Even as I returned to my chambers the realization still dawned on me. I came to Dun Eirann with what the generals at court would classify as a scouting party, but now I have an army of three thousand men behind me, I felt on top of the world. Damon had been named Voraza in Kieran's place, saying he wasn't strong enough to lead the hill tribes, he gladly accepted the role.
Drazhan, Amenadiel, Alice, Acrisius and Kaida were in my chambers an hour later, waiting for my instructions. They already knew about Kieran's allegiance being that everyone in the underground city was talking about it. Drazhan stole a glance but I ignored it. "I will cut to the chase since you've all heard, Kieran and the hill tribes have chosen to join us," their eyes held a glitter of excitement at my words, but I don't think they could be as excited as I am.
Kieran has chosen to stay due to his injury, a couple of his men as well, while every one had began gathering their things at my surprise "Amenadiel, help everyone gather their things, Kaida and Alice you do the same with yours" they all dipped their head in a bow "Drazhan, I need you to go up to the surface and secure our horses, take as many men as you require and ride out, make sure that none of my brother's men are still tracking us" I commanded.
"At once your majesty" he replied, then exited my chambers without so much as looking at me which I very much appreciated, I was still angry at him and he knew it. The rest of them left the room, leaving me and my cousin.
When it was just the two of us in the room, it suddenly became too small, the walls were drawing closer thanks to my unending nervousness, I hadn't felt this nervous in a while, and to say I hated it was an understatement. My clothes felt tighter and I was almost out of breath at what I was about to ask of him.
For most of my life, I've lived with this man, he's strong, smart and the person I trust most in the world. I know all this and the question of why I was still nervous haunted me. I realized that I had spent too much time in my head and had to do this because I had a throne to take. "Acrisius, we've spent most of our life together, you're the only family I have left and I trust you more than anyone, and I was hoping I can trust you with this" I walked to my bed and grabbed a wooden box from my bag and walked back to him.
When they said that the people of this place have talents, they didn't over exaggerate, only if they had better resources, which I will make sure that they do once I take what is mine, but their craft was enough to make what I required. I opened the brown box to reveal a metal ring with a crescent moon symbol with a star in the middle, a combination of both our family crests
"Baron Acrisius Darrowmere, I would name you the hand of the queen, if you'd honor me"
We stood in silence for a long while, the crackling of the flames from the hearth provided the only sound in the room, and I was beginning to feel more and more agitated "I don't know what to say" he croaked, I coughed out a laugh as a tear rolled down my cheek.
"You could start by saying yes" It seemed as though the words were stuck in his throat, but I understood that because of what I asked of him. A tear flowed from his blue eyes as he nodded his head in a positive yes "it would be my greatest honor, my queen" he responded.
He wore the ring eagerly and was not subtle about showing it off, making me chuckle "Don't make me regret it cousin" I quipped, another chuckle. "Drazhan mentioned he had a piece of information that you should know, he said it was important" I nodded, then he slipped out of my room, leaving me to my never ending thoughts.