Queen

X.

Deo Ganghage, Arne's homeland, had recovered from the war I raged against it and it was beautiful. Deo Ganghage had been known for it's army and fertile lands. It was planting season for some farmers, harvest for others, and the land was blooming with flowers.

"Your childhood home is coming up in five miles," I told Arne, "Are you sure you don't want to even pass through?"

Arne didn't even stop tying and untying knots in a ribbon on his outfit. "Yes Mistress," he said quickly, "I'm sure. The hot springs should be two miles past the city."

I turned my head to watch the farmers harvest and plant side by side. I wouldn't ask about his family and he wouldn't ask about mine. Though I didn't see why he would avoid his hometown just because of his family. I had my suspicions about them, he had often said he had no one but me. I believe his monstrous family cast him out when he went blind, but if that was true, then surely someone in the city would have at least taken him in. He was a war hero to them after all.

Well, perhaps not now that he betrayed his kingdom by helping me.

Maybe he's right and we should steer clear of the city.

"Are the hot springs open for anyone to use?" I asked. Arne still needed a bath. The hot springs sounded like a better option that a cold river after nearly a week of traveling.

"The whole city uses them," Arne replied, "It's open for everyone, though if you want Mistress, you could pay the springs owner to have it all to yourself." He paused. "I don't know how to do that. I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," I told him, biting back the urge to call him baby. "You have nothing to apologize for. I can use the springs alongside anyone else there. Perhaps you'll meet some of your old friends."

"I hope not," Arne whispered. It was like when he would whisper things like 'wouldn't mind that' or 'please do.' I looked at him, curiosity stirring. But I pushed it aside.

"How long has it been since you've been there?" I asked.

"It would have to be about seven years now Mistress," Arne said, ripping the ribbon from his clothing. The sound startled me. "Mistress," Arne whimpered, holding the ribbon in his hand, "Mistress, I'm sorry. I, I didn't, I didn't mean to. It, it tore. I'm sorry."

"Shh," I told him, leaning forward and reaching a hand out to him. Arne jumped at my hand on his shoulder, like a slave expecting a beating. "It's okay," I cooed, cupping his cheek in my hand. He leaned into my palm. "I'm not mad. There's nothing to apologize for. It's just a ribbon and it was an accident. It's okay."

Arne sighed, "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for," I told him. I took the ribbon from him and tucked it into the side of my seat. We could always get Hain or one of the others to sow it back on," I said, "It's okay." I'd sow it back on myself when I got the chance. "Would we be allowed to bathe in the springs?" I asked, changing the subject.

Arne breathed a trembling breath before he answered. "Yes," he said softly, "That, that's what they're used for."

"We all need one," I told him, which was true for our whole group. The carriers undoubtedly needed a bath. Cook would make everyone take one once we got there, that was sure.

"We'll be there before long," I told Arne, "It will be lovely."

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People were staring. I assumed they would, I was the queen. The springs had a few people scattered around the steaming pools. Three families with thirteen children split between them, a young couple, a group of three, and an elderly man. And all but twelve of the children were staring.