Viata

Chapter XVII: A Queen's Proposal

 I held my father's ring close to my heart once dressed. The night had been late when Tyson told me he had been taken from me but the knowledge that my father's funeral must now be postponed in order to save his heirs life was some that gave me solace and comfort. I dressed myself in black still.

In Viata, black is not a color for death. It is a color for silence. It is worn to mourn but not to grieve. It is worn by mothers who watch their sons go to war and kings who cannot save a village from a hurricane. Today I wear it because I may not bury my own blood.

I walked down the steps of the castle. A handmaid walked by, whistling the tune of a songbird. I smiled at her. No one needs to know the purpose behind my dress.

Avril had been given the task to organize a moment alone with Albion.

His strong jaw cast a long shadow over his neck. I approached him with short, quiet steps which prevented anyone from hearing my arrival. He looked up at me nonetheless.

"You asked to see me?'

"I am afraid I will need your help, Albion."

"With?"

"Walk with me."

The sun wasn't as bright as it was yesterday. Maybe there were too many clouds out today. Albion and I went out despite the slight breeze. Winter was hitting the mainland and the season was coming to a sharp close. Viata would be chilled for the next week. I held my silk scarf close to my body. It was a white scarf that contrasted to the layers of my thick, black gown. The collar of my dress reached just at my boson and the sleeves cut off at my elbows to flow out elegantly. Even death ought to be elegant.

I noted the way that Albion stood ever so slightly away from me. He was close but minding his space from the cool tone to the air that stood between us. His shoulders lacked the friendly brush of our previous encounters and his tone lacked the uplifting wit that I had grown accustomed to. He was concerned. He was suspicious.

"There are people in my country who intend to cause me harm."

He looked at me with those dark, hazel eyes but there was something else that shone beneath their mild coloration. He looked quite like a boy who had just been told he would be sent away for a long time and may not see his family until his return. He looked quite like I imagine I had when my father told me I would be going to Graiden.

"What will you do about this?"

"I fully intend to take control of these rebels within my lands."

"And what will you do with them then?"

A breeze caressed my shoulders and lifted my scarf, reminded me of the cool dreams and the woman beneath the hood in them.

"My father u-" I caught myself, steadying my voice though I wanted to cry. "He has always told me that we must do whatever is needed to protect the Brienne legacy. We are a dynasty that will last if we fight to stay. I must do what needs to be done to keep my legacy alive, you see?"

"What of your father and his part in this?"

"My father has yet to return from his trip. I must be sure to keep these rebels at bay while he is away. I need to find those loyal to me first. Might I assume you are one?"

He stopped walking immediately and turned to me. His hand quickly scooped my own to hold between his two gloved hands and he looked me directly in the eyes.

"Of course, Athene."

"Then I have an important and very serious request of you."

He stared at me for a long moment. His hand gently removed itself from my own and found its way to rest gently on the side of my cheek. I closed my eyes and fought the sting of hot tears that threatened to fall out of my grasp and down to his fingertips and palm which so delicately touched my lips. This would be an incredibly scandalous action for two youths of royal birth out in the open of a garden in view of all but something in my eyes had told him I needed this warmth and comfort more than anything else in this world at this moment, propriety be damned.