Just Like You Protected Us...
By mihoyonagi
Chapter 3: The First Month Without
Much to my amusement, and some of Steiner's irritation, the stories circling around my journey didn't relent. Some were sweet, centered around the thief who'd stolen the heart of their leader and exactly how he'd managed to do so, and some were silly, focusing on their supposed mage queen and how she'd single handedly fought waves of villainous creatures.
I let them talk. There was no need to correct them. The stories had gone on for quite some time, but I would let the people have their fun and think what they'd like if it kept them happy.
Construction was running smoothly, and though the whether was starting to turn cold during the nights, the days were still warm and sunny. At the end of the second week, a great portion of the castle had been cleared of rubble and the stone masons were called to attest weather or not the walls could be mended by winter, and how much it would deplete the treasury.
Not all was well, as I had expected. Several of the hired help had been caught in less than happy circumstance and several of the workers had to be whipped to set examples that one should not steal from the locals, and a few more still had to be sent out of the city. Though the crimes were lowly – petty theft of gil or bread – the rate in which they were committed was slowly growing.
With Steiner and Beatrix's help, more guard patrols were set up around the city. Better to spend more to save that in my people's pockets than end up having an eventual murder, or something just as awful.
Once the patrols were up, the hired helped eventually settled down. After all, they were already receiving more than a fair salary, plus food and shelter. It wasn't much of a life, and it wouldn't last forever, but one would be hard pressed to find a better position somewhere else.
It was an exceptionally clear, crisp afternoon when Beatrix had announced there was some unexpected visitors at the castle gates wishing an audience for me. The sparkle in her eyes and the smile on her face let me know not to fret, and I grew curious of the visitors instantly.
"Send them in."
"Hey there, queeney."
My heart danced. It was Blank, Marcus, and Ruby, three friends I was more than happy to see.
Steiner grumbled at Blank's hello, but knew that to speak harshly at any of the three would earn scorn. They had, after all, had a huge part in helping all of us.
I stood and greeted my friends, shaking hands and sharing smiles. "It's so good to see you all. What brings you to Alexandria?"
Marcus shrugged. "Boss wanted to make sure everything was going well over here, since Blank and Ruby set up their theater in the city, so he sent me to check up."
It was a lie.
Even though none of them would admit it, they were just as beside themselves at his's disappearance as I was. Sure, he'd often gone off by himself, but this was different. They came to make sure I was well, that I was coping.
I smiled, despite the ruse.
"And how is the theater faring?"
Ruby clasped her hands together in delight. "Thanks to all the workers that've been staying in town, we put on three shows a day with a full house!"
One of the cooks knocked on the door, and announced that last meal would be served in a few minutes.
I offered them a place at my table, and, mostly through Ruby's insisting, they stayed. "I've never eaten at a castle before!"
Marcus scratched the back of his head. "Not officially, or legally."
We all shared a laugh and a secret.
It was nice, being at ease with familiar faces, who weren't charged to protect me, for the first time in a month. We ate and talked, laughing and toasted, and by nightfall we were happy and satisfied.
I walked them to the castle gates, not out of politeness but out of the mere fact that they were my friends.
Allowing Ruby and Blank to walk a head of us a few paces, Marcus walked beside me and spoke with a hushed voice.
"If you ever need an escape, you know where to find the theater."
I smiled at him, silently thanking him for his kind offer.
Three days later, a procession of nobles from Treno arrived in the city and requested an audience with me. I obliged, as construction was still running smoothly and there was nothing to divert my attention for the rest of the afternoon.
The family that stood before me was one of the most wealthy and high-bred of Treno.
They were also quite easily the most stuck up.
Still, I would not judge my guests before they spoke.
"We've traveled across the land, your majesty, to ask you in person to clear up the silly rumors regarding the journey you've made."
Oh, this was going to be pleasant.
"And what rumors are you here to address?"
The oldest of their sons was hardly a few years my senior, but just as pompous and pampered as the rest of his family. His name was Fredrick DeArmat, and he was just as sly any noble could hope to be.
"Why, certainly you've heard of some of the more outlandish ones?"
I tilted my head to the side, growing impatient. The faster they asked for whatever it was they wanted the faster I could be rid of them. "I've heard many rumors, some scandalous and some closer to the truth than most seem to appreciate."
"Your Majesty, the rumors floating around about your falling in love with a common thief are simply tarnishing to your reputation. You must stop the spread of such lies, else your people think ill of you."
I smiled, mostly to hide the sudden rage I felt. "I can assure you, Sir Fredrick, that part of the story is no rumor."
The entire family gasped.
"Since you seem to not know what parts of the stories are true, I shall educate you. It is true that I fled the castle with a band of thieves, and it is also true that one of those thieves traveled with me. If fact, were it not for him, I doubt any of us would still be here amongst the living. Despite being a thief, he was more noble and caring than any men I've met. He has earned the gratitude of every nation, both still standing and fallen to ruin, on this continent, and is one of the greater heroes this kingdom has ever had the privilege to know."
