Viena and the Black Mirror

[ 23 ] - 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞

      Viena stood stoically as the barrage of horses and travel wagons became nothing more than specs in the sunglow horizon.

Despite Hanarah's protests, Viena sent both her and the baron of Jastaino home along with their regiments. Although the queen of Lenester had good intentions, she and the baron can only leave their places of power for so long. For the benefit of everyone, it would be best to avoid causing more problems by trying to solve another one.

But per Hanarah's insistence and request, she will assist in Monduria's reconstruction after the war.

"I can't believe that Shadowmancer stuck spies on us," Alex grumbled. He had a bandage on his cheek where the monster nicked him. He refused to drink even a drop of bubble berry juice.

"I'm surprised we didn't think of the possibility," Viena said. "Things have been hectic, but we should have known better."

Sen walked up to her shoulder. "It's better to have found out now rather than later. This just means we're going to need more secrecy and carefulness."

"We barely know anything about these shadow creatures," Viena said. "How are we supposed to prepare for them?" The thought of the monster she faced head on gave her the chills. Despite doing a lot of damage, Viena had the feeling it was not dead. Maybe maimed, but that would not be enough.

When she woke up, Viena immediately got to work. No way on Terra would she risk the lives of leaders with nations of their own. And if that meant sacrificing time to rest her body, then so be it.

Sen stared off into the horizon, his pupils thinned from the harsh light. "I don't know. But we can start by getting both of our citizens out of the crossfire."

"But where?" Viena stressed. "Where is it that's safe yet close by? Even then, would they listen? I doubt either of them wants to be holed up in the same place."

Sen grabbed her hand as a reassurance. "They'll listen to us. Trust me."

"I hope you're right," Viena sighed. "Did you have a safe place in mind?"

"Yeah. There's a system of caves hidden in Mount Silexter." Sen led her away from the hill, Alex following behind in silence. "It's in the Forest, however. But I'm sure I can convince Skale to change his mind about the whole "No humans will enter" thing."

"That would help so much." Viena relaxed as the sky faded to a dark red. The sun was setting, a marker of how much time they had left.

"Despite what you said earlier, I think it would be best if the Forest provided all the provisions." Sen twiddled with his braid, throwing it behind his back. "There could be more shadow monsters hiding in the farms. Maybe even in Monduria's ruins."

"You're right," Viena sighed. "It still doesn't sit right with me, though."

"Well, I don't mind. So don't feel guilty about it."

Viena chuckled, swinging their intertwined hands, something she realized they were still doing. She hid the frown that threatened to appear as Sen slipped out of the hold. "Once this is all over, Monduria will owe you a lot." Viena smiled at him with gratitude.

"Making up for the years of silent separation between our two kingdoms is all you owe." Sen folded his arms, squinting at her with challenge.

"You don't even have to ask for such a thing." Viena decided to roll with it. If this was his only request, she'll try her hardest to make sure it's fulfilled.

Sen laughed. "Good, good."

"Hey!" Skale yelled. As he slid down a hill of grass, he ran up to them, carrying a clipboard and pen.