The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Leal sat on the sofa in his room annoyed as Sarin looked over him, his hands hovering above his shoulders and moving down to his side.

“How are you feeling, your majesty?” asked Sarin.

“As well as I can,” said Leal. “I am very well recovered from my injury, Sarin. There is no need for you to come see me every day. What is wrong with me, you cannot cure.”

“I am sure your queen will be back any day now, your majesty,” said Sarin as he took his hands away from Leal.

“You aren’t sure, none of us are, and that is the problem,” said Leal. “Now, are you assured of my physical well-being?”

“Yes, you seem well healed. You were in good hands with Galen in the beginning I suppose, though I wish you had sent for me earlier.”

“There was no need to trouble you,” said Leal as he stood up. “By the time we arrived back at the palace all I required was rest.”

“You could still use some rest, your majesty,” said Sarin. “I hope you will forgive me or saying it, but you do not look like you are sleeping well.”

“Of course, I am not sleeping well,” said Leal in exasperation. “How can you expect me to sleep well when my wife has been in the hands of our enemy for weeks now. I am also concerned for my friends and Sentinel members as they go rescue our queen. I am hoping they all come back safe.”

Sarin nodded. “Do you need anything else today, your majesty?” asked Sarin.

“No, and I shall be fine from here on out. You do not have to come see me unless I send for you, Sarin. I am sure you have enough to do with trying to get the Academy back on track.”

“I am never too busy to serve you, my king,” said Sarin as he turned to go. He stopped as he got to the door, Malven waiting to let him out. Sarin turned and looked at the king. “Galen Ellis came to see me before he left for Navalia. He asked me for a book on a very specific subject. I was confused at first why he would need it, but I think I do understand now.”

“Oh,” said Leal as he walked towards Sarin. “Would I be interested in this subject?”

“I believe you could be very interested in this subject, and I think you should call on me when your queen returns home. As talented as Galen is, I do not believe he has experience with this. I will be happy to see to the queen and recommend others who could be helpful to her.”

“When she returns home, I will send for you,” said Leal.

“Please do, your majesty, anytime day or night, and I will come,” said Sarin. “I wish you a good day, and I will pray to the king’s gods for the safety of our queen.”

Leal rolled his eyes and huffed as the door closed behind Sarin. Malvin chuckled as Leal sat down in a chair close to the fireplace.

“Do you not enjoy the attentions of your head healer, your majesty?” asked Malven as he sat across from Leal.

“He can be useful, but his constant need to try to get into my good graces is irritating. I do not need people falling down at my feet offering to do see to my every need,” said Leal.

“Which is why we work so well together, your majesty. You may complain about my casualness with you, but you would hate it if I acted as the other attendants, bowing, and scrapping, fighting over a good word from you,” said Malven.

“Perhaps,” said Leal as he eyed Malven. “Though a little more deference from you wouldn’t hurt.”

“You can always hope I will learn my lesson and place one day,” said Malven as he smiled at the king.

“I might as well hope for the weather always to be perfect, it would do as much good,” said Leal sardonically. “I have better things to hope for at the moment.”

“It shouldn’t be long now,” said Malven. “They’ve been gone for over a week now.”

“Eight days,” said Leal. “If everything went to plan, they should be back by tomorrow or the next day at the latest.”

“Even if they aren’t, you should not lose hope. You do not know all that could happen. They could have had to wait an extra day to rescue the queen. It could take longer getting back with her with them,” said Malven.

“I would rather not think of the reasons it would take them longer to get home if she is with them, Malven,” said Leal.

“I only meant they may travel slower due to her presumed condition,” said Malven.

Leal leaned forward and poured a glass of wine from the table in front him. He took a long drink before he laid back against his chair, letting out a loud breath. He had spent the last seven days and nights thinking of Dracia and their possible child. Even if they managed to bring Dracia out of the winter palace alive, would their child survive? He couldn’t imagine Dracia having to suffer such a loss, especially without him being by her side. What would such a loss do to him?

He could not think of it. He would hope for better things. He would hope by tomorrow night she would be with him where she belonged in their bed. He could be able to put his arms around her and tell her all he had wanted to the past days. He could tell her how sorry he was he let her be taken. He could tell her he should have taken better care of her when she was ill. He would beg her forgiveness for not taking pressures off of her shoulders, so she had not been so distracted and miserable. He would vow to her to be a better husband and an excellent father to their future child.

