Start of a Revolution

"You cannot keep delaying this! How many more attempts on your life can you take?" Thomason passionately declares as I finally agree with him on a subject.

"I assure you that no matter how many attempts Ophela will prevail, as will I!" I state as I standing up from my chair, "But I will deeply consider if war is the best option, I want our militia's number and the treasury's remnants on my desk!" I command as I sigh, "Meeting adjourned, I have a lot to think on" I repeat, staying in my seat as I watch the councilmen scurrying out the gathering room like the scared rats they are.

"He is correct, you know" Gavern's voice penetrates my thoughts, "You cannot be on guard all time" he doubts as I escape my wretched chair.

"The only thing I cannot escape is this mortifying excuse of a chair" I respond as I lead myself to the pitcher of wine, pouring a chalice for me. "We both know I am more than capable of defending myself" my response frustrating him further.

"And we both know why your father trained you the way he did!" Gaverns defends as I recall the training sessions, tightening my fingers into the chalice wishing I could tear the gold from its rim.

"I have to admit, the older I get the more I can admit the selfish deeds my king father committed" slander and weakness finally collecting as my memories rained pain.

"He wanted to make sure that you could protect yourself, only if you had to!" He admits, snatching my desired chalice from my grip.

"I have had to defend myself more times than my men have marched into battle under my command! NOW GIVE ME!" I command as Gaverns stubbornly denies me my cherished wine.

"I heard you and the King?" He says, sounding more like a question, "less wine is beneficial for a soon to be mother" he finishes as I callously laugh at his words.

"A child now? In the midst of war!" I berate him, stealing my chalice from his hand and sipping my wine, "I'm not stupid, I cannot be on bed rest and leave my people vulnerable!" I explain as Gavern sighs at my over reaction, but I can't help it.

"I will get those papers you so desperately desire" his voice petty and face sunken in frustration as he leaves me. It seems they all do.

**************

Pressing my knuckle against the door and hearing the atrocious echo of the reverb through the empty hall, all except me and two guard. Their faces still as the door opens to me and I see her. Sitting on her chair, remembering the kiss we shared in the same room.

"If you do not have those documents I need I swear I will stab you Gavern!" She angrily spits out, placing lifting a glass to her lips

"I would like to talk to my wife" I say aloud, her glass finding its footing on her desk. Her blank and cold eyes meeting mine.

"Here I am" clear observation breaks the silence.

"Alone" I order as she nods her head and her guards leave, her hand full with wine. "Your drunk?" I ask as she smirks

"Wine was never my drink of choice, but it drowns out the responsibilities" she replies, downing the contents of the glass, pouring herself another.

"Being irresponsible, are we?" Questioning her intentions, smirk spreading across her stoic face.

"I can play hooky when I please" she reasons as I sit across from her, "Maybe I should give the people what they want." Her voice sad as she sips from her chalice.

"And what would that be?" I ask her as she stands from her chair and looks out that tall window of hers. Her chalice meeting her face as she stares.

"Dead, they would only mourn a day for me but the rest of there lives for my father and not a single minute for my uncle who did whatever he could. This world is the cruelest of all." She reiterates, almost like she's said it before, "They never even truly knew him, what he did, how he treated others. In some ways he was a monster, in others he was a man." Absolving herself of her thoughts, "Sometimes I wish I could stop fighting" her eyes swollen red but her resilience to not let a single tear fall from her eyes. Standing as she walk from the only light in the room to me, noticing her struggle I stand as she trips on her rug and I hold her waist as her head falls into my shoulder. She left a slight sting but I never want to admit it to her.

Silence lingered, desperately wanting to break it as she finally looked up to me. Her eyes in the sunlight looking like orbs, green and subtle hints of red as her lips quivered. No words were said but in this moment I knew I made a mistake, that one night. I let lust take a hold of me, but the stinging pain she left was only the beginning. I knew this was no longer lust for me, but maybe it was still this for her.

"Kiss me" she mumbles as I nods my head to her suggestion. Bending my knees and carrying her to her couch.

"The only thing you need is rest" I tell her as, for once, her body agreed. Her skin enjoying the cushion of the couch as her nose scrunches. "I'll take my leave" I dismiss myself as she grabs my hand

"Please-" her tired voice breaks, "-stay" her voice comes out as a slight whisper as her grip on my hand lessens and I run my fingers through her hair. Hearing a slight moan in agreement as she slept.

"MY QUEEN?" I hear as the doors open and I see her trusted councilman.

"She is asleep" I tell him, his eyes focusing in on her as if he doubted me.

"I will leave these for her" he says as I watch him walk to her table and leave them as he turns to me, "My king" he says as he bows to me and takes his leave.

Trying to tear my hand from hers until her grip tightens and pulls me back, using my handkerchief as I slip my hand out from hers and leave her holding my handkerchief close. Curiosity seducing me as I am lead to her chair, looking over her scattered table. Seeing the army and treasury report somehow I still doubted her decision, my mind tangled by the thought of her lying. Then I saw it, the war plan, I knew she was nothing but a liar.