Queens

Maria tries for the thousandth time to calm her nerves. She paces, wringing her hands and attempts to reassure herself. She is queen now. She can handle a room full of stuffy senators. If only for an hour.

Delvon has promised that she does not have to speak if she is uncomfortable. She knows how Maria struggles with courtly duties. She is not as decisive or confident as Delvon is. But she must try. To prove she is worthy of being Delvon's partner.

Maybe the people of Veals will love her then...

She is startled when a servant clears his throat behind her. They move so silently, these people. With as much elegance and grace as Delvon did. Maybe it was in their blood. 'Her majesty has requested your presence.' He stumbles for a title. 'My queen.'

She can tell from his voice that he is uncomfortable with this. With her. She knows, even though Delvon disregards the topic completely. She does not tell Maria that her people hate her but neither does she confirm their love.

She had heard of the arguments in court when Delvon had announced their marriage. She did not expect to be warmly welcomed. But not on the merit that she was a woman. She thought the biggest concern would be her foreign blood. That she would not fit in with the Vealean nobles. That she would shame Delvon with her naivete. So she studied hard. She came to know etiquette of the Vealean court. All the names of the nobles and their roles. All their cultural practices.

But they did not care.

They hardly brought up her foreignness. They did not bat an eye when she stumbled over her words while she spoke their language. Or fumbled with appropriate titles at different functions. They worried about their kingdom and its future. They worried about heirs. They worried that two women would not rule well. They felt that Delvon could make a more strategic match.

Delvon did not care.

She smiled and told them that those problems where hers to solve and she would solve them. Sometimes it irked her, Delvon's devotion. When the court suggested she take a lover to provide an heir, she refused. Though Maria assured her that she would love their child. Wherever it came from. Delvon would not listen. She never listened. She argued instead. She told the court she would rather adopt a child and they argued that the royal bloodline must not be broken.

So Delvon works through the night. She searches for ancient texts that can oppose these laws. She searches the arcane Scrolls that speak of magic. She tells Maria that there might be a way for them to have children.

Maria does not like this. She does not understand why Delvon must be insufferable at times where compromise is necessary. She doesn't like Delvon falling asleep in the library and not eating for days. She used to have the most beautiful eyes. They used to gleam mischievously at Rekker. But now they seemed to always be filled with worry.

Maria hates herself for being the cause of it and for not being able to soothe Delvon's worries. She tells herself that she will make a good impression on the nobles. They will see that she is an able partner. And Veals will love her like they love Delvon.

She almost forgets to breathe when she catches sight of her. Delvon has that effect on people. Maria tells herself that she should not be breathless. They are married. She should have gotten used to the storm that her wife was by now.

But Delvon moves with a predatory elegance. Like a jungle cat, stalking prey. She always seems to be stalking prey. Her eyes move quickly. Scanning her environment. Picking out mistakes and eliminating them. She is very relaxed in her command.

Maria watches her wife order the people around her. Watches them fall over themselves to carry them out. She is wearing a black dress with gold embroidery. It is beautiful and it is Maria's favorite although she herself has opted instead for a loose, billowy dress that is perfect for the heat of Vaels. She doesn't know how Delvon is comfortable in that. How she is not sweating. But she can't imagine her sweating. It seemed like a very unqueenly thing to do.

Maria's palms are drenched. Her heart beats erratically. Delvon catches a glimpse of her and smiles widely. Maria's worries fade. She smiles back. 'Finally. Something that is not disappointing.' She glides towards her, and kisses her hand. 'You are radiant, my love.'

Maria's face heats up. 'Not as stunning as you are.' She murmurs in Vaelan. And it's true. Maria never understood why Delvon, in all her glory, took interest in her. She is beautiful. They all are. Her dark brown skin reflects light so she constantly shines. Her rich hair is pulled back in an elegant braid and is so thick that it breaks her combs when she tries to braid it. Delvon always replaces them with golden ones they don't break, but Maria keeps using the wooden ones if only just to have them broken so she may spend time with her at the markets.

'You seem nervous.' Delvon says.

Maria nods. There is no point hiding anything from her. 'Maybe a little. I don't want to embarrass you.'

Delvon laughs. 'You don't embarrass me.' She tucks a peice of silky hair behind Maria's ear. 'Thank you for doing this. I understand how hard it may be for you.' Delvon speaks tenderly to her, studying her face closely to pick out her expressions. Her finger lingers on her cheek.

Maria puts on a brave smile. 'It'll be fine. I can handle a room full of nobles.' She wants to add that there is nothing she would not do for her. But by the way Delvon smiles, she knows. 'I'm glad you're willing to try. But I wouldn't want you to be in discomfort.'

Maria tries to laugh if off. 'I must prove that I am worthy for this. For you.'

Delvon smiles thoughtfully, tilting her head. 'I think you very worthy Mari. And I believe that is the only thing that matters.' Maria smiles. But it fades quickly.

'My mistakes will reflect on you. They will hate you because of my actions.' Delvon's features soften. 'I don't like you thinking that you are a burden. You are precious to me, don't let a roomful of men tell you otherwise.'

Maria swallows and breathes deeply. She takes the arm that Delvon offers and smiles. 'You'll be perfect as you always are. And soon, they'll see what I see.' As they walk down the corridors, Maria can only hope the she is correct.