Crazy Duke and Fallen Queen

The High Priestess now wants to talk with me alone. She turns to my Duke and waits for him to excuse himself, but it doesn't happen.

I'm sure Alexander's motives are slightly different than mine were a few minutes ago. However, he doesn't want to leave my sight.

«Whatever,» the Priestess mutters. She looks at me and crooks her mouth.

I haven't told Alexander about the dreams yet.

I was afraid he would think I'm weird. Which made me realise that he can be understood about why he kept everything a secret.

I will tell him one day. I was waiting for the dreams to tune down.

«What do I need to do?» I inquire, tilting my head to check Alexander's expression.

He's highly contrary to all of this, but he doesn't dare to openly oppose. He's been so smitten the last three days.

He did all I told him without a complaint, even letting me take over part of his work. His laziness was of help since he let me work without interruptions while reading a book from the couch.

The title was all about seeds and flowers. It was such a surprise to see my Duke focused on agriculture.

Seeing that we're both calm, the High Priestess starts explaining the procedure.

«You already have all the knowledge at your disposal. You just need to learn how to visualise it. I don't know why, but the Duke's dreams are shared with you. I don't know how it works because the Lords of Kyre have always refused to tell their secrets to anyone. Except for their Ladies, apparently. Still, I can see your souls entangled.»

Is it supposed to be romantic? Even my shameless Duke hasn't ever said something this cringy.

«You have to empty your mind and think about nothing. Learn how to breathe: focus your attention on that. It will take you a few weeks, but you'll start to see the images that now are just flashing in your dreams...»

I let her talk, mentally taking notes about her instructions. Even though it's useless.

I don't see flashing images, but whole scenes. I feel emotions, pain and love. The point the Priestess is describing has already been passed.

But then again, Alexander doesn't have dreams either. He has memories of a past life. So precise that it's scary.

«And don't let the dreams influence your mood, or they will become only worse,» she adds, in the end.

Hmm, this one seems a good idea. If the dreams depend on my mood, then being sad and letting them influence me would bring up even worse scenes.

If it's part of Alexander's life, I'm willing to see everything. But not all together.

I even had a flash of him falling down from the stairs, here in Stoneyard, when he was a child. Even if it was just a little incident, a little boy's turbulent emotions were enough to unsettle me.

«Thank you,» I nod.

Now that the tea is finished, the Priestess will get on her golden carriage and ride away in search of the next rare soul. Or whatever she called my Duke.

A few hours after the Priestess left, though, we receive a second visit. I can't say it's more welcome than she was, by the way.

Why is everyone passing by just today? Couldn't they agree to pass on different dates?

Well, one can't just turn down Count Grahm. His messenger arrived a few hours before the rest of the delegation, to warn and leave us time to make preparations.

I'd like to know whether the Count is alone or with his family, but I couldn't bring myself to ask.

«You don't need to greet them if you don't want to,» Alexander mutters.

«Oh, my dear,» I chuckle. «I was waiting for the Count. I promised you one Grahm's head, didn't I?»

«You don't have to fulfil your promise. It's too dangerous.»

«I wasn't the one sending an assassin after them. Now, it's time to show the Grahms what happens when someone targets your things, Xander,» I voice.

Then, I stop suddenly.

I didn't mean to call him like that.

His ears catch my slip of tongue, and his eyes shine content. It was a mistake, but I shouldn't point it out.

I've heard myself call him like that just a few times, but his nickname flew so wonderfully on Queen Theodora's lips that even I liked hearing it. It was so natural to say Xander.

Yet, I can't act like that woman because I'm not her. Alexander needs to remember the difference between the two versions of Theodora he lived with.

Taking her place would be unfair. It would be like swindling my husband.

Regardless, his expression is now only happy. He almost forgot about the dangers of... Hmm... Almost forgot...

«What do I have to worry about if I have my husband protecting me?» I shrug.

I step closer to him and hug him suddenly. I lean my head on his chest and close my eyes to hear his heartbeat better. Indeed, it's working.

«Yes, I will protect you,» he repeats. His arms surround me, and his warmth comforts me like always.

Ah, he was supposed to be a merciless war commander.

«I'd also like lemon cookies,» I add.

«Lemon?»

«Yes, even though I really like apple cookies. I don't know... I just feel like eating those others right now.»

He observes me with a keen eye, and then he nods.

«I know what's the matter,» he states. Then, as if it was something relevant and of utter priority, he walks out of the office to search for cookies for his wife.

I turn back to the desk and consider whether to finish the work my Duke tossed aside without a worry.

He said it wasn't urgent, but it's not wise to leave tasks for later. They tend to form mountains of paper that need days, if not even weeks, to be cleared.

«Let's see what this is,» I mutter while taking the first one.

Oh, wonderful. Taxes.

Don't people around here have anything else to take care of?