Varian felt his whole body protest when he woke up the next morning, and what made it worse was that he knew it was all his own fault.

He groaned in annoyance as he attempted to sit up, holding his shoulder and grimacing at the purple stain covering it, hoping to the Light that Val hadn't seen it but not holding out much hope.

She wasn't in bed with him, so chances were good that she'd probably already inspected him as she always did when he came back from battle, meaning he was in for quite the bollocking when she made her eventual appearance.

His whole arm was stiff, in fact everythingwas stiff, making sitting as he was quite the chore.

Apparently his grumbles were louder than he anticipated, for now two seconds after managing to somehow heave himself out of bed and onto his feet did he find his bride padding out of the washroom with a towel around her and the smuggest of grins on her face.

"Don't say a fucking word, woman…"

That only made her laugh, which he should've seen coming. "'I'm fine Val, I don't need a healer'. 'Will you stop fussing woman, I'm a grown man and it's a few bruises'. You're so full of shit Varian."

If he could strangle her, he very well would, but as he'd already ascertained, this was entirely brought upon himself and really, she was right. "Can you stop mocking me for five seconds and do something helpful?"

Val jabbed a thumb towards the washroom. "I already have. There's an ice bath sitting in there waiting for you, and the priestess is coming in half an hour."

She pointed a warning finger right at his face when his mouth opened to protest. "I don't care, you're getting seen to whether you like it or not. In case it slipped your mind, we have a pressing engagement today, and I won't have you hobbling all the way to the Courthouse like some old maid."

Varian wanted to grumble some more, he wanted to argue that he would be fine by that point…but he couldn't. "Fine, but then you leave me be, alright?"

Val stretched onto her toes, kissing his cheek and threatening to topple him where he was still stiff as an over-starched shirt. "Since you promised to do the same for me last night, then of course I will."

Damn it, how did she always manage to make him smile when the situation rightfully allowed for annoyance? "I'm glad you took my promises seriously. I meant every word I said of them, after all."

She debated whether to defy him already and aid him across to the washroom, but she decided it would be a waste of time and effort, for he wouldn't appreciate it in the least. So she merely watched as he shuffled across the stone floor, getting his comeuppance for his stubbornness in what she considered to be the most 'nice' of ways.

"I know you did. It's partly why I called for the priestess."

She pulled the blanket up so she could sit on it and dry off. "I need you in peak condition if we're to start training together tomorrow."

Varian huffed like an old codger all the while it took him to pull his shorts down, cursing loudly and colourfully when the water hit his foot and sent sharp spikes of freezing cold through him. Val started snorting into her hand at the expletives echoing from the smaller chamber, taking the long groan afterwards as a sign that he'd actually managed to get inthe bath and was feeling the effects already.

"Better?"

There were a few beats of silence then a long, drawn out "yes" answered her most satisfactorily.

She took the jar of coconut oil from her dressing table, slathering her arms and legs with a generous blob. "Gregor sent word that everything's ready for today. All we have to do is be at the Courthouse come ten o'clock."

Varian submerged himself up to his chin, feeling the blocks of ice floating about doing their jobs already. "Good, the sooner this is done, the sooner I can focus on things of actual import."

Val tied her brassiere, turning it the right way and slipping her arms through the straps. "Just try not to lose your temper today Varian."

Varian's brow furrowed. "I won't start bellowing within the first five minutes, but I won't let them think I'm a pushover either, that's all I can promise. He still broke the law, no matter how badly this has been handled."

Val started brushing her hair out so Nan didn't have to fight with it so much later on. "But he didn't commit treason, Varian. Slander and public discord maybe…"

Varian had to admit he was impressed by how quickly she'd brought herself up to speed with the situation. Maybe these 'lessons' she was having were actually paying off. "True, and that's what he'll be tried for today. He'll walk away from this with a few stern words and a fine, nothing more."

Val was glad to hear it, padding over to the washroom with a towel slung over her arm and her water in the other hand, perching herself on the towel table. "Then hopefully things will go as back to normal as they can."