Fredrick's face flushed scarlet. "And you love him?"
My smiled turned from mocking to sad. It would be my first admittance out loud of my love for him.
I could see Beatrix's concerned face next to the door, scanning the room and calculating what, if anything, was about to happen.
"I do."
The family erupted into shouting, and Beatrix took a few steps forward with her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"But he's a commoner!"
"A petty thief isn't meant to rule!"
"You'll make him king, and your palace will fall!"
And it all hit me. They'd come to my palace with their groomed son of irrefutable pedigree, hoping to despell the rumors of my relationship. They'd hoped I'd take their son in marriage, and in turn make him ruler along side of me.
I stood, holding my hand. "Silence yourselves or be removed from my court."
Though their mouthes quieted, their eyes were still full of emotion. Mostly scorn, but it could not be helped.
"I appreciate your concern for the throne, noble family DeArmat, but I find it disrespectful how you present yourself in front of royalty and accuse me of not knowing what my people need and want. Let the nobles think ill of me for ruling on my own and refusing to take a husband, as my heart belongs to someone else. I once followed my heart away from the castle, and because of it I've played a hand in saving you all. I follow my heart again, choosing the man who fought by my side through dangers untold without being asked. My people care not who I marry, if at all, yet already sing praises of the common man who won my affection and helped save their kingdom. If you've come here to mock me in his absence, I ask you to leave my palace immediately."
The family stood before me, shocked.
I was not the delicate flower I once had been, and no longer would I stand by and be tread upon by the boots of nobles and common citizens alike. I would stand up for myself and my beliefs. Let the nobles scorn me behind my back; they know nothing of the troubles I've face, of the hardships I'd endured.
"We meant no harm, Your Highness." Fredrick made a low bow in apology.
"Save your words, noble. I know what you came here seeking; that much was obvious in the outbursts of your family."
"We worry only for the royal line," Fredrick's father offered.
I straightened, agitated with those that stood before me yet again. "You worry only for the security of your own family line, and you out step your bounds by coming before me this day. When the time comes, a new heir to the throne will be named. Until then, worry not."
When I made it clear that I would take no more of their games, or their harsh words, I bade them farewell and excused myself to my chambers. I took the evening meal in my bedroom, on the balcony overlooking the gardens, and sat in silence.
And in that silence I formulated a plan.
It was a silly one, but I needed a moments reprise. I was going to be queen for the rest of my life. I had at least one night to allow myself some real freedom.
When complete darkness fell over they castle and the nightlife began in the city, I opened the trunk at the base of my bed, and pulled out my dusty traveling clothes. The brightly colored suit, the fluffy white shirt, my boots and gloves...
As I donned them, I was both elated and filled with a deep sorrow; they reminded me so much of him. I choked down my emotions and drew a cloak over me, concealing the brightness of my clothing.
I made my way to the door, resolved.
I knew the castle like the back of my hand; which shadows would hide me and which to avoid; where the guards liked to walk, and where they didn't; when the sentries would change shifts for the night.
A rather distasteful skill for a queen to have, but stealth had been something I'd learned while traveling with him and I wasn't soon to forget such a useful skill.
But all the stealth in the world couldn't hide me from my general. She stood on the other side of the caste gates, past the gondola, with her arms akimbo and her face sour.
I at least had the dignity to look somewhat ashamed.
"I suppose you've resigned yourself to go?"
I nodded. She placed a hand on my shoulder, her look no longer distasteful. "I knew you would. Once you make up your mind, there is little that will sway you. I'm sending someone to watch the entrance of the theater, just to make sure you're safe."
I placed my hand atop hers. "You're really not going to try to stop me?"
She laughed, light, like a bell. "And how do you suppose I try; toss you over my shoulder and stand guard outside your room for the rest of the night? Your Majesty, I know how much your people mean to you. But I also know that you are still young and while you have responsibilities at the castle, you still owe yourself what little pleasures you can manage. So long as your little excursions outside of the castle in the dead of night don't become normal happenstance, I'll send my guards to watch you from the shadows and keep it from Steiner as best I can."
I stood there, speechless. Anyone else in the entire castle would have reprimanded me for being selfish, and begged if not forced me to return. The night was no place for royalty.
"Thank you, Beatrix."
Nodding, she continued to smile. "Who am I to challenge the will of the queen? Though I fear if you are absent too long the palace might actually miss you..."
The message was clear; don't come home too late, else Steiner and the guards would tear the castle apart trying to find me.
"You're a true friend, Beatrix. If there is anything you desire and it is within my reach to grant, do not hesitate to ask. I owe you so much already, and now more."
She bowed, almost playfully. "My only wish is to see my queen smile once more; a true smile that reaches her heart."
Hesitating, I bit my lip. "I shall try. Joy has been something of the past as of late. But, as I said, I shall try."
Then I fled into the night.
Marcus was the ticket-taker at the door, and when he reached out and asked for mine I playfully threw back my hood. "I don't get the discount?"
