Kelton opened his eyes, his body awakening to the sounds of the morning. Juno moaned and dug her head deeper into the side of his chest. Like him, she would have preferred to get lost in each other's arms until the sun rose higher. There had been no play between them last night. It felt inappropriate to seek physical love on the same field where so many had died.

"They wake too soon," Juno whispered. Her finger traced a light line along Kelton's torso, sending a pleasant shiver along his spine.

"Aye, my love," Kelton sighed in agreement. He was not ready to forgo the warmth nor let the light fully invade the tent. The darkness and Juno's embrace were a welcome refuge from what had happened the day before. He could think of it as a bad dream without the daylight sparking the memories.

"Is it the gathering time?" Juno asked.

Kelton nodded as he caressed his fingers through her hair. His heart still held some of the fear it held the last day, when he envisioned Juno falling to the Brethren. "Many must leave to return to their livelihoods. Some may have fled already, for this is a dark place now."

"He means to ask you to take his crown," Juno said, her finger finding a new path along his belly. Kelton could have been content to lay there and enjoy her touch all day.

"He knows my answer."

"Is it because of me?" Juno asked. The question surprised him, though he did not let it show. Disturbing that loving finger was not worth conveying the expression.

"It is many things," Kelton replied. "I crossed the sea to recapture a kiss, not rule the land." He felt Juno smile, the gesture warming his heart. "There is much that awaits us across that same sea. All that has happened here can be put behind us."

"There are some who say I am the reason you reject the duty," Juno said, her finger now drawing delicious circles.

"Who?"

"Verdi for one," Juno replied. "Though he speaks for others."

"He is a good man," Kelton said with a nod. "He fears what will happen to the land and has placed trust in me because of an ancient tale, nothing more. My father is better skilled in kingship than I, and there are those like Brandish who are better suited. Even the Seven could wade through that mire of duty better than I. My morrows will be filled with only you if I have my way, and nothing more." There was that sweet smile again - worth more than any crown.

"Know that I share those dreams, be they here or house Tarvakian," Juno said. Her finger stopped and was replaced by the flat of her palm. She pulled him closer, though that was hardly possible. Kelton chided himself for hearing more meaning in her words than she probably meant. Here or there, as if the decision was still under consideration. In truth, he was not sure it had not been set in stone. He tried to think back; he could have sworn that they had decided together.

"Kelton?" It was Verdi's voice from near the opening.

"Aye," Kelton called back. Verdi had finally given up on 'sire' and 'my prince.' A promising sign that things were settling as they should. The last thing Kelton desired was for Juno to see her past reflected in the disdain of others. She was willing to sacrifice everything for the land, and she would do so again to raise him up in others' eyes. He would not live without her, nor did he have much desire for the dutiful trappings of the crown.

"All are gathering. The King has sent me to retrieve you."

Kelton sighed. "We will need a moment."

"A short moment," Juno added as she pushed herself upward. Kelton missed her warmth immediately.

"Aye, my lady," Verdi said, and they heard him step away.

Kelton and Juno approached the gathering dressed in their borrowed Sorrinian clothes. It was better than blood-stained cloth or the woodland wear that had begun to tatter. Kelton felt it was a little ostentatious, but Juno insisted. She did not want rags to be the last thing the people saw on them.

The King was waiting for them on a slight rise in the field. A makeshift platform had been hastily constructed - large in width and breadth but barely a hand's width about the ground. Upon it were the Hold Lords who had chosen the correct side of the war, the Queen, and surprisingly Yanda. She was holding a bundle to her chest; half of the babe was strategically hidden by a cloak - feeding most likely.

"Yanda is here," Juno whispered with the same surprise Kelton felt.

"Strong woman," Kelton said. He could only imagine giving birth but knew many days of rest would surely follow if his insides were stretched wide.

Serenity and Audria were standing near Kelton's father and mother, nearer to them than the Hold Lords were. Perhaps the informality of the setting allowed royal propriety to be overlooked. There were others he did not expect on the platform as well. Jutney was standing next to Urlia with his hair newly weaved. Fingers was there, smiling as he talked with Gossamer and Floren. An odd group since it reflected Kelton more than it did the crown. Floren broke away and greeted the pair as they stepped upon the platform.

"Your true mother would be proud," Floren said, taking Juno's hand. "This mother is." Kelton could see the pride grow in Juno's eyes.

"I was taught well," Juno said, returning the compliment.

Floren smiled and turned to Kelton. "Your mother has spoken only of you since the sun rose. She does not hide her pride." Kelton looked behind Floren to find Loren seeking his eyes. His mother smiled and gave a subdued waist-high wave. He helplessly returned it, grinning like a fool and feeling odd since the gathered troops and other Aragonians seemed to be looking only at him. Strange - the crowd was almost silent as they waited. Perhaps there was more of a plan than he was led to believe last night.

