SETTING: In the middle of the rebellion.
CHARACTERS: Ettor and Araceli
"Araceli. When this is all over, what do you intend on doing?"
I look over at the man sitting next to me. Only to find his eyes trained on the city not too far from our location.
"I suppose people would expect me to take my father's place. But, I'm not so sure I'm fit to be a Queen. Not after everything I've done."
"I disagree."
"What?"
I give him a bewildered expression. My eyebrows raising and eyes narrowing into a glare.
"You may not believe in your capabilities to lead. But that doesn't mean you can't. I don't think you'd have all these people willingly following you into battle if you had no ability to lead."
"They're following Aza. Not me Ettor."
"Are you so sure about that? Aza may be their commander. But he is not who they follow."
I sigh softly, my eyes darting to the floor and then back over to him.
"I have known you since the moment you were born Araceli. I know you better than you know yourself."
"Yeah. That isn't any new information Ettor. You never fail to remind me of that. Even if you're not saying it out loud."
My words came out more bitter than expected and I flinch out of habit. Lips quickly morphing into a frown.
"Araceli."
His arms were around me before I could actually protest. A gasp escaping.
"I know you're scared. But do not let that stop you. Do not let it stop you from becoming what your people need."
"Not what the Gods want?"
"I told the Gods to fuck off before you were even a thought in this universe. Why else do you think I'm immortal?"
"Um, I thought it was a blessing."
"It isn't. Nor will it ever be."
That makes me laugh, my body shaking as the sound tumbles past my lips.
"E-Ettor. That's, oh my. That's such a 'you' thing to say."
"A me thing?"
"Yes!"
"How is that a 'me' thing?"
"It, it just is okay?"
I look up only to see the same look of bewilderment I had on my face now on his. Causing me to shake my head.
"Thank you."
"There isn't a need to thank me, little one. I will always be here. Immortality has granted me that one kindness at least."