“Are you taking supper in your rooms tonight, your majesty?” asked Malven taking Leal out of his thoughts.

“No, I shall eat with the others. The Yates men will be joining us, and I have left Lexine alone too long as is.”

“She has been well entertained with Lady Selene,” said Malven.

“They are getting along, then? I didn’t think my sister thought much of the lady,” said Leal with some surprise.

“Bad first impressions have led to a better second and third one, your majesty, as is often the case.”

Leal spent the rest of the afternoon letting Malven distract him with some local gossip, and his witty remarks on many subjects. While Leal knew he probably shouldn’t encourage such things from his head attendant, he could not help but enjoy Malven. Besides, there was no changing the man now. With all he had done for Leal, he had hoped he never had to do without the man.

He spent supper downstairs for the first time since he returned with his injury. It was difficult to sit at a dining table without Dracia by his side. He had gotten used to turning and looking at her periodically throughout meals. He missed her conversation and her laughter. Her brothers were perfectly fine company. Colm being serious and full of court and kingdom news, and Kellen being his ridiculous self, though he did seem more subdued than usual as he worried for his sister and missed his own wife.

Lexine tried to act as she always did, but she was very distracted. He knew she was worried about her own love. Lady Selene seemed better at keeping her worry and fears at bay, making light conversation, and innocently flirting with all three men in attendance. By the time dinner was over, none seemed overly wanting of any more company. Colm and Kellen bid them all goodnight and left the palace to make the short walk to the High Lord of Winsdell’s manor. Lady Selene left Leal and Lexine to go to her room in the palace.

“Have you looked at any of your correspondence lately, brother?” asked Lexine as they walked up the stairs together.

“I have tried, but I have been rather distracted. I should have asked Malven to see to it,” said Leal with a frown.

“You have been ill and worried for your wife, but I believe you do need to read when you can. Mother has written me and asked if you received a letter from her brother, the king of Indomia,” said Lexine. “She had written him of our troubles, and she believes he is willing to help in our fight with Navalia.”

“I’ll have to see if it is in my stack of messages,” said Leal.

“I believe you will also find some messages from some groups in Parvail. There are several lords of that kingdom who are not happy with Navalia taking over their kingdom and killing their king. Their prince has been hidden away in Auromia, and he might have written you as well,” said Lexine.

“How do you know all of this?” asked Leal as he paused on the second floor. “I didn’t need to ask Malven to look over my correspondence, he did it himself anyway, didn’t he?”

“He is just looking out for your wellbeing as well as the kingdom’s, Leal,” said Lexine. “He did not want to burden you with your injury and your worry. He came to me so I may tell you when I thought the time is right.”

“And you think now is the right time?” asked Leal.

“You are feeling well enough to come downstairs, and I am sure you can use the distractions,” said Lexine as she moved closer to him. “Once Dracia is back, Lady Belleth will not just let her or any of us be. She will come for her and all of us. We must be ready with all the allies we can manage.”

“We still have a strong Sentinel, and the support of Siccaria,” said Leal. “We can win the war against the Navalians.”

“You don’t know what you are actually up against,” said Lexine. “Galen has figured something out about Belleth and that woman she calls sister.”

“What did he figure out?” asked Leal.

“It is too impossible for me even to begin to describe, and it will just add to your worries at the moment. When Galen is back, I will have him tell you,” said Lexine. “Now, go try to rest so you can be ready to greet your queen and see to your kingdom, Leal. You will have to be ready to be the king Lanoxan needs in the hard days ahead.”

Leal slept very uneasy that night. The anticipation, worry, and thoughts of the war to come kept his head too full for any real sleep. Before the sun rose, he gave up trying and dressed simply. He lit a candle and walked to the king’s study, finding a pile of open letters laying on the desk. Setting down his candle, he took his place behind the large desk and read through all of the messages, answering those that required it as the sun rose slowly, bring the bright morning light into the room.

By the time he had finished writing the King of Indomia, Malven walked into he room with a tray of food.

“I finally found where you were about twenty minutes ago,” said Malven as he placed the tray in front of Leal. “It took some work. I finally talked to a young girl who is in charge of seeing all the fires and touches lit. She said she saw you walk this way early this morning.”

