1A/N: So I wrote this when I was still deeply in the closet with myself about being bisexual and when I reread this more recently I realized that it comes off as homophobic, especially in the beginning because I was projecting. "Of course I don't like women, that's ridiculous. I'm totally straight. Even though I'm writing a story about lesbians and find many women attractive." Anyways, that's why it comes off that way. Sorry about that.
Two Queens
Natania:
"Natania, we'd like to talk to you about marriage."
Natania knew this conversation was coming. Her parents had been in constant contact with other kingdoms for months. And she had turned twenty a few months ago. She was legally an adult now, and in the royal family that meant being available for marriage. She knew that she would probably never find true love like in her favorite stories, but she knew her duty as a Royal came first.
Natania sighed before speaking.
"I assume you've picked an eligible suitor for me," Natania said.
"Yes," said her mother, "but the circumstances are unusual so it's important you be open-minded about this."
Natania frowned. What did she need to be open-minded about? Was she marrying a frog? Natania almost snorted at the thought. But that was a good start for a worst-case scenario. Anything would be better than marrying a frog.
"I'll keep an open mind," Natania promised.
Her father spoke this time. "We've decided the most suitable marriage would be to the Kingdom of Estvel."
"Alright," Natania said. She had never been there, but she knew it was far more inland than her home here in Graden. Well, most kingdoms were since her home was along the ocean, but she was pretty sure it was in the center of the continent.
"And they have one daughter, Sarai," continued her mother.
"Okay," said Natania.
Her parents paused. She was still waiting for the unusual part. Then she realized what was odd about this.
"If they only have one daughter, who am I marrying?" Natania asked, confused but she had a guess at the answer.
"The daughter. You will be marrying the daughter," said her mother.
Natania blinked and then stared at her parents. They clearly weren't joking even though this was one of the most ridiculous things she had ever heard. Same-sex marriage was far from unheard of, but she had never heard of it in a Royal family.
"Um, I'm confused. Why am I marrying their daughter, a woman?"
"It's an alliance we don't have yet," explained their father. "And it's more important to join families with them than it is to find a male suitor."
Natania was still confused. Those were some odd priorities.
"But, um, how will we make an heir?" Natania asked befuddled.
"You won't. You'll have to adopt," explained her mother.
"Has any of our family ever adopted? I thought bloodlines were really important?" Natania questioned.
In addition to never finding true love, she had also resigned herself to sex with a man she didn't love in order to produce a Royal heir. She was just hoping it would be with someone tolerable.
"Our family hasn't, but the Royal family in Estvel has. A few generations back, they had two kings and they adopted a distant cousin," said her father.
How odd. She supposed the bloodline would technically be continued in a sense, but the thought of adopting into a Royal family was a very foreign concept to her. It was hard to wrap her mind around it. She wondered if the other princess, Sarai, had any qualms with this. Well, it probably didn't matter if she did, just like it wouldn't matter if Natania did. At least they would have something in common.
"Okay…" Natania said slowly.
"Okay?" her mother encouraged.
"I'm… still adjusting to the thought of marrying a woman and adopting into the Royal family, but I suppose I could do it. When will I meet her?"
"We'll be going to Estvel in a few weeks," her mother answered.
"Will brother be joining us?" Natania asked.
She knew her older brother couldn't marry Princess Sarai if she was an only child. She would have to be Queen of her own kingdom as their only heir. And since her brother Naphtali was older he would be the one to inherit the throne here. But she loved her brother dearly and she wanted some support through this strange development.
"Most likely. He doesn't have to, but it would be good for the Estvel family to meet all of us," answered her father.
"Okay," said Natania. "I think I need some time to process all this. Will you excuse me?"
Both of her parents nodded and she stood and left the room. Once she made it back to her own room she sat down on her bed and stared at the wall. Of all the possibilities for her future, this was one outcome she had not expected, or even considered. Then she snorted. At least she wasn't marrying a frog.
…
Sarai:
"You have got to be kidding me!" Sarai yelled.
"I assure you that we're not," Sarai's mother, the Queen of Estvel, said sternly.
