Of Amber and Iron

9

Quirin sat in silence. He didn't even know what to say, what to feel, or where he would go from here. The rest of the man's life would change, and he wasn't sure how he felt about it. Running through his mind were feeling of shock, anger, and despair. How was he going to discuss this with Varian? The guards? The kingdom? Quirin thought he knew Varian, he really did, and this? Not what he was expecting, not at all. 

He had been staying at the palace for the time being, considering his home was practically destroyed.  Despite being so close to Varian, he hadn't visited since two days prior when they had reunited. It wasn't that he didn't want to see his son, it was just, well, he didn't know what he would say. Quirin was never one to show much emotion, but deep down he was afraid. He didn't want to be afraid of Varian, and the idea of this feeling hurt him more than words could tell. But when Quirin listened to the stories of the villagers, the royal family, and the guards, some type of fear struck him. Was it fear of Varian himself, or was it fear that Varian would never reform, have a good future? He didn't know. His thoughts were like a thousand piece puzzle, one that he had lost some pieces to. 

It was the very moment Quirin became lost in thought that a small hand knocked on his door and turned the knob with a slow, smooth movement. 

Quirin didn't even stand up or look to see who it was.

"Quirin," said the sympathetic voice of a female. 

He blinked, snapping out of his alternate reality, and turned his head to see a small figure in a light purple dress, soft brunette hair place neatly on her head. 

Queen Arianna sat next to him on the edge of his over-sized bed and turned to him, taking hold of his hands. 

"Would you like to see-"

"No, no. I'm sorry, your majesty, I just-"

"Rin, you can call me Arianna, you know that" she sadly smiled.

"After what my child has caused? He hurt you and your family. He hurt you kingdom" 

Arianna shook her head slowly "And what did you do to cause any of that?"

Quirin paused and sighed. She was right, it wasn't his fault at all. But Varian was his, and he wanted to take full responsibility for his actions.

"I just wish that...why can't I take the blame? Throw me in prison instead"

"I'm sorry Quirin, but you know we can't-"

"You could if you wanted!" he shouted, sharply standing up "You can, you can! But you just don't believe he has hope left, do you? You don't think he's learned anything. Don't you know what he's been through? Do you know how ill he looked when I finally saw him again?"

"Rin, I-"

"No" he cut her off, and walked out of the room. But Quirin didn't slam the door, no, he left it wide open. Arianna would have to close it herself. 

A/N

1k views?! Thank you all so much! I hope you're enjoying, please comment any feedback or opinions!