Val awoke the next morning to the rhythmic sounds of Varian's heartbeat underneath her ear, and his arm wound protectively around her waist.

It'd been rather disorienting at first, to open her eyes and find him in her bed. But it didn't take long for that to fade, and soon enough, it was replaced with an indescribable contentment.

He'd fallen asleep almost immediately after they'd made love, and since then, the shop had been filled with a deep snore that seemed to have only grown louder since the last time Val had heard it.

She knew it wasn't his fault; a skirmish with an angry troll years ago had disjointed his nose beyond repair. But her sympathy towards his injury didn't make it any easier to bear the sound it caused. To Val, it sounded as if a pig had something stuck in its snout and was desperately trying to blow it out.

There was a slither of sunlight climbing up the adjacent wall, so Val knew they'd have to leave their little sanctuary soon. She had another shift at the Keep to complete, and Varian had promised to spend his day with both the healers, and his father, who Val was sure was going out of his mind with worry by now. But she couldn't find it in her to wake him. He seemed so at peace that it felt cruel to ruin it.

Instead, she decided to leave him to sleep, and carefully slid backwards until her toes touched the floor. It was no easy feat to lift Varian's arm without disturbing him, but somehow, she managed it, and the hulking prince immediately stretched himself out like a newborn being set free from it's swaddling now that he had the space to do so.

A single bed wasn't entirely ideal for the two of them, and it made Val almost wish that she'd marched him back to the Keep last night so that he could at least rest properly.

When he eventually did wake up, she would tell him that it was mere coincidence how his tunic was the first garment she curled her fingers around. He probably wouldn't believe her, but that didn't stop her from pulling it over her head and letting herself become swamped by exquisite, soft linen. Her bare feet padded past the rest of their clothes as if they were non-existent, and the bedroom door closed behind her with a soft thud.

Lucian's was still ajar, and Val couldn't hear any noise coming from within his bedroom, so she could only assume that he was still on the Black Rose. She was strangely relieved by his absence; not only did it prevent any awkward questions concerning Varian, but it gave her more freedom to enjoy what would most likely be the last full morning she would have with him for a while.

Val wasn't naive. If the battle down in Brightwood had gone as badly as Varian said it had, it meant two things- that the tension between Stormwind and the Horde was about to escalate, and both Varian and Val's workloads were going to double over the next few weeks.

Their spare time, as limited as it already was, would be whittled down to practically nothing.

So small moments to do insignificant things like sharing breakfast needed to be appreciated while they still had them.

She started off by emptying the kettle out from last night. Val was sure that Varian hadn't drunk a decent cup of coffee since he'd left, and she certainly couldn't function properly without her morning cup of tea. It took a few tries for the freezing coals to catch, but eventually, the stove lit, and she left the kettle to boil while she hunted for something that was at least edible.

She was sitting precariously on the counter with her head buried in a cupboard when the whistle signalling the water was ready rang out through the empty shop. Val panicked without really meaning to, and her hurried descent towards the floor ended up making more noise than the steam itself. She realised too late that Varian had woken up as a result, and gave the dishevelled prince a pained smile as he emerged from her bedroom.

"Morning," she casually chirped, but as she'd expected, Varian didn't look impressed.

"I heard a bang. Pleasetell me that it wasn't you climbing again that caused it," he grumbled, and Val gave him what so hoped was an innocent look.

"You'll be pleased to know that it wasn'tcaused by my climbing," she said. Varian seemed relieved to hear it.

"...it was my fallingthat caused it."

If looks could kill, Val was sure that she'd be stone cold dead on the floor from the one Varian was giving her.

"For Light sakes, woman…" he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"It's not my fault that my arsehole brother puts everything up high!" Val protested, folding her arms like a petulant child.

"Then get a stool, you little imp," Varian retorted.

A few hard blinks cleared his vision completely, and he started to chuckle as he looked Val up and down.

"Ah- so that'swhere it went," he teased, giving a playful tug to the hem of his tunic.

Val felt her cheeks begin to warm with what was probably a very obvious blush.

"It's comfier than mine," she weakly explained, but Varian didn't seem too put out by the petty theft.

"I can have some made for you, if you want, Sweetheart. You don't have to resort to sneaking about," Varian said, but Val shook her head at the offer.

