Chapter 18

Maris woke to something bumping into her head. Once again, Cerberus"s furry face was the first thing that she saw in the morning. Her large paws kneaded the pillow next to her. Valda exited the washroom. The sudden rush of heat took Maris at the sight of the queen completely nude. Inhaling deeply and sitting up, Maris pulled the sheet from her body, noticing the marks. Their late-night activities were evident on her waist and thighs, painted by Valda's rough hands.

Cerberus bumped her head against Maris's back, meowing loudly for attention, which earned a short session of scratches under the chin. Valda walked towards her; a bright smile painted on her full lips. Hand outstretched, Valda reached out for Maris who grabbed her fingers and gave them a firm squeeze.

"Slept well, Seashell?" Valda asked, as she leaned towards her.

Maris cradled her face to give her a chaste and quick kiss. "Yes. I was tired out."

Valda chuckled at her, grasped her jaw, and deepened the kiss. A pleasurable groan escaped the queen before she managed to pull away. "I wish I didn't have things to do. I could fuck you again right now."

"Valda…" Maris purred, her lower stomach tightening as memories of last night resurfaced between the haziness of her still sleepy mind.

"What? Is that a no?"

Cerberus meowed and lifted a paw out to Valda. The queen sighed and reached for her pet, who pushed her adorable face into her hand.

"I don't think poor Cerberus can take another of our fuck sessions."

"I can take her out," Valda suggested, gathering Cerberus in her arms with a grunt. "Holy Ouranos, you are heavy. What are they feeding you?"

"They?" Maris chuckled while Valda casually tossed Cerberus in the sofa's direction.

Thankfully, Cerberus landed right where the queen intended. Her dark pupils blew up as she ran around the entire room, her tail puffed up.

"What's wrong with her?"

Valda opened the closet door and Cerberus ran between her legs, jumped on the sofa and let out an overly excited meow. The cat then dashed through the small breakfast table, knocking empty cups. The plates shattered. Maris cringed at the racket while Valda's head slumped in defeat.

"Cerberus!"

"I think she really needs to go out," Maris said, as she walked next to Valda and inspected the closet. She pulled out a linen dress and shoes she would wear after washing up, as well as a black silk blouse and pants for the queen. "You should take your pet outside unless you want your room destroyed."

Valda scoffed, feeling along the stitching to orient the front from the back before pulling her pants on. Maris helped by buttoning up her blouse then tucking it. The queen"s mood shifted, and Maris basked in it. She loved the subtle smirk at the corner of the lips, her relaxedshoulders, and features. She wanted to kiss her.She wanted to hug her, squeeze her, and keep her close. She wanted to cancel everything Valda planned for today and stay in bed all day, going over every scar and freckle on her skin. She… wanted her. Maris's chest tightened, her hand smoothing a wrinkle over Valda's blouse.

"I can't keep an eye on her," Valda mumbled with annoyance.

"I will," Maris said while Cerberus zoomed between her feet into the living space again, where she jumped onto the liquor table. The cat knocked a glass to the ground then climbed down to smell the liquor spilled. "Cerberus!" Maris yelped, walking to the cat and waving her away from the mess.

"What happened?"

Maris picked the cat up and touched the top of her head, wet where the liquor had dribbled onto her fur. "She got some whiskey on her head." Maris petted her again. "I might as well give you a bath. You kind of stink" Cerberus pulled back, swatted Maris's hand and hissed. "Oh hush. You brought this upon yourself."

Valda chuckled before reaching over Maris. She touched Cerberus, accidentally bumping her hand against Maris's shoulder. "Cerberus. You will let Maris give you a bath."

The cat growled.

"You will not put up a fight." Valda then turned her attention to Maris. "I will call for someone to clean this mess up."

"I am going to wash up and give Cerberus a quick bath," Maris announced heading to the washroom. A tub filled with hot water was ready for her. Yet, she didn't want to put Cerberus in the same water she was going to use to bathe herself. Closing the door behind her, Maris settled the cat down and sat on the ground. With little effort, she used her power to drag a steady stream of water from the tub to Cerberus.

"This will be our little secret, all right?"

Cerberus closed her eyes softly as a ribbon of the warm water fell on her head. As the stream continued, Maris scrubbed Cerberus's body, giving special treatment to the top of her head. She couldn't help but scratch under her chin and watch her purse her lips with delight.

