The Sentinel of Cassendar: Resquarian

Dracia awoke feeling groggy and warm. She had not felt warm in so long, and it made her want to close her eyes and drift off to sleep. She stretched a little, feeling the arm around her middle tighten. She placed her hand on Leal’s as he slowly rubbed his hand against her stomach, kissing the back of her neck. She gave a very quiet contented sigh as she realized she was truly back in Winsdell and in Leal’s arms.

The past few weeks had felt like, at times, some strange dream and at many others a horrible nightmare. The time in the winter palace, she wasn’t ready to think about. Her journey here from the palace had been at most times miserable. She was glad and grateful to be with those who came for her. She had spent most of the time being held by Roderick whether it was on a horse or sitting by a fire at night.

She knew she had made them press on too hard, but she was desperate to be home and with Leal. She wasn’t sure she had ever been so sick as she was the past few days. She had been weak and tired after being poisoned last summer, but never had she been so violently ill as on the trip to Winsdell. As it was, she was pleased that her stomach seemed well settled at the moment. Whether it was spending a comfortable night in a soft bed, or the calming presence of her king, she did not know. All she knew was she felt better than she had in many weeks.

She leaned back, feeling Leal move even closer to her as he kissed her neck again.

“Good morning,” he whispered in her ear as he continued to rub her stomach.

“It is still morning, isn’t it?” asked Dracia.

“I believe so,” said Leal. “But it does not matter what time it is, you should rest as long as you like.”

“As long as you are here with me, I might stay in this bed all day,” said Dracia as she turned her head so Leal could kiss her cheek.

“I know you better than that, Dracia,” said Leal with a small laugh. “If you are feeling like it at all, you will want to be getting up soon.”

“I would like a real bath. It has been so long since I have had a proper bath. Even with the attendants cleaning me up last night, I can’t imagine how bad I must smell,” said Dracia.

“You don’t smell bad at all,” said Leal as he kissed the side of her neck. “You smell rather wonderful. I have missed your smell. I have missed everything about you.”

Dracia turned slowly to face Leal, feeling her stomach roll slightly. It wasn’t as bad as it had been, and it wasn’t more than she could handle. Leal leaned down and kissed her very gently on her lips as Dracia closed her eyes. She couldn’t begin to describe how much she had missed him, had missed this. Just being in his arms, close to him as he kissed her made her almost want to cry in relief. There were so many things she needed to deal with, and people she needed to see, but for just a few more moments, she wanted to just be at peace with the man she loved.

“How are you feeling?” asked Leal as he leaned back and stared at her.

“Not too bad,” said Dracia. “My stomach is a little upset, but nothing like it was before. I actually might be a little hungry.”

“Good,” said Leal with a smile as he moved one of his hands down to her stomach. “I know it isn’t what you planned or maybe even wanted, but I can’t say I am not very happy you are carrying our child.”

“No, it was not what I had planned, but I am very happy as well,” said Dracia. “It was never that I didn’t want to have a child with you. I just wanted to wait for the right time, but this little one seems to have plans of her own.”

“You think it is a girl?” asked Leal.

“I am not sure. It is just a feeling. I know a boy would be better as it would secure the line to the throne,” said Dracia with a small sigh.

“I should like to have a little girl,” said Leal. “Who says she cannot be the next ruler of Lanoxan?”

“I believe there is a law that states the throne goes to the oldest male child,” said Dracia.

“What if we have all girls?” asked Leal. “Or what if I change the law so our daughter can rule?”

“She could be a High Noble of Siccaria,” said Dracia.

“And have her move away from us all the way in Radarial?” asked Leal. “No, if it is a girl, I shall have to keep her here somehow.”

Dracia laugh. “You cannot be such a demanding and protective father already, Leal. Our daughter will want to figure out her own future as best she can. If she is a High Noble of Siccaria, I am sure we can visit very often.”

“We shall see, I suppose,” said Leal as he bent down and kissed Dracia again. “Right now, I only want both of you to be safe.”

“I want that as well, but I am afraid it will not be easy,” said Dracia. “Belleth will not just let me go. She will not just let us live here in peace. She will come for us, and especially me very soon. We will have to figure out some way to defeat her.”

“Why you?” asked Leal as he pulled back slightly so he could look at Dracia better. “Why is she so fixated on having you?”

“It is a long story, and I will tell you today. Much of it will be hard to understand or believe, but you will have to try. Only by acknowledging who she and her sister truly are can we find a way to end this war. As much as I want to keep out of the fighting for our child’s sake, I don’t know how possible it will be.”

