Chapter 21

"What is it?" Her question hung in the dense air. Her arms tightened around Maris's waist, pulling her closer.

"Valda?"

Valda could feel Maris pulling away; she could feel her becoming detached. Valda clenched her jaw and pressed her forehead with her lover's. "What is it, Seashell?"Maris's fingers brushed her heated skin. The hesitation—the fear. Valda hated it. Maris should never be afraid of her, not in the slightest.

And then, a frantic knock on the door tore away the tension and the silence.

Valda's eyes widened, yet her grip on Maris did not falter. It grew tighter as she turned towards the sound. "How dare they?" The growl vibrating in her chest was smoothed away by Maris's soft hands upon her breast. "What time is it?" She asked her attention back to the woman in her arms.

"It's early. Sun's up." Maris sighed and pulled away from Valda. "Who is it?"

"It's Cai, ma'am."

Valda frowned. "Who?"

Maris shrugged. "I have no idea who that is."

Valda patted the bed around her, searching for something to cover her naked body. Maris noticed and quickly grabbed Valda's hand, guiding her touch a soft silk shirt.

"Put this on. I will get the door."

Valda nodded and tried her best to put on the blouse without Maris's help.

The knock came again, and with it, Valda's lack of patience. "I will tear the fucking door off its hinges."

"You will not do such a thing."

Valda heard Maris's approaching footsteps but didn't feel her touch. Instead, she listened as the younger woman opened the door.

"Cai," Maris said the name as if registering it in her head. Valda decided that whoever Cai was, wasn't going to harm them.

"Your Highness," Maris called out, turning her attention to Valda."This is the boy who received us when we arrived at New Agenor."

"What does he want?" Annoyance dripped from her tone. "And why did our guards allow him inside the house?"

Cai laughed nervously. "Your guards were not at the front door."

Valda scoffed in disbelief.

"Also, Eyphah asked me to let you know that breakfast is ready, and she wishes for both of you to join her."

Valda's shoulders tensed at the mention of Eyphah's name. The very thought of being in that woman's presence made her stomach knot. That woman and her audacity to ask Maris to go back to her cabin… How dare she?

Valda knew she shouldn't let her agitation get the best of her. She shouldn't let her anger burn at the back of her throat.She had no attachment to Maris, at least not in public. She wasn't her consort nor partner. Valda wasn't even courting Maris.

Her heart clenched. As they were now, they were way past the courting. They had moved to be lovers and open about their attraction when they were behind closed quarters, to wanting each other and having each other every chance they could. Yet, Valda was petrified of asking Maris to be her heart mate again. She wasn't sure how she would react if she said no again.

As if Maris had heard her thoughts, the Sealian's hands moved over Valda's soft cheek, tenderness in her fingertips. Being mad when Maris was around was hard… Valda melted into the sweet caress, closing her eyes, and lowering her tense shoulders.

"Don't," Maris whispered. "I can see you are over thinking."

"Am I?" Valda tilted her head further, her lips coming to find Maris's palm. She kissed it and pressed it to her face. That welcoming warmth was all she needed. Maris was here. She was touching her, everything was right in the universe.

"Yes. You might not know it, Your Highness, but you do wear your heart on your sleeve."

Valda's earlier agitation melted into a chuckle. Reluctantly, Valda pulled away from Maris's hand and spoke. "We better get going. I don't want that woman to burst into our room."

Maris agreed silently, lowering her hand to the edge of Valda's shirt. She tucked it inside her pants, fixed the buckle, and patted her down. Then she rolled up the sleeves up to the elbows, exposing the queen's strong forearms. Finally, her fingers ran over dark hair, combing it before being ushered out of the cabin.

Although breakfast was delicious, Maris's focus drifted from the empty plates to Eyphah, and then to Valda. The queen's features were unreadable, while Eyphah's amusement could not be contained by her subtle smirk.

Maris was irked by the gesture but opted to pay no mind to it and imitated Valda's lack of emotions. The least she wanted to do was give Eyphah a speck of hope of ever getting into her bed. Maris scoffed at how absurd the idea was. After giving herself to the queen the first time, Maris couldn't even imagine being intimate with anyone but her.

"Is the awkward silence entertaining to you, love?" Eyphah asked, lifting her mug, and having a sip of coffee.

Valda's grip on her folded white cane tightened noticeably. She wasn't surprised by Valda's response. She might take it as some kind of disrespect, but commenting on that would confirm she was indeed somehow attached to Maris.

"Eyphah, please. Call me Maris—"

"Representative also works," Valda interjected, her knuckles white.

Eyphah set her gaze on Maris, arched an eyebrow, and shrugged. "Let me use ‘Maris' then. It sounds much less formal than ‘representative'."

"Where should we start?" Valda spoke sternly.

"Wherever Maris wants." A wide and perfect smile spread across Eyphah's face as she turned her attention to Maris. "Did you have something in mind?"

