A Shade of Midnight

TWENTY-SIX

Mali ang magkumpara at alam kong kahit sinong High Lord ay kayang paligayahin ang isang babae buong gabi. But Raven was ravenous. Isang oras lang ang nakuha kong tulog buong gabi pero alam ko na kasalanan ko rin. We couldn't get enough of each other. 

I couldn't stop. I couldn't get enough of the taste of him in my mouth, the feel of him inside of me. I wanted more, more, more until the burst of pleasure exploded inside me.

"It's normal," Raven said as we were eating breakfast. "I mean, who couldn't resist me?" 

I rolled my eyes. Naalala ko pa kaninang umaga nang bumangon ako. I barely got out of the bed when he snaked his arms around me and pulled me back. We stayed for almost two hours on the bed after that. 

"You're the one who couldn't get enough of me," I said and pointed him the fork. He tipped his head back and laughed. 

"I don't want to leave this house," he said. "I want to stay in that bedroom and f**k you until we're both hoarse." 

I clenched my legs and I knew I was ready for him. But I know we have to go. I know we couldn't stay here any longer. There are things we need to do. The visitor Raven was talking about na bibisita sa camp. At ang paparating na giyera. 

"About--pregnancy," I said. He looked at me and I might as well have thrown a bucket of ice over both of us. 

"We didn't--I wasn't taking any birth control. I haven't been, I mean." 

Inilagay niya ang hawak na tinapay sa plato niya. "Do you want to start taking it again?" 

Kung magbibirth control ako ngayon, what we did last night won't result. "But then...if...if I am to marry you, I'm expected to bear you children, aren't I? So perhaps I shouldn't." 

"Delta, you are not expected to bear me anything," he said with deadly quiet. "Children are wonderful, yes. So precious. Pero kung hindi ka pa handang magkaanak, then I respect that. We can have them once you're ready. Once we're both ready. And right now, with this war coming with Liberia, aaminin kong natatakot ako kapag iniisip kong buntis ka at may giyera na paparating. The moment I marry you, you will have my enemies too. I am terrified of what I might do if you're pregnant and threatened. Or harmed." 

Nakahinga naman ako nang maluwag doon. I smiled at him. "Then I will start taking birth control once we get back." 

He reached for my hand. "I would be happy beyond reason, though, if one day, you would honor me with children. To share that with you." 

I couldn't stop the tears brimming in my eyes. "I want to live first," I said. "I want to live with you. I want to see things and have adventures. I want to learn your court. I want to be part of your family. And selfishly, I want to have you all to myself for a while." 

His smile was gentle, sweet, and then he squeezed my hand. "You take all the time you need. And if I get you all to myself for the rest of my life, then I wouldn't mind that at all." 

We didn't last long staring at each other and I suddenly found myself against the glass window near the kitchen table as he took me from behind. We barely made it to the bath and he made love to me, slow and deep, in the warm waters. 

***

We managed to peel ourselves from the bed and we went to Varsis. Ang buong akala ko ay didiretso kami sa Valyrian camp ngunit sabi ni Raven ay may gagawin kami sa Varsis. The sun had barely set as Raven and I arrived. Agad kaming bumaba sa chopper at naglakad papasok sa bahay. And when we arrived, I found Aliana, Mel, Azrael, and Bryen standing by the foyer. Waiting for us. 

As one, they stood. 

As one, they looked at me. 

And as one, they bowed. 

It was Melisandre who said, "We will serve and protect." 

All of them placed a hand on their heart. Waiting for my reply. 

Napatingin ako kay Raven. Hindi niya sinabi sa akin na mangyayari ito. Hindi ko rin alam kung anong sasabihin ko. And I have no idea how they knew about me and Raven but judging from Aliana's grin, alam kong sinabihan niya sina Bryen at Azrael.

"Thank you," I merely said, willing my voice to be steady. "But I'd rather you were my friends before the serving and protecting." 

Aliana grinned and winked. "We are your friends. But we will serve and protect." 

My face warmed, and I smiled at them--my family. 

"Now that we've settled that," Raven drawled from behind me, "can we please eat? I am famished." 

Melisandre opened her mouth but stopped what she was about to say when Raven glared at her. 

"Do not say what you were going to say, Mel." Raven gave Mel a shape look. Mel just shrugged and walked towards the dining table kung saan may nakahanda nang mga pagkain. 

