I pulled from his vision once I knew things were alright. Once I knew he was alright. It was roughly mid day now, and he had come across ten dead. One he was able to save and one that perished just seconds before he got there. I felt terrible when he faced situations like this. As I knew he hated seeing death as much as I did. I could sense through the bond that he felt hopeless. As a prisoner had escaped and so many had died. Days like this… he truly thought he failed. But I know deep down that he tried his best, he knows that.

I rested against my pillow as my mind felt better despite the mind attack Marcel played on us, despite the mind attack that Théoden blocked me from ever receiving as he knew I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. So he took it, all of the Soul Eaters attack, that’s why he felt so drained. Blocking me from receiving any of it and taking it all himself. It’s why I was able to tell Théoden to snap out of it, why I was able to lend a hand.

I sighed and sat up. I stretched and reached over and opened my window a crack to allow the sun to dance across my skin.

The warmth of the sun allowed my body to wake up further. Allowed my body to warm and embrace the rest of the day. A day I hoped would shift for the better.

I got up moments later and got dressed in a comfortable dress that flowed freely from my body. I pulled my hair down and ran my wire comb through it.

Theo? I spoke softly through the bond.

Yes? He responded back, his voice still strained but a sense of normalcy was felt.

Take a walk with me. I didn’t ask. I more or less ordered.

Now? He questioned me.

Yes. I spoke in a soft but firm tone. I knew he was alright but I wanted to comfort him.

Alright. He breathed through the bond. Meet me at the castle gate.

I slipped my wedge boots on, my belt with my bag of holding, slipped my weapon in its hilt, and left my room locking the door behind me.

I walked calmly down the stairs. Paying close attention to my surroundings as I was trying to sense Crimson or Marcel. But it was quite.

I walked through the grand hall, past the kitchen, and out the large oak doors with ease. I felt a smile fall upon my face as Théoden was waiting for me at the gate.

He himself however, looked a bit confused. “Are you alright?” He asked me as the gate opened and I joined him on the other side.

“Yes. I just thought a moment of peace was needed.” I told him as I began to walk in front of him and he follow step behind me.

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He nodded, “I just have…”

I looked back at him and gave a smile, “Paper work? Cleanup?”

“Precisely.” He breathed.

“A break.”

“Huh?”

“A break is what you need, Theo.” I told him. “We were both mentally attacked. You got it twice. Not to mention everything else that happened today.” I spoke as calmly as I could as I continued my walk.

“Fair argument. But I am Captain of the Guards. I need to be proactive during this time.”

I stopped and turned to look at him causing him to stop in turn, “You may be Captain, but even a great leader knows when it’s time to take a moment to recover.”

He sighed and eventually I saw his lips part in a smile, “Fine, you win. Where are we walking too?”

“The beach. We never got our moment this morning.” I told him as I turned back around and continued walking.

I felt warmth through the bond. Théoden was happy with the mention of the beach. I felt him relax, something I haven’t felt from him all day. I felt his body ease and his heart race. Not out of pure adrenaline but out of joy and love. I knew he needed this, as much as I did.

We arrived at the beach five minutes after that. We walked to our branch that was broken from a rather large tree and took a seat. We took a few deep breaths, breathing in the salty smell of the ocean, listening to the waves crash against the shore line.

“I needed this.” Théoden spoke as I felt him lean against me. “After what we experienced today, this was needed.”

I felt my smile return, “And yet you questioned me why.”

He chuckled, “I can’t help that I’m stubborn sometimes.”

I arched my eyebrow, “Sometimes? If it was up to you, you’d go all night and day with rest and just focus on protecting the kingdom.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” He questioned me.

“Yes. As that could easily kill you just as the devil himself could.”

It took a moment for him to respond, “Fair.”

We sat like like for a few moments longer. Just breathing, enjoying the calmness of the ocean as it crashed against the rocky shore line. Enjoying each other as we both needed this moment after today. As we both needed a moment of peace.

After ten minutes Théoden let out a sigh, “I have to get back to work.” He gave me a gentle kiss in the forehead. “Thank you love, I did need this.”

I smiled up into his crystal blue eyes that seemed more at ease now, “I knew you did my dear.” I reached up and rested my hand against his cheek. He was calm, a lot calmer than he was earlier today.

I felt an urge in my body to kiss him. To kiss his firm lips despite being out in the open as we were. But I didn’t care in the moment, I kissed his lips. I just hoped no one was watching us that closely.

I felt he was surprised but kissed me back. Our kiss, was only for a few seconds however, as he pulled away. He did a quick scan and sighed in relief as he didn’t see anyone near. “As much as I love kissing you, we do need to be careful.” He spoke in a whisper.

I sighed, “I know, I just couldn’t help myself.” As I felt that we both needed it in that moment.

“I get it, I truly do.” He responded, “Just next time, scan the area first before kissing.”

“Noted.” I said with a soft smile.

“I do need to get back to work.” Théoden said as he stood up, he offered me his hand as he helped me up, “Let’s get you back to the castle.”

I nodded and we walked back to the castle gate.

“See you tonight.” Théoden spoke as he opened the gate so I could enter.

I gave him a smile as I turned and walked into the castle and he went back to his office to do his paperwork.