Chapter 11: Pride (3)
"Remember our promise, Demond?" Leona's voice was gruff, yet there was an underlying softness that hinted at the depth of their bond. The witch nodded solemnly, the weight of the words unspoken hanging heavily in the air.
"We speak of living till we see peace for our comrades, till we watch the sun rise upon a world where humanity can live without fear of the skies." The wolf chuckled, as if reminiscing an old joke between them. The weight in her throat grew heavier, yet she knew honesty would not presuade her master, for her master...she was ever the stubborn one.
"I will attend the peace banquet, Master." The wolf queen spoke with a finality that left no rooms to return to. The lie scorched deep into her torso's scar, burning more intensely than the ashes of her lost comrades. But for peace's sake, she would swallow the bitterness. For her master's sake, she would bear the consequences of deceit.
The master's gaze casted downward. Naive, how naive. They have journeyed for the past 50 years, shed blood in the war for the past 35 years, witnessed the ascension of the wolf queen herself for the past 22 years. And yet, she hoped. Hoped that her ally, her companion, her...last party member won't leave her.
"I understand, Leona." The witch nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. She knew the wolf queen's true intent, but she also knew that Leona had made her decision, a decision driven by the same unwavering loyalty that had made her a legend.
"Good. I will trouble you once again, my partner." The Wolf Queen smiled with her eyes, before turning her gaze to the dragon, before the dragon trembled a bit. Not out of fear, but of shock at the words echoing in her mind.
Adrei gritted her teeth. This is an unfamiliar frustration. Her kind had always been straightforward, yet here she was, tangled in a web of unspoken words and ancient loyalties. She felt a pang of guilt for the wolf's sacrifice, for the silent burden she had unwittingly placed upon her.
But then, Adrei nodded. She has been a keeper of peace for the past twenty years with the daugher of her saviour. It is obvious to her what she should do.
"Now, it is better to take care of...that wound on your feet." The wolf's voice was firm, as she stepped up to the throne, her eyes never leaving Adrei's. The dragon felt a warmth spread through her, conveying gratitude that the dragon knew she did not deserve.
The wolf didn't know. Adrei had no intention of playing the pride's game with the wolf. Her vow is with her wife, Demond, not Leona the Wolf Queen. For Demond, she will respect the Wolf Queen's pride, but not before the wolf insulted the honour between their bonds.