"It's not the same," she explained, grabbing a nearby dish-towel. "This one smells like you."

While Varian was rather touched by her confession, he still couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"So I normally smell of blood and shit, do I?" he asked, and Val gave him a whack on the arm for his semi-joke.

"You know what I mean, you twat," Val grumbled, with her face turning a deep red.

"Of course I do, you silly girl," Varian answered, taking the makeshift weapon from her and pouring out the kettle himself, despite her fervent protests.

"I remember when I was deployed to Stranglethorn Vale, and you gave me that ribbon after dousing it in your perfume," he mused, letting the strainers do their work and putting the kettle down. "I still swear to this day that it's what got me through that hells."

"Oh well, now I feel bad for letting you go empty handed this time," Val replied. She knew he'd grow annoyed, but that didn't stop her from pushing herself back onto the counter-top and swinging her legs like a small child.

"Sweetheart, you were here, and you were waiting for me. That drove me onward more than any trinket ever would've," Varian said, patting her bare thigh and giving her a small, profound smile.

"Of course I waited, you big idiot," Val replied, and took his hand so that she could pull him towards her for a tight, warm embrace. "I'll always wait."

"I hate that you have to promise that," Varian grumbled into her shoulder. "You should be with a man that doesn't leave you so much- one that gives you stability." Val's fingers raked through the ends of Varian's hair just so that she could pull them.

"I don't want another man. I thought I'd made that clear last night," Val rebutted, and to her delight, Varian's smile reappeared.

"There was me, considering myself lucky that you even opened the door…I never dreamt that you'd end up letting me in your bed," Varian admitted, and Val's nose began to scrunch.

"Well, I've done alot of thinking since you left," she murmured. "About what, love?" Varian gently prompted, and she found it difficult to look him in the eye.

"About us…actually, more what I was doingto us," Val said, finally looking up and furrowing her brow. "I was denying us what we both clearly wanted, because I was worrying about other people…again."

She swallowed, and her brow relaxed as her face dropped.

"I can only apologise for it, and hope that I haven't frustrated you too much with it all."

Val could swear that she heard him tut as he raked her hair back.

"Val, I said to you that day in my chambers, that I was willing to move at the pace that you so choose. My stance hasn't changed since then," Varian assured her, with his hand cupping her chin. "Last night was made all the more wondrous because you were comfortable enough to decide that it was the right time."

"In all honesty, I think I was trying to determine whether we would even work as a couple this time around…that's why it took so long," Val said, and Varian didn't seem annoyed at all by the confession.

"As was I. Val, I'm not stupid- I realise that the both of us have changed drastically since we last courted. In fact, I was convinced that too muchhad changed," he replied, letting her chin go.

"But these past few weeks have convinced me that the foundations of our relationship have actually held quite well."

"Aye, they have," Val agreed, looping her arms around his neck and bringing him towards her for a sweet, soft kiss.

"Are you staying for breakfast?" she asked, and a rumbling chuckle once again left Varian's throat.

"If you'll have me," Varian answered, putting her legs around his waist.

"It won't be anything fancy. A bit of toast maybe," Val warned, and that's when Varian's face twisted into a frown.

"No…no, that won't do," he protested, and Val watched as his frown snapped back to a grin in a millisecond. "How about instead, we go outfor breakfast, like we used to?" Val had to admit, the suggestion was tantalisingly inviting, and she found it difficult not to shout the word 'yes' at him.

"If you're feeling up to it, I suppose we could," she mused instead.

"I can still walk woman- I'll be fine. Let me treat you, for Light sake," Varian complained, and he made his point further by tickling the underside of Val's thighs. She started squirming with a loud yelp, and after a few threats and weak protests, Varian gave up his assault.

"Alright, alright! Yes, I would loveto go out. There, happy now?" bemoaned Val, who was heavily resisting the urge to kick him. Varian pecked her pinked cheek, and effortlessly lifted her from the counter and into his arms.

"I couldn't be happier if I damn well tried."

After breakfast, the two of them had gone their separate ways. But before he had left to see the healer, as he'd promised, Varian had invited Val to dinner with both him and his father, which after a few hesitant excuses, Val had agreed to.

