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āI put my arms around myself and I'm unbreakable.ā
ćÉĪ¹Ī±ĘĻgĻ Ń cĻĘĻŃ:#BDA0CB ā ŃŠ½ĻĻ gŠ½Ń cĻĘĻŃ #F7B3DAć
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
ćÉĪ¹Ī±ĘĻgĻ Ń cĻĘĻŃ:#BDA0CB ā ŃŠ½ĻĻ gŠ½Ń cĻĘĻŃ #F7B3DAć
|| Dear Winter || AJR ||
They held hands as they walked along the inside of the throne room. Two new chairs were being made for them, each in its own magnificent way. Zed would not allow her to see it, it was currently covered in a sheet. He would unveil it the day of the coronation. "It's strange," Winter admitted as they made their way back to the carriage. "What is?" Zed asked, squeezing her hand. "I never thought there would be a day that I would get to know peace. I had this pent up rage inside of me and it was eating away at me. Now, it's evaporated. I don't feel angry anymore, I feel as though a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders." Zed smiled, "I want to protect you from all of the bad things, but I know that it's unrealistic. You're strong in your own right," he swept her off of her feet. She squealed, her cheeks turning bright pink.
"What are you two doing?" Zeus asked, having heard them. "Just on our way to lunch," Zed replied as he appeared from one of the rooms. Zeus nodded, "How was it, Winter?" He asked, referring to the experience in the cave. "It was... good." Winter admitted, Zed placing her down on her own feet. "It gave me a lot of closure," Zeus nodded. "Good," he knelt down to touch his forehead against her's. "You are going to make a wonderful ruler, I can tell already." He ruffled her hair, then shook Zed's hand, "I am glad that you make my daughter so happy." He took his leave then, allowing the two of them to continue their stroll to the carriage. "Where are we going for lunch?" Winter asked, sitting beside him. She lay her head on his arm, not quite reaching his shoulder. "A surprise," Zed tied a ribbon over her eyes.
The carriage stopped, Winter could smell freshly overturned earth and flowers. Zed took her hand, leading her up a hill and removing the ribbon. "Surprise," she blinked as the sunshine fell across her face. They were standing on top of an orchard hill, a picnic spread out for them. "This looks wonderful," she hugged him, "Thank you for the surprise." She plopped down onto the picnic blanket, Zed sitting beside her and pouring them lemonade. "I thought we could use some private time, since your friends have taken over the house." Winter laughed, "Yes, they're quite the rambunctious bunch," she agreed, clinking their glasses together and taking a sip. It was cold and refreshing, just what she needed. There were little sandwiches for them, along with crackers and cheese, roasted root veggies, and apple cake for dessert. Winter was stuffed by the time they were done.
Music began to play from somewhere in the orchard. Zed held out a hand, "May I have this dance?" Winter smiled, rising to her feet to take his hand. "Yes, you may." Tomorrow, they would be separated from the required two days before marriage, a tradition they had in Olympia. Winter had butterflies in her stomach, the thought of the wedding being so close making her nervous. What if something happened during the wedding? No, Winter would not think about that. He spun her in a circle and she laughed. Zed twirled her once more, Winter landing in his arms. They swayed together until the music stopped. "Come with me," he led her to a swing overlooking Olympia. They sat together on it, Zed's hand resting on top of Winter's.
"Zed, what do you think about children?" Winter asked, "I don't mind if we have, but I also don't mind if we don't." His hand squeezed her own, "we can just adopt a dog." She laughed, "Yes, that sounds nice." Eventually, the moment ended and they had to return to the carriage. They rode home in content silence, Winter resting her head on Zed's lap as he played with her hair. "We're back!" She called as they reentered the house.