Chapter 12
I heard the tune of two song sparrows as I swiftly walked down the halls of Destingaard Castle. I paused at the sound and looked for where it could be coming from. Lightly jogging to the balcony, I spotted the two fluffy brown birds singing to each other on the railing of the balcony. They tweeted a few times before flying off. I smiled and looked across the expanse of my kingdom. It has been six months since I unlocked the power of the wings and took control of my kingdom. It was the height of summer and everything was in full bloom. With the power restored to Destingaard, the recently planted crops and irrigated fields have flourished under tender care. Seeds of wild flowers were brought in and they now bloomed in glory as the sun shined on their petals. The most prominent flower across the valley was the wild rose; a gift from Firion. The ever-blooming rose he gave me sat in an elegant glass vase near my bed.
I looked to the newly build houses that surrounded the castle. The day after I awoke from my exhausted sleep I went into the village to survey the area. I was hailed as a princess and hero. Everyone wanted to talk with me, to bow at my feet, and to serve me in any way possible. My first decree was to rebuild the flimsy houses of the village. With the help of my ten warriors and all the villagers, we tore down the rotten wooden houses and rebuilt with strong timber and stone. We created a plumbing system beneath the village and used the river as an energy source. It's amazing how much work you can get done when the entire village, and many people from neighboring ones, works together. This kingdom never had electricity and I haven't planned to update either. The true joy and power of this kingdom come from the harmony we have with nature and I am not going to disrupt that.
With increased prosperity and circulation of information, all the kingdoms around mine have heard of the return of the wings. Merchants, artisans, musicians, and many more have traveled here and lined the streets with small shops and carts. The servants and cooks of the castle regained their spirits and have cleaned and improved the castle. Once dull gold and dirt caked mirrors now shine as I pass. Parties and festivals are hosted in the great hall and the general spirit of the people has returned. I sighed in content as I watched birds dash around in the sky. I haven't once had to extend my wings since that battle months ago and I won't if I don't have to. These people need a leader and I intend to do just that.
Just then, I heard the unmistakable voice of my steward as he called to me. "Princess Kailiana, you must return to your chambers and dress appropriately for this afternoon's festivities!"
"Aidric, how many times must I tell you? Please do not use my formal title unless we are in front of guests. Is it really so hard to use my nickname?"
"Princess! That would be unseemly! I must use a respectful title towards you at all times."
"Then use some other respectful title. Princess Kailiana sets my teeth on edge."
"My lady, your ladies-in-waiting are ready to dress you for tonight's occasion. Please return to your dressing rooms."
"Thank you, Aidric, for informing me with such important news. I will see to it immediately." I swept past him and whisked myself down the hall toward my bed chambers. I smiled as I heard him muttering about how ladies should not wear breeches; especially the future queen of Destingaard. I may be the future queen, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the simple pleasures, like pants. I rounded the corner as something whizzed past my head and bounced off the wall. I bent down and picked up Tidus's blitzball.
"Tidus!" I yelled, watching him run down the hall towards me. "Third time! You are trying to kill me!"
He laughed and stopped right in front of me. "Sorry. At least your reflexes are getting better."
"If this is some sort of weird training, I want no part of it." I slammed the ball into his chest and walked off in a huff.
He laughed again and followed me. I quickened my pace but he ran to match me. Clenching my fist, I whirled around and punched him in the stomach. He groaned a bit but laughed it off.
"I thought those wings were supposed to make you stronger."
"Shut up," I yelled. I felt like steam was going to pour out of my ears.
"Oh, come on. This day should make you happy!" He picked me up from behind and twirled me around like a little kid. I laughed involuntarily and completely forgot to be mad. After putting me down, that very thought entered my mind.
"Hey! You did that on purpose!"
"It worked, didn't it?"
I grinned in return as Zidane rounded the corner.
"Are the two love birds having fun?" He joked.
"Jealous much?" I responded.
"Completely."
I bent down slightly and gave him a hug. I wonder if he ever got short man's complex. His tail snaked around his body and began to tickle me. I giggled and pushed it away.
"You always did know how to charm the ladies," I said.
"What about me?" Tidus asked, leaning on my shoulder.
"It's not like you could even get a woman," Zidane replied.
"Hey! I'll have you know that the women fawned over me back home. I'm the blitzball champion of the Zanarkand Abes!"
