Chapter 14

Valda closed the door behind her. She was greeted by the rustle of bed sheets. Expecting Maris, she was surprised when Melvian cleared her throat before speaking.

"Your Highness, I gave Maris some medicine from the healer"s chamber. Her shoulder was banged up, nothing to worry about, yet I gave her something so she could rest the night with no pain," Melvian's voice came from somewhere near the bed.

"Is she resting?" Valda inquired; voice tinged with concern.

"She is. Just now she closed her eyes. I was waiting for you to return before I took my leave," Melvian replied.

Valda nodded, acknowledging the effort Melvian had taken. "I will take over now. Thank you, Melvian."

"I left some medication on your nightstand also. Just in case you get a headache," Melvian added.

"That won't be necessary, but I appreciate it," Valda said, making her way to the bed.

"If you need anything, I will be in the kitchen," Melvian said before leaving and locking the door behind her.

Valda sighed wearily, her right hand behind her head as a pounding headache intensified more because of stress rather her cut on her eyebrow. She considered taking the medication, realizing she might need it after all. She lay down, turning towards Maris's sleeping form. Soft snores filled the room, and Valda smiled at the sound. She scooted closer, placing her hand on Maris's waist, noting the younger woman's deep sleep.

Valda's fingertips trailed over Maris's face gently, tracing her eyebrows, nose, and lips as she tried to etch an image of Maris in her mind. She fought the urge to wake her, moving strands of hair away from Maris's face before leaning in and kissing her forehead. As soon as Valda realized what she had done, she pulled away abruptly, her breath hitching. She turned to lie flat on her back, facing the ceiling, frowning.

Valda was conflicted and confused. She didn't want to involve Arwin, she didn't want him to look into Maris. But she needed to know that Arwin was wrong about Maris. She wasn't in the castle to disrupt, she was in the castle because the Oracle was right and Maris was her mate.

Heart mate, or soulmate, whichever. It didn't matter. Even if Valda didn't want a heartmate in the first place, she still wanted Maris.

But, if Arwin was right about Maris, what would Valda do to her?

Valda turned to Maris again, their bodies entwined in the shared bed. Maris was fast asleep, in her room, her territory. Valda couldn't help but feel a sense of intimacy and closeness as she shifted closer, her hand finding Maris's waist and pulling her into her chest.

Maris whimpered softly, instinctively nuzzling into Valda, their legs tangling in the way of lovers. Valda couldn't resist the temptation of Maris's scent, the strong sea aroma that both calmed her and stirred a longing within her. It was intoxicating, addictive, and Valda found herself craving it more and more.

"Your highness should rest," Maris's groggy voice broke the silence, and Valda couldn't help but chuckle deeply at the concern in her tone.

"You're banged up. Melvian told me, despite your attempts to hide it," Valda said, her fingers tracing soothing circles on Maris's back.

"That tattletale," Maris muttered against Valda's chest, her hand moving to cling to the back of Valda's shirt. "I would say not to believe her, but I know my suggestion would fall on deaf ears."

"I'm already blind. Is that not enough?" Valda teased, her heart swelling with affection for the playful banter.

"It is, my Queen," Maris replied, her lips brushing against Valda's shoulder in a tender gesture.

Valda chortled, pressing her nose to Maris's hair once again. "If you're in too much pain, I could take you to the pools and have you swim there," Valda suggested, willing to do whatever it took to ease Maris's discomfort.

When Maris tensed in her arms she gently pressed her forehead to Maris's. "The pool is filled with Sealian water. It's known for its medicinal properties and coming into contact with it may do your body good, being from your kingdom," Valda said softly.

Maris's breath hitched, and she pulled away, whispering, "A pool full of Sealian water?" Valda's hand passed over the goosebumps forming on Maris's arms.

"Yes," Valda replied. "We built it in the hopes that the waters would heal us too, but it didn't work. However, my mother insisted on keeping it. We could go tomorrow at first light if you're interested."