When we were all settled, Mel looked at me. "I heard what you did with those bastards who attacked you. Good for you, girl." 

Aliana chuckled. "Delta saved Raven's ass is more like it," she said, filling her glass with wine. "Poor little Raven got himself shot." 

Nilagyan ni Aliana ang baso ko ng wine. "He does need an unusual amount of coddling." 

Azrael choked on his wine and Bryen did not hesitate to tip his head back and laugh. 

The dinner went well, and of course, it wasn't complete with the bantering. I watched them laugh at their jokes and I realized I have never been so happy my whole life. 

*** 

The next morning, we left early to the Valyrian camps. Doon namin kikitain ang mga bisita na sinasabi ni Raven. Hindi ko kilala kung sino ang mga ito hanggang sa nakarating kami sa camp. 

Lounged on the couch was a very familiar face. 

The King of Oregon, Ares Magnussen was sipping on his tea. Katabi niya ang isang babaeng hula ko'y kasintahan nito. She's beautiful and atop her head is a crown which gave me the impression that she is a Queen. 

"You're always so early, Magnussen," bati ni Raven sa mga bisita namin. Ares Magnussen looked at his old friend and set his tea down. 

"I was expecting we would be greeted by posh walls and golden chariots but, I guess this isn't bad at all. I get to see the warriors all preparing for the war." 

Katabi ng babae ay isang lalaking pamilyar din sa kanya. Pierce Magnussen was grinning from ear to ear.

"Welcome to the Valyrian Camp," Raven gestured his hand. Then he looked at me. "This is Delta Summers." Then he paused. He was looking at me as if telling me that he doesn't know what to address me just yet. Hindi naman kasi naman agad napag-usapan iyon. And besides, we didn't have a formal ceremony. Kaya naman nginitian ko siya. 

"I am the emissary of the North Court. A pleasure to meet you," I said to the King and Queen and the Prince. 

Nagulat naman ako nang lumapit ang reyna sa akin. Her auburn hair cascading her shoulder in rich curls. She then extended a hand na labis namang ikinagulat ko. 

"The Delta Summers," she said, her voice almost sounding like she was in awe. "Marami akong naririnig tungkol sa iyo." 

I shook her hand. 

"I am Rainia, Queen of Carnes." And judging from how the king Ares looks at her, I could tell enough na ito ang babaeng hinahanap niya noon. "Pleasure to meet you, Your majesty." There was a glint in her eyes I know too well. The same glint I probably have in my eyes. I can't wait to talk to her later if we have the chance.

"These are the other members of my court. This is Melisandre, my second in command. Aliana, the third. Bryen, the general of my armies. And Azrael." 

He did not introduce Azrael as his spymaster. Probably because Azrael's job is not something disclosed to anyone. Not even to the royalties. 

Ares placed a hand on Pierce's shoulder. "This is my brother. Third prince of Oregon and fourth in line to the throne." 

The Prince bowed but did not say anything. 

Hindi ko narinig na magsalita si Mel. It is always her who has a very sharp tongue, especially when meeting new people. Gaya nalang nang nagpunta kami sa West. But then perhaps, just like Raven, Melisandre chooses when and who to show her mask. The mask of the High Lord's second in command. 

It was Bryen who stepped and gestured his hand towards the door. "This way to the training ground," he said. Agad naman kaming sumunod. We followed Bryen out as he walked towards where the training ground is. 

Naabutan naman namin si Cidran na nakatayo sa ibabaw ng ring. Two women were also there, sparring.

"Still cutthroat as ever, huh," rinig kong sabi ni Ares kay Raven. And based on what he said, I knew he has seen how Valyrians fight before. How ruthless they are and Raven is barely managing them. Alam kong mahirap kontrolin ang mga ito lalo pa at ang mga nakasanayan nitong gawin ay ilang henerasyon nilang ginagawa. But Raven has made sure to show them what the High Lord of the North could do once they disobey him. 

"They are training their women. Valyrian women are just as strong." 

"It's a waste to see them do chores instead of fight for themselves." Aliana stepped forward towards the ring. Cidran was decent enough not to balk and left the ring instead. 

