Remembering

The word for royal should be work, Serriya thought. That’s all see ever seemed to do. She had presided at counsels, over saw the plans for expanding the defense walls, and been flattered almost past endurance by the Narzian ambassador. Now it was signing laws which finally came through the bickering of the Assembly. After being on the throne for two decades she should be used to her routine.

She stifled a yawned and picked up the top document from the stack on the table. All these had to be done today or she wouldn’t hear it from Arkus, her chief advisor. He had too much energy for an old man, though his treating her like a child helped her feel younger. She flexed her stiff fingers. She envied her son. She’d sent Takir to oversee the ceremonial duels at the temple. It had made sense at the time; he was the heir and needed the experience. Now faced with an hour of paperwork she regretted choosing this responsibility.

Her eyes wondered to the window. It was a beautiful day. The ocean stretched out in an uninterrupted mirror to the sky. Even the city seemed to shine. The landscape had completely healed. No destroyed walls, burning homes, and flash of swords. Just the occashinal smoke from a house fire whispered of the destruction before. She shivered. Maybe she was right to send Takir. The duels held too many painful memories for her.

“Are you alright, your majesty?” her assistant asked.

            “Of course.” She picked up the pen and signed. Compared to her early years of her rein, boring routine were more welcome than deadly excitement. Routines were safe. She managed to get through the rest of the documents with little trouble, other than wondering who was the fool in charge of document wording.

Her assistant left and she also dismissed the guards. They wouldn’t be far if she needed them, but she wanted some time alone. She slumped in the chair and closed her eyes. Her mind instantly started going over the schedule again. There were so many things to plan and work through, even with her handing responsibilities to her family members she still had trouble keeping up. She must be getting old. Even with her accomplishments she still seemed to fall short. She drummed her fingers on the chair arm. She couldn’t even relax without going over her life.

            She heard the door open and slow careful footsteps enter the room. She didn’t open her eyes. “I’m here, Jairo.”

            “I guessed as much.” her husband sounded amused.

            “I thought you were Takir.”

            “He can managed on his own. He doesn’t need me to lead.” He was good at lying, but she knew his reasons were the same as hers. “Besides, I suspected you’d be here. You don’t stay in here unless you’re tired.”

            She chuckled. “You would too if you dealt with the ambassador and land claims all day.”

            “You’re working yourself too hard.”

            “I’m used to it. I’ve lead armies. This is nothing.”

             “I was there you know.” She heard his footsteps approached her desk. “So the strong leaders of armies has to take a rest in the room she dislikes the most?”

            “You don’t believe the queen?” his silence was an answer in the affirmative. She let out a frustrated sigh. “How did you know?”

“Your voice.”

            He was standing next to her now, and Serriya looked up into his glass eyes. One hand rested on the desk, an anchor in his darkness. Despite being blind, he watched her carefully, waiting for her answer. She sighed. Of course she couldn’t keep anything from him. Even when he had eyes he could see past anyone’s lies.

            “Alright, I am tired and stressed. But I am the Zar. I don’t get breaks. I am the county. If I don’t do my part the nation will fall.”

            Jairo stepped behind her, hand sliding along the back of the chair to guide him. His fingers found her shoulders and gently massaged the tense area. “And if you run yourself into the ground, the country goes soon after.”

            “Leave my analogy alone.” She leaned back into the touch.

            He kissed the top of her head. “You’ve done your job well, Sira.”

            “You’re supposed to say that.” She reached back and traced circles on his hand. Everything was starting to wear on her, but this was her responsibility. She’d fought too hard to keep it together. Everything around her reminded him of problems and battles. Sometimes it was hard to believe there was anything left in the world she could truly enjoy.

            Afternoon sun aluminate the time counter on the wall. With a groan she sat up. “I better get ready for the reception.” Her niece was coming, a diplomatic visit of course, to see her over some legal matters. Still it would be nice to spend the evening with family after elected officials.

            “You should rest.  Takara will understand. She has a country, too.”

            “Now I really do sound old. I don’t want to be late.”

“Takara is always late.”

            “I can rest later.” Serriya stood.

            Jairo took her arm and started leading her towards the side of the room, towards the secret passage out to the back of the grounds.

            “Iro, what are you doing?”

 “Ditching.”

            She stared at him. “You’ve never approved of ditching.”

            “And now you don’t?” He turned his head, skin around his eye crinkled in amusement.

            Serriya listed off a list of reasons why this was a dumb idea, but didn’t resist as the blind man led her down the passage and out on to the palace gardens. Jairo paused to pick up a staff leaning against the wall. She paused in shock. He only used a stick if they were going leaving the palace grounds.

            “You’re worried?” now he truly was amused.

            Her face flushed. “Believe it or not I’m not a kid anymore. I’m sure they’ll notice if the Zar goes missing.”

            He took her hand again. “I’m the one who worries too much, remember.”

            There was no way she was going to get out of this. She looked up towards the mountain slop, the direction he was facing. The land technically belonged to her, so she wasn’t really leaving. If anyone asked she could say she was patrolling the grounds. She suddenly laughed. The Zar, Devine’s chosen ruler, was afraid of getting in trouble for walking on her own land. She gave his hand a squeeze. “Alright, lead on.”

