Daughter of War

Chapter 21 - I'm Sorry

 Two Years Later

King Reynard grows weary under his heavy crown as Thora and Alden flourish through tough times.

The young prince grows quickly and can often be found running through the halls, with a flock of nannies rushing after him, fussing and trying to prevent the young prince from falling or hurting himself.

Blaine is defiantly his mother's son, he has her wit and her curiosity, always wanting to know what lies around the bend. He is beloved by all who meet him but loved most of all by his parents, and even though Blaine has his own room now, Thora still lets him crawl into their bed when he wishes, which is most nights. Blaine and his mother are never too far from each other, and when Thora sits in on council meetings, Blaine is sitting on her lap, playing with a toy quietly.

Thora takes on more responsibility as the dowager queen passes, she is seated to the left of the king when he announces his abdication. The whole court is shocked as the king announces his resignation and his plan to crown Alden and Thora within the fortnight.

The castle is plunged into chaos, the throne room is redecorated and the coronation crowns are taken out of their glass casings for the first time in fifty-six years.

Thora is pushed around, taken to food tastings and dress fittings by her ladies in waiting, an ever-growing flock of women, led by Lady Damia, Thora's most trusted friend.

It is the night before the coronation when the castle is at its most quiet. Thora and Alden walk through the silent halls, arm in arm, both fearing the day that is to come.

"My uncle was crowned king at ten years old," Alden says, holding Thora's hand tightly, "And he was more ready than I will ever be."

"If we have each other, we cannot fail," Thora says, giving her strength to her husband as they walk into their son's room to tuck him into bed.

"Time for bed, little prince," Thora says, picking her son up and kissing his cheeks over and over as he squeals with delight.

"Story!" Blaine begs as he dives into his father's arms.

"Story?!" Alden laughs scooping his child up and swinging him into bed, "Didn't we tell stories last night?"

"Again!" Blain claps as Alden tucks the prince into his covers.

"Ok," Alden smiles, giving in to Blain's wide, pleading eyes.

Thora watches as Alden tells their son the story of the prince, who fell in love with a warrior princess.

Blaine listens to the story with wide eyes full of wonder and a smile on his face.

"Again, again!" Blain coos after his father says 'the end'.

"No, time for bed, little prince," Alden laughs, pulling Blaine's covers up and then kissing the young princes forehead.

Blaine widens his pleading eyes and sticks out his bottom lip.

"He gets that from you," Alden sighs, turning to Thora.

Thora just laughs and then says to her son, "You can have another story tomorrow night."

Thora then leans over and kisses her son's forehead gently.

"Goodnight, my sweet," Thora whispers as her son yawns and closes his eyes.

"G'night," Blaine whispers as he rolls over and falls asleep.

Thora and Alden leave their son and walk hand in hand through the halls and out to the garden for their evening stroll.