His eyes grew wide, and then he smiled. "I didn't expect to see you so soon. Sit wherever you want; it's the last show of the night, so it might be a little crowded."
I put my hood back up and descended the staircase into the mini-theater. Marcus was right- the room was quite full. I managed to find an empty seat near the rear of the theater, a small table all to myself. It was rather far from the stage, but I didn't mind; I was happy simply to be out on my own, enjoying myself.
Before the lights dimmed, Blank and Ruby skirted around the tables taking drink orders. When Blank rounded my table he winked and I knew Marcus had told him I was here. "Want anything?"
I shook my head. "No thank you. I'm fine."
He tilted his head to the side, as if he didn't' quite believe me. "Are you sure? We've got a few house specials that are pretty good."
"Ah, no, I'm not one for alcohol."
Blank nodded, considering. "Well, uh, we've got some cranberry juice."
I felt silly, denying his offers. "That sounds wonderful, actually."
A glass was brought, another wink was sent my way, and the lights dimmed as the play began.
It was a comedy, something I was relieved to see, and my weary body relaxed its guard a few hours for the night. I let the play wash over me, becoming lost in the characters and their innocent struggles and occasional lewd joke. I sipped at my glass, more out of something to busy my hands with than out of any real thirst.
I was rather depressed when the show ended, but it had been well worth the excursion out of the castle for a short while in order to attend. Though I couldn't make a habit out of coming to the theater, it was a guilty pleasure I knew I could sneak out every great once in a while for.
I was one of the last patrons to leave. Marcus walked me up the stair case, asking how I enjoyed the show.
"Oh, it was wonderful! I haven't laughed like that since-"
And I faltered, because the name that almost fell from my lips nearly drove me to tears. Marcus sighed, leaning over to look me in the eyes.
"He's not dead, you know. Just gone."
I swallowed, my heart heavy and my throat dry.
"That little bastard is too quick-witted and stubborn to let death catch him. He used to leave like that all the time when he was little. In fact, one time he left claiming he was seeking his birth place, but all he had to go on-"
"Was a great blue light."
Marcus paused, looking surprised.
I shrugged. "He found his birthplace. That's part of the story that we never told. There are some things even those who work magic will consider fairy-tale."
"Was he happy with what he found?"
I almost laughed, thinking back on how distant, how angry he'd become when he'd found out his true purpose. "No. But he was never one to do what he was told, was he?"
Marcus raised an eyebrow, clearly understanding it was a topic that would remain closely guarded. "Like I was saying, he left for a while when he was younger. Gone a long time. That's why Blank and I are giving him some time."
I sighed, looking up and out of the alley to the starts that sprinkled the night sky. "You really think he'll come back some day?"
"You don't?"
The question caught me off guard, but I didn't let it show. "I guess I should know better, shouldn't I? He's so persistent."
Marcus smiled in appreciation. "You don't know the half of it. You remember when you were crowed queen, and you two didn't see one another for, like, a week?"
I tore my eyes from the starts. "Yes. What of it?"
"He moped around the bar for days. Hardly said two words, and was all moody and actin' like a real sourpuss."
I was thankful for the cover of night, else Marcus see the furious blush that painted my cheeks. "What?"
"You don't know how hard he had it out for you. Hell, I don't think he knew how he really felt for you until he realized you were pretty far out of his league."
"Oh."
Marcus shrugged. "But, like you said; he's persistent. He's never been one to give up on something he wants, and he wanted you something fierce."
The noise of someone clearing their throat shook us both nearly out of our boots. Marcus shot to attention, taking a step in front of me.
But, at the end of the alley stood a soldier I recognized. She was one of Beatrix's most trusted personnel; a captain by the name of Lilly.
I quickly thanked Marcus for the night, promising I'd eventually be back to see another play, and followed Lilly out of the alley.
"My apologies, Highness. General Beatrix wished me to make it known that you should be back to the castle before long, else someone finds you missing."
"I know," replied, walking across the cobblestones alongside the soldier. "I was caught up in the moment."
After we made it across the water and up the stone steps into the entryway of the castle, I gave Lilly a good once-over. "Captain, may I trust that my venture into the city this night will be kept between the General, you, and I?"
Lilly bowed low and respectfully. "I'll tell not a soul, Your Majesty. Your secret is more than safe with me."
I smiled, giving Lilly a small bow of my own to show my gratitude. Then, I slipped into the darkness of the shadowed walls and quietly made my way back into my bed chambers. There, I carefully disrobed and folded up my clothing. I placed them neatly into the trunk at the end of my bed and closed the lid, taking a deep breath of the fresh night air.
Curling into bed, I held one of the large, fluffy pillows close to my body, burying my face against the softness and letting out a shuddering sigh I'd been holding back.
No tears would fall tonight, no matter how I wished the pillow I clung to had arms to hold me in return; had a twitchy, scruffy tail; had sandy-blond hair tied back at the neck; smelled of musk and leather and adventure...
And love.