"Marriage to a woman?! What in the world were you thinking?!" Sarai exclaimed.
"We were thinking we needed to form a proper alliance with the Kingdom of Graden," her mother stated.
"And they don't have any sons?" Sarai asked exasperated.
"They have one, but since he is the eldest he will be taking over the throne in Graden. So their daughter, Natania, is who you'll be married to," explained her mother.
"Sarai, your great-grandfathers were both kings. Their marriage worked out," her father said calmly.
"Just because they had a same-sex marriage doesn't mean I want one!" Sarai screamed.
"Sarai, calm down. You're overreacting," her mother said.
"I am NOT overreacting! I am reacting exactly the right amount! How could you do this? Marriage to a woman! Ugh!" Sarai continued to yell.
"It's not all bad. I hear Princess Natania is a very sweet girl," said her father.
"I'm sure she's fine! That doesn't mean I want to marry her!"
"Sarai," her mother said firmly, "you will marry this girl and you will respect our decision."
"You're awful! I can't believe you! I'm leaving!" Sarai stood suddenly and stomped out.
"Sarai!" her mother called.
"Leave her be," Sarai heard her father say as the door shut behind her.
Sarai stomped all the way to her room. As soon as she got there she grabbed a pillow and screamed into it. She screamed again and again until she was out of breath. She plopped on the bed and glared at the pillow in her hands.
She couldn't believe this. Marriage to a woman. She wasn't even attracted to women. Not like her parents cared.
Honestly, the conversation would probably have been just as bad if they announced her marriage to a man. Sarai sighed. The woman thing was just an excuse. She just hated the idea of an arranged marriage. She wanted to scream again, but all her energy had left her. It seemed that her rebelliousness had all amounted to nothing. This was the ultimate control her parents had over her. She could keep her hair short against her mother's wishes. She could skip tutoring enough to get away with it. She could practice sword-fighting even though her parents insisted that she take up more delicate hobbies. But this, this was something she couldn't get out of or change or do anything about. She had ultimately lost her quest for freedom. As long as she had Royal blood in her veins, she would always be bound to her stupid duty.
This time she did scream.
…
Natania:
"Announcing the arrival of the Royal family of Graden! His Majesty, King Zakiya. Her Majesty, Queen Riva. His Highness, Prince Naphtali. And Her Highness, Princess Natania."
Natania tried to calm her nerves as the doors opened and her family was announced to the Royal family of Estvel. She could do this. She was sure Princess Sarai would be a decent human being. She could do this.
She felt her brother's hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay, Tani. You'll be wonderful," Naphtali whispered before releasing her.
Natania relaxed at her brother's words and the childhood nickname. At least her brother would be with her for a while. He would leave with their parents, but for now she had his support. She could do this.
They all entered the room, her parents first and her brother and her behind them.
"It is an honor to finally meet you in person," her father said bowing while her mother curtsied.
Natania smiled a little at the gestures of her parents. In any other circumstance a Queen and King would never curtsy or bow. But they were meeting other Royals for the first time and needed to show respect to them. Especially in their own country.
King Eliya and Queen Shari, Natania had learned their names already, both stood from their thrones and made their way to Natania's family. She couldn't see very well from behind her parents, but she waited for her cue to meet them.
"It is an honor to meet you as well," King Eliya said. His voice was soft and it sounded like he was smiling. "Please, let us introduce our daughters."
Natania's parents stepped aside to let Natania step forward. She could do this.
"Princess Natania, this is our daughter, Princess Sarai," King Eliya said before both he and the Queen stepped aside to reveal their daughter.
Sarai was looking at the ground. She took a visible breath before looking back at Natania. Sarai had piercing blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair, and pale skin. She was a little taller than Natania. Sarai looked at Natania with a neutral expression before it turned into slight shock. Perhaps she was just as nervous as Natania.
Natania tried her best at a reassuring smile.
"Hello, Princess Sarai. I'm Natania. It is an honor to meet you," Natania said with a curtsy.