"The Great Aliana," I heard Rainia murmur. Napatingin naman ako sa kanya and I can see awe in her eyes. Hindi ko alam kung alam ba ni Rainia na dating kasintahan ni Ares si Aliana noon. I don't exactly know how deep Ares' and Aliana's relationship was but at some point in the past, they had something special. At least that's what I knew when I went back to Oregon some time ago. 

"She is indeed great at fighting," sabi ko naman. 

Aliana removed her coat and tossed it outside the ring. Azrael picked it. Now, Aliana was in her fighting leathers, with knives strapped around her waist. 

The two women who were sparring earlier faced Aliana. And instantly, they looked like preys ready to attack. 

Aliana was glorious as she stood in her fighting leathers, in her fighting stance. When the two warriors attacked, Aliana defended. She kicked one on its stomach and the other one managed to brandish her dagger at her. Mabilis siyang napatalon paatras. Al took her dagger and whirled it on her hands before she stood again in her stance.

The two warriors attacked and Aliana stopped them with her dagger. Sinangga niya ang kutsilyo ng isa habang ang isa naman ay sinipa niya sa gilid. Hindi na siya nag-aksaya bg oras at binalibag ang babae. Nabitiwan nito ang hawak ba kutsilyo at lumikha iyon ng ingay.

Everyone was silent. Lahat kami nakatingin kay Aliana. She won the duel. As expected.

Tinulungan niyang makatayo ang dalawang babae at agad siyang humarap sa amin na nakangisi. Her high ponytail swayed with the wind. Napatingin ako kay Azrael na nakatingin lang din kay Al na bumababa sa ring.

"They're one of the many trained Valyrian women. Sa nakikita niyo, kaya nilang makapagsabayan sa akin. They're strong enough for the coming war."

Napatango naman si Ares sa gawi bii Aliana. "And the weapons?" tanong ng lalaki. Tumingin naman si Raven sa kabilang side ng training ground kung saan nila bakita ang mga kalalakihan na abala sa paggawa ng mga sandata.

"Those are enough to supply the Valyrian warriors. Although there is a group of people in the middle of Sandovia who are weaponless for the coming war. But we're working on it." Raven started walking and we all followed.

"This place is the first spot for Liberia to attack?" Ares asked.

"Possibly. There are borders around Sandovia that are near the sea. They could be entering from the North. Or the east and west or the south. And they will find it's not easy to go through."

Tumango naman si Ares.

"Then what about the other High Lords?" tanong ni Rainia.

"We are currently doing our best to communicate with them. Azrael is flying from court to court to see the situation and to check the borders. And soon enough, I will call all the High Lords."

Tila nanigas naman ako sa narinig. Calling all the High Lords. This means I will be seeing Maxim. I brushed the thought.

"Carnes is in the North of Oregon. And should the war come, we have to be prepared. Thank you, High Lord, for warning us."

"How strong are the Liberian forces?" tanong ni Pierce.

"Meredith, is one of Liberia's assets. And she managed to wrap all of Sandovia's High Lords around her finger." Aliana wrung her hand as if she was imagining things she would have done to Meredith. "She is cunning. And I bet Liberian forces would also use cunningness in this war."

"Then we'll have to be more cunning," Ares said.

"And the Northern warriors are ruthless. With the right weapons, they will be unstoppable. With cunningness and strength, we'll have good results." Bryen beamed.

"They're dogs, but when it comes to fighting, they are top tier," sabi naman ni Mel at saka humarap kina Ares at Rainia. "This is the warriors we have for the coming war. I do hope you have your strong warriors too, King and Queen." Mel said it with no trace of mockery in her voice but a genuine warning.

"We have them. That's the last thing Oregon and Carnes should worry about," Ares said.

"And we already have soldiers stationed in the mountains, shores, and the borders, just waiting for the signal for them to move." Rainia looked at Mel. "We're as ready as you."

Melisandre smirked. And if it were me at the receiving end of that smirk, I would have wobbled my knees. But Rainia stared back, a silent acceptance of the challenge. And perhaps she gained Melisandre's approval as the latter grinned wider.

The rest of the afternoon, we spent it roaming around the camp. The king, queen, and the prince did not stay long. Agad din silang umalis. And we stayed in the camp for a bit longer.

Hanggang sa nakatanggap kami ng mensahe mula sa tatlong reyna, asking for an emergency meeting.

* * *