Chapter 67: Veiled Concerns

Moonlight entered the royal bedchamber as Nia rested her head on Kiyoshi's chest and idly traced a patterns on his arm. Kiyoshi chuckled, feeling her grip tighten around his arm as he attempted to move. "No, stay," she mumbled, her voice already thick with sleep.

Kiyoshi chuckled again, "My dear, I need to…" He gestured vaguely towards the door.

Nia's grip tightened further, and she nuzzled closer, her face buried in the crook of his neck. "Just a little longer," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

"My love," he teased, "these newfound… urges… of yours make it difficult for me to fulfill even the most basic needs." Nia lifted her head playfully and met his gaze. "Must you tease?" she said, her voice laced with mock annoyance.

He grinned, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "I could not help myself." He rolled over, pinning her beneath him, his strong hands on either side of her head. "Besides, my duties as king do not afford me such luxuries." She laughed, the sound filling the room, and he felt a wave of love and protectiveness wash over him. "Fine," she said, her breath hitching as he lowered his lips to hers, "but only for a little while longer."

The peaceful silence was broken by a knock at the door. "Your Highness, it's important," came the voice of the messenger. Kiyoshi sighed, a playful look in his eyes. "Seems even kings cannot escape duty in the morning."

Nia pouted playfully. "You are no fun," she murmured, her voice husky with sleep. Kiyoshi chuckled, "Enter," he called out, and the messenger hurried into the chamber. He bowed low before the king and queen, his eyes darting between them nervously. "Your Majesty, Queen Nia," he greeted them respectfully. "I bring a letter from your father, Duke Nari."

Nia's eyes widened as she reached out and accepted the letter. She glanced at her husband, then back at the messenger, who waited patiently for her to read it. She quickly broke the seal and unfolded the parchment, her brow furrowing as she scanned the words.

My dearest Nia,

Your words brought tears to my eyes. War is looming over Niameda, a land I once believed finally safe... it is a bitter truth. Madoc's betrayal is a wound that will take time to heal, if ever.

Rest assured, I have already begun preparations. The citizens are being evacuated from Niameda and The Kingdom of Arcane are ready to receive refugees. Discreetly, food and supplies are being gathered, and a network of hidden passages and tunnels is being made to evacuate our people and resources.

Continue with your plans, Nia. We are with you, in spirit and in action. I pray that our efforts will be enough to protect what we hold dear.

The blessings of the ancestors be upon you, my brave daughter.

With unwavering love and pride,

Your Father

"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude as she dismissed the messenger.

"Well?" Kiyoshi asked, his voice tense with anticipation. Nia looked up from the letter, her expression grim. "He has begun preparations, just as he promised. The citizens of Niameda are being evacuated, and resources are being gathered."

"That is fantastic news, my love! With his assistance, the process will be much smoother." Kiyoshi wrapped his arm around Nia, pulling her close.

"I remember a quiet, stubborn king who refused to meet my family when they came visiting" she teased, her hand playing with the ring on her finger.

"Ah, that," he said, scratching his neck. "I was... consumed by my ..." He hesitated, searching for the right words.

"Jealousy?" she offered with a smirk. "Stubbornness?" he countered, grinning. "Perhaps a bit of both," she conceded, laughing softly. "But in truth," he said, his gaze growing serious, "it was not about them, I tend to close myself off when I feel... threatened. It was you who made me want to open up, to trust someone with my secrets and my fears. And you did it." He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers. " Eternally grateful for that, Nia."

"But look how things have changed. You are even working with my family now," she teased, resting her head against his chest. Kiyoshi chuckled, wrapping his other arm around her. "Yes, and it's all because of you. You've shown me that there are people worth trusting, worth fighting for. I am not the same man I was before I met you, and I am grateful for that."

Nia's heart swelled with love. "Alright, alright," she said, her voice soft. "But first, you have a very... clingy queen who needs attention." She pulled back, her face flushed with a playful blush. "Perhaps some breakfast?" she suggested, rising from the bed. "We have much to do today, and I'd rather not face it on an empty stomach."

The king grinned, his eyes following her as she moved gracefully across the chamber. "My lady's wish is my command," he said, laughing as he climbed out of bed as well. "I am sure our cooks have prepared something delicious for us."

