Iona and Leo chattered nonstop for the three hour ride outside of the capital city, all about Jessa and Heston’s wedding and his coronation. Somber as the subject was, they even managed to talk through plans for the King’s funeral ceremony before putting a pin in it for the rest of the trip. Spring had descended on Chrysos, and the fields they rode by were full of sparkling green clovers and a rainbow of wildflowers, golden light beaming over it all from the setting sun.
The pair reached town, a small but densely populated area called Alchrysos, one of the many cities with a name derived from the kingdom’s, which used to trip up Iona during her history lessons to no end. “You know, Leo, it occurs to me that you never actually told me where we were going,” she commented as they slowed their horses to a stroll.
Leo looked over from Corso, his half knotted hair gleaming in the light, just as the wildflowers did. “I didn’t? Hmm…” he smirked, “Well, as you can tell, we’re in Alchrysos.”
“I can see that, but I’m not particularly sure why. Is there something special here?”
“Patience, my dear, all will be revealed,” he said, releasing the reins in his hands and wiggling his fingers around like a magician convincing the crowd to stay for his show. Iona giggled, plenty happy to be out and about with Leo regardless of where they stayed.
Upon arriving at their inn for the evening, Leo and Iona tied up Corso and Tower, dropped off their bags and walked to a nearby tavern for a rich dinner of braised pheasant, fresh bread, and sweet wine. The owner recognized them both, insisting that their food was covered for the Prince and High Commander any time they wished to visit, but Leo left behind more money than needed regardless. Alchrysos was vibrant at night, with musicians, jugglers, and contortionists on every other corner, performing for the crowds of tourists and locals that gathered. The couple walked hand in hand under twinkling lights hung between lamp posts lining the uneven cobblestone streets. It had been eight years since Iona had been here with her squad, fixing the damage to these buildings, cleaning the streets, and getting the people back into their homes. She basked in the energy and romance that had returned in time, thankful to be visiting under much happier circumstances. Every so often, she caught Leo’s gaze on her from the corner of her eye.
They reached the main square, filled with townspeople dancing and drinking, in the middle of which stood a massive statue of King Theron. It had been originally constructed in his honor after his coronation hundreds of years prior. “There’s a statue I want to show you,” Leo said, tugging Iona from where she stood looking at the bronze Theron.
“I’m looking at it,” Iona answered, “I helped polish it eight years ago, in fact.”
“Not that statue,” he explained, leading Iona down an alley off to the side. She could hear the hum of the main square, but it was much softer now, as the alley opened into another square, smaller and emptier, save a few other couples enjoying the peace and quiet.
A knot formed in Iona’s throat at the sight of it. A statue, ten feet tall, of Yuna in her sheath. The bronze replica had all the same intricate carvings as her own sword, all the way to the hilt. Leo released Iona’s hand as she drifted up to it and laid her palm against the cool metal. She read the plaque engraved at its base:
Yuna, Sword of Iona, High Commander of Chrysos
Defender of our kingdom
May the Gods of the North Forest protect her always
Overcome with gratitude, Iona was too stunned to look away from the words as Leo circled his arm around her waist. She leaned back against him and asked, “How did you know this was here? I didn’t even know this was here.”
“I’ve visited a good number of our towns and villages after they got back up and running. I believe we’ve had a few…squabbles about it,” he quipped. “I asked if they notified you when it was first built, but the town council said they would wait until you finished construction. So you wouldn’t feel obligated to step away from your work.”
Iona turned to face Leo, “And you didn’t tell me until now?”
His cheeks reddened at her playful yet accusatory tone, “See, the thing was, back then…I was just a bit jealous you got your very own statue.”
Iona dropped her forehead to his chest and laughed, unable to keep a serious face. “Thank you for bringing me here. Even if I don’t know that I deserve my own statue.”
“You do. And I wanted you to see how much our people appreciate you.” Leo bent down to meet Iona’s waiting lips, “Shall we stay here and admire giant Yuna or return to our room, where I can show you my personal admiration all night?”
Iona bit her bottom lip and nodded, “Let’s go back.”
Arm in arm, the two meandered to the inn for the night, ready to escape the evening chill that had set in. The room was cozy, with a large, fluffy bed which took up nearly all of the space. As soon as they crossed the threshold, Leo picked up Iona and threw her onto the mattress, shaking the frame. Iona pushed her finger to her lips and shushed Leo, “We have to be quiet, people are sleeping!”
He took off his coat and boots, and climbed on the bed after her. “Actually, we don’t have to be quiet at all. I rented the whole place.” Iona shook her head, grinning from ear to ear. Of course he did. Without another word of protest, she unbuttoned his shirt before pulling off her own, their lips hardly leaving each other’s. Leo’s hands ran up her thighs, her stomach, her breasts. Everywhere he touched made her crave him even more, but she pushed him away, and slid off the bed.
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He watched her with lust in his eyes as she first dropped her own skirt to the floor before she walked towards him and loosened his trousers. Kissing him gently, her teeth nipped at his bottom lip, “I’m going to show you just how grateful I am for tonight.” Iona slipped her hand underneath his clothes, and grasped his already solid length. She ran her fingers up and down his shaft, his moans growing in neediness with each motion. Stepping back, she pulled off his trousers and kicked them to the side with a smirk.
