She walked along the halls beside Jensek as they headed towards the garden for some tea and a light lunch. The past few days had been mentally exhausting and the only time she and Robert would have any time to themselves seemed to be in a bed chamber. Robert had been busy with state affairs during the day, so she figured to help stay out of his way she would fill her days with things to keep from being a distraction. 

Her plate was rather full as well since it was up to her to figure out a way to save her closest friend and ally, plus free her people and grant them the life of peace they so desperately deserve. It still pained her to think that the longer they took to come up with a plan the shorter the possibility of him returning safely was. The stress was overwhelming, and she still had no idea how to tackle such a feat alone, but if her theory was correct then her stepmother and siblings were prisoners of this man just like the people of the kingdom. 

Whomever this Jayel was he abused the power he held to take control of something that wasn't his, by feeding off the pain and fear of the queen to get what he wanted. His plan was not yet complete as it seemed to include her in some way though, so if he wanted to capture her, he would keep Vestin alive and wait for her to come to him. Vestin's life literally laid in her hands, but so did the lives of a whole nation. 

She thought about how she could save everyone and if she was really fit to rule over Serenity. Fatigue was beginning to creep up behind her and she shook her head slightly to clear her mind of the negative energy.

Her train of thought broke when she heard birds chirping and felt the cool breeze across her face. It was a sign that the seasons were changing, and it would be getting cold soon. This lunch was a much-needed distraction for her, a way to clear her mind for a bit and calm her nerves. She looked over at Jensek and could see he needed a distraction as well. The tiny bond between them was far from a friendship, but it was the only link they had left of Vestin now.

"Which tea would you like today? I happened to like the one from yesterday, the floral aroma was pleasant, maybe I should ask the maids to bring some."

Jensek looked over and met her eyes. He truly could not understand why he indulged her most times. Since they had their talk he found himself in her company more frequently than he liked. Maybe it was because he wished to hold on to the only other person who seemed to care about Vestin. It was all he had left to remind him of his love and captain. A false sense of hope that kept him pushing forward and looking for new meaning to life. He could almost understand why Vestin was so attached to her. After spending the time he had with the girl he got to know that she was more than just a pretty face in a dress. She had a brilliant mind and, if she could master her combat skills, would make an exceptional general. If it came to it he would take over the position next to her as her second, but he held a burning flame of faith that it would not come to that.

He knew she felt burdened by the task at hand, but the longer they procrastinated the more danger Vestin was in. If he was to be her new voice of reason he would have to be just that, the logical voice that echoed in her mind. He could not give her the sweetly prepped words that Vestin would endlessly give. Because that would not help her grow into the ruler she needed to be. The leader she had to become needed to be reminded every so often of the truth of things and not be clouded in a mist of sweetly painted lies to soothe their ego and spare their feelings.

"I understand that you are worried about him and these tea meetings are just a way to distract you from what is going on, but we must come up with a plan to bring him back safely. We can't sit here drinking tea and enjoying such luxuries while he is being tortured or even worse..."

She paused and looked down at her hands. Her thumbs pressed together as she let his word process and she pictured the vile thing he must be enduring. Her face grew pale at the very thought of him being harmed and she grabbed hold of her uneasy stomach. A surge of fear washed over her and she could feel her insides twist up. Her breathing increased and she could feel a small pool of sweat begin to form over her brows. She pressed firmly on her belly as the energy slowly slipped away from her legs.

He rushed to her side to offer her support. As he looked over her face she saw how pale she was and the dark circles under her eyes.

"I apologize," she saw him step forward and held her palm up to stop him, "It seems I have been on edge about this, it has even cost me some sleep. I also received a disturbing message from my stepmother. It was addressed to Madam Madim, but the message was for me."

Jensek stood as close to her as she would permit and studied her face. There was something else that troubled her, but he would pry it from her lips later when she looked a bit more healthy and calm.

"What did this message say exactly?"

"The situation is as I thought. We need to free them all from his grip and quickly. Vestin's life is no longer the only one in danger. I am being called upon for aid that I cannot give at the moment...then there is another matter I have yet to discuss with Robert."

Jensek listened to the tone of her voice. Something bothered her deeply he could feel it. He took her hand in his and pressed it slightly.

"Okay, then we shall discuss a possible strategy. One that will bring Vestin back and free your kingdom. We also figure out a way to get you an audience with King Robert. Matters that are close to us should be handled first. You must remember that you are not alone, princess, you haven't been for a long time. Now let us not stand here and pity ourselves, but use that pain to better ourselves and achieve greatness."