Sarai said nothing and continued to stare at Natania until Queen Shari nudged her none-too-gently.
"H-Hello, Princess Natania. I-I'm Sarai. It's an honor to meet you," Sarai said with an awkward curtsy, confirming Natania's thought that she was nervous as well.
"Let's all go to garden for lunch. I'm sure you must be famished. It will be an excellent chance for us to get to know each other better," Queen Shari said with a smile.
"That would be lovely," Natania's mother replied with a smile as well.
…
Sarai:
Sarai was not happy. She had been forced out of her bed and put into her nicest dress, despite preferring to wear pants. Another way to defy her parents. But there was no winning this.
She was standing next to her parents' thrones in the Throne Room when the Royal family of Graden was announced. She hardly paid attention. She wasn't looking at them. She refused to until she absolutely had to. She heard the King of Graden greet her parents and her parents got up to walk to them. She followed behind them until they stopped in front of the visiting family.
"It's an honor to meet you as well," her father said. "Please, let us introduce our daughters."
Sarai braced herself.
"Princess Natania, this our daughter Princess Sarai," her father said before both he and her mother stepped aside to let Sarai step forward.
She did but was still looking at the ground. She took a deep breath and looked up at Natania.
Oh.
Oh no.
She was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. Natania had skin the color of milk chocolate and luscious hair the color of dark chocolate. She had deep, dark eyes that were regarding her kindly. It wasn't like there weren't people with dark skin in Estvel, but this girl was gorgeous. She didn't even know a person could be this pretty.
Natania greeted her and her voice was soft and sweet and Sarai would give anything to listen to that voice forever. It wasn't until her mother nudged her that Sarai realized she was staring and hadn't greeted Natania. She stumbled through her introduction, and berated herself for being so clumsy in front of this beautiful person.
Her mother suggested lunch in the garden, and Sarai barely noticed. She couldn't stop staring at Natania. She only looked away when her mother forcibly turned her around so they could walk to the garden.
Once they were all seated in the garden, with Natania next to Sarai, Sarai just stared at the food being served. She wasn't sure she could handle looking at Natania without looking like a fool.
"Hey, Princess Sarai?"
Sarai started at Natania's soft voice. She braved a look at Natania who was smiling softly.
"If I'm reading things correctly, you seem to be as nervous as I am," she said.
Natania was nervous? That helped Sarai relax marginally. At least she wasn't alone in feeling nervous. But she wasn't sure if they were nervous for the same reasons.
"Yes…" Sarai admitted.
"It's okay. I mean, arranged marriages aren't the best, but I would like to at least be friends," Natania said still smiling.
Friends? With the most beautiful creature she had ever seen? That would be nerve-wracking. Though, just being around Natania was nerve-wracking. What brought Sarai to the point of panic was that she wanted to be much more than friends with Natania. She had never been this attracted to anyone before in her life. She felt silly for the argument she had with her parents about not being attracted to women. And she hated being proven wrong.
"That would be… nice…" Sarai lied. Well, not a complete lie. She wanted Natania like she had never wanted anyone before. But she supposed they should start by getting to know each other better.
Natania visibly relaxed at Sarai's words.
"That's good. I try to imagine worst-case scenarios because then what actually happens isn't nearly as bad. And you are far from a worst-case scenario. You seem nice and that's really comforting," Natania admitted.
Sarai seemed nice. Sarai smiled a little at that. Very few people would describe her as nice. She was wild and energetic and had a short temper. But she could be nice for Natania.
"Thank you," Sarai said. "You seem nice too."
Natania's smiled widened and Sarai thought she was even more beautiful than before.
…
Natania:
Natania was having a nice time in Estvel. Sarai had hesitantly showed her around the castle and told her that she was welcome to be anywhere in the castle as it would be her home soon. Natania was grateful that Sarai was accepting of their betrothal. But she wished Sarai would talk to her more. She was so shy. In their conversations, Natania did most of the talking and she was not used to that. She was so used to listening. But Natania didn't mind too much. She was trying so hard to get her to open up, but even after two weeks, Sarai was just so nervous all the time. She actually started to wonder if Sarai was always this nervous. So she talked to her parents.
