Chapter Text
"I can't tell you how relieved I am to see you safe, my king. Even after reading Jaina's reports, I can scarcely imagine the horrors you endured," said Genn Graymane, relieved to see the young King of Stormwind physically safe, blind to the mental scars beneath.
"There were times I thought I would never escape the Jailer's control. The things he made me do..." Anduin stated, his gaze shifting away from Genn, from you, towards the vastness of the Arbiter's Chambers. His mind continues to reel from the events of the Shadowlands, the lives lost in the name of victory, and the actions he committed while under the control of Zovaal, the Jailer.
"Those actions were not your fault! You cannot blame yourself," Genn proclaimed.
You understood what Greymane was trying to do, to console the young lion, to remind him that everything that was done was not because he wanted to, but that he had no other choice but to do. You knew better though, having spoken to Anduin separately, he told you of his conversation with Sylvanas, his confession of sorts.
“Why are you here, Anduin?...” Sylvanas stated, intrigued on why the King of Stormwind would willingly return to the Maw, the hellscape that his friends fought tooth and nail to rescue him from.
“Your kingdom, and your friends, are awaiting your return,”
“My friends... the ones I almost killed... they believe my hands are clean…” Anduin’s head dropped, looking down at his hands, the very ones that struck Jania, the woman who has looked after him all these years, and you, the woman who has been at his side and jumped into the Maw without a second thought to save him and bring him home.
“But they don't feel clean,”
“It is perilous to confuse what you are made to do with what you choose to do,” Sylvanas stated, knowing she too was under the guise that the Jailer, but for her own reasons.
“How can I not when it all blurs together?” Anduin exclaimed. “It was so horrific... and exhilarating.”
Sylvanas, shocked by this admission, remained silent, waiting for the noble King of Stormwind, the young Lion, son of the Wolf, the mighty King Varian, to continue his descending spiral of confusion.
“And it sickens me to think that satisfaction... may have been mine,” Anduin confessed.
“Ah. So that's why you've come,” She saw the final piece of the puzzle click. “You fear you might not be who you thought you were.”
“I'm starting to wonder if I ever knew. For the first time in my life…” Anduin took a deep breath,
“I'm afraid if I call on the Light...it won't answer.”
The former ranger looked at Anduin, this mighty leader of the Alliance, a pillar of nobility and light, just a young man, confused and frightened. What can be expected from someone, who although with good intentions, was trusted into a position of power he was not prepared for?
“If I've no trust in myself, how can I expect my kingdom to trust me?” he asked, dejected, his spirits failing him, coming to terms with everything he is feeling. “To put their faith in me... when mine has faltered.” Anduin finished, not knowing how to move forward.
“Must you bear that weight?” Sylvanas asked, curious as to what he would respond.
“A king does not have a choice.” He reminded, not only her but himself.
“No choice? I thought you believed in free will.” She stated slyly, remembering her previous conversation with him right before his corruption.
“I need time to think… About many things.”
“Anduin, I have faced who I was, and accepted what I've done.” Accepting her punishment, her fate. Not redemption fully, but at least a start. “Now, the work begins.”
“Yes. It does.” He came to his conclusion on what needed to be done, not for his kingdom, his faction, or his loved ones, but for himself.
“Farewell, Sylvanas Windrunner.” Anduin began to make his way back to the waypoint and return to Oribos.
“Until our paths cross again.”
“I... I should have been stronger…” Anduin remarked, questioning himself.
Genn looked towards you, seeing the pity on his face that said it all. Genn blamed himself for Anduin’s capture, reminding him of his own failings with his son, Liam.
“Anduin Wrynn, you are the strongest man I know. And when you return to Stormwind, the whole kingdom will tell you the same.”
Anduin appreciated the attempt Genn made to ease his pain, his optimism for the future, wanting things to go back the way they were. There had been a truce between the Horde and the Alliance, the war was essentially over. Peace was awaiting them back on Azeroth, a hard-fought peace within reach. Anduin, however, knew he would not see it, not now at least.
“I can't go back, Genn. Not yet.” Anduin told Greymane, his eyes shifting to you. You dared not meet his gaze, anger boiling up inside you. You start to feel tears welling up, shutting your eyes tightly as a foolish way to stop them.
“But the people need--” Genn began, not understanding the hesitancy coming from the King. Before he could continue, Anduin interjected.
“Turalyon will keep the Alliance safe in my absence. And I know you'll watch over everyone we care about... Old Wolf.” Anduin could think of no other to look after the kingdom so fiercely as Turalyon, having defended Azeroth from the wrath of the Legion, he knew they would be better off with him at this moment.
Genn, knowing the resolve of the young lion, knew better than to fight him on something he has already decided on.
“Of course. Take whatever time you need. And when you're ready... please, come home.” With that, Genn turned to take his leave, ready to depart for Stormwind, his home.
You turn to follow Genn, till you feel a hand rest on your shoulder, the grasp gentle, but firm. You gasp slightly, not expecting Anduin to want to speak to you, seeing you in a state of disappointment and anger, he knew better than to try to argue with you like this. Nevertheless, he made the leap.
“Y/N… please…,” Anduin said, a slight tinge of desperation hidden in his voice. It hurt to hear, but what truly broke your heart was turning around and seeing his face. With such a look of sadness, confusion, and fear, you couldn’t help but throw your arms around his waist and hold him tight against you. He towers over you and you curse his armor, wanting to feel the warmth of his body, takes in his scent, and remember every detail of his person before saying goodbye.
Anduin knew he was hurting you, it felt like he couldn’t do anything right. Abandoning both her and Stormwind, he knew it was for the best, though it didn’t make it any easier. He held you with the same fierceness as you. The robes you wore left your back in the open, his hands caressing the exposed skin, the warmth you radiated. His chin rested atop your head and he felt the tears begin to fall. So long had he admired you, protected you, fought along side you, and now loved you. He cursed time and himself for not having confessed his feelings for you sooner, for not having sent more time together, not as a King with his Champion, but as a man with the woman he loved.
No other words needed to be said, no hurtful words out of anger or sadness, nothing that would be regretted later on. You both just held one another, savoring this long awaited moment, till the next time you too were to hold each other once more.
Little did you know that moment would not come so soon.