Fire and Ice

CHAPTER 18

Joselyn was starring at her reflection in the mirror. She had chosen a gown with the dark blue and white colors of her Kingdom, and she would continue to wear the colors until after the war. Her allies were not coming for a social visit, but to assist her in war so she also adorned her crown. As Joselyn starred at her reflection she was satisfied she represented her Kingdom well. She knew she was readying for battle, and she tried to prepare herself inside and out. After a long sigh, she looked at herself once more, stood, then walked out of her chamber. Joselyn wasn’t surprised to find Rowan standing outside her door wearing the same blue and white colors on his armor; she was however surprised to find Marcus. He was also waiting for her, only he wore the green and gold colors of his kingdom. Marcus’s serious demeanor matched Joselyn’s. “Are you ready?” Rowan asked Joselyn. “Always.” Was her reply as she and Marcus followed him to the throne room. This was a room she never used. It had two massive thrones sat inside a massive room. The only time to use this room was for serious matters, such as war. She had to sit and welcome her allies. Rowan escorted Joselyn and Marcus to the enormous room and she took her place on the “Queen’s” throne. The other throne was empty as it was intended for the King. Rowan took his place beside Joselyn and Marcus stood beside him. As they waited for King Leon to arrive Rowan talked in a calm and reassuring voice to Joselyn. “You are a fighter, you have been trained with every weapon, and you have more courage than most men. Don’t worry about this war, you will protect this Kingdom.” Marcus could hear Rowan talking to Joselyn. He realized Rowan was calming her down and building her confidence at the same time. Joselyn didn’t respond to him, she just gave a small nod with each sentence. Rowan was in the middle of giving support to Joselyn when the announcer opened two large doors at the front of the room and announced “King Leon.”

King Leon was announced and he walked in wearing his Kingdom colors as well as his crown. He walked all the way to Joselyn’s throne and half bowed. When he rose upright he said, “Queen Joselyn, the Kingdom of Aragon is at your service.” Joselyn stood up from her throne and walked up to King Leon. “The Kingdom of Leonise is indebted to you.” These same formalities would be done with King Aaron and King Henry as a show of respect and appreciation. Now that the respect and appreciation had been shown between Joselyn and King Leon, they began their regular conversation. “Dinner is ready Leon, I know you must be starving.” “Dinner sounds great. Oh, Rowan. My men are outside. I know you want to get them organized as quickly as possible.” Rowan walked toward King Leon with Marcus beside him, “I thank you King Leon for placing your trust in me in regards to your men. However, I am going to have them fed then rested. I will begin organizing them at first light.” King Leon smiled, “You are a good commander of the guards Rowan. Now, I would like a hug from my son.” Leon said as he reached out for Marcus. Marcus embraced his father and said, “I’m glad you’re here.” Leon smiled as he hugged his son, “Me too. Now let’s get some food. I’m starving.” Marcus reached out for Joselyn and she immediately hooked her arm in his and they began walking toward the dining hall. “Well I can see there have been some changes around here.” Leon said laughing. “You have no idea” Rowan said.

Joselyn was seated at the head of the dining hall with King Leon and Rowan sat on her left and Marcus to her right. When the first course arrived King Leon waisted no time eating. He was famished from his long trip. After getting some food in his stomach he looked at both Joselyn and Marcus with the same question, “So, how have you two been getting along?” They both looked at each other with a smile before Marcus answered, “We have gotten along very well.” Leon chuckled at his son’s response. “It looks like you two have gotten along very well. What do you think Joselyn, are you of the same opinion?” Joselyn looked at King Leon and with a serious tone said, “Leon, I have fallen in love with your son.” Rowan almost choked on his food while King Leon smiled and clapped his hands. “So when is the wedding?” Marcus placed a hand on Joselyn’s, “We are not engaged to be married yet.” King Leon got a confused look on his face, “Well, why aren’t you engaged yet?” Marcus was starting to feel frustrated, “We aren’t engaged because I haven’t asked her yet.” King Leon began shaking his head. “Marcus, I just don’t understand you. You finally found a woman you love, she loves you back. What is the problem.” At this point Joselyn could see Marcus’s frustration turning to anger so she interjected, “Marcus, like myself, is focused on the war and what needs to be done to prepare for it. It is not the right time for romantic sentiments.” Leon sat quietly for a moment, “Well, I am happy to know there is a mutual love between both of you. It makes my heart happy to see my closest ally and my son in love, and you’re right. We do need to focus on the situation at hand.” Marcus was relieved the topic had been changed. He wasn’t going to tell everyone at the dinner table he planned on asking for Joselyn’s hand after this war with that ridiculous King. Marcus squeezed Joselyn’s hand before letting it go and began participating in the dinner conversation which had turned from love to war.