The first rays of moonlight cast long shadows across the castle grounds as an unsettling stillness hung in the air, occasionally broken by the soft murmur of whispered prayers and the distant clicking of armor. Today was the day of the battle.

Nia stood on the castle steps, her heart racing as she surveyed the gathered army. Vampire guards cloaked by magical domes that protected them from the sun stood shoulder to shoulder, their pale faces etched with determination. Elves in their flowing cloaks and armor, their bowstrings gently humming as they prepared their arrows, their graceful movements a testament to their centuries of training. And pirates, their faces painted with fearsome designs, their swords and axes glinting in the moonlight, their boots thundering as they marched in formation.

Captain Shale and King Thalasar sat on their horses at the front of the formation, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement. Kiyoshi stood beside Nia, dressed in this black armor, his face set in a grim expression. He reached out, taking her hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. Nia took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.

"Be safe, my love," Nia whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Please, come back home to me."

Kiyoshi cupped her face in his hands, "I promise," he said, his voice husky. "I will come back to you. No matter what, we will face this together. And we will win." He leaned in, pressing his lips gently against hers. Her heart raced as their lips moved together, her body responding to his touch even as her mind raced with worry.

The watching servants and maids, used to the displays of affection between their King and Queen, giggled and whispered among themselves, their eyes shining with hope. Even the grim-faced soldiers could not help but smile, feeling a surge of courage at the sight of their strong and united leaders.

With a final lingering kiss, Kiyoshi pulled away. He gazed into Nia's eyes, seeing the fear and determination there. He nodded curtly to Captain Shale and King Thalasar before he made his way to his horse and mounted it. Nia watched him ride to the front of the formation, his back straight and his head held high.

With a mighty roar, Kiyoshi raised his sword skyward. "Down with Madoc!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the field. The combined vampire armies, elves, and pirates echoed his cry, their battle cries a thunderous symphony of fury and determination.

A shiver ran down Nia's spine as her hand rested over her still-flat stomach, a silent prayer forming on her lips. "Come home safe, my love," she whispered, "Come home to me, to our child." Her gaze followed Kiyoshi as they charged out of Ivamis, their boots pounding against the earth as they raced toward the army that waited beyond the horizon.

The weight of Kiyoshi's absence pressed down on Nia as she went back to her chambers, the air heavy with tension. She sank onto the bed, her hands instinctively resting on her still-flat stomach. Then the chamber door creaked open, and Qadira entered.

"Your Majesty," she started, "Lord Darius is here requesting an audience."

"Lord Darius? It has been a while since we last spoke," Nia said, sitting up straighter on the bed. "Why, I wonder?"

"He wouldn't say, Your Majesty. Simply insisted on seeing you."

Nia stood, her expression thoughtful. "Very well. Please escort him to the drawing-room. I will be with him shortly." Qadira bowed and left the chamber, shutting the door behind her.

A few moments later, Nia entered the drawing-room. Lord Darius, sat by the fireplace, his face etched with a hint of concern. As Nia entered, a warm smile spread across his features.

"Your Majesty," he bowed, his deep brown eyes meeting hers. "It has been too long since we last spoke."

Nia gestured towards an armchair opposite the fireplace. "Lord Darius, please, there's no need for formality. You are an old friend. Do sit."

"I apologize for disturbing your rest, Nia. But the news of the impending battle… it wouldn't leave my mind." Lord Darius took a seat in the offered chair, his expression somber. "I trust His Majesty and King Thalasar are preparing the soldiers well?"

Nia sank into the armchair opposite Lord Darius, her expression somber mirroring his. "They are, but I share your concern. This battle will be unlike any other. It pains me to think of Kiyoshi leading our forces into such danger." She paused, looking down at her hands folded in her lap. "I miss him so much already."

"Indeed," he agreed, "I can only imagine the immense pressure you must be under."

Nia offered a strained smile. "We all do our part, Lord Darius. You, as well, I presume?"

"Alas, no. My role in this conflict lies behind the battle lines. My wife, Alia, and I have just returned from our honeymoon. Returning to such turmoil was not what we had anticipated." He said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Nia's eyes widened with genuine interest. "Your honeymoon! How delightful! Where did you travel?"