Maris shifted uncomfortably in her chair as she nodded. "I want to see all the roads that lead in and out of New Agenor, as well as the ones inside the settlement. I've noticed they are not in the best state."

Eyphah nodded. "Done. What else?"

"The housing structures. What materials are you using?"

"Not the best. We have been recycling from broken down houses. As soon as one is destroyed after a sandstorm, we demolish and reuse what we can. It is hard to get construction materials with the roads as they are not to mention they sell us everything for twice the price."

Maris nodded, tutted, and took out her notebook. "Do you need construction materials?"

"Yes. New ones if possible. We are not asking for the best quality, but definitely new. We have survivors that used to work as engineers back in the Sea Kingdom. They can make the best out of anything."

Valda bumped her shoulder with Maris. "What about food? Where is your food sourced?"

"We have a small farm near the lakes. We use the water to keep it growing, yet we encourage our people to grow their own food."

Maris nodded and wrote in her notebook. "Can we see it?"

"We can leave right now," Eyphah said, pushing herself off the table and heading to the door while Maris gathered her notebook and placed Valda's hand on her shoulder.

The cabins in New Agenor were small. Most of them only had two bedrooms with a communal bathroom for every three houses. To Maris, it wouldn't be a problem, except that now when there was daylight, she could see how many people were in the settlements. She thought a population of a hundred, maybe two hundred, turned out to be approximately two thousand.

There were a lot of children in New Agenor. Young kids with different shades of blue hair ran down the settlement's unserviceable roads, laughing and oblivious to their surroundings. Having lots of young kids was a positive thing, yet, it broke Maris's heart. They didn't deserve to be living like that compared to the Skylian children. This place wouldn't do for them.

"There are a lot of children here," Maris commented as they continued walking.

Eyphah couldn't help but give Maris a sly smile. "We got busy as soon as we settled down."

Maris nodded at the remark. "Do you have a doctor amongst you?"

"No."

Maris's eyes widened as she followed Eyphah close behind. Valda's grip on her shoulder tightened. "You don't? How do you care for the sick? The children?"

"We don't get sick so often. The lakes provide us with all the medicinal necessities. We are not violent, so we don't injure one another."

"What about pregnant women? What about thieves? Accidents?"

Eyphah turned to Maris and then to Valda. "We have our ways."

Maris narrowed her eyes at Eyphah as she continued walking in front of her. She was hiding something. Maybe she knew of a blessed Asclepius worshipper. Maybe Melvian had visited New Agenor more than once. Maybe Isen had brought her here when they needed a healer.

Eyphah stopped at one of the small communal gardens. She let out a loud sigh before moving her hand theatrically. "We have over thirty of these. We do need some watering system to help them grow. The earth in this kingdom is as dry and barren as an old woman's cunt. We do gather water when it rains…or should I say, if it rains."

Maris turned to face Valda. The queen's upper lip twitched with annoyance as she slipped her hand off Maris. "Rhea has an excellent watering system. They have used it over many years on their farms and crops. I know our weather is not the best, especially if you're out here. But we can come up with something to help you. We are on good terms with that kingdom, so I can ask them for some blueprints of their system,"Valda explained.

"How long will it take?"

"Give or take? Two months. After that is all about getting the water you need." Valda sighed, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath through her nose.

Maris frowned and turned her entire body to face the queen. "Your Highness?"

"You can't use the lake as your water source, but there is water under this land." Valda raised her head. The morning sun shone upon her feminine features, and specks of gold shone through her hair.

"We know. We have been trying to dig a well since we came here. As much as we tried, we weren't able to reach it. That's why we make do with the water from the lakes." Eyphah narrowed her eyes at the queen. "It bothers me to no end that I've traveled to your castle to ask for the bare minimum, your mother never yielded. It was a constant battle."

Valda frowned at the mention of her mother. "I know. Things will change. You were right, Hurley. You all needed a break."

"I hoped you would. I practically live in the castle. Always fighting for my people, in hopes the queen would listen." Eyphah waved her hand dismissively. "She didn't."

"I cannot speak for my mother. I can speak for myself and the decisions that I will make regarding this place from now on."

Eyphah grunted and crossed her thick arms over her chest. "You still act as if you rule here."

"You are still stepping on Skylian sand. This," Valda swirled her index finger. "This is my kingdom. I am the ruler. As you step on Skylian land you must abide by my rules. Now I do know my family has not been fair with you, or your people. But I am here to rectify those mistakes."

Although Valda wasn't exactly looking down at her, Eyphah couldn't hold her blind stare. Her cobalt eyes trailed to the ground before raising her stare at Maris. "Thank you. We have lived in the dark long enough."

"That will change. I assure you," Maris said, interrupting Valda as she opened her mouth to talk.

Eyphah nodded. "I really hope so. Not for my sake, but for the kids. They deserve better."

"We can all agree on it," Valda said, flashing Eyphah an encouraging smile.

