There has to be an After for Us ~ (shadam / klance)

Chapter 53 - Three visits that must've happened *BONUS CHAPTERS*

NOTE: Very sorry for the long stretch between updates! Life got in the way. I do have lots of chapters coming up soon (so much for only writing 5 bonus chapters lmao) and hopefully life doesn't get in the way.

Chapter 53 - Three visits that must've happened

Melenor groaned as she sat directly on Honerva's desk.

"Why not just ask me for you what you want directly?" said Honerva, not looking up from her work.

"I wish for you to stop looking at that screen and pay attention to me," said Melenor.

"You can fetch your own drink. It's in the bottom drawer as always."

"I do not want a drink. I want your undivided attention."

"Give me a reason and I will consider it," said Honerva, typing away.

"I am bored," said Melenor.

Honerva paused her work and twisted in her seat to look up at her friend. "Has Alfor run off and left you alone again?"

"He is off playing rogue with his pals on Daibazaal. Some scavengers have invaded the planet. I wish they would come to Altea."

"You want scavengers on Altea?"

"Yes, if they are in my jurisdiction, I get to lead the charge against them. It is just my luck there are no wars happening on our front. I am the Altean army's Captain yet there is no one to fight, especially since Alfor decided to make his worst enemy his best friend."

"You speak of King Zarkon?"

"Yes... I have not spilled blood in forever," groaned Melenor.

"What do you expect me to do about it?"

"If you were truly my friend, you would offer to fight me to the death."

"Over what?" chuckled Honerva.

"Something grand. Winner gets the other's first born."

"Does not work if we are dead."

"Fight to the near death then," said Melenor. It's not like she actually wanted Honerva gone which was honestly the first person she'd ever thought, 'I'd rather you stay alive.'

"I would prefer to face you a battle of wits for me to have an actual chance at winning. Besides, should you be fighting in your state?" asked Honerva, glancing down.

"I can still fight," protested Melenor. "It is far too early in the preg – oh!" She caught herself, realizing what she was saying. "How did you -?"

"First time you have ever refused a drink," said Honerva. "Plus you brought up the first born thing which I imagine was a Daklonian slip."

"There is no keeping anything from you," said Melenor with a sigh.

"Is this not... happy news?"

"Of course it is," said Melenor, straightening up. "I am fulfilling my marriage contract and bringing glory to Altea by producing an heir to the throne."

"I suppose I should not be surprised by your lack of sentimentality," said Honerva, frankly.

"Ah, yes, that is why it is not such happy news. I am experiencing a new feeling where I am not one hundred percent sure I will be successful in the role of a parent."

"It is called lacking confidence," said Honerva.

"Is that what this is? I do not care for it."

"Where do you fear you are lacking?"