“I will find a way to keep you far from any battle, Dracia,” said Leal passionately. “I will take you out of this kingdom and even this land if I have to.”

“She would still find me, Leal. You don’t know who she is, or even who I completely am.”

“What do you mean?” asked Leal.

Dracia looked at him, seeing the confusion and even a bit of hurt in his eyes. She leaned up and kissed him, putting her hand on his cheek.

“You do know me, Leal. You know the important part of who I am, but there is still something about me you do not know. I will tell you today and hope you will believe me.”

“You are scaring me, Dracia.”

“I am frightened as well. What I found out in Navalia has shaken me and made me doubt many things, but one thing kept me from losing myself. Only thinking of those I loved, especially you reminded me of who I want to be, who I choose to be,” said Dracia as she moved closer to Leal. “I love you, Leal. What I must face in the coming days cannot be done unless you are with me. I need you.”

“Whatever it is, Dracia, you will not face it alone. I will not let anything happen to you. I just wish you would tell me what you speak of.”

“I will and very soon, but right now, just for a few moments, I want to lie here with you in your arms. I want to not care about the people I need to talk to today or the things I need to face. All I want to do it be here with you, and remember who I truly am,” said Dracia.

Leal wrapped her in his arms and held her close. “You are many things, Dracia, and all of them are good. You are the woman I love as well.”

He kissed her, and she let herself forget all about the things pressing down on her. She let her worry, and her fears float away as she focused knowing for certain she was very loved.

Dracia took a long bath, scrubbing and soaking as long as the water was halfway warm. She wasn’t sure why, but she could not feel clean no matter how much she washed herself. She gave up after she started to shiver in the tepid water, leaving the bath to dress and dry her hair. After eating a late breakfast with Leal in which she knew she was worrying him with her silence, she stood up and prepared to face all she needed to that day.

“Where are you going?” asked Leal as she walked towards the door.

“I have much to see to today. I need to go check on Roderick and Ethen, and the others. I must write a letter to the families of Cian and Justin,” said Dracia shaking her head. “I can hardly believe they are gone.” She took a breath and steadied herself. “I should speak with my brothers as well. Then we will need to gather and talk about all I learned in Navalia.”

Leal stood up and walked over to her, taking her hand, pulling her back towards the sofa. I believe it would be best if you rested in our rooms today, dearest,” said Leal as Dracia frowned at him. “You have been through so much, and you must take some time to recover. If you will not do it for yourself, please do so for our child.”

Dracia looked at Leal and closed her eyes, feeling that she was still weary, and her stomach was not completely settled. She nodded and he smiled at her as he took her hand and kissed it.

“But there are people I need to see, and I do need to write that letter,” said Dracia as Leal pulled her down to sit on the sofa.

“I have already told Malven to alert those I knew you would wish to see that you are up to receiving visitors. I expect a knock at the door at any moment,” said Leal.

Dracia found he was speaking the truth when a knock sounding less than a minute after Leal’s statement. Leal walked over and answered it, letting Roderick into the room. Roderick walked over to Dracia as Dracia stood. He embraced her, catching Dracia a little off guard, but she recovered quickly, leaning against him for a moment, before he pulled back holding both of her hands.

“Are you well this morning?” asked Roderick looking at her. “You appear well, at least much more so than you did on our journey.”

“I am tired, but I do not feel as sick as I did,” said Dracia. “I am very glad to see you. I hope you were able to rest.”

Roderick nodded as Dracia sat down on the sofa, Roderick moving to a chair next to her.

“I slept very well knowing you were here safe in the palace,” said Roderick. “Ethen told me you were being taken care of last night, and he said your child was well. I hope that is correct.”

“Yes,” said Leal as he sat down next to Dracia. “Sarin came last night to see to our queen. She will be weak for some time though she won’t admit it, but he thought it would pass. It would seem our child is doing very well.”

“I am glad to hear it,” said Roderick. “Though it doesn’t surprise me. I think a child of yours, Dracia, would be very strong.”

“Perhaps a little stubborn as well,” said Dracia with a laugh. “I hope she has Leal’s better sense.”

“Or at least more of a sense of self-preservation than her mother,” said Leal as he looked at Dracia.

“Where is Selene this morning? Did she not want to visit?” asked Dracia.

“She went to speak with my mother to let her know all was well,” said Roderick. “She will come by later, I believe. You might have to suffer my mother as well. I am sure she will come back with Selene, and I believe she will want to speak with you.”