“I could not sleep, and I have been neglecting my work for too long,” said Leal.

“You were injured and unwell. I hardly think neglect is the right word,” said Malven.

“I have been well enough for a few days. I have let me worries and fears keep me from being king. If I am to be a man Dracia deserves and the father my child needs, I must see to the work of my position,” said Leal.

“I take it you would like me to have those sent this morning?” asked Malven. “Would you prefer bird or messenger?”

“Bird is fine for this pile. These three must go by messenger, and I would like it to be three palace guards with each letter. I would go ask the Sentinel, but I do not want to take any more from their number at the moment,” said Leal.

“Very good,” said Malven as he collected the letters. “Is there anything else?”

“Yes, have my horse ready and bought around. I’ll shall eat quickly and then go change. I have someone I would like to speak with this morning,” said Leal. “I will be back after lunch.”

Leal soon found himself riding over the hills of Winsdell with two palace guards by his side. He would have rather gone alone, but the head guard had insisted, and Leal had relented to be on his way. They both seemed the silent type which suited Leal very well this cold morning. When they reached the top of a particular large hill, Leal stopped his horse and looked down on a familiar scene. It was a modest chapel set in the valley. Today its roof was snow covered as was its lawn. There was smoke coming from its chimney, telling Leal who he wanted to see was already within its walls.

“You can wait here, both of you,” said Leal. “I hate to leave you out in the cold so if you would like to ride back, I do not mind. I will be quite safe on my own.”

“We will wait for you, your majesty,” said one of the guards. “We do not mind the cold.”

“I highly doubt that is true so I will try not to stay too long,” said Leal. “If I am not back soon, you should head to the palace. I will see you are not in any trouble.”

“We will be here when you are finished, your majesty,” said the guard.

Leal could tell he would not convince them to be on their way, so he urged his horse forward down the hill towards the chapel that was one of the dearest places in the world to him. As he approached the chapel, he remembered that early summer day he had ridden here with his sister and met Dracia and Roderick. He had finally convinced Dracia to marry him. It was in the afternoon, and the weather was perfect; warm enough to know it was summer, but not too hot where it was unbearable. She had dressed in a blue summer gown with her brown hair flowing in waves down her back. She was always unbelievably beautiful to him, but that day there was something about her that made her almost seem mythical to Leal. He remembered thinking there was no way a woman so perfect could be willing to tie her life to his, but she did. She became his wife, and though it took too much time to be able to recognize her as such, Leal would never regret that day.

He stopped his horse in front of the chapel and dismounted. Tying his horse to a nearby post, he entered the building, taking off his gloves as he walked into the simple worship space. It was empty, but the four candles on the table where burning, telling Leal the priest was somewhere nearby. Leal walked up to the front of the space, looking at the window that held resemblances of the four gods. Scriptor, the creator looked down on him with interest. Clementine, carrier of mercy, looked out with kind eyes. Medelia, the healer, gave him a slight smile with her hand over her heart, and Mortial, the giver of death held his secrets behind his hood.

Leal kneeled down before the table that held the golden leaf, silver teacup, bronze circle, and wooden hourglass with a candle behind each. He closed his eyes and prayed to the gods, thinking of his wife and those who had gone to save her. He prayed for each of their safety, though he prayed for Dracia the longest. He prayed for his child, if it were real, asking that he or she have the chance to live. He opened his eyes and looked up at the gods, praying for his kingdom and even himself, wanting and longing to be the king Lanoxan needed. Wanting to be the king worthy of the gods he called his own.

“I have spent many hours in prayer for our queen, your majesty,” said a voice behind Leal. “I suppose you being here on your knees means you haven’t had any word.”

Leal stood up and turned to face the man behind him. He was a tall, slim man clothed in the dark green robes of a usual simple priest. His face showed that he was well into the middle of his fifth decade, but he was not unhandsome. His sandy blonde hair had barely any gray in it, and his hazel eyes were bright, much brighter than his younger brother’s, who had lived a life much grander than him.

“You do not have to refer to me so formally,” said Leal as he smiled at the man. “I have told you before.”

“You are the king, and I serve the king’s gods,” said the man. “I will address you accordingly.”

“You could be the king now, uncle,” said Leal as he shifted on his feet. “Perhaps keeping that in mind, you could refer to me as you used to do.”

