Deserving of More

Chapter Four: Coffee

"Come, sit. Talk with me."

I sat in the same chair as I had last time. Across the small table from him. Only I was still in that dress. And it made me instantly self-conscious.

"You look beautiful," he said as though he could sense my emotions.

"Your Majesty, please. No," I bowed my head to him as my face turned the same shade as my dress. He sighed.

"There is nothing sadder than a beautiful woman who doesn't think she is. And what have I said about calling me that?" his voice was gentle.

"I can't," I replied, closing my eyes, a lump forming in my throat.

"Why not? It's just me."

"I respect you so much." I opened my eyes again to his sweet smile. "And I failed you," I squeaked as tears threatened to fall.

His expression changed quickly to one of concern.

"You've done no such thing," he soothed, "Why do you think that?"

"I don't think I accomplished anything that you asked of me."

"Not true. You saw everything you needed to. You just haven't figured out what it means. That will come in time. If I told you myself, right now, you wouldn't accept it. You have to do this yourself. And you will. I believe in you."

I blushed again, unable to look at him.

"But how, Your Majes- Chester?"

"You aren't finished gathering information yet, Lieutenant."

I sat up straighter when he used my rank.

"Sir?" I asked, automatically reverting back to Lieutenant Mode. He sighed. "Chester?" I corrected.

"I need you at the Celebration of Life in my honor in the Capital City."

"I can't afford that, Sir," I didn't bother correcting myself this time. "The first trip drained my finances."

His face slowly broke into a smile again, a glint in his eyes.

"I think you'll be surprised at how much your fellow soldiers respect you, and what they're capable of because of that."

"What?"

"No fun in spoiling the surprise," he laughed, "Just trust me. You'll be there."

"Of course I trust you."

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

I sighed. "Guess that's my cue to leave."

He chuckled.

"One more thing, Minerva."

"Yes, Your M- Chester?"

"Dean sucks. Dump him."

* * * * *

"He told you to dump Dean?" Cara laughed, "That's hilarious! I've been saying that for weeks!"

"I know, I know. I just... I know I should. He's definitely not as nice as he was when we started dating. He's not mean, though. I don't know."

"He's comfortable. You're used to him," she said, "And he's used to you, so he just says and does whatever because he can."

"You are sixteen," I told her in a tone best described as miffed, "How the hell did you get so wise?"

"It's a gift," she said with a grin.

We both laughed so hard that we barely noticed my office filling with people. I looked up to see my colleagues lining the walls of the room.

"What's going on?" I asked out loud.

A young Sergeant stepped forward, placing the three envelopes she'd been holding onto the desk in front of me.

"We have these for you, Lieutenant."

"What are they, Sergeant?"

"A ticket to the event in the Capital City, ma'am," she began, her words making my heart skip a beat, "Two nights at a hotel, and a car."

"What?" I swore the room was spinning around me a little.

"We don't know any soldier who loves the king as much as you," she continued, "You should be there, ma'am. You deserve to be there."

I swallowed, tears of emotion at the back of my eyes. I had to be Lieutenant Vasa, though.

"Then I will be there, representing all of you to the best of my ability."

The room saluted me in unison and they all filed out. I looked at Cara, who was blinking in stunned silence. I glanced down at the envelopes. And back at Cara.

"He was right," she barely whispered.

"He was right," I agreed.

* * * * *

The night before I left for the Capital City, I took to my computer and did that little thing I do; writing. About the king. It wasn't anything different or special to me. I was just doing what I always did. Speaking the truth. From my heart. I didn't know any other way to be.

I received my usual praise, I discovered, upon checking my messages after arriving at my hotel. My readers made me smile, even if I didn't quite think I was worthy of their efforts.

Also in my messages was an invite to dinner from a soldier I met at the memorial I helped organize. I gladly accepted, and chose to walk my way to her.

The Capital City was beautiful. Huge. Busy. Loud. Bright. Everything that should have kicked my demons into high gear. But they were quiet. No pounding heart. No gasping for breath. No shaking. Clear thoughts. And I was captivated. I'd never fallen in love with a place before. It felt like home. Rich soil for roots. My soul belonged there. In the bustle and the lights and the traffic. The feel of the ocean carried in the air. It was all very comforting, even if that didn't make any sense.

And as much as I loved it close up, the view from my hotel made me love it even more. The lights seemed to go on into forever. Even though it was metal and concrete and neon and car exhaust, it was shimmering and lovely. Sleep did not come easily, as I longed to stay awake to watch and listen to the city below.

But sleep eventually did come, as did morning. I left my hotel in search for coffee. Good coffee. Yes, I can tell the difference.

I stumbled upon what appeared to be a local place. I loved that kind of thing. Better than chain operations. So I went inside. I ordered a cup, and took a seat at a table by the window, so I could watch the city I had fallen for go by.

I'd barely taken a sip, when a body sat in the chair across from me. I looked up at the woman. Slender, like a dancer. Dark hair. Soulful eyes. Exquisitely beautiful.

"I enjoyed the piece you posted last night," she told me. I was very surprised.

"You read that?" I asked, setting my precious coffee back on the table. She nodded.

"Your love and respect for the king is very evident. I appreciate that."

"I was just telling the truth," I replied, feeling a little color in my cheeks.

"Are you going to the event tonight?"

"I am. It's why I'm here in the city."

"Maybe we'll see each other there. Whether we do or don't, would you meet me here tonight, afterwards?"

"I- I guess."

"Good. We can talk more then, Lieutenant."

"Who are you?"

"A friend of the king," she told me with a slight smile.

"Oh," I replied, feeling humbled, "Thank you for reading what I wrote."

"It was my pleasure. You're talented." I blushed again. "See you later."

"Your name?" I bluntly asked as she rose from her seat.

"Grace," she said simply before slipping out the door, making it chime.