The following day, the kingdom slowly began to shift and change. The temperature started dropping slowly. Creatures that would wander into the city at night eventually began to slow and stop.

Just like dragons can sense other dragons, creatures like bears, wolves, owlbears, really anything that can feast upon humans seemed to take a step back from the kingdom. As they were able to sense the dragon’s presence.

Now, that didn’t mean they weren’t there anymore. We still got an attack here and there. Reports of those said creatures but they appeared to be less reported.

This was the first day, after his layer was fully in place, the temperature dropped five degrees. It wasn’t significant, so no one noticed. No one complained.

Theoden informed me after everything was in place, how it had affected his magic. Drained him significantly of his essences. “It was worth it Maria.” He growled as I had ordered him to rest for the week as the kingdom adjusted to the changes in its environment.

“Try telling that to your essence.” I scolded him. If I had known his power would drain, I don’t think I would have allowed him to do this.

He groaned, “Don’t scold me for doing my duty!” He had a point but was the sacrifice worth it?

He’d be out of commission for a week as his essence was restored. As the kingdom adjusted to its new life. A life of full protection under his command.

“Please, there could have been a better way!” I shouted back at him. This had been an ongoing argument for the first day. At this point I had gone back into the kitchen to grab the tea and biscuits that I helped Roland make for Theoden. As I had full intention to care for him this week, at least until he got his strength back.

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I was pissed that he kept the drainage of his essence hidden. It put him at risk. I was upset with him that he would go to that extent and not tell me the full effects. But I couldn’t hate him for it, his heart was in the right place.

“There isn’t a better way.” He whispered softly as he watched me bring him over a cup of jasmine tea and some fresh biscuits. “If there is any danger, the barrier will alert me immediately.”

I sighed as I placed two cubs of sugar in his cup and handed it to him, “I understand that, and I appreciate you for doing this but you still put yourself in harm's way.”

I sat beside him on the edge of the bed and began to nibble on one of the biscuits as I held the silver tray in my lap. I stared ahead as I was afraid to look him in the eyes.

"Maria,” he sighed softly and placed his hand upon my thigh, “dear, my job is to protect you and this kingdom.” I remained quiet as I munched on the biscuit. “Please look at me dear.”

I was hesitant. I knew he wasn’t any different than the Theoden I knew but something felt off about him. Something that I couldn’t put my finger on. “Please Maria?” He begged me again. “Look at me.”

Caving, I took a deep breath and slowly turned to look at him. I tried to hold in the tears but once my eyes fell on his, they started to fall. “I’m sorry.” I mumbled as I began to try to stand up, however, he held his grip on my thigh.

“Maria, what’s wrong?” His concerned voice echoed through my ears.

“You do so much to protect me and my kingdom but what do I do for it? For us?”

He smiled softly at me, “You live. That is what you do. If you die, I die. It’s how our bond works. I will protect you. So you live. So you can rule this kingdom with grace, wisdom, and pride. You are the one to take this kingdom into the new century. And I will make sure that happens.”

I leaned down and kissed his forehead softly. “How am I lucky to have you as my bond mate, my lover, and my protector?” I said with a smile as the tears continued to flow.

He placed his cup of tea down and brushed away the tears from my cheeks, “I am the lucky one Maria.”