Thankfully, the smithys had made good progress that day, so they'd managed to actually finish early. Val hadn't dawdled, however- she had taken full advantage of Varian's offer of his chambers for her get ready in. Normally, she wouldn't have taken it, but she was sure that it'd be verymuch frowned upon to dine with the King himself, and be covered in soot and sweat.

They'd arranged to meet at the dining hall at exactly three o clock. Well, it was now ten past, and Val was standing by the doors like a lingering smell, and with each passing second, she was starting to wonder just what the hells was going on.

"Val! How good to see you," a warm, welcoming voice said from behind her, and Tiffin wrapped her arms around Val in an equally affectionate embrace.

"It's good to see you too, Tiffin. How are you?" she asked conversationally, trying to ignore the stares they were getting from passing staff. Tiffin had a slight wrinkle of exasperation on her brow.

"I feel as if I've been the referee at a boxing match all day, I cannot lie to you," she lamented, concerning Val immediately.

"Llane and Varian?" she asked, and the corners of Tiffin's plump lips twisted.

"More…Varian and Garona," she said, and the younger woman sighed. "She was at the meeting?" she asked incredulously, and Tiffin had no choice but to nod.

"She was- at Llane's behest, I'm told. I don't know exactly what went on, but after it had concluded, Varian came storming to my rooms, bellowing like a wounded bear," she told her, folding her thin arms across her chest.

"Did you manage to get anythingout of him?" Val questioned, not liking Tiffin's look.

"Bits and pieces. As far as I can tell, she blames Varian for any retaliation from the Horde after this point," she informed her, and Val could see why Varian would find offence.

"How the hells is anything that the Horde does Varian'sfault? Theywere the ones that captured our people!"

"That's what I said, but apparently my opinion doesn't count for shit in this Keep," said a deep, clearly vexed voice, and Varian appeared with the two women as if from nowhere.

He bent to kiss Val's cheek, doing the same to Tiffin's hand.

"That stupid bitch told my Father that it was a mistake to go to Brightwood,and that I've just damned the whole of Stormwind," he seethed, looking about two seconds away from punching the wall behind him.

"But it doesn't make any sense to put the blame entirely on you! What reason could she possibly have for it?" Val asked, trying to keep him calm and rather failing at it.

"Because I'm the one that took down Blackhand's second in command, and the ones that managed to flee saw that it was me," he confessed, as if that would be considered a negative to them.

"You did the right thing, Varian," Val said soothingly, rubbing the lower half of his arm. Tiffin nodded in agreement.

"She's right Varian, they started this by taking our people in the first place. You merely showed them that it won't be taken lying down," she added, taking and squeezing his other hand. Varian clearly didn't believe them, and he turned his gaze towards the dining hall.

"Come, both of you. We're eating in smaller chambers today," he told them, taking Val's arm.

"Garona won't be there, will she?" she asked dumbly, blackening Varian's expression further.

"She better not, or I won't be able to stop myself throwing a knife at her head."

He took them up a back stairwell to the Residential Wing of the Keep, and before they'd even reached the double doors of Varian and Llane's private rooms, they could hear bellowing from within.

It became louder as Varian threw them open, eyeing the King as he looked up at his son.

"Sit, all of you, so I can carry on arguing with Highlord Fordragon," Llane instructed with exasperation coating his voice. Val and Tiffin did so, feeling the tension like a knife. Varian, however, remained standing with his palms on the table.

"If I may interject already Father? I need to get this off of my chest before I explode," he said through gritted teeth. Llane sighed, presumably knowing what was coming but waving a hand of permission regardless.

"You shamed me in front of the enemy in that council chamber just now. You let that damn…monster slander me and stood silent!"Varian exclaimed, going puce in the face.

"I did nothing of the sort! It is my duty to listen to all reasoning put in front of me!"Llane argued, bending over the table and mimicking his son's stance. Bolvar let out a sharp laugh that held no humour.

"You let that witch talk for near on half an hour,Llane! I'm starting to think you've lost your damn mind! We have the Orcs right where we want them! Blackhand has been betrayed from within! The Horde is in disarray! We should strike whilst the iron is hot!"he loudly insisted, looking as furious as Varian.

Val felt rather stupid but she spoke anyway.

"Blackhand's been killed?"she asked no one in particular, and Varian gave her a stiff nod, not taking his eyes from his Father.

