Melt My Heart (Kaylor)

Chapter 8

Okay, this is REALLY late. Like, eight months late. And it's also kind of short, but it's a filler chapter. I needed to get used to the characters again, so I hope that you will like this as much as you liked the others. I might have overcome the huge writer's block I've ever had, I have some ideas for the next chapters, so let's see if I can update regularly again. 

Thank you for the wait and for your patience, I really appreciate it and I appreciate all of you!

Love you, enjoy!

-

They returned back to the Palace after the sun had risen three times since the very first day they had arrived. The ice white carriage was silent, the King and the Queen sitting comfortably one beside the other. Taylor's hand was light in Richard's firm grasp, as he kept rubbing the pale and soft skin of her knuckles. He didn't dare to speak; mind lost in whatever he was thinking about at the moment. 

The Queen, on the other hand, couldn't stop reminiscing the past four days. Above all, her brain couldn't wrap around the fact that her and Lady Karlie were starting to befriend each other. It was so strange, that all that has happened seemed like a dream to her. The truce, the hospitality with which Ardor had welcomed them with. Henry's friendly and benevolent behavior and lastly, Karlie's curiosity, as if she really wanted to get close to the Queen of Glacies. They've been enemies for more than a lifetime, so why, Taylor wondered, why now? Why make amends now, instead of years ago? They could have spared so many lives, including her beloved Nivis'. Taylor frowned at the thought of the fallen man. Three months ago, the Gods had taken him away from her, had made him exhale his last breath. It seemed like it had happened years ago. However, now Taylor had a new loving and selfless husband who loved her dearly, she had managed to put an end to the war between her land and Ardor, and lastly, she was coming out of a shell she didn't even know she was hiding in. Taylor wanted to feel pride for herself, for the improvements she had made in under three months, but a terrible feeling still put a tremor in her hands, and did not dare to go away.

"What's on your mind, love?" Richard asked suddenly.

Taylor listened to the sound of the horse's hooves as they made a strange sound on the snow. They were not far from Glacies now, and the sun was setting, making the white soft snow glow.

"Nothing," she replied absentmindedly. She turned round and smiled.

The duke caressed her cheek and kissed her temple. "Are you happy?"

Taylor realized she was not lying when she whispered softly, "Yes."

Richard's smile widened. "Good. I am, too."

The Queen felt the need to be close to her husband, and leaned into his shoulder, his neat blonde beard slightly scratching her forehead as he wrapped an arm around her small back. She felt safe in his embrace. No amount of soldiers guarding her palace could make her feel this safe. And she decided that this was enough for now.

With eyes closed, she slept the remaining way back.

-

The Queens who were once enemies now exchanged letters almost daily. The relationship that tied the two women was beyond strange, out of this world, because the only friends Taylor had in this lonely, cold world were her maids. Before becoming the Queen, kids around Glacies had always treated her differently from the others, only because she was the princess. She was of noble blood, and children were mainly interested in spending time with someone that was connected to the royal family of the land. Everything had changed after her Mother and Father died. Unfortunately, no one had felt the desire to be by her side, or consider themselves one of Taylor's friends. Glacies, from a terrible tragedy, had managed to rise up as stronger as ever, with Taylor as the new Queen. Her people were loyal, they had faith in her, and ever since that day, coronation day, she had promised herself that she would have never let them down, just like they had never let her down.

Forsaken, Taylor's heart grew as cold as ice, her demeanor unbreakable, an armor made of iron protecting the deepest part of her soul. That soon melted when, years later, Nivis burst into her life and consequently tore down every wall she had built around herself.

Now, Taylor felt like she was walking on a fragile line, one that was bound to break if she ever happened to lose her balance or make the wrong step. Sweet, kindhearted Richard gave her space. He never spoke when he knew his answers were going to be left unanswered. Taylor wished she could be a better wife, a better Queen, a better woman. Her husband was unworthy of this disappointing behavior. He deserved an explanation, but she could not open her heart to him. Not yet, at least.

"Your Majesty?"

Ophelia peeked her head inside the bedroom. "Yes, Ophelia?"

"There is a letter for you."

Taylor gave her the permission to step in. Once she had the neatly folded piece of paper in her hands, she thanked her maid with a sugary smile, then dismissed her with a slight movement of the wrist.

Alone, she read the ink words.

Queen of Glacies,

It has been a while since we have seen each other. My husband is delighted at the prospect of me finding a new friend. The idea of an enemy becoming one of my closest companions has never crossed my mind until now. Isn't it a little bit crazy, perhaps funny? I think it is. However, might I add, that I have come to accept that your presence is quite appreciated. I think we have a lot in common. We were both widows, we have survived countless of battles and struggles. We are now married to wonderful, courageous men. Aren't we alike?

I would very much like to see you soon.

Kind regards,

Lady Karlie the Queen of Ardor

The warmth spreading throughout her frame left a tingling sensation wherever it touched. As if electrified, she gently placed the letter on the vanity and with her index finger she grazed her own thumb. Taylor took off her gloves and put them beside the piece of paper. Her eyes lingered on Karlie's signature, in particular on the first letter of her name. She recalled the distinct color of her eyes, of how they reminded her of the meadows that surrounded the land of Aeris. Taylor had never seen hues quite so bright yet so flaming. For all her life, all she had set her gaze on had been irises of different shades of blue; from azure and sapphire to navy and indigo. After some reflection, Taylor came to the conclusion that Karlie's eyes were the most beautiful and entrancing eyes she had ever stumbled upon.

The thought made herblush. With a slight discomfort, she wrote her response to the other Queen,keeping it short and stating that the two of them could reunite soon, as Karliehad kindly asked. That night, Taylor went to sleep with Richard's arms aroundher abdomen, but in her mind the only flicker of light was ignited by thethought of the Queen of Ardor.