The Dragon Queen

Chapter 21

King Rory Fairmore of Vrinian

The Heart of the Realm

"Isn't this all a bit much?" Rory questions while casting a side glance at his wife who grimaces. The Great Hall is in the process of being transformed into a ceremony, however since guards and staff are not allowed into the castle just yet, all of the work is being done by the royals and their families. Jaymie and Ezra had insisted that the rule of no one but the Kings and Queens being allowed in the castle was, for lack of a better term, stupid. Though they could all agree that it is still a danger to allow the castle to be completely open, they all settled on allowing people with titles into the castle. This includes heirs and nobility, as well as advisors and generals and a priest to provide a blessing over the new High King and Queen.

Rosaline addresses the chaos by clapping her hands to get a bit of attention. "While the thought is much appreciated, Jaymie and Ezra are not expecting a grand ceremony. They are simple but know the importance of formality. Let us stick to what they need, and not what everyone wants." There are a few grumbles but for the most part, everyone complies. The chaos of preparations is only partly muffling the arguing of a pair of helpers. Rosaline side-steps over to Rory while keeping a grin and close eye on them. "You would think at their age they would have a bit more maturity."

Rory gives an airy laugh but keeps watching his mother. Despite the heated arguing, he likes seeing his mother in any way other than her previous icy exterior. "I will take what I can get." He mumbles, continues to stare at them. "I sometimes forget how young my mother was when she married and then lost my father. She was twenty-two years old, only four years older than me. It is like she was stuck for eighteen years and now she is brought back. Remind me to ask Aunt Josie if she was like this in her youth." He glances at his wife to see a somber look in her eyes. When he looks back at his mother, he can't help but smile. "I think for the first time in eighteen years since my father died, she feels something for someone again, and it scares her. It infuriates her that it is Tobias, but I think she is coming around to it."

Currently, they are arguing and pointing at the positioning of a ceremonial table that will hold the crowns. Aohlee is pointing towards the windows behind the table, while Tobias is pointing towards the doorway facing the opposite wall. Rory lets out a small laugh at how similar their minds think and yet it is just enough of a difference that drives them both mad. "Tobias was younger when he was taken from his childhood. Aunt Josie told me some of the details, and William doesn't like to talk about it, but what they went through, not many could survive. William managed it because he had Josie, and even though they helped him, I don't think Tobias would be alive if he hadn't met my mother and I." Rory recalls the conversation they had a while back, where Tobias admitted that the closest thing to a real family he ever has had or will ever have is Rory and his mother. "With the horrible things he has done in his past, he doesn't think he deserves even an ounce of happiness. I wish he would listen to me sometimes. I wish he wouldn't give up on love. I wish he could see and understand that he is the father I never got to have."

Rosaline wraps her arms around one of Rory's and leans her head on his shoulder. "I don't think they are ready yet. They might in time, but right now I don't see it."

"Want to bet?" Rory questions with a hint of humor.

Rosaline perks up and give him a hint of a glare. "Yes. There is no way that your ice queen of a mother, no offense, is ready to let anyone in, especially a sarcastic former rebel assassin who constantly makes her mad. There is no way they will admit anything in the form of feelings before the new year, and if I win you have to buy me a new horse."

Rory smirks. "I accept the terms. They are barely keeping their feelings hidden from each other as is. Their walls are cracking and they just need one nudge and, as gross as the thought may be to me, they won't be able to keep their hands off each other. So, the years' end is in a few months, and if I win I want a portrait of us commissioned and hung in the study."