"Providing it's even true! Once again all we have is the word of that green-skinned half breed!"Lothar interjected, looking older than Val had ever seen him.

"But what if she is telling the truth? If Blackhand has been killed and Orgrim Doomhammer now leads the Horde, surely there are two possibilities to end this war?"Khadgar, who looked rather small compared to the plate covered men surrounding him, said smoothly.

Lothar groaned, looking like he wars about to punch the first face that happened to get in the way of his gauntlet covered fist.

"If you say the word 'negotiation' so help me Light I'll get those robes and stuff them-"

"Enough! Anduin, Varian, Bolvar, I know you don't trust Garona, you've made it perfectly clear, but she is here in good faith! She has given us valuable information time and time again!"Llane cried, fighting quite the losing battle.

"While at the same time probably doing the exact same thing for the Horde!"Varian roared, slamming a fist on the table and knocking over a few goblets.

Bolvar looked as if he was in total agreement, making Tiffin and Val seem rather lost right now, so they quietly and patiently sat and watched the argument erupt, ready to calm the prince when it became absolutely necessary.

"Your Majesty, how else would the Horde have known we'd be patrolling Elwynn and ambush us? We lost good men that day!"Bolvar pressed, truly hoping that the rumours weren't true and the king hadn't lost his mind. Lothar, however, waved a hand of dismissal.

"That's not the point we're trying to make! The people are starting to notice her around the city, normally stuck up your arse,Llane! They're going to start thinking she's the next bloody Queen!"he jabbed, making Varian pale in absolute disgust.

"Don't you dare. You overstep Anduin, to ridiculous degrees," Llane said quietly, clearly hurt by his best friend's harsh words. Varian was close to either tears or violence, and Val couldn't tell which one it was going to be, something that scared her as she stood.

"You need to step back from her Father. She's poison, pure and simple. We intend to hit the Horde where it hurts and we can't do that when there's a spy in our midst. Send her back to her own kind," he said, with a shaky, unnatural calm coating his voice. Llane sighed, a tired, sullen sound that made the hairs on Val's arms stand up.

"She's not wanted by them either Varian, don't you see? She has no home, and haven't I always said that Stormwind is open to those who seek sanctuary?"he weakly argued, and those around the table were sure that the crescendo of the fight had already been reached. Even Bolvar's voice was thankfully quieter.

"We will have droves of our own people flooding to our gates if we let the Horde carry on pillaging and burning our towns," he reiterated, quite upset by the fact. Val frowned, letting Varian put his arm around her.

"There's already so many more beggars than before," she all but whispered, appreciating how his grip tightened.

"I know, I've seen them. The army is on the brink of finishing their training, the weapons have been made and distributed, now we just need the perfect time to strike the main Orc settlement," Llane said sullenly, folding his arms. Tiffin stood since she realised she was the only one sitting.

"Do we have any idea where it is?"she asked, making Val glad that she wasn't the only non-informed one nodded, glad that the conversation had calmed down.

"It's sitting by the portal, supposedly to make sure we can't get to it and they can get more troops through," the mage informed her, and Varian's chest swelled with a long, deep breath.

"Sign the order for the building of a Keep on the other side of the Blasted Lands. Let us send troops there, troops we can actually trust and place them behind the mountains, out of sight. Gather intelligence through them, and then we can strike whilst the fury is there," he said, catching his father's eye and holding his gaze.

"And you're to manage and lead this Keep, I presume?"Llane questioned, clearly not on board with the idea at all. Varian straightened his back, glancing at Val with apologetic eyes.

"If it protects those I love, I would stay there until my bones were too old to move," he replied, trying not to look at the trembling woman beside him. Llane eyed Tiffin this time.

"And what of Stormwind, should Light forbid I fall? You have no heir, so you'd have to return," he pointed out, and a moment of silence fell over the table. Eventually, Varian's brow furrowed.

"Then move the welcome party and wedding forward so I can rectify that and defend my people," he finally said, and Tiffin gave Val the same incredulous look that the brunette was giving the Prince.

"And just when were you thinking of,my son?"

Varian stayed silent, mentally arguing and eventually agreeing with both women.

"Next week."

Llane looked rightly sceptical.

"We can't pull together an entire wedding in a week Varian," he said wearily, and now it was Tiffin's turn to swallow nervously.

