Ok, I’m aware that this is a little late and more than a little rough but I’ve been busy all week with a musical and have barely had any time to write. This was scribbled down a few days ago and expanded in a half catatonic state last night. It is set fifteen or so years after the events of Queen of Hearts. Also JOIN US here!!!!
Karavere set aside her book, sensing a presence beyond the firelight, ‘Who’s there?’
Alexandru stepped forward, ‘Only me.’ He sat down in the chair opposite, helping himself to the wine sitting on the low table.
Karavere stifled a yawn as she rubbed at her itching eyes.
‘Good book?’ her old friend asked.
‘No idea. I can’t get past the first page.’
‘Things on your mind?’
‘Always. Always always always. I can’t remember the last time I stopped thinking, even for a moment.’
‘It’ll kill you some day.’
‘If I don’t keep up to date, some plot or plan will slip past me and I’ll be dead even sooner. The tides are changing again, Alexi, and not to our benefit.’
‘Like last time.’
Kara did not answer. Alexandru tried a different tact, ‘Where’s Anjez?’
‘Chasing skirts, I imagine.’
‘He should help you more with your work. Ever since you took the throne he’s been nothing but dead weight. The unfaithful-’
‘Enough, Alexi! We all have our vices. The king does just as much work as I. And you are hardly one to judge on unfaithfulness. Oh, don’t give me that look. Did you think I didn’t know? Do you think Taia doesn’t know? She told me years ago. Firdieu, if I’m honest, I knew when I married you to my poor sister.’
‘Karavere, I’m sorry.’
She sighed, ‘Oh, Alexi, don’t apologise to me, apologise to your wife but only if you mean it, otherwise you’ll only break her heart all over again. I don’t think I have it in me to forgive you again. She still loves you, despite everything. It seems to be a family trait, loving men who wander.’
Alexandru focused on the flames. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of his wife fire soon engulfed by stamping horses and dying men. Even now, years and years after the war, the memories haunted him. The whole country, Karavere’s dream New Nation was haunted by the blood that brought it into being. ‘Like last time.’ he whispered.
Kara too stared into the dancing flames, ‘No, something is different now. I can smell it on the wind but can’t put a name to it. But something is different, not like last time.’
‘I don’t think I can do it all over again.’
‘I must. I will do what I must to ensure the future of Anrien. Even if it kills me.’
On a side note, it’s 1a.m. and the birds are singing. Why?!
R.E. Navan 
I love the bittersweetness all through this. And am intrigued by what is going on in the broader picture. 🙂
I’m glad you picked up on the bittersweetness. The broader picture events just depress me and I’m not thinking at this stage to develop these events into a full novel but they are cathartic to write about as short stories.
Wow! Love the new look of the site! especially that picture at the top. Is that a château or something? (this has gotta be in france)