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The scent of fresh water and roses tickled Tay’s senses, seeping through her exhaustion as tangibly as the cool breeze that wound over her skin. Curled on a cream-colored divan that was set out on her balcony, the Amazon was half snoozing in the sunlight. A white shift clung to her form, livid bruises and nearly healed cuts visible through the nearly sheer material. Crimson lashes brushed over skin that was a ghostly comparison to her normally well-tanned complexion, emerald jewels barely visible behind their curtain.
She was half dreaming, half thinking, memories and fantasies mingling, drifting through her mind. This morning had been a shock and the thought of losing Shadow had been just one more burden An’Thaya was not prepared to deal with. The redhead had left the Rose Garden and come back to her chambers without a word to anyone. What could she say? Reprimand her Ad’Vere for doing exactly what had landed Thaya herself in the Nine-Hells?
Tay was stubborn, but she was no hypocrite. So solitude was her chosen balm, time to rest, to heal, and to let her bonds creep open that much more.
He knew Shadow, had been formed by her by a great bit in recent years. And yet, she'd not asked him to be there when she'd...
Adarin was learning a lot of late and for him it meant that he was a guy, a guy a few folks met. He was a King to his own people and that was something, but to the rest of the universe, he was just a guy.
So he was a little hesitant as he made his way through the castle and then finally touched the doors that led to his own bondmate's rooms.
Her rooms... Not really his or theirs. Hers. Truly.
Tay? If I'm intruding...
One arm slipped up over Tay’s head, brushing across the smooth fabric of the couch as she rolled onto her back and gazed into her chambers.
Come in Melda… I was just resting a little, and you never intrude.
Adarin hesitated one more moment and then entered. He stood still and drank in the sight of An'Thaya's form and then crossed her chambers quickly, stepping out onto the balcony. He knelt immediately and caught one of Tay's hands, kissing it.
"Hello," he said in a quiet voice. He gazed at her, noting her pallor, but noting too that she was healing, at least physically.
Tay’s mouth formed a soft smile that reflected in the depths of her eyes, for a moment, focused completely on Adarin.
“Hello.” Fragile fingertips traced down the Elen King’s cheek, then reached back further to caress the delicate point of his ear. “And how are you my Elen Star? Have I apologized yet for being a complete and utter fool?” Sitting up slightly she placed a kiss on his mouth, then pressed her cheek to his. “How are our twins?”
Adarin drank in her gaze and words and for now felt all his self-doubts and worries melt away.
"I am well," he said at first. "It's been... busy." He shut his eyes for a moment and then opened them. He leaned forward and kissed her before he drew back.
"Please don't apologize," he continued. "Please don't." He went quiet then, distracting himself with how she felt against his hands and his heart contracted painfully. He had no idea how he could hold onto this woman and everything that had been tearing at him came back with a sudden force. He quashed it all, speaking carefully and with a smile.
"They are well and missing their mother," he said of the twins. "I think they're tired of playing checkers with their father day in and day out." He laughed and was surprised when it sounded and felt real.
Verdant eyes sparkled, followed by a smile, “Somehow I don’t think they could ever be tired of you. They may be tired of you letting them win though.” The smile faded and Tay stroked his face gently, “What is wrong Melda? You seem… withdrawn, there is something behind that smile.”
Adarin had to laugh. True... he won too often though of late Elerina had shown a ruthless streak as she sought victory... and she'd won a few times too.
Then he sobered.
"You are far away from me," he said. He couldn't fence around what he felt. "You have been far away from me for some time now."
“I’m right here,” Tay said softly, though she knew what he meant. The Amazon’s expression shifted, her heart in emotion stained eyes. “I’m sorry Adarin. There has just been so much going on… so much death… I’m tired of death.” Sitting forward she cupped his face in her hands. “I just want to concentrate on living now. On you, on the children… on just… breathing…” Pressing her lips to his she lingered in the kiss for a moment, then drew back, leaning her forehead against his. “I will find my way back, just be patient with me, all right? You are my light Adarin, my gentle, sweet King. I love you.”
He felt selfish and foolish after she spoke. Of course she'd been far way -- focused on rescuing the kidnapped children, saving her people, grieving over her murdered family, sacrificing herself to save another. He realized with a start that he'd been sulking -- a lot.
"Forgive me," he said suddenly. "I want only your happiness. I want to see the light reach your eyes when you smile. I want you to watch your children do all the things children do for their mother." He cupped her face as they rest against each other.
"I love you," he said softly. Inside himself he buried the anxiety and loss he'd been feeling of late and concentrated on the peace her words brought, letting a companionable, but warm silence settle over the two of them. The future seemed a little less uncertain for Adarin now.
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