Once Maris was done washing the whiskey from Cerberus's fur, she opened the door and allowed the cat to run back outside. She then slipped into the tub and washed her hair. Before she dipped her head into the warm water, she made out the sound of Valda opening the door to someone. She welcomed the stranger, but their words were cut when Maris dipped her head in the water to wash away the soap. Maris paid no mind to the conversation, she knew Valda had to deal with queenly things daily, and Maris was just an assistant, she didn't need to know everything that happened in the castle.

Finished with her bath, Maris put the oversized robe over her naked body and walked out. Valda was seated on the large sofa in the room's living space and tilted her head as the door closed. She walked barefoot towards the queen, her padding steps alerting Valda.

"Who was it?"

Valda turned to Maris and clasped a pack of folders closer to her body. "General Arwin," she answered, standing up.

Maris"s eyes drifted from Valda's serious face down to her hand. "What's that?"

"Sato and Lain's reports." Valda's face was void of expression, and Maris frowned at the sudden rise of the walls that she had once crumbled.

"Oh right! I can read them if you want," she said, remembering Dristan's plans and how he wanted to contribute more.

If she could get closer maybe, just maybe, she could give Valda some good insight into what her people needed. Maris's chest was about to burst with excitement. Her eyes drifted from Valda's tense frown to the folders. As Maris reached for the papers, the queen's large and strong hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her.

"Valda?" Maris called out, her own hand moving over the queen's.

Valda gasped as if snapped back to reality and released her. "I am sorry."

Maris frowned deeper as she studied Valda's face. She seemed lost, conflicted about something. Maris tilted her head and then softly touched Valda's forearm. "Is everything all right?"

Valda nodded and faked a smile. "Yes! Yes of course everything is fine." She moved away from Maris, heading to her bureau, and leaving the folders there. "Don't worry about those reports for now. Are you hungry?" Valda asked.

"Yes,"Maris whispered, attention moving from Valda's tall form to the folders.

"Great." Valda nodded and touched Maris's shoulders, feeling the robe. "You should get dressed. Let's have breakfast in the dining room, and then we should head out to an emergency meeting General Arwin called."Valda smiled an empty smile.

Maris pulled Valda to her, her hands coming to rest the queen's chest. "Valda? Are you sure everything is all right?"

Valda nodded and then scoffed. "Starving."

"Oh." Maris decided to let it go for now. Valda wasn't going to tell her what had gotten into her, but whatever it was, it had to do with Arwin. She stepped away to get dressed.

As she did, she saw the queen move about the room, nervous, close to the folders. The queen took the folders in her hands, touched the surface of the bureau, and opened a drawer, slipping the papers in and closing it.

***

The meeting was impromptu, and since Isen was already in the castle, Valda asked him to join them, much to Arwin's disdain. Valda sat at the head of the table, hands neatly folded, with Arwin on her left and Isen standing next to Maris, hand clasped behind him.

As Arwin spoke his agitation grew, and Maris made sure to write that down. Isen's calm demeanor took Maris by surprise.

Arwin explained that he had received reports about the activities in Umbriel, and Valda listened attentively. He never looked at Maris. It was as if she didn"t exist, and Maris was fine with that. She also wished he didn"t exist.

"I do believe it would be better if I head down there, under cover. I need to find out who is the one in charge."

Valda shook her head before he could finish. "Arwin—"

"Your Highness, I can go with a group of experienced soldiers. I am more than sure that I can infiltrate the rogues, find out who's behind all this, and be done with it. We have enough information to at least get close to them."

"I can go for you," Isen interrupted, "I can infiltrate it better than you can."

Arwin scoffed. "No offense, Captain, but a Sealian infiltrating? Really?"

"What's the problem, General?" Isen asked, standing up straight and crossing his arms over his broad chest.

"I will tell you what the problem is. A Sealian would never betray the throne. You should know."

"I will take that as a compliment." Isen nodded. "Yet, it is possible a Sealian could join the Umbriel rogues if that Sealian is not happy with what is happening to his people in this Kingdom." The handsome man glanced at Maris before turning to face the queen. "Besides—" He waved his hand at Arwin dismissively. "Everyone knows who General Arwin is. And he is very easy to spot." He pointed at his cheek.

Maris pressed her lips into a thin line as she tried not to laugh. Isen seemed not to be a fan of Arwin, and for that reason alone Maris liked him even more.

"Captain Hurley, if you may," Valda said, a soft, amused curve forming in her lips.

"Well, if someone knows who I am, I can just take care of them. Easy, no problem." Arwin asserted, trying to save face.

