Throne of Blood

Part I Chapter 19

The journey back to Meloas had been a relatively speedy one. They had been able to make the trip back in just a week's time, with a short stop in Gold Pass for one evening. While in Gold Pass, Floran had refused to see the king and instead was 'preocuppied' with his duties as leader of the city. The cold welcome did not surprise the king considering his last visit. Valrun was glad when they finally arrived in Meloas. He had much to report to Esmer and was equally worried about her well-being. After releasing his weary men and thanking them for their service during the journey, Valrun headed to the Blood Palace to see his wife.

As Valrun walked the magnificent halls of his home, he couldn't help but feel their emptiness, devoid of life and warmth like they typically were. Eventually, he reached their chambers and pushed open the door to find his wife inside, working on some stitching. Esmer did not look up from her work of a little rose set against a field of green. Her needle dived in and out of the work leaving behind new colors and lines in the process.

Forgetting the words to say, Valrun finally said, "Hello, my queen. I have missed you." His voice was flimsy and awkward, unused to the cold welcome from his wife. An awkward silence filled the room as he waited for a response from Esmer, but finally, she spoke.

"Hello, my king. How was your journey?" She said, refusing to look up from her work.

"It was troublesome but productive. Or at least I hope so," Valrun said, unsure of how to proceed in this clearly delicate situation.

"So you left me for a journey that you aren't even sure was productive?" The harshness in her voice was evident as she began to aggressively stab the needle into her work. "You left me, your people, and your child for a trip that you 'think' might have a good outcome."

"Esmer, I know you are upset bu--"

"No! I am furious with you," she said as her eyes darted up to stare at him with her burning gaze. Tears began to pool in her eyes and slowly trickle down her face. "The pregnancy has not been easy Valrun. The wet nurses think that I may even loose the child. I needed you," her voice trailing off as she began to let out uncontrollable sobs.

Valrun rushed to his wife's side and knelt down as he wrapped her in his large arms. Holding her tight in his bear hug, saying nothing as she continued to sob in his arms that he had missed so much. He knew that Esmer would be upset with him, but he had not imagined it would have been such a struggle during his time away. Valrun felt ashamed at having left his wife. While it was his duty to make sure his kingdom was stable, he hated his duty in that moment.

"I had no idea Esmer," Valrun said, regaining his composure as he spoke gently to his wife. "I am here now and here for our child. I know you are angry with me but my journey was not for nothing. My brother and Floran have informed me that our growing threat across the Val Sea may not be as far off as we had assumed."

"What--what do you mean," Esmer said, pulling back and looking at Valrun behind her teary eyes. "I thought you said we didn't have to worry about Kavanland."

"We don't. I promise you," Valrun said, pressing his hands gently on her cheeks, "Kavanland will not attack our empire. Even if they do, we shall be ready. They won't even hit land."

"I missed you Valrun," she said, pressing her forehead to his.

The couple embraced as they felt the warmth and comfort of each other's bodies. Each person feeling safe and comforted despite all the troubles that surrounded them. In that moment, all they needed was each other, nothing else.