In The Arms Of The Beasts

SOS

The next morning

This was the worst part...watching them leave, with bright happy faces filled to the brim with excitement, Bakugo had mentioned it had been a long time since they'd gone out for the thrill of it, into the unknown territory for the sense of exploration. It was like watching two little kids after being told they could visit a market with their father for a special occasion

But there was always the lingering thought that this could be the last time I ever saw them, this whole monarch thing was slowly changing us, understandably so but gone were the days where I could ride on their backs swinging a sword feeling all the power in the world. I didn't know the last time I'd gone a day without dressed up in some fancy gown or stuffed my face without a care in the world

The boys grinned and laughed excitedly about their new adventure not paying attention to what they were doing with their saddles, yet getting nothing wrong...that was the moment I had to let them do this, alone without being a hovering nag around them. They were full grown dragons, not 'hatchlings'- I think that was the proper term? The longer I spent in this kingdom, the more slang I learnt around town

The most important thing I learnt - dragons protected their own before anything. It was the one thing they cared about more than treasure, and they'd go any length to keep it that way. It was for this reason alone I hoped I count as 'one of them' at this point, or watching over this kingdom could be challenging if I was being attacked every other night

My mind flashed back to those drunken nights we'd dance on tavern tables...would they dance with other girls that way on their voyages? I'd heard about that sort of thing happening, where the man of the house would go on a 'boys trip' and find someone better - I guess it was a little bit trickier when three of us were planning to share a kingdom

Kirishima seemed to be the first to wander in my direction with open arms "you sure you're gonna be okay? I don't wanna give last hugs when you're not okay with this" the dragon gestured behind him to the soldiers running around the mice in a maze, occasionally looking confused at each other due to Bakugo's never ending orders in every direction except ours - he wanted everything to be perfect for when I took over

"They're not last hugs, because you two are coming back. I'll be fine- I am fine, is the air always this thin?" The dragon's face shifted to one of concern and panic "Relax, I'm joking - it's going to be fine. And when you come back, you can tell me all about your great adventure out there over a nice hot meal and a tankard of ale" a smile played upon his lips but those eyes still seemed sad

My hands grabbed his and twirled him around "and we can jump on tavern tables, and dance the night away celebrating your glorious return" the dragon began to laugh at my movements as I pulled him around, the sound seemed to be the only thing that could warm my heart right now. We had to believe we'd see one another again, or this kingdom would come down fast - my focus had to be here, not on their safety

"Don't you dare forget about all sleeping together again" that's when it struck me I'd have to sleep alone in such a huge bed, there would be no previous warmth or people to hold onto - just another element to remind me just how alone I was here. Maybe I could pretend they were here in spirit? Keeping me company in the form of slight breezes through the window and extra sweetness in the orchards...but it wasn't the same

After all the hugs and kisses had been shared, when I thought it couldn't get any more heart wrenching - it did. They still had yet to actually depart from the kingdom, stil lingering in sight to drive that knife deeper into my heart until it threatened to bleed out onto the floor for all to witness; not a good first image of a queen to be, so I quietly requested a cloth from the nearest servant

Each step turned into a fast walk, then a run towards the large fortified gates both laughing and grinning from ear to ear with their baggage strapped to numerous body parts jiggling - it was like an iron chain had gripped that blade in my chest and hooked it to their belts splitting the poor organ in two as it jerked in time with their feet. That handkerchief clamped to my mouth as suffocated sobs escaped into the woven letters on the corner

What once were two men, were now great magnificent beasts of the night among the stars "m'lady, are you alright?" My throat pushed down any remaining sorrow forcing a smile to form on my lips as I turned to the helper, but the tears still slithered a little down my cheeks...it wasn't a convincing sight but they must've understood by now I wasn't made of stone - as much of a woman I'd become, or how fancy I dressed, the kitten deep inside still whined for those beasts to return...

I didn't sleep that night...