Always You

Zehri clutched her too still form in his grip tightly, staving back his tears, knowing that the presence of them meant what he could not yet bare to  accept. She wasn’t moving, and All hope evaporated with her demise, because Zehri knew without her everyone would lose their desire to continue fighting. Their motivation would dissipate and sorrow for their beloved Queen would take its place.  Zehri mirrored their pain. What was the point of any of this without his Queen, his best friend, his lover, his soul.  He watched the person standing before him with a sickening grin of triumph and felt his own  blood heat to an unmaintainable inferno. His rage rose and the powerful urge to kill encompassed him. Zehri glanced down at her, pained by how she bled steadily from her mouth and her skin felt so cold; almost frozen. Zehri ground his teeth, conflicted in his emotions as her killer attempted to ride away, unbothered. She needed help and she also deserved justice, but how could he choose. Both needed to be done, The only difference was one guaranteed a possible future with the woman he loved, while the other assuaged his inner guilt and fulfilled his sworn duty.     2 years prior   Quari ducked and twirled thrusting her blade upwards towards the male attempting to evade her attack. He narrowly missed it countering with a jab downward near her shoulder. Skillfully,Quari rolled away and jumped back to her feet posed and ready for his next move. The male stepped toward her staring her down before he swung at her faster than she expected. Quari bent backwards, her head near touching the ground  as the blade glided over her nearly grazing her neck. She recovered quickly, spinning and knocking the blade from his grip with a hard kick to his hand. Then she lifted her own blade posed to slice his throat clean open if he moved even an inch. Quari was still, Her hand hovering, watching his pulse thump as she stared her opponent down with confident ferocity.   The male suddenly smiled at her “Your getting better. This is the third time you’ve bested me” He stated happily.   Quari matched his smile with her own, her eyes dancing with victory and joy.” That is the point of all this training isn't it?”   “Of course. The pupil will likely always supersede their mentor”   “I am just waiting for the day that I can  best you in every way” She replied cheekily before strolling away from him.     Her assigned guards fell in step behind her watching their surrounding dutifully. Quari couldn’t deny her happiness at finally having bested her teacher. They had been training together for years. Ever since she was crowned heir to her throne. Quari was the only child of her father and mother and she knew since very young that she would one day be responsible for her entire kingdom. She took that responsibility seriously and proudly, even more so when her mother was killed during the attempted seize from the Erettel Kingdom when she was just 6. Quari strived to make her father proud. Every single day, in everything she did. Her father was her whole world.  He was her mentor, her protector, her hero. She always felt grateful and lucky to have had a father like him. Her entire life she witnessed what horrible fathers the kings visiting were. They were cruel and cold, treating their children like just a responsibility or an obligation rather than a person they loved. Tears threatened to escape for the thousandth time whenever she thought of her father. He was killed by bandits on route to a nearby kingdom, 4 years ago and it still gutted Quari everyday that he was gone. She hardly remembered her mother to grieve for her properly, But she definitely remembered her father.They had built many, many precious memories together over the years. After all once her mother died they were literally all each other had. Her father never remarried, calling her mother the great, one true love of his life that could never be replaced. Speaking of One true love. Quari’s mind strayed to the male that was always haunting all her dreams and thoughts each and every single day. His smile as he teased her relentlessly. His strong arms flexing with unparalleled strength. The smell of his sweat when it glided down his bronzed skin while he worked. Quari felt her self growing hot with intense desire, shivering at the entire vision she was painting in her mind. She quickly shook her head, trying to rid herself of the images. She should not be thinking of him in that way at all. He was her best friend, Her confidant, and the captain of her royal guard. But lord help her he was also so unjustly delectable. Zehri Was everything a male should be. Brave, fierce, honorable, and distractedly handsome. So. so handsome. With his chiseled thick build from hours spent honing his legendary fighting skills and his honey hued eyes; A  jaw  so sharp and perfect it appeared as though he was carved like one of the perfectly sculpted god statues that her mother loved