The King of Saminu

Chapter 20

 It was going to be a warm day. I knew that from the moment the sun trickled in through the windows in my room, a warmth following soon after. This was strange for January. But, strange was my new normal.

I stretched my arms out, still shocked to find Brann asleep next to me. He sighed at the brush of my arm on his bare back, mouth open a little, beautiful eyes closed to the world. It had been a week since our wedding, and I was somehow still shocked to find him next to me every time we woke up. Luckily for us, Brann had done so much preparation ahead of time that we were able to spend the entire week together. Brann said for the first time since his teenage years, he was free to do what he wanted, leaving all of his immediate duties to Haekri and the rest of the council. He was starting to trust them. Either that, or he just really wanted to spend time with me.

"Good morning," Brann mumbled, his voice tired and lower than normal. I brushed my hand across his face.
"I think it's afternoon," We laughed for a moment, and Brann flipped over to lay on his back.
"Damn. Why do you have to make me so tired?" Brann teased, placing a gentle hand on my arm and pushing me ever so slightly. I shook my head.
"Me make you tired? That's a funny joke, Brann," I shoved back, but Brann didn't move. Instead, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him, almost forcing me to lay my head on his chest. I didn't mind.

"How do you want to spend our last day hidden away?" Brann asked, his voice passing over the top of my unruly hair. I shrugged.
"Breakfast?" I questioned, and Brann let me go. We both took our time getting up, stretching our sore muscles. Brann was the first one to the closet, and I was still preparing myself to get up by the time he was dressed and ready.
"What do you want to wear?" Brann asked, looking at my tired form. My eyes rolled upward, thinking of what was clean in my half of the closet.
"Is there a short sleeved dress in there?" I questioned, and Brann disappeared. He came back out with a creme dress, the style I was looking for.
"Bra?" Brann was still uncomfortable with the word. I waved my hand, and he got the memo.

He came back out with undergarments, and walked over to me.
"A kiss?" He asked, and I nodded, looking up as Brann leaned down. He pulled away too soon, his neck growing red. "Do you want help getting ready?" I nodded, finally standing up from the side of the bed. Brann tenderly helped me fasten my clothes, and right as I finished getting ready, we were on our way. Hand in hand, we walked to our personal dining room. As soon as Brann held the door open for me, servers were walking out, placing glasses of water on our usual places.
"Thank you!" I called after the last server as they disappeared, and Brann pulled my chair out for me. Chivalry. Something only used until you purchased a wife.

We were well into our late breakfast by the time we even started to talk. Both of us were ravenous, and I even asked for a second plate. Brann broke our silence.
"I know that this may not be a good conversation to have, but I think it's about time we had it," Brann's voice was relatively serious, and I looked up from my plate of eggs to give my husband respect.
"Uh oh," I mumbled, and Brann snorted out a laugh.
"It's not anything bad. Just wanna know what kind of queenly duties you'll be up to. I've been fine doing everything up until now. But, before we were wed, Haekri was asking what you were going to do. You don't have to do anything either. This is entirely your choice," Brann looked at me as I thought.

"I want to help. Us Sjors were built for work. I wouldn't even feel comfortable allowing you to do everything as I sat by idly. I'll take over as much as you're comfortable letting me," My chin was high, chest nearly puffed out. Queen. A title I was fond of. Brann smiled, leaning his head against his hand.
"You've grown so much since we first met. I'm proud of you," Brann's smile was contagious as ever, and I was mimicking Brann's giddiness as I continued with my heaping plate of eggs.
"Do you want me to follow you around tomorrow when you go back to work?" Brann nodded, his mouth full.