Eyphah chuckled and placed her hands on her waist. "We do need seeds, though. We would like to broaden our crops and foods."

"Done. I will tell my agriculture expert to bring in as much seed as you need after we build the watering system."

"What about our lakes?"

Maris rubbed her temples. "I would call them ponds."

"Whichever," Eyphah huffed.

"I will leave that to you, Maris. I haven't seen them. I will do whatever you wish to do," Valda said, her hand moving towards the young Sealian. Maris quickly grabbed it and placed it back on her shoulder. "Is there anything else?"

"Schools. We need a school, a bigger square to trade goods."

"Let's fix the roads and get the goods before looking for a way to trade them," Maris interjected before moving to touch Eyphah's forearm. "One day at a time."

Eyphah grinned and patted Maris's arm. "I am sorry if there is not much entertainment that I can bring you today. As you can see,"she pointed over to the square. "We are getting ready for the Night of the Nymph."

Maris raised her eyebrow and turned to look over Eyphah's shoulders. Indeed, there were a couple of musicians talking while holding their instruments. There were drums, but it was the violins that piqued Maris's curiosity. She wondered if they were built the same way as the one her mother gave to her. She bit her lower lip, and Eyphah noticed enough to turn to the musicians and then back to Maris.

"Do you play?" Eyphah asked.

"I do, actually."

"Well! You are a Sealian, after all. We are all blessed when it comes to the arts."She chuckled.

Valda slipped her arm from Maris's shoulder to the middle of her back and pushed her slightly away. "Go talk to them."

"What? No. I don't want to be awkward."

"Not at all!" Eyphah interjected and shrugged. "They would be more than happy to gush about their skills. Go!"

Valda shoved her softly. "Go, Maris."

Maris's gaze moved from Eyphah to Valda and back. She inhaled deeply and fixed her blouse before exhaling. "All right then. I will be right back."

As Maris's steps receded, Valda stood awkwardly next to Eyphah, who cleared her throat uncomfortably. As she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, Valda waited for the sound of violins playing in the distance. Instead, she got to hear Eyphah annoying chuckle.

"What is it?" she snapped.

"Nothing. Just taking in the scenery."

Valda frowned. What scenery? If she was correct, there was nothing to take in. Broken down houses, sad excuses of community gardens, and a couple of ponds were not something to admire.

Before she could talk, Eyphah said, "It is such a shame that you are blind, Your Highness."

Valda stiffened, a warning growl emanating deep within her chest and unfurling through her limbs.

"I could go into great details about all the things you are missing about your seeing-eye dog."

"Her name is Maris, and I would watch the next thing that comes out of your mouth, Hurley. I will not tolerate any disrespect."

Valda swallowed hard; her throat tight as she felt a distinctive emptiness in her chest she had been trying to avoid ever since her lips first touched Maris's. Never in her life had she wanted something as much as being able to see her lover, to see how she looked when she smiled, when she laughed, how she looked when she was sleeping, when she bathed. Valda let out a growly breath as her mind wandered at the sounds coming from Maris whenever they were together… She wished to have an image attached to those noises.

"Of course, my apologies." Eyphah quieted for a couple of seconds before addressing Valda again. "I am curious, though. How in the world did a Sealian end up being caretaker?"

"Assistant."

"Right." Her tone was dull. "Assistant."

"She was appointed to me by my mother when I fell… ill."

The silence enveloping them wasn't comforting. Valda could feel Eyphah's eyes on her, and it made her uncomfortable. "She is not your mate, isn't she?"

Valda's jaw tensed and she shook her head.

"Heart mate?"

"No."

Eyphah sighed. "Good. Then there will be no problem if she stays here rather than go back to the castle with you, correct?"

Valda blinked and took a step back. The thought had not crossed her mind, not even once. Her relationship with Maris, although secret, was...stable, right? She shook her head and turned her head the moment she heard the soft and sensual sound of a violin playing in the distance. Valda didn't need to look to know that it was Maris. Her Maris…

Valda's bit her lower lip at the sudden realization of her feelings, especially the possessive ones running through her at the thought of having her lover pulled away from her arms and into the ones of someone like Eyphah.

She wanted to say there was nothing for Maris here, but how could she deny Maris what belonged to her? How could she do the same thing her parents had done? "If Maris wishes to stay here," Valda began, her voice faltering as she tried to finish her sentence. "If she wants to stay here, I will not oppose it."

"Good. Because regardless of her job to you or the crown, she is a Sealian, she belongs here."

She belongs with me. "Whatever she wants, she gets," Valda said, turning away from Eyphah. She concentrated on the sound of violins playing.

She heard Maris laughing, as she stopped and instructed someone to play a different key before starting the song again. Another round of laughter slipped through the hot air until it reached her. And from far away she could make out Maris's voice.

Once the song ended, and once again Maris's voice reached her, this time closer. Valda stiffened. She wanted to leave. She wanted to go back to the cabin and hide out, not only from Eyphah but from everyone else. She wanted to be locked up with Maris as she had been in the castle.

