One Favor and a Promise

Queen Elvira looked up, her lips slightly parted with surprise. Hector was leaned over her, the sleeve of his long robe covering her face and shielding her from the light.

"Hector..." She started to say, before he turned his face away from her, his voice light.

"Why did you approach her highness with a torch?"

Lana stood, surprise written all over her face she had expected with the way he had begged for her to look at him, he would...at least let her do whatever she wanted to, especially exposing Queen Elvira's face.

"I...I was caught up with the dance. I apologize, your Highness."

Queen Elvira sat silently, a small smile on her face. She was satisfied with the way Hector had protected her, but even more satisified with the fact that it was both of them against Lana.

"Lana." Queen Elvira finally spoke up.

"I have already scolded her, your Highness." Hector hurriedly said, dreading the way she looked up at him, and the smile that spread on her face after it.

"Retreat from us, servant and do not look back."

"What?"

Lana's eyes widened. The big build of fire was some feet behind her, and if she retreated...

"Your highness." Hector said, and it just seemed to irritate Queen Elvira more.

"Do not stop until I ask you to." She added, and raised her head slightly.

Lana swallowed, her hand shaking as she took a step back.

"I said, do not stop until i ask you to."

"Your highness, please."

That just made Queen Elvira break into a laugh. Lana took another step back, then another. And another. If she took three more steps towards the fire, she would fall into it definitely.

"Your Highness..please do not do this."

"I actuslly hate it." She said with a sigh. "But what can I do, Hector? There is something I need to hear from you."

Two steps away. Lana was now sweating, her body trembling.

"Your highness...please."

A small wistful smile graced her lips.

One more step.

"Elvira! Please stop."

She broke into a large, extremely beautiful smile.

"Stop, servant. I believe it was a mistake, so you can go."

Hector bit diwn on his lips, as Lana walked awsy, or rather half ran out of the place.

"Should they continue with the celebrations?" Hector asked, a little surprised at his self too.

"Tell them to do whatever you want them to do." She answered simply.

"Continue with the celebrations," He said and she nodded her approval. Her face was still shielded by him, and only he could see it. "Excuse us." He added, much to the surprise of Elvira.

"Where do you want to go?" She asked him, her eyes wide.

"To your chamners." He did not want to add a way of address just in case.

She raised a brow, he imaginations running wild. "Well, I will not say no to that." The smile on her face was more mischievous than anything, and he efficiently shielded her face from everyone as they walked away from the music that started up once again.

"You wanted to expose the Queen's face? And what would that benefit me with?" Adrian asked, his upper body draped on a pillar as he crossed his legs. His dark eyes pierced through Lana's skin.

"I thought...I just wanted to do something..."

"Then lie low. Do you not get that? Do you see how the servant Hector took her side? Soon enough, if you continue with your short sighted tricks, he will not take your side anymore."

"I understand, my lord." She bowed as he walked away.

Hector dropped his hand as soon as the doors of the chambers were closed, and it was just the two of them again.

"Why did you want to come back here?"

"Why did you oblige my request of going out without a veil?" He turned to her, his expression a confused one.

"I did it because you wanted me to." She said simply and moved to the bed.

"You could have said no."

"I am not sure if you realize this, but I can not say no to you." She removed her crown and placed it on the bed. "By the way, thank you."

"Until when will you try to make me pity you?" He asked her. The fact that she was so nonchalant about being exposed to everyone irritated him more.

"Am I making you pity me? Then I guess I can settle for pity." She laughed. "And the thing with Lana. I would not have let her go in. That much I can promise you."

He stood there, his back turned to her. "I do not want to attend the ceremony anymore."

"Very understandable."

She settled into bed, taking one of her books. Hector turned to leave.

"I have only one request for you, Hector."

He stopped. "Yes?"

"I know you are still very in love with her. Despite the kind of person I am starting to think she is...I am not any better, I admit, but I will do all I can to protect you. At whatever cost. I will let you see her when you want, Hector. Just until you realize you know belong to me. But that is the most gracious I can be. All I ask, is for you to respect our marriage. Respect that I am now your woman. That is all."

"You mean I can see Lana when I want to?"

"You could at least pretend not to be so excited. Set your boundaries, Hector. That is all." She said finally and turned over.

She did not not need to show him just how much her effort to not hurt him was hurting her.

"Thank you." He said, and she nodded.

"The servants outside will lead you to your chambers. I had it prepared not too long ago. There are still some adjustments, however and it will be made in time."

He nodded and walked away, eager to see Lana. He did see her that night, in secret, and he never made mention of her coming with him. That explained his deep surprise when he woke to see Queen Elvira standing over him, her expression a mask of hurt and disappointment, while a naked Lana slept under his sheets.