Iona got on her knees, ready and willing. Leo hovered over her from where he sat on the edge of the bed. “I thought I was the one showing my admiration tonight,” he said, his deep voice heavy with a feverish need.
“We have all night,” Iona smirked, before licking the tip of his member and surrounding it with her mouth. Leo shuddered at her touch, a loud moan escaping in response. She could see his hands gripping the mattress as she trailed her lips over his sensitive skin, sliding him in and out.
He gathered her hair in his fist and pulled her head back so she was looking up at him. “You’re so fucking pretty on your knees.” His gaze and the hunger behind it made her throb between her legs, as he guided her head back to his length. Her hand wrapped around its base, in time with her mouth, and the added pressure pulled a heavenly groan from Leo. Her hair tugged back again, as Leo hauled Iona onto her feet and drove her back against the wall.
Dropping his hands to her legs, Leo picked Iona up and wrapped her legs around him. Kissing her with urgency and greed, he thrust into her entrance, in one smooth motion. Iona buried her head into his neck, savoring the way he filled her. Rough, demanding, and possessive; she was his through and through, and it was intoxicating. With every pulse, the pleasure built in her core, driving her closer and closer to her release. Their moans grew louder together, and Iona’s legs began to tremble, only for Leo to push into her faster, harder. She grabbed at the wall with one hand to brace herself, her other clutching Leo’s neck as she reached her climax. Pleasure erupted through her and Leo both, his pace remaining steady as they let the euphoria wash over them.
He slowed, his hands gripping her ass so forcefully, Iona was sure they’d leave bruises. She was excited to see them the next morning. Leo’s breath was hot against her skin, his dreamy smell filling her senses. He released her gently and lowered her to the ground, all their kisses soft and slow as they stumbled backwards returning to the bed. So much had changed between them, yet everything felt right to Iona laying in his arms, her heart glowing from his affection. She was all too certain of what she was feeling to hide it.
Shifting to meet Leo’s eyeline, Iona whispered, “I love you.”
The way his face brightened was all she ever wanted, “I love you, too, Iona.” Had she ever been as happy as she was in this moment? Had she ever felt more like herself?
“I think we should tell them. Heston and your father,” she replied.
“Are you sure?” Leo asked. Iona knew the question was for her own sake rather than his.
“I’m sure.”
“I’m sure, too.”
Picturing Heston and Theron’s faces when they heard the news, Iona couldn’t help but get excited for the moment. She wondered if they’d be surprised considering their history or maybe they’d already caught on. Regardless, giddy butterflies flew around her stomach at the thought of their life once everything was out in the open.
“Leo,” she started, as they settled in together for the night, “You said when we were stuck in the North Forest that you never wanted to be High Commander.”
“Mmhmm,” he answered, his voice vibrating through his chest under Iona’s hand.
She looked up at him, “Well, what did you want to do?”
Leo’s face turned ponderous, as though he’d never actually considered the question. “I suppose I wanted to travel. But after the last ten years, I think I just really enjoy helping people. I loved returning to towns after their construction was finished to see everyone’s lives returning to normal and knowing I had a part in it. You know, it never sat right with me that we left Siminy to fend for itself. I understand we had a lot of work to do here, but it wasn’t the people’s fault their court started a war, yet they’ve suffered so much.”
Iona was embarrassed to admit that she’d never considered the impact of the War on Siminians, living in a land depleted of its resources and no allies to call on. “Well, rebuilds are complete according to Espo, and Heston won’t need either of us all that much after his coronation. At least not for a while. We should request a squadron to take across the border, convene with their council.”
Leo’s arms pulled her in even tighter, “I can’t begin to express how much I am on board with that plan.”
The conversation struck up right away, planning for a new mission for the two of them, talking for hours until they’d both fallen asleep. Morning came quickly, and Iona and Leo packed up their things in haste, eager to make it back to the palace to deliver their news. A few hours later, the gates of the palace came into view, and Iona’s smile hadn’t faded once. They got Corso and Tower settled in their stalls, when Iona saw a guard jogging to meet them. He bowed to Leo and nodded at Iona, “Prince Leonon, Commander Iona. Prince Heston has called for your immediate presence in the King’s chambers.”
Exchanging a knowing look, Leo and Iona thanked the guard and hurried to the west wing, ready to hear Heston’s announcement and follow it with their own. As they entered, Iona saw Theron seated in front of the empty fireplace, livelier in spirit than he had been in a while. Heston stood next to the hearth, and he motioned them to sit on the chairs across from the King.
The room was silent for a few seconds before Theron chimed in, “Alright, Heston, you’ve called us here. Go on and tell us why.” Iona could tell his voice had an edge of excitement to it, the tension of the moment engrossing them all.
Heston’s face was stoic, as he cleared his throat, then ran his hand through his locks. “Father, brother, Iona,” he nodded at them in turn, “I want you to know that I have not made this decision lightly.” Iona snuck a glance at Leo who looked almost…suspicious.
Heston carried on, puffing his chest with a deep breath and turning his gaze directly on Theron.
“I, Prince Heston of Chrysos, son of Theron, do hereby renounce my title and abdicate my claim to the throne.”