Lovers End

Chapter Three: Part Three

The following morning, Aurora woke just before dawn. While Franklin wasn't leaving until later in the morning, she wanted to prepare a pot of warm, hearty porridge to keep him full through his journey. She also was a nervous wreck and Franklin felt it all morning as he'd get ready hearing her pacing the floors just outside his door. "You'll drive yourself mad with all that worry in your head, girl." Aurora paused, then retreated downstairs to the tavern, leaving Franklin chuckling she may have been mad with him lately but nothing could stop the care she had for him.

Attempting to distract herself, Aurora immersed herself in chores, washing dishes and slicing bread. The ominous feeling that had haunted her throughout the week lingered, perhaps exacerbated by the stress surrounding Emeric and her father. Carrying two mugs of ale to a table, she heard the tavern doors swing open, hushing the room. Aurora turned, breath catching in her throat as she was met by the sight of King Jorah, adorned in armor, accompanied by two knights, kicking snow from their boots. Summoning courage, Aurora spoke up, feeling a mix of nervousness and responsibility. She had never seen the king in the tavern before.

" Welcome my king, can I get you anything?" Wiping her hands on her apron, Aurora approached, feeling small in the presence of the king and his knights. King Jorah, however, greeted her with a wide smile as she stepped closer. "Well, you must be Aurora, Franklin's daughter. It's nice to meet you. Very interesting indeed." He patted her head, studying her face with a look that hinted at something more making her feel a bit awkward "No, dear girl, just your father will do—speaking of the man," Jorah replied. Jorah looked up just as Franklin descended the stairs, catching Aurora's attention as well.

"My King, so we're off then?" Franklin asked, showing little interest in formalities."You were always so straight to the point." Jorah laughed softly. He was in a light hearted mood that morning and he hoped it would remain that way even with the tension between the two men."It's an honor to be invited, my king. A break from the ordinary seems like a welcoming invitation." Whether intentional or not, Franklin positioned himself between Jorah and Aurora, acting as an unspoken barrier of defense. "Yes of course, we've brought a horse for you to use, one of our bests." Jorah said, giving Franklin's arm a friendly pat, his voice carrying a satisfied tone. " When you're ready." Jorah added before turning to leave with the other knights that had came in with him.

Franklin turned to Aurora, placing hands on her shoulders. "Can you manage an afternoon without me?" he teased, giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. Aurora, breaking from her worried expression, offered a soft smile. "You might come back to find it burned down, but I'll do my best to prevent that." She chuckled. "Of course, I can handle an afternoon without you. Just... make sure to look out for yourself, please," she requested, a tinge of concern in her voice. Franklin's smile softened at her plea. He pulled Aurora into a hug, resting his chin on top of her head before giving it a kiss. "Always, no bear will eat me today," he chuckled as Aurora playfully nudged him.

"Oh, stop it. Go on then," Aurora urged, lifting his coat for him to put on before he headed out the door. Aurora stepped into the snow, hugging her arms around herself as she watched Franklin mount a horse. He had always been her hero, the man who faced monsters in the dark when she was scared. In his armor, he exuded a calm self-assurance she had never seen from him before..Jorah glanced back down at Aurora as he mounted his horse.

As a king, he naturally carried a paternal energy, but there was something distinctly different when his gaze fell upon Aurora. Jorah understood that he held the pen to her future, and he was determined to write a positive tale. "Hell be back in one peace little one, promise." Jorah spoke as if he was swearing an oath, tugging gently on the reins of his horse as they set their course toward the kingdoms entrance, villagers following along to wish them luck. Sharing one last glance, Franklin gave a reassuring smile to Aurora.