Nazneen held Ares tightly, feeling the warmth and solidity of his embrace, the reassurance that he was alive and well. She didn't let go for a long mont, just holding him as if he might slip away if she did. She finally pulled back and looked up at him, her eyes red from tears and her expression raw and vulnerable. Ares t her gaze steadily, understanding in his own eyes.
Without a word, Ares lifted a hand and brushed her hair back from her face, bringing comfort to her. She was still tense from the nightmare, her body trembling slightly. He drew her into his arms again and stroked her back gently. She wrapped her arms around his waist, keeping in mind that she was strong and couldn't hug him as tightly as she wanted.
"It was just a nightmare," he said softly, his voice a low rumble in the stillness of the room.
"It felt real. I saw you die and I couldn't prevent it."
He stiffened.
"It is dangerous for you here," she sobbed hating every selfish bone in her body that wanted to keep him.
"It is dangerous for everywhere, Nazneen. We are at war. I am safe nowhere."
He was right. She would have to fight for peace or the war would continue. She only hoped he would survive the fight and they would see peace together.
"Teach everything." She said. "I will do a good job."
"I know you will," he stroked her hair. "But you need to rest now."
She was unwilling to let go of him yet and he held her still until her breathing had slowed and her body had relaxed.
Ares pulled back a little and turned their bodies to lay her down. He supported her body with his arm around her still until her head sank into the pillow. Her long hair was like black ink around her golden honey skin. Her eyes were like the crackles of fire in the hearth. His eyes searched hers for any remaining fear or anxiety.
"I woke you up. You should sleep too." She said.
He lay down facing her both srized by the eyes they were gazing into. "Why did you co here?" He asked holding back a smile.
"I was worried about your safety. You don't sleep with one eye open after all."
A smile tugged at his lips. "Maybe I knew you would co."
"So you trust ?"
His eyes glistened, a teal swirling in between the erald. "I do," he admitted softly.
Her heart settled in a soft place inside her chest, pushing the fear and worry to the back of her mind.
"Sleep," he said pulling the covers over her. "As Queen, you will be busy from now on."
Nazneen nodded, already feeling the pull of sleep. She closed her eyes and let herself drift off, feeling calm with Ares by her side. He made her feel like all would be alright.
Ares had nightmares of his own and this was the second ti he had this dream. He was a fish in his dream. A fish out of the water, dying slowly on land on a sunny sumr day. He could hear the waves in the distance and see the ships sailing into the horizon. With his tail, he flopped around and thrashed in an attempt to get back into the water but gradually he beca weaker and gave up, and as the day passed and the sunset, his dead body was buried in the sand.
When he woke up, his eyes were wet. The images he had seen were so beautiful yet so tragic. It was strange he felt that way when he was content with the life he had lived.
He sat up, looking to his left where Nazneen was still deeply asleep. He then looked outside through the window, at the snow-topped mountains against the sky. It was dawn, the sunrays barely peeking through the soft clouds.
Ares stepped out of bed and decided to take another tour around the royal house while he planned for the day. He appreciated good art and architecture and this place was impressively built.
As he walked around, he noticed a man standing outside the entrance as if waiting for soone. Curious, Ares approached up, pushing the door further open.
The man stood like a soldier, already giving him the impression of a warrior. His face was grim as he t his gaze.
"I am here to see Queen Nazneen." He said before Ares could ask.
"And who shall I say it is?"
"Who are you?"
"The Queen's right hand. Ares."
He surprised him by keeping the sa expression. No questions in his eyes or a show of distaste or disapproval.
"I am Tenzin. Formal royal guard to King Shah. Nazneen's father. I left the service after her father died and wish to return now to serve her."
Hmm....
"Co inside," Ares said. There was sothing about the man that made a good impression.
Tenzin followed him in.
"Nazneen is sleeping. You are here early."
"I know. I don't mind waiting."
"I was anwhile thinking of how to recruit court mbers." Ares began. "I have a few in mind but ca up with a better idea. How about allowing everyone to apply and through certain tests pick out the best." He paused and turned to Tenzin. "What do you think?"
Tenzin's expression changed for the first ti. "I..." he stuttered as if he was caught off guard. "I wouldn't know."
"That would upset so people."
"Yes."
"But others would find it fair?"
He beca thoughtful. "Yes."
Both turned around when they sensed Nazneen's presence. She ca down the stairs in the hall, still wrapped in a silken robe. Ares felt a strange sense of... possessiveness? It was one thing to wear her revealing traditional clothes but the robe felt private even if it covered more. A strange urge of wanting to cover her up or carry her back upstairs ca over him.
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