The sun shined brightly down upon the Magical Kingdom as crowds gathered near. Boys and girls ran around their parents' ankles, tossing the flower petals their mothers had bought earlier into the air despite the ceremony having yet begun.
Peace be with you.
A nervousness filled her at the spectacular sight. So many people, perhaps the entirety of the kingdom had come to see the event in person. Guards stood on either side of what appeared to be a never ending red carpet that would guide her past the people and to where Munto would wait with Ryueri to crown her as his queen.
So divine.
Her chin held high, golden locks pinned back with ornate brooches, she walked down the aisle. Flower petals of silky pinks and whites rained down as the crowds cheered for her. They shouted her name with endearment and love, claiming her already as queen.
Wake again, in paradise.
In fond memory of the former queen, she dressed in the traditional white common in the Lower World but added pale colors of periwinkle purple and carnation pink. Colors she recalled the late queen wearing often in Munto's memories and the source of influence of the flowers he would send to their graves annually.
Crowned in glory.
Tall and lean, built with pure muscle and magic running rampant through his veins, Munto waited for her at the base of the steps. There was obvious pride in his stance. Back straight. Chin up. Crown placed perfectly on his head. A king from head to toe.
Her king.
Who had his eyes trained on her very form just like the night before when they partook in her home country's traditions. Her parents had been ecstatic at the news that they would hold a special, two-day wedding. One day honoring her customs and the next, his.
Fear no more.
His stern features softened as they always did upon her approach and a welcoming smile adorned his face as she reached him. Yumemi took his offered hand and he led her up the steps to the decorative pillow.
Winter's misery.
Delicately, she kneeled with his help and bowed her head. He spoke of a monarch's purpose. To guide the people. To protect the people. To care for the people. He spoke of his mother and father before him and he spoke of the future they would have.
Then, he commanded she lift her head and come into his world, fully and wholeheartedly, not as simply his queen or wife, but as his other half, his heart, and the rock he will need in times of trouble. Placing the crown on her head, he swore to do the same for her as she would for him.
Or the coming war.
Despite the wonder of the ceremony and the banquet shortly after, Yumemi felt an aching exhaustion. Lords and ladies from all over, leaders of other countries, and few from the Lower World witnessed the event. The same people who whispered behind their backs with nasty gossip and cruel jokes.
Many felt uneasy by their joining as she, the girl of destiny, wielder of unlimited Akuto, gave her complete loyalty to the Magical Kingdom. A kingdom led by one who would have been the second most powerful man in all of the Upper World. A man who now holds the remaining power of the Outsider and for a time ranked as the most powerful Heavenly Being to exist. Now, only second to her power.
Fight it as they may, neither Munto nor Yumemi could ever be persuaded to end their relationship or forgo their marriage. Not when their friends and family never let a moment go by without them knowing of the love and support they had.
Not when they loved each other so deeply. It physically made Yumemi ill at times. For when faced with the truth, the actual level of love she held for this one man, a fear washed over her so severe it racked her with chills. A fear that there would be a day she would wake and wake alone.
Yumemi found her husband sitting alone out on the balcony. Away from their chaos and cruelty. He claimed their searing words never hurt him, only the disdain they showed for her that cut him so deeply. She knew better, however. As well armored as he was, she knew their words echoed in his ears since he was a child.
"My king?"
A smile broke the somberness of his features as he quickly turned to address her.
"My queen." He gave a polite bow to her before pulling her into his arms.
"Don't listen to them, Munto." The concern in her emerald eyes scorched him deeply and a fire raged in his blood. One not of anger.
She always had this peculiar effect on him. Perhaps he had gone so long without such concern or gentle, loving touches that the smallest of affection chained him to her. She laid a claim to his heart and it had taken less than a year. Less than a month in fact.
"Hmm." He kissed her lightly, keeping himself in check. "I do not. I only hate when they turn their serpent eyes to you, love."
Yumemi smiled, tracing his jaw with her thumb. Her eyes never left his own, a peaceful love there. