“Okay. I have decided. I will be leaving tomorrow morning.” Ares stated as matter of fact, or as much as he could. Though there was a lot to do, he decided if he remained here, he would never be able to foster Independence within his people as well as his leaders.

He was uncertain whether or not they would see him as someone that was shirking his responsibilities, but if he kept second guessing himself and his leaders he would lose their trust and would even lose faith in himself.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Torak said as he appeared from nowhere in particular. He had been talking with Lana and Rori, but Torak had returned with the trainees for the Phoenix Guard.

“I don’t know, but it’s not my job to be wise.” Ares replied as he then looked over to Rori. “I’ll leave that kind of business to you, Counsel.” Ares laughed.

“So you are leaving that quickly… Do you have everything you need?” Lana asked. Her face was stuck in a constant expression of being unimpressed and annoyed.

Ares threw a passionate look in return and then ran a hand down her back, which caused her to warm up like an ice block being thawed, though they kept the cold bite that was her icy stare.

“I’m not sure if I have everything. I’ll let the others know to grab everything they need and then I’ll just fill up on some food in case we need that sort of thing.” Ares said as he rubbed his chin.

“You may need some heavier wear if you are going to head North, though you should take it anyway regardless.” Lana said as she rested her head on his shoulder as he embraced her.

“I’ll take that into mind.” Ares said as he rubbed the back of his neck as he went back into thought, though Lana quickly slapped his back.

“You’re thinking too much.”

“Right!” Ares said as he then marched off to the nearby stock piles and then began to shift away a few of the food items they had managed to gather. He walked around, taking a few other items too before then returning. No one had bothered him during his little escapade, though it was probably because they had become quite used to Ares being a little bit weird.

“Whilst I’m gone, Lana will take the role of Queen. Also Heria will be given the rank of Colonel, she will lead a Battalion if required. As Queen and Counsel though, you both outrank her, but I’m sure as long as she doesn’t go too crazy you won’t need to rein her in with your ranks.”

Lana raised her brows in surprise. “I’m your Queen?”

“Well, yeah, for now that’s just the title whilst I’m gone. Queen in Waiting or something, I don’t know. When I return, I’ll be sure to marry you properly.” He said as he rubbed the side of her cheek. “So just wait for me.”

She nodded and then Ares quickly turned to face Rori and Torak. He suddenly felt rather embarrassed for being so tender and sweet with Lana in public. He cleared his throat. “To the three of you I entrust Rivea. If you mess up I’m sure Rivee will give you a talking to, but make sure not to make them too mad.” Ares laughed.

“If you would like it, I would…” Torak then fell silent. Ares waited for him to continue as Torak thought. He looked up at Ares and nodded. “No, I will wish you the best of luck.” He said as he then excused himself to leave.

“I wonder what’s with him?” Ares said looking at Torak’s strong back.

“He is no doubt worried for his King, who has a habit of getting himself into trouble that sometimes is too much for even a demi-god to handle.” Rori replied back dryly.

Ares snapped his head to look at Rori, his brows raised. “God damn… don’t burn me too much.” Ares said as he clicked his tongue against his teeth and rubbed the back of his head.

“I had thought as a phoenix you could have handled such a thing.” Rori bowed his head.

Ares raised his brows further until they threatened to fly off. “Holy… Rori, calm down. I don’t think I can handle any more.” Ares laughed and then walked over to punch the bearman’s arm gently. “Man, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect you to have a personality, you’re a little too rigid.”

“You are too loose.” Rori replied back simply as Ares shook his head.

“Alright well then, I’ll let you inform the others that we’re heading out tomorrow, mister tight. Try not to tell anyone else about it, I want it to be a quick affair.” Ares said as he intertwined his fingers with Lana and then pulled her back to their tent.

She followed him in and then Ares sat down, pulling her on top. “I am really sorry for leaving so quickly like this.” He said as they embraced one another.

She shook her head. “I do not understand what is in that head of yours.”

Ares looked up at her and narrowed his eyes. “That’s a good thing.”

“Is it?”

“Yes, it is. It means you won’t worry so much.”

“I worry enough.”

“That’s right.”

She smiled.

He lay down and then stared up at her as she stared down at him. They kissed for a few moments.

“I’m really such a terrible guy aren’t I?”

“You are. You will have to make it up to me before you go.”

Ares laughed and then they wrapped around one another. Once they were panting, wet and sticky messes, Ares snaked himself around her so her head was at his chest but in a way to not pierce through his heart with her horns.

“Take good care of our children and Emerli, alright?” Ares said.

Lana quickly looked up, almost nicking his neck with her horns. She furrowed her brows in confusion but nodded. “You don’t have to worry. I will look after… our children?”

“Well, you intend to be my Queen right? You’ll have to be their mother.”

Lana turned red and then head butt his chest, almost goring him as he winced. She did not say anything beyond that, and nor did he.

“I love you.” Ares whispered, turning even redder as his body flushed with heat.

“And I you, Ares.” Lana whispered in return as they melted against one another once more until evening came. They did not arrive for the evening meal.