𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤 𝕋𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕠𝕟'𝕥 𝕃𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣. ⏱

19. The Ocean I

She was a short woman and he was an incredibly tall man. He had to lower himself very much to meet her eyes.

-I know it's time to go, but these two shadows on the wall...they are stubbornly trying to dance - Ilosovic said looking at their dark silhouettes and then drew his gaze again to the Red Queen.
-Two beautiful moths, twirling around a burning candle… playing with fire - Iracebeth replied and embracing his neck pulled him in for a kiss. They lost in passionate stroking of their lips for a few seconds, holding each other, until the man stepped back anxiously, awakened.
-I really need to go, my Queen- Ilosovic let his hands around her waist go and bowed his head slightly.
-It's fine. I'll be waiting- She ensured, comforting him with a warm smile.

He left as always, leaving the woman with her thoughts until the morning sun would make her finally get up. The man mounted a horse the Red Queen gave him and rode as quickly as possible to the town and his little blacksmith's workshop. The White Queen's guards were there, waiting for him impatiently. Stayne should be at work for a long time already, it was part of his promise to Mirana.

***

Speaking about the White Queen, at the same time, a few weeks after her accident, someone paid her a visit. Someone who we can consider as more punctual than Ilosovic… or anyone else. The Time itself.

-Your Highness - She curtsied slightly - May I ask what brings you here? - She asked when she opened her bedroom door. It was early in the morning and the clock-man woke her up from her sleep.
-I just wanted to talk about the accident you had a few weeks ago.
-But it's nearly 6!- The woman objected, still in shock that he came to her like it was no big deal.
-It's 5:45, I know.

Mirana sighed quietly. She was losing her patience pretty quickly, which wasn't common for her. She was in her nightgown, standing barefoot on the marble floor. Her white hair was tied in a braid to keep them in place.
-Well, I'm extremely sorry, but I have nothing to tell you, Time - Her voice was soft but emotionless. It seemed that it did not discourage the Master of Time.
-I won't leave you until you will find something to talk about - He said and got inside the room although he wasn't even invited in.
-Then you will lose yourself, because I would like to go back to sleep, please!
-I have lots of me, I thought you know- Time took a chair and sat near the bed and a lamp which vexed her a little more.
-Can't you just… - She bit her tongue, angry -... give me some more of you, Master?
-I'm afraid not.
-Then why haven't you taken me away already?
-Oh, you know it's not what I meant- Time rolled his eyes and looked at the woman - Please.

Mirana felt that his upcoming questions are inevitable anyway, so she has spoken first:

-I just wanted to forget about the past, that's all - The White Queen confessed making her way to the window. She looked out of it.

-Alright… but is that why you broke that mirror? - His question made her think for a while. The ticking-noise he was making was getting on her nerves -I… I was angry. I was hoping that maybe you could take me out of here sooner - Mirana embraced herself with her pale arms. Most of the wounds from the mirror were healed already, but some of them were still visible at her wrists, as if she tried to push the glass deeper. It was a warm morning, but her hands were icy cold.
-For the Light's sake…! - Time bursted and got up - It's not your time yet! Why do people try to mess with me so much?
-You don't know or you're just so self-centered? - She faced him again, crossing her arms. Her face was revealing reluctance.
Time reflected himself, trying to remain calm -I'm sorry… please, continue. I really need to know why, I want to help - He came a bit closer to her. Their eyes met and although she didn't know why he was doing this, but strangely, she believed that whatever she would say was going to be safe with him so she opened herself.