"Well, great champion of the Zanarkand Abes, I unfortunately have to go get dressed before Aidric finds and chastises me again. Man, that guy can lecture," I said, slipping out from under Tidus's weight. He gave me a push forward and ran off down the hall after Zidane who stole his ball and was taunting him.
I strode down a few more halls before turning a corner and crashing right into Bartz. "Oops. Sorry. Didn't see you there."
"Kai! Thank goodness I found you. There's a slight problem down in the chocobo stables," he replied, helping me to my feet.
"How slight is the problem?"
"You'll see."
I never liked that phrase. It usually ends in some massive problem that takes forever to fix. The last time I heard the term 'slight problem' I found out that Tré crushed my guitar the night before a gig. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair.
"All right. Show me the slight problem."
He grinned and we dashed through the halls of the castle and down to the main floor much to the dismay of the servants we almost knocked down. The only thing that saved us a tongue lashing was the fact that I was the ruler of the kingdom. A slight perk I must admit. I called a greeting to the porter who let us into the courtyard without a fuss. We circled around the castle and slowed to a walk when we reached the stables. Even the place where the animals were kept was royally decked out. The wood was solid oak with inlaid gold and bronze. Cobblestones covered the floor instead of black dirt and each Chocobo had its own pen. We sped walked down the rows of clucking chocobos and out the back into the small adjacent grazing and training area. In the middle of the grass clustered at least a dozen of the stable hands. Three were each holding a boy down on the ground. Marshal Gavin rushed over and gave a hurried bow.
"Highness! These three boys were caught releasing chocobos from the royal stable! I have sent out my men to recover the five chocobos they released. So far we have only recovered two. I request an immediate punishment of death. Will you permit my request?"
"Have you listened to the story of the three boys yet?"
"No, Highness. It was quite obvious what they were doing."
"The thing about the obvious is it is not always obvious. I will deal with this matter."
"But Highness! I do not wish to take up any more of your time than I already have."
"Nonsense."
I swiftly walked to the three boys pinned to the ground. I motioned to the stablemen who pulled them to their knees. They pushed the boys in a rough bow and I waved them off.
"I heard that you released chocobos from the royal stable. Is this true?"
The boy in the middle looked up to me with pleading eyes. "We meant no harm Princess Kailiana. We simply wanted to let some of the chocobos graze, but the gate to the grazing pen was open and they bolted."
"It wasn't on purpose!" The boy to the left cried. "Please don't kill us!"
The boy to the right said nothing and sobbed instead. They all looked very pitiful.
"Was anyone around when these boys released the chocobos from their pens? Did anyone authorize this?" I yelled.
"Ma'am," a senior stableman called. "I did authorize the grazing of some of the chocobos. I did not, however, allow them out of the grazing pen!"
"You claim that the back gate was open without your knowledge?" I asked the boys.
They nodded and looked down.
"All right, then. I see no reason to have these young boys killed simply for one small error. No whipping, no lashing, and no severe punishment. Have them work extra for causing trouble, but remember that is was an honest mistake. Now, let them up and get me my chocobo. We have birds to rangle!"
Marshal Gavin turned to his stablemen and shouted orders. "Let it be known that the princess is of kind heart and forgiving mind! But I must insist that you do not trouble yourself with these mundane problems. Let us take care of business."
"Nonsense, Gavin. Two people are better than one and I still have time before tonight. Bartz and I will assist in the capture of the chocobos."
Bartz and I high fived as my favorite golden chocobo, Sunshine, was led to me already saddled. Yes, I know Sunshine is a girly name, but she really is that sweet. Sunshine nuzzled me affectionately before I jumped on her back and grabbed the reigns.
I rolled my eyes as I saw the Marshal's shocked expression. "And don't give me the lecture about riding side-saddle, Gavin. I am perfectly aware that in ceremonious processions I must act more lady-like. Now, let's move out!"
Everyone on their chocobos followed me as Sunshine and I dashed through the open gate to the fields beyond. I signaled the large party of riders to split up into smaller sections of three or four riders. On my command, Bartz and Gavin followed me due north. We only rode for a couple of minutes before spotting two golden chocobos with the crest of the kingdom, a pair of outstretched wings encircled with roses, branded onto their left thighs. They were contently grazing in the thick grass. I put up my hand and we stopped about 100 feet from the golden birds.
"All right guys. Any suggestions for catching these birds?" I asked.
"If we could get close enough to hold their necks, then I could make a make-shift harness from some rope I brought," Bartz suggested.