The man gave a bark of a laugh, his eyes crinkling in amusement. “Come sit with me, Leal. You must want to speak if you came all this way. You could pray in the palace chapel, and the gods would hear you all the same.”

Leal sat next to his uncle on bench that was set up for the local farmers and herders to come and sit and worship the gods.

“Perhaps they can hear me in my own temple, but something about this place makes me feel closer to them,” said Leal as he gazed up at the gods.

“You were united with the one you love here. It gave you hope when you feared you had none,” said the priest. “It is no wonder here where you found your greatest hope come true, you find a connection with the gods.”

“I’m not sure I ever properly thanked you for helping me that day. I know you went against your brother’s wishes, the king’s wishes, to give me what I wanted and needed,” said Leal.

“What you wanted was in line with what the gods desire. You love Dracia, and she loves you. To not unite with her would be against the way of the gods. You needed to make your promises to her, and she, her promises to you,” said his uncle.

“But I couldn’t live out those promises as I should have for too long after, uncle. Though I could never regret that day, I do regret not being more forceful with my father, and telling all who she was to me. She lived as a secret for too long,” said Leal.

“Perhaps, but now it is all settled, and you have a long life left. You can live your promises to your queen in a way that will satisfy the gods. All of us make mistakes, Leal, the gods do not demand perfection. They only demand that we know our weakness and depend on them and the people they give us for our true strength.”

“I hope I am able to live long with Dracia, and prove to her I have meant ever promise I ever made to her. I hope I didn’t waste the time we had together. What if it is over? What if she cannot be saved?”

“In this place of hope, you cannot lose it,” said the priest. “I believe your queen will come back to you. You just need to be patient and wait. You trust those who went for her, don’t you?”

“Yes, I trust them all. Ethen could not abandon Dracia if he tried, and Roderick would give his life for his High Captain. I suppose I am worried for my friends as well.”

“I am glad to hear it, thought that sounds wrong. It is sometimes rare that a king can have real and true friends. It is often a lonely position. That you have others you can depend on is a good thing.”

Leal was quiet for a moment as he looked at his uncle. Herik Cassendar was the older brother to Leal’s father. He always seemed to Leal as a good and patient man. Leal wondered if he would have been a better king than Leal’s father. He had asked his uncle before why he didn’t want to be king, but he had never gotten an answer. Would today be any different?

“What is on your mind, Leal?” asked his uncle. “You want to ask me something.”

“I do, but I feel I already know you will not answer me, but I must ask anyway,” said Leal as he turned to better look at his uncle. “Why did you not want to be king? You were the oldest son, and you were raised to be king. Why did you pass it on to my father?”

Herik smiled at Leal. “Give me a reason to answer you today. If I think it is a good reason, I will give you a true answer.”

“I have many doubts if I can be the king of this kingdom. I cannot even keep the people I love safe. How can I see to the well-being of my people when the people I love and care about are constantly in danger and brought to harm? There are also so many things I do not know about the kingdom. I could never understand the lives of the common folk. Dracia has told me the true power of Lanoxan lies in its people. If that is true, how can I be worthy to oversee that power?”

“You are not the only king to have doubts over your reign, Leal. You having doubts speaks rather well for you as king,” said Herik.

“But you must have had doubts, and they led to you giving up your right to the throne. Why am I different than you?”

“I had a higher calling than king. You may not believe it seeing me serve in this simple temple, but I feel what I do is greater to me than leading a kingdom. I also knew I would not be a good king. I have not the temperament or want to lead a group of people to war, and as much as I hate it, sometimes war is necessary. I also know myself very well, and I do not have what it takes to make people believe in me. Even with a crown, I don’t think I could convince the people to follow me as their ruler.”

“And you think I can?” asked Leal.

“I believe you can, but the real question is, do you believe you can?”

“What if I said I am not sure?” asked Leal with a small smile.

“What do those you trust say about it?” asked Herik. “What does your queen say?”

“She has told me many times she thought I would be a good king. She has said she believes I have much kindness and wisdom as well as strength,” said Leal, smiling wider as he thought of Dracia.

“And you trust her I take it. You believe your queen is wise and truthful.”

“Yes, I know none so wise as her. I believe she speaks the truth as she sees it.”

