As they walked through the woods, Ajo could not keep his gaze from lingering on Galeia.
She was lost in thought, her eyes fixed ahead and her mouth closed in a tight frown.
The ball to honor his return was two days away, but for all his anticipation it felt like an eternity. They had much to discuss, which made her reticence all the more unsettling.
"Guests are filling up the castle," he said, hoping to entice her into conversation. "Did you see the dignitary from the Plains? What interesting clothes they wear, don't you think?"
When Galeia did not answer he continued to ramble.
"Mother will announce my kingship at the end of the dancing, not before it. And our wedding—"
He cut his words short. He'd misspoke, and mentioned the wedding as 'ours' instead of 'my'. He glanced at Galeia, simultaneously worried and excited she had heard the slip.
Galeia had not noticed he'd spoken at all.
"Do...you know the name I'm going to announce?"
He grabbed Galeia's hand and she looked at him, abruptly pulled from her concentration.
"What? I'm sorry."
"Are you excited about the ball?" he asked.
"I did not care for the last one."
She was referring to the noblemen who snickered at her expense. It happened years ago, but it appeared Galeia still carried a sliver of pain over it.
"If anyone utters a single untoward word about you, I'll put a stop to it." He squeezed her hand. "But I doubt they'll have anything other than adoration when they see you."
He did not mention that no one would dare jest about their future queen.
"Have you chosen a gown to wear?"
"Not yet."
"The one before was beautiful. I liked how you looked in it."
"You enjoy my discomfort?"
"No! I thought—aren't you used to wearing things like that?" He looked pointedly at her bodice and skirt.
"I don't enjoy it. It's expected."
"Since when do you care what's expected of you?" When Galeia shot him a hurt look he amended, "If you don't want to wear one, you don't have—"
"Stop it," she snapped. "You treat me too gently. You're going to be king, Ajo. You should be commanding me to wear a dress if that is what you want."
Ajo gaped at her. "That's not the sort of king I want to be."
"Why not? You'll have all the power. You could make anyone do what you wish."
"That's not what we were taught."
"What if we were taught wrong?"
"Galeia!" He shook his head with a startled laugh.
She must have been joking, must have been trying to provoke him into a harmless argument.
"It's not the way mother conducts court—and she's a good ruler, isn't she?"
"What's right for one ruler may be wrong for another."
"You're being grim."
"Have you seen nature? It thrives on the strong overpowering the weak. Fighting and killing and taking from one another."
"But that's not all. There's also love and kindness. The strong taking care of the weak."
"Which one is the true order of the world? I think...you need only to look at the blood around you. It drips from the trees and soaks the ground."
"Where have you seen that?"
These were dark words, and not at all the way they had been raised.
"You have wax over your eyes if you think the world thrives solely on suffering and might. There is wisdom and charity, there is great beauty and peace."
"Did you learn this on your King's Trial?"
"I learned it from mother. And from you." Galeia looked at him skeptically and he continued, "But I did find it in the world. It's not as cruel a place as you imagine."
"What does your charity and peace get you when a snake is crawling up your leg? Do you embrace it as it slithers to bite your neck? No. You take its head so it can never threaten you again."
"Are these the sort of lessons mother has been teaching you?"
"Something I worked out on my own."
"What snake threatens you?"
"It's just a thought."
"On what? Ruling a kingdom by beheading everyone?"
"I only mean for you to be a little more resolute, that's all."
"I thought we were talking about you wearing a dress!"
"It's the same thing, can't you see? You should not—you cannot—charm your way through ruling. You must be resolute. You must be unyielding at times. You will lead, and your kingdom will follow. What if your subjects refuse you? What will you do if they won't follow your command?"
"Punish them accordingly."
"And what does that look like in Ajo's kingdom?"
"Are you saying I should...punish you?"
"What if, instead of wearing a dress, I was refusing to follow an order you had given? Something important, that could not be refused without dire consequences? What would you do?"
"I'd have to use your guide on besting enemies."
Galeia did not find his joke humorous.
"There will always be one who stands while a hundred bow," she said grimly. "Make sure you understand which position you are in."
"What of a child crawling towards you instead of a snake? Do you take its head too, or do you gather it in your arms and love it?"
Galeia released a frustrated grunt. "Not many children are crawling through these woods. But plenty of snakes."
"You were a child in the woods once. Lucky for us all that mother did not treat you in the manner you suggest."
"Maybe she should have."
Ajo was stunned. He grabbed her shoulders.
"Don't ever say that again," he said sternly. "If you were not part of my life...I don't know what I would have become."
Galeia looked at him in awe.
