Imagery

General Herxcis was not pleased.

No, as the leader of Brevolia stood studying the strategic map, with her hands clasped stiffly behind her, a sour expression flashed across her features. She was among other important figures of her kingdom and surrounding areas, including her sister and adviser, Captain Branagan, a foreign diplomat from the east, and her lover and Lord from the neighboring kingdom to the south. The foreign diplomat, a stout and grizzled man, was prodding figurine units around the map.

“And here, my Lords, is where Bain and his men have stationed their cavalry. In Lyme.” Under the guidance of the diplomat’s riding crop, the miniature standard of General Bain came to rest over a smaller kingdom a few miles southeast from Brevolia. Herxcis’ iron gaze was locked on the unit, but she stayed silent. From where she stood behind her sister, Branagan was also quiet, a dark and troubled look brewing on her slight features. Shield stood to the left of his lover, bent slightly with his hands resting on the strategic map. He glanced back at Herxcis with a slate-colored gaze. Her own eyes traveled to his, and they exchanged a brief look.

“He has taken the city, then?” Shield asked, his gaze lingering on Herxcis before flickering to the diplomat.

“Yes, my Lord. We of Carim fear that he has his eye set on our own kingdom, as it is just north of Lyme.”

“Branagan, what do you think of Bain’s conquest?” Herxcis asked in a soft voice. Branagan’s silver eyes swept the map, taking in all of the kingdoms of Loare.

“I am in agreement with our Carimian friend,” the Captain started, her tone matching her sister’s. “Bain is getting out of hand. It is his lawful right to expand his kingdom through diplomatic or strategic means, but I think we have all realized that he is getting out of hand. I fear The Order will not be able to contain him, and I feel we must work to unite the other kingdoms against him to protect ourselves from his onslaught of invasion.” Both Herxcis and Shield gave a nod in agreement to Branagan.

“Thank you, Geoff. If you would ride north to warn the brothers of Ire of Bain’s intent, and propose the idea of alliance as soon as you are able,” Shield said, straightening. The diplomat bent at the waist briefly in a bow towards the Lord and Ladies before exiting Herxcis and Branagan’s small council room. Captain Branagan nodded to her sister and Shield before taking her own leave. The room fell silent before Herxcis released a ragged sigh, relaxing from her rigid posture to lean heavily against the table. She used one hand to massage her furrowed brow as she closed her eyes. Silently, Shield drifted to her side, placing his hand on top of hers on the table.

“Herxcis,” he whispered softly, running his other hand gently through the bangs of her ebon hair. Her tired gaze traveled to meet Shield’s, and his slate-colored eyes were filled with comforting warmth. His hand came to rest on her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin softly.

“You aren’t sleeping well, again?” he murmured. Herxcis closed her eyes and sighed into the warmth of his hand.

“No. Bain’s tyranny keeps my mind awake at night.” She heard Shield chuckle softly.

“Don’t worry too much about the other kingdoms, darling. Once we unite Brevolia and Heathe, the smaller kingdoms will join the protection of our forces. Once you are my Queen, we will stop Bain.” He moved to place a light kiss on her forehead, his neatly trimmed chestnut scruff tickling her face. Herxcis gave a refreshing sigh at his acts of simple comfort.

“Thank you, my love,” she whispered. His slate colored eyes glinted warmly down at her as he moved his face toward hers, his hand sliding to lift her chin gently. Herxcis met his lips with hers, and she automatically placed her hand against his stubbly cheek. The kiss was lingeringly warm. Herxcis gladly let the feeling of comfort and infatuation push the issues of Loare from her mind.

“I’ll see you at the Council of The Order later this week, love,” Shield said after they broke the kiss. Herxcis gave him a playful smile as she patted his cheek.

“Alright, darling. Ride safely back to Heathe,” she blessed him, and they kissed once more before Shield departed for the castle stables.