The King and Queen of Estvel were baffled at their daughter's behavior. They said she was usually quite energetic. Natania had a hard time seeing that.
I wasn't until one night when they were dining together, just the two of them for the first time that Sarai opened up. Sarai was so tense, so Natania suggested getting some wine. Sarai agreed and Natania called for a servant to bring a bottle of wine. Sarai drank almost the whole bottle an insisted on another. Natania was worried, but ordered another bottle. Sarai was half way through that one before Natania decided to comment on it.
"Sarai, are you okay?" Natania said gently.
"Nope," Sarai slurred.
Natania blinked. That was the first time Sarai had said anything other than "I'm fine".
"What's wrong?" Natania asked.
"Everything," Sarai stated.
"Could you be more specific?" Natania encouraged.
"Well, first off," Sarai paused to burp. "First off, this is not my favorite wine. The servants know my favorite wine. I drink it all the goddamn time."
"Oh, that was my fault. I chose something I thought would go well with the meal," explained Natania.
"Oh," Sarai said looking at the bottle and then at Natania. "Then I guess it's okay." Sarai took another swig of wine.
"What else is wrong?" Natania asked.
"Well, the real problem is that," Sarai hiccupped then continued, "that we're gonna be married in like a month. And I'm still not okay with it."
"Oh," Natania said. She had thought Sarai was okay with the marriage. She was always nice to Natania and despite being nervous didn't discourage her company.
"Why are you not okay with it?" Natania asked.
"Because!" Sarai shouted.
"Because?" Natania pushed.
"Because I can't tell you! I can't tell you or anyone! I can't tell anyone my feelings! My parents will get mad! And you'll think I'm weird and I don't want you to think I'm weird." Sarai attempted to explain before taking another swig of wine.
Natania paused at that. Sarai had no one to talk to about her feelings? That was really unfortunate. Even when she couldn't talk to her parents, whom she loved, about something she could always talk to her brother. Natania did have the suspicion that Sarai didn't have a good relationship with her parents, but that she didn't have anyone else to talk to must be incredibly lonely. Natania wanted to hug her.
Natania got up and went over to Sarai. Sarai looked at her confused.
"We're going to move over to that couch over there. We can talk more comfortably there," Natania explained.
Sarai just stared.
"Come on," Natania said pulling Sarai from her seat.
Sarai stumbled into Natania's arms. Natania caught her and Sarai smiled at her. Natania guided them over to the aforementioned couch and plopped them both down.
"Tell me about your feelings," Natania said continuing the conversation. "I won't think you're weird, I promise."
"But you will," Sarai said quietly. "You'll think I'm weird and then you won't like me anymore."
"I'll still like you," Natania countered.
"No you won't!" Sarai exclaimed. "No one likes me. I'm rude and wild and everyone thinks I shouldn't be Queen."
"No they don't," Natania said, but she couldn't be sure. She hadn't been here very long and Sarai could very well be right. Though she hoped she wasn't.
"You don't know," Sarai said sadly. "My parents and I don't get along and I skip lessons and I swordfight and I can't do anything right."
"You and I get along," Natania pointed out.
"Because you don't know me. And I've tried so hard to make sure you don't know me because you won't like me and I want you to like me so bad," Sarai said.
"You don't know that, Sarai. I want to know you. I want you to open up to me. I want to know what you like and what you do for fun. I want to know your favorite color. I want to know what your favorite dessert is. I want to know what you think about life. I want to know what you think about the future. I want to be your friend!" Natania said letting out the two weeks of built up frustration at not being able to really get to know Sarai.
"I don't want to be friends!" Sarai shouted.
"What?" Natania said shocked.
"I don't want to be friends," Sarai said in a lower voice.
Natania didn't know she could be that hurt by someone she had only met two weeks ago. She almost started tearing up.
"Why don't you want to be friends?" Natania asked quietly, not able to look at Sarai anymore.
"Because I want more."