"Good morn," the King said to Kelton and Juno. Before they could respond with more than a nod, the King walked to the front of the platform and boomed out the greeting to all. "Good morn, Aragonia." A cheer went up, packed full of pent-up victory. Kelton had not noticed at first, but there was no organization for the gathering. King's men, hold men, and those untrained were standing mixed together. He smiled; for at least a day, all divisions had been erased.

The King raised his arms, and the crowd settled - too quickly, Kelton thought. He had a strange feeling that he and Juno stood alone in the dark.

"It is the first morn without white robes," the King continued. "The Answer has broken the Promise, ended Curses and Choosings." Another cheer began but was quickly stifled by a shushing passing through the unordered ranks. The spontaneity was crushed as soon as it began.

Kelton looked at Juno, who shrugged with the same confusion. They had slept too long and missed some meeting. An idea began to leech into Kelton's mind, some kind of trap done in full view of the world - one which will make it challenging to decline the crown. Juno took his hand and squeezed. She felt it as well.

"He is more than the Answer; he is my son, the land's son." Gregory looked over at Kelton, who nodded in recognition. Gregory smiled in pride before he turned back to the gathering. "He was the tip of the spear, but all of you were the hands upon the shaft that thrust the weapon forward." He pointed outward, spanning the crowd. "Aragonia became one, each of you beholding to those who fought at your side as you fought at theirs. When you leave here to tell the story of the battle of Goddess' Grove, do not forget that feeling of strength that your brothers and sisters gave you. Tell anyone who will listen about the passion that lives in this land." He raised his fist. "Let no one doubt that when Aragonians gather as one, we are invincible." This time the cheers took longer to subside. Kelton found it beautiful in a way.

"Alas," the King said once the yelling subsided. "I, like my fathers before me, were beholding to the Promise."

Someone in the crowd yelled, "Shame." Kelton found it odd that once said it was not repeated or argued. There was a plan in motion.

"Aye," the King agreed and repeated the word to emphasize its truth. "The Hold Lords and I have agreed that the crown belongs on another." Kelton stiffened when his father looked at him. They were going to make it difficult. "My son, the Answer, was my first choice."

Kelton was shocked by the silence. He had thought some sort of verbal agreement or even comments against his lineage.

"But, he wounds me by declining," the King continued. His smile was warm and loving as he spoke the words. "It seems he chooses love over duty, and I as a father must concede." The King's eyes moved to Juno with the same affection. Juno's hand tightened around Kelton's.

"He has earned the choice to decline," Verdi shouted. A chorus of agreement from the crowd rang out. The King only nodded. Kelton was both relieved and wary. It was all too easy. Perhaps it was his reward.

"Another must be chosen," the King said. He indicated the Hold Lords. "We met and discussed many names." He turned to the Queen and bowed slightly in respect. "We conferred with our most gracious of allies." The Queen nodded, though she knew not a word spoken. Yanda was not translating, confirming that the Queen already knew the outcome.

"Others were consulted, some among you," the King said, indicating the crowd, "and some representing more clandestine powers." He nodded toward Fingers, then toward Floren. Both responded in kind.

"One name rose above the rest," the King explained. He glanced behind him, and Jutney straightened. "The Goddess' Priestess," he continued, pointing at Serenity - that was a new development. "Blessed our choice." Serenity gave a gracious nod before the King continued. "There is one who knew my son's destiny before he knew himself." Kelton looked more closely at the weave upon Jutney's head. It could be a King's weave, or perhaps not. Jutney nodded to Kelton with a subdued grin. An odd choice, Kelton thought, but a good one nonetheless - young, clever, and willing to learn. Kelton wondered why they kept it a secret from him.

"A good friend to our greatest ally," the King continued. Perhaps Jutney's relationship with Urlia was farther along than Kelton imagined. The Sorrinnians did respect his solving of battle with the Knowing. "Loyal to Aragonia, clever, and holds the deep admiration of my son and me." He turned to Kelton. "Answer, if the crown calls, will you come to its aid?"

"Aye," Kelton answered loudly, without thinking. Supporting Jutney was an easy decision. The cheering that commenced was deafening and out of place. Kelton could hear laughter among it. His head snapped to Jutney, whose smile was on the verge of evil. If Kelton did not know Jutney better, he would have thought it was the look of a nefarious man about to acquire ultimate power. Kelton knew better. That smile was filled with the pride of a man who had deceived another to achieve the desired end.

"Aragonians, if the crown calls, will you come to its aid?" the King asked. The affirmative response was made in unison, echoing across the field. Kelton's eyes widened as it came to him - there is only one reason they kept it all from him.

"So be it," the King announced. Kelton began to move, then hesitated, for he could think of no way to stop what was in motion, not now that he had given his vow. "The crown, and all rights of its succession, fall to our land's most loyal daughter. I give you Queen Juno, the first of her name."

Juno's name and title were echoed by all, and then the entire field dropped to one knee. Kelton glared at his smiling father, who himself took a knee, as did the Hold Lords. In one breath, all but Queen Serinda, Yanda, and Kelton were genuflecting their obedience. If anyone doubted Juno's rights in the future, they would have to wade through an entire army to voice their opposition. It was as if her past was undone by the people's demands - her people.