After dinner, everyone still sat around the table talking. King Leon couldn’t hide the happiness on his face even though the conversation was anything but happy. Joselyn felt tired from the events of the day and the thought of war itself. She wanted to lay down and just go to sleep; tomorrow would prove to be just as tiring. Joselyn rose from the table, “Leon I hope you don’t think me rude, but I must get some rest.” Leon stood up from the table and walked to her. He grabbed both of her hands in his, “I do think you are rude, but that has always been part of your charm.” He laughed. “Go get some rest Joselyn, you need to be at your best throughout this entire ordeal.” Joselyn laughed a little as she turned to walk to her chambers. “Marcus”….King Leon turned to speak with his son but he was already by Joselyn’s side. “I will be back father, I must see Joselyn to her room.” Leon shook his head from side to side smiling, “That boy has it bad.” He said to Rowan. Rowan chuckled, “They both do. I don’t know what it is about your son, but he is the only man that seems to understand Joselyn. He is also the only man who doesn’t try to tell her what to do. He talks to her, not at her.” King Leon grinned with pride. “Well Leon, I must get some rest as well. I have an army to command at first light.” After bidding each other a good night Rowan went to his chambers. After Rowan left, Leon realized he was alone at the dinner table. He smiled as he heard Marcus’s footsteps. Leon stood and opened his arms to embrace his son. Marcus grabbed his father tightly and held on for a few moments. “I’m proud of the man you have become Marcus” he said as he held his son tightly. Marcus’s eyes welled with tears when he heard his fathers words. “Alright son, I want to hear all about your time here, and don’t leave out anything.” Marcus nodded in his fathers shoulder then pulled out of Leon’s embrace. “Let’s find a comfortable place to sit and talk.”

Leon and Marcus made themselves comfortable and Marcus began, “I fall in love with her more everyday. I can’t explain it. She is the one I want, and after this war I plan on asking for her hand in marriage.” Leon smiled, “I’m glad you have found the woman you want to be with, and Joselyn doesn’t make any qualms about her feelings for you.” he said as he laughed. “I have to say Marcus, I never thought Joselyn would choose to marry, and I never thought you would choose to marry. Now the both of you have chosen each other. You do realize you will have the most powerful Kingdom there is as you are set to inherit mine.” Marcus sat quiet for a moment, “That thought never crossed my mind. All I want is for her to be happy. I understand I will have to take the throne and the points you make are ones I need to think about. Joselyn and I will approach matters with our Kingdom’s best interests in mind. She already rules that way, so I will just follow her lead.” Leon looked at his son with admiration, “I never thought I would see the day you would welcome royal responsibilities. Now you are not only thinking ahead about this Kingdom, you say Joselyn and I as though you two were one person. I am so happy for you son. We just need to get this war over with then you and she can get on with living your lives.” Marcus looked at his father and hesitated before speaking, “I’m not sure whether you plan to stay away from the fight, but Joselyn will be atop the castle with the archers. I will also be by her side not only fighting, but protecting her as well.” Leon looked at his son, “You are asking me in a polite way whether I am going to send my men into battle while I watch. The answer is no. I always fight with my men, as does Joselyn. Henry and Aaron are different. They will stay away from the battle and use an escape route if necessary. It’s best not to speak about it now as they are Joselyn’s allies. They should be here tomorrow evening with their armies. Rowan is going to have a difficult time, but he will manage.” Marcus nodded showing his understanding. The last thing he wanted to do was upset an ally for this war. “Well son, we can catch up more tomorrow. I am in need of a good nights sleep.” Leon stood and hugged Marcus as he left to go to his chambers. Marcus sat back down with a smile on his face. Even with war approaching, the thought of Joselyn brought a smile to his face. He sat and thought about her for a while before retreating to his chambers for welcomed sleep.