Maris hesitated, and then asked, "Is... is it deep?"

Valda opened her eyes, surprised by the question. "Yes," she answered, noticing the tension in Maris's body. "Is that a problem?"

Maris confessed, sounding ashamed, "I don't know how to swim."

Valda tensed up in response. "You—" She pulled back, giving herself space to process what Maris had just said. "You're Sealian. Every single one of you is born with the natural ability to swim."

"I've never swum before," Maris admitted.

Valda frowned in confusion and disbelief, untangling her legs from Maris, and sitting up straight. "Never?"

Maris explained, "I live in a desert. I don't have many opportunities to go swimming."

Valda's jaw dropped, her eyebrows arching in surprise. "We do. After my father's death, my mother prepared a space for the survivors. They had man-made lakes, like in New Agenor," Valda scoffed, her upper lip twitching. "The lakes were open to everyone, including Sealians who didn't live there."

"I didn't know—" Maris stammered.

Valda interrupted, "Did your parents know?"

Maris sat up straight, her voice firm but gentle, "I don't know."

"You're telling me that your parents adopted you as an infant, raised you until your... how old were you when your mother killed herself?" Valda's words were sharp, filled with incredulity.

"Valda." Maris's voice was sharp with warning, a mix of strength and sweetness, trying to prevent Valda from crossing a line.

"And they never took you to enjoy the waters of your kingdom? Instead, they kept you locked up like some prisoner." Valda's tone dripped with poison, her hands clenching the bed sheets beneath her as she moved in closer. She wasn't mad at Maris, she was mad at her parents for not allowing her to experience who she was. Everyone deserved to know where they came from. Why had Maris been denied the chance?

"Valda!" Maris's warning came again, sharper this time. "I will not tolerate disrespect to the memory of my parents. I want this conversation over." Maris's words were firm, final.

Anger surged inside Valda. How dare Maris silence her. "I will speak of whatever I want in my room, my castle, my kingdom." She leaned in closer, invading Maris's personal space with her imposing figure. "Now tell me, what did your parents teach you?

"They taught me well enough to know when I am being disrespected." Maris's response was measured, composed.

Valda frowned deeply. "Who are you, Maris?" She pressed her fist to the bed. "A Sealian with no connection to her birthplace, with parents that kept her locked away like some exotic animals. You come into my castle, you come into my bedchamber, you are here, with me, shifting everything I am, and for what?"

"I didn't come here for you, I came—" Maris stuttered; the bed shifted again.

"Why are you here, Maris? Is it because you are part of the coup?" Valda eyebrow raised. "Arwin was right."

"No! He is not. Stop it, Valda." Maris's voice was a plea, trying to diffuse the escalating tension.

"Is that why the crown never helped your family after your father's death? Because he was a fucking traitor who was sick in the head?" Valda's words were sharp, fueled by her anger. Arwin was right about her.

Right?

She gasped at the sudden stinging on her cheek. Not from the pain, but at Maris's audacity to raise her hand against her, and for some reason, desire pooled deep within her.

Maris quickly pulled away, her palm throbbing from where it had made contact with Valda's cheek. She rubbed her hand against her skirt, her eyes locked on the furious queen.

Valda's anger was palpable, evident in her clenched fists, corded neck, and flaring nostrils. "Valda..." Maris started, her voice trembling.

"You dare put your hands on me?" Valda's eyes widened in disbelief. "You dare strike me? In my own bedroom?" Her tone was sharp, laced with indignation.

Maris stood from the bed, slowly putting some distance between herself and the queen. "You speak of my parents as if you knew them. You know nothing about them," Maris said, her voice wavering.

"I would if you would talk about them," Valda growled, taking a deep breath to try and calm herself. "But instead, you come into my life as if it were some mystery to be discovered."

"I never asked for this!" Maris retorted, scurrying away from Valda, just out of her reach. In her haste, she accidentally stepped on Cerberus's tail, and the cat hissed loudly before hiding under the bed.

