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Rook sat on her window seat staring out over Treviso. It had been over a month since Elgar’nan was killed. The Antaam were defeated and fled. The world wasn’t back to normal, but it was getting there. She and Lucanis had returned home afterwards. Thankfully, Viago had not shoved any contracts her ways. He said it was because at the moment, nobody could afford her services. But she knew it was because he wanted her to rest.
Lucanis, on the other hand, was shoved head first into First Talon duties. Well, what duties Caterina deemed he could handle on his own. So Rook spent much her time helping him navigate that role. She butted heads with Caterina on more than one occasion, especially when it was an action Lucanis voiced that Caterina didn’t fully approve of. Rook had lost count of how many times she reminded Lucanis that he was the First Talon. Teia said that Caterina actually liked and respected her. Rook was not fully convinced.
The door to her room clicked open and Rook heard familiar footsteps walk towards her.
“You know… most people would consider it rude to enter somebody’s room without an invitation.”
“You and I both know I am not most people, Luce.”
Rook turned and smiled at the man walking towards her. Lucanis Dellamorte, the First Talon of the Antivan Crows. The Devil of Vyranthium. Her best friend and confidante most of her life, and now, finally, her partner in all things. His beard was neatly trimmed, framing his jaw. He had taken to wearing his hair draw back in a ponytail after she had… enthusiastically… shown how much she loved his hair after he made the mistake of pondering a shave and a cut upon returning home.
“It’s still so… weird seeing you come through my door like a normal person.”
“I figured it was best not to have the First Talon sneak in through your bedroom window,” Lucanis paused, “especially in broad daylight.” He walked across to her, pressing his lips against her forehead in greeting. Rook patted his cheek.
“You look tired.”
Lucanis grunted softly and Rook scoot forward. He had slid into the spot behind her, propping one leg up, slightly bent, to rest agains the window. Rook felt him wrap his arms around her and pull her back so she was nestled back against him. He burried his face into her hair, murmuring softly, “I couldn’t sleep again.”
“Spite?”
“Mmm no. You.”
“Me?” She leaned and turned her head to try and look at him, “how is it my fault? I wasn’t even there!”
“Exactly.” Lucanis squeezed his arms around her slightly, “I’ve grown accustomed to you being there. I miss falling asleep in your arms, Rook.”
Rook made a slightly disgruntled noise, despite the sweet words that still made her have butterflies in the pit of her stomach.
“Rook,,, Luce? What is it?” She felt her body be turned until she was face to face him him. Lucanis’s face etched with worry.
“No… no, it’s not you… it’s… fine.”
“Allona,” Lucanis said firmly. Rook sighed. She knew that voice. He had had to implement it more as of late. It was his do not argue with me voice. And he was a stubborn as he was handsome, though he would never admit to that second part.
“I’m just… tired. Tired of it. People looking at me like I am a savior, wondering how I did it, wondering what I will do next. Like… what can Rook possibly do now to top it? I know that Viago is trying his damndest to keep the vultures away. They want me to solve their problems now. Rook do this. Rook do that. They want me to be a leader… be the leader of… something. Anything. I don’t want to be a leader. I never did. This whole Rook is a leader crap was thrust upon my by a cruel twist of Fate. And I am sick of it.”
Lucanis pulled her back against him. He rested his chin on her shoulder, silent, just letting her talk.
Rook sighed, “he once asked me… Solas…. In the Fade… what people people will call me when this is all over.”
She lay her head back against his shoulder and turned her face to look out the window. Whispering softly, she said, “I don’t want to be Rook anymore.” She felt Lucanis grab one of her hands.
“Very well… You are no longer a rook, Allona. You are a queen,” Lucanis said, raising her hand to his lips, murmuring against her flesh, “my Queen.” He turned her face towards him and gave her a long, gentle kiss.
Lucanis paused, “move in with me… to Villa Dellemorte. It took me this long to realize how much I needed you by my side. Always. And I’m never letting go.”
Allona de Riva smiled widely in response.