[3] downfall ~ harry potter × marvel

2.01

a queen's duty 

2.01

The Queen stared out over her lands. Even though it happened only a day ago, green had started to replace the burned spots of grey. On the left of her, lay a city. It buzzed with life and festive lights were lit all over.

The civilians feasted for their returned freedom. Not a week ago, they were terrorized by a usurper and beaten down for neglecting the order to stay in at dark. Now they danced and drank from sunset to sunrise.

How much had changed.

Skyler played with the ends of her golden hair. It was odd how quickly she'd adjusted to her new form. She didn't start upon looking in the mirror anymore. She knew that the girl with golden locks and chocolate eyes was her...

And yet, she felt incomplete. Not because her other form was only shown during battle – no, her soul felt incomplete. As if a piece of it had been taken away, and as if something else had taken its place.

She hadn't noticed before. During all the fighting, arguing and other activities, she hadn't gotten the time to rest and take note of what truly annoyed her. Skyler shook her head. It was probably nothing. She'd skim through the library later, just not now.

She was expecting a visitor.

There was a knock on her door. Speak of the devil, she thought, before letting them in.

The door to her quarters then opened and one of her guards appeared. "Your Grace, Lord Nathan Fredrickson is here to see you. Shall I let him in?"

Skyler inclined her head to the table set for two, "Does it seem as if I was planning on having lunch alone? Let him in, please."

The guard bowed at his waist and opened the door further. The cocky appearance of Nathan Fredrickson came to be seen in her doorway. His eyes quickly went over the room and then landed on her. He gave an almost unnoticeable bow with his head and put his hand over his heart.

"My Queen," he said, a grin on his face. "I must say, I was surprised by your invitation. I do not wish to disappoint you, but I am still married." He'd taken it upon himself to take a seat at the table. He held up a piece of the silverware and looked at her again. "Besides, I assumed your tastes were a bit more... mortal."

Skyler rolled her eyes. "This is not in any way an invitation to courtship, Lord Fredrickson. See this rather as a peace offering and perhaps the start of a friendship."

Nathan cocked an eyebrow at her. "Well that does sound interesting. I take it food is a proper way to start?" She chuckled at his response and sat down herself.

"I suggest you start on our lunch before it turns cold. We have some things to discuss." She reached for her cup and poured herself some wine – it felt weird to be pouring herself wine. She'd never been allowed to drink wine by her mother or her grandmother. But she was Queen now, and the alcohol had sort of a calming effect on her senses.