Winterfall

I sat in the chambers alone for a few minutes before I got up and went to my office. It was eight in the morning, so I had a full day to myself. Which was enough time for me to go over the decision that loomed in my head.

No. Théoden said.

But she dared me to!.

Following through with a devil’s partner's dare is not a good idea. That is just asking for trouble.

Théoden had a point. However, she knew just the right buttons to push to get under my skin.

That may be the case Maria, but you have a kingdom to think about. Théoden reminded me. You can’t go around throwing caution to the wind.

I groaned in disgust. He was right. However, I just couldn’t shake the feeling of her under my skin.

You will have to Maria. I beg of you. Do not stoop to her level. Théoden's voice was concerned as he truly thought I would go through with revealing the fact that Sybil is Crimson and Crimson killed a member of the Council.

I took a few deep breaths, I won’t. She just irritates me so much!

Understandable. Théoden remained calm throughout all of this and perhaps this is why I got so calm.

Can I-

Yes.

Théoden knew what I was wanting. I had all day to kill until my formal celebration, so of course I wanted to peer into his vision.

~Théoden Point of View~

I was relieved when Maria followed my orders. I understood why Maria wanted to rat out the devil and red, however it was not in our best interest to do that just yet.

I had a full day of work ahead of me before I could join her in the Council chambers. Which, I hoped, wouldn't turn into a question and answer. Or the constant stairs I occasionally get once someone knows I am a dragon.

Regardless of that matter, I had a day of rounds to complete. My first round was with Quinn. My next round which would start in five minutes was with Brienne.

Which I believe she is, “Captain?” I heard her soft voice boom through the closed door of my office.

“Come in Brienne!” I shouted.

I stood up and got my equipment ready to head out for our round of the day. “Ready?” She questioned me as she watched me strap on my bow and grab my shield.

“Of course.” I said as we both left my office, locking the door behind me.

We did the usual route for rounds and thankfully, this round went without a hitch. Once we were back at my office I sat her down as I wanted to check in on Brienne.

“How are you doing?” I asked her as I took off my bow and placed it back on the hook it was on.

“I am doing good. I think. There has been a lot that has happened since Summer Crest.” Brienne said, “Thankfully that took my mind off of what took place.”

“Good. I just want you to know that if you ever need to talk, my door is open. I know it may seem like I favor Quinn or Jasper, however I care for each and every one of you.” I told her as I wanted to make sure she knew she could trust me.

“I know that captain. Thank you, but I prefer not to talk about something that has happened well over a week ago now.” Brienne said. Her voice was firm. Not a lie was able to be detected in her voice.

“Very well, you may go.” I told her dismissing her.

“Thank you captain.” She said as she left my office.

I was alone once more. Well, not entirely, as I had another set of eyes on me.

Thankfully, I just had a five minute downtime until my next set of rounds. Which my next set of rounds would be with Borin. An elven figure with pitch black hair and blue eyes that matched my own. His talent was that of an eldritch knight. Making him a remarkable fighter.

“Ready sir?” His firm voice rang out as my five minutes of peace came to a close. Typically I give myself roughly thirty minutes between each round but with the intake of friends recently I decided to push my limits and see how far I can go in a day.

“Yes.” I said as I collected my items one more time and headed out with Borin.

Again, the round went smoothly. “See you later, captain.” Borin said as he went to leave my office once we got back.

“Hold up.” I said, halting him in his tracks.

He stopped and turned back to me. His blank stare burned with questions. “Yes?”

“How are you holding up?” I decided over the last couple of days to question each of my guards to see how their mental wellness was doing. Due to the most recent events, I wanted to make sure they were all alright.

He let out a sigh before he answered, “I’m alright captain. Nothin bad has happened to me yet.”

I nodded, “Good. Just know my door is always open.”

“Noted captain.” Borin said before he walked out leaving me to my short rest.

I sighed and sat back in my chair. I was exhausting myself running these rounds as frequently as I do but it needs to be done. I needed to make sure there weren't any fiends in the kingdom and this was the best way to do that.

After the third round I felt Maria pull from my vision as I could tell she was getting bored of the slow day. Hell, a slow day is what I welcomed.