"What?" Natania said her head snapping up to look back at Sarai. Now she was really confused.
"I want more. I want to be more than your friend. I don't think I can be your friend when all I want to do is hold you and kiss you senseless and go to bed with you."
"What?!" Natania's face was heating up at Sarai's admission.
Sarai looked tiredly at Natania.
"I've fantasized about you every night since we met. You have to be the most beautiful person on the face of the planet. I've never met anyone as beautiful as you. You make me feel nervous and crazy and I can barely hold it in. And you're not just beautiful. You're so kind I can barely stand it. You're so patient with me even though I've barely said a word to you. I want to tell you that I love you, but I know you can't fall in love in two weeks. But the feeling is pretty close."
Natania was stunned. She didn't know how to respond to that. Sarai was attracted to her? Like a serious, intense attraction. Natania didn't know what to feel.
Natania looked at Sarai and took her in. Sarai was very pretty. She had the most stunning blue eyes she had ever seen. They reminded her of the ocean. Her hair was soft and the color suited her well. She looked at the rest of Sarai and blushed. She wanted to be held by her too. She wanted to be close to her. She wanted an intimacy she had never experienced before. She was attracted to Sarai too. But she didn't think she could hope for a mutual attraction so she decided she would be happy with just being friends. But if she could have more, if she could be as close to her as her heart truly desired, then what was stopping her?
Absolutely nothing.
Natania took a deep breath to calm the butterflies in her stomach.
"Sarai?"
"Yeah?"
"May I kiss you?"
Sarai looked at her confused.
"What?" Sarai said.
"May I kiss you?" Natania repeated.
Sarai blinked, then sat up straight very suddenly.
"You just asked me if you could kiss me." Sarai said hesitantly.
"Yes," confirmed Natania.
"You want to kiss me?" Sarai asked.
"Yes, very much," Natania confirmed again.
Sarai squinted at her.
"Why?"
"Because I'm very attracted to you too. I want to kiss you and I want you to hold me and I want to maybe go to bed with you too," Natania said insistently despite her face feeling hot at the explicit admission.
Sarai blinked at her. Then she situated herself on the couch so she was properly facing Natania. Natania did the same and scooted closer to her so that they were within touching distance. Sarai reached out and touched Natania's hair. She played with it a little bit and then moved her hand to Natania's cheek. She leaned forward and Natania leaned in too. Sarai stopped right before their lips met and looked at Natania. She put her hand on her other cheek and pulled Natania in.
The moments their lips met, Natania relaxed into the kiss. She pressed forward and put her hands on Sarai's shoulders. Sarai's hands moved from Natania's cheeks and wrapped around her waist. Natania took that opportunity to wrap her arms around Sarai's neck. The kiss grew more insistent as they moved to make kissing easier. Sarai moved so that her back was to the arm of the couch and Natania moved forward to lay in between her legs. Natania stroked Sarai's hair as Sarai rubbed her hands up and down her back.
Their lips began to part to make the kissing deeper and Sarai was the first to test licking Natania's lips. Natania responded in kind and their tongues joined in their making out. Natania was rubbing against Sarai like she couldn't get close enough and Sarai was encouraging every movement Natania made.
Sarai broke the kiss and both she and Natania were out of breath. She looked at Natania through half lidded eyes.
"Want to go back to my room?" Sarai asked.
Natania's eyes widened. Sarai smiled.
"We don't have to have sex, but I'd like to wake up to you," Sarai explained.
Natania relaxed and nodded.
"That would be nice," Natania said.
…
Sarai:
Waking up to Natania's sleeping face was probably the best thing in the whole world. It took her a second to remember why Natania was in her bed, but once she did remember the night of confession and the amazing make out session they had she couldn't stop smiling.
Natania yawned and blinked her eyes open. She looked confused for a moment and then smiled sleepily at Sarai.
"Good morning," Natania said.
"Good morning," Sarai responded with a smirk. "We should wake up, we've got a big day ahead of us."
Natania looked confused again.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I mean, I've let you hold the reins the entire time you've been here and now it's my turn to show off to my fiancée," Sarai said.
