In The Arms Of The Beasts

The War Council

One thing I'd wished someone had told me - wedding planning was a lot harder than what we first thought it would be, it was no surprise none of us could agree! "What about camellias?" My head rested on the table almost asleep as we argued back and forth about flowers

"Too puffy - why not lilies?" I was fine with lilies - I was fine with everything that had been suggested so far, Bakugo however was the problem. There was a complaint about whatever we thought of and when we asked what he wanted to do, his answer was 'you pick'...we'd been 'picking' for ages now!

Depending on the situation, our war council had levels - if we
were afraid of infiltration or being ratted out, it was just the three of us but if it wasn't so serious but required help...the boys bought in the 'cavalry' whoever that was...and at the moment, I think they were ready to do so

"Y'know what! Let's forget about the planning, all three of us! A trip to 'The Misted Wades'" I hated to admit it but I was quickly tiring of his games, this was the third time he'd tried to put off the wedding in the last fifteen minutes - maybe he had cold feet? Or commitment issues?

"The Misted Wades? No I'm not going" it was too risky, The boys might not have but I'd heard one too many stories to ever go there while I'm still sane. It didn't matter whether they were true or not - it was a risk that didn't need to be taken so close to our union

"What? Why not?!" The tempered tone in his voice hadn't changed from his argumentative tone he used when one of his guards messed up or someone mis-heard him. It showed us how he really felt, like he wasn't being listened to - as if he were still a child, a spoilt arrogant prince in his prime

"It's personal" I placed my head on my hands which laid flat on the table while looking away to avoid the pressure that was being shoved my way. I hated being the 'bad guy' or the 'responsible one' but what choice did I have? They were being idiots and I needed help

"And we're about to get married" the way things were currently going, we'd never get married but it wasn't like I really knew anything so if he wanted to escape - I understood that but he had to be straight forward with me about it so I could help...maybe he didn't want that?

"Just go without me, it can't be that hard can it?" I stood gently using my arms to push myself up making it clear I'd reached my limit. These were uncharted waters for me and I feared everything was going to go wrong because of my lack of experience - what did I know about being leader or planning? Nothing.

"It is when we know there's something wrong with you" All I did was give a sad smile before leaving the war room. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that moment in the court room when it all began and said something to make him eat me, even if it would've been excruciating - my demise would come quickly

"Nothing is known about that place because my 'kind' have never been there and I don't want to be the first" Kiri had made sure to follow me close behind, something in him needed to know I was okay. Bakugo was still too frustrated with my behaviour so he wouldn't be playing 'peacemaker' anytime soon

"Why? It'll be cool" we had different definitions of 'cool', that was becoming clear but at least we could still talk things out like civilised beings working out our problems- that was an important aspect in the royal court, right? Or was I thinking all wrong? We had to have a handle on this before the decisions got too malignant

"No it won't - as kits they told us that every non-human who went there lost their senses and became nothing more than a husk, attacking everything in sight" the dragon shivered as chills ran down his spine, he was beginning to realise why I was against this little journey, especially in a crucial time

"That's not gonna happen" we both jumped in sync as the door we'd just come from, slammed open with an angry crown-bearer strutting our way like he was on some mission. He acted like he knew so much and knew what was best for us when all he was in charge of was his kingdom, I loved him but right now - I just needed a break from everything

"Stop! I don't care if it's just an old wives tale, I'm not risking it - plus someone needs to stay here, what would our enemies think if they heard our place was completely unguarded?" My hands slapped my sides harshly, all that was being heard were excuses after excuses - I never travelled with them anyway and our home needed care

"She's got a point" Bakugo pulled the dragon aside for a private word after asking me to 'stay put' which I didn't listen to, I needed to get away - so I hurried down the corridor when they weren't looking and decided to take a stroll around the edge of the courtyard. How was I supposed to be queen if I couldn't handle the heat of my kings?

It was an absolutely terrifying thought to think that one day soon, I'd be in charge of all this! Would they accept me? I hoped so! I adored the people, it wasn't uncommon for children to run up and give me flowers hoping I had a 'nice day' or simply walking with me. Their presence was comforting somehow even though they weren't my own

I occupied a bench quietly listening to the commotion of a common day village, adults attempting to get their offspring inside for dinner and folk selling their goods - I'd forgotten today was the market "m'lady? Is everything alright?" I didn't notice one of the servants come up to me concerned as to why I was alone

"Everything's perfect, really. I just needed a little break" it was well known that we couldn't discuss personal matters with our staff but it would've been nice to share my problems with her, lift that weight off my chest and put my crown down for two seconds then be human, or as human as I could get. I could never be something I never was...

"A few of the staff members heard the lords and yourself arguing outside the war room, I hope it's nothing serious?" I shook my head linking my arm through hers as we made our way back to the castle. I owed the boys a huge apology for how I'd behaved earlier but it was only due to how much I cared about them, what if the rumours were true?

The second we stepped through the doors, there they both were! Of course with an anxious expression on their face and asking their servants questions probably as to where I was. My head smiled at the floor at how beautiful my life had turned out as my feet shuffled towards where both stood "Are you looking for me? I'm right here"

A huge wave of relief rolled over both as the staff member left and a long apology rolled off my tongue immediately but they weren't listening to a word I said, they were just appreciative that I was safe and still with them "I'm so sorry I- I shouldn't of said those things and it was cowardly of me to run off like that!"

A pair of hands cupped my cheeks "nothing about you is cowardly! You had every right to say the stuff you did and I'm glad you did! It really made me think! Both of us! And I'm glad you're safe, so would you stop scaring us like that?" I nodded as Bakugo kissed my cheeks repeatedly "I can't wait to rule with both of you!" One of the king's hands pulled Kiri into our embrace so we were squished tougher

We weren't perfect but we taught each other things...