Varian began to roll his shoulders to see if they were any easier to move, finding he was very much mistaken and gritting his teeth as he popped the bad one back into place. "Here's hoping. I want this all done and dusted by dinnertime."

Val crossed her ankles, swinging them together. "I had a look at your armour earlier. It's not going to be ready by the time we go."

Varian opened one of his eyes after closing them both in an effort to relax himself better. "Damn it all. That means finery, doesn't it?"

Val wrinkled her nose in apology. "Aye, it does. But I was going to suggest it anyway, so really, this is quite fortuitous."

Varian was clearly irked by the idea but really, what could he possibly do about it? If it wasn't ready, it simply wasn't ready. "I'm drawing the line at that damn crown touching my head. I know Gregor will try it, he always bloody does."

Val hopped down, sitting crossed legged by his head instead and raking her fingers through his hair, hearing the familiar rumble that always came with the gesture. "I don't think you'd even be able to see it right now anyway. Maybe get the barber in before we leave for the north?"

Varian considered it, trying his shoulders again and getting more of a result this time. "I suppose It will help immensely if I can see what I'm killing."

Her laugh was exactly the tonic he needed right now, and thankfully that's exactly what he got. "That's the spirit, love. Just don't go too short, alright? I'll not forgive you if you do."

He took her wrist and kissed it, glad that his arms were starting to comply with the commands his brain was giving them. "You can rest easy Sweetheart, I have no intentions of getting myself sheared anytime soon."

She gave his hair a playful pull, standing back up and brushing herself down. "Anduin's on about growing his out."

Varian's eyebrow cocked. "Is he? He hasn't said anything to me about it."

Val shrugged, putting a washcloth that had sat in the same enchanted bucket as the ice on the back of his neck and feeling him relax the second it touched his skin. "I think he just wants to be like you, if I'm honest Varian. That boy looks up to you more than he lets on."

Varian had to admit merely hearing the idea was enough to put a dopey smile on his face. "I think that's every father's goal in life really, isn't it? Though I'll confess, I was starting to think we'd not see eye to eye on most things."

Val took another generous gulp of her water, wiping the corners of her mouth after. "He's still little Varian, he doesn't see things as cut and dry as you do yet, that's all. Give him time and he'll start realising why we do some of the things we do."

Varian could only hope for it, he really could. Having to correct his son's rather admirable delusions of compromises that simply didn't exist was making him more weary than he cared to tell. "I'm sure it'll suit him no matter what he chooses to do."

Val made a noise of agreement, swiping her toothbrush in the pot full of mint paste and sprinkling it with water. "He's at that strange transition age, that's all. He'll find his own identity soon."

Varian started chuckling although he absolutely agreed with her. "You can tell Priscilla though. I refuse to risk my life in such a manner."

Val tried not to laugh in case she spat paste everywhere, settling for a closed mouth grin that he didn't even see. "Oh I'm sure she won't be that vexed about it. She's got plenty of clients down in Brinewick, I doubt one little boy not wanting his hair cut anymore will bankrupt her."

Varian knew this was probably still a touchy subject but he had to try it regardless. "Have you given any more thought to inviting your family to stay a while? I mean after all this mess has been cleared up."

Val finally cleared her mouth of paste, swilling some more water before answering. "I wasn't, until last night."

She brushed her hair back as she straightened, turning around and leaning back against the counter upon which the basin sat. "If you're serious about letting me re-enlist, I think it would be rather cruel of me not to give them all a face to face goodbye, wouldn't it?"

Varian couldn't see the fault in her logic. "True. Shall I have some rooms made up?"

Val nodded, much to his surprise. Though right now what surprised him even more was that he was able to turn his head enough to witness it. "I can't keep pushing them away, can I? Not if we've both agreed to start moving forward."

She picked a loose strand of fluff from her shorts. "I'll need you to do a docking permit for the Rose."