“It will not cause me suffering to speak with Lady Glain, Roderick. I will be happy to see both her and Selene when they return,” said Dracia.

“Your day is getting rather full, my love,” said Leal. “Especially if we are going to speak of your time in Navalian, and only if you feel up to it, of course.”

“I do wish to speak of it with you, Leal,” said Dracia. “We do not have much time to waste, and you need to hear all I discovered. We will have to plan on how to avoid any further destruction in Winsdell. I would like Ethen and Galen to be here when we discuss it.”

“After lunch, perhaps?” asked Roderick. “If you are not ill after eating, we could gather in here and go over what you told us the other night.”

Dracia agreed, and she spent a few moments speaking with Roderick about the fallen Elites and Valian. It was hard to take that they had died on a mission to save her. She wished she had been in a condition to fight with them, to try and get them out of Navalia and back to Winsdell alive.

Her thoughts turned to Navalian and her time in the winter palace as Leal and Roderick spoke. She did not hear their words as she crossed her arms and thought back on foggy memories of days with Belleth and Julian when she was tempted to join them. She shuddered as she remembered being tossed in a cell, and not knowing what happened to her when she slept. She closed her eyes, thinking of Darron being much to close to her, promising to spend time with her. She felt so cold and wrong. She almost got up and searched for a cloak so she could wrap it around herself. Perhaps she could ask for another bath to be drawn so she could try to clean herself again.

“Dracia, what is it?” asked Leal with concern as he put his hand on her arm.

She jerked back on instinct before looking up at Leal and taking a deep breath. “It is nothing, I am well,” said Dracia as she uncrossed her arms, realizing she had left marks on her skin from her tight grip.

“I should go,” said Roderick as he stood up. “I can tell the others that you need to rest until after lunch. We can all meet in here unless I hear differently from you, your majesty.”

“You do not need to go, Roderick,” said Dracia as she felt guilty and weak for letting her memories overwhelm her. She should be grateful all was well. She had not even been hurt, not really.

“I should go down to the Sentinel for you, Dracia and speak with the Elites about what has happened. I can tell them to expect a visit from you soon,” said Roderick. He closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to overstep. You have un-named me as your second. Galen should be sent to the Sentinel.”

“No, Roderick, I should like you to do it,” said Dracia as she stood. She walked closer to him and took his hand. “I should not have un-named you. I did not want to do it. If you do wish to step down from the Sentinel and not be my second anymore, I will understand, but I would like it if you would serve as long as I am High Captain.”

“There is nothing I would like more,” said Roderick as he looked at her. “I do not want to hide away from what is coming. I want to see Lanoxan and you through this threat. Once all is well, and you believe the time is right, we shall leave the Sentinel together.”

Dracia smiled at him. “We did begin together. It is only fitting we leave united as well.”

“It is what I wish,” said Roderick as he brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it while looking at her.

“Then it is what shall be done,” said Dracia.

Dracia spent the rest of the morning quietly with Leal. She took some time to write letters to the families of Justin and Cian, telling of her appreciation for both Elites and offering condolences to the families. She wasn’t sure how much comfort it would really bring to the families, but she wanted to express her appreciation and admiration for both Justin and Cian. She would miss them both as fellow Elites and friends.

Before lunch Sarin came by to check on her. She knew she was fine, but she sat still while he looked over her, Leal giving her an encouraging smile as he stood back. After leaving some more medicine to help settle her stomach, he left, saying he would visit again tomorrow, though Dracia thought it was not needed. As they prepared to eat lunch, there was a knock at their door.

“Malven, I thought I said there were to be no visitors this morning,” said Leal sounding annoyed.

“I told all the palace attendants that was the case,” said Malven as there was another knock on the door.

“Go on, and answer it, Malven,” said Dracia, finding that the knocking made her anxious.

“Yes, tell them whatever it is, it can wait,” said Leal as Malven opened the door.

“I am sorry, my lord, but you will have to come back another time,” said Malven as he stood tall, blocking entrance to the room. “The king and queen are not taking visitors at the moment.”

“I shall see and speak to my daughter this instant,” said Dracia’s father from the door.

“Now, dear, perhaps we should come back. I am sure Dracia needs her rest,” said Dracia’s mother trying to calm her husband.

“Let them in, Malven,” said Dracia as Leal looked at her. She shrugged. “It will be easier to just see them.”

Dracia and Leal stood as her father and mother entered. He father went immediately to Dracia and put his hands on her arms, examining her closely.

“You are well? You are not seriously hurt?” asked Lord Arwel urgently.

