Chapter 32

Elynor was thrown into turmoil as rumors of the assassination attempt on their beloved queen spread like wildfire. The people were shocked and horrified, and many began to question the safety of their beloved monarch. The kingdom was already embroiled in conflict, and this latest news only served to fuel the flames of unrest. Conspiracy theories were strewn about and brought to life, in hopes of making sense of the confusion. Yet what the townspeople weren't talking about was a growing fear that they were experiencing. If Daeth had already entered Eylnor's borders, then how long until everything they loved would go up in flames? The castle guards were on high alert, patrolling the castle walls and keeping a close eye on the surrounding countryside. The knights trained tirelessly, honing their skills in preparation for any potential attack. Ana and Wesleynard barely spoke most days as Wesleynard worked tirelessly on defending the castle and ensuring the safety of Elynor. Natalia continued to check in on Ana daily, bringing her food and company. Despite her fear and uncertainty, Ana found solace in their conversations. They discussed the wedding plans, trying to keep things as normal as possible under the circumstances. The garden seemed to be the only place where Ana Sofia could find a quiet moment. She enjoyed the sun on her skin even if it made her hot and sweaty. Today in particular felt like a sweltering day. Natalia was by her side as they tended to the flowers, the bees buzzing around them.

"How are you feeling, my queen?" Natalia asked softly, glancing at Ana with concern. Ana sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I'm better, thank you for asking. The garden helps me clear my mind."

Natalia offered her a smile, "They are beautifully tended too, especially the roses they always appear to be in full bloom, ripe, and ready to be plucked."

Ana Sofia gazed at the roses with an impassive face, the memories of the day it was built, "This garden was a gift from my late husband."

"I see," Natalia said softly, her voice full of empathy. "He must have loved you very much to create such a beautiful space for you." Ana forced a tight-lipped smile feeling uncomfortable speaking about the man that caused her hell.

Natalia noticed Ana's uncomfortable facial expression and decided not to pry any further, "Shall we continue working on the flowers, or would you like to take a break?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Ana looked up at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "Let's take a break. The heat is getting to me." They walked over to a nearby shaded bench and sat down together.

Ana Sofia gazed at the fountain; she watched in jealousy particularly at how the water flowed so fluidly. What was it like she wondered to exist so freely, making its way into cracks and crevices? adapting to any contours it may come across. Unlike herself, she was like a slab of rock constantly hammered down and dipped in a fiery molt to be used as tool.

"My queen, what troubles you?" Natalia asked, her voice full of concern. Ana turned to face her, a small smile on her lips. "Nothing, just the beauty of nature always makes me ponder." Natalia chuckled softly, placing a comforting hand on Ana's, "You can always share your thoughts with me." She said in a quiet voice.

"I know, I'm just being silly, pondering over ideas that do not matter" Ana replied, trying to brush off her thoughts. "How about we head back inside?" Natalia nodded in agreement, standing up from the bench.

As they walked back to the castle, Ana felt a sense of calm wash over her. The cool air inside the castle was a welcome relief from the sweltering heat outside. She watched as Wesleynard trained with the knights, their swords clashing in a symphony of metal. His body was slick and dripping with sweat his entire body seemed to have deepened a shade of red. He was training with Ethan except Wesleynard looked almost desperate as they sparred, he was barreling down on Ethan's shield and aggressively shouting at him to improve his form. Ethan struggled under Wesleynard's immense strength and Wesleynard gave the man no respite. The two men were a striking contrast: Ethan was smaller and leaner with his reddish-brown hair plastered to his head from sweat; while Wesleynard was tall and broad-shouldered with his blonde hair tied back in a ponytail that swung behind him as he moved. Ana Sofia grimaced as she took in the sight, why was Wesleynard going to such lengths the knights especially Ethan were already skilled warriors there was no need for such ferocity. 

"Are you alright, my queen?" Natalia asked, noticing the concern on Ana's face. Ana shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "I'm just worried about Wesleynard. He seems so.... intense out there."