"The wedding has been planned for two years, we have only to put things in motion. A week will suffice," she told him meekly, not wanting to believe the words coming out of her own mouth.

"Especially since it's a sham anyway," Varian added, needing to press the point for his own sanity.

Val hadn't said a word and Khadgar of all people had noticed.

"Miss Glenmore? What do you think?"

Val looked as if she were about to cry, but she licked her lips regardless.

"If it helps Stormwind, I'm all for it,"she lied, but thankfully, no one brought her up on it. Varian turned back to his father with a cold, hard stare.

"Well? Do we have a deal, Father? I go through with the wedding,if you build the Keep. Then Lothar and I will take forces down to the portal, storm the place and get rid of those barbarians for good," he offered, and the air hung thick with anticipation.

Llane was silent for a long minute, clearly debating what the exact response would be that pacified everyone. He saw the determination in his son's eye, the same one Taria would have when faced with a challenge, the one he would admit he had lost over the last few years.

"Fine. But I am still your father as well as your king Varian, and if I deem it too risky, you are to obey me without question, understand?"he conceded, trying to keep his voice steady. Varian thumped a fist on his chest in salute and bowed, looking more relaxed.

"Completely. Thank you for giving me a chance to prove myself," he said sincerely, and Llane turned his attention to Khadgar, who stood straighter.

"Go tomorrow to Karazhan with Garona, find out all you can about the portal and how to close it. Work closely with Medivh and hopefully, we can cut the rest of their army off," he instructed.

Lothar looked smug as he finally sat down, taking a large swig from his tankard.

"Thank the Light, I was starting to think we'd never start this bloody war, let alone finish it," he remarked, relaxing his thick brows.

Llane invited them all to sit down now the confrontation was over, rubbing his temples.

"Anduin, cockiness will get us nowhere. I'll send regiments to Goldshire and the surrounding areas to fix what damage has been done and prevent further bloodshed," he said, and Bolvar ran a hand down his thick moustache.

"We've lost too many good men and women in this damn war," he lamented, and Llane steepled his fingers.

"Then let us hope your plan works Varian. If we can close the portal and plan this properly, this war could be over in a matter of weeks,"he said with hope in his voice. "But for now, let us focus on the wedding, something to distract us from the grim reality of war."

Varian's face matched Val's, both silently saying that the subject change wasn't that much better but they would go with it, both taking long drinks and praying there would be more of it to get them through this slog.

Things were eerily silent in Varian's chambers that evening. He and Val were sat in the two armchairs facing the fireplace, but neither had said a word, or even managed to look the other in the face since they left the dining hall.

"So…a week."

It was Val's voice that cut through the tension hanging in the air. Varian appreciated it, for he honestly had no idea what to say that wouldn't end up hurting her more. "Aye," he answered quietly. With great effort, he wrenched his gaze away from the crackling flames in front of them, and looked at Val with the most sorrowful expression that she'd ever seen.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart. But I needed somethingto convince him to agree to my plan," Varian explained, and while Val understood that completely, it didn't make accepting it any easier.

"You know I won't be coming?"she pointed out, and Varian stiffly nodded.

"I anticipated you saying so. I wouldn't want to put you through that anyway,"he said glumly.

"At least it will finally be over with," she murmured, and Varian made a noise of agreement, reaching over and taking her hand.

"You do believe me when I say it means nothing, don't you? Given the chance Val, I'd make you my wife in a second," he said quietly, glad that she managed to give him a smile, even if it was a small one.

"I do believe you Varian, but it's such a strange situation that it'll take a while to adjust to," she confessed, letting Varian lift her hand and tenderly kiss her knuckles.

"You don't need to convince me of that,"he said, havinga funny feeling that it wasn't the wedding she was upset about. "You can always come with me to the Keep once it's finished. We'll need a smithy."

Val took her hand away, propping her feet on the edge of the stool that sat between them.

"I couldn't leave Luce on his own Varian, you know that,"she begrudgingly told him, glad to hear him chuckle after quite the intense afternoon.

"Is living with me that daunting a concept?"he said in mock offence, leaning back in his chair. She lightly kicked his leg, sticking her tongue out at him.

"Are you joking? It's all I've ever wanted," she said, waving a hand of dismissal. "Regardless, Keeps aren't built in a day, you'll be here for a good while yet."