“No, father, I am only weary and a little ill in my stomach. There is not much wrong with me,” said Dracia as her father continued to study her.

“When we heard you were taken, I wanted to go to Navalia immediately and demand they release you. How dare they take you, my daughter, and the queen of our kingdom,” said Lord Arwel as Dracia’s mother walked over to them.

“Release her, Arwel, and let her sit down. She has assured you she is well,” said Lady Owena with her hand on her husband’s arm.

Arwel let go of Dracia as Leal took her hand, and helped her to sit down on the sofa. He remained standing and walked over to the fireplace to look at all of them.

“Have a seat father, mother,” said Dracia as she pointed to the two seats near her. “Eat lunch with us. As you can see, we have more than enough food.”

“We will not bother you long, Dracia,” said her mother. “Your father just would not settle until he could see you. We have just arrived in Winsdell. We haven’t even been home.”

“How were you taken?” asked her father as she sat in a chair close to her.

“It is a very long story father, but the simple answer is we were in a battle, and Leal was seriously injured. To be able to get him help, I had to give myself up. I spent two weeks in the winter palace, but as you can see, I am safe now, and well,” said Dracia.

“Did they hurt you?” asked her father. He paused for a moment and looked down. “Did they defile you in anyway?”

Dracia was quiet for a moment, trying not to think over her time in the winter palace. She felt her stomach become very unsettled as she took deep breaths.

“Dracia?” asked Leal quietly as he walked closer to her.

She looked up at him and saw the concern on his face. “No, I was not hurt in anyway,” said Dracia. “Not badly, anyway. I have a few bruises and cuts, but nothing that won’t heal.” She put her hand on her stomach to try and not be sick. The smell from the food and the conversation with her parents were not making it easy on her.

“Here, Dracia,” said Leal as he picked up one of the vials Sarin had left. “Take this and see if it helps.”

“What is that?” asked Lord Arwel as Dracia drank the liquid in the vial.

“It is medicine to help settle my stomach,” said Dracia after she swallowed. “I’ll shall be fine in a moment.”

“Then you are ill,” said Lord Arwel.

“No, I am not ill, father,” said Dracia. “There is another cause for my sickness.”

She heard her mother gasp as Lady Owena put her hand on her husband’s arm. “You are with child.”

“Yes, mother, I am. I did not know it when we left Siccaria. I didn’t actually realize it until I was in Navalia. Thankfully, my child is safe and well,” said Dracia.

“You will have to take care of yourself,” said Lady Owena. “You can not ride out into battles now.”

“No, I will not jeopardize the life of my child as long as it can be avoided,” said Dracia. “I will stay as far away from the fighting as I can.”

Dracia looked at her father who seemed to have grown pale and was staring at her.

“Lord Arwel, is something wrong?” asked Leal as he looked at Dracia’s father.

“You are with child?” he asked quietly.

“Yes, I am,” said Dracia as Leal took her hand. “It is not great timing, but I am very happy about it.”

“You will have a baby,” said her father seeming to be in some sort of shock.

“Yes,” said Leal. “The gods willing, Dracia will have my child withing the next six or seven months.”

“What is it, father?” asked Dracia.

“I was only thinking of your mother, of Ava,” said Lord Arwel.

Dracia let go of Leal’s hand and scooted closer to her father. “I shall be well, father. You do not need to worry,” said Dracia as she took her father’s hand. “This is good news, and it has brought me much joy. I haven’t had much of either in a while, so I hope you will be happy.”

He nodded as he held her hand. “I am happy for you,” said her father as he looked up at Dracia and then Leal. “For both of you. This is good news for the kingdom as well. You could be carrying our next king.”

“Dracia seems convinced it is a girl,” said Leal.

“Then maybe she will rule in Siccaria,” said Lady Owena. “Either way, it is very good news, and I congratulate you both.”

“Thank you, mother,” said Dracia as her mother stood up.

“We should be going, Arwel. I am sure Dracia and the king wish to eat, and I wish to go home. You will see her again soon,” said Lady Owena.

“You should both come to supper in two days. Bring your sons as well. I believe there is much we will need to discuss,” said Leal.

“We will be there, your majesty,” said Lord Arwel as he stood up, and look down at Dracia. “Take care of yourself, my dear. I hope you will take care of her as well, my king.”

“You have my word, I will. I will let nothing happen to her or my child,” said Leal.

After her parents left, Dracia and Leal ate a quick lunch before Dracia prepared herself to receive their visitors and tell Leal about her time in Navalia.

