A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 22: Our change of pace. (Part 2)

She wiped a tear from her eyes, "Please do not thank me Rain."

The way she spoke now, I couldn't help but see her as my emotional Aunt Nera, which begged the question, "Why are you Aunt Nera?" She visited almost every other month and brought with her presents and trade for Axel. I had known her since I was a baby.

The Queen smiled, "I am very fond of my husband. He is a kind and intelligent man. Together we are the best of friends, but we do not love each other, not in a romantic sense. Ronalt told me he talked to you, so you know some of our relation."

"Yes... but why is this important?"

"Because in my younger years I was in love. A certain righteous knight stole my heart but left the Kingdom's service and formed a new home. Despite me marrying I have never forgotten him."

"So you really did have a thing with Mattias," I had thought as much whenever she visited.

"Yes... though I could never take the final steps between us." She looked at me and gently touched my arm. "Please forgive me. I've considered you like my own son, a son I shared with Mattias and yet, I put you through so much peril."

"I already said it was fine," I smiled. "Besides when I said I learnt a lot, I also did get some other benefits on my end as well."

"Ah yes, the Hero Lara was quite concerned with you and more so to my surprise the Master thief Taylor."

"A lot happened."

"And one day I'd like to hear it from your mouth."

I closed my eyes in thought, "Hang on... that means you knew about Kerchest and Servius being a demon."

"About Kerchest... yes I did know but like you I did not want to involve the place I call a second home." She stood up from the chair. "Do not worry Rain, I will ensure their safety. I do not want to see another war between our races. Come outside when you are ready. Your friends are waiting..., and welcome home."

"I haven't reached Axel yet but it's good to be back." With that she left.

*

I spent another few hour lying down in the bed. The simple fact that I had no responsibilities now melded into me creating a lazy tiredness that prevented me from rising. The morning sun turned to noon and I made no attempt to move, though I was getting hungry.

Just as I thought that, the door opened.

"Taylor you need to knock first, what if he's getting changed," Lara exclaimed.

Taylor walked in anyway, "All the better to get a good peek at him."

I sighed and faced their way, still under the blankets. A part of me wanted to pretend to keep sleeping however I was afraid of what Taylor may do to me. While Lara would stop the worst of it, though because she knew me as Jane she'd let through a certain amount of pranks.

"You should really knock," I got up.

Lara smiled to me warmly, "I'm glad you're okay. When you collapsed we all freaked out. Taylor couldn't stop crying your name."

"Shut it," Taylor said embarrassed. "I really thought you'd die."

"Luckily there were enough healers and together with Marley we brought you back from the brink."