Their Bonds of Love

Caerwyn threw on his shirt and rubbed his eyes as he stood by the fireplace in his room. He turned as Emilia walked up to him, wearing a simple gown. She smiled before handing him a cup of tea. He took two large sips and put it down on a nearby table.

“You are walking much better today. I can hardly tell you were injured at all,” said Caerwyn.

“It doesn’t even hurt now. It was a rather large gash and a bad sprain, but I knew it would be fine in a few days. How are your cuts and bruises?”

“Gone,” responded Caerwyn. “It is as if nothing happened to me.” He took a deep breath before reaching out and pulling Emilia close. He was healed physically, but the images of the fight in the throne room were still fresh in his mind. He could still taste the blood on his tongue as he tore through numerous guards. The sound of Eleri’s scream as Ciara’s spell hit her echoed through his mind. Seeing the king fall forward as he must have thought Eleri dead still made his heartache.

“It will work out, Caerwyn,” said Emilia as she leaned against him. “Eleri will recover and rule with our king. The land will start to heal, and you will serve as you were meant.”

“You are right,” he said before kissing the top of her head and letting her go. “We all came through alive, which is almost a miracle. It is just a difficult time. Efa thought Eleri would be more conscious by now, and the king is half out of his mind with worry.”

“Eleri is taking the time she needs to heal. She will fully awake when she is ready,” said Emilia as she hugged her arms to herself. “That poor woman. She does not deserve this.”

“I agree, but she would do it again if it meant it saved Conri. I think she might have not only saved him but the kingdom as well. It might have killed him, but if he lived, could you imagine the chaos if our king lost his wolf? Lords would be questioning everything, even his right to rule.”

Emilia shook her head and wiped at one of her eyes. “Will they question Eleri as their queen, do you think?”

“They better not if they want to keep their place in Elathia. The king will not hear it, and neither will I. She is also still Lord Cadwin’s daughter. Who would dare tell that man his daughter is not fit to be queen,” said Caerwyn.

Emilia smiled a little. “What are your plans today?”

“I have to go with the king to meet with Lord Cecil, Lord Rees, and Lord Cadwin,” said Caerwyn. “After that, I hope to sit with Eleri and hopefully convince our king to rest for a moment.”

“I doubt you have much luck with it, but I will sit with her while you take him to the meet with the others. I’m sure Efa and Grace will be there at some point, but they might like a break as well,” said Emilia.

“Do you think you and I could eat supper together tonight in here alone?” asked Caerwyn. “This palace, as big as it is, always seems full of people, and I would like some peace tonight.”

Emilia’s smile grew. “I think that sounds wonderful. I will see to it.” She moved towards him and kissed him as he put his arms around her. “Try not to worry too much today. We will have much to celebrate soon.”

Caerwyn nodded as he let her go. They walked down the halls together until they came to the room Eleri was in. Caerwyn knocked, and the king opened the door, looking clean and dressed simply.

“I thought I might sit with Eleri while you go with Caerwyn,” said Emilia. “I know her aunt and Grace will probably be by shortly, but I know they are exhausted as well.”

“Thank you, Lady Farrow. I am sure Eleri would like your company. She opened her eyes several times yesterday and even took some water and broth,” said Conri. “If she does awaken at all, will you send for me directly? I promised I would be there when she was ready to wake up.”

“Of course, your majesty.”

Conri took one look back towards the bed before stepping out of the room as Emilia waked in. Caerwyn and Conri went down the stairs towards the palace study, where they would meet the others. The king was silent, and Caerwyn did not try to engage him in conversation at first, unsure of what he could say.

“Lady Farrow seems recovered,” said Conri finally as they made it to the first floor.

“She says she is almost fully healed,” replied Caerwyn.

“And have any injuries you sustained healed, Caerwyn?” asked Conri.

“It is like I was never in such a brutal fight, your majesty. What of yourself?”

“I barely had a scratch on me with you and Eleri protecting me. I would have gladly taken any injury had it spared her from all she has to endure.”

“Her gashes looked much better yesterday when Efa changed the bandage. She will always carry some light scars, but it looks to be healing well,” said Caerwyn.

“Her outward injuries will heal, but what they did to her and what they took from her will never truly leave her. I’m afraid she will feel like less now, and that is why she will not wake up.”

“But she is not less,” said Caerwyn. “She is more than many of us could ever be.”

“I know,” said Conri as they came to the door of the study. “I can never give her up, Caerwyn. I don’t care what others might say about her not being a shifter now. It doesn’t matter to me. I will have no other. I will give up my crown before her.”

“It will not come to it, your majesty. Everyone will hear what she did in that fight to save you and the whole land. After hearing it, no one will dare question her as queen.”

“I hope you are right, Caerwyn, but I have learned that people will believe almost anything if it fits their strange small view of the land.”

“Then be strong in what you know is right. If you have something to fight for, you better be ready to do it,” said Caerwyn.

“I am more than ready.” Conri opened the door and walked into the room.