Varian kept forgetting that Cillian hadn't brought the ship with him this time. "I'll have it written up tonight. It'll be good for Anduin to have plenty of people around him when we leave."

Val couldn't disagree. "We'll have to sit him down ourselves and tell him though Varian. It's only fair." Varian huffed, starting to heave himself up and waving her away when she moved to help him.

"Remember our deal Val. You have three weeks starting tomorrow to convince me that you're ready. Don't start talking like I've already said yes."

She seemed strangely confident as he conceded and used her arms as a counterweight while he lifted a leg out. "I've already taken the first step towards doing exactly that. I've asked Gregor to summon Dr. Lineker and he should be here this afternoon."

Varian's eyebrow rose in suspicion. "How long exactly have you been up to achieve all of this?"

Val shrugged, passing his towel to him, itching to help him but knowing full well that he wouldn't appreciate it. "You know I don't sleep before big events Varian, it's the way I've always been."

He'd hoped that trend had died out as the years had gone on, so to hear the contrary was rather vexing indeed. "You should've woken me."

Val snorted, going back into their main chamber and putting her robe on, knowing the Priestess would be here soon. "What, and listened to you grumbling all night? No thank you, I was more content to let you sleep. You needed it alot more than I did."

He gingerly rubbed the soft cotton over his arm, feeling mild shocks of protest but nothing compared to when he'd first gotten out of bed, which meant the bath had worked to a certain extent.

"Was it nerves?"

Val shrugged, not really knowing how to answer him. "Maybe? I'm not nervous now though, so maybe it was just anticipation."

Varian took the trousers she passed him, impressing even himself by how he managed to pull them up without as many curses as he thought there'd be. "If you've changed your mind about attending Val, you have only but to tell me."

Val appreciated it but shook her head anyway, opening the balcony door and letting the sun wash over her. "I'll be fine, it's just a bit…daunting, thinking that the last person we sentenced together was my brother."

Varian's brows snapped down. "He wasn't your brother."

Val's lips pursed. "He was though really, wasn't he? At least by blood. It wasn't easy then, and I doubt it'll be easy today, no matter how lenient a punishment we give."

Varian patted the spot next to him and of course she took his invitation, letting him kiss her head. "Memories are our worst enemy, I of all people know that. If it gets too much, you tell me at once, understand?"

Val gave him the most genuine smile she could muster after a night of no sleep and a morning that seemed to be dragging on. "Loud and clear."

She leant up for another kiss, holding on to his lips when they pressed against hers and surprising the both of them when she put her arms around his neck and pulled herself up.

Varian rightfully ignored his body's protests, far too elated at how she was actually lettinghim touch her like this after months of abstinence to care.

She'd made it clear when she'd lost Elliot that she didn't want any sort of intimacy from him, and it had been so for so many weeks he'd actually started to wonder if he'd ever be allowed near her again.

His palm ran itself up her back and his other arm hooked around her, tightening with every passing second.

Neither of them had heard the small raps on the door, nor the thing eventually opening and Jon poking his head in until he loudly cleared his throat. Val all but scrambled from Varian, smoothing her hair and swallowing hard. Varian angrily turned, feeling a few pops in his back.

"What is it?"

Jon straightened, nudging his head to the hallway. "Priestess Laurena for you, Your Majesty."

Val found her cheeks burning hotter as a mellowed Varian bid her entry, with Val telling him to find Nan and send her up with the tea cart.

"Good morning Your Majesty, apologies if I've interrupted?"

Varian was glad that she came around to the side he was sitting at so he didn't have to twist again, straightening his shoulders as much as he could. "Not at all, Your Grace, you timed your arrival just right."

Val couldn't help her coy smile while the gentle faced blonde got to work, knowing full well that her husband was giving her the exact same look.

Once the Priestess had gone, anyone looking at Varian wouldn't have even known that he could barely move an hour ago. He was back on top form, even managing to argue with Gregor over how much fanfare there was to be today.