Leal looked at her as he sat next to her on the sofa, taking her hand and pulling her close.

“If you do not feel up to this, it can wait. As much as I would like to hear what you have to say, I would rather you be completely well first,” said Leal.

“I can do this, and I want to do it. I do not like having secrets between us, and this cannot wait. What I have to say will have much to do with how we defend our kingdom. I know Belleth is coming soon, and we will have to figure something out,” said Dracia.

Ethen came in first, greeting Dracia by taking her hand and kissing it.

“I am very glad to see you up and looking so well, cousin,” said Ethen as he held Dracia’s hand, sitting down next to her. “I feared you may have been worse off after your trip home.”

“I am still tired, Ethen, but being here in comfort, and with my king has done much to better my health and mood.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I wrote to grandmother and Maia last night. Hopefully at least one of them receives my message soon. I know they will be very relieved,” said Ethen as Malven let in Galen and Lexine.

“Dracia,” said Lexine happily as she walked over to where Dracia was sitting, bending down to kiss her cheek. “I am so happy to see you. I wanted to come last night, but I was told to wait. It was very hard after you had been gone and in danger so long, and to know you are going to have a child.”

“I am glad to see you as well, Lexine,” said Dracia. “Galen, I am very happy to see you looking well rested.”

“Thank you, High Captain. It is good to be home,” said Galen.

“Did Tomas and Cara leave for the Fortress already?” asked Dracia.

“They did after breakfast,” said Galen. “They told me to thank both you and the king for allowing them to stay in the palace last night.”

“I will go see them tomorrow,” said Dracia. “I have something to discuss with both of them.”

Roderick and Selene came in last, Selene waking over to Dracia and smiling at her. “I hope you do not mind me joining you. I wanted to see you, but I can leave before you start talking with everyone.”

“No, Selene, I should like it if you would stay,” said Dracia. “You will want to hear what I have to say, though maybe Roderick has already told you some of it.”

“Actually, Galen has,” said Roderick as he walked over and took Dracia’s hand, smiling down at her. “I couldn’t even begin to explain it.”

“Which mean’s Lexine knows as well. Every here knows except me, I suppose,” said Leal with some irritation.

“I am sorry, my king,” said Dracia. “I should have told you last night or this morning.”

“No, I would rather you rest as you did. It is no matter, because I am sure you will tell me all now,” said Leal as everyone except Leal found a seat in the room, Galen brining in a chair from the bedroom.

Leal stood in front of the fireplace and looked at Dracia expectantly. Dracia took a deep breath and started her story. She tried to avoid saying too much of her interactions with Belleth or Julian as it brought back memories of the winter palace she didn’t want to think of. She didn’t want to remember how powerless she felt from the drink they gave her. She didn’t want to remember her cold, dirty cell. She wanted to not dwell on the feel of Darron’s hands on her, and his breath against her lips.

When she was done speaking, Galen told his part. He spoke of his experience with the book, and how he figured out who Belleth and her sister Julian truly were. Dracia watched Leal as he looked at Galen as he spoke, and then back to her.

“I know this sounds unbelievable, Leal, but I assure you it is the truth,” said Dracia.

Leal turned from her for a moment and looked at the fire. The room was silent as Dracia watched Leal, waiting for him to turn around and say something. She started to worry that he was angry at her, or worse that he was afraid of her. Maybe he thought she was insane, and needed to be taken away. After a couple of minutes of silence, she couldn’t take it anymore, she walked up to him and stood next to Leal, tentatively putting her hand on his arm.

“Leal, I don’t know what you are thinking, but I can assure you I am telling the truth.”

“I believe you, Dracia,” said Leal without looking at her.

“Are you angry?”

“I am frightened,” said Leal.

Dracia took her hand off of his arm and stepped back from him. “I will not hurt you, Leal.”

Leal turned and looked at her with confusion. He studied her for a moment. “I am not scared of you Dracia. I am scared for you. You say you are this goddess reborn somehow, correct?”

“In a way, yes,” said Dracia. “But I am still the woman you know, Leal. I am still the girl you grew up with, and I am still your wife. It is hard to explain, but though I am somehow the goddess, Sophia, I am choosing to live as Dracia Cassendar. I do not want to be some goddess. I want to be who I am now.”

“You would rather be my wife and queen, than some all powerful goddess?” asked Leal with a small smile.

“Yes, without a doubt. I would rather spend a lifetime with your than forever without you,” said Dracia quietly.

Leal smiled wider before it faded off of his lips. “What does this mean for you?”

