The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis leaned against a sturdy oak tree, arms folded across his chest, as he watched the camp slowly come to life. His eyes flicked over to where Elowen was standing, giving orders to the guards. Her presence was commanding as always, and yet, there was a heaviness to her posture that only someone close to her would notice.

He sighed softly, trying to shake the feeling of unease that had followed him since they began this journey.

"Rodion," he murmured quietly, so that no one else would hear.

"You think she's alright?"

<Elowen's vital signs are within acceptable parameters. Emotional signals suggest slight stress, but no immediate cause for concern,>

came the AI's calm voice in his ear.

Mikhailis smiled to himself.

"You know, you could just say 'she's fine,' Rodion."

<Precision is essential, Mikhailis. Besides, it would not be in my programming to give false reassurances.>

He rolled his eyes, his smile widening slightly.

"Yeah, yeah, Mr. Literal," he muttered, pushing himself off the tree and moving towards the camp.

As he approached the makeshift fire that had been set up, Lira was already there, her long black ponytail swaying as she stirred a pot of stew. She looked up at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she met his gaze.

"You seem distracted, Your Highness," she said, her tone calm, though there was a hint of concern in her voice.

"Me? Nah, just enjoying the view." He gestured around at the clearing, the bright sky, the tall oaks swaying gently in the breeze.

Lira gave him a skeptical look, her lips curving into a faint smile.

"Is that so?"

Mikhailis shrugged, his eyes flicking briefly towards Elowen.

"You think she's okay?"

Lira followed his gaze, her expression softening.

"The queen carries many burdens. It's natural that she would seem... preoccupied at times. But I believe in her strength. She'll be alright."

Mikhailis nodded, though the unease in his chest didn't lessen. He turned his attention back to Lira, his smile returning.

"So, what's for lunch? You didn't poison it this time, did you?"

Lira rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Of course not, Your Highness. Unless, of course, you've done something to deserve it."

"Me? Never," Mikhailis replied, his grin widening.

"I'm always a model citizen."

Lira shook her head, her lips curving into a small smile.

"If you say so."

As they spoke, the sky above began to darken, dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The shift in the weather was sudden, and it wasn't long before the bright afternoon had turned into a dim, overcast gloom. A strong wind picked up, rustling the leaves of the oaks, and a sense of unease settled over the camp.

Vyrelda approached Mikhailis, her expression serious.

"The queen has gone to the place she always visits when we're traveling north," she said, her eyes flicking towards the direction Elowen had gone.

"She prefers to be alone there."

Mikhailis frowned, his gaze following Vyrelda's.

"A place she always visits?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Vyrelda nodded, her voice softening.

"It's a private matter. She never brings anyone with her, not even me."

Mikhailis hesitated, his unease growing. He wanted to go after her, to make sure she was alright, but he also knew that Elowen valued her privacy. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. "Alright. I'll let her be," he said finally, though the words felt heavy in his mouth.

The wind picked up, and the first few drops of rain began to fall, splattering against the ground. The camp was soon bustling as people scrambled to secure their belongings, the guards moving quickly to set up makeshift shelters. The rain grew heavier, and before long, the sky was a swirling mass of dark clouds, the wind howling through the trees.

An hour passed, and still, there was no sign of Elowen. Mikhailis's unease turned to worry as he scanned the camp, searching for any sign of her. Earl Vaelis, usually composed and confident, was now pacing back and forth, his expression tense. He approached Mikhailis, his eyes narrowed.

"Where is the queen?" Vaelis demanded, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.

Mikhailis shook his head, his eyes still scanning the camp.

"She went off somewhere. Vyrelda said it's a place she visits often."

Vaelis's expression darkened, his composure slipping.

"She's been gone too long. We need to find her."

Mikhailis nodded, his own worry mirrored in Vaelis's eyes. He turned to Rodion, his voice low.

"Rodion, any sign of Elowen?"

<I have detected movement towards the woods, Mikhailis. Probability suggests it is the queen.>

Mikhailis nodded, his heart pounding as the rain continued to pour. He turned back to Vaelis, his expression serious.

He then saw Vaelis giving orders to start searching for Elowen, his face has now lost his composure. Well of course, as a great earl well-versed in military, if Elowen got injured or faced something unwanted after his great speech of protecting her to the northern province, of course, he would lost all the trust.

"Let's go, Rodion. Now's my turn," Mikhialis uttered as he silently slipped away from the group.

The storm hit with full force, the wind roaring through the trees as the rain lashed down. The camp was in chaos, people shouting to each other over the noise, trying to secure tents and supplies. Vaelis's men moved through the camp, calling out for Elowen, their voices lost in the storm.

Mikhailis, his cloak pulled tightly around him, made his way towards the edge of the clearing, his eyes scanning the dark woods. He could barely see through the rain, the wind whipping at his face, but he pressed on, determined to find Elowen.

<This way, Mikhailis,>

Rodion's voice guided him, calm and precise, despite the chaos around him. Mikhailis followed the directions, his steps quick and sure, though his heart pounded in his chest. He could feel the weight of his worry pressing down on him, his thoughts a whirlwind of what-ifs.

What if something had happened to her? What if she was hurt? The thought made his stomach twist, and he pushed the fear aside, focusing on Rodion's guidance.

The woods were dark, the thick canopy above blocking out what little light remained. Mikhailis moved quickly, the rain soaking through his cloak, the wind howling through the branches. He stumbled over roots and rocks, his feet slipping in the mud, but he pressed on, his determination driving him forward.

<The queen is just ahead,>

Rodion said, and Mikhailis felt a surge of relief. He pushed through the undergrowth, his eyes straining to see through the rain. And then, he saw her.

Elowen stood in front of a small grave, her shoulders slumped, her hood pulled up to shield her from the rain.

She looked small, vulnerable, unlike the queen she usually was.

Mikhailis paused for a moment, his heart aching at the sight of her. He approached quietly, careful not to startle her, and opened his umbrella, holding it above their heads.

He knelt beside her in silence, his eyes flicking to the grave before returning to Elowen. He didn't say anything, didn't ask questions. He simply knelt there, his presence a silent offer of support. The rain pounded against the umbrella, the storm raging around them, but in that moment, it felt like they were in their own little world, separate from everything else.

Elowen didn't acknowledge him at first, her eyes fixed on the grave, her shoulders trembling slightly. Mikhailis watched her, his heart aching at the sight of her pain. He wanted to say something, to offer her comfort, but he knew that words wouldn't be enough. Instead, he stayed by her side, his presence a quiet reassurance that she wasn't alone.

After a long moment, Elowen finally turned her head, her eyes meeting his. There was surprise in her gaze, quickly replaced by something softer, something almost grateful.

She opened her mouth to say something, but the words seemed to catch in her throat, and she closed it again, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Mikhailis offered her a small, gentle smile, his eyes filled with understanding. He reached out, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. He didn't need her to say anything. He just wanted her to know that he was there, that he wasn't going anywhere.

<There is the queen, Mikhailis,>

Rodion's voice came through, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

<As requested, she is unharmed.>

Mikhailis gave a small nod, his eyes still on Elowen.

Rodion. Give her some moment of silence.

The AI went quiet, and Mikhailis turned his attention back to Elowen, his heart aching for her. He didn't know whose grave this was, didn't know the story behind it, but he knew that it mattered to her. And that was enough for him. He would stay by her side for as long as she needed, the storm raging around them, the rain pounding against the umbrella. Because in that moment, nothing else mattered.