Eventually the groom had conceded defeat and the two of them were all but bundled into the carriage waiting at the bottom of the Keep steps.

Val thought the vehicle a little unnecessary but Varian had insisted upon it, holding her hand the entire time he sat across from her.

They listened to the crowds as it rolled down the streets of Stormwind; half of them would cheer, but then the jeers would mix in with them and put a slither of dread in her. "It seems he had more supporters than we realised."

Varian made a reluctant noise of agreement, instinctively reaching behind him to make sure the leather tip of Shalamayne's scabbard was still strapped to his back. He had no intentions of using the blade unless he really had no choice, but to know it was merely there was enough to calm him somewhat.

"Which makes me wonder just how long this has been going on."

He grunted in annoyance this time, making the leather of his gloves squeak as his fingers tightened around hers. "Probably since the dawn of the monarchy. No King has ever made everyone like them, it's an impossibility."

He pulled a face. "Though that's not to say some haven't tried. And then there's those who didn't try at all. Apparently I fall into the latter category today."

Val didn't believe that for a second, and she was sure he didn't either. "You've done the best you can with the shit storm life has given us Varian, nobody can ask for anymore than that."

Varian's brows drew in. "I've heard a few of them tell those who'll listen what 'they'd do if they were king'. Bah. If they were king they'd be making the same damn decisions I am, because they're the onlyones you can possibly make."

Val sharply squeezed his hand, closing the curtain on the window to make a point. "Then you need to show them that. Make the right decision today and I'm sure it'll win you points with whoever these people you've overheard are."

Varian managed a slither of a smile, straightening as he felt the carriage start to slow.

"I pray that you're right, Sweetheart. Ready for curtain up?"

Val ran her fingers through the loose section of her hair, smoothing the silk of her gown. "No, but I have a feeling that we have no choice."

Varian stayed hunched over, waiting for Jon to open the door like a wolf waiting for it's prey, ducking out when it eventually arrived and held a hand out for Val, helping her down the steps that Varro kicked down.

The noise of the crowd was deafening, and a perfect mix of positive voices and ones that wanted nothing but to shout their grievances.

Unlike all the other times they'd met the masses, Varian put an arm around her shoulders and gave her no time to linger, letting Jon, Varro and two other men surround them in a wall of steel. "Let's get this over with."

Val merely nodded, finding the hollow walls of the small hallway that connected the Stockades and the Courtroom cold and rather daunting. "Are you alright?"

She appreciated how Varian kept his voice low, giving him a shaky nod. "Aye, now stop asking me before it does indeed make me vomit."

She didn't mind his chuckle at what was by all accounts a very real threat, already hearing a low hum from the room that was separated from them by only a pair of steel doors. "How many attended in the end?"

The guardsman by the door cleared his throat. "Over fifty, Your Majesty."

Val tried not to sigh at how that was so many more than had made themselves known over the weeks, focusing more on not losing her footing or her nerve as their arrival was bellowed to all and sundry.

The swishes of cloaks and scuffles of boots as everyone rose pierced the sudden, deafening silence until Varian led Val up the small set of stone steps to their seats high above.

Varian commanded all to sit down and Val found that she couldn't look at any of them in case Light forbid they were someone she knew, which could've very well been the case.

She didn't want to even consider that someone she called a friend or even an acquaintance was now baying for her husband's blood, it made her even more ill than it would've had they all been strangers. "Bring in the prisoner."

There was an awkward pause as more guardsmen opened another door to the side of the room, and the metallic clunks of the shackles clearly put on his feet and hands made Val's back teeth start to hurt.

Hell's teeth, he's as old as my fecking Grammy.

Now she understood why everyone was up in arms about his arrest. Apparently Varian was just as perturbed by the fact that the man standing in front of them was old enough to have probably seen the beginning of Llane's reign as king, let alone his own, and she couldn't blame him.