"Cerberus! I am so sorry!" Maris yelped, leaning enough to try and see where the cat was.

"What did you asked for then?!" Valda demanded.

"What do you care?! Are you worried that I am sick in the head like my father? Don't you worry, my Queen, my injuries are more tenable than that." Maris's shoulder throbbed, still slightly sore even though Melvian had healed her. She had no visible bruise. She knew she had to stand her ground despite the pain.

Valda's upper lip twitched, her hands clenched and unclenched as she took deep breaths, trying to control her anger. "Unlike you, I would never lay a hand on you," Valda said through gritted teeth. "I've told you before and I'll say it again, I will never harm you."

"And yet your hands say otherwise," Maris retorted, remembering how Valda had used her gift to hurt her in the past, despite not needing physical contact.

Valda tilted her head towards Maris, but this time her tone lacked the playful affection she'd grown accustomed to. "Maris," she began, her voice soft and distant. "I understand your reaction."

"Do you?" Maris challenged, her guard still up.

Valda's hand moved to touch her cheek where Maris had slapped her, and her anger seemed to dissipate as she looked at Valda's tousled hair, tight shoulders, and snarling features. Maris felt a pang of guilt for her actions, and for accidentally stepping on Cerberus. But Valda had crossed the line.

"I didn't mean to..." Maris said, her voice rueful.

Valda groaned and ran her fingers through her unruly hair, turning towards Maris. "Obviously," she said, her frustration evident. "I don't think you had a death wish. Even if you didn't want to hit me…"

Valda paused, closing her eyes and taking another deep breath. "Holy Ouranos, you're testing my patience like no one ever has," she said, her voice strained. "I can't... I can't control myself near you."

"I just reacted," Maris said, hiding her reddened palm. There was a crimson imprint on Valda's cheek, and she looked down in shame. She knew she shouldn't apologize, considering Valda had spoken ill of the two people who had given her a home and kept her safe. But deep down, she knew they had their reasons for keeping her isolated from the world.

Gaze on the floor, Maris sighed heavily. "I'm sorry. I just..."

Maris was taken by surprise when Valda slammed her against the bedroom wall, a strong hand gripping her neck as rough lips crushed against hers. A moan escaped Maris, a mixture of pain and pleasure as Valda's tongue dominated her mouth, silencing her protest and pained groan. Valda's other hand slipped over Maris's thigh, pushing up her skirt to expose her bare skin.

Despite it all, Maris couldn't control her ragged breaths as they mingled with Valda's. As much as she wanted to push her away, her body betrayed her with a primal desire. The pull in her stomach and the throbbing arousal between her thighs were undeniable. Valda's aggression had awakened something in Maris that she had never experienced before. Even though the queen's behavior was irritating and infuriating, she couldn't help but melt under the queen's touch.

"You think you can walk around doing as you please with me. You are completely mistaken." Valda's growl vibrated against Maris's lips as she continued to ravish her, her fingers leaving a trail of heat on Maris's exposed skin. Her thoughts were muddled, torn between her anger towards Valda and the overwhelming sensations coursing through her. She struggled to maintain her composure, but Valda's touch was electrifying. The queen's fingers rubbed against her mound, teasing her slit, gathering the wetness between her folds before rubbing it against her clit. Her knees buckled, as her grip on Valda's shoulders tightened.

Valda pulled her away from the wall and pressed their bodies together. Valda's form was hard against her own, sending shivers down her spine. As their lips parted, Maris gasped for air, her chest heaving with a mix of desire and frustration. Valda's slow, teasing touches only stoked the fire, but not quite satisfying Maris's longing.

Despite knowing she should resist, Maris found herself drawn to Valda, her body craving her touch in spite of her better judgment. Snapping out of the haze, Maris grabbed Valda's wrist and pulled her hand away from between her legs, pushing for some breathing room. Valda's expression was a mix of frustration and longing as she moved her hand back to the junction of Maris's quivering thighs.

