Chapter Text
Lux Aurea – Meanwhile… in the Queen’s quarters
“Have you attended to her Radiance already? How was her mood this time?”
“Yes, I did. And well… I figure you’ve noticed already?”
A firm nod follows promptly. “Hmm.”
“Just like the late Queen, she wears her heart on her sleeve and shines brighter when happy and content.” a musing, reminiscing voice echoes in the lone corridors of the East Wing.
The two Ladies of the Royal Chambers look at each other in silent agreement. They too had heard the gossip and saw the way the soon-to-be ruler had changed. Changed for the better, from sad and grieving to positively energetic. Simply radiating. On a good day, one maiden had even seen a genuine smile on her Radiance’s face.
Rumor has it this all began with the arrival of those Humans…
“Do you know what’s been up with her Radiance lately?”
From the keepers to the clerks to the ladies, maidens and guards. All had their own suspicions as to whom was responsible for this demeanor change. And most importantly, how and why this came to be. The craziest story once circled around the Royal kitchens, involving the Human Child King and a Moonshadow’s illusionary spell.
Blinking that bogus of a story away, the younger Lady whispers curiously. “Is it perhaps a secret lover?”
A humph and hiss are the immediate response. “How assumptive, my Child! Who told you such a preposterous story?”
“N-no, that’s not…” she whisper-shouts, backtracking quickly. “I mean, what else can make her Radiance forget about the late Queen? You know how she was after the Battle at the Storm Spire. And she for sure is not looking forward to be sitting on the throne anytime soon.”
That the elder woman can agree with. She had seen the younger Royal being raised in the light of Lux Aurea’s primal power, growing up to be a strong and magnificent leader. A warrior, a knight, shielding away her emotions and wielding viciously with words and swords to anyone who dares to defy her. The only one that ever came close to her Radiance’s heart was the late Queen, and once she had lost her lifeline… the young knight had never been the same.
For months and months, she had seen her Radiance drown herself in grief and all of her newfound responsibilities. At least, that was the case, up until those negotiations…
“You may have a point, Child.” Curious herself, she keeps her eyes trained on her companion. “Do tell, why do you think her Radiance has found her forever light?”
With a gleam in their eyes, they started exchanging stories. Stories about a certain fall-out between their Golden Knight and the Human general. About the late-night sessions with the Royal Scholar Kazi. About a spar that had left spying sergeants in awe and wonder. The latest clue came in the form of a letter, one that had been delivered to the Royal Palace a couple of days ago. The sender was unfamiliar, mysterious, and it had been the topic of rumors ever since.
Yet, the two Ladies had a hunch. That red seal definitely belongs to the Kingdom of Katolis…
Lux Aurea – Before her departure
Amaya had not seen this coming, and that is an absolute fact. Because she feels it, this strong emotion, with all of her being. Dread. Reluctant to up and leave the Golden City. It is supposed to happen this afternoon, yet her legs seem like concrete, keeping her grounded and cemented here and now.
Amaya berates herself for being this way.
The treaty negotiations had been a success. With the two neighboring monarchies of Katolis and Lux Aurea making progress to move forward hand-in-hand, the future starts to look brighter. No plans are set into motion yet, but soon Ezran and Janai will be appointing designated representatives to further the interregional trade and travel. Soon, the two lands and their citizens will cross that Breach and become closer than ever.
Yet.
Until that soon comes in sight, some time will be taken to recover their lands, complete the rebuilt of destroyed infrastructure and prepare citizens for the upcoming changes. Especially the last part will be a challenge, as not everyone shares the same mindset of harmonizing and connecting. There is still plenty of work to do to convince the traditional faction of the brilliance of their plans.
Well, Amaya fully intends to help her darling nephew to the best of her abilities. Back at home. Back in Katolis…
The brunette takes a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Lux Aurea. She smells a touch of spices, mingled with cinnamon and lotuses. She has come to like this air, just like she has taken to the scenery and all of Lux Aurea. Amaya had thought she would never miss a single speck of Xadian ground. But here she is, thoroughly and utterly aching by the thought of leaving. Of leaving J–
She was walking slowly but steadily, moving forward one tiny step at a time. Now, in the distance, she sees a small figure awaiting her arrival. Ezran. He is waggling around while lifting his Glow Toad with much heaving. Looks like his patience has run out. Yet, upon shuffling closer and closer, Amaya clearly sees the sparkle of joy in his eyes. It makes the general chuckle at the sight. Ah, he’s such a sweet boy…
The moment Ezran notices Amaya’s arrival, he turns and skips towards her. Bait’s limps juggle with each movement, just as his curly hair does. The display of giddiness and energy is infectious, and soon Amaya cannot help but follow. Shortly after, the young boy greets his aunt with a toothy smile.
