What Is Maxen?: A Narrative Fiction

“Maxen? Say something. Please. And above all, promise me you don’t hate me.”
Like a fish gasping on land, Maxen’s mouth opened and closed, yet no sound emerged. His legs gave way, and once his kneecaps cracked against the floor, he closed his eyes, tears carving their way down his cheeks.
Audra knelt before him and wiped away the tears caught in the fresh stubble darkening his jaw. This news was a lot to absorb, and she would not push him to speak until he was ready.
After taking several long, shuddering breaths, Maxen opened his eyes and reached out to cradle the back of Audra’s head. “I didn’t realize you had a child until Rory was more than a year old. I paid people of news of Aber Hael, feigning interest because I had once lived there, …show more content…

Some part of you must be furious I hid the truth all these years.” That was her biggest fear, that this disclosure would harden and infuriate him once he had time to ponder it.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. You had to keep this to yourself. If you’d told Carlton or anyone else that I had fathered Rory? You’d be dead. He’d be dead. You did what was necessary to protect your child. That is the true definition of a mother.” He pulled her to his chest. “You saved our son. You bore this secret all these years to keep him safe and happy. How could I be anything other than grateful?”
“You promise you still love me, Maxen?”
“You’re the wife of my heart and the mother of my child. I could not love you more if I tried.”
With that declaration, Audra broke into hysterical sobs of relief. They remained on their knees before the hearth, and Maxen held her, muttering gentle reassurances into her hair until her tears ran out.
“Come.” He helped her up. “Have a sip of wine and sit next to me. You must be exhausted.”
Audra realized she was. Bone-deep fatigue weighted her muscles and made her thoughts come as slowly as honey. The need for rest consumed her.
She tugged Maxen’s hand inclined her head to the bed. “I need to lie down before I collapse. Come with …show more content…

His hands shot out to steady himself, but when he realized Audra remained beside him, he slowly relaxed.
“Sorry, I was—”
“Scared?” asked Audra, as she rose and stretched.
“Yes. Scared I’d lost you. Again.”
“I felt the same when I woke.”
He gave her a small smile. “Now that I’m calm, I realize that was a spectacular sleep. I haven’t slept that well in years. Sixteen to be precise.”
“I completely understand.” Audra smoothed her dress. “I need to use the garderobe, but when I return, may we talk more?”
“Yes. I was hoping you’d want to.”
Patting down her hair to make sure the intricate braids Faye had woven had not turned into tangled rat’s nest, Audra poked her head out the anteroom door and garnered her guard’s attention.
“All is well within,” she explained. “Maxen and I will be discussing matters of state until sunrise or beyond, so you are aware. And it is my continued wish that we are not disturbed.”
The guard clicked his heels together and bowed. “As you wish, Your Highness.”
Audra dipped back into the chamber and strode to the garderobe. She was the queen of Aber Hael and did not need to make excuses to her guard, but old habits died