His frail limbs looked bogged down by his shackles, and there were horrible red rings around his eyes, eyes that had wrinkles deep enough to rival the cracks in the cobbles outside. Thankfully it didn't look from where she sat that he'd been beaten in any way, so she supposed small blessings were worth something at least.

"You may be seated."

The poor man seemed to be relieved by Varian's command, slowly perching himself on the stool that was brought to him. "Durwin Carlyle, you are charged today with treason against the throne of Stormwind for an incident that occurred on the night of March the seventeenth. How do you plead?"

Durwin was shaking, Val could see it from here as he all but fell to his knees. "Please Your Majesty, I meant no harm with what I said, I wouldn't ever threaten His Majesty or your Ladyship- mercy! Mercy good King!"

Val was close to tears, Varian could see it already, and even he had to admit his heart was heavy as he watched a man who clearly didn't deserve it beg for his life.

Unfortunately, his council, who of course were required to attend, didn't see it that way. "His Majesty asked you a simple question, Mister Carlyle, sit back down and answer."

Varian raised a hand to stop Katrana there, letting the guard 'help' him back to the stool. "I'll ask again, how do you plead?"

Durwin wrung his bony hands. "Not Guilty, Your Majesty."

Varian took a long, deep breath, taking a swig of the ale Lee had poured him. "Count Ridgewell, please read out the details of the incident for the court."

Remington seemed all too gleeful to, unrolling a parchment and getting to his feet, clearing his throat.

"On the night of March seventeenth, you were witnessed by no other than His Majesty himself, stood atop a platform in the centre of Stormwind Park, preaching falsehoods and slanderous comments towards how His Majesty runs his Kingdom, particularly regarding your grievances towards the war."

Durwin made to stand but couldn't manage it, but to his gratitude one of those seated in the gallery behind him did.

"He's only saying what we're all thinking! None of us wanted this war! If he'd stopped Prince Arthas when he had the chance-"

Varian's nostrils flared. "You will sit down and stay quiet! I have no intentions of this trial turning into a damn circus!"

He gestured to Durwin. "Have you anything to say for yourself?"

Durwin politely asked for help to his feet, which he was given, and he looked Varian right in the eye.

"Your Majesty. I'm over seventy years old. I've fought in so many wars that I can't even remember them all. I served under your Grandfather in the troll wars, and thought him to be as good a king as you are now. I've lost three sons and a four grandchildren to the war against the Lich King, and nearly all were at the Wrathgate. I saw your partnership with the Horde as the reason for that, and acted in haste. I honestly meant no offence to you, Majesty. Please, let me live, and I will show you what a diligent servant I can be."

Val watched Varian's face the whole time he was talking and for the first time in a long time, she couldn't read him.

He sat straighter, rolling his shoulders. "While I am sorry for those you've lost, I cannot condone the stirring of public discord that has taken place. Your actions, intentional or not, have caused malaise for those going about their lives and put others at risk."

He eyed those in the gallery, who were all shifting uncomfortably. "Were I inclined, I could have all those who've stood outside the gates of Stormwind Keep standing beside you today for the same charges."

A universal gasp crossed the sea of faces, with some managing to keep their faces straight while others started to shake in fear.

"You've scared your prince to tears, harassed loyal members of staff who only wish to carry out their duties, and disrupted the normal runnings of Stormwind. Any other King would have you all hanged by the wayside for such blatant disregard of my authority!"

Val's eyebrow rose and she merely touched his arm, bringing him back down to Azeroth long enough to notice that he was getting what she prayed was the desired effect.

The looks of horror among the crowd showed her plainly that they never made threats unless he meant them, and it was the complete opposite to what either of them had discussed.

He took a deep, shuddering breath, putting his hand over hers and sweeping his gaze over everyone in the room, including his councilmen, who weren't entirely sure where he was going with this, and quite frankly, neither did Varian really.

"But I'm not 'any other king'. I'm not a Warchief, or some bloodthirsty tyrant who throws his toys from his carriage."