Kelton turned to his love and found her stock still and somewhat terrified. "You need not accept," Kelton whispered. Juno's eyes focused and found Kelton. She took a deep breath and let it out. It seemed loud in the silence that had come over the field.

"I would be good at it," Juno whispered. There was confidence in the response, filled with her desire to unbreak the land. The strength was always in her, and Kelton so enjoyed it when it came out. He smiled at her softly.

"Will it ruin our morrows?" Juno asked.

Kelton did not know. He had seen himself with her, but not where or even perfectly when. Perhaps his mind ran past those details in his haste, or maybe they were purposely hidden from him. Whatever power steered him through the days past and showed him the days to come was as devious as Jutney. He realized life was better if the days were unknown. There was more adventure in them. He shrugged in reply and added his most charming smile as he took a knee.

"My loyalty to Queen Juno, first of her name, for now, and forever" Kelton announced loudly. Juno rolled her eyes, so enticing, for it was the roll reserved only for him. There were screams of jubilation as if all that came before was mere soft discussion. He had been soundly tricked and in such a wonderful way.

"I will not serve alone, you fool. You will be King," Juno said, urging Kelton to his feet.

"Only by your name," Kelton said. "The crown follows you, not me." He gestured out to the boisterous crowd. "And it is your words they await."

"The crown follows us," Juno argued, then took Kelton's hand, and they walked together to the front of the platform.

As Juno spoke, Kelton and all who had gathered heard her envisioned dream of Aragonia. He should have known how strongly that dream permeated her being - there were so many wrongs she desired to make right. Juno would have traveled across the sea with him, though he now realized that a piece of her would have been left behind. It was better to have all of her. At least he was rated one step above the land. He smiled; perhaps he would be demoted if a little one was born.

Kelton committed himself to be the sword for Juno's will. Let the world come - they would find Aragonia ready and waiting. Together, they will unbreak their portion of the world.

Kelton was happy to see the gathering's end. The formalities had tended to drone on, including a drawn-out coronation by the high Priestess. Serenity loved an audience. Soon after, most of the people and armies started their journey home. Normality, or a new form of it, had taken hold.

"The Queen and I congratulate you, your Majesty," Yanda said to Juno. Yanda and her mother chose to take advantage of the brief lull in festivities. "My mother hopes you and her will become close now that our lands share so much."

"I thank the Queen, and you, Princess," Juno said, adding a chuckle. "Mayhap, we can skip titles when others are not around. It is all so new and uncomfortable sounding."

"Aye," Yanda agreed. Her son let out a peep and a shake, then settled back in her arms, his eyes never opening.

"In truth, I hope to visit Sorrinnia someday soon," Juno said. "If the people are as impressive as their army and ruler, then we can learn much." Kelton was impressed with her tact. Yanda translated, producing a large smile on the Sorrinian Queen, as well as a few words.

"You would be most welcome," Yanda translated. "As would you, your Majesty," she added for Kelton.

"Did not my Queen say no titles, sister?" Kelton reminded her.

"I desired to hear it. It fits in a way, brother," Yanda replied. "A king and queen unwarped by generations of royal tradition." She looked down at the boy in her arms. "The world has truly changed."

"This was your doing," Kelton accused Jutney. Kelton found him alone, sharpening a blade by a fire. His weaved hair looked comfortable atop his head. The day was waning, and most had left the field. Kelton could guess why Jutney stayed - the Sorrinians had yet to pack up. Kelton and Juno would leave the next morning to claim one of the trappings of duty, a castle.

"Nay, though I played my part, your Majesty," Jutney replied with his sly smile.

"My father?" Kelton asked, thinking that odd. He had not thought his father was so calculating, at least not about leveraging his son's emotions.

"Nay," Jutney replied, shaking his head. It was not a forthcoming response. Another of his sly games - forcing a guess.

"Who?"

"One who does not wish you to leave this land," Jutney hinted. "One who knows the plight of your love well." He grinned. "A well-devised plan, worthy of great respect."

"My father would not..." Kelton began, and then he knew. There was only one person his father would unconditionally listen to, one person who had his ear forever. "My mother," Kelton surmised.

"Aye," Jutney said. "It is us low-born who now rule this land." He laughed, and Kelton was forced to join him. Then, he went in search of his mother and found her speaking with the new Queen. They looked comfortable together - a good sign for the days to come.

"It seems my mother has handled us," Kelton said to Juno as if his mother was not there.

"Handled by a queen," Juno corrected. She had figured it out as well. "A short reign of day, but her will was done."

"I only just found you. I...I did not want you to leave," Luran said with a guilty air.

Kelton surprised his mother by drawing her into an embrace. "Then I shall stay and be better for it." Luran sank into his arms and held him tighter than necessary. His insides warmed, a subtle sign his hidden sister approved. He loved enough for both of them.