"Is everything all right?" Maris asked, lazily placing her hand on Valda's back. The sudden touch made Valda jump, surprised to feel Maris so close to her.

"Yes. Can we go back to the cabin?" Valda snapped.

"Oh. Sure," Maris said, her voice filled with confusion and hesitation."Thank you for today, Eyphah."

The mention of the other woman's name made Valda's stomach turn as well as the retort, mixed in with the pet name Eyphah had used with Maris.

"No problem, love."

Nighttime passed by in deafening silence, in awkward touches and angry huffs. Valda and Maris ate in House of Arago, to Maris's displeasure and at Valda's suggestion. The queen had said she had enough socializing for the day and told Maris that she was more than welcome if she wished to eat with Eyphah at House of Proteus.

Maris declined over and over again, and confirmed she wanted to spend her evening with Valda. Tomorrow morning, they would visit the ponds or lakes and somehow determine what to do with them. Valda was quiet as she sat on the living room sofa, eyes closed. More than once, Maris thought she was sleeping. It was nerve-racking, and Maris had enough of it.

"What's wrong?"

Valda opened her white eyes to nothing and answered, "What do you mean?"

"You've been quiet all afternoon." Maris slanted her head and frowned. "Did something happen between Eyphah and you?" Her silence was louder than the words she didn't want to say. "Valda."

Valda's face shifted to where Maris stood, which was unsettlingly accurate to the Sealian's position. It sent a chill down Maris's spine, and she tried her best to hide the ragged breath escaping her lungs.

"I am jealous," Valda whispered into the cold air in the room.

"Jealous? Why are you jealous?"

Valda grimaced, not wanting to answer. "I am jealous of Eyphah."

"Eyphah?" Maris snorted dramatically. "Please!"

"It's not that I am jealous of the attention she might get from you."

"If any…"

Valda waved her hand, asking Maris to be quiet. "Ever since I lost my vision, I have had to deal with the fact that I am missing things."

Maris opened her mouth to protest. To tell her she wasn't missing much, that there was nothing she should feel jealous of, but instead, she allowed Valda to voice her worry.

"I miss watching the sunrise and sundown on my kingdom. I miss seeing the faces of my people working at Ophelia Plaza. I miss how Ophelia City looked when I stood from outside my balcony. There was something magical about all the flickering lights disappearing into the night as people settled to sleep." Valda scratched her neck awkwardly. "But today, I was talking to Eyphah, and she started saying some things which, I have to say, bothered me."

"Like?"

Valda's face contorted in pain. She covered her eyes with her left hand, rubbing her eyebrows in exasperation. "When you went to talk to the musicians, she said something about you. I didn't allow her to go into detail but…"

"And that bothered you?"

"Of course it did! Imagine that bitch having the privilege to look at you! I wish I could just scoop her eyes out of her sockets."

"Valda!"

"It's…" she sighed and slumped on the sofa. "It's not fair."

Maris nibbled her lower lip then patted her knees before standing up. The wood underneath her feet groaned as she made her way towards Valda. She moved Valda's hands away from her lap and slowly settled herself in it. She wrapped her arms around the queen's torso and rested her head on her broad shoulder.

"I am sorry."

Valda sighed under the welcoming warmth and weight. She cradled Maris closer and pressed her nose to her temple, inhaling deeply. "Don't be."

"You shouldn't be jealous, though," Maris whispered, one hand moving to grab Valda's thick wrist. "Want to know why?"

Valda grunted and squeezed Maris's body tighter. "Why is that?"

"She can look all she wants, but you," she took Valda's heavy hand and placed it over her left breast. "You, Your Highness, can touch." With a sly smirk, Maris squeezed Valda's hand tighter over her chest.

Valda's body tensed, and her breath hitched as a calloused hand gripped her tighter. "Can I?"

Maris nodded, "Touch…" She squeezed her hand once again before slotting their lips together in a chaste kiss. "Kiss—"

"Lick, suck, bite,"Valda added, pulling Maris in to grind her bottom on her lap.

Maris chuckled into the kiss, heat scorched through her, settling low on her stomach. She could feel her own heartbeat inside her head and between her thighs. "Yes, you can do all that."

"How about fuck?"

"Definitely, fuck." Maris sighed, a soft moan escaping her mouth as Valda's hand dipped to cup her bottom.

Valda pulled her in for another kiss, spreading her legs, so Maris was nestled between her thighs, legs straddling her waist. "Speaking of fucking." Valda bit her lower lip and then grinned. "I brought something from the castle that you might just enjoy."

Maris arched her eyebrow. "Oh?"

Valda nodded, her hands moving from gripping Maris's ass to slowly rubbing her back.

"Oh!" Realization washed over her, as well as a jolt of excitement. "Wait! How?"

"You were resting before we left for the trip. I managed to get it and slip it inside my bag."