Natania blinked and smiled.
"It's nice seeing the real you," Natania said.
Sarai's heart fluttered at that.
"Thank you," Sarai said genuinely. "But enough laying here! We have things to do!" Sarai said excitedly sitting up and stretching.
Natania sat up too and rubbed her eyes.
"So what's the plan?" Natania asked.
"We get cleaned up and dressed and then we have breakfast. I want to surprise you after that," Sarai said.
Natania's eyes sparkled. Sarai took that as a good sign.
"And off we go!" Sarai said jumping out of bed.
Natania laughed.
"Well, there's the energetic part everyone's been telling me about," she said with a grin.
"And it only gets better from here, my dear," Sarai said bounding around to the other side of the bed and offering her hand to help Natania out of bed.
"I have no doubt about that," Natania smiled.
After that, Sarai called for someone to bring Natania some clothes and they both got ready in Sarai's room. After that was the promised breakfast where Sarai could tell that Natania was excited for whatever surprise Sarai had in store.
So Sarai started with one of her favorite places in the castle, the knight training grounds. She took Natania's hand after breakfast and Natania gave her a warm smile in return, which made Sarai's heart flutter again.
They made their way outside and to one of the training circles with an overhang. Only a few people were out training. Perfect. Sarai looked at Natania and she was looking around curiously.
"Wondering what we're doing here?" Sarai asked.
"You did mention you liked sword-fighting," Natania responded.
"Aw, man. I was hoping to surprise you," Sarai said deflating a bit.
"I am surprised," Natania said. "I honestly didn't expect to come here. Are you planning to show off as you promised?"
"You bet," Sarai said brightening again. "Hold on here," Sarai instructed before entering the training circle.
"Hey Gella!" Sarai yelled at the only person already there.
The girl who had been practicing her techniques stopped to head over to Sarai.
"What do you want Sarai?" Gella said annoyed.
"I want you to meet my beautiful fiancée!" Sarai announced, noting the shy smile Natania had after being called "beautiful".
"Don't embarrass her," Gella scolded. "Hi, I'm Gella. You must be Princess Natania" she directed at Natania.
"Yes," Natania said. "I'm surprised you know who I am. I didn't think the engagement had been formally announced yet."
Gella laughed. "You don't need an announcement to catch up on the latest gossip," Gella said grinning.
"Gossip?" Natania said surprised.
"Yeah, we've all been hearing the rumors of an engagement between the newly arrived Princess and this mess over here," Gella said gesturing to Sarai.
"Hey!" Sarai shouted.
Gella ignored her and continued. "We've also heard that our Princess Sarai has been moping ever since the arrival of the Princess and the theories as to why never cease to amaze."
"Oh?" Natania said, sounding curious.
"Yeah, the most popular theory was that the Princess rejected her advances. We all heard you were beautiful, so it was likely that you were too good for Sarai."
"That's unfortunate," Natania said. "I quite like Sarai. She's beautiful and fun and spontaneous."
"Well, I'm glad you think so. So Sarai," Gella said turning back to Sarai. "What was the real reason you were moping? Because you're back to normal today. Did you get laid?"
"That's none of your goddamn business!" Sarai said, turning red in the face.
"I know, I know. I was teasing," Gella said sounding at least a little bit apologetic. "I am glad you're feeling better. But I am wondering why you would bring your lovely fiancée to a dirty training circle."
Sarai smirked. "To show off," she said.
"Does that include sparring with me? Because that's not really fair. I'm still in training," Gella stated.
"Don't be modest. It doesn't suit you," Sarai said. She turned to Natania. "Gella is 17 and she's already better than some of the fully-trained knights. She's basically a prodigy."
"I am not a prodigy. I just work hard," Gella insisted.
"Yeah, that's why you're here right after breakfast, which is exactly why I came here at the same time. There are only a few people out and it's a guarantee that you're one of them. So spar with me so I can show off," Sarai said.
"Ugh, fine," said Gella. "But I won't hold back just because you're trying to impress your betrothed."
