POV Rena
I took a deep breath and looked at my compatriots. Soon enough we'd be granted our rewards for putting down the undead and demonic incursions. Unlike the others who donned frilly and elaborate dresses I'd decided to take the example of the man we owed everything to.
I received my fair share of disproving stares as they glared at me. I looked at myself. I'd polished my armor and had it cleaned thoroughly. Of course as I would be in the presence of the Queen and king I'd left my weapons behind. But this just felt like something lord Fulton would do.
It was quite odd looking to him as a role model. I could tell my compatriots disagreed but I cared little. As the highest ranked noble among them their disagreement mounted to little more than the buzzing of flies.
The rewards for this victory were sure to be worthwhile. Particularly with my own contributions to the effort of suppressing the daemons. I'd personally slew three lesser daemons and helped kill a great many daemonettes.
The chamberlain came and organized us. Unusually I was gestured to the rear. Nobles of rank normally went first unless a noble of lesser rank had made a great feat of arms like lord Fulton had.
We were lead into the hall. The ceremony had dozens of nobles in attendance. I spied my own mother near the front.
"We gather here to present the heroes of Bauerdorf with their just rewards, but the greatest among them is not here, deferring their just reward." The King spoke grandly while the Queen watched with an amused smile from her throne.
I glanced to the side of the throne to see The Crown Princess dressed in her ceremonial battle plate. Normally the General that had commanded the field stood, but her highness took his place instead today. She nodded back.
"For meritorious service to the crown and its faithful subjects, Countess Felna, Countess Wes, and Baroness Vika are rewarded with a thousand silver each." The king intoned grandly. A dull applause met the announcement. They graciously accepted their reward and stepped aside so I could take my place before the dais.
I bowed my head nervously when Veria took her father's place before me. "In light of the great deeds preformed by Viscountess Jackowitz I grant her my own blade as well as the honorary rank, captain of the princess's guard."
She took her sword and offered it to me hilt first. I smiled briefly and with a nod took the blade. "I'm honored to receive such a honor."
"The Baron was to be made a viscount for his deeds, alas…" Veria chuckled as we shook hands.
The ceremony thus concluded the assembled nobles began to intermingle as the royal family descended the Dias. I turned and went to my mother. Her scowl was not what I'd been expecting. "Stupid daughter."
"Mother…"
"Look at what you've done. Years of work ruined in a few weeks because of you." She hissed.
"Mother, you know this is because of the heroes, particularly the Baron. The side he chooses will flourish in these coming years." I protested.
"You absolute imbecile." She groaned. "What could a man possibly do to upset generations of precedent? Nothing!"
"Mother, he isn't like other men. He will change everything he touches. For better or worst we must adapt. Heroes have always hearalded a great change wherever they appear."
"You are still immature Rena. I should have never ceded the position of matriarch to you." Mother shook her head before turning on her heel and leaving. I felt anger stir in my chest and the desire to tell her she was wrong. But now wasn't the time for family drama. I bit my tongue.
I felt a hand on my shoulder. Veria spoke softly. "Most of them don't understand how strong he is."
"But we do…" I sighed and shifted the scabbard that held my new blade..
"They are in for a rude awakening…" Veria muttered quietly.
Most of the nobles congratulated the baronesses, giving me little attention. They of course played up their achievements as much as they could given none of them were on the field of battle. Given that the only person to approach me had been the Queen to shake my hand before she'd left to speak with other nobles I decided to take my leave.
I was a bit surprised that Veria decided to leave with me, given her duties as Howe to the Queendom. But I appreciated her company.
"Rena? There's something we need to talk about that we never did, back when Shyora had us under her influence."
I felt my chest tighten and heart quicken as I glanced at Veria out of the corner of my eye. "We were under a daemon's spell. If not for David's intervention…"
"I meant what we were doing." She grabbed my hand. A slight blush spread across her cheeks.
"Veria… I…"
She pulled me aside into an alcove, our faces were inches apart. I could smell the jasmine perfume she'd applied. I pushed her away gently.
"Veria. I am a lesbian…" I looked away with a bitter taste in my mouth. Our positions, our families wouldn't allow us to go further.
Veria stepped closer and wrapped her arms around me. She lightly kissed my jaw. "So what? I'm Bisexual…"
"It can't ever be more than a fling." I whispered dejectedly. I felt my desire flare up but I pushed it down, I couldn't let us be led on by our feelings like this. I tried to push Veria away again but she held fast.
"Rena…" she whispered my name as she stared into my eyes with a mesmerizing smile. My heart raced, blood thundered in my ears.
"Let's bond." Veria gently kissed my lips. I stared at her in surprise. I shivered a bit, this, was this happening? This beautiful woman proposed?!? To… To me!
"I've already prepared everything. We can speak with a priest…" she smiled mischievously. "Or we can do it the way my great something grandmother used to do it."
I gently kissed her on the lips, it was blissful, like a soft breeze filled my soul. I wrapped my arms around her.
"We can figure it out later." I said with a smile. I grabbed her hand and started pulling her towards my room.