“I don’t know,” said Dracia. “We have to find a way to end Belleth and Julian. Belleth will not rest until she has what she wants, which is the lands reunited again and under her control.”

“And to do that, she needs the High Captain,” said Galen as Dracia and Leal turned to look at him. “Belleth has said to regain her and Julian’s power and places, they need Dracia to agree to join them.”

Dracia nodded. “When I refused, Belleth began very violent and angry. She threatened to kill all I love in front of me until I relented. Then she threw me in a cell. She would come down and torture me. She sent…,” Dracia trailed off not wanting to think of those awful nights in the cell. Not wanting to think what could have happened had Roderick and the others not come that night to get her.

“She sent what, Dracia?” asked Roderick quietly.

She heard Ethen make an angry noise, and she looked at him, realizing he could hear some of what she was thinking. She had concentrated on blocking Leal, but had forgot Ethen was in the room. She shook her head at Ethen, trying to tell him it was not as bad as he thought, and he should not say anything. She looked at him pleadingly until he finally turned away and sighed.

“It is no matter, Roderick,” said Dracia. “I am here now, and I am safe, thanks to many of you in this room. What we need to do is focus on is how we can defeat Lady Belleth and her force from Navalia. I would hate for Winsdell to suffer again.”

“There is nothing else we can do but meet them here,” said Leal. “You will not leave the palace grounds until Belleth is defeated, Dracia. Wherever you are, Lady Belleth will come. We will have to be well prepared to meet her and all her forces here.”

“I just can’t stand to see our people go through another attack,” said Dracia.

“We will not be caught off guard this time,” said Roderick. ’We know Belleth will come. We will prepare by having the Sentinel and the Siccarian army ready. We can find ways to protect the people.”

“I have written to my uncle, the King of Indomian,” said Leal. “I believe he will send forces to help us. We were also contacted by several groups in Parvail who have offered to help us if we can reinstate their crown prince as king. If we can do this in time, we will have plenty of help protecting Winsdell, and you, Dracia.”

“I am not sure how well you can protect me, Leal. Lady Belleth and Julian will find me no matter where you put me or what forces you put in front of me. They will draw me out,” said Dracia.

“We will have to try. You are carrying our child, Dracia. We can’t just hand you over to them,” said Leal.

“I don’t expect you to. I just want us to be prepared,” said Dracia.

“We should start planning immediately to do all we can to protect your kingdom and village,” said Ethen. “I will go see Lord Owin immediately and let him know.”

“I will visit the Sentinel and make sure they know it is time to start patrolling Winsdell in larger numbers,” said Roderick.

“I will go with you to do that, Roderick,” said Dracia. “We can go tomorrow.”

“If you are well, I will be glad to go with you, “said Roderick.

“Lexine and I will see what we can find in the Academy library on anything about the gods before the kingdom. Surely there is something in all those books about the three goddesses,” said Galen.

“I should go speak with my brothers and let them know what is happening,” said Dracia. “They will need to start letting the lords of the court know. They can help see to the safety of the people, those of the court and the common ones.”

“I can go see them this afternoon,” said Leal. “There are a few High Lords I would like to speak with, actually. You can rest here while I am gone, Dracia. I know you are exhausted.”

Dracia nodded her head, knowing he was right. A nap did sound like it would be beneficial. Soon all left to go to their tasks, and Dracia found herself alone. She went to the bedroom and laid over the cover of the bed, rolling on her side and finding a place that was comfortable for her sore body. The fire burned high in the fireplace, and the day had turned cloudy, making the light dim in her room. She closed her eyes and let the crackling of the fire lull her to sleep.

She opened her eyes and looked around to see snow and mountains. Dracia shivered as the cold wind blew fresh snowflakes all around.

“I suppose you think you are safe now, Dracia,” said Belleth as she walked up to her.

“I know better than that,” said Dracia, shaking her head. “I know you will never leave me be.”

“No, indeed,” said Belleth. “You have doomed your whole kingdom and all you love. Had you agreed to stay with me and Julian and become as we once were, your kingdom could have had peace. Your king and all you love could have leaved quite well, but now it will all be taken from you. You will join me, Dracia, even if I have to force you, and I will find a way to force you.”

“You could never make me do something I believe is wrong,” said Dracia furiously. “You say my kingdom would be safe if I joined you, but I don’t believe you. I know who you are, and I know what you want. You crave more and more power. It will never be enough for you. No one will be safe if you rule over the land.”

