A Long And Dreary Autumn {Complete}

22. Valentino

I find it cute how energetic Kee puts effort in helping me to get the King Fighter Law abolished. He told me that he talked to Belinda about the boys' safety when we let them explore the Lands 'by themselves'. Thanks to that I feel a lot easier about letting them roam the woods and plains. I have told them not to explore the mountains just yet since I want to show them the general path first before letting them explore it.

Still, I am not too happy with the fact that Ryan keeps pestering Kee whenever he gets the chance. I think that when Kee's patience snaps, Ryan will finally retreat with his tail between his legs. That will give me some more rest.

"Your highness!" I turn and see Maverick panting as he stands in front of my throne. There is a slight fear detectable in his scent, deep buried under his sweat. "There is some trouble, Your Highness." Maverick puffs lightly, he must have run all the way here from the Ancient Council strong hold. Not only that, he looks a little too pale for my liking. As if he knows something bad is going to happen Kee walks in and settles beside me.

Wrapping my arm around him, I nod for Maverick to continue his report. He dithers as little, nibbling his lip before licking them. "There is no easy way to say this so I am just going to say it." He wrings his hands and the fear that was hidden spikes. "The Ancient Council decided to hold the motion for abolishing the King's Fighter Law today. In a few hours you and your heirs are expected to appear before the Ancient Council." He released a squeak and shifted, not being able to handle the pressure or my presence. With a wave of my hand I dismiss him and he bows lightly before bounding off.

"So? What does this mean Val?" Kee's worried face fills my vision, pulling me back into the present. His eyes widen as my face must have shown him how terrified I am about this development. We both know we don't have enough evidence or paperwork to get the law abolished. "Val? Babe, talk to me." His warm hands cup my face; I close my eyes and lean into their warmth. His fear scent gets so strong that I reluctantly open my eyes after hoping that once I open my eyes this was just a bad dream. Sadly that is not the case as Kee still looks worried, searching my face.

"Go get the boys. We need to prepare for our audience with the Ancient Council." I gently pry his hands from my face as I stand up. "If we present our case strong enough they might have a vote about abolishing the law." Kee's face lights up at the mention of the abolishing, that is until he hears about the rest. "But it will cost us. They always want something in return for abolishing something or to change something." I turn to face him, "We need to be ready to hear insane demands in return for getting that law abolished okay? We need to do anything we can to not have the boys fight one and other to be King while the Oracle already knows who will become King." He pales but nods.        

   "Everything for the boys, so that they don't have to go through that. No matter what will happen to us." I kiss him soundly, conveying my feelings for him and my gratitude. "I will go get the boys." With one last lingering kiss he scampers off to our personal chambers.

"Then you will be in need of my help."

I turn and am stunned to see the Oracle stand there in front of my throne. What is she doing here? The question must have been all over my face as she takes a few tiny steps forward and bows.   She is acting like we are having an audition, well okay then, then I will treat it as one. "What is it that brings you here, my dear Oracle?" She looks up as I address her presence. As she straightens her spine I can see some emotion I can't name in her eyes before it disappears.

"I am here to announce that I will be leaving for the Ancient Council meeting. They asked for my expertise on a case. But I left Natalia in charge, should there be any problems." She smiles as Kee enters with the boys in tow.