Chapter 41
Aurelia III
Ondolemar moved slowly and carefully through the Embassy. His boots stepped softly on the stone floor as he made his way through the halls avoiding guards. He knew what he should be doing right now-he should be moving with purpose and efficiency straight to Elenwen's office to give a full report on King Torygg's fall amd the state of Solitude. Propriety and protocol demanded it of course, he was a Commander, the head of the Thalmor in Skyrim, but propriety be damned he was getting to Aurelia first. She needed him.
He stopped as he let a Thalmor guard pass by, remaining undetected. Before he rounded the corner he glanced behind him to see the sabre cat, crouched low. Each step it took was slow and deliberate. His body tense as he pressed close to the walls, his eyes darting side to side, watching for danger as intensely as Ondolemar.
Gods you're not serious, Ondolemar mused. This beast is sneaking like a thief in the night.
The Sabre cat let a low growl as if sensing Ondolemar's doubt.
Ondolemar narrowed his eyes. "Quiet beast or we'll both get caught."
Halbjorn blinked, then slunk past him like a cat on a mission.
Together, as mer and beast, they snuck through the embassy and made their way to the hall full of bedrooms. Fortunately, Ondolemar had kept a spare key to the guest room that he had accidentally taken just in case he ever needed it. His heart raced as he pulled the key from his pocket, but it wasn't the stolen key or the possibility of getting caught causing it to. No-it was knowing that Aurelia, now his wife, was on the other side of the door. Probably scared, confused and angry. Locked in a room... again.
Quickly he unlocked the door, opening it slowly as to not make too much noise. Aurelia turned from the window. Her eyes were red, her cheeks puffy and flushed. Ondolemar froze at the door, the consequences of his actions coming finally to haunt him. He'd never seen her like this before. She looked broken, exhausted-it was worst then he had imagined.
Halbjorn burst past him racing straight to his pack leader. Aurelia sniffled and let out a small chuckle, "Halbjorn, I missed you." She said quietly as she scratched behind his ears. The Sabre cat leaned his head onto her purring in contentment.
Then she looked up at Ondolemar, who was still standing at the doorway, watching the reunion unfold. His usual control slipping as he stood there speechless.
"Why?" She asked him, "why did you leave me like that?" Her voice cracked. The pain and confusememt apparent in her question.
Ondolemar felt his heart race in his chest. "Aurelia… I…I had to." Was all he could manage. He took a step closer, "I just wanted to keep you safe."
Aurelia stepped forward. "No, you left me. You locked me in… you abandoned me." She said as tears began to fall again.
"No, I didn't abandon you." He stepped closer, reaching out to her cautiously, putting his hands on her arms. "I had to keep you safe." He brought a hand to her face lifting her chin to face him. "I'm sorry…" he hesitated a moment, considering his words, " I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you."
She looked up at him, tears running down her face now. "Did you know? Did you know it was going to happen?" She whispered the question like she was afraid to know the answer.
Ondolemar froze briefly, "Aurelia…" he began softly, but the words were caught in his throat. His gaze faltered and for the first time since Aurelia had met him, he looked almost small, unsure of what to say.
He swallowed. "There had been rumors, reports. I knew Ulfric would most likely be arriving to challenge King Torygg." He brought his other hand to her face, gently cupping her cheek, "but there was nothing I could do… so I did everything I could to keep you safe."
Aurelia searched his face as she looked up at him, her red eyes and tears still streaked face. She knew what he was doing-side stepping her question, offering a small half truth. Remaining careful and measured as he always was. But as she looked into his eyes she saw it-fear.
Her lip trembled as she spoke, "you should've told me.. you could've said something."
He shook his head slightly, "I couldn't stop it."
He took a small step back. Then gently he moved his hands from her face and slowly reached into his robes. He fingers curled around the Amulet of Talos. He brought it out holding it in his palm with a sense of reverence. He opened his hand, offering the amulet to her.
Aurelia stared at the amulet, her breath caught. Before she could think about it, she reached for the amulet with trembling hands. Her fingers brushed over the metal. She grazed the worn edges and traced the scratches. This was her Fathers amulet. She knew it. He'd never taken it off. Even when the Thalmor were watching, he had kept it.
She cupped it into her hands and held it closely to her heart.
"Why?" She asked. "Why did you bring this to me? Why did you risk…" she trailed off.
Ondolemar hesitated. Then he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. Her head was against his chest as he held her tightly. He rested his cheek against the top of her head. Finally, he quietly said, "because I love you."