Natalia glanced out as she took in the scene there was not much she could say to comfort Ana. It was true the way Wesleynard was pushing himself to the limits painted an uncomfortable sight. The two watched as they clashed as seconds ticked on the image of them fighting grew increasingly difficult to watch. Their groans of anguish and heaving chests made Ana feel as though their hearts would burst and collapse to their deaths at any moment. 

"I should stop them they're going to hurt themselves." Ana stated "No, let them be, it's just their training. They know what they're doing." Natalia replied, trying to reassure Ana.

"But he's pushing Ethan too hard, he's going to snap." Ana worried profusely her brow furrowed as she watched their moves closely, "My queen, they're trained knights. They can handle it." Just as if contradicting her words there was a loud shout and Ethan launched at Wesleynard the two women gasped Ethan had sent a fist to Wesleynard's face, and the larger man seemed to barely flinch as the fighting became hostile the other knights surrounded them shouting as they attempted to separate the two.

Ana Sofia ran down the steps nearly toppling over herself, seeing how difficult it was for the knights to disengage the two men struck fear in her heart "Wes, stop this!" Ana Sofia shouted, running towards them. Her voice was laced with despair, she could see the exhaustion on both their faces.

Ethan finally managed to pry Wesleynard's hands off his sword, and the other knights formed a barrier between them. Wesleynard was the first to break as he grunted and stalked away, Ana Sofia chased after him not before giving Ethan an apologetic look "Wes, please calm down," Ana Sofia pleaded, catching up to him. He stopped abruptly, turning to face her with a look of frustration.

"What business do you have here?" he replied brusquely. 

 "I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Ana Sofia said, her voice shaking slightly noting the tone in his voice. She took in his sweating form his muscles rippled underneath his tunic and his pale face was beet red. His eyes contained a coldness to them, and she shuddered she was afraid if she touched him, she may be the next victim of his wrath. 

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken it out on Ethan like that and you shouldn't have seen me like that." He replied, his voice low and gruff.

She reached out a hand to touch his jaw his skin was burning and hot to the touch, and she noticed his bleeding from Ethan's blow. She swiftly took out a handkerchief from her gown's pocket, pressing it against his split lip. "Here," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern.

"Let me see that." He hesitated for a moment before allowing her to gently dab at the wound. She winced as she saw how deep the cut was, her heart heavy with worry. "Wes....," he held up a hand as if begging her not to continue, "I'm alright Ana."

"But you're not. You're pushing yourself too hard. The others are skilled knights as well, they can handle much with their usual regime. You don't need to put yourself through this kind of torment." She said softly, her voice filled with worry.

He looked at her then, his eyes meeting hers. "I can't help it." He continued, "We can't allow something to happen to you again. I can't allow it Ana I don't care if I train myself or my men to death. You are the crown."

Ana Sofia sighed as she furrowed her brows, "Do not speak so lightly of lives like that. Ralthone was there that day and I-" Wesleynard's eyes sharped at the mention of his name, "Ralthone? He's just a regent. I'm the one who has to protect you. And I will, no matter the cost." He said fiercely, his gaze unwavering.

Ana Sofia sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing further. "Very well. Do what you must but, please I ask you to lighten the knight's load they already have many duties." She asked as she gazed into his blue eyes. They seemed to hold an immense amount of pain, and she wanted to share his burden Wesleynard looked at her for a moment before nodding in agreement.

"Alright, I'll try. But I can't make any promises" he said solemnly. She touched his pulsating hands and placed a gentle kiss on his knuckles, he stiffened at her soft touch, but he let her continue,

"Take an early day off, I haven't seen you. Perhaps we can spend the evening together?" Wesleynard looked at her, his expression softening. "Alright, I'll take your advice and your suggestion." He sighed, running a hand through his sweaty hair. "And I'd like that." He said, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.