"Slip it inside, huh?"

Valda's grin grew wider. "That's right."

"It would be a shame not to put it to good use. Wouldn't it?"

With a dip of her chin, Valda stood from the sofa as Maris wrapped her legs around her waist. "Let's put it to good use, Seashell."

***

As the sun hid over the horizon, the flickering lights of torches filled the settlement square.

The square was nothing compared to Ophelia Plaza or the court inside of Oberon castle. It was small and contained, rustic because the ground was not paved with small rocks like Ophelia. The preparations yesterday ended with large logs placed around a large blazing fire. As the minutes passed, children and their parents gathered around, taking up the space around the logs and torches.

The day before, when Eyphah had shown them the lakes to both Valda and Maris, she told them what she needed to keep them in optimal condition. They then shared a meal, and after that, Valda and Maris were left to enjoy the rest of the day as they saw fit. They went to the lakes had suggested, and after she explained how the water glowed when you touched it, and what she thought was needed to improve, they mostly talked about the plans to bring forth the help New Agenor needed. Maris couldn't be happier with all the promises Valda was making, starting by lowering taxes. It seemed like things were about to get better for her people.

Now, they were getting ready to attend the Night of the Nymph. According to Eyphah, the celebration was nothing compared to the huge festivities back in their home kingdom, but it was something, and Maris wouldn't miss it for the world.

Maris looked out from the window with childish fascination as musicians settled around the fire. The smell of delicious food brought and placed about the square reached her through the glass. Maris crossed her arms under her chest anxiously as she continued her inspection.

There were so many people, and according to Eyphah, everyone would be present at Night of the Nymph. Maris inhaled deeply and bit her lower lip at the thought. She hated crowds and being around so many people, but then again, they were her people.

She lowered her gaze to the ground, ashamed.

"Nervous?"

Maris jumped as Valda's booming voice consumed the thick air of the room. She turned to the washroom, where she saw her come out rubbing her fingers through damp hair. The queen was wearing a simple blouse, a dark slack, and her combat boots. Her sleeves were messily rolled up to her elbow. The white blouse stuck to parts of her wet skin.

"I am. There are a lot of people out there."

Valda nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. "If you do not wish—"

"I do." Maris didn't even let her finish her sentence. "I do, I feel like I have to."

"Maris, you are not obligated to do this."

"I am…" Maris whispered, biting her thumbnail. "Something out there is calling to me, and I am being pulled into it. I can't turn away; I can't just say no."

Valda pursed her lips before shrugging. "I understand," she chuckled.

Maris turned to Valda and tried to ignore how beautiful she looked with her wet hair and calming smile. "You do?"

Valda nodded. "When I was old enough to go, I always felt obligated to go out to the Patron Festivals outside of Oberon Castle."

"I am almost positive we danced at one of those Festivals."

Valda chuckled. "Probably. I danced with whoever pulled me in. I enjoyed the festivals, I loved being around my people and dancing with them. But after a while, I just felt it more as a chore rather than an opportunity to be with them." Her shoulders slumped. "If you don't want to go, don't."

Maris closed her eyes tightly and released the breath she was holding. Her steps echoed, and the floorboards groaned beneath her feet. She stood before Valda and held her jaw. She moved Valda's face until their eyes were somewhat connected. "I will go if you come with me."

Valda sniffed her laughter. Her eyes drifted shut as she relished the softness of Maris's hands. "Wherever you go, I go."

Maris's lips curled into a soft smile. "Really?"

"I promise." Her large hands settled on Maris's waist, pulling her close as she tilted her head, silently asking the Sealian for a kiss.

Maris couldn't deny her anything. She fisted her short dark hair and mashed her lips against Valda's in a slow yet passionate kiss.

***

When Maris walked down the stairs, Valda was patiently waiting for her in the cabin's living space. She was sitting by the small fire, her elbows resting on her knees. The queen automatically turned the second she heard the board of the stairs creak underneath Maris's weight.

"Ready?" Maris asked, her hand slipping to grab hold of Valda's.

"If you are," Valda answered, giving her fingers a tight squeeze before letting Maris place her hand over her shoulder.

Maris wore a dark blue, sleeveless tunic with a black girdle tied to her midriff and a deep cut down her cleavage, accentuating her large breasts. Tight white pants covered her long legs down to her knees, while calves-high boots protected her feet. She felt awkward. She had never worn full Sealian clothing in her life, and Skylian clothing was much lighter.

Taking a deep breath, Maris straightened her shoulders as she changed into the role of New Agenor's representative and the Queen's helper. She opened the door and left House of Arago.

The square was loud with life. Laughter and conversation filled the cold night with the warmth of family and friends. Kids ran around between the cabins and met up at the square to regroup and run off again. Musicians tuned their instruments, and the conversation grew as more people approached.

Maris felt her body tense the closer she got to the fire pit. She saw familiar faces she recognized from her meal when they had first arrived, but there were also new faces that stopped talking to stare at her as if remembering her from some other place.

