The Protector

Chapter 22

Happy International Women's day!

Chapter 22

"I can get you out, you look terrified Ali- sorry Alesia. Is everything alright?" He glances over my shoulder I guess to Edmon.

"Ali please, I don't feel comfortable with my full name at the moment."

I need time to talk things through with someone that isn't Edmon. I'm not running away. Can you get a message to him? I ask Sket as I allow Leon to steer me away from Edmon and out into the gardens. As soon as the fresh air hits my face I feel myself calm down. I allow myself to take in the wonderful scents of the tropical flowers in bloom glowing reds, yellows, and blues in the light spilling out of the castle. I automatically link my arm with Leon as I allow him to lead me to a nearby bench.

"Not here. Hop on?" I ask him while smirking slightly, "there's a great view of the city from the roof, it helps calm me and we can't be overheard."

Before I even finished Leon had already climbed onto my back and was holding on for all he was worth. I don't even ask to see if he was ready before I feel for my gold and stretch it out, hooking it onto a familiar part of the roof. Giving my gold a small tug I send us both soaring up. I take us both up to the top of the tallest tower, a small square patch just big enough for the two of us to sit on.

"Wow, this is amazing," Leon breathes as he settles down. The small flickers of lights from squares and homes. The main party may be here in the castle but looking down on the city it is clear that those who are lower in the city are still celebrating the Queen's life. The faint sound of music echoes of the small courtyards and larger marketplace in the city below. From up here we can see right the way out to the outer perimeters of the city and beyond. If it wasn't pitch black we would probably be able to see the tall mountains of my home. Just a speck on the horizon from up here but I know it should be there. The whole country is so beautiful, so serene and peaceful, being up here and watching the moon cast eerie shadows on the landscape is just what I need to calm myself down.

"So, how are you and Claudia?" I ask pulling us both out of our silence.

"Cut the crap Ali. You didn't bring me up here to discuss me and your sister. What's wrong?" He asks. This is exactly why Leon is the perfect person to talk to. He doesn't let me get away with making small-talk.

"Why does it feel like everything has changed?" I just let my thoughts flow out.

"It has in a way, you are now a knight. Edmon now knows exactly who you are but it hasn't really changed. We are still the same people, none of us have changed. You're still you, I'm still me."

"And Edmon?" I ask. "The way he treats me is going to change isn't it? The way I treat him is going to change too. What if he tries to control me? Tries to keep me away from fighting? I know there is something big coming. I just don't think I could stay here and watch you all ride away knowing I might never see you again. I can't be a sitting duck and I'm worried that he will change his expectations of me now he knows I'm his Mage. Did you know he asked me to be his personal defender? How can I be his defender and his Queen? And that's another thing! How can I be expected to rule at his side? In truth Leon, I'm terrified and to top it all off I've just given myself a week to sort this all out in my head. A week! What kind of death wish is that?"

"Firstly it is not a death wish Ali. You may not be his defender after this, that I concede but as for all of your other concerns, do you really think he would leave you here? Do you really thing that the man you know would leave behind his soulmage? He has barely left your side for the past couple of days, he struggles to not be around you. Plus he might as well throw away the kingdom to Milnea the day he decides not to take you to the battle," he adds nudging me playfully. "Stop worrying and just let him in. of course he will treat you differently, but not in the way you think. He definitely won't think any less of you. You know how long I've known him for so I like to think I could predict his actions pretty well by now. He will treat you much the same as he has the past year when out in public, he will never undermine you and will never stop you from doing anything."