[[You’re all set, King Ezran?]] she asks him, after which she puts both hands on her hips. Curiously lowering her gaze, she sees a quick non-verbal confirmation. Happy curls bounce from left to right.
“And you?” Ezran tilts his head in question. The mock intimidating gesture looks almost convincing. And one resolute nod from Amaya later, both started giggling at their theatrical act.
Amaya figured it must have looked ridiculous to any random bystander. Two Katolian royals, fake-questioning one another in broad daylight, like some weird departing ritual. Strangely enough, it comes as a much-needed distraction to the general. A good remedy to forget about the ache.
[[Where’s Gren?]] Amaya suddenly thinks aloud. Ezran blinks. His eyes dart around as if to find an answer. Eventually the boy answers in a shrug, not remembering anything that could cause the translator to be late. Where could he be? the brunette wonders, genuinely not knowing either. Yesterday evening had not been very eventful – with zero alcoholic drinks involved – and should not give him a reason for being late.
That lazy –
It seems her mental rant is about to be cut short, as Amaya catches sight of another approaching duo. The rosy ginger locks of her friend formed a stark contrast with the palace’s interior. And the person accompanying him.
Oh.
Gren’s company is the one person Amaya had wanted to avoid, if possible. It was a little selfish thought, a matter of self-preservation. Just to avoid having to be hurt more and more. Just wishful thinking.
Forget about the ache, Amaya. Don’t start having feelings now.
Janai, being the oblivious yet perfect woman she is, immediately walks up to her. [[“Hey, are you alright? Ready to go back home?”]] Worried persimmons find a pair of deflated browns. [[Hey, J-A-N-A-I.]] she replies curtly, her signs to the point.
Oh, how Amaya want to pour her heart out and tell the ugly truth. Hey. Am I alright? No, I am not. Definitely not. I’m not ready to go home. I’m not ready to be away from you here.
Instead she forces an additional [[I guess, yeah. Me and Ezran are all packed up. Gren though…]] She chuckles awkwardly, feeling the piercing and calculating gaze of the taller woman burning on her face. Heavens, her face burns brighter than ever today. The attentive gaze leaves a flaming sensation all over. Dear god, it burns.
[[“That’s good to hear. Gren told me it will take about thirty hours to reach Katolis, and I want you to have a comfortable trip home.”]]
Home. That word struck a realization. Amaya gulps. I’m not ready to sit in that stupid castle and think about… about…
About how much I miss this. How I miss you and how much I wish I’d have told you what I feel. For you.
A sullen yes is all she could muster. Amaya feels a lump in her throat, feels like crying and blushing and hugging at the same time. Feels like throwing up. Feels like throwing away that realization deep, deep into the darkest pits of the Breach. She gulps another time, trying to dissolve that lump in her throat and keep her emotions hidden from full view.
And Janai, being the oblivious yet perfect woman she is, redirects her stare elsewhere. To Gren and Ezran amicably chatting away. To the Royal Palace, which shines magically in the morning dew. Back to Amaya, where it stays a little longer.
“Will you be back soon?” Janai suddenly blurts out, eyes widening at her own action. The subdued general would have laughed at the impulsiveness, but aches and aches at the look of desperation staring back at her. As if looking into a mirror. [[“Will you be there for my coronation, A-M-A-Y-A?”]]
The implied “Will you be there for me?” set the rest of Amaya aflame.
The only response she could manage was a pitiful hopefully and maybe before Ezran whisked her away from the conversation. They said their goodbyes and soon enough, Amaya was dragged away from the palace and the Golden City. From Janai and her warmth. From the one thing I’m afraid of putting into words.