“So, do I,” said Herik. “Your father was not a horrible king, Leal. He made some mistakes, but he did some good things as well. I believe you will do even greater things than him. I believe you are and will be a good king. You are kind. I have always seen it, and you have shown you are wise by your ability to listen to others. You say you will never understand the common folk, and that may be true, but I believe you will listen to them, and find a way to serve them well. You have the fortitude to lead your people into battle, but you are not blood thirsty. Does all this not sound like a good ruler to you?”

“I want to believe it, uncle. I want to be a good king.”

“That desire will take you far, and I believe it shows you are in the position the gods meant for you to be in,” said Herik. “You are not alone, Leal. You have friends and impressive allies. You also have an extraordinary queen you are not afraid to let shine on her own. If you choose to rule with her as your partner, I believe you will do very well.”

Leal nodded as he looked back up at the gods.

“I believe there only two questions left to ask are: Do you want to be king? And if so why?”

Leal thought this over as he stared at the gods. He took a breath and answered his uncle. “I do want to be king. I want to be king so I can help my kingdom live in peace, and find prosperity for its people. I want to be king so I can rule with Dracia and leave a kingdom behind that will be a better place my son or even daughter could rule and make it even greater than I could. I want to be king so I may serve the gods, and help Lanoxan become more like they envisioned it.”

“Then go do it, your majesty,” said his uncle as he stood. “I will stay here and pray for your queen, and your rule together. You should get back to the palace and wait for her return. Take care of each other, you will both have much to do very soon.”

“Thank you, uncle,” said Leal as he stood as well.

“You are welcomed to come here and pray anytime, your majesty. Perhaps you could bring your queen when you visit. I should like to see her again,” said Herik.

“You should come dine with us at some point. I know you have avoided the palace while my father was king, but now that he has passed the throne to me, perhaps you would feel more welcomed?”

“After you win this war, I will come to you, Leal. I know you have been crowned, but I would like to see you have a proper ceremony, and if you will allow me, I would like to be the one to officially put the crown on your head in Lanoxan and see you sit on the throne of the High Palace.”

“I would be honored, uncle, if you think it is necessary,” said Leal.

“I do think it is necessary. I have nothing against Siccaria, but you should be crowned in your own kingdom and in your own palace. You need to recognize your queen as well. Though I do not regret performing your promises, the kingdom did not get to witness them. She deserves a public proclamation of your love for her,” said Herik.

“I agree very much,” said Leal. “When all is settled with Navalia I shall do things properly.”

“Good, now go back to your palace. I have a feeling you will want to be there very soon. You do not want to miss the reunion with your wife,” said his uncle.

“I do not. I wish you a good day,” said Leal.

Leal rode back to the palace with his two guards who were waiting on him where he had left them. He passed the day as constructively as he could, meeting with Colm and Kellen Yates to hear of any court news. He was glad to hear the Nests had made it back to Winsdell though they seemed to be holed up in their home and were not seeing visitors. He would have to see what they could do about the family when Dracia and the others returned. The Lord of the west hills had died in the attack on Winsdell leaving no family. There was concern of who would oversee the lands. Leal had an idea of what to do with the title, but it would have to wait.

He walked over to the Sentinel as difficult as it was to meet with the Upper Elites, asking about where Navalian forces were stationed around the kingdom, and seeing if there was any movement. Leal was told there were forces all along their northern border and one still in the south by Gedeonia. None seem to have moved since the attack on Winsdell.

They seemed nervous around Leal, and he thought it had to do with none of them volunteering to go rescue the queen. Leal let them be uncomfortable, letting the small impatience and irritation he felt with them sound in his voice. He assured them their High Captain would be back soon to see to the concerns of the kingdom’s defense.

By dinner he was satisfied with what he had accomplished that day. He ate with Lexine, Lady Selene, and Lady Glain who was visiting with Selene. It wasn’t an unpleasant meal, though all seemed tense as the day was growing short, and it was becoming time for the group to be back if they had been successful in Navalia.

After dinner, Leal went to his room, sitting and drinking with Malven for a while. He dismissed him after it had gotten late so Malven could find his own rest if he wanted. Leal decided to stay on the sofa as he had no interest in lying in his bed unless Dracia was with him. As he had pondered on his role as King of Lanoxan that day one thing had been clearer to him than anything. As much as he wanted to lead the kingdom, he did not believe he could do it without Dracia at his side. He stayed up well into the night thinking over that very fact. He finally feel asleep, slumped down on the sofa, wanting only to wake to find his hopes and prayers had been answered.

