Standing there with the air of a true leader she looked over the basin from her penthouse. Before me stood the only woman to ever earn my reverence without demanding it. “Your majesty, all preparations have been made.”
“I know Cye. Thank you.” she replies quietly without breaking her distant stare.
“If I may ask your majesty?”
“It’s simple, it would be a surprise if you were not already prepared.”
That makes perfect sense. I made it to my position because I am always ready for any situation, it is natural she would grow to expect it. As I turn to leave and attend other duties when an uncharacteristically shaky voice calls my name.
“Cye?”
“Your majesty?”
“Do you believe that there can be more than one love in a person’s life?”
“No your majesty, but you already know my story. Is there more to this?”
“Yes, I know your tragic story; but, for ones like us with such longevity, it seems like the greatest tragedy is that there is not another for us after we lose our loves.”
“If there’s another to love other then the ones we thought were our greatest loves then they were not our great loves like we thought. For elves there is only one, but for a muse is it not true that your love is forever reborn?”
“Not if you betray them.”
This was the closest to a personal conversation we had ever had. It was uncharacteristic of her to reveal so much to another. The upcoming events must be weighing heavy on her.
“I have a personal request for you Cye. I trust you more than I have ever trusted my cursed. You are allowed to say no and I swear I will not be upset with you.” She turns to face me directly, a hint of fear in her features.
“I owe you a life debt, your request is my command.” I do in fact owe her my life. That was how she earned my reverence.
“No the conduct of your duties has protected me for centuries, your life debt has easily been repaid by now. This request can not be filled under any debt. I will not allow you to take this task unless it is entirely of your own free will.”
“Than I accept.”
“You don’t even know the task.”
“I don’t need to.”
“You may change your mind. If you take this task I will owe you a debt I can never repay. My days are numbered.”
“I understand.”
“Protect my daughter Mel. With your life if necessary.” A tear swells in her eye.
“If that is what you wish, then her protection is my solemn duty until my final breath.”
“You are a rare man Cye, thank you.”
I nod and bow as I take my leave. I have never formally met Mel before, it would seem introductions are the next step.
- - - - - - -
“Is it just me or do these boys get better looking each year?” the bubbly girl observes as she walks with her friends down the dormitory hallway. A particularly cute boy receives a flirty wave and a smile.
“You notice this every year Ayako, and the answer is the same thing every year.” Comes the cynical reply.
“You know you want to say it, just say it. I am not going to leave you alone until you do!”
