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Valda pulled her in for another kiss, spreading her legs, so Maris was nestled between her thighs, legs straddling her waist. “Speaking of fucking.” Valda bit her lower lip and then grinned. “I brought something from the castle that you might just enjoy.”

Maris arched her eyebrow. “Oh?”

Valda nodded, her hands moving from gripping Maris’s ass to slowly rubbing her back.

“Oh!” Realization washed over her, as well as a jolt of excitement. “Wait! How?”

“You were resting before we left for the trip. I managed to get it and slip it inside my bag.”

“Slip it inside, huh?”

Valda’s grin grew wider. “That’s right.”

“It would be a shame not to put it to good use. Wouldn’t it?”

With a dip of her chin, Valda stood from the sofa as Maris wrapped her legs around her waist. “Let’s put it to good use, Seashell.”

***

As the sun hid over the horizon, the flickering lights of torches filled the settlement square.

The square was nothing compared to Ophelia Plaza or the court inside of Oberon castle. It was small and contained, rustic because the ground was not paved with small rocks like Ophelia. The preparations yesterday ended with large logs placed around a large blazing fire. As the minutes passed, children and their parents gathered around, taking up the space around the logs and torches.

The day before, when Eyphah had shown them the lakes to both Valda and Maris, she told them what she needed to keep them in optimal condition. They then shared a meal, and after that, Valda and Maris were left to enjoy the rest of the day as they saw fit. They went to the lakes had suggested, and after she explained how the water glowed when you touched it, and what she thought was needed to improve, they mostly talked about the plans to bring forth the help New Agenor needed. Maris couldn’t be happier with all the promises Valda was making, starting by lowering taxes. It seemed like things were about to get better for her people.

Now, they were getting ready to attend the Night of the Nymph. According to Eyphah, the celebration was nothing compared to the huge festivities back in their home kingdom, but it was something, and Maris wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Maris looked out from the window with childish fascination as musicians settled around the fire. The smell of delicious food brought and placed about the square reached her through the glass. Maris crossed her arms under her chest anxiously as she continued her inspection.

There were so many people, and according to Eyphah, everyone would be present at Night of the Nymph. Maris inhaled deeply and bit her lower lip at the thought. She hated crowds and being around so many people, but then again, they were her people.

She lowered her gaze to the ground, ashamed.

“Nervous?”

Maris jumped as Valda’s booming voice consumed the thick air of the room. She turned to the washroom, where she saw her come out rubbing her fingers through damp hair. The queen was wearing a simple blouse, a dark slack, and her combat boots. Her sleeves were messily rolled up to her elbow. The white blouse stuck to parts of her wet skin.

“I am. There are a lot of people out there.”

Valda nodded, sitting on the edge of the bed. “If you do not wish—”

“I do.” Maris didn’t even let her finish her sentence. “I do, I feel like I have to.”

“Maris, you are not obligated to do this.”

“I am…” Maris whispered, biting her thumbnail. “Something out there is calling to me, and I am being pulled into it. I can’t turn away; I can’t just say no.”

Valda pursed her lips before shrugging. “I understand,” she chuckled.

Maris turned to Valda and tried to ignore how beautiful she looked with her wet hair and calming smile. “You do?”

Valda nodded. “When I was old enough to go, I always felt obligated to go out to the Patron Festivals outside of Oberon Castle.”

“I am almost positive we danced at one of those Festivals.”

Valda chuckled. “Probably. I danced with whoever pulled me in. I enjoyed the festivals, I loved being around my people and dancing with them. But after a while, I just felt it more as a chore rather than an opportunity to be with them.” Her shoulders slumped. “If you don’t want to go, don’t.”

Maris closed her eyes tightly and released the breath she was holding. Her steps echoed, and the floorboards groaned beneath her feet. She stood before Valda and held her jaw. She moved Valda’s face until their eyes were somewhat connected. “I will go if you come with me.”