"That's very kind," she whispered.
He touched her cheek.
"And so is the world, Galeia. I promise you. You deserve kindness. Everyone does."
His expression faded into tenderness.
"If it's the only way to get you into one," he said to break the tension, "I command you to wear the prettiest gown you can find."
They resumed their walk with lighter steps.
"You will be a good king," Galeia relented. "You will have so much power—"
"And responsibility. And duty." He paused. "And a wife. I won't be alone on the throne."
"Ah yes, all the princesses will be at the ball won't they? Gathered like sheep and hoping to hear their name." She nudged him with her elbow. "I remember you being particularly cozy with a fairy at the last one."
"She was cozy, I was bothered."
"So it won't be a fairy queen? She'll be most dissatisfied."
"But not surprised." He blushed before adding, "You know who I'm going to name as my queen."
"Some foreign princess?"
He stopped and turned to her.
"You know," he said softly. "You must know."
"I don't."
"It's—"
"And I don't want to know, Ajo. You should keep it a secret, and let it be a surprise."
He nodded, thinking that was a lovely idea. He'd waited his whole life to speak the truth, and he could wait two more days.
"Have you opened my gifts?"
"Not all of them. But the few I have were lovely, thank you."
"Some were earned at a high cost."
"I don't want gifts, Ajo. I want you."
A blush rose in her cheeks.
"I mean I want to spend time with you," she amended quickly.
Ajo could not keep the smile from his lips.
He wanted to ask about a particular gift, the rather indecent book he'd received from a druid king, but he held his tongue and told himself that when Galeia did open its pages, he'd be the first to know.
They took their rest on a patch of grass and Galeia asked him to read to her. Ajo had neglected to bring a book with him—a fact that made Galeia raise an eyebrow—so he recited a poem from memory to soothe her.
"You wanted to tell me something," he said when he finished.
"Yes, I did."
An awkward silence carried on until Ajo concluded she did not mean to continue.
"Would you like to tell me now?"
"I'm...I'm not ready."
"You said it was important."
"It is, but..." She gave him a pleading look. "I need a little more time."
A thrill chased through him.
He knew exactly what she wanted to say. She wanted to tell him first—to be the one who revealed their love.
But she needed time, and he would give it to her.
"Would you like to hear another poem?"
"Yes."
She laid her head on his shoulder.
"A wild thing lives here, in my heart.
Its temper is fierce and untamed, and that is why I adore it..."
One of his own, penned long ago for the woman resting against him. When the final line left his lips, Galeia sighed.
"I think that one is my favorite of them all."
Ajo's heart filled with pride.
There were hundreds more where that came from, and a lifetime ahead to share them all.
***
Ajo had not gone looking for the Gretch, but she found him all the same.
It was the day before the ball and Galeia had stayed in the castle with the Queen, while he took a moment alone to collect and calm his thoughts. It was a welcomed surprise when the Gretch appeared, though Ajo was unsure whether this encounter would be pleasant or sour.
"Good day," he greeted with caution. "I feared I would never see you again."
"Why?"
"Last time...it felt like you were saying goodbye."
She shrugged. "Have you had your dancing?"
"Tomorrow."
"I might be there."
"Honest? You'll attend?"
"Don't know. Thinking about it." She looked at the fur and feathers covering her body. "Will I be hated...like this?"
"Of course not, you'll be my guest."
"You won't command me to wear a dress?"
At her reply, Ajo went still.
"What did you say?"
"I don't want to wear a dress, but you're the king, and if you command me to, I can't refuse."
Ajo grinned.
She'd echoed Galeia's sentiment almost exactly.
This was her way, he concluded, of revealing herself after all these years. She was finally telling him, albeit indirectly, that the Gretch was nothing but a costume.
The mystery was over, and Galeia had ended it without a grand show, just the way she would have wanted.
Relief washed over him and he couldn't help but laugh.
"All right," he said, using the same joking tone he had with Galeia, "you must wear a dress."
If Galeia wanted to continue with the charade for one last time he would indulge her, but after tomorrow night he decided it would have to conclude.
"I could join the dancing and put on a dress," she said. "But only if..."
"If what?"
"If you play 'Bodies' with me."
"Well then, I'll play."
"But the rules have changed. You might not like them."
"What are the new rules?"
"Look but cannot touch. Touch but cannot see. Close your eyes for a good surprise."
He did as she commanded, his smile never wavering.
She took his hand in hers.
"You know my parts well," she said. "Which one is this?"
"Your hand."
His fingers brushed across smooth skin.
"And this part?"
"Your cheek," he answered.
"Good."
