DEPARTING

I am not a queen because I rule, I rule because I am THE QUEEN.

Birthed in my heart. Alive in my veins…

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

Nadezhda’s countenance faltered.

Her reaction sparked conflicting emotions within Zorgan – both of gratification and of the highest irritation- not toward her but the circumstance.

A few moons ago, she would have been indifferent to his revelation but at present, a touch of sorrow crept into her features.

Zorgan stood up from his seat at the far end of the table and came toward her.

The words ‘Veiled mission’ told Nadezhda the primary elements of Zorgan’s journey.

He was forbidden, strictly bound to silence about such a voyage and such travels bore no fixed period. It might span half a cycle or stretch to four moons. If it ended in just two, it was considered Heavens’ blessings.

Nadezhda shot to her feet before he reached her, forcing a tight smile into place.