If Valda could feel her tension, she was doing an amazing job at ignoring it. Maris wasn't quite sure she was able to hide her nervousness. She threw all the protocol out the window as her hand fetched Valda's hand and squeezed it over her shoulder.

A deep rumble escaped the queen's chest, and it rolled through her body onto Maris's. "My offer still stands,"Valda whispered, close to the curve of her ear. "We can go back to the cabin."

Maris shook her head, her hair brushing against Valda's face. "I will get over it," she whispered. "I will be fine."

"I am here. Say the word and we are gone."

A sudden jerk to her tunic made Maris snap her gaze down. A child, no older than seven, grinned at her. The child's smile was missing a couple of teeth. His hair was unruly, wild, and deep blue.Maris smiled back awkwardly before greeting him with a confused, "Hi?"

"Are you a newcomer?"

Valda arched her eyebrow. "A child?"

Ignoring Valda's question, Maris lowered herself to be at eye level with the kid. "Hi. What's your name?"

"Coljar." The boy smiled again.

"Coljar!" Maris yelped. "That's a pretty name!"

"If you are a newcomer you have to come near the fire!" Coljar said, grabbing Maris's hand and dragging her away from Valda.

"Wait!" Maris turned just in time to see the queen raise her hand searching for her. "I will be right back!"

Valda stood in her own darkness, surrounded by people and conversations she didn't pay attention to. Maris's scent was whisked away by the smell of food.

She was afraid to move an inch, afraid to bump into something or someone. She moved her hand to her back and pulled out her white cane. She unfolded it, and although she felt the ground underneath her, she stood motionless until a hand clenched her elbow. Valda tensed as she jerked and moved to the side. "Who—"

"Don't just stand there. Come."

Eyphah's voice broke through the din. With a loud growl, she yanked her arm away from Eyphah's grip, staggering as she took a couple of unsure steps. "Do not put your hands on me."

Eyphah sighed. "I am sorry. I didn't want the almighty Queen to look like a dumbass standing there."

"Why do you care?"

"I care ‘cause…" She drifted off, as if her attention was placed somewhere else. Valda was sure that she was looking at Maris. "I don't want Maris to worry about you. I want her to relax for the night and just enjoy herself rather than serve you like a dog."

Valda's grip on the white cane grew tighter. "She serves me out of her own volition."

"Sure," Eyphah's terse answer stabbed Valda's chest. "It has nothing to do with your title and the fact that you can give her anything she wants if she just fucks you the right way."

"You are lucky I am out in the open or I would've sucked the air out of your lungs." Valda bared her teeth. "Maris is not like that."

Eyphah sniffed and pushed Valda aside leaving her alone once again.

As Valda was about to call out for Maris, she felt a tug on her left leg. She frowned and dipped her chin to her chest as if looking down.

"Hi!"

Valda tilted her head as she recognized the voice. "Coljar?" She lifted her face concentrating on all the voices around her. "Where is Maris?"

"She is out with the musicians. Are you the queen?"

Valda tutted and nodded.

"Oh. You don't look that powerful. You look lost. Can't you see me?"

Valda shook her head at the boy. "I am blind."

"Oh!" Coljar fell silent. His tiny grip on Valda's leg did not lessen, though. They stood there, awkwardly taking in their surroundings before he pulled at her pants again.

"Yes?" Valda asked, mildly annoyed.

"Can we paint on you?"

"Paint on me?"

"Yes! Like, paint your face and arms. You have good arms."

Valda tilted her head. "Will you make me look ugly?"

"Nah!"

Valda scrunched up her nose and shrugged. "Well then. Take me away."

Coljar giggled, grabbed Valda's index finger and pulled her away. Valda didn't have much choice but to follow him. She tried to hide her amusement as she heard him order everyone around them to move out of the way, because the queen and her champion needed space. Valda smiled, calm and collected, as this tiny boy pulled her around by her finger until he casually ordered her to sit down.

Closing her eyes, Valda moved her free hand to feel her seat. She slowly sat and figured she was by the fire pit. Valda still heard the tumultuous chattering around her but tensed when a brand-new pair of small hands fell on her shoulder.

"Coljar! She is perfect!"

Valda raised her brow and turned her face to acknowledge the presence behind her.

"She is the queen!" Coljar said, releasing her finger and tugging on her shirt. "Hey, miss—"

"Valda," she rectified.

"Valda!" Coljar continued. "Can my friends help me out?"

Friends? How many are there? Valda opened her mouth to talk, but she suddenly felt a cold and wet touch in the middle of her left hand. "What is this?"

"Lia! You can't just start out of nowhere. We need to come up with a design!" Coljar's annoyance was palpable, and Valda could only laugh.

"How many of you are there, kid?"

Coljar grunted as he pulled himself to sit next to Valda. "Lia is my baby sister. She is super annoying and doesn't talk much."

