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

Chapter 54 - Queen Angst *BONUS CHAPTERS*

NOTE: Hey readers, I just wanted to touch base and say this chapter is a whopper. It took me a long time to write it, but telling Melenor's story was worth it. That said, if you're not so invested in the flashbacks and aren't up for reading 10,000 words of backstory, you can skip to the next chapter without missing out on too many things that are important to the story. Yes, there's some, but you'll survive. Either way, please enjoy and thanks for reading!

Chapter 54 - Queen Angst

He was standing at the entry to Honerva's lab, leaning casually against wall, making it clear he'd been there long enough to get comfortable. Long enough to witness... everything.

Melenor looked back and saw Honerva had made herself busy, her hand pressed against the particle barrier that contained that dark creature. She hadn't noticed her husband was there.

Zarkon smirked and nodded over his shoulder. The gesture was an invitation to silently follow him.

As they walked, Melenor realized her façade of innocence would not play well this time. However, it's not as if she were going to act guilty.

"Do you make it a habit of spying on your wife?" asked Melenor once they were far enough out of the lab to not be overheard.

"On the contrary, she is the one who keeps tabs on me," said Zarkon, tapping his helmet that contained a brain scanner.

"Then you are an innocent doorway lurker?"

"I had just returned from mission and came straight to the lab to greet my wife. Once I arrived I saw you two were... occupied and was polite enough not to interrupt. Come," said Zarkon, sweeping out his arm to the lab's exit. "Return to the palace with me and have a drink. I believe we both need it."

Melenor nodded her acceptance of the offer though refused to walk ahead. She did not understand his casual behaviour and assumed he was trying to lull her into a false sense of security before viciously murdering her. He would not find the task easy. Mel's eyes kept flicking to his bayard as they walked. Her fingers kept brushing along the retractable trident she kept hidden in her skirts.

In the great hall, the same place they'd witness the comet fly overhead that had caused the rift in reality itself, they sat together. Zarkon had drinks brought in by a servant. Melenor's eyes were drawn to the black stone bracelet on his wrist. It was an engagement custom on Nalquod to present one to their betrothed. Yes, this was Blaytz's fiancé then.

Melenor could not remember his name so she simply nodded her hello as she accepted a drink.

The servant left and Zarkon tipped his drink to Melenor, which was the Altean custom. She did not pick hers up.

"Melenor, I promise I am not attempting to poison you. If I want to kill you, I shall do it to your face."

Mel relented, picking up her drink tipping it to Zarkon before sipping at it. Wow. The Galrans made a strong drink. Last time she'd feasted here, Melenor had been pregnant with Allura and had not partaken.

"Let us hear it," said Melenor, putting her glass down.

"Hear what?" asked Zarkon, pausing before taking another sip.

"Whatever threat you are surely about to issue. Let me give you an example: I should stay away from your wife or you will tear me apart and scatter my bits to all the moons in our system."

Zarkon laughed, a deep belly laugh, more amused than threatening. Not what she was expecting which put Melenor ever more on the alert.

"You are a dark one," said Zarkon, the chuckle still in his voice. "Where was this intensity before when we have met? Lurking under the surface?"