Gavin scoffed at the idea. "Great plan. How exactly do you plan on getting close enough to the chocobos to get a harness on?"
"Gavin, don't be rude to my guest. You may be Marshal now, but you can easily be replaced," I scolded with a glare.
He blush a bit and looked away, but I knew he was mad at my comment. He just didn't have the guts to say that to my face. I sighed in spite of myself. I must work on these guys and their work ethic. Some of the workers around the castle would have to be replaced with more competent people.
"Anyway," I continued, "just trust me on this. I can get close enough."
I jumped down from Sunshine's back and gave her beak and affectionate rub before slowly walking across the grass up to the chocobos. They raised their heads in question, but didn't seem concerned at my presence. I crept forward and gently outstretched my hand. The first chocobo nuzzled it briefly and the second followed suit. I waved Bartz over as I scratched their feathers and talked to them softly. When Bartz got to me, he had already fashioned two harnesses and slipped them over the heads of the rouge chocobos. We bumped fists in success and walked back to our own chocobos. We tied the other two to our saddles and trotted off towards the castle. Along the way, I wondered if Bartz was interested in staying with me to become my Master of Stables. This guy had a freaky way with chocobos. They just flocked to him.
"Kai. Kaiiii. Hey!"
I jerked at the sudden shout and looked around. "Wha? What's going on?"
Bartz smiled and opened the gate to the stables for me. "Stop spacing out. You have work to do, don't you?"
"All work and no play makes Kai a dull girl," I replied, hopping down from Sunshine and handing the reigns to Bartz.
"All play and no work a queen does not make."
"This is a sad day indeed when you start lecturing me on my duties."
Bartz laughed and shoved me towards the castle. "Go get um Kai."
"You got it."
I ran off towards the castle and waved to the people I passed. Being sociable and personal to everyone in the village seemed to make me popular. I ran through the front door and almost knocked over Aidric.
"Your Highness! Why are you still in your breeches? Why aren't you dressed properly?!"
"Sorry Aidric. I…uh…"
"She was helping some of the villagers. There was a small dispute," Firion said, walking up and placing his hands on my shoulders. I looked up in surprise at his blatant lie and spotted Cecil on his left.
"She handled it admirably," Cecil finished.
"Is that so," Aidric said suspiciously.
"Of course," I replied, putting my hands on my hips. "You doubt me?"
"Of course not Highness. But please, could you get ready?"
"Sure thing." I grabbed Firion and Cecil's hand and pulled them along with me on my way to my dressing rooms. As we rounded the corner, I let go of their hands and faced them with arched eyebrows.
"I thought lying was against your moral code or something," I said.
"Not when you don't deserve a lecture," Cecil said.
"How do you know I didn't deserve one?"
"We saw you and Bartz round up those chocobos," Firion inputted.
"Ahhh, I see. Thanks for getting me out of trouble."
"Of course, my lady," Firion said with a bow.
"Don't you dare do that," I growled. "I hate it when people do that."
"Everyone in the castle and village bows when you pass by," Cecil commented.
"But not you guys. As far as I'm concerned, I should be bowing to you."
"And why's that?"
"You saw me at a pretty low point in my life. You helped lift me out of my slump and for that I should prostrate myself at your feet. Want me to do it?"
"I think we'll pass," Firion responded with a laugh. "But you really should get ready. The time is soon approaching."
"Ugh. Don't remind me."
Cecil gave me a push and I grudgingly tromped down the hall. While ascending the second flight of stairs, something sharp poked me in the back of the knee.
"Aagh," I squeaked, swatting at the object and whipping around to locate the problem. Onion Knight stood at the bottom of the stairs laughing at me. "You little vegetable! Come here so I can kick your little butt!"
"I'd like to see you try," he responded, climbing the stairs and hopping onto the second floor. I lunged up and tried to grab him but he jumped back with a laugh.
"Nice try, Wings."
"I see Zidane's nickname for me stuck," I said, crawling to the top of the stairs and squatting a few feet from Onion Knight. I narrowed my eyes in annoyance.
"Could be worse," he said with a shrug.
"What? Like your name?"
"That's cold, Wings."
I sighed and stood up while slicing the air with my hand and casting an aero spell. The sudden wind knocked Onion Knight off his feet and he crashed to the ground with a grunt. I walked over to him and poked him in the small of his back. He squeaked a bit and jumped to his feet.
"Now we're even, shrimp," I smirked.
"You're getting better at wielding magic," he replied.