He gestured to Gregor, who of course was writing every word he was saying down. "As a sign of good faith, I will notcharge the rest of you for what you have done, on the understanding that all demonstrations end now.Those found to be flouting the pardon I've granted you will be brought straight to the stockades."

He extended a hand to Durwin. "Take off his shackles. He means no harm."

He cleared his throat, making the small hum that had started up fall again. "I will not try you for treason today, as was planned."

He held a hand up when a gaggle of voices rose once more. "But, that does not mean that you are considered innocent."

He stood, putting both of his palms in front of him. "Durwin Carlyle, I charge you with, and find you guilty of, slander and breaching of the peace. These charges carry sentence in the form of a fine in the sum of thirty gold pieces, to be paid to the crown. If you find you cannot pay the fine in coin, your possessions will be seized until the value has been met. Do you understand?"

Durwin nodded so quickly Val was wondering whether his head was about to fall off. "Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you, Your Majesty."

Apparently not all were so accepting. "You can't take his things. He's worked hard for them!"

"Where will the gold go? Towards the the next war you start?!"

Varian pounded a fist against the wood he was leaning on, glad that the guards below shouted for order before he ruined his voice doing so. "I'm using the time I have you all here to address this once and for all. There is to be no war with the Horde. Nor are there to be any more partnerships with them. Waylay these foolish rumours of another war looming, for these isn't to be one!"

He gritted his teeth, trying so hard to stay calm. "Any further grievances can be brought to my attention, not the masses. I extend Audience to twice a week instead of once, so that I may hear all of you in ample time. Once the war with the Lich King is over, may things settle for all of us. You are all dismissed."

He stayed seated while others around them rose and bent in over the tops bows and curtseys, at least from his council. Those who were situated in the gallery had all but ignored him, swarming instead around Durwin and all baying for the chance to help him from the building, shouting about getting drinks and celebrating.

Ridgewell stopped by Varian's side as he made to take his own leave, putting his hands behind his back. "That was very well handled, Your Majesty."

Varian grunted in response, draining his ale. "Was it though? I didn't exactly win any favours."

Hartfield came to his other side, nearly blocking him off from Val entirely, which she didn't appreciate at all. "On the contrary, Your Majesty, you showed an adequate amount of mercy for a man who, in my opinion, deserved alot less."

Varian stood, clearly annoyed at the compliment. "Well I didn't ask for your opinion, did I?"

He sighed, waving a hand towards the steps. "All of you, leave us. I have private matters to attend to."

While they seemed to be rather surprised at his instantaneous dismissal, Ridgewell quickly cleared his throat after a few beats of awkward silence. "Very well. Good day, Your Majesty."

Val heard Gregor say something about seeing them at the Keep as he led them out, but waited until it was merely the two of them to open her dry lips. "Are you alright?"

Varian stared blankly at the now empty dock, with his grimace deepening with each passing second of heavy silence. "Oh, I'm just peachy."

Val knew better than to touch him in this mood, folding her arms in an additional attempt not to. "I'll take that as a 'no'."

His shoulders dropped and his head turned towards her. "You know something Val? You're right. I'm not alright. How can I possiblybe alright with what just happened?"

Val could sympathise with his plight, even more so when she knew the reason behind his anger. "You felt sorry for him, didn't you?"

Varian's eyes held a pain not many people saw from him; it was reserved normally for either Val, or his mother when she'd been alive. "How could I not? He's an old soldier who's sick of death, not a damn criminal. I feel dirty for even sentencing him."

She put a hand on his forearm, feeling it tense underneath her palm. "Varian, you did what you had to. You couldn't exactly let him off scot free, could you? It would've made things worse and something tells me you know that."

Varian shrugged her hand off. "Of course I know that! Don't act like you're superior to me after two weeks when it comes to what I've had drilled into me since I could talk Val, it's not amusing in any way."

He exhaled through gritted teeth, gripping the chair in front of him. "I know that if I'd simply pardoned him, that would give others more dangerous the temptation to act. But he wasn't dangerous Val. He didn't deserve punishment."

