A (Sort of) Reunion

              “Your Majesty you should really get looked at.” The General spoke sternly while walking at my side. I waved his concern off as I strolled down the hallway towards my father’s throne room. I wanted to get the lashings out of the way first before I sought out medical attention. Nothing would hurt worse than my father’s disapproval.

              “I really am alright. The arrow has blocked the blood from escaping, so I can manage at least an hour before I must get it removed. His Majesty needs to know what transpired in the forest.” I told him blandly. The General sighed in frustration. I could feel he wanted to stop me, but he wouldn’t be able to successfully. Much like my father, we where both extremely stubborn by nature and convincing us to do anything else but what we where set on was practically impossible.

              “You can literally send anyone else to do this task your Majesty. You are bleeding and wounded. Your health comes first before a report.” He demanded once again. I sighed and shook my head. I wouldn’t let another soldier take the brunt for my mistake. It wouldn’t be fair to them to feel the wrath of my father. The wide double gold doors came into view as we approached the throne room. I could feel my nervousness grow with each step I took. I had never truly faced my father’s complete wrath before, so to say that I wasn’t nervous was a completely lie.

              “We failed to keep two Royals safe General. This was my first task to complete, and I failed. This is my burden alone to deal with so please rest assured once my father reprimands me I will go and seek medical attention. Relax.” Two guards that stood at attention the throne room doors poked their heads in and announced our arrivals. I watched their eyes widen at the sight of my visible wounds. They went to open their mouths but held my hand up to shut them up. I already had the General on my tail about my wounds, I didn’t need anyone else. So, they opened the door and I walked in, my head held high.

              If the situation had been different, I would have loved to be in the throne room. It was an exceptionally large and tall room with a dome towards the top. A crystal chandelier swung slightly from the peak of the dome, the candles flickering with the rush of the wind. The floor was made of polished granite and reflected the room like a giant mirror. Marble pillars lined the red carpet that led to the three thrones that perched on top the granite stairs. My father sat in the tall golden one in the middle, my sister perched on his right side. Mine was sitting at his right side.

              My steps faltered slightly when I saw two men standing before my father. They both turned as the door closed and looked up surprised. A younger version of Nicklos stood before my sister. The only real difference between the two was that the younger man, had long black braided hair and the older one did not. Nicklos had his hair trimmed back just enough so that his stray hairs fell into his eyes. Our eyes met briefly, and I could feel the pull to walk up to him and slap him. To start yelling at him for the past year that he had stopped communicating to me. But I needed to keep it professional in front of my father, I didn’t want to further displease him. But seeing as he was glaring at my shoulder, he was already angry to being with. I knelt before him, ignoring Nicklos’s stare in the process.

             

              “Alliah, what on earth happened?” The General had knelt beside me, giving me a sideways glanced before we both rose to our feet. I stifled a gasp as I winced in pain. “General do you want to explain to me why my daughter is here instead of seeing the nurse in the infirmary?” He demanded once again without skipping a beat. The General went to speak but I held up my hand to stop him. This was not his fight, and instead should be with the others instead of myself.

             

              “We were hit with a heavy blow, and as this was my assignment, I should be the one to take the lashings father. I failed my assignment to keep the royal family safe.” I explained to him. He walked down from the throne and stood before me. He placed both hands gently on the sides of my arms and sighed heavily. This was not the reaction I was expecting from him, and I was taken aback.

              “Considering the damage that was done, I think you did a fine job. Your task was indeed to protect the Prince’s and you did an exceedingly well job. After all they managed to get here unscathed so consider it a job well done. As for your injury,” He paused staring at my shoulder and glaring. “Get that looked at immediately and go get some rest. The General can finish giving me the report of the ambush.” He said letting me go and turning back towards the throne. As he took his seat, I bowed once and turned on my heel to walk out. I patted the General on his shoulder before taking my leave. I couldn’t help glance over my shoulder one last time to look at Nicklos.

              To my utmost surprise, he excused himself. My father, permitted his leave. I couldn’t stop myself from waiting at the door. Despite my anger towards him, I still wanted to get to the bottom of his absence in my life. While I waited for him to catch up, Illia glared at me. It felt like she was trying to stab daggers into my back. I knew she didn’t like me, but what made her look like she was ready to kill me? I stared at her until Nicklos was at my side. Without a word, I walked through the door. The throbbing of my body was starting to mess with my temper, and now I regret not getting looked at first.

              “You have really grown since I last seen you.” He spoke softly. He could tell he was testing the waters as he tried to speak with me. I scoffed and rolled my eyes before glaring at him. So, he was going to try and small talk me. After all this he was going to provide small talk.

              “I suppose you have grown yourself your Majesty. I see you cut your hair.” He reached a hand towards his hair and played with a silky strand that dangled down his forehead. His lips formed into a smile and dropped his hand back down to his side. I hated how my heart fluttered at his very presence. I just wanted to slap him and get it over with already. He went quiet, his eyes searching my face as we continued to walk. His presence has started to annoy me more than anything, and with this stabbing pain coursing through my body, I only got more irritated with every passing step.

              Just as I was about to open my mouth to snap at him, he reached a hand out and carefully wrapped the fingers around my wrist gently. As quickly as my eyes could keep up, he closed the distance between us, and his mouth was on mine. Tentative at first but became feverish. Despite my iron will and inward protests, I felt my lips form against his and return his kiss. With his free hand, he pressed his hand gently against my back and forced me to lean against him. My heart was now a thunder of hooves against the ground. I couldn’t hold back my love for him despite how he treated me over the last year. But that doesn’t mean I forgave him in anyway. He had a lot of explaining to do. He pulled away from me and placed his forehead against mine. His eyes where tightly closed, as if he were in pain.

              “The first day I get to see you in six years, and you get injured. It seems that the only thing I have done is caused you pain.” I said nothing as he gently played with my hair, his breath warm against my face as he spoke. “I know you are upset with me and you have every right to be. But please, once you get fixed up and get some rest, please come talk to me. I would like to explain my reasoning to you.” His eyes opened and I stared into the two golden pools I loved. I sighed defeated and nodded once. I would give him his chance; I would have even if he hadn’t asked me too. He smiled down at me and placed another gentle kiss against my lips before letting me go.

              “Regardless of how angry I am with you your Majesty; I am still a woman of my word. Please excuse me.” I said turning away from him, my heart still thundering and hammering away in my chest. My lips still burned with the heat of his lips against mine. After six years, it still felt warm and welcoming. The only difference is, was that he looked way more handsome than I remembered. Pressed close against his chest like that, I could feel every taught muscle and ab that protruded underneath his clothes. He was more fit now than he was back then. I blushed profusely that he had the audacity to press a grown woman against him like that. I wasn’t a small girl anymore; I was a fully developed woman with needs and desires. What audacity he had. I suppose after all this time, he truly hasn’t changed at all.