(KBTCM) Ch 29: Rowena’s news, Kerrens Future!

The great doors of the throne hall shut heavily behind them, the echo rolling down the marble corridors. Rowena's strides were long but careful, her hand raised with practiced steadiness as she carried both Kerren and Elric. Even so, Kerren could feel the faint tremor in her fingers, the tension carried in her movements. From where he sat crisscrossed in her palm, he had the perfect view of her face, tilted slightly downward in thought.

Her lips were pressed thin, her brows faintly knit, and though she tried to hold herself with regal composure, the truth was written plain on her features—Rowena was not pleased.

"Rowena," Kerren spoke up, his voice cutting gently through the silence of the hall. "Are you... ok?"

For a heartbeat she didn't answer, her eyes still fixed ahead. Then, as if she suddenly remembered herself, she looked down at him. The forced smile that curved her lips was warm, but Kerren could see through it.

"I'm fine," she said softly. "Don't worry about me."

Kerren frowned, unconvinced, but let it rest for now.

They reached a tall oak door set with golden hinges. Rowena's fingers curled delicately around the handle, her sheer size making the motion seem absurdly fragile. She pushed it open with the ease of a breeze and leaned slightly to peer inside.

"Elric," her voice was gentle now, careful not to boom in the smaller space, "this is where you'll be staying."

Elric, still stiff with nerves, craned his neck to look into the chamber. His jaw slackened, and for a moment he forgot himself.

Rowena stepped forward, her crimson hair brushing the doorframe as she entered. Kerren and Elric both saw the room open up around them—and it was unlike anything either of them expected.

The chamber was vast in size, with high ceilings and wide walls like any room suited for a giant. Yet within its grand space lay furnishings meant for someone Elric's height: a sturdy wooden table, two chairs, a bed large by human standards but dwarfed by the hall that held it. Lamps hung at a low height, their flames flickering warmly, and a chest for belongings rested at the foot of the bed. The contrast was surreal, as if someone had taken an ordinary room and set it inside the cavern of a cathedral.

"This," Rowena said as she bent down, lowering her hand until her palm hovered just above the smooth stone floor, "is the guest room. It was built for visitors... your size."

Elric swallowed, his wide eyes darting around the chamber. He rose shakily to his feet and stepped off her palm, boots tapping against the floor as if to test whether it was truly real.

Kerren stayed where he was, his arms resting loosely across his knees as he looked up at Rowena. "A whole room like this... just for humans?"

Rowena nodded, her smile faint but more genuine now. "Yes. Father insists every ally or messenger who comes to Eldermere should feel welcome. Even if they are not... of our stature."

Elric glanced back at her, his face still painted with awe. "It's more than welcome. It's... it's more than I've ever seen."

Rowena's gaze softened as she watched him take in the chamber. Then her eyes flicked back down to Kerren, lingering on him just a little longer, as if she drew steadiness from his presence.

"We'll let him rest," Rowena said quietly, her crimson hair falling forward as she tilted her head.

Kerren nodded, looking back at Elric. "Get some sleep, Elric. You'll need it."

Elric bowed his head in gratitude, still looking somewhat overwhelmed by everything that had happened since he set foot in the kingdom. "Good night," he managed, his voice hoarse.

Rowena lowered her hand a little, steadying it so Kerren could wave as she turned to leave. The door closed gently behind them, the soft click of wood echoing in the giant corridor.

As Rowena carried him through the castle's long stone halls, torchlight flickered along her crimson hair, turning it to molten gold in places. Yet the brightness didn't reach her eyes. Her blue gaze stayed distant, clouded with thoughts too heavy for her usual smile to hide.

Kerren tilted his head, studying her face. "Rowena... are you alright?"

Her lips curved faintly, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine," she said, her voice low.

For a while, the sound of her boots on the marble floors filled the silence. Then, out of nowhere, Kerren grinned. "Everything's going to be alright, you know."

The words caught her off guard. Her steps slowed, and at last she glanced down at him. His expression was simple, almost boyish, but it carried a strange confidence that seemed to cut through the haze of her doubts.

Rowena's mouth softened into a real smile. "Thank you, Kerren." She drew in a breath, her chest easing. "But it's not easy for me to stand by and do nothing. My father's asked me to remain here, yet I've trained my whole life as a warrior. Sitting still..." she shook her head, crimson strands spilling over her shoulder, "it feels wrong."

Kerren leaned back in her palm, his arms folded loosely. "I kinda get it," he said with a half-shrug. "I dream of helping my father at the forge someday. Proving I can do more than just haul coal or hammer scraps. I want to show him I'm good enough to stand beside him."

Rowena's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise breaking through her composure. She gave a small, startled jump, and Kerren yelped as he lost his balance, tumbling backward onto the warm slope of her palm.

"Ah! Sorry!" Rowena gasped, steadying her hand quickly. "I didn't mean to—are you alright?"

Kerren groaned, rolling onto his side before propping himself up on his elbows. "Yeah... though I'm starting to think sitting in your hand is more dangerous than I thought."

Rowena gave a sheepish laugh, tucking a loose strand of crimson hair behind her ear. "Forgive me. I just... remembered something. I still have a surprise for you."

Kerren raised an eyebrow, brushing dust from his tunic. "A surprise?"

Her smile turned sly, her blue eyes glinting as she looked down at him. "I spoke with the royal forgemaster. You've been given a position in the royal forges."

Kerren froze, his mouth falling open. "What?"

Rowena's grin only widened.