"Thanks to you I must concede. You may be a kid, but you sure know what you're doing."
"I'll take that as a compliment, and you're welcome."
We smiled briefly at each other before he ordered me to my dressing rooms. I stuck my tongue out at him (how mature of me) and flitted down the halls humming a tuneless song. This was rare for Onion Knight and me to talk with any sort of sophistication. We usually ended fighting every time we talked. I think we bring out the worst in each other for some reason. Maybe it was because we are too alike. My brief mental musing ceased as soon as I reached a giant dark wooden door with ornate carvings of flora and fauna etched into the wood. I pulled on the worn brass handle and entered my dressing chambers. Inside, three ladies in graceful dresses curtsied at my arrival.
"Your highness," one of them said. "It is lovely to see you. Are you ready to dress for this evening?"
I put my hands on my hips and smiled. "Yes, ladies, I believe I am. If you would kindly leave that dress on the bed, I will put it on myself. Thank you."
All three gasped at my statement. "But you must let us help you dress! It is proper!"
"Perhaps how you grew up it was. However, it is quite embarrassing for me to be dressed by others. If you would, please." I motioned for them to leave the room and they did so quite grudgingly. I sighed and walked over to the bed. The dress was bright red silk with blue and gold accents. The neckline cut off above the cleavage, the sleeves landed at the wrist, and the skirts fell to touch the ground. This dress was, thankfully, relatively close fitting. The one they were trying to get me to wear before had at least two under layers, many layers of poof, and a large neck ruffle. I looked like an overstuffed queen doll. I had all those dresses sent to the vaults and more suitable dresses made. I suppose I got my inspiration from the elves in Lord of the Rings, since that is the style many of my dresses had. I pulled off my dark breeches and soft, white tunic and stepped into the formal dress. I slipped my arms through the sleeves and brought the dress into a nice position on my body. It wasn't until I twisted my head and looked at my back that I forgot the stupid thing laced up instead of zipped up. I really couldn't do this by myself. Sighing in frustration, I contemplated whether to summon my ladies-in-waiting back or to try lacing it myself when there was a knock on the door and someone entered. I looked past the screen I was dressing behind to see Terra waiting patiently by the door.
"Terra!" I exclaimed, grinning at her. "Could you help me with this dress? I forgot it laced up the back."
"Of course," she replied, walking over and lacing me up. I fiddled with my neckline and sleeves until she had me cinched up and looking quite elegant.
"I'm glad I opted for the less poufy dress. This one isn't bad."
"Especially when you wear it with your ceremonial jeweled cape," she said, bringing the cape over to me. She wrapped it over my shoulders and pinned it with a large diamond brooch. The cape was woven gold with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and many other precious gems. This was one of the crowning pieces of clothing that we found in the deeply locked vaults. The place was so hidden it escaped the ravaging of the kingdom eighteen years ago. I must admit it looked wonderful.
"You look very elegant, Kai," Terra said beaming.
I smiled back and ran my fingers through my hair. It had grown out, since my last hair cut was six months ago and now sat just above my shoulders. I really need to get it cut again but never found the time to do so. Terra followed me over to my vanity and watched as I brushed out my cinnamon brown hair. We didn't talk much, but we never really needed to. We did the silent sisterly bonding thing. After a few minutes, Terra excused herself from my room claiming that she had to help with preparations and told me that she would see me later. I waved her goodbye and debated whether or not to tie my hair back or keep it down. A knock at my door interrupted my thoughts.
"Enter," I called, twisting away a piece of hair that kept landing in my eye. I looked in the mirror to see Cloud enter the room. Standing up, I twirled around and ran to meet him.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
"Aidric asked me to see if you were ready and escort you to the hall."
"Yeah, I'm ready. Just let me get my shoes on…now which pair was I supposed to wear again?" I walked over to my wardrobe and opened the bottom cabinet to a massive array of shoes. The previous occupant of this room must really have loved clothing. I squatted down and selected a pair of red flats that matched the color of my dress. I set them on the ground and proceeded to lift my skirts and fall over. I was standing on the hem of my dress and didn't even know it. Cloud lunged across the room and caught me before I landed on the ground. He practically picked me up and set me into my shoes. I blinked a few times in surprise and turned a light shade of pink.
"That was embarrassing," I sighed, wiggling my shoes into position and fiddling with a lock of my hair. Cloud smiled, wrapped his arm around mine, and escorted me down the hall.