"I don't expect you to," Sarai said grinning.
She grabbed a dull sword from the rack by the entrance to the training circle and turned to Natania.
"A kiss for good luck?" Sarai asked.
Natania blinked before smiling softly. She held out her hand and Sarai took it. Natania pulled her close and gave her a small kiss, which didn't fail to leave Sarai's heart pounding.
Natania pulled back and looked at Sarai like she was considering kissing her senseless right there. Sarai almost shuddered. Natania leaned in close but bypassed her lips to her ear.
"Good luck," she whispered.
Natania pulled away and Sarai was standing there dumbfounded. Goddamn it was good to know Natania wanted her too.
"Are we going to fight or not?" Gella called.
Sarai shook herself. Okay, she wouldn't do anything indecent in public. She would fight Gella and show Natania how much of a badass she was.
"Yep!" Sarai called back. She looked at Natalia once more before walking to Gella and going into a starting stance.
Gella did the same and Sarai saw the fierceness that entered Gella's eyes every time she was fighting. Good. That meant Gella was all in.
"Ready," Gella said.
"Ready," Sarai responded.
A pause, then Sarai lunged forward with the intent to stab Gella in the chest, but as expected Gella was quick and took advantage of Sarai making the first move to step to the side and bring her sword down on Sarai's back. Sarai was also quick and turned to block Gella's attack with her own sword. There was a loud clang and Sarai pushed off their joined swords and took a few steps back. Gella attacked first this time and Sarai fought back with equal tenacity.
It went on like this for a few minutes before Sarai glanced back at Natania. She was watching in wonder and Sarai smiled.
"Eyes on your opponent, fool," Gella said with intensity before starting another attack. Sarai blocked it just in time. That's right. She should never get distracted when sparring with Gella. Gella's intensity had to be matched or any opponent of hers would lose. Sarai was no exception.
Sarai got back into the fight with renewed force and even managed to get the upper hand on Gella. As soon as she was at an advantage she went in for a killing stroke, which Gella barely dodged.
"Break," Gella said.
Sarai immediately stopped fighting.
"Are you okay?" Sarai asked. Saying "break" while sparring meant an immediate end to the session.
"Yeah," Gella said out of breath. "But you almost killed me with that last stroke."
"I wouldn't have actually killed you," Sarai said, realizing she was also out of breath.
Gella huffed a laugh. "I know. But apparently when you're fighting for someone you love you become a lot stronger. I was barely holding out against you."
Sarai blushed at the word "love", but didn't comment on it.
"Why don't you see how your betrothed is doing," Gella suggested.
Sarai lit up at that and ran over to Natania.
"So, were you impressed?" Sarai asked eagerly.
"Incredibly," Natania said in wonder. "I've never watched a sword-fighting session. I don't think I've even been on the training grounds at my own castle. That was amazing! You are both so skilled and that was amazing to watch! Consider me incredibly impressed."
"Oh good, I'm glad!" Sarai said. "I think I'm going to stop there. Fighting Gella takes a lot out of me."
"I don't blame you. You both looked so intense," Natania commented.
"Gella, we're done for now!" Sarai called.
"Oh good, because I'm resting up so I can be ready for practice this afternoon," Gella called back.
"Thank you for helping me show off!" Sarai thanked.
"No problem!" Gella said before leaving out the other end of the training circle.
Sarai turned back to Natania.
"Okay, I need to get cleaned up, but after that we can do something relaxing," Sarai said.
"How would you feel about a bath together?" Natania asked.
Sarai's eyes widened.
"Yes please," Sarai said immediately.
…
Natania:
Ever since the night where Sarai and Natania confessed to each other, things had been wonderful. Sarai was so energetic and never failed to surprise Natania at every turn. A week after that night they had been making out in the library in the middle of the afternoon when Sarai's father, King Eliya, caught them. They were both thoroughly embarrassed.
"It's okay," he had assured them. "I'm glad things are working out better than we had hoped. But you might want to keep those activities for when you're in complete privacy. Not just mostly deserted places like the back of the library."
