Queen Zezanna

Queen Zezanna - Chapter 13

I wake up with a throbbing headache. I have no idea how long I was out, but the sun is shining brightly through my window.

"Zezanna! You're awake!" Emma shouts, giving me a tight hug.

"Emma, my head is killing me. Please, just keep your voice low." I beg.

"Sorry... I'm just glad to see you safe."

"I know. I expect nothing less from you. Thanks for worrying." I say. "Now, where's Ysana?"

"I can take you to see her when you're better. Get some rest first."

"You avoided my question. Where is she?"

"The dungeon."

"Of course." I mutter. "And what does Brokk plan to do? Keep her there? She can transform and flee! I'm going."

"As you wish." Emma sighs.

Even though my head is killing me, I can walk there on my own two feet. Emma follows close behind. When we get to the dungeon, Heroth and Brokk are the only two people keeping watch.

"Good to see you up to your feet so fast." Heroth says. "You're a tough woman."

"You three got struck by lightning. I'm more impressed that you all survived and are back on your feet already." I tell him.

"Ysana's mother softened the blow for us. We owe her our lives." Brokk admits.

"So that's why you've got Ysana locked up in the dungeon?" I ask.

"She's down here to keep her away from prying eyes." Heroth tells me. "We don't need anyone else knowing about all that has happened... Not until you get here and decide what to do first, at least."

"Is she awake yet?" I ask.

"Yeah. She's been awake for a few hours now, and is just waiting for you."

I walk past him, and towards the cell. Brokk unlocks it, and I walk in.

"Zezanna..." Ysana mutters, looking over at me.

"You're free from your father's wishes." I tell her.

"I know. Thank you for helping me."

"I was more than happy to do so, though your mother did more than I did. She's the one who deserves your praise."

"She did it so that we could be together. Now, without my dad pushing me to murder you, I can finally... I don't know." She sighs.

"Well, the answer is obvious, right?" I ask. "Our life together can finally begin."

"But what about your advisors? Your citizens? Surely they wouldn't be too excited to hear that you're dating a witch. Those nobles that want you to marry their kids certainly won't be too happy."

"To hell with them!" I scoff.

"These are your subjects. As a queen, it is your duty to serve them. You cannot just say 'to hell with them!' I know that you want to be with me no matter what, but life isn't always so easy. Not after everything I've done."

"That's the past." I tell her.

"I killed your father, and I almost killed you and everyone that you care about. Yet, time and time again, you forgive me. I don't deserve you." She shakes her head.

"But you do." I squeeze her hand. "We were made for eachother. That's how we've overcome every obstacle thrown at us so far, and that's why we will continue to overcome any obstacle. With you by my side, I'm certain that I can do this."