“You are such a simple woman, Dracia. It is hard to believe my powerful sister is somewhere in you, but I know it is true. I will draw her out of you, and you will take your place. As soon as I have a way, I will find you wherever you are.”

“I will not run from you,” said Dracia. “You can find me quite easily, but you will never get what you want.”

Belleth glared at Dracia as she reached out to grab her, but when her hands touched Dracia’s arm she jerked her hand back and screamed. Belleth looked at Dracia with fury in her eyes and raised her hand. A bright light erupted from Belleth, but Dracia felt someone or something grab her arm and pull her, making Belleth and the snowy world around her fade away.

When the world came into focus again, she stood in the middle of a field full of wheat ready to harvest. The wind blew through the field, causing waves of gold to surround her as she stood in the very center. Dracia looked up, seeing the sun shining brightly with a few wispy clouds overhead. She took a deep breath, feeling the fresh, clean air fill her lungs making her feel so alive and joyful, she almost giggled.

“Here you are, dear woman,” said voice to her right.

She turned to see a man, walking towards her. He was an older man, probably five to ten years older than her father. His brown hair had flecks of gray all through it, and his tan skin was lined. His eyes were the same color of the wheat that danced around them. He smiled widely at Dracia, his eyes crinkling and shining.

“Have you been looking for me?” asked Dracia to the man.

“I have always known where you are. I was merely waiting for the right time to come to you, and it is finally here. Many times, we know what we are looking for, we only have to wait for the right time to be able to accept it.”

“You think now is the right time?” asked Dracia.

“I know it is. You have learned who you are. You understand what you could be should you wish it, but instead you have chosen to stay who I meant you to be,” said the man.

“You are not disappointed? I thought you had a task for me,” said Dracia somehow knowing who was before her.

“I do have a task for you, my dear. I have a task for all of my created ones, but most are not as difficult as yours.”

“You think I can complete this task, mortal as I am?” asked Dracia.

“I not only know you can, I believe you staying mortal is the only way to truly do what you must,” said the man. “It will not be easy, but I will try to help you along your way. We all will.”

“I don’t know what I can do against her power,” said Dracia.

“You are powerful as well. You have many skills that you earned, and others that have been given to you. You will have to trust in those who love you well, Dracia,” said the man.

“Will you tell me what I have to do?” asked Dracia.

“You will know when it is time, but for now I need you to rest and prepare. Listen to those around you, and remember the choices you have made. You made them for a reason. You know who you are, and that is the most important thing,” said the man.

Dracia nodded as the man smiled at her and the sky grew dark. She stretched and yawned. Without another word, she laid down in the field and closed her eyes.

When she opened them, she was not in her bed in the High Palace. What she lay on was much too hard to be the soft bed she shared with Leal. The smell was musty and sour, and she was unbearably cold. Dracia didn’t want to do it, but she finally looked around to find herself back in the cells under the winter palace.

“No,” she whispered as she sat up, feeling an extreme weariness come over her. “It can’t be.”

“Dracia, dear woman, you cannot get away from me. No matter how many of these created ones try to shield you, I will always find you,” said Belleth as she stared at Dracia from the behind the bars. “You will join me eventually. I will find a way, you know I will. Don’t make me take away all you hold dear. Don’t make me hurt your child.”

Dracia felt a horrible pain in her stomach, making her bend over in half on the ground. “Do not do it, please,” she said in anguish.

“Then find your way back to me before I come to you,” said Belleth. “I can provide you with safety for the people you love, and plenty of entertainment. You will not be alone.”

Dracia felt someone to her left. She closed her eyes not wanting to look because she knew who she would see.

“It isn’t so bad, High Captain. You and I are all friends after all,” said Darron close to her ear.

“If he isn’t to your taste, perhaps you would rather trade you king for another?” asked Belleth.

Dracia felt someone to her right as a cold breath reached her ear.

“I have always been fond of you, Dracia,” said Fannar as he leaned close to her. “I have spent many nights thinking of our kiss, and what could have happened had we not be interrupted.”

Dracia shook her head, feeling the pain in her stomach intensify. She was going to be sick. She sat up suddenly and looked around. She was back in her room in the High Palace. Quickly jumping up from the bed, she found an empty wash bowl close by on a low table. She put her hands on either side of it and retched, bringing up most of her lunch from earlier. After she was done, she shakily sat down on the bed and picked up a vial from Sarin. She downed it before pouring a cup of water from a nearby pitcher and drinking it.

“Your majesty, are you unwell?” asked Malven as he walked into the room.