“Your majesty, your majesty,” said Malven as Leal felt himself being lightly shaken.

Leal sat up slowly on the couch, opening his bleary eyes and looking around. It was very dark in the room as the fire had burned very low. It was practically embers now. He looked to his left to see Malven standing over him, holding a candle.

“Your majesty, you will want to wake up. Riders have been spotted coming over the hills. They should be here at any moment,” said Malven.

Leal stood up quickly. “What did they say about the riders?” asked Leal as he put his hand on Malven’s arm.

Malven swallowed. “Only that there were less coming back than rode out.”

Leal took a moment to hear what Malven had said. They had lost people it seemed. Did that mean they were not successful? What of Ethen or Roderick or Galen?

“Did they say if the queen was with them?” asked Leal desperately. “Did they say anything at all?”

“It was too dark to see anything, your majesty. You will have to go and see for yourself,” said Malven.

Leal nodded and let go of Malven’s arm. He ran his hand through his hair and straightened his shirt, not really caring how he appeared. Walking out of his room and towards the stairs, he met his sister wearing a nightgown and heavy robe, holding a candle in her hand.

“Beca told me riders have been spotted. Have you heard anything else?” asked Lexine.

“No, but they should be here at any moment, and we need to get downstairs,” said Leal.

They walked down the stairs to the entry hall, Leal turning as he heard someone running down the stairs. Lady Selene joined them, wearing her own nightgown and robe, her hair a dark tangle behind her. Leal looked at both of the women as they joined arms. He walked to the door, opened it and stepped out into the night air.

He soon heard the sound of hooves on the stone coming their way. He steadied himself as he saw the first dark horse emerge from the entrance of the inner wall, it trotting towards him, followed by four others. Leal held his breath as he realized it was Roderick, holding someone bundled up in a cloak. Leal ran down the short stairs as Roderick pulled his horse to a stop and looked down at Leal.

“You are home, Dracia,” said Roderick quietly as she stirred in his arms.

Leal watched as she slowly sat up, her eyes blinking and looking around.

“Dracia,” said Leal breathlessly as he held out his arms towards her.

She looked down as Roderick carefully helped her to dismount into Leal’s arms. She slid down from the horse and fell into Leal, making a noise somewhere between a cry and a laugh. Leal put his arms around her and held her against him, forgetting for the moment that anyone else was around. She put her arms around him and laid her head on his chest as he closed his eyes and let the comfort of holding her overwhelm him for a moment.

“You will need to get her inside and get her warm,” said Roderick quietly by Leal’s side. “She is very weak, and hasn’t been able to eat much on our journey.”

Leal nodded and pulled back from Dracia, keeping his hands on her arms. He looked at her to see she did look very pale. There was some bruising on her face and a few cuts. Without another thought, he picked her up in his arms and moved towards the palace passing his sister and Selene as he walked into the entry hall.

“Malven, send for Sarin. He will need to come see to the queen. Make sure there are rooms for all, even those who haven’t been staying in the palace. There is no need for any of them to travel any further tonight.”

“Yes, your majesty. I will have some water brought up and some attendants to see to the queen as well.”

Leal nodded as he started ascending the stairs with Dracia in his arms. As he got to the door of his room, he went to shift her to be able to open it.

“Let me help you,” said Ethen as he came up behind them and moved to open the door.

Leal walked in and went immediately to the bed, carefully laying Dracia on it. She blinked her eyes and looked around as Leal sat down next to her and took her hand.

“Leal,” she said softly as she gave a small smile. “I have missed you.”

Leal kissed her hand. “I have been in agony without you, my love.”

She gripped his hand, but seemed to be fighting sleep as her eyes looked very heavy.

“It was not an easy ride for her,” said Ethen as he stood close by. “She was sick much of the time. Galen wasn’t sure if it was from her condition or due to what they did to her in Navalia. Probably a mixture of both.”

“Her condition?” asked Leal. “So, she is for sure with child?”

“Galen seemed confident she was, and that the child is well, though he has been concerned at her inability to keep food down no matter what medicines he gave her. Hopefully now that she is still, she will fare better.”