"Shouldn't I tell you where it's been and where it's going?"
"Not anymore. Are your eyes closed?"
"Yes."
"Which part is this?"
Ajo let out an uncomfortable giggle when his fingers touched something damp. A sharp nip pricked his skin.
"That's your...teeth."
"And...here?"
Feathers tickled him and his fingers met with soft flesh. He squeezed it, confused by the unfamiliar roundness.
"I don't know—what is that?"
"Don't open your eyes—"
It was too late, for Ajo was curious, and when he opened his eyes he found his hand beneath the Gretch's cowl, on an area below her collarbone—
Touching a highly inappropriate place on her body.
The hunger in the Gretch's eyes made him both uneasy and thrilled. Instinctively, he pulled away, surprised and a little ashamed.
"Galeia!"
She gave him a hard look, like the name wounded her—but Ajo knew it was an act. Although he gaped at her impropriety, inside his heart was dancing, and his stomach turned with excitement. Galeia was trying to tempt him, though she'd been far more forward than he'd ever dreamed. This was a different sort of game—and a welcomed one. Galeia must be using the Gretch as a mask to hide behind, to give herself the courage to exercise her less-than-innocent urges.
This was her way of chasing desire, without repercussions for acting unladylike.
And with that freedom, she chose to play 'Bodies'. With him.
Had she found the druid king's book on seduction?
But the second Ajo withdrew his hand and spoke her name, the Gretch's mood turned.
"You lose," she said with obvious displeasure. "You opened your eyes."
"We'll play again," Ajo said quickly. "I'll keep my eyes closed, I swear."
"No, prince-king. We may never have the chance again."
"Why not," Ajo huffed.
"You will say the name of your queen at the dancing, won't you?"
"Yes."
"Then playing 'Bodies' with someone else will be...unseemly."
"But you're—"
He stopped himself. They would have plenty of opportunities to play such games, he reasoned, though Galeia's costumes would not be part of it.
"You're right," he said. "It would be inappropriate."
"So you agree, we will not play it ever again."
"I agree," he said with a frustrated sigh.
It was not the truth, he knew.
And now that he understood her real intention, the next time Galeia engaged him this way, he would not be shy or stop her.
Next time, he would have the boldness to see her game through.
***
At last, the night of the ball arrived, and the throne room was filled with good humor and dancing.
Ajo had spent most of the morning receiving guests and had no time to see Galeia, but he knew the night would more than make up for it. In a few short hours, everyone would know that he and Galeia were going to be married.
He hoped this time she would not prove late in her arrival.
Galeia did not disappoint him, and it was actually Ajo's appearance that was belated. He entered the ball without announcement, keeping himself hidden to watch the festivities before joining them. His mother was seated on her throne with Galeia standing at her side, and neither of the women noticed his arrival, but were distracted by the colorful flurry of twirling dancers before them.
The sight of his future wife pulled the air from him.
Her gown resembled the forest, deep green with golden accents of branches and leaves. To his surprise—and delight—the cut was lower than her previous formal dress, and left her shoulders bare while revealing an almost scandalous amount of cleavage. Her hair was pinned back to display jewels dangling from her ears. Around her neck was a delicate chain that fell so low it disappeared into the enticing chasm of her bosom. When she had seen him at the last ball, Galeia had thrown her arms around his neck, but given her current attire such a gesture would prove indecent.
She looked every perfect inch like the queen she would shortly become.
He realized with great amusement that the Gretch had upheld her promise to attend. Galeia was here, and Galeia was the Gretch. He remembered their recent game and a grin formed on his lips.
Several nobles were staring in her direction, and Ajo recognized two of them as men who had insulted her during the previous ball. Ajo approached them, keeping himself concealed to listen to their conversation.
"That cannot be the same princess," one of them said.
"I should dance with her to find out," said the other.
"I heard gossip that she used to walk under the moonlight—without clothing."
"Give you my kingdom if you're brave enough to ask if she still does."
"I wager she's grown past her savagery. What a shame, for I would not turn away from the view."
"What if she still is—savage?"
"Well...maybe now her wildness would be to my liking."
Ajo stepped from the shadows to make himself known. One of men caught his appearance immediately and elbowed his friend to alert him that they were in the company of their future king. They dipped into a respectful bow.
"Your highness," greeted the one who'd noticed Ajo first.
"Rise," Ajo said, satisfied at their deference. "Lovely ball, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," answered the other man. "Very lovely."
"Some sights more than others?" Ajo nodded his head towards Galeia. "Take care how you speak about her. She's going to be my wife and your queen. I don't think she'll take kindly to being described in a vulgar manner." He gave them a sharp look. "I certainly don't. And I'm not in the habit of forgetting those who insult me."