“I was, Malven, but I think I will be fine,” said Dracia as she looked at him from the bed. “I hate to ask it, but can you have someone come take care of that bowl?”

“I can see to it, your majesty, do not worry about it,” said Malven as he walked closer to her.

“How long have I slept?” asked Dracia.

“Over three hours,” said Malven. “It is almost dark out.”

“Has the king returned?”

“I do not believe so,” said Malven as he walked towards the bowl, carefully picking it up. “Do you need anything, your majesty?”

Dracia was about to say no when she thought over her nightmare. She closed her eyes feeling the damp, musty air in the cells, feeling the dark dirty ground under her. She could feel Darron’s touch on her face, and even Fannar’s cold breath in her ear. She felt wrong, and unclean.

“Can you see some water is brought up for a bath?” asked Dracia knowing it was foolish to ask. She had just bathed that morning.

“I will see to it right away,” said Malven as he walked towards the door. He stopped and turned to look at her. “You will be alright by yourself for a bit, won’t you?”

“I will, Malven. I am already feeling better,” said Dracia, trying to smile at him.

He nodded and left as Dracia laid back in the bed. She hated that she was letting what happened in Navalia control her. Nothing had really happened at all. She had experienced some pain and sickness, but nothing that left her truly injured. Darron had barely touched her. She needed to get over this, but something about the whole experience made her feel dirty and guilty. Was it the fact she considered giving up her mortal life? Was it the powerlessness she felt throughout her stay? What ever it was, Dracia would do anything to be able to wash away the griminess the thoughts of her captivity left on her very soul.

The water arrived in short time, and Dracia dismissed all attendants after the bath was filled. She undressed herself, slipping into the tub, and letting her body soak in the hot water. She picked up the soap and started scrubbing different parts of her body. She scrubbed her arms and legs so hard the skin turned pink and raw. She spent much time making sure she had cleaned every inch of her body, and then she sat in the water and closed her eyes.

No matter what she did, she could not make herself clean. She couldn’t not figure out why. Why did it feel like something had been taken from her, even though she had lost nothing? Why did she feel so dirty no matter now much she scrubbed or soaked in water? What was truly wrong with her? She was being ridiculous. She lay in the tub with her eyes closed as the water turned cold. She needed to get out as she started to shiver, but she could not work up the energy or desire.

She felt a gentle touch on her shoulders that made her jump slightly. She opened her eyes and turned to see Leal had crouched down behind her.

“Dracia, you are freezing. Why are you still in this bath?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered. “I just don’t feel clean enough. I don’t feel like I should leave.”

“You have to leave, dearest, or you will get ill,” said Leal as she stood up. “Come, let me help you.”

He grabbed a towel and then held out his hand towards her. Dracia looked at him for a moment before putting her wet hand in his. He pulled as she carefully stood up and stepped out of the tub into the towel he held out. He wrapped her in it and rubbed it against her as she shivered. After he had dried her, he turned her around and held her in his arms for a moment, as she leaned against him, feeling his warmth.

“Tell me what is wrong, Dracia,” said Leal has he held her.

She shook her head against him, not know what to say. How could see explain it to him when she didn’t understand it herself. All she knew is right now in his arms, she finally felt like she wasn’t wrong. His comfort and love made her feel almost like herself.

“Come into the bedroom with me,” he said. “You should rest.”

He walked with her into the bedroom and sat her down on the bed.

“Let me get you a nightgown, dearest, and you can lie down. I can have food brought into you if you wish it,” said Leal as he turned.

Dracia grabbed his hand and stopped him. She pulled him at him until he sat down next to her.

“What is it, Dracia? Tell me what you need?”

“I need you,” she said softly, leaning towards him. “All I need right now is you, and for you to love me.”

Leal looked closely at her like he might say something or refuse, but she stared back at him, hoping he could read her thoughts or mood. Hoping he could see how desperately she really did need him. How she wanted nothing more in that moment than to be loved by him. He finally responded by kissing her as she shed the towel, she was wrapped in. He made quick work of his own clothes, and laid her down as he hovered over her.

As he loved her, Dracia closed her eyes, blocking out all thoughts and worries, focusing only on Leal as he moved over her, kissing her as she held on to him.

“I love you,” she whispered into his ear.

He stopped for a moment and looked at her with his eyes, a bright green, seeming to be unable to respond. He buried his head into her neck, places small kisses on it as he started moving within her again. Even though he didn’t say it, she could feel the way he felt for her. She could sense the overwhelming and complete love he held for her, and as she cried out in pleasure, she believed his love was more than enough to get her through anything.