She made a face, earning another raised eyebrow. "Do I really have to come to another fucking ball?"

"Well, you don't haveto…but it'd make me rather happy if you did," Varian said, flashing her a sly grin and trying not to laugh at her dirty glare.

"There better be free drinks," Val grumbled, earning a snort this time. "Of course there will- and if there isn't, we can sneak away to the tavern," Varian promised, putting his chin on his hand. "Would it make things easier if you brought someone with you? Lucian, perhaps?"

"Lucian hates balls more than I do. Besides, he has work that day, so he'll be knackered," Val said, but not a second had passed before she sat a bit straighter. "Oh! I know who wouldcome with me though!"

Varian's look of pure distaste told her that he knew exactly who she was talking about.

"You better not be talking about that smooth talking, smartarse, pretty son of a bitch-"

He noticed her folded arms and pursed lips.

"….does it have to be him? I'd rather you bring an actual ass,"he complained, but Val's look didn't waver.

"Varian, Cillian's my friend, and the sooner you accept that the easier your life will be," she chided, but Varian's own frown only deepened.

"He's trying to bed you, anyone can see it."

"No, he's not Varian," Val said, picking up her wine glass and taking a sip.

"Val, he couldn't make it more obvious if he tried! He does it to infuriate me!"Val put her hand over her mouth and it only made Varian angrier.

"It's not funny! He's charming enough to actually do it!"

Val bit her knuckle, thoroughly amused by how irate he was getting.

"Varian, I do have my own mind you know, and none of it wants to run away with Cillian. Stop feeling so threatened by him,"she scolded, making him huff in further annoyance.

"I'm not threatened by that leather covered, smug-faced cunt," he protested, and Val could tell her face was going red with held in laughter.

"Sure you're not. Not at all, In any way, shape or form are you threatened by the man you've called about ten names in the past minute," she pointed out,more than sure a vein would appear from Varian's neck any minute now.

"Fine, bring him, see if I care. But if I see him so much as touch you in a way I don't like, I will snap his neck faster than he can flash that stupid smile of his."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, so."

Varian watched her face as if it were the last thing he'd ever do. "Are you sure you're not angry at me for moving the wedding forward?"he asked, and Val shrugged.

"I have no reason to be unhappy about it, we all know it's not a real marriage," she answered glumly.

Finally, Varian realised what exactly was bothering her about all of this.

"You're concerned about the heir part of it."

It was a statement, not a question, and Val had no choice but to slowly nod.

"You're going to have sex with another woman Varian, of course, I'm concerned."

Varian started to drum his fingers on the arm of his chair. "Not necessarily," he said, making Val's head hurt even more than it already was.

"Explain."

Varian cleared his throat as he thought about how to put this delicately. "There are other ways of conceiving Val. Tiffin's been doing some research and we found a few that might work," he explained, and to his relief, Val's tight frown started to relax.

"I think I know what way you're talking about…I'm sure that Bernadette from the florists did it to get pregnant. Is it the one with the syringe?"she asked, putting her goblet back down on the table.

Varian really wasn't sure how to feel about how they were talking so candidly about the fact that he was to have a child with a woman that wasn't her, but appreciated how mature and calm she was being.

He, on the other hand, was shaking in his boots about absolutely everything and had no idea how to tell her that he was terrified of the next few weeks without making her doubt him.

"Yes, that would be it. Tiffin respects that laying with her is the last thing on Azeroth that I want to do, so we compromised."

"Sounds like it's all been planned out."

Varian felt a twinge of guilt for how put-out she sounded about the fact.

"Only the parts you didn't need to know about. I tried sparing your feelings a little."

Val actually started to laugh. "It takes alot to hurt my feelings, Varian. You should know that by now," she said, and with a small huff, she pushed herself from her chair, and started unlacing her shirt. "Where are you going?" Varian asked, watching her cross his chambers.

"To bed- I'm bloody knackered, and don't exactly feel like trudging back to the shop in the dark," Val said matter-of-factly. She pulled her shirt over her head and turned to face him with a grin. "You coming?"

Varian wasn't thrilled by the blasénature of which Val was taking this colossal news, but in his heart, he knew he would only make things worse if he pressed the matter.

So instead, he left his seat, tugged his own tunic off, and climbed into bed with the woman he adored.