            It was not a fast pace. Jairo had to rely on the staff and the path was not even.  Not knowing their destination she didn’t dare offer to lead. He might pretend not to mind, but he was still sensitive about being blind. This was his expedition. She glanced back towards the palace. She should get back.

Jairo’s foot slipped on an uneven part of the path.  She grabbed his arm, instinctively digging in her heals to steady them. At the same moment he grabbed her arm to keep her up. They stood motionless, panting and shocked over what almost happened. She looked down to see the ground under her. It was a collection of pebbles and slick patches of weeds.

It looked familiar. Could it be?

“Are you alright?” Her husband was watching her, eyes narrows as if determined to see her.

            She swallowed the lump in her throat.

“Hurry up.” Princess Serriya ran up the path. It was uneven, but she it didn’t slow her down as she outdistanced her escort. He had just been assigned to her, after the last time she’s gone out without supervision. He was serious and worried about what her father would say, but he had no choice but to follow the young princess wherever she went. Besides, it was fun having someone she could show all the treasures she’d discovered.

            “We shouldn’t be here, princess.” The older boy was not far behind. He stayed a few strides behind her, hand never left his dagger. He was only a few years older than her, but he was acting like an adult. Maybe this trip would make him loosen up.

            “But you’re with me this time. Arkus can’t get too mad.”

            Jairo’s brown eyes narrowed. “This time?”

            “I had to have found it before if I could show it to you now, silly.”

            “I’m supposed to keep you on the grounds.” He reminded. “What is so important about this?”

            She paused, giving him a look. “It’s my place, and if you’re going to be my friend you have to be on the secret.”

            The fourteen year-old stared at her. She smiled. It was funny to see him surprised. It also made her feel better. Maybe she wasn’t the only one not used to having friends close to her own age.

“Are you coming or not?” She turned back to the trail and slipped on slick part of weeds. She fell towards the ground, arm out to catch herself. Something grabbed the back of her tunic and pulled her back. They fell back and she landed on something solid, but too soft to be ground. She opened her eyes, which she didn’t remember closing. A soft groan came from under him, and realized she was sitting on someone.

She squealed and scrambled off him. Jairo lay on his back on the ground among the rocks. She stared at him. Had she killed him?

            His eyes slowly opened, and she saw him wince. “Are you alright princess?”

            She glared at him. “Am I alright! What about you? That was really dumb.” She was sure she saw his mouth twitch up, and she looked away. Couldn’t he see she was mad at him? “How did you get over hear so fast?”

            He began pushing himself up, grunting as he tested to see how many bruises he had. “Trick of the trade.”

            She helped him up. “I need to take you back.” This always happened. Arkus said she was a hazard to her own health, and now she was dragging others down with her.

Good thing her brother would be the Zar and not her. She mess it up. She sniffed.

            Jairo didn’t move. “I’m sorry, princess, but I can’t.”

            “But you’re hurt.”

            “I came here to be shown something, and we’re not going back until you’ve shown me.”

            It was Serriya’s turn to stare. He still wanted to see her place? After everything? A smile spread across her face. She slid his arm over her shoulder. It was a little awkward for him, having to lean the smaller ten year-old to support the older boy. Also judging by the red in his face he considered the whole experience embarrassing. “I don’t need help princess.”

            “It’s not that far.” She said, ignoring his statement. “I can hear it now.”

            Serriya could hear it. A soft roar in the distance. “Iro, is that?”

            Jairo’s finger found her hair and smoothed it back. His glass eyes reflecting the sun with a gentle twinkle. “We’re almost there.”

            She moved closer to him so his am was over her shoulder. She was still smaller, but it wasn’t as awkward this time. “Then we better keep going then.”

            The path seemed easier. Jairo still tapped in front of him but allowed her to navigate around some of the rock. Now she was reminded it was easy for Serriya to stay on the correct path. The roaring became steadily louder until the trees separated and there below them was a large waterfall. Waters of the river plummeted down, spraying mist over the landscape. A rainbow shimmered in and out of focus as clouds blocked the sun’s rays. The river continued down the mountain towards city.

It was her place, and nothing about it was different. Serriya could close her eyes and pretend nothing had changed. She hadn’t taken the throne instead of her brother. She wasn’t the leader of a national reform. She hadn’t helped trigger fighting throughout the continent. She hadn’t been the reason her husband was blind. For the moment, she could truly enjoy being alive.

            “How is it?” Jairo was looking towards the sound of the falls. Again she felt her throat tighten. He couldn’t see the beauty, but had made sure she came up here.

            Leaned against him. “Just like the first time.”

            His head rested against hers.

            It was a long time before they returned back the palace. The Arkus had half the guards searching the grounds. It was almost like they were kids again as the old advisor ranted on and on about prodigal and proper escorts. They put up with the lectures until Serriya reminded him that they need to get ready for her niece’s visit. Inside their chambers Serriya guided her husband’s face down to give him a kiss.

            “Thank you for ditching.”

            His hand gently felt her face. “Anytime, princess.”