Regina just stared, wondering what dying would feel like. She really didn't want to die yet. Just before the Rebel's would have run into them and likely speared them where they stood, she felt a hard tug on her hand. Aidan, and he was pulling her right into the army with him.
"Come with me," he whispered into her ear.
She glanced at him, wondering what he was thinking, then walked with him. The Rebels stopped their advance, confused by what they were doing.
"Citizens of Angrida," Aidan loudly yelled out. "Why are you doing this? Are we not brothers, united in that we are all free people of Angrida?"
The Rebels did not reply, instead glancing at each other, trying to figure out what this was all about. Aidan and Regina continued walking towards them, then into their midst.
"This," Aidan held up Regina's hand, "this is my friend, Regina. And an amazing woman. She lives the life of a peasant, though by rights she is a princess. The Princess Raphaela of Irdelle had an arranged marriage. She didn't want it, didn't ask for it, but she accepted it for her country. She went undercover with a small escort and a maid named Shay. On the way there the princess fell in love with a man, though she was engaged to another. When they arrived, she found that the man had actually been her very own Prince Devin of Angrida. They were happily married when tragedy struck. Her maid, Shay, took over the palace, killing anyone who would oppose her, and then making herself into the wife of Prince Devin. She called herself Queen Shaylin. Princess Raphaela was left alone and expecting in a strange world. But she managed. She lived and had a baby girl. She named her Regina."
The Rebels looked very confused.
"Now you may wonder why I'm telling you this. I'm sure it seems as though it has no relevance," Aidan said with a slight laugh. "But it does. See, I love Regina. I love her more than anything. And while she should be a princess, she's worked hard as a normal average class citizen. She's you. So let her break the barrier between us. Let her break the barrier between nobility and peasantry, for she is both. Let her and me show the uniting of us all, as we walk amongst you, hand in hand. Let us be one! One nation! One country! Forever!"
There was silence.
"So I ask of you again, why are you doing this? Killing your brothers, your family, your countrymen? Are we not all citizens of Angrida?"
"But—what about freedom?" one bold soldier asked.
"Freedom," Aidan said. He glanced over the soldiers at his Father on the ground. "Have your freedom, then."
There was an unsure silence, then a loud cheer went up. Regina looked at Aidan, smiling.
"Well, I lost my kingship...but I gained my country," Aidan said quietly to her.
Regina nodded. "And you did the right thing."
He sighed. "I hope so."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Well, there are still some prejudices; I've gotten a few stony glares, but all in all we're getting along quite well," Aidan said, entering the tent where Regina was.
"That's good," Regina replied. She stood up from where she had been sitting, by King Devin.
"How is he?" Aidan asked.
Regina bit her lip. "Not well, I'm afraid."
Aidan sighed as his father rolled and moaned in his sleep.
"So will we all go back to the palace now?" Regina asked, to try and get his mind off of the king.
"Yes, we're all going. We'll have to see what Shaylin's up to. Most of them want to kill her now that they know what she did."
"And you?"
"She's my step-mother, I don't want her dead. But...she's evil, I—I just don't know."
Regina nodded.
Alex stepped into the tent. "Your—uh—Sir, you're needed."
Aidan nodded at Regina and stepped out of the tent. Regina sat down by the king once more. She sat lost in her own thoughts, when she noticed that he was staring at her.
"You're awake!" she exclaimed.
"Regina," he said, in a haggard voice. "You're not a simpleton, are you? Your mother, I knew her. I—I loved her," he said, as though realizing it for the first time. I remember, when I first met her. Running through the forest like some wild thing. She was so...so free." He started coughing. "You're very like her, you know. I wish—I wish I could have known you better."
Regina had tears in her eyes. "There's—there's still plenty of time for that!"
Devin smiled slightly. "We both know there's not."
Regina pursed her lips tightly.
The king raised his hand to her face. "Daughter, I love you." He had another coughing fit. "Call Aidan, please."
Regina stood up and ran out of the tent. "Aidan!" she screamed, running through the rows of tents. He stepped out of one, along with some other soldiers. "Come, and quickly! It's Father..."
He followed her, and they both ran back to him.
"Father, are you—are you well?" Aidan said, his voice low and scratchy.
"As well as a dying man can be."
"You can't die, Father! Hold on!" Aidan shouted.
"I held on for a long time. I fought to see you again, but now...it's time for me to let go."
Aidan gulped.
"I love you, Aidan, as if you were my own son. And I know you'll do well, whatever you decide to do with your life." He looked at them both. "And you'll be good for each other." The man shut his eyes, and suddenly his breathing stopped.
"No! No..." Aidan cried out.
"Aidan..." Regina said quietly. They turned to each other, holding each other in their arms. And they cried, hard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aw, that was sad to write, but you had to know it was coming...right? Anyway, I think there will be one or two chapters left and then its the end! Review please