She pressed his hand in response and he helped her keep her balance. A small smile on her lips as she heard his confident words. It was nice that she had someone who would not gloss things over for her. She would be a queen and have many lives to care for, a luxury of having things sweetened for her was not something she wished to hold on to.

Jensek looked at her as she smiled. He rolled his eyes and sighed as she leaned up against him for support.

"I was a bit harsh with my words earlier, as well. Sometimes a distraction is necessary to think better. This tea you were boasting about, maybe I will have some, too."

Loraz giggled as she heard his clumsy attempt at an apology.

"It is called 'Black flower of Hope' a fitting tea for a pair like us, no?"

Jensek rolled his eyes and sighed at the cliché name. It was more likely that this young princess came up with the name in an attempt to bond them together.

"Stop trying to get me to like you."

She smiled when she saw his face go red. He was tough, but his heart was in the right place.

"I would not dare, sir."

They made their way to the outdoor dining table and just as Jensek was helping her sit, they heard a voice yell in panic.

"Loraz, are you alright?"

Turning towards the voice they both saw Robert rushing almost in a full sprint up to them.

"Robert, you look sick and out of breath. Has something happened?" She replied.

Jensek walked over to the other side of the chair she sat in and met with Robet's eyes.

"I take it one of your servants informed you of her becoming a bit dizzy and feeling unwell." He asked.

"They made it seem more serious than what it truly is, it would seem. I thought you were passed out on the floor somewhere. I happened to hear voices in this direction and followed."

Loraz looked at Robert's sweaty face. She looked over at Jensek, who motioned for Robert to take his seat.

"Would you care to join us for some tea, Your Majesty?"

Robert watches as Jensek gets up from his seat and looks at the table then back at Loraz.

"I only came to check on you, so I cannot stay for long. Unfortunately, I must return back to my office and finish some work."

Loraz looked down at her hands and nodded her head. It was a miracle that she even got to see him so early in the day. His duty as king came before his role as lover.

"If I may be allowed to speak?" Jensek said.

Robert looked over at him and nodded his head.

"Speak your mind."

Jensek gestured towards a chair and looked Robert in the eyes.

"The young princess has something she wishes to discuss with you, Your Majesty. If you wish to place her by your side it would be wise to set aside some time for her as well."

Robert looked back at Loraz and saw how she looked placed and tired from stress. His schedule was full of political debates and keeping peace between his people, mainly his lords and generals, that his time spent with Loraz grew shorter and shorter. He walked over to the chair and sat down. Motioning for his aid to come close he whispered something to him and sent him off.

"I am all yours for the remainder of the day. Now what is troubling you?"

Loraz looked over at Jensek, who took his cup in hand and let the aroma fill his nose. She turned back to Robert and bit her bottom lip.

"I have many things on my mind as of late. From liberating my kingdom to how we will be able to raise a child in such chaos..."

Jensek sits up straight and looks over at Robert who seemed to let Loraz's last sentence fly past his ears.

"We will free your people. I am in talks with my generals about what steps we can take to get you back your throne. The matter dealing with the safe return of Vestin is also underway. Children will come later when things have settled. You've nothing to fear about we will help you win this fight and any other that may cross your path."

Jensek placed his cup down as Loraz took a bit of her salad.

"Your majesty, you should learn to read between the lines in certain situations. She has just announced she is with child. The question now is how long have you known?"

Robert looked over at Jensek then at Loraz as she waited for him to process everything.

"A baby...us...when?"

Loraz looked at Robert. She smiled as he stared at her.

"It's only speculation. I have missed my cycle twice. It could also be stress and exhaustion...I find out later on today."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"You were busy. Plus I also have other matters to worry about. I wanted to be certain before bringing it up, but I haven't been able to sleep the past few days."

" It is very like that the reason you almost fainted is due to the fact that you are pregnant. As your temporary second, I will have to ask you to not stress yourself any further. Think of your health and let us worry about the rest." Jensek said.

"Jensek is right. We must figure this out so that we can take the proper steps forward. I shall also move our wedding ceremony up from next year to be held in two months' time," Robert calls for a servant to step closer, "Go get the royal physician, tell them to come quickly to the east garden. The future queen is in need of his assistance."

"At once your majesty."

Robert got up out of his chair and walked over to Loraz and turned her chair to face him. As she looked up at him and he fell to his knees wrapping his arms around her, he put his ear to her bell.

"I love you."