Exhausted

Leaving The West Wing yet again, I Find My SELF Feeling suddenly exhausted. The Doctor's Orders come wavering back to me. I Need Rest.

I take a Deep Breath and quickly run through the long list of Items still left to Be Accomplished. Layra Needing Help is a Top Priority, but this will Require a Village Visit - one that I would much rather make at the Time of Jonathan's Arranged Visit with The Children's Mothers.

Perhaps I will Seek out Seamus and have him Wake Me when ALL has Been Set into Motion..

I tread slowly to The Training Grounds, Knowing I will Find him there. Atop the stairs Leading down into The Arena, I pause to Look around. Thankfully, I immediately spot Seamus wrapping up Weaponry Training with our Recruits. The Troops disperse, and Seamus wipes his brow. He Begins removing his Armor, as he walks Toward The Estate. The Sunlight Gleams and Reflects off of his Armor, Momentarily blinding me. I Lift my hand to shield my face - the action capturing Seamus's Attention. He Smiles and makes his way to the top of the stairs.

"My QUEEN." He Says. "To what Do I owe this Honor?" He flashes a coy, subtle grin.

"My Dear, Seamus. Are you Growing quite Fond of me?" I rhetorically Question in reply. A Slight flush Rises at the base of his neck. I continue. "May we Speak Privately?"

"Undoubtedly." He responds. "May I Lead?"

I gesture him Forward. Seamus takes a swig of cool water from his canteen before fastening it securely onto his belt and Guiding us back inside The Estate. We wind through the corridors Leading up Torward The Council Chambers. Outside his door, he takes out a key and unlocks the room, Granting us Entry. He places his loosened Armor in its Rightful case, and Begins rummaging through his wardrobe for fresh Attire.

"My QUEEN." He Says. "Will YOU Excuse me?"

I nod Permissively.

"Thank you." He bows his head and slips into his Private Washing Room.

Feeling fatigued, I take a seat in front of the Hearth and Allow my eyes to close. I Breathe Deep, listening to each slow Inhale and stress-Relieving Exhale. My Mind Begins to Clear. Xavier's Other-Worldly Beauty Comes into View. A subtle flutter bubbles across my Womb. My Breath catches.

"My QUEEN!" Seamus exclaims. Startled, I open my eyes. "Are YOU Well?" He hurries to Kneel before Me, taking my hand in his. A look of Deep concern etches his brow.

Coming to, my Gaze settles upon his. A small Flame flickers in his eyes. I blink, Clearing the Vision from my Mind.

"My QUEEN.." He softly repeats, daring to brush a loose strand of hair from my face, his eyes searching Mine.

"I am." I Whisper. My HEART Beginning to race with uncertainty.

He Breathes a Sigh of Relief. "GOOD." He Says, Kissing my hand. "You Gave me a fright."

"Even The QUEEN Needs Rest, Seamus." I Gently Remind him.

He nods in Understanding and Rises. "Forgive me, my QUEEN."

"There is nothing to Forgive, Seamus." I respond. "In TRUTH, this is WHY I have Requested your Presence." I continue. "Jonathan is Arranging a Private Meeting between my Self and the six remaining Women. I Need you to Ensure this happens no later than this Afternoon." He nods in Agreement.

"I Request to Escort YOU, my QUEEN." He Says.

"Naturally." I Agree. "However, I am weary and Rest is Necessary."

"I will Seek YOU when the Arrangement has Been Set, my QUEEN."

"GOOD. That is all I Ask." I Smile. He Smiles softly in return.

"May I Escort YOU to YOUR Chambers, my QUEEN?" He Asks.

"That will not Be Necessary." I Say. "Your concern is Appreciated, however.

Seamus bows his head.

"I must take my leave." I slowly Rise and cross the room. I turn to Meet his line of Sight one last Time. "Thank you, Seamus. For your Loyalty. It Does not go unnoticed."

The flickering Flame returns to his eyes. "YOU ARE THE QUEEN." Passion fills his Voice. "For YOU, I WILL LAY DOWN MY LIFE."

Warmth fills my eyes. He Smiles, his Gaze never leaving Mine. "My QUEEN.." He Begins.

"Seamus.."

"I.." His words are Careful.

"..I Know." I quietly respond.

"Am I wrong?" He Questions.

"It is not Possible." I Confirm.

"I Know." The Flame in his eyes dims.

I walk Toward him, cupping my hands Delicately around his face. I lean in and place a Gentle Kiss upon his cheek. He steels. I Give him a soft, Knowing Smile. He bows his head.

"I will Alert The GUARD of your Coming this Afternoon."

He nods. "Yes, my QUEEN."