"Then the operation will be a waste of time." Isen shook his head and rubbed his temple. "Let me go. No one knows who I am, I am barely here in the castle as it is."

"Hurley," Valda warned, waving a hand at him, signaling to be quiet.

"My apologies, my Queen."

"We get it, Captain. You want to give your heart and soul to your second home. But sometimes it is imperative not to send a boy to do a man's job."

"My good looks are rather boyish, aren't they?" Isen flashed Arwin a perfect grin, and Maris hid her secondhand embarrassment behind her hand.

"My Queen," Arwin Isen turned his attention to Valda. "Let me go. I will have this done by the end of the month. If I could take you to this operation I would do so, but—"

"I get it." Valda interrupted him. "Yet I am afraid what Hurley is saying is true. You are well known, Arwin."

"I always find a way to get things done."

Valda crossed her arms over her chest, deep in thought. Her lips pursed as her brow knitted together.

"All right," Valda said, standing from her chair. "I will allow it."

Isen groaned and shook his head. "My Queen, please, reconsider."

"Are you doubting me, Captain Hurley?"

He gasped and quickly shook his head. "Not at all. Forgive me."

"It seemed to me like you are. We will have a small talk after this meeting."

Maris shuddered. If that statement had been directed at her...well, she would probably become aroused.

"Thank you, Your Highness," Arwin said as he stood and bowed to her. "I will take my leave in the next two days."

Valda nodded. "Take whatever you need. Everything will be at your disposal."

"Thank you, I will. Now if you excuse me, I need to get the troops ready," he said, leaving the room.

Isen swallowed hard before turning to Valda. "My Queen. Please." He got on one knee. "I didn"t mean to doubt you. I just—"

"Knowing you, you must be bowing down with a fist over your heart…"

Maris confirmed. "He is."

"Stand up, Captain."

He did and fixed his tunic in the process.

"I have a special assignment for you," Valda said, lowering her voice and walking closer to him.

"I am at the Sky Kingdom's disposal, Queen Valda."

"I want you to follow General Arwin."

Isen raised his eyebrows and lowered his voice as well. "My Queen?"

Valda nodded. "I want you to spy on him then report back to me. Do whatever you need to do, but I need you to do this alone. If you take a troop, he will know that something is up. It should be done with the greatest discretion possible. No one else should be aware of this task."

Maris kept her eyes on Isen. His expression shifted from one of concern to a more solemn, serious look. He straightened before gripping Valda's shoulder. "You can count on me, my Queen."

Valda nodded before touching his hand. "Go, don't come back until you have something."

Isen turned to Maris and bowed his head low before leaving the throne room.

Maris let out an anxious sigh before turning to Valda. "We are alone," she announced, closing her notebook, and standing. "Captain Hurley looks ready to battle, whereas Arwin—" She shook her head. "He seemed desperate to leave."

Valda let out a dangerous growl. "That's why I sent Hurley after him. I do hope he doesn"t get caught."

"Do you think he will?"

Valda grumbled something under her breath. "Arwin is a very clever soldier. He is a force to be reckoned with. Everything I know is because of him…" she stopped talking and opening her eyes to an undetermined spot on the table. "And I know a lot, or at least I did before."

Maris"s brows furrowed, "You know a lot, the fact that you are blind does not erase your memory or knowledge now, does it?"

Valda nodded. "I am unable to use my full potential."

"Or so you think," Maris said, moving close enough to place her hand over Valda's thick forearm. "You seem different today." She squeezed the taut muscle before pressing herself close to Valda's side. "Tense."

Valda turned her face towards Maris. "I am fine."

"No. You are not. I can feel it." Maris was desperate to know what was wrong. How come she was so distant? Why was she pulling away? "There is something you are not telling me, and I know. I know it is not my place but—" Maris shuddered, daring to place her hand on Valda's face and pulled her close enough to press her forehead against the queen's. They were out in the open, she shouldn't be doing it, but Valda didn't pull away. "I can find a way to ease your worries, if you tell me."

"Seashell," Valda pulled her closer. "It is nothing. I swear."

"You may say it is nothing, but I see how your face contorts with worry."

Valda pursed her lips before pressing them to Maris's mouth. "I am fine."

Maris froze at the sudden display of affection out in the open. Something was definitely wrong. Valda never even put her hands on her when they were outside her chamber. Valda was holding her with a longing that made her tremble, and even though she shouldn"t, she kissed the queen back. It was a tender, loving kiss, filled with affection, so unlike the passionate, possessive kisses they shared in the privacy of the chamber.