to have decoratively stationed all throughout their castle. And his lips; They were so sinfully full as only a woman should rightfully possess. Pouty and luscious. He was desired by every woman in the kingdom. Poor,wealthy old or young. Men aspired to be like him and the woman aspired to marry him. Quari was his queen however and  thus he was of limits to her, so all her desires for the male were completely inappropriate and fruitless. Quari was well aware that she would be expected to wed another male that was also royalty. Someone who could bring further wealth and assets to her kingdom. It was her duty and as always she would make her father proud regardless if he was alive to view it or not. The issue was the Quari wanted Zehri. So badly it was beginning to consume her. He invaded her thoughts at all hours of the day and at night, it was infinitely worse. She awoke many a night wet and aching for his touch, even though she had never felt it personally. Still her imagination managed to run rampant with all the explicit things she wished he would do to her.   “Thinking of him again?” a voice said from behind Quari, stepping around to face her.   Quari turned  to face the person interrupting her pleasant yet wayward thoughts. Her best friend Jiel. She was the only friend Quari had for as long as she could recall. Her parents often kept her hidden from everyone her entire life for reasons she didn’t understand; until she was much older and  wiser. Zehri came later into her life, yet quickly secured a place in her heart as well. Still, Jiel had always been there for her first, Which was why she was Quari’s most trusted advisor and She was so formidable a warrior that Quari also granted her the title of general over her armies. No man had ever bested Jiel in combat thus far. She was legendary throughout the kingdom. Well respected, feared and highly revered. Unfortunately for every covetous male though, She only desired women.   “Hello Jiel. How are you?”  Quari asked disregarding her comment.   Quari noted the irritated scowl on her face before she retained her usual stoic expression. “I am well my Queen”   “That is good” Quari replied walking briskly towards her rooms.   Jiel had lately taken to lecturing her about her inappropriate thoughts of Zehri. It had long grown tiresome. She had caught them kissing one day and chastised her about her duties as Queen. Quari knew she was right, that she had to stop yet, she was also aware that it was harder than Jiel knew.  Being with Zehri was exhilarating. The only thing she had to look forward to after a long taxing day of fulfilling royal duties. He calmed her, pleased her, and most importantly brought her immense joy; Something she was sorely lacking especially since her fathers demise.  The burden of her position weighed down her shoulders more than she cared to admit. Yet she knew she could not keep him. Quari often wondered what his thoughts and feeling for her were. They never spoke of such things when together. Only basking in their lustful desires and sating their yearning for one another.   “You are required in the royal room, an urgent message has arrived for you”. She said curtly before walking off.     She was angry, Quari silently noted yet she always was. Jiel was quick to temper. Always had been and lately it had only grown worse. But she was her most trusted loyal advisor, valued general and most treasured friend. Irritated Quari spun on her heels and headed towards he royal room. She loathe that particular room;  it held the most considerable memories than any other. It was where most everything significant occurred. From sentencing, airing out grievances along with the discussion of battle plans and grand celebrations; Everything. Quari had too many memories both bad and good in that room. That room was where she had first met Zehri when he mysteriously arrived in her kingdom. Where her father had killed his own best friend for a most heinous betrayal. So many unforgettable moments, Yet the most profound was when she stood within it one day; a letter in her hand stating her father would never come home again. That he was gone. Her mighty king, father and hero vanquished at the hands of a few petty thieves in the woods. Her father was an accomplished warrior and most respected leader. He deserved a far more honorable demise.   Quari inhaled deep expelling the memory and putting her “Queen” face on before walking through the enormously opulent doors. The moment she entered a cacophony of bows ensured as she took her place on the dais.   “What is the emergency? She asked impatiently “I am told there is an urgent message for me?”   “Yes my Queen a warning”     “Warning?!” my voice rose at his words   “Yes the Erettel kingdom plans to attack us”   “The Erretel Kingdom!? “ Quari shouted.   