~.✧ Ethira ✧.~ [COMPLETE]

~.✧ thirteen ✧.~

I tapped the letter against my palm as I walked down the hall toward the King's Study. It'd been a few days since Batlen Day and I was feeling a little better since I'd been able to get a little more sleep these past few nights with less severe nightmares. Yet at the same time, I still felt restless during the day. While I continued in my queen studies and worked on small things like helping the tailor design a few more dresses for upcoming events and creating a schedule for some town visits, I didn't have much else to do. I visited Kes, Anarie, and Keiva as much as I could, but there was someone else I hadn't gotten much time with since three days ago.

I wasn't sure why I was a little nervous coming to talk to Varien. Perhaps it was because I was coming to talk to him uninvited. Or maybe it was because I was going out on a limb and hoping on a one in a million chance he'd say yes. Whatever the reason, there was a swarm of butterflies knocking around inside my stomach.

I turned the corner and found the tall double doors awaiting me to my right. I released a long breath before approaching the two guards stationed next to the doors. "Good afternoon," I greeted.

They nodded. "Your Majesty."

"Is the king busy at the moment?"

"I believe he is speaking with Corsly," the one closest to me responded.

"Oh." I tapped the paper a few more times.

"But I'm sure they wouldn't mind your company."

I looked up and met his eyes, realizing they were slightly amused. He leaned over and whispered loudly, "I don't believe they are talking of anything political from what I can hear. Mostly about you, actually."

I gave a slightly startled chuckle. "So I can enter?"

"Go right on in. If you get in trouble, it's my fault."

My grin widened, appreciative of this guard's light personality. He swept open the door for me and I nodded in thanks.

I entered and was met with two pairs of pleasantly surprised eyes. I looked between them before my gaze settled on Varien. "Sorry to interrupt."

"No, please." He stood and Corsly soon followed, beaming.

"My queen!" Corsly flourished with a deep bow. When he rose, he added, "It's wonderful to see you today."

"As is you," I replied with a grin. Over the past few weeks, I'd seen Corsly more often in the castle for advisor events and despite our rocky start, I'd grown fond of him. He was always the most entertaining conversationalist and nearly felt like some sort of father-in-law to me since he and Varien were so close.

I approached the desk and when I turned back to Varien, his eyes were gleaming as he smiled slightly. "I'm glad you came."

The small comment added to the flipping of my stomach. "I was hoping I'd catch you in your rare free moments since we haven't gotten to see each other for a little while."