However, Maris pushed away, her hand slipping to find the line of buttons on Valda's trousers. She cursed at how many buttons there were before finally undoing them enough to slip her hand inside and cup between Valda's muscular thighs. Her hand cupped the dark mound between Valda's legs, relishing the dampness there. The queen was wet, drenched because of her. Not one of those silly little chambermaids, who probably had no idea how to make a woman like Valda crumble at her feet like she was about to do.

Valda was wet because of her.

"Your Highness," Maris whispered, almost purring as her lips trailed over Valda's shoulder. "Let me take care of you, please." She nipped at Valda's skin, feeling the queen's breath hitch.

Valda's hands glided over Maris's spine, her fingers curling around the back of Maris's neck as she tilted her head, diving in for another kiss. This time, Valda's sultry moan sent a delicious shiver down Maris's body, igniting a fire within her.

Gasping into Valda's mouth, Maris slipped a finger through Valda's slick folds, earning a soft, feminine cry from the strong woman before her. Maris realized she loved that sound and craved to hear it again. She added a second finger, watching Valda's composure break even more.

"Is my queen completely soaked for me?" Maris purred.

It took Valda a few seconds to reply, her face flushed with want. "Yes," Valda whimpered, her hands clutching Maris's face desperately. "Gods, Maris..." She kissed her again, sucking on her lower lip, her breath coming in ragged gasps as Maris's skilled fingers rubbed soft, teasing circles.

"What are you doing to me?" Valda moaned, her face filled with need.

"I am fucking you with my fingers, Your Highness," Maris chuckled, bumping her nose with Valda's, relishing how the tall woman's eyebrows knitted together, her lips parting in a gasp of pleasure. Maris slipped her middle finger deeper, feeling the queen's walls quiver with anticipation, warm and wet and slick. Gods, she was so wet. She knew Valda was close, and her own mouth watered with anticipation. She had yearned to have her for so long, and now she was finally about to taste her.

Maris couldn't get enough of Valda. Having her between her legs wasn't sufficient. She craved seeing Valda unravel under her fingers, going deeper than any hand or tongue ever had. She longed to hear the soft moans coming from Valda's core, see her struggle to catch her breath when she climaxed, all because of her.

With the meaty part of her palm pressing against Valda's clit, Maris's fingers hooked and stroked at her walls, seeking that sweet spot she knew all too well. "You are so beautiful like this," Maris whispered, captivated by the way Valda's face contorted, her eyes squeezed shut, and her large hands tightened on Maris's waist. "You're taking me so well, my Queen," Maris breathed, reveling in the moans that escaped Valda's lips, her body arching and trembling as Maris skillfully worked her to the edge of orgasm.

Valda's release came as a silent cry, her hands clutching Maris's face. Maris watched in awe, savoring the expression of surrender on Valda's face as she let go of her power.

As Valda's knees weakened, Maris wrapped her arm around Valda's waist, guiding her to sit on the edge of the bed. Reluctantly, Maris withdrew her hand, but the way Valda leaned back on her elbows and spread her legs urged Maris to keep going, to explore more of the queen's desires.

Maris took a step back, her gaze fixated on the flushed and disheveled woman before her. Valda's hair clung to her sweaty forehead, her chest rising and falling with the effort to regain control. Maris needed Valda's pants off, now. Her eyes traveled to the heavy boots the queen was wearing. The intricate laces were going to be a problem, and Maris didn't have the patience for them. Kneeling, she tugged on the laces harshly, earning a surprised yelp from Valda. Maris blew a strand of hair from her face before trying again.

"Help me with these," Maris said, tugging on the boots harshly.

"You have no patience at all, don't you, Seashell?" With a huff, Valda pulled on the laces and then kicked both the boots and pants off her, followed by her blouse and chest wraps.

Once the garments were off, Maris's eyes shot to the junction of Valda's legs. Maris couldn't help but be drawn to the glistening mound. Her hands trailed up Valda's legs, over her hip bones, and across her toned stomach. "I want to taste you," Maris breathed, unable to contain her craving.

