

Packing our saddlebags was a challenge, thanks to Cardan's shopping spree. They were so stuffed that it seemed like they might burst at any moment. Vivi conjured up some ragwort steeds, and we began our journey back to Elfhame.

Upon our return, Elfhame welcomed us with open arms. A waiting carriage and the Folk, adorned with flowers and singing, greeted us. Cardan, in particular, was remarkable. He graciously accepted every gift, complimented everyone, and embodied the true essence of a High King.

The title "High Queen" is still something I'm getting used to. Doubts and worries fill my mind, and Cardan, ever perceptive, sensed my unease.

"Don't worry. You're doing great," he reassured me, squeezing my hand tightly.

"I'm just concerned that they won't fully accept me as their High Queen," I admitted, my gaze fixed on the carriage floor as we travelled home.

"If they haven't by now, they surely will. And if not, well, we can always exile them, can't we, my Queen?" he added with a gentle chuckle. The way he addressed me sent shivers down my spine. Cardan had always possessed a way with words.

As we approached the castle, thoughts raced through my mind about the fact that this was to be my home from now on. The prospect was a bit daunting, but with Cardan by my side, I felt prepared.

At the entrance, we were greeted by several members of the household staff. They offered slight bows and efficiently took charge of our belongings, escorting them to our chambers. Cardan leaned in, whispering something about dinner in our chambers (quite a revelation!) to the head of the household – a short, pale-green-skinned man with greyish hair and pointed ears.

Silence enveloped us as we ascended the stairs, and that quietude persisted until we reached his, I mean, our chambers. The door closed behind us with a decisive thud, and his lips immediately found mine.

"Mmmm," he murmured against my lips. "I missed your taste. Thank goodness we arrived today. I couldn't have waited another day."

I, too, had missed his kisses. We refrained from such displays at Vivi's place, thinking it might seem odd. Taryn and Locke weren't exactly role models in that regard.

As we lay on the bed, he continued to kiss me. Unsure if I was ready for anything more than kissing, I think he sensed my hesitation. He stopped abruptly, distancing himself with an air of embarrassment and self-consciousness.

"I—I'm so sorry," he stuttered. "I... I was only thinking about myself and didn't consider your needs, and if it's okay with you, an—"

I silenced him with a brief kiss. "Shhh, Cardan… it's okay," I said, attempting to reassure him.

"But it's not! I didn't think about you and—"

"Cardan! I want to do it with you, someday. But right now, I don't think I'm ready for anything beyond kissing. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize, Jude. Don't you dare apologize. This isn't your fault. You have the right to choose. And I should be the one apologizing for acting without asking."

Cardan's words carried a tone I hadn't heard often—a soft and apologetic side. It struck a chord in me.

"I do want to do it with you someday. Perhaps soon," I admitted. "It's just that… I've never had sex with anyone."

"Oh, Jude. Look at me," he said, lifting my chin to meet his gaze. "Don't worry. When the time comes, you'll be ready. And I'll be gentle," he assured, his voice a mix of gentleness and a hint of a smirk.

His comforting words echoed in the room as he sang silly melodies, his thumb circling my back. We drifted into sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

Hi. I hope you liked this chapter. It's my first time writing anything original so please don't be too hard on me, but also please review. I will be posting more soon.

Love,

Athena