╔═══━━━─── • ───━━━═══╗
commitment

╚═══━━━─── • ───━━━═══╝

Heirsa studied himself in his mirror. With the black uniform and white rob pinned over his shoulder, he looked his position. Authoritative, powerful. But was he ready for what was about to happen? He doubted himself quietly in the back if his mind, second thoughts racing like mad deep inside of him, but he refused to acknowledge them.

Ashira's handmaids were busy all morning preparing the bride. The dress that had been tailored especially for this day was white, with lacy fabric cascading down the skirt and the corset etched with gold.

The entire castle was buzzing with excitement as the ceremony was set up and the dining hall arranged.

Ronin and Grian entered Heirsa's mind as the last moment preparations were made. They wouldn't be here to witness his wedding. At this point, he wondered if it even mattered. He stood in front of the dais as the guests took their seats. The harpist began to play and the Lady ascended the aisle.

Heirsa's breath caught in his throat. Ashira was indeed beautiful as he'd kept himself from noticing until now. She was the picture of grace and elegance. He inhaled, reverting his eyes to the floor as the music continued playing.

The ceremonies started and the priest delivered the service. They exchanged their vows, then lit the traditional three unity candles in honor of a long life together, hope, and vitality.

Heirsa's hand was shaking as he took Ashira's in his. She smiled up at him.

"Calm down," She whispered.

Heirsa exhaled a breathy chuckle. "Yes my love, I'm trying," He said. This woman was going to be his wife, the one he was sworn to for the rest of his life. His heart pounded at the thought, his mind racing with uncertainty. He slipped the ring onto her finger and echoed the words of the priest; "With this ring, I vow my loyalty to you in life and love."

Ashira placed the ring on his finger and gazed up at him as she repeated the same words.

"You may kiss your bride." The priest said.

Heirsa did so, gently placing his hand behind her head. As he pulled away he took her hand, his thumb running over her ring.

"Announcing Lord Heirsa and Lady Ashira Ruse." The priest bellowed. The audience stood up and applauded the new husband and wife as they stepped off the dais.

The reception began immediately after the ceremony had been concluded, with the guests all seated at various large tables in the dining hall.

After the dinner had ended, Heirsa pulled Ashira aside into an empty corridor off the ballroom. "I cannot stay on here for much longer." He told her.

"What?" Ashira's voice quivered slightly. "What are you saying?"

"I--" Heirsa closed his eyes and inhaled. "I've been hiding something from you."

Ashira's eyes searched his, her hands shivering as he held them.

"I've been made aware of a group of soldiers who plan to overthrow the queen's monarchy, which includes you."

Ashira didn't say anything.

"I am joining the rebellion." Heirsa held her gaze intently; he didn't want to drag her into this. His heart felt torn at the thought that she would be put in danger.

"Heirsa," Irisa placed her palm gently against his jaw. "You musn't feel responsible for me. You didn't choose this." Her tone shook as she spoke heavily.

"I may not have chosen this. But I am choosing to love you."

Her eyes welled with tears. "I want to go with you," she said quietly. "Please don't hinder me. I'm afraid for my life. Our lives."

Heirsa sighed gravely. "Alright." He said. He kissed her hand softly, hating the dread of putting her in danger but silently relieved that she cared about being near to him. He wouldn't have traded this moment for anything.

Ashira silently gazed at the castle window at the parapet outside and the snow as it began drifting down from the sky.

Heirsa glanced at her from where he sat on his bed packing provisions. He approached her and stood behind her, tenderly kissing her cheek. "Don't worry my darling." He told her, his voice soft and reassuring against her ear. "All good comes to a good end. This will be over in time."

Ashira nodded, her eyes still fixed on what was beyond the window.

Soon, the noise of horse hooves was the only sound to be heard in the bitter cold, but nobody was aware that the newlyweds were now deep into the cold of the forest.

The travel was difficult among the high snow drifts. Heirsa guided the steed over the snowy terrain, Ashira's arms wrapped around his waist as she rode behind him. No words were spoken. Heirsa felt the weight and uncertainty hanging in the air just as clearly as he could feel the wind nipping against his flesh.

He didn't regret what he was about to do; not for a second. But he knew the security he felt with Ashira's arms around him wouldn't last much longer. They were treading through dangerous territory joining the cause against the queen. She was sure to come after them and Heirsa knew she wouldn't hesitate.

Ronin sturred on his cot, unable to sleep as happened often. He could see the slow breathing of Alexander on the cot arby; he was asleep. Finally. After what seemed hours of constant twisting and turning.

A sudden shadow against the side of the tent caused Ronin to jolt upright. It was a man, but he could see another nearby as well. He heard the muted whispers of two voices, and after wrestling with whether or not to investigate, he stood up and exited the tent. He left through the back, where the outhouse stood. In case he needed an alibi.

He cautiously looked around the south corner of the tent. In the pale light of the moon, he could make out a man and a woman. Ronin recognized the man.

"Heirsa?" Ronin said, keeping his voice low as he approached.

"Please don't ask questions. Go and gather everyone willing to give their lives to fight against the queen and meet us forty paces outside the west boundary of the fort."

Ronin studied the woman next to his brother. "Irisa's own sister would commit treason?"

"Go now or we'll all be killed." Heirsa hissed. "If you trust me you'll ask questions later."

Ronin's mind and heart both raced as he silently woke Alexander, Khana and Euwan. After informing them of the plan, they all worked together to collect the rest of the rebel soldiers.

Ever since the Revolution had begun, the group had gone from having five members to a rough forty. Measured against the thousands who were too afraid of the queen to fight against her, the number seemed futile. But their will to fight for good was too strong to be dampened by the odds.

They had to try.

Author's Note .

So eheheheh finally another chapter. Did you guys love or hate the chemistry between Heirsa and Ashira? Or was there even any?
If you didn't think so, too bad for you because their married and there ain't no going back.
I was actually kind of emotional writing this chapter, not gonna lie. Anyway, let me know what you thought in the comments!

All my love,
Kori Kalon .