Val heard his voice crack, taking it as her cue to take a tentative step forward. "He has his life because of you. Can you imagine if your council had control over today? They slapped him with a treason charge so quickly I bet the ink wasn't even on the quill properly. Light knows what torture they would've put him through had they been given the power to."

Varian was starting to come around, she could see it, but he wasn't quite there yet. "It still doesn't make me feel satisfied. Those people were right, he can't afford the fine, which means I have to take what little he has."

Val knew she was being the harsh one right now, but it was necessary to get him out of this melancholy. "He understood that he broke the law, Varian. Nothing you did was unfair."

He finally looked at her again, keeping his face stony. "How the hells can you still want to be a royal after today?"

Val actually managed a small laugh, which neither of them had expected. "Because it kind of comes with being married to the man I'm madly, utterly in love with, icebrain."

He sputtered, narrowing his eyes straight after. "Your honeyed words won't work on me this time, woman. I intend on being miserable for as long as it takes."

She was starting to feel the gloomy chill of the place now it was just them, he could tell by how tightly her arms were folded. "Oh you can be as miserable as you please, I'm still going to tell you the truth."

He cleared his throat, finally straightening properly and feeling his back thank him for it. "Apologies for snapping. It's been a taxing morning already."

Val waved a hand of dismissal. "No apologies are needed. It was an impossible situation no matter how you looked at it, that's bound to piss anyone off."

Varian's brow furrowed once again. "I'm just hoping that I haven't made everything ten times worse."

Val shrugged, taking another step toward him now he was starting to calm down. "They all wanted him released, and that's exactly what you did. They'd have no reason to come back."

She started to titter, putting her hand over her mouth.

"What? What's so funny?"

She snorted, putting her hand back down. "Though I think threatening to hang them all if they tried it again was the clincher."

Varian hated himself for chuckling at what had been quite the serious threat, but she had a point. "Do you think that was too harsh?"

Val shook her head. "No, it was just harsh enough, if that makes any sense? I doubt any of them will fear you as a savage tyrant anytime soon, put it that way."

He pinched the bridge of his nose in a vain attempt to alleviate the headache starting to throb at the back of his head. "I never thought I'd have to end up threatening my own people."

He blinked a few times to adjust his vision. "I'd care not to do it again anytime soon, if I'm honest."

She saw no problem with patting his arm this time, finding it even better when his hand took hers.

"And if all goes well, which I personally believe it has, then you won't have to. If they're all happy enough to go down to the Nag's Head and celebrate, they're happy enough to not sit outside our gates anymore."

Varian pulled a face, realising again that she had a point. "I'll keep the extra guards for now, and if it dies down as quickly as we expect, I'll speak to them about going out to Northrend. Light knows we need the men."

Val stood on her toes to kiss his cheek, appreciating how he bent for it before she'd even got there. "And that's what we need to focus on right now. Today is done. You gave a man his freedom when he thought he'd lose it, which is all anyone could ask."

He held his arm out, growing rather anxious about even being here when there was no need to be. Of course she took it, giving him a small smile when he lifted her hand and planted a whisper of a kiss on it. "You realise that It's not going to make them suddenly like us?"

Val gave his arm a squeeze, beginning to fall into step with him. "I know that, but come on Varian, we were never going to be liked by everyone. It'd be exhausting to even attempt it."

Varian couldn't argue with that either. "I suppose a group of fifty out of thousands isn't bad going, all thing considered."

Val flashed him a grin, putting her head on his arm. "See, there's the right attitude."

Varian had to admire how she could brush something off so flippantly on the surface; she had always been alot better at it than him. He knew her well enough to see the dismay behind her eyes, and if anything he was strangely grateful to know it wasn't just him coming out of this with a conflicted conscience.

"Would you have done anything I just did differently?"

Val took a good few seconds to ponder the question, not building any confidence within him at just how long she was taking. "Not really, no. You did everything by the book, and that's the only way todo it sometimes. In a perfect world I think the both of us would've just given him a bollocking and told him to sod off. But alas, that's not how it works."

