where you go i go

Six

Six months since the end of the war, and as Nayoko reads the letter from Ahmund, she feels like she's sixteen again.

She waits for him at the docks of the Libraries, eyes never straying from the ship that inches slowly, too slowly, towards her. She could not stop the erratic beating in her chest. It was silly, really, to anticipate so much the arrival of someone who she had never talked to outside of the battlefield or the Imperial war room, yet her breath still hitches when she sees the familiar man beam at her from the bow of the vessel.

"Greet him as the Archivist, Nayoko. Formalities only," Tanya whispers in her ear. Nayoko knew the mask of stoicism better than anyone but was still thankful for the reminder.

Once they are off the ship, the short man accompanying him stutters over his words as he announces the King; His Majesty Ahmund, King of Dawn, Vanguard of the West, Messenger of Lord Kahjeet.

Tanya introduces her using her full titles as well (Lady Nayoko, Archivist, servant of the Muses), and Nayoko could see Ahmund bite back his smile. He had gotten taller, with a full beard and hair that hung in braids to his waist, but when he straightened from his bow she could still see the usual jovial twinkle in his eye.

The days that follow are filled with official business, drafting up peace and trade agreements between the Empire and the Kingdom of Dawn. It's only on the final day, just hours before Ahmund's departure for the Southern Isles, that Nayoko finds him alone.

He's waiting for her on the roof, just like his note said, foregoing the Dawn regalia for a silk shirt, loose breeches and a red sash instead. His dark brown skin seemed to glow in the morning light and his hair was cascading in thick curls down his shoulders. Dimples appear when he smiles and waves at Nayoko, who takes a seat beside him.

"I could never get used to the titles. Makes me sound so stuck up," he says.

Nayoko allows herself to ease up and laughs. "Me neither."

Ahmund leans back on his elbows, taking a deep breath of the warm, spring air. "I missed this place. Brings back memories, good and bad ones. Especially the food," he chuckles. "But Lena can cook a wicked meal when she wants to."

"You've already met the others?" Nayoko asks.

"Well, can't say it wasn't her who I missed the most," he says, "Don't know when I'll return, either. We're fighting our own war, y'know?"

Nayoko nods. Dawn had just declared war on the City-States blockading the Kingdom's coasts but had declined the Kingdom's offer of cavalry and ships. For reasons she had yet to understand, Ahmund had elected to fight the 'fair battle' instead of an easy one.

"When will you return?"

"Muses, who knows. The war won't last long but I can't say the same about the talks that come after. You won't miss me much," he adds, mischievous.

"I won't?"

"No, you won't," Ahmund says, full-on grinning now, "You have Lawrence."

Nayoko scoffs, "Oh please."

Ahmund stands and stretches, chuckling to himself, "Hey! I saw the way he looked at you when you spoke. It's been like this since school and you still haven't noticed?"

Nayoko blushed. She didn't think it was so obvious.

"Wish I had someone lookin' at me like that, just so full of love and adoration and sad when you turn your head away." He pauses briefly, then, "Who knew the Hero King could look like a kicked puppy?"

Nayoko hides her surprise with a laugh.

"You'll find a husband soon enough, no one can resist that charm. I just hope they can put up with how insufferable you are."

Ahmund puts a hand to his chest in mock offence, "You wound me."

Bells toll in the distance and Nayoko sits up in alarm. Ahmund does too, for different reasons.

"I must leave," he says, remorseful, "I wish we could've talked more."

The two embrace and Ahmund places a chaste kiss on her temple. The sun disappears behind a cloud but the warmth of Ahmund surrounding her protects her from the sudden chill.

"Will you write?" Nayoko whispers.

Ahmund smiles, his gold tooth twinkling like his eyes. "Of course, my friend, of course."