At once the men fell into another bow.
"Apologies," they muttered simultaneously.
"It won't happen again," one of them added.
"No, it won't," Ajo said. He drew close and dropped his voice into a low and dangerous pitch. "If I catch a whisper of you speaking about my beloved in such a way again, I'll nail your tongues above my throne."
The men paled.
"Is that understood?"
The men nodded.
"Glad to hear it. Remember that your king takes to the shadows from time to time, and you'll never know when my eyes and ears are turned to you."
His demeanor shifted into one of good humor, and he gave them both a hearty slap on the back.
"Enjoy my celebration, gentlemen. I hope to see you at my wedding."
And with that Ajo left the pair and made his way to the throne. The Queen and Galeia received him with smiles and compliments, which Ajo returned.
"You're looking pleased with yourself," Galeia noted.
"Why shouldn't I be? It's a good night." He offered Galeia his hand. "Will you honor me with a dance, my lady?"
"You don't have to be so formal," she said with a playful roll of her eyes.
He swept her across the floor through several dances, without any concern for the stares they earned from their guests. Ajo refused to dance with any others, and kept Galeia moving so that no stranger had the chance to interrupt them. A wonderful ease settled over him, as if his body had been tense for many years and was finally allowed relief.
"I know my return has been difficult," he said. "It's not the sort of homecoming I imagined."
"It's all right."
"I was gone for so long. Sometimes I feared you would resent me for leaving, but I know you were having adventures of your own."
He stopped them, not caring that they were in the middle of the room, and when the other dancers changed course around them, Ajo felt all the more powerful for it.
"I will never leave you again," he promised. "Could we...think of tonight as my real return home?"
Galeia answered with a smile and Ajo swept her into another graceful turn.
Minutes later they were interrupted by ceremonial horns. Ajo and Galeia turned with the rest of the crowd towards the Queen, who was standing before her throne with her arms raised to order the attention of all present.
"Come forward, Ajo, Prince of the Wood."
Ajo approached and went to one knee before her. His mother placed a ring of smooth, entwined branches atop his head. It was not a real crown, merely a ritualistic symbol of his evolved status.
No one would call him prince anymore.
Now, he was a king.
His crowning was met with ground-shaking applause, and when Ajo looked over at Galeia, she was cheering the loudest.
"Respect and loyalty," the Queen began after the crowd settled. "A ruler must have them from the people. A wise ruler understands that they are not owed, but earned. You have earned them on your King's Trial, and tales of your wisdom and might have spread far. What else does a ruler need?"
"Love and balance," Ajo answered by rote. This was a well-practiced routine, a necessary part of the ceremony.
Ajo's heart quickened, for he knew well what came next.
"Where does a ruler find these things?"
"In my queen."
"A good ruler must know love, must understand and feel it, so they have the capacity to share it. The one you give yourself to must be just as worthy. Tell me, have you found such a person?"
"I have."
"Speak the name of the one who will share your heart and kingdom."
Ajo stood and turned to the court. More than a hundred faces stared in anticipation, but there was only one he searched for. He moved to Galeia and took her hands in his.
"It's you. It was always you."
He was slightly embarrassed to admit it for the first time in front of a full room.
"Her name?" the Queen asked behind him.
"Galeia."
Galeia flinched. She was uncomfortable, and he attributed it to her unease of being watched by so many people.
"Ajo and Galeia," the Queen said, "come forward and kneel."
Ajo thought he could hear Galeia's teeth chattering as he helped her kneel on the ground. It was an awkward position given her dress, but he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze before taking his place on his knees by her side.
"Ajo the strong. You have grown from a shy boy into a bold man. Galeia the passionate. Not of my blood, but my daughter. I have watched you both dance around the edges of love, with more than a few stumbles—"
A scattering of chuckles rose from the court.
"When I found you in the woods, Galeia, I knew you were special. My instinct was proven right. You are the perfect balance, the lovers who will care for the woods and continue its peace and prosperity. Your union will be the light of this kingdom."
The Queen turned to the court.
"The Mead moon arrives in three nights. Under it, Ajo and Galeia shall wed and take their thrones. I present your new king and queen!"
The court burst into clapping and joyful cheers, more thunderous than before.
It was done.
A lifetime of worry was lifted from Ajo's shoulders.
He turned to Galeia, intending to pull her into their first kiss, but did not follow through when he saw her face.
A tear had fallen from her eye, and caught some of the coal painted there.
She stared ahead, emotionless, as a line of black ran down her cheek.