Valda, still catching her breath, nodded in approval, and that was all the encouragement Maris needed. She pressed her hands on Valda's inner thighs, parting the muscular legs, her own core throbbing with need. Leaning in, Maris used her broad tongue to trace a path from Valda's opening to her sensitive clit, eliciting a surprised gasp, and it was like music to Maris's ears. She gave her another lick, reveling in the taste of Valda's arousal. She was like nothing she's ever tasted before. She was perfect, and Maris's hunger grew.

On her knees, Maris continued to spread Valda's lips with her hands, savoring the sensation of Valda's groans vibrating against her tongue. The room was filled with the sounds of their shared pleasure, and Maris found herself longing to hear them every day for the rest of her life. Pressing her mouth further, she wrapped her lips around Valda's clit, and just as Valda's hips began to move in response, Maris looked up, unable to tear her eyes away from the sight of Valda's quivering body. Teeth bared, her eyes fluttered open as her chest heaved with frustration.

Maris was captivated by the sight, as if it was the first time she had ever seen Valda without clothes, despite having memorized every line and scar on her body. She couldn't help but stare, completely enthralled by the breathtaking warrior before her. Valda's chest rose and fell with each ragged breath, a mixture of desire and frustration filling the air between them.

Valda's pleas for Maris to continue anchored her between Valda's legs, her hands gripping firm thighs with anticipation. She was determined to make Valda come again, even if she suffocated between her legs.

Valda's hands reached out, grabbing Maris's dark-blue curls and pulling her closer. "Gods, that's it. Don't you dare stop," Valda gasped.

Maris moaned as her tongue slipped past Valda's opening, savoring her taste. The power and strength that Valda possessed, capable of killing her with a snap of her fingers, only heightened Maris's arousal. She was enthralled by Valda's commanding presence and how she used her strength in this moment.

Unable to contain her own desire, Maris slipped two fingers into Valda's wetness, curling them to stroke that sweet spot once more. Her lips latched onto Valda's clit, teasing and tugging. Her other hand pressed against Valda's lower stomach, adding more pressure, as Valda's moans filled the room.

Valda's body responded eagerly, her hips moving in sync with Maris's expert ministrations, her grip tangling in Maris's hair. The intensity of the moment was electrifying, and Maris was lost in the sensations, the taste, and the sounds.

Valda's second release came swiftly, as her body quivered with pleasure. Her hands held Maris's head in place, raising her hips to ride out the waves of her orgasm.

As the waves ebbed, Maris withdrew her fingers, missing the sensation of Valda's walls squeezing and fluttering around them. She crawled up the bed, eager to see the aftermath of her efforts. She wanted to witness every detail of Valda's pleasure.

"I thought you would have more stamina. You are a warrior after all." Maris grinned.

Valda let out a breathy laugh, closing her eyes and leaning back against the soft silk sheets, looking as though she was floating in a state of bliss. A content smile spread over her full lips, and she spoke teasingly. "You sure like to talk a lot for a Sealian that doesn't know how to swim."

Maris's playful grin persisted. "Yet I survived your attempt to drown me."

Valda guffawed, her hand moving to find Maris. She traced soft circles on Maris's skin with her fingers, sending shivers down her spine. Valda then pushed herself further back into the bed, resting her head on a pillow, and let out a satisfied sigh. She extended her hand for Maris to take.

Closing her hand with Valda's, Maris allowed herself to be pulled into a slow, passionate kiss. Valda's satisfied moan further stoked the embers of Maris's desire. Her own arousal still dripped down her thighs, and Valda's kiss did little to quench her need.

Valda pulled away from the kiss, her breath warm against Maris's lips. "Is that what I taste like?" she asked, rubbing her nose against Maris's.

Maris nodded, her thumb wiping Valda's lower lip. "Delicious."