The three lords stood and bowed as Conri entered. Conri gave them all a quick nod before sitting in a chair facing the fire. “You asked for this meeting, Lord Cecil, so be quick about it. I do not like to leave my future wife long while she is injured.”

“How is Eleri today?” asked Lord Cadwin as he sat down.

“She woke up a little this morning but quickly went back to sleep. She still seems agitated, but I believe Efa was going to try a few new calming spells today.”

“I will come to visit her this afternoon if you allow it,” said Lord Cadwin.

“You are welcomed to see your daughter at any time, my lord.” Conri looked at Lord Cecil. “So, what is it?”

“The city has stabilized over the past two days. Our guards have brought the people to order and delivered food, medicines and set up shelters as you requested,” said Lord Cecil.

“Good,” said Conri. “Is there enough for everyone?”

“Yes, your majesty,” said Lord Rees. “We have more supplies coming from Lord Cadwin and the magical community as well. Many magic users have stayed in the city to help heal those who were hurt or are sick. They have been a big help.”

“I’m sure they serve in the name of our future queen,” said Conri. “They are loyal to their own.”

“That is what is being said,” said Lord Cecil. He glanced at Lord Rees before looking down. “And Lady Eleri, it is true she has no connection to her wolf at this point.”

Caerwyn moved a bit closer to Conri, staring down Lord Cecil.

“She does not. She was hit by a spell meant for me, and it caused her to lose all connection with her wolf,” said Conri.

“So she is not a shifter, then,” said Lord Cecil.

“She was still born a shifter, and I believe will retain some of her instincts,” said Lord Cadwin with irritation. “Above all, she will not lose her heritage or the knowledge of what it means to be a shifter.”

“I am sure she will not,” said Lord Rees. “It was a very brave thing she did. She saved our king.”

“That is true,” said Lord Cecil. “And I think she will be a fine queen for Elathia, but there will be those who question her as your choice, King Conri.”

“So what if they do? I will have no other. If this will be a problem, and I have to make a choice, I can tell you which one I will make right now,” said Conri furiously.

“No one is asking that, my king,” said Lord Rees. “I am sure Lord Cecil just wants you to be prepared.”

“I only wish to speak truth to you, your majesty. My daughter will be here soon to advise you, and until then, I will do her duty. The Cecils will stand with you in your choice of queen. I am sure you have Lord Rees’s support.” Lord Rees nodded. “Bright One, what is your opinion of his chosen queen?”

“I always support my king, as you well know, but even if I didn’t, there is no other I would accept as my queen. She already has a promise from our king, and I know of no better woman he could have picked.”

“And she is a Cadwin,” said Lord Cadwin. “Should she be thrown away like she is not worthy, I am not sure I could support this court. I would make sure she did not serve as the First Advisor.”

Conri chuckled slightly. “As if you could tell her what to do, but I appreciate the sentiment. She will be our queen, and that is final. You can tell anyone who asks. Also, make sure it is spread far and wide what she did for Elathia and me.” Conri stood. “Not only will I make her my wife as soon as she is recovered, but I will honor her with a new title. She will be Queen Eleri the Purehearted.”

“We will make sure the news is spread throughout the city and land, your majesty,” said Lord Rees.

“Good, now I think we are done here, and I wish to get back to my future wife. As soon as she is able, we will move together to the king and queen’s quarter of the palace. Can one of you make sure the servants have the rooms cleaned?”

“I will do it,” said Lord Cadwin.

“Thank you, my lord. Come today for lunch to see Eleri. Maybe the goddess will be good, and she will be awake today.”

Conri rose and walked out of the room, Caerwyn following him. As they turned the corner of the hall, they came across Lady Riona speaking with one of the head place servants. She was a middle-aged woman who Caerwyn thought always looked rather above her station. Still, she had sworn to serve Conri, so she was allowed to stay. When Lady Riona saw Conri, she dismissed the servant and curtsied.

“Your majesty,” she said as she rose. “Is my father here in the palace? I have a message for him from someone in the city.”

“He is still in the palace study, Lady Riona,” said Conri as he stopped for a moment.

“And you are uninjured from the fight, my king?” she asked.

“I am well,” said Conri.

“How is Lady Eleri. I have heard the most awful rumors about her condition. I hope they are not true.” Lady Riona moved forward and put her hand on Conri’s arm.

“Lady Eleri is recovering as we speak,” said Conri as he took his arm away. “I am going now to check on her, so you will have to excuse me.”

“Of course, your majesty. I hope she recovers soon, and it is not as dire as I hear.”

“Whatever you have heard, all you need to know is she was injured protecting me and saving Elathia,” said Conri as he looked down at Riona. “If anyone asks, that is all you are to say. Good day, Lady Riona.” He started walking, and Caerwyn quickly followed him.

“Was I strong enough with my words and actions today, Bright One?” asked the king as they walked together.

Caerwyn smiled a little. “Yes, your majesty. I think everyone knows where you stand.”