Unconditionally - DanRos FanFic

Chapter 10

It was a smiling Danaya who sat at the bench by the palace garden. She had just come from meeting Aquil and she remembered with pleasure how he had professed his love for her.  He had kissed her for the first time as well and she had returned his kiss passionately.

Her thoughts were interrupted, though, when she saw one of the damas walking briskly towards her.  She knew right away what it meant.  Amihan had called for her.

The difficulties of their situation returned to her with a jolt. Hagorn had somehow discovered that his former wife Lilasari had given birth to their child and was hiding from him.  Honoring the request of Lilasari, who had returned Alena's water gem to her, Amihan had sent her to the world of mortals with Hitano for them to keep the child away from Hagorn's evil plans. But now, Hagorn was demanding Lilasari's whereabouts or he would start another war.  He would be returning the next day for his answer.  For Amihan to call her at this time meant something must have occurred.

Her fears were realized when she entered the throne room and found Amihan standing by her throne, dressed in her armor, her features set grimly.

Amihan began without preamble, "I have seen his new army, Danaya, and -"

At this news, Danaya cut in furiously,
"Why did you go alone?"

Amihan faced her squarely, "I wanted to see for myself the potential threat we are facing."

The queen's voice trembled slightly as she continued, "The fact is he has the hadezars at his command and I do not know if we can triumph over them."

"We will find a way, my apwe."  Danaya refused to let herself feel defeated right away.

"This time, I do not know if we can."

"Surely you are not suggesting we betray Lilasari and surrender her to Hagorn?"

"No, never that." Amihan's answer reassured her but then the queen took both of Danaya's hands in hers.  "Danaya, I want you to take note of this.  If I do not survive this war..."

"Don't talk like that, Amihan!" Danaya snapped.

Amihan closed her eyes and squeezed Danaya's hands.  "I have left my instructions in a letter that if I do not survive this war, you are to become the next queen of Lireo."

Danaya felt her world turn upside down.  She could not bear to lose her sister.  And what about Aquil?  She pulled herself together. She would think about that later.

Unknown to her and Amihan, however, someone else had overheard their conversation.  They had not noticed Mashna Aquil enter the throne room and he was now standing just behind a pillar, frozen with dread at Amihan's words.  Then his eyes narrowed with determination and he quickly left silently.

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The sun was already setting when Muros walked briskly back to the palace.  He had gone for a solitary swim in the river and it had helped him relax while the walk had helped clear his head and strengthened his resolve.

He may have lost the chance to court Danaya, but he would still stand by her no matter what.

He saw someone leaving the palace's back gate and watched curiously.  The hooded encantado turned and though Muros could not see his face, a sudden breeze had shifted the stranger's cloak just enough for him to recognize the sword.  It was Mashna Aquil. 

The mashna had not seen him but was walking hurriedly to one of the other side paths.  Strange. Where was Mashna Aquil going at this time? Muros shrugged.  Doubtless he was on a secret errand for Amihan.

He was striding down the palace's corridors toward his quarters when Sang'gre Danaya came up to him.  He bowed respectfully to her. 

She had been looking for both Aquil and Muros for the past hour.  Thank goodness Muros was back. For a second, she was distracted by how attractive he looked with his hair still damp and swept back.  He was staring back at her as well, however, so she shook herself with an effort.

Their kingdom was at the brink of another war.  Defense plans needed to be put into place and the general of their forces, Mashna Aquil, was nowhere to be found.

"Muros, have you seen Aquil?  No one knows where he is."

Muros took one long look at her anxious face then he nodded solemnly.  Even if he hadn't known, he would have done whatever he could to dispel her anxiety.

"Do not worry too much, Sang'gre.  I will find him for you."

Her brow was still furrowed with worry but she gave him a small grateful smile as he bowed again before leaving. It made her feel better somehow to know that he was always there for her whenever she needed him.