"We journeyed to the southern lands, beyond the Great Forest. The people there are quite different from our own, but they were the most gracious hosts. We stayed in a small village by the sea, where we were treated like royalty."

Lord Darius's face lit up with a fond smile as he recalled their travels. " Alia particularly enjoyed the beaches there. The sand was so warm and golden, it felt like walking on sunshine." He paused, his gaze meeting hers again. "Tell me, Nia, how fares your relationship with…well, the King?"

Nia felt a blush creep up her dark complexion as she thought about her relationship with Kiyoshi. "Things are… progressing well," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lord Darius chuckled, "That much is evident. Your cheeks are positively rosy when you speak of him." He leaned back in his chair, studying her.

Nia laughed, feeling a little more at ease. "Yes, well... things are… well." A sudden realization dawned on her. Her smile faltered slightly. "Though, there's one aspect I haven't had the chance to discuss with Kiyoshi yet."

Lord Darius raised an eyebrow, "Oh? And what might that be?"

"...with...child," Nia finally managed to say, her voice barely audible. She could feel the color drain from her face as she waited for Lord Darius's reaction. Lord Darius blinked, his lips forming a small 'o' of surprise.

"Nia," he said finally, his voice filled with genuine concern. "How did I not know?"

"It is a recent development. I haven't had the opportunity to tell Kiyoshi yet." Nia's voice wavered, her eyes lowering to her lap.

"And why not, if I may ask?" His question was gentle, but there was an underlying urgency to it. "You must know that this news will change everything for His Majesty, and for your kingdom as well. It will bring joy to the kingdom in the midst of such darkness, but it also comes with great responsibility."

"With the war looming, I thought it was best to keep it to myself until after the battle," Nia explained, her voice barely above a whisper. "I did not want to distract Kiyoshi or cause him any undue stress."

Lord Darius nodded slowly. "A wise decision," he said, his voice heavy with consideration. . But Nia," he continued, his voice low and serious, "does His Majesty… suspect anything?"

"Not that I know of. The maidservants haven't said anything, and I have been careful." Nia shook her head, looking down at her hands.

A sly smile played on Lord Darius's lips. "Careful, perhaps, but not entirely inconspicuous. Ever since my arrival, I have caught snippets of whispers and the maidservants exchanging knowing glances. It wouldn't take a master detective to piece things together."

Nia's blush deepened, a touch of annoyance mixing in with her embarrassment. "Oh dear," she muttered, burying her face in her hands. "I suppose I haven't exactly been subtle about my… condition lately."

"Let's just say your cravings for pickled plums at midnight have been a bit of a giveaway." Lord Darius's tone was teasing, but there was also a note of understanding in his voice.

Nia groaned, picturing the worried faces of the maids who readily supplied her strange requests. "They must think I am losing my mind!"

Lord Darius leaned forward, his tone turning serious. "Nia, rest assured your secret is safe with me. Our friendship goes far beyond courtly decorum. You can trust me with anything."

"Thank you, Lord Darius," she said sincerely. "It means a lot to have someone I can confide in."

"Always, Nia. Now, tell me more about these… pickled plums."

Nia let out a small laugh, the tension of Kiyoshi's departure momentarily lifting from her shoulders. The conversation shifted to lighter topics; Lord Darius's honeymoon and the extravagant dishes Alia had surprised him with. Nia, in turn, shared some of her own favorite childhood treats, a far cry from her current cravings.

After hours of animated conversation, Lord Darius rose, "It grows late, Your Majesty. I wouldn't want to keep you from your rest any longer." Nia stood as well, bowing her head in acknowledgment.

"Thank you again, Lord Darius. Your visit has been… exactly what I needed."

"The pleasure was mine, Nia. Do not hesitate to call upon me if you need anything at all. Even if it's just someone to listen to your latest pickled plum cravings."

They shared a smile, and Nia escorted Lord Darius to the door. As he mounted his carriage, he glanced back at her, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. Nia waved goodbye, watching until the carriage disappeared from view. Then, with a sigh, she closed the door and leaned against it, feeling the weight of her burden grow heavier.