"I talk!" Valda guessed it was Lia. She sounded much younger than Coljar. "I just—"she huffed, annoyed. "You talk too much! I want to paint!"

"Lia is right, Coljar. You just like to talk too much." Another girl behind Valda said while touching Valda's broad shoulders again. "I am Kimmi, Your Highness. I'm their cousin."

Valda nodded and then felt another wet dot painted on her hand, this time on her wrist. "Are you guys professionals?" she asked playfully.

"Eh!" Kimmi shrugged. "I could say I am. I've been doing this for three years now. Coljar and Lia want to imitate me."

"How old are you, Kimmi?"

"I am twelve. Coljar is seven and Lia is six." The young girl said before huffing. "You don't mind us painting you?"

Valda laughed. "Whatever you do is fine. I won't be able to see it."

"Others will!"

"If they don't like it, they can just close their eyes." Valda tutted and shrugged.

"All right then!" Coljar celebrated while Lia painted a third dot on Valda's middle finger.

"Your Highness, are you wearing anything underneath your shirt?"

"Of course,"

"I think you would look great with some designs on your shoulders and arms," Kimmi said as she patted Valda's forearm.

"And face!" Coljar added.

"And hands," Lia said, adding a fourth dot on her middle finger.

Valda snickered and shrugged. "Fine. You can use me as your canvas. I don't mind."

Kimmi let out an excited squeal and moved away enough to give Valda space to unbutton her blouse and slide it off her shoulders and arms, remaining with her chest wraps. Coljar and Kimmi's paint brushes clattered as they hurriedly grabbed them while Lia pulled Valda down to the ground, so it was easier for them to reach her tall form.

Within seconds, Valda struggled to keep still from giggling and laughing at the soft paint strokes on her skin. She scrunched up her nose, her shoulders quivered under the tickling brushes tickled her skin, and the sound of happy giggling children filled the air around her.

Maris's attention shifted from the violin she was holding to Valda's delectable laughter. She had heard her laughing before, but never with the intensity as she was now. Warmth spread through Maris's chest and stomach as she watched the all-mighty, growly, and scary queen sitting on the floor, surrounded by children, having her arms and face painted with bright colors. Absolutely terrifying. Maris thought before handing back the violin.

As the musicians talked to her about the different songs they were playing, Maris's eyes drifted to Valda again. She was sitting, legs crossed underneath her, her naked arms rested on her thighs as Coljar, and two other kids ran their brushes over her muscular arms and broad shoulders.The tallest girl concentrated on the small yellow dots she painted on Valda's face. The queen's nose scrunched as if to suppress a laugh.

Maris let out a satisfied sigh, but her moment of admiration was cut short when a deep, feminine voice filled the night's damp air. Surprised by the harmonic and lyrical voice, Maris turned to find no other than Eyphah, standing near the large fire, eyes closed, mouth open as she sang.

As if on cue, the musicians settled in their place and joined in Eyphah's beautiful voice with their instruments.The booming of the drums echoed throughout the settlement and into the night sky, accompanied by the sweet melody of the violins. Maris could feel herself being swept by the rhythm as well as the people around her. Children and young couples began to clap their hands, joining in the celebration.

They all stood from the logs to dance around the fire, circling it repeatedly. The music was so different from the one played at the Patron Festivals; so distinctively Sealian. Shuddering in a breath, goosebumps on her skin, she couldn't help but close her eyes and dive into the rich song which carried the story of a sailor and his prized treasures. Maris was pulled and lulled by the sounds of the raging sea inside of her. Her heart beat with the drums, and her hands began a slow dance of waves and raging wind.

With a content sigh, she stood from her seat and watched as the circle of her people—her people—laughed and danced around the fire. And just like that, she jumped into the ring, grabbed a youngster's hand, and let herself be dragged into the laughter and joyful words of the song.

Her feet moved of their own accord. Her hands slipped from hand to hand as she was passed around the couples. All she could see was a sea of blue hair, all with different shades, different textures. As she closed her eyes again, letting herself be enveloped by the music, her hand was captured by a rough and callous one. She opened her eyes and stared into a cobalt gaze that looked at her adoringly. Eyphah continued her song, her voice quivering as if she was holding something back.

A spark of lust was still prevalent in Eyphah"s eyes as well as longing. But Maris also saw the power and a burning need to protect which made her gasp before she was released back into the crowd.

Eyphah's voice filled her head, and the images of the song played out in her mind as if she had lived it. As if she had traveled from island to island on large boats. She pulled back and took a step away from the joyous crowd to watch a young Sealian woman stand before the drums, her hips swaying in time with the rhythm, her feet stamping out a staccato beat, guiding the drummers in their song. Their hands flew over the skins with effortless precision. It was a conversation between the dancer and the drummers.

Her eyes traveled over the joyous crowd, some danced, some ate and engaged in conversation, some were sitting down painting another person's arms and face, and that was where she found Valda. The queen was sitting down, eyes closed clapping with the rhythm of the music while the children that were once decorating her skin danced in front of her.