“Sleep, dearest,” said Leal as he looked down at Dracia. “We will get you cleaned up and more comfortable and then you can rest.”

“It’s just,” said Dracia as she took shaky breath. “I am scared to sleep. I am afraid I will wake up back in the winter palace, and you won’t be with me.”

“You are safe, Dracia, and I will not leave you. I will stay right here and watch over you. Please go to sleep.”

“Roderick and the others, will you make sure they are well?” asked Dracia with agitation.

“I have already asked that they all be shown to rooms, Dracia. They will all get the rest they need.”

“We lost the others, Leal,” said Dracia sadly. “My Elites and Valian.”

“Don’t think on it now,” said Leal. “We will deal with it all when you are better. Just rest.”

A knock on the door made Ethen turn. He looked at Leal before he went to answer the door, coming back with two female attendants who held a large bowl and a pitcher of water.

“Dracia, you need to get cleaned up and comfortable. I am just going to step out of the way for a moment, but I will not leave these rooms,” said Leal as Dracia nodded with her eyes half open.

He stood up and moved out of the way so the women could see to her. He moved his head towards the sitting room, and he and Ethen quit the bedroom, Leal closing the door behind him.

“What happened?” asked Leal.

“Too much to get into tonight, but we were able to get Dracia out of the winter palace. I sent Roderick on ahead with her while myself and the others faced some Navalian guards and disgraced Elites. It became too much so Valian and the two Elites with us volunteered to fight so I could escape with Galen and the two Novices.”

“They were very brave,” said Leal quietly. “May the rest easy.”

“After that, we found Roderick and Dracia on the road. We came here as fast as we could, though I wanted to stop for Dracia’s sake. She became very sick after that first night. I begged her to let us stop in your summer palace and send for you, but she would not have it. She wanted to come here to Winsdell,” said Ethen.

“I hope she did not do herself or our child harm, pushing herself so,” said Leal.

“Galen checked on her frequently. He believes the child is well, and that Dracia just needs rest and food. I am sure now that she is here, she will do better.”

“I hope you are right. I have our head healer coming here now to check on her,” said Leal. He paused for a moment, rubbing his tired eyes. “Do you know what they did to her in the winter palace?”

“Beyond giving her something to keep her weak and locking her in a cell, I do not. Galen mentioned some magic they used, but I am not sure what it was. She and Galen did tell us a story about Belleth and her sister, but I do not have the energy to tell you tonight, and you are in no place to hear it. Focus on helping your wife, and when she is well, she can tell it to you herself,” said Lord Ethen. “I am afraid we won’t have much of a rest. I believe Belleth will attack again soon.”

“Let’s hope we at least have time to catch our breaths and see our queen well. I would like you and the others to be rested too,” said Leal. “I don’t know how to begin to thank all of you.”

“You don’t need to thank me,” said Ethen. “She is my family, and I would go anywhere to help her. I shall have to go write Maia and my grandmother tonight. They are probably besides themselves with worry, father too.”

“You should go clean up and rest, Ethen,” said Leal. “I will come get you if you are needed. You can come see Dracia tomorrow when you and she have both rested.”

“If anything should change, you will let me know, won’t you?” asked Ethen.

“Of course, and if you see Roderick out in the hall, tell him she is being seen to, and he can come visit her in the morning. I would like it if he would rest,” said Leal knowing Roderick would want to see Dracia, but also must be exhausted.

“I will,” said Ethen as he walked towards the door. “I will also let Galen know you have a healer coming to see her so he may rest. He has not wanted her out of his sight the whole way back.”

“Thank you, Ethen,” said Leal as Ethen reached for the door.

Before Ethen could open the door, it opened with Malven and Sarin coming into the room. The bowed at Ethen as he exited behind him.

“I am here to see to the queen as you asked, your majesty,” said Sarin carrying a small case.

“She is being cleaned and dressed at the moment,” said Leal.

“How does she seem?” asked Sarin.

“Exhausted and weak,” said Leal. “I have been told she has been very sick on the journey. Galen Ellis believed it was due to something she was given in the palace as well as her condition.”

“So, the young man confirmed she is with child?” asked Sarin.”

“I have been told as much.”

The door to the bedroom opened and the two attendants came out, one holding the bowl and pitcher, the other carrying the clothes Dracia had been wearing. Leal thanked them as he walked past them, Sarin and Malven following him into the room.