Varian had to admit, he much preferred her honest answer to one filled with placating sweetness, which he no doubt would've gotten had he asked a member of his council the same question. "Then I suppose there's no point in moping over it."

Val nodded, really watching her feet since the stone steps were only about two inches wide and she was known for being clumsy. It was probably why Varian's arm had tightened on hers, but she wasn't about to get annoyed at how he simply anticipatedher falling like an idiot. "Exactly. Compared to some of the shit we have to deal with, this was rather simply sorted when you think about it."

Once again, he could do nothing but agree, but he was sure there was about to be an argument regardless as a niggling thought finally pushed its way to the front of his mind. "I'm going to implement the ban on you and Anduin leaving the Keep for another few days, if that's agreeable?"

Her face told him it wasn't, but after another quiet few seconds, it changed to one of reluctant acceptance. "I suppose it would be a tad stupid to go roaming so soon after acknowledging people are pissed off at us."

Varian's small, wobbly smile told her that he thought the same. "I just don't think it'd be practical right now. But I promise, once I'm convinced this has all died down, you're free to do whatever you wish again."

Val's nose begun to scrunch. "It's not meyou have to convince of that."

Varian's smile turned into a grimace. "Anduin will have to live with it, I'm afraid. I hate the phrase 'I'm doing this for his own good', but unfortunately it applies rather appropriately."

Val let go of his arm and took his hand instead, still hearing a certain amount of people outside. She knew it vexed him that they had to tone down the affection when they were in public now, but she knew that the people didn't want to see two loved up young people when they saw them; they wanted to see two professional royals ready to take things seriously.

"I think he's just too happy to have you home to care, if I'm completely honest. Every day he kept asking when you'd be back."

Varian's brow started to wrinkle. "I suppose that was the only silver lining to Jaina's deception."

She huffed in amusement. "I was hoping for a little more enthusiasm than that."

Varian's eyebrow cocked. "You know damn well that I'm glad to be home. What do you want me to do, a merry jig?"

Val didn't hesitate to say "Yes!" and finally he started laughing, which he had a sneaking suspicion had been her goal all along.

"I at leastexpected a bouquet as big as my head, with chocolates of every kind littering a petal strewn bed."

Varian snorted, linking his fingers with hers and trying not to squeeze too hard as the din grew louder. "Oh now I know you're jesting. You hate chocolate, and would likely smack me if I got you any."

Val tutted, looking up at him with a smirk. "Unless it's chocolate cake- then you'll have to fight me over it."

Varian found it rather astounding how a conversation about the Stormish justice system had turned into one about cake, but then again, that was their relationship in a sentence, and really, he wouldn't have it any different.

"Though I suppose with your lack of self control when it comes to baked goods, you'd end up eating the fecker before I even got home."

He narrowed his eyes at her, only making her sputters worse. "I'm choosing to ignore that."

Val snickered as they simultaneously stopped as they got to the doors. "That means I'm right."

Varian bent to kiss her cheek, making a small, coy smile appear. "What was that for?"

All traces of humour had left his face, replaced with what she could only describe as 'stoic pride'. "Think of it as a small 'thank you' for putting up with this while I've been away. And for helping me resolve it."

Val grimaced, which hadn't quite been the reaction he'd expected. "I didn't really do anything though."

Varian shrugged, finally giving an ever patient Jon the nod to open the doors. "You kept my kingdom from imploding and my own head from combusting, that's more than enough."

She realised just how dark having barely any windows made The Stockades once the large, thick oak was pulled back and the sun washed over them, making her need to cover her eyes to stop herself getting blinded.

"Can I suggest you move swiftly, Your Majesty? We'll disperse the crowds once you're back at the Keep."

Varian kept a tight grip on Val's hand, barely lifting his hand in a wave before making a beeline for the carriage, glad to leave the dreary place behind for another day.