She stalked down from the dais and snatched the letter out of the males hands, ignoring his shriek and the exaggerated bow he displayed as she scanned the contents of the letter quickly. Her face grew hot with anger so fierce that if she were not deep brown toned, Quari knew it would undoubtedly broadcast her steadily rising emotions.   Time to pay princess. Your father can no longer protect you ~A   The letter was written by no one she could recognize. Quari had  loyal spies stationed  within every kingdom, unbeknownst to anyone. It was one of the first tasks she implemented once crowned Queen. After the battle that left her motherless; Quari decided it would be smart to know about plots planned  against her kingdom  before they were ever able to manifest. She was certain this was not from any of them since they habitually provided any information anonymously. The Erettel was the vampyire kingdom. A savage and heartless place full of lecherous, murderous people. Her kingdom, Riham had very little involvement with them in her lifetime. All Quari truly knew about them were the rumors often told. Many said her father’s was the only human kingdom to ever succeed in securing an lifetime alliance with them. Many envied his ability to do so since none could achieve such a feat. They said the king of Erretel was as vile as they came. That he was pure evil. Erettel haven't tried to declare war in centuries since their failure and the alliance brokered long ago by the hands of her own father.    Why would they choose to do so now? Quari thought. It was highly suspicious   “Then prepare our army and inform our allies. If it war they seek then it is war they shall find” The male nodded before he disappeared, barking orders.   Quari discreetly  swallowed hard at the thought that someone wanted war with her kingdom. It would be the first time it had occurred since her father died and she was crowned Queen. She could only remember one time when a king declared war on them. It was before anyone knew that an heir existed in the Riham kingdom. Up until that very moment Quari never understood why her father had kept her so sheltered and shut away. Jiel was assigned as her companion and future protector since her family were a legacy of respectable well know royal guards. Quari had always assumed her parents were too ashamed of her with her darker hued skin and coiled hair; until the truth was revealed. Afterwards she fought hard to make them proud. Today, Jiel still held resident loyally by her side, except Quari rewarded that dedication by not just granting her a  captain position within her royal guard, but a general in her army; The first In her family top ever achieve such a honor.   Shutting herself within her rooms, Quari despaired about the circumstances. Although It was not yet guaranteed war would commence, it was certainly likely. What should she do about it? This would undoubtedly be her ultimate test as Queen. Her entire kingdom would be watching. What if she failed them horribly? A knock on her door interrupted her musings. Quari straightened, putting back on her bureaucratic Queenly expression, before opening the door. However Quari’s face lost all its stoicism as he stood on the other side.   “I heard of the message you received. We…we should… talk. There are some things you need to know” He stated nervously.   Quari surveyed his delicious form before responding. “Alright, come in”   His lips attacked hers as soon as the doors shut. Quari routinely  pulled him closer inhaling him eagerly, his tongue, his essence; just him. She wanted him so close they were practically one, yet something always held her back. She was bound by duty and that always took precedent above everything. Still as every other time, the reminder of it dissipated with every stroke to his expert tongue in her mouth and caress of his skillful touch sliding up her sensitive thigh. Quari constantly struggled to reign in the effect Zehri caused within her. He was the embodiment of desire for her. She longed for only him, saw only him, even in a sea of suitors; he was it for her and would always be, despite her duties demanding otherwise.   The sound of the alarm interrupted their reckless deeds as the blaring sent everyone within the castle into a frenzy. Zehri looked at Quari with panic as he immediately brandished his long blade and shoved her back into her rooms protectively behind him. Quari rushed to retrieve her own weapon then rushed back to this side upon hearing the commotion increasing just beyond her door that increased with every moment. She itched to join the fight and protect her subjects; Her teachings ingrained in her to do so since near birth.   A piercing cry of pain was the last straw for Quari. She charged from beyond his back into the hall before he could stop her. As soon as Quari was outside her castle, her jaw dropped at the horror she was witnessing. Quari could see visible In the waning night sky that a village nearby was burning away quickly. She charged towards it, Zehri and her guards keeping pace while flanking her. Her anger felt so feverish that it easily fueled her strength and drove her steps faster; harder. By the time Quari  reached it she was beyond all reason. She decimated everything and everyone responsible for the m******e; Her chest heaving with exertion and her face drowned in despair. Quari’s heart  pained at the  amount of bodies littering the ground, bodies full of helpless women and innocent children.   “Kill them all! but leave one or two for interrogation” Quari ordered.   Her guards immediately disappeared with her commands and she watched pleased as they fought for a few moments before they reappeared dragging two men from the bloody battle; depositing them roughly at her feet.  Quari peered down at them sneering with disgust and fury, nauseated by their very presence.These men were responsible for killing and decimating an entire peaceful, faultless village in her kingdom.   “These men say they will talk in exchange for their lives” One of her guards stated.   The glint in his eyes however, spoke of what truly would transpire. They would be no exchange. Quari didn’t deal in such things with regards to those that attempted to usurp her. Nor those that murdered her subjects without just cause. She watched the two men carefully one sniveled and whimpered the other knelt stoically his head held high. Quari decided she like that and should start her interrogation with him.    The sounds of her guards rounding up the survivors and stamping out the remaining flames echoed around them as she stared unmoving. This was apart of her strategy she always employed. Quari wanted the men to anticipate her plans. Their hearts to beat erratically in fear of her impending wrath perhaps even steer with false hope of surviving their predicament before the kill. It made it all the more….satisfying.     “Why have you attacked my kingdom?”   Silence.   “Why have you attacked my kingdom?!” She repeated grinding her teeth at the blatant disrespect.   Still they remained quiet. Quari’s guards shifted uncomfortably, their hands resting on the hilt of their swords twitching and ready to end their lives.   “WHY HAVE YOU ATTACK MY KINGDOM?! I WILL NOT ASK AGAIN!!!” Quari roared, losing all pretense of propriety.   She was a Queen, These men deemed  beneath her, She had others to conduct such unpleasant things like interrogation. In fact, it was Zehri’s duty. Still Quari often participated; adamant about being actively apart of every single facet of running her kingdom unpleasant or not.   “It was orders! Please I was only following orders!” The whimpering male finally spoke as he broke down.   The stronger male sneered at his confession. “SHUT UP YOU TRAITOROUS COWARD!”    “I do not want to die! I have a family!”  he snapped back before turning imploring gaze towards her expressionless one.    He would not find sympathy nor mercy within her eyes she had none to give; especially not tot the slayers of innocents.   “This is not our queen, she plans to execute us either way. But if we betray her, our families will suffer in our stead!”   Quari grew impatient with their banter even though she wondered who she was. Clearly the female had orchestrated the entire attack. Before their useless chatter could continue she interrupted, impatiently.   “Orders from who?!”   ` The whimpering male so eager to disclose all mere moments ago, clammed up and refused to speak further much to her annoyance. Depleted of any additional patience, Quari nodded for her guard to carry out their execution.    “PLEASE! They will kill me if I say!!. PLEASE have mercy!” The male begged, sobbing pitifully.   “And I will assuredly kill you if you don’t! Where was your mercy when you slaughtered innocent families and children in droves!!!!”  Quari barked back, gesturing wildly at the mass of charred remains surrounding them.   The stronger if the males eyes strayed over to Zehri and he scoffed spitefully. “Then you should execute him as well; expediently”   One of Quari’s guards snapped his gaze over to the bitter sounding male “You dare disrespect the captain of the royal guard?!”  He shouted incredulously.   The male broke into a full guffaw as his eyes bounced between them, a slick expression spreading across his haggard face. His rotten smile was as unpleasant as the words that spilled forth from his foul mouth and in one moment changed everything Quari believed to be true.   Her hearts spiked in trepidation as she witness from her peripheral  vision a nervous shuffle she had never before seen on Zehri as the male spoke his truth, what would ultimately be all of their truths. Truths hidden, Truths unveiled and now; Truths openly spoken.   “That is not simply the captain of your royal guard that is Zehri Heriaal Turian Ami.”   Quari’s eyes bucked in shock as did all her guards present. She viewed Zehri differently for the first time since they met all those years ago and still the despicable male was not done shattering her heart as he continued.   “Crown Prince of The the Aeros Kingdom”.