Dracia looked much more at ease in a clean night gown with her hair neatly braided. She laid under the covers of the bed, her eyes opening as Leal walked over to her.

“Sarin is here to check you over, dearest,” said Leal. “Once he leaves you will be able to truly sleep.”

She nodded as Leal moved out of the way so Sarin could look over her. He moved the covers with her permission and got to work. He hovered his hands over her and moved them up and down. He frowned slightly as he moved over her chest and then down to her stomach. He paused there, moving his hands down until they rested just above her body, almost touching her. After a few moments, he took his hands away and nodded down at her, moving down so Leal could stand at her side. Leal placed the covers back over her, kissing her on the forehead as he bent down.

“I believe Galen was right in that something given to her is making her ill. I do not know exactly what it is though I can sense some of the ingredients in it. I believe it will pass out of her system naturally, though I will leave you some medicine to help settle her stomach,” said Sarin.

“And my child?” asked Dracia weakly.

“You babe seems very well, your majesty. You are a little thinner than I would like, but I am sure now that you are safe and well looked after, that can be remedied. I will send for a mid-wife soon to start visiting you to make sure all is well, but as of now, I believe it is as it should be,” said Sarin.

Leal took Dracia’s hand and kissed it as she smiled up at him. Sarin took a small vial out of his case and laid it on the table next to Dracia.

“Drink of bit of that when you feel ill, your majesty, and I believe it will help settle your stomach. If it does not, let me know, and I will give you something else,” said Sarin. “I will go now, so you can rest, but if anything else is needed, please do not hesitate to send for me.”

“We will let you know, Sarin,” said Leal. “Malven, please see him out and retire for the night yourself, unless you need something, dearest?”

“No, I just wish to sleep,” said Dracia.

Leal waited until Malven and Sarin had left before he looked down at her again.

“Do you want me to lie with you?” asked Leal.

“Yes, very much,” said Dracia. “I don’t think I could sleep unless you are with me.”

Leal walked over to the other side of the bed and took off his boots, not bothering to take off his clothes. He slipped under the covers as she turned to look at him. He took her into his arms as she laid against his chest. Leal took a deep breath, feeling the relief in holding her flood through him. He felt tears in his eyes as he looked down and kissed the top of her head. He knew he had been beyond worried and frightened, but he didn’t realize just how much he had truly missed her until that moment. He felt as though he was finally whole once again. He closed his eyes and could feel her shudder in his arms as though she was crying.

“My love what is it?” he asked in a whisper as he leaned back to look at her.

“I am so sorry, Leal. I know you must be upset with me,” said Dracia as she refused to look at him a few tears falling on her cheeks.

“Why would I be upset with you?” he asked.

“I didn’t realize I was with your child. I should have known, all the signs were there, but I ignored them. I rode out into the battle twice, and put our child in danger. I don’t know how I could have been so reckless and stupid.”

Leal pulled her back against him and rubbed her back. “No, you should not feel guilty about this. You did not know. You had too much on your mind, too many pressures weighing you down. I have done an awful job taking care of you.”

“No, I have been stubborn and refused your help and dismissed your concerned. I thought I had to be strong and hide my pain and sickness from you. I was foolish and our child could have paid dearly for my actions,” said Dracia as she caught her breath.

“You never need to hide from me how you are feeling. I know how strong you are,” said Leal. “All that matters now is that you are here with me, and our child is well. From this point forward, I will keep you both safe.”

“I do love you, Leal. You have no idea how much I have missed you. I dreamed about you often,” said Dracia. “I don’t think I could bare to be apart from you again.”

“You won’t be,” said Leal. “You will be by my side. I need you to be with me, Dracia, as I lead this kingdom. I can’t do this without you. I don’t want to be king without you.”

He lean down and kissed her lips gently as she put her hands on his face, pulling him down towards her, causing Leal to groan in the relief of feeling her lips against his. He had worried he would never experience this again, and now it was almost too much relief. It made him feel lightheaded and exhausted, feeling his worries and fears fall of off him as he held and kissed his wife.

He finally pulled back, kissing her forehead as he pulled her close to him. His eyes were so heavy as he felt her settle against him. He fell asleep quickly, finally feeling whole and at peace.