"I will try to believe you, Your Highness." Maris nuzzled Valda's cheek, earning a soft sigh.

"Of course." Valda sealed her promise with a kiss and pulled back, her hand lingering over Maris's waist before slipping away to her side. "I do want to ask something of you."

"Anything for you."

Valda's lips stretched to a smile. "I want to take you to New Agenor."

Maris's eyes widened. "What?"

Valda moved her hand towards her, and she gladly took it. Touching her had become one of Maris's favorite things. The softness of her skin, with the strength of her muscles, had become addictive, and if she could always touch Valda, then she would.

"There are so many things that I want to do for the Sealians, Maris." The queen sighed and scratched the back of her head. "I know you haven"t lived what they did, but as my assistant…" Valda stopped, squeezed Maris"s hand, and shook her head. "No, you are no longer my assistant."

Maris"s heart dropped, and before she could cry out her total hate for that sentence, Valda spoke again.

"You should be their spokesperson in all ruling matters in the castle."

Maris bit her lower lip as an unsettling knot tightened in her stomach. She put some distance between herself and Valda as she thought her words over. "Spokesperson?"

"Representative."

"But they already have that. That woman that came to the audience, she…"

"She is angry. I need a fresh pair of eyes. You will help me make decisions that will affect them. I am in no way qualified to make decisions without their input. You can help me with that. That's why I want to take you to them."

"They won't just talk to someone that just happens to land there."

"You are them."

"No, I am not. I was tucked away, remember? Gods, Valda! It was just yesterday when I talked to Isen. He is the only Sealian I've ever interacted with! I felt like I was a complete stranger to everything."

Valda shrugged. "What better way to connect with who you are than to surround yourself with it?"

Maris turned her frustrated gaze to the throne room's vaulted ceiling. It was now that she noticed the many windows that adorned the walls. The light peeked in, not too bright, not too dark, just right. She took a deep breath and placed her shaking hands on her temples, a sad attempt to regain some composure before she spoke.

"I have no idea who I am," she whispered, almost to herself.

Valda's bulging arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her in. "For now, you are Maris, a good hearted Sealian that happened to be in the right place at the right time. I understand that you might feel I am putting a lot on your shoulders, but if I had a chance to lead my people, to help them organize after what happened to them, I would take it. I would not trust this mission to anyone else."

"I am not a leader, Valda."

"Says who?" Valda canted her head before she cupped Maris"s cheek. "What I said in my bed was true. You are stronger than you think, and smarter. Besides, you can come up with a thousand ways to make the lives of your people better. Of course, to do that you need to be in direct contact, and so do I. Let's go together, help me identify what they truly need. If this doesn't work, you can blame it all on me. They already do."

Valda's face stretched to a bright smile that made Maris"s heart flutter.

Maris"s hand trailed over the collar of Valda's blouse, playing with it before taking a deep breath. All her life, she was tucked away for no one to see, her abilities hidden. She never told her parents about her powers. There was no reason to. Even Melvian didn't know. Her powers would come and go as she was younger, but with each passing day she felt she could control it a bit better.

Oh, how she had entertained herself when it was time to take baths, how she had played with the puddles after a rare storm. The Sky Kingdom was such a dry place.Maris always complained to her mother about the heat, and Saha would always look at her with pity.

Her tricks were unpolished, clumsy. As much as she wanted to perfect it, the fear of being found out was stronger. If she were to become a representative to her people and a leader, she needed to break away from all of that, and she needed to step up and be stronger and bolder. Fear settled in her stomach, and she became queasy with the thought of meeting all of them. Valda pulled her into an intimate hug.

Maris tucked her head under Valda's chin, her own arms circling her waist and slowly squeezing her with a content sigh. Valda was there. She was there, and she was holding her tightly, and she was making her feel so safe. Maris"s chest was about to burst with all the love she felt.

Love.

Valda made her feel loved, and she hadn't felt like ever. Even now, as she held her, asking her to do something so important as to lead, Valda wasn"t pushing her to make a quick decision or to give her a straight answer. She simply held her, as if knowing that the decision Maris was about to make was important and needed to be thought through.

But Maris already knew the answer. She knew what she needed to do. She had to protect and help her people. "Valda?" Maris called out, a mere whisper as her hands took hold of the blouse on Valda's back. "Take me to New Agenor."