Lux Aurea – The present
It’s been a month since the Katolian delegation had left for the Human lands, Janai realized one day. She was casually sitting in the evening sunlight, relishing a cup of freshly-made mint tea. For a couple of hours, her schedule was clear and void of any tasks appointed to a soon-to-be Sunfire Queen. And honestly, that was a strong necessity. She was fed up with signing papers and pleasing the old, patriarchal members of the Sunfire Council. The peace and quiet was god-send, and she was enjoying it to the fullest.
Especially now that she got an update from Katolis. To her surprise, an official looking envelope had arrived this morning. Twenty-four sunrises after their departure. Ahem, not that she was counting. She discovered that the letter belonged to Gren, and that revelation stirred an explosion of mixed feelings. First and foremost, she was delighted to hear and learn more from them, relieved to know that they thought of her as an ally. A friend even. Yet, a tiny voice whispered the disappointment that came with it. With the sender not being...
Ah. A familiar warmth welled up inside her chest. It had been a recurring feeling for the past couple of months, always somehow related to the Human General. The tingling and fluttering felt oddly comfortable to the bronze-skinned warrior, who was not used to this surge of heat. Not in this way. Not with anyone else.
She was still figuring out what it all meant.
Meanwhile, thick paper crinkled in-between four fingers as the letter still resided in her right hand. That message had certainly left some food for thought, that was abundantly clear. Gren had started off positive, words overflowing with the latest gossip and small-talk. His tone had gradually turned darker though, as he began referring more and more to the mood of his faithful companion.
Who had apparently been feeling down and depressed. Filled with less and less hope every time the sun rose from its slumber. And the worst thing of it all – Gren had said she was hurting. Aching, he wrote.
And Janai hated it when Amaya hurts. She grimaced at the sudden self-revelation.
Well well, how different the times have become.
The tall knight gulped, thinking of what could have happened to the brown-haired woman. Her mind drowned in possible scenarios. Janai has always been thorough, and so her mind could not stray away from the worser than worst-cases, from images that would even haunt her nightmares. Also, the fact remained that Amaya was miles and days of travel away. Janai’s heart ached at the thought of not being near her hurting friend. The taste of mint tea did little to sooth her worries.
She was aching, he wrote.
Then, it struck her. Whirling thoughts abruptly came into focus, as her heartbeat increased. The sun seemed to stay stagnant in the evening sky just as Janai’s breath was caught in her throat.
Is that why I didn’t want her to leave in the first place? The thudding grew in intensity. Why do I even want to have her nearby, so impossibly close to me? Always, every time? She saw flashes of taut muscles rippling underneath a metal suit. Thin lips that curled into a cheeky grin every so often. Sometimes it even took the form of a beautiful smile. The kind, calming eyes that had dragged her out of her deepest turmoil. Warm hands that had saved her life and strengthened her confidence.
Another whiff of mint shook her back to reality. A dartling heartbeat still resonating in her throat. By the Solar Deities, what have I done now? A sigh followed suit, with persimmon pools of worry glooming over the nearing sunset. Why must I torture myself this way? Wanting the impossible, wanting that one thing that I had sworn off since being promoted to Golden Knight.
.
Remember what Khessa said. Remember that your destiny lies elsewhere.
The Breach – Two weeks later
The broad-shouldered guard was surprised to see three cloaked figures appearing at the border outpost. Politely they had sought permission to cross the Breach. Though being a trained and experienced sergeant, never had he experienced such a request being made in a peaceful, communicative way. Training could not prepare the man for this surprising and ridiculously unthinkable occasion, and so the raised eyebrow was difficult to mask.
“Why do you seek permission to travel across the Breach?” he had stated, arms crossed and his weapon well within reach. Although peace had settled itself nicely in both countries, military personnel on-duty should always have a watchful eye. Especially rare circumstances – such as the current one – asked for caution. And that’s how he approached it.
Yet. Never in the million years he would have foreseen the next move. Three cloaks slowly came off, causing the sergeant to grip its sword. He was mentally preparing to defend the border and his Honour with it.
Then, stale blue eyes widened in recognition.
“O-Oh, of course. Pardon me.” He stepped aside in a submissive gesture. “May you have a save travel.”
And that they wished as well, as the trio hastened their journey to the nearest royal palace.