Viva la Vida

Midnight Crisis

Cold. That's the first thing Ralton's mind registered as he woke almost randomly from his slumber. He shivered slightly and pulled the blankets closer around him before his mind registered the other problem.

Where in God's name was his wife?

He almost suspected kidnapping until he gazed around the room and realized her cloak missing from its usual place. He sat up fully in the near empty bed, contemplating to himself where she may have gone.

One of the guards? No, she wouldn't have taken her cloak. She must've left the castle.

A secret lover? He shook his head at that as well, he knew, or at least believed, he had rid her of that trait.

That left only one other possibility and he sighed at it in his mind. She had run to see her family. He had honestly expected it, though he was shocked it took this long for either her to finally do it or for him to notice. He knew she would eventually return, so he didn't bother himself with fully getting up to go search for her. In the morning, he would confront her peacefully, instruct her to at least notify him of nights she wished to do this

He laid back down on the mattress, pulling the covers back over his cold form. If there was anything he missed about her absence, it was the warmth she provided in the cold night.

Hours later, when he awoke again, he was glad to see his queen sleeping peacefully next to him. No sign of love from another, no sign of injury. He of course assumed he had been correct in his guess of her visiting family. He smiled, gently running his thumb over her cheek as his hand carefully cupped the side of her dark, sleeping features. He took notice of the dark marks that had lightly presented themselves under her eyes, and concluded that she had not been sleeping well as she should be. This brought a frown to his tanned features. He knew she had not been sneaking out often, so he concluded the stress of leading for him had caused her to stay up later. He couldn't bear the thought that his absence in power had been causing her health issues. He watched as her tired eyes gently fluttered open, revealing her deep green irises as she smiled tiredly at him. He chuckled, swiping some of her long, soft hair out of her face.

"Buongiorno, mi amore~" he purred, speaking his own native tongue. The Fizoras were an Italian family, and every member of it besides those who married into it spoke the language. He smiled wider as she chuckled and wished him a good morning in return in her thick British accent. They went through their morning routines and he sat her down for a moment.

"I want you to rest for today, bella. You seem tired. Go relax, take a guard with you into town or something, you deserve the break." He watched as she gave him a confused look and chuckled, explaining himself. "You have bags under your eyes and your mood has been rather...sour, lately. It's time you get out of the castle for a while. I'll take over for today."

He smiled as he watched her expression light up in excitement and joy. She soon left the room in a dark grey long sleeve, jade leggings, black boots, and her signature cloak she had sewn herself. She left quickly, taking the second-in-command, Aeldun Drakon, with her as she left, and one of the maids, Andeyo Neokam, joining their little party. After they had left, he sighed and moved to the castle halls. He had work to be done. He was the king, after all, and he had been away from his throne for far too long.

When he took to his office, he found many papers and documents showing what Arulet had done in her time of temporary control. He was surprised to read through her speeches and see what changes she had made, how seriously she was taking the events that had transpired nights ago. She was cold and ruthless, but at the same time exactly what the kingdom needed. She did not sugar coat the event to the public, and made it clear to all that these actions would not be forgiven. She had edited the guard schedule so the castle was better protected. She had even mobilized some off-duty troops to patrol the kingdom and opened up recruitment to some further levels down so as to increase guard count and decrease the complaints of lower castes not being able to provide protection.

A proud smile grew over his handsome features. He couldn't help but be proud of his wife. He would encourage her to take a more active role in the council, he was sure. Just after he addressed her sneaking out. But that could wait till later. He had a kingdom to rule, and it was time he stopped quivering behind his wife and finally took back what was rightfully his. With the strong woman he believed to be at his side, he was ready to truly show what he could do. It was time for his reign to truly begin, and for his true colors as a king to show.