Sarai had insisted they would keep it private while Natania said nothing in her own embarrassment.
Other than that incident, Natania had been having more fun than she had had in ages. She couldn't believe she had been so lucky to get Sarai as her betrothed.
Two weeks after that important night, Natania was certain she was in love with Sarai. She knew it was silly. They had only known each other for four weeks. Surely that wasn't a reasonable time frame to fall in love. But Natania was in love. She knew it. She was just hoping that maybe Sarai was falling in love with her. She was pretty sure Sarai would return her feelings, but that little bit of doubt remained present in her mind.
Until one evening during dinner, Sarai announced they were going to a new part of the castle. Natania was always excited when Sarai made new and sudden plans like this. So Natania agreed easily.
After dinner, Sarai took Natania's hand like she usually did and Natania let her lead the way. They went to a staircase Natania hadn't used yet to go upstairs. Natania followed Sarai up several flights of stairs, which led Natania to believe that they had entered a tower at some point. Natania wanted to ask where they were going, but the desire to be surprised outweighed her curiosity. They made it to a door where Sarai paused and took a deep breath. Natania hadn't seen her do that in weeks. It was something she did when she was nervous. Was something wrong? Natania was about to ask that when Sarai pushed the door open and led Natania into the room. Natania gasped.
The room was filled with candles and there was a window with an amazing view of the bright moon. Natania went to the window, not letting go of Sarai's hand and took in the beautiful night sky. Then she looked back in the room with candles. The room was pretty barren save for the candles, but she loved it. Sarai must have set this up. She looked at Sarai who was looking away from her.
Natania frowned in concern and took Sarai's other hand in her own. Sarai still didn't look up.
"Sarai, what's wrong?" Natania asked gently.
Sarai took another deep breath, then looked at Natania. Her worry was written all over her face and Natania became even more concerned.
"Do you like it?" Sarai asked.
"What?" Natania asked.
"The room. The view. Do you like it?" Sarai asked.
Sarai hadn't spoken this quiet or this little since when she was constantly nervous around Natania. Natania was hoping they weren't going back to that.
"It's beautiful. Clearly you put a lot of time and work into this. Will you tell me what's wrong?" Natania said.
Sarai shook her head.
"I-I-I…" Sarai stuttered.
"Sarai you can tell me anything," Natania encouraged.
"I love you."
Natania froze at that.
"Wh-What?" Natania asked, just to be sure.
"I-I love you. And I w-wanted... Oh god, this is hard. Natania, I-I… Will you marry me?"
Natania was floored by this. Sarai was proposing to her. She said she loved her. Sarai loved her.
Natania's eyes filled with tears and she smiled so wide it hurt her face. She squeezed her hands and brought them up to her own chest.
"I love you too. And I would be honored to marry you. You are the most amazing person I know and I love you so, so much."
Sarai's eyes filled with tears.
"Really?"
"Of course!" Natania exclaimed. "I love you!"
Natania released her hands and jumped into Sarai's arms and hugged her like she would never get to again, even though it was quite the opposite. Sarai hugged back in a similar fashion.
"I never want to let you go, Natania. I want you to be mine. I want to be yours forever," Sarai said softly.
"Me too! Of course me too! I could never live without you ever again. And I don't want to. I want to be here with you forever," Natania said as tears slipped down her cheek.
"Forever," Sarai said pressing her own tear streaked face into Natania's hair.
"Forever," Natania agreed.
…
Sarai:
"Forever," Natania agreed.
Sarai could hardly believe it. Natania loved her. Natania wanted to be with her forever. And Sarai would love her endlessly for every second of that forever. Sarai was crying. She hated crying. But Natania was crying too.
Sarai was so relieved. She had been planning this for days. And she knew she didn't need to. They were getting married regardless, but she had wanted to ask. She wanted to know that Natania wanted this as badly as she did. And Natania did. Sarai couldn't stop the tears. She had never been this happy in her entire life. She was getting to spend the rest of her life with Natania. And she was going to love every second of it.
Natania loved her. And she loved Natania. And they would love each other forever.