"I wonder..." Valda tilted her head, her expression playful. She dove in for another kiss, her tongue exploring Maris's mouth before pulling away with a mischievous smile. "Between you and I, who tastes sweeter?"

Maris teased, "You've already forgotten what I taste like? So soon?"

A deep rumble of amusement escaped Valda's chest, her smile bright and playful. "Silly me." Her expression then turned more intense as she sat up. "Take your clothes off, Seashell."

There was no room for objection, and she needed to liberate her heated skin from its confinements. Standing by the side of the bed, Maris peeled off her tight shirt uniform, removed her chest bindings, and let her heavy breasts spill free. All the while, she watched Valda ascend higher up the bed, closer to the headboard. Maris climbed back onto the mattress, settling on Valda's lap, straddling her.

"It's my turn," Valda announced, her lips leaving a trail of kisses along Maris's chest, her hands finding their way to her ass.

Growing impatient, Maris grasped Valda's face and guided her mouth over her left nipple, eliciting a deep chuckle from the queen.

"You're so impatient, Seashell."

"And you like to prolong things unnecessarily," Maris replied, feeling annoyed. She grabbed a handful of Valda's black hair and pulled her closer.

Valda took Maris's nipple into her mouth, her lips hot and soft against the sensitive skin. She sucked hungrily, her hands roaming from Maris's ass to her back, caressing her with desperation.

As Valda continued, Maris threw her head back. Valda's lips moved from her breast to the middle of her chest, and then to her neck. Her long blue hair brushed against Valda's face and arms, prompting her to pull back and run her hands through it with satisfaction.

"Your hair is so long," Valda murmured, feeling the texture, and bringing it close to smell. "You always smell like the sea." Valda brushed her lips against Maris's collarbone. "You're absolutely perfect, aren't you?"

"Valda," Maris whimpered, a silent plea escaping her lips.

She craved release, longing for Valda since she woke up next to her that morning. She wanted this woman more than anything she had ever wanted before. But Valda was torturing her, licking her neck, her chest, the space between them, pulling her head back to nibble on her skin, guiding Maris's hips to rub against her own muscular thighs. Maris was losing her mind.

"Goodness, Maris. You're drenched," Valda purred, rubbing her lips over Maris's earlobe. "You poor thing." Pulling away, Valda guided Maris's face to hers and kissed her again, slow and hot, pouring her need into each stroke of her tongue.

Maris broke the kiss, her hands gripping Valda's shoulders as she held on tightly. Her hips rocked back and forth, seeking the friction that would bring her release. But Valda had other plans. The queen leaned back, resting her head on the pillow, and effortlessly lifted Maris from her thighs, positioning her body over her own until Maris hovered above her face.

Maris tensed. She wasn't prepared for this, to sit on Valda's face. She wasn't exactly lightweight, and she didn't want to hurt her. Her thighs strained as she tried to hold herself up while Valda pulled her closer.

"Valda, wait."

"You tell me I drag things too long and now you want me to wait?" Valda pulled her again.

"I... I don't think I should," Maris stammered.

Valda ignored her protest and took charge. "Don't hover. Sit. For now, you will be the queen. I will be the throne." Determined, Valda pulled Maris, forcing her to sit on her face before spreading her apart, and dipping her tongue into Maris's core.

Maris was overwhelmed by the intensity of the sensation. Her hands, gripping the pillows next to Valda's head, flew to the headboard, her nails digging into the wood as she opened her mouth in a silent scream. Valda frowned at Maris's quietness and effortlessly lifted her up, letting out a deep growl.

"Scream if you must, Seashell. Let the guards outside know who is taking you."

Whimpering, Maris couldn't hold back any longer. A cry escaped her lips as her hands fumbled with the headrest, angling her body to meet Valda's hungry mouth. She couldn't resist the urge to hold onto Valda's dark hair, keeping her steady as she rocked her hips, grinding her swollen clit against Valda's skilled tongue. Her arousal was making a mess, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

"Fuck, Valda!" Maris gasped as the pressure built in her body. Valda's deep, rumbling chuckle vibrated through her, sending shivers down her spine. Valda's hands on her lower back and thighs only pushed her closer to the edge, and Maris knew she was so close to coming.

