Nazareth Academy Goulash: Winter 2022

The Queen’s Love His face is solemn, almost sad.

“Then again, that’s not all that’s bothering you,” I whisper. His head shoots up and his eyes meet mine.

“You’re worried about losing your best friend,” I say, grabbing his hands. He moves away from the door and towards the small sofa in the middle of the study.

“I don’t know what to do,” he says, slumping onto the sofa and releasing all tension from his shoulders. I go to sit by him, but a guard interrupts us before I reach him.

“Your Majesties,” he says, bowing. The young guard turns his attention to the king. “The kings and queens would like to speak to you about King Ivan and what action to take should the situation escalate.”

I look at my husband, who is standing up perfectly straight again with his face set like stone: the picture of regality.

“Tell them I’m on my way,” he commands. The guard simply bows his head and retreats.

“Perfect, just what I needed,” he exclaims as he throws his arms up in the air and slumps back down onto the sofa.

He’s so dramatic, I think as a smile blooms on my face.

I sit down next to him and put a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat between layers of clothing, skin, and bone. His breathing slows down and he relaxes as if a weight has been lifted off. He leans his head on mine, and we sit still for a while.

“We have to go,” I whisper.

“I know.” He sighs and gets up. He offers me his hand to help me up.

“Shall we go, my queen?” He smirks. I look up at him, my goofy king of a husband, and smile as I slide my hand into the crook of his arm.

“We shall.”

Amber Constante 34