"I didn't know putting on shoes was so dangerous," he remarked with a slight smile.
"Heh, neither did I. I think this is why I hate dresses."
"You do look nice, though."
I blushed a darker shade of pink and looked away. "Yeah, right. I just want this to be over with."
He chuckled as we walked down the stairs. Squall was waiting for us at the bottom. He slipped his arm through my free one and we walked down the back hallways to the Great Hall.
"You ready for this, Kai?" Squall asked.
"Doesn't matter. It's going to happen whether I'm ready or not."
"Do you want to become the ruler of Destingaard?"
"No. I wasn't raised to be the ruler of a kingdom. I don't really want the responsibility."
"Those who don't want power are best suited for wielding it," Cloud responded.
I sighed lightly and nodded. "Yeah, I suppose. Still doesn't mean I want it, though."
"Good answer for someone so young," Squall said.
We rounded a corner and stood before a very large wooden door inlayed with various precious metals and gems. Cloud and Squall bid me farewell before walking away and entering the hall through a side door. I stood before the doors of the Great Hall fidgeting and looking around. Would anyone see me if I left now? I just worked up the nerve to leave the doors and head back to my room when Warrior walked up behind me and blocked my escape. He was looking rather spiffy in his newly polished armor and his cape was freshly pressed. He walked pretty quietly for having all that armor on.
"There is no need to worry, Kai. You will make a fine ruler," he commented.
"I only have three things to say to you right now. One, I am very glad you dropped the whole princess thing and call me by my name. Two, you are freaky when you read my mind like that. Three, how would you know that I will do well? I get scolded left and right by how my actions and dress are not suitable. What if my ruling is the same?"
"It won't be."
"But how do you know that? Whatever, I'm going back to my room."
"Hold it," he said, grabbing my arm and walking to the doors. "I've never seen you so worried or act so cowardly before."
"Cowardly?" I yelled, glaring at him. "It's not cowardly to worry about doing a terrible job!"
"No, it's not. But running away is."
I averted my gaze and stared at the floor. How dare he be right. I ripped my arm from his grasp and turned towards the doors. I'll show his cowardly.
"Open them," I growled, shooting Warrior a defiant look.
He gave me a little smirk and opened the doors wide. Inside, the Great Hall was packed to bursting with over half the village in attendance. Everyone was dressed in their best clothes and they were all beaming at me. I put on a neutral look and strode down the hall with Warrior close behind. Halfway to the throne at the head of the hall, I noticed that all the guys were lined up beside the throne. Each was holding their weapons before them and the range of expression was from quietly neutral to overenthusiastically smiling. I ascended the few steps to the throne and turned towards each of my friends giving them a look of pure joy. I was so glad I talked Aidric into letting them be up here with me instead of in the crowd. They deserved more of the credit of restoring the kingdom than I did. The Chaplain, decked out in white and gold robes and wearing one of those ridiculously tall hats, stepped up and looked me over from head to toe. I knelt on one knee before him and wondered if he disapproved of anything. I narrowed my eyes in a silent threat before he smiled and addressed me.
"Princess Kailiana, you are the last remaining heir to the Destingaard throne and the wielder of the Wings of Fate. Do you swear to rule the kingdom with honor, compassion, and righteousness?"
"I will rule the Kingdom of Destingaard with the interest of the people at heart. I will restore this kingdom to the glory of its youth and it will flourish and prosper. To this I swear."
The Chaplain frowned momentarily at my improved answer and quickly nodded. He motioned to Warrior who walked over with the ruby red pillow carrying the crown and scepter. The crown was made of pure gold with various precious gems encrusted into it. The peaks of the crown were not too tall, thank goodness, and it was surprisingly elegant in its design. The scepter was about 3 feet long and made of gold with a point at the top. Surrounding the point was a pair of silver wings encrusted with aquamarine and amethyst gems. The Chaplain raised the crown and poised it above my head.
"By the power of Destingaard, I declare you Queen Kailiana." He slowly set the crown around my head and handed me the scepter. I rose and turned toward the crowed with a small grin. A cheer erupted and a chant slowly emerged through the noise.
"Long live the Queen. Long live the Queen. Long live the Queen."
Long live the Queen, indeed.
I would like to give a warm thank you to all who have read my story and an extra thank you to those who reviewed it. For those who enjoyed this story and would like to read more of Kai, I am planning on writing a sequel so stay tuned! I wish you all happy reading.
~~Wolf of the Sun