As her climax approached, a warm sensation pierced through her forehead, spreading down to her neck and breasts. She had never felt something like that before. It was hot, ticklish and as strange as it felt, Maris found no reason to fear the feeling. She couldn't hold back the cries that escaped her lips, turning into curses until they were replaced by soft, satisfied moans. Valda's strokes intensified, anchoring Maris to her face, and pushing her higher and higher until she couldn't take it anymore.

Maris collapsed, her arms useless, but Valda didn't stop. Her relentless licks continued, flicking Maris's clit until a second wave of pleasure crashed over her. Her body went limp, and Valda sat up, gently pushing Maris down until she was comfortably lying by her side.

Valda's satisfied smile left Maris breathless, or maybe it was the earth-shattering orgasms she had just experienced. "You are so much sweeter, Seashell," Valda said, licking her lips with relish. "So much sweeter..."

Maris scooted closer and rested her head on Valda's chest, listening to her frantic heartbeat, knowing that she was the cause of it. Valda released a pleased rumble and pulled Maris even closer, their legs tangling together in an intimate embrace. Closing her eyes, concentrating on the warmth that spread through the contact, Maris couldn't help but feel possessive of the queen. Her hand clutched at her flank as Valda breathed in deeply and exhaled happily.

Maris wasn't sure where she stood with the queen. They were lovers, there was no doubt in her mind, but Maris wasn't sure if the queen would at some point ask her to be her mate again. Either way, she wasn't about to ask and ruin it whatever it was that they had. She enjoyed being with her, enjoyed the bickering, her difficult personality, her passion, she enjoyed everything.She just didn't want the heartache that came with being mated.

"I am sorry," Valda mumbled, her voice was soft and slow, with a gentle cadence that seemed to lull Maris into a relaxed state. "I never meant to hurt your feelings, or insult your parents," Valda said, her every word was carefully measured, spoken with a quiet intensity that carried a hint of drowsiness. Her voice drew Maris in, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Maris admired Valda's open and non-judgmental demeanor as she revealed more about herself. "To answer your question," Maris began, leaning closer and pressing her bare chest against Valda's, "my mother taught me how to play the violin."

Valda's raised an eyebrow. "You play an instrument? Would you play for me?"

"I haven't played in a while since it's broken," Maris admitted.

"I can get you a new one," Valda offered.

"I don't want a new one. I want the one my mother gave me."

Valda's determination was evident. "I will fix it then."

Maris chuckled. "In that case, I only need some new strings."

"Done. You will have your strings tomorrow," Valda promised, shifting to the side as Maris leaned against her, resting her forehead against the queen's cheek, comforted by her presence. The room grew quiet, and Maris drifted off to sleep, until Valda spoke again, her tone curious.

"Have you ever met another Sealian?"

Maris's mind raced as she searched her memories, but she couldn't recall ever meeting another Sealian except the one at the audience. She sighed, realizing once again the extent to which her parents had kept her sheltered. "I've seen other Sealians. Never really talked with one. I think that woman at the audience was the closest I've ever been to one."

Valda's tension was palpable. "I find it hard to comprehend how parents could keep their children away from their people, their heritage. What were their reasons for doing this to you?"

Uneasy, Maris didn't want to delve into her past. "I do not know, but I am sure they had their reasons. I guess…" She bit her lower lip, stopping herself.

"What is it?"

"My parents couldn't have children of their own. My father found me I the destruction. Maybe, they were scared someone would recognize me and take me away?" she replied, hoping to change the topic. "Can we please go to sleep?"

Valda exhaled, her touch growing soothing as she rubbed small patterns on Maris's skin. "I will take you to the pools tomorrow, and you will meet another Sealian," Valda said, her promise lulling Maris back into a peaceful slumber.