WARHAVEN II

Six

Lorenzo

She bounced her foot softly as she sipped on her drink, studying Roman. "My matters may be urgent, but they are also private." She said firmly, requesting our departure.

Roman waved his hand, dismissing our dealer and the dancers. They sauntered off, shutting the door behind them. I lit a cig, knowing this conversation was going to be intense.

"Speak." Roman said, still avoiding her eyes.

Her jaw clicked and I could sense her irritation. "I said that it is private-"

"This is as private as it is going to get, so I suggest you begin or take your leave." Roman's voice was sharp and we all tensed at his sudden irritation.

"I will wait." The woman named Nargue said, and I was stunned. Elias looked at her like she'd grown a third eye and Zairo stayed quiet.

Roman sighed, "The men here with me are my most trusted and loyal. The moment you depart, they will be informed of what we have discussed, so I tell you for a last time, speak or leave."

He met her eyes and they sat in a stand off for a few moments. She clicked her tongue and spoke, deciding the urgency was worth it, "Augustus is dead."

Roman's eyes widened and he froze mid sip, looking at her like she was insane. "What?"

"My brother is dead." Her voice was flat and her eyes were far away.

"You've come here to tell me that the King of WarHaven is dead?" Roman's shock was crystal clear as was mine. The death of a King was a huge deal and we should have been notified via letter immediately. The fact that we were not, was concerning.

"Yes." Was all she said, face solemn.

"When?" Zairo asked quietly. His mind was working, trying to determine exactly how this changes things amongst the royal kingdoms. As was mine.

"4 months ago." She said quietly as she threw back her gin and refilled it with the bottle the servants had left.

"The King of WarHaven has been dead for 4 months and you neglected to announce it? That is a crime." Elias said, shock covering his face. "The royals have an obligation to know."

"The situation is sensitive. The King was slaughtered by La Una. She was working with Morana..." Her eyes shot to Roman's, rage simmering softly in hers, "And my brother, Marcellus." Sadness filled her but she brushed it away quickly.

"Marcellus?" Roman's voice was far away, incredibly puzzled.

"Yes. It turns out he has been conspiring against us all along and Una is his mate. To make matters worse, it seems they are in some sort of love triangle with Morana."

"What of the Queen?" Elias asked rather directly. I was glad for it as I was wondering the exact same thing. Roman had chosen to attend the WarHaven wedding alone, his witness enough for all of Aerlington. None of us even knew the woman's name.

"Davina is...unwell. She is why I am here, actually." Nargue said, looking to Roman. She swirled her gin and released an exhausted sigh.

"That is to be expected given all that has happened, tell me, where are you staying?" I asked, attempting to conceal my concern for the woman I currently believed to be my mate.

"We have a safe house in the northern mountains of WarHaven. The safe house is not a secret, so I believe Marcellus and his...Queen...are allowing us to reside there. We need to move with haste before they plan some sort of attack." She said, quickly.

I studied my King and noted his silence. His mind was elsewhere and he had the same look he has worn for months now. We all knew he was not himself, but none of us were too concerned. I have a sneaking suspicion this whole situation has something to do with it.

"Why did the Queen not fight their take over? I know it is uncommon, but sometimes the council will find a suitable Royal male for her to wed. Why was this not the case?" Elias asked.

"The takeover was violent and swift. I assume Una did something to the council given their lack of concern for Augustus' death. And apart from that, like I mentioned, Davina is severely...unwell." Nargue explained.

"Is there something aside from her grief that has caused her to be unwell? Is she ill?" I asked.

Nargue's gaze fell upon Roman as he looked up at the skylight. He had completely taken himself out of the discussion all but physically and I had no idea why.

"She has not left her room all but thrice since his death. She refuses to eat, she won't feed. She will not talk to anyone. It is to a point where she is harming herself and others. I fear she is on death's doorstep. We are at a loss. She learned some disturbing news about the King's last month's alive...and then she was forced to watch as Una beheaded him. We all were..." Her eyes were wide as she recalled the moments she spoke of. A shudder ran through her and I nearly felt it myself. She quickly poured another glass of gin and threw it back. 

We all gave her a moment of silence, letting her process what she was saying. It was devastating to learn of the Queen's current state and I felt for Nargue, given all she has gone through. It is clear she has been forced to be strong for her Queen, despite wrestling with her own grief.

"We are truly sorry to hear that, Princess." Elias said coolly, bowing his head in respect.

"Indeed we are. Although, and pardon my bluntness, what is it you want us to do?" Zairo asked, his usual earnest demeanor on full display. The man had always valued logic over emotion and it did come in handy on occasion.

Nargue's eyes shifted back to Roman's as he continued to look towards the sky. He looked broken and devastated, like he was finally letting some kind of guard down and it was crushing to witness. He was perfectly still, almost like he believed if he moved, he would simply shatter.

Nargue cleared her throat and spoke openly, "I have come to ask Roman to help her. Or at least try."

"Why our King, miss?" Zairo asked inquisitively, speaking for all of us.

Nargue's eyes met mine, "He is her mate."