Chapter 37
Dawn
The ride from the shrine of Talos had been swift with only starlight guiding them. Aurelia's arms tight around his waist-his wife now, her warmth against him a quiet reminder of the stakes at play. Halbjorn bounded from the shadows, his fur coat dusted with snow.
Ondolemar reined his horse to a halt outside Solitudes stables. He dismounted gracefully, then turned to Aurelia, helping her down. His hands lingered on her hips for a moment longer than necessary.
The stable hand stumbled out, eyes half lidded with sleep. Ondolemar tossed him the reins with a curt nod. "See that he's taken care of." He said. Halbjorn growled low nudging the man back and Ondolemar smirked faintly, good beast, he thought to himself.
The pair made their way toward Solitude's gates, Halbjorn close by. As they neared the gates, Ondolemar turned to Aurelia. "Let me do the talking," he murmured, voice low and firm, his hands reaching to pull her hood up, fingers brushing her snow-dusted hair. He adjusted her cloak, tugging it tighter around her shoulders, his touch lingering as he continued, "Keep your head down. We go to my office tonight. I'll take care of everything, Melda mín."
Her eyes flickered up brightly as a sleepy smile tugged her lips. "Oh? Husband's orders?" she teased, voice soft.
Ondolemar nodded, his face unreadable, but his eyes slightly softened as he looked at her.
As they approached the gates, "Thalmor business," he barked at the guards, his stride cutting through their drowsy stares, Halbjorn's presence a silent threat at his heels. Aurelia followed, head dipped as he'd told her to. The guards shrank back—one muttered, "Bloody elves," but waved them through.
Ondolemar led her through a side entrance of the Thalmor Headquarters, his hand brushing her back to guide her past a lone guard. "Official business," he snapped, voice edged, and the man flinched, eyes dropping. The door shut behind them with a heavy thud, and they were in—his office.
The lock clicked sharp, sealing them inside, and Halbjorn bounded to the hearth, shaking snow from his fur with a dramatic huff before flopping down. Aurelia pulled her hood back, snowflakes glinting in her hair, and turned to him, exhaustion softening her glow. Ondolemar exhaled as he stepped closer, his hands settling on her arms.
"Melda mín," he whispered, pulling her in, kissing her slow and deep, her lips eager despite her exhaustion. She pressed into him, hands on his chest, as she murmured, "you're absolutely mad," against his mouth.
Ondolemar smirked before deepening his kiss as his hands slid under her cloak, pulling her closer, then lifting her up, sitting her on his desk in a swift motion. Her legs instinctively parting as he stepped between them. The storm brewing outside and everything that waited for them come dawn temporarily forgotten. Right now his thoughts were only on Aurelia and how he wanted her-his hands slid to her waist, pulling her tighter.
Aurelia's fingers began tugging at his tunic, fumbling with the laces. She murmured his name-her voice a mix of teasing and want. Her hands slipped under the fabric grazing his skin. He groaned into their kiss as he pressed her back onto the desk. His hands roamed up her side, tracing the curves of her body. For a moment it was just them-her fingers in his hair, his lips on her neck.
Aurelia let out a soft sigh, a sign of her contentment in the moment, but also the exhaustion of the day catching up to her. "Ondolemar," she mumbled, laughing faintly, dipping her head into his shoulder. "I'm… so tired."
He pulled back, resting his forehead against hers. The guilt of what lay ahead and his part in creating it weighed on him again. He murmured, "You're exhausted. It's been a hectic day. Rest—by the fire." He pulled back to kiss her forehead. "We'll have time later."
Aurelia nodded a sleepy smile on her face as she looked up at him eyes half closed.
He guided her to Halbjorn's side, tucking his cloak around her as she curled up against the beast. Within seconds she was fast asleep. Ondolemar knelt down beside her, brushing his finger against her cheek, "Melda mín" he whispered.
As she slept, Ondolemar began his work. With one quick motion he unrolled the map of Solitude reviewing every exit and entry point. Ulfric would be coming to challenge Torygg in mere hours, Ondolemar needed to be ready. With Aurelia safe in his office he had one less thing to worry about, but you could never be to sure.
Ondolemar unrolled a scroll on his desk, grabbed his quill and began writing his report to Elenwen.
Ulfric Stormcloak camped south of Solitude, challenge at dawn confirmed. Solitude destabilized. Princess secured. Signed- Justiciar Ondolemar of Solitude, First Emissary's service.
Weeks of intel and years of espionage had all led to this day. He'd known this would happen, he'd left her blinded from the truth-and now she slept in his office, trusting him. His chest tightened as guilt threatened to rise, but he pushed it back. Duty must come first.
He pulled out the orders- 'Post-duel detain Princess Aurelia to Embassy.' His eyes flicked to her, then he changed the word 'detain' to 'escort.' A small change for her sake. Then Ondolemar went to fill out a log. 'Justiciar sweep, all clear, returned 0200'-falsifying a record to cover up their elopement that night.
Dawn was quickly approaching. Ondolemar continued to work, reviewing reports, creating alternative plans. His quill scratching against the parchment with quick precision. He glanced toward Aurelia, her chest rising and falling in her peaceful slumber.
Please forgive me, Melda mín-my beloved.