Not wasting a second, Maris walked to her before announcing, "I shall take away your canvas!" She grabbed hold of Valda's hand and pulled her up. Valda's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but Maris washed away all doubt when she pulled her in and whispered to her ear. "Dance with me."

It wasn't a question, or request.

Valda's face relaxed instantly. She gave Maris an awkward smile before shrugging her colorful yet bare shoulders. "I can't—"

"You can,"Maris interjected. "Close your eyes, let go. I got you."

I got you. Maris swallowed hard, her gaze fixated on Valda's nervous features, but then the queen nodded.

"I trust you," she whispered, her hand sneaking over Maris's waist, pulling their bodies dangerously and intimately close, unaware of curious gazes thrown their way."I trust you with my life," Valda said, pressing her forehead to Maris's, smudging some yellow paint on her skin.

The musicians slapped the palm of their hands harder against the drums' leather. The violinist picked up the pace, and Eyphah's voice sounded over all of them, harmonizing beautifully.

Now, the tired dancers moved away and left the rest of the dance floor for the couples. And Maris didn't waste a second to drag Valda into the circle. Valda stumbled once, maybe twice, but as Maris led her with the rest of the dancers, she got the rhythm down, closed her eyes, and began to laugh as their movement got faster, more euphoric.

Maris moved back and twirled the tall woman before being snatched away by a young and beautiful girl. Before she could say anything, she was pulled into a strong and tall body. Maris looked up and saw a handsome man smiling down at her before he twirled her away into the arms of a middle-aged woman. Maris turned back, frantically searching for Valda.

Her darling queen was now dancing with a man and then shoved to dance with a young girl. Something inside Maris stirred when she saw Valda dancing with someone else, laughing so freely. She was moved to the arms of yet another man and then to another woman. She never stopped looking at Valda as she danced and jumped from dancer to dancer.

Finally, Maris saw Valda moving closer. This time, she would not let go of the queen, her queen. She reached to capture the other woman's hands, and when she did, she was enveloped with a distinctive warmth that rose from her chest, through her neck, and up her face until it at last settled on her forehead. The heat was a welcoming change to the cold night, and so, her eyes drifted shut as she relished that warmth spreading through her entire body. Valda wrapped her strong arms around her, unconcerned by the questioning gazes.

Maris melted in the embrace, taking in Valda's peculiar scent, her nose tenderly nuzzling Valda's broad shoulders. She pulled away enough to look up at Valda, whose hooded eyes seemed to be looking down at her with a tenderness that made her heart ache.Her eyes drifted shut, as she allowed the other woman's strength to envelop her.

And then, Maris heard a gasp.

The music suddenly stopped, and Eyphah's voice died in her throat as a ragged breath escaped her.

When Maris opened her eyes, there was no one dancing. Everyone was staring at her with wide eyes, slacked jaws, and one or two elders' eyes were stained with upcoming tears…

Only then did she notice the steady beaming of a blue light emanating from herself…

"Princess! Our princess! She is here! Blessed be Poseidon!" Someone in the crowd hollered.

Maris looked up at Valda, whose beautiful face was adorned with dots upon dots of yellow paint and now reflected a shine of blue light.

Maris took a step back. Her hands trembled with both fear and excitement. She turned to her side. Coljar was sitting not far away, looking at her as if she was the most beautiful deity amongst all. She grabbed a small mirror he held, probably to show Valda how she looked, forgetting there was no use for it. Maris took it in her shaking hands and looked upon her reflection.

On her forehead, the steady beam of Poseidon's symbol shone through in the form of the trident. On instinct, Maris grabbed Valda's forearm, smudging more paint. "Valda," She called to her, but Valda was too lost in her own world to even acknowledge her. "Valda."

Valda's white eyes moved about as if she was searching for a way to see what the commotion was about.

"Who are they calling out for?" she finally asked until realization fell on her face, and the excitement that shone through turned into something Maris couldn't quite grasp. "It is you, isn't it?"

"The symbol…" Maris whispered, pulling herself closer to Valda. "It's on my forehead… it's shining I—"

"You are the lost princess?" Valda's throat moved as she swallowed hard.

Maris did the same, swallowing the only logical answer, but when she opened her mouth to speak, she felt a strong grip on her elbows. As she turned, she found Eyphah's questioning gaze on her once again. Maris searched into Eyphah's eyes for an answer, but the beam of the Sealian symbol draped Eyphah with a soft blue hue. The woman fell on her knees, grabbed Maris's trembling hands, and pressed her lips to them.

Suddenly, and in deafening silence, everyone around Maris lowered themselves to their knees… everyone except for Valda. The queen of the Sky Kingdom looked lost in her chaos, and little by little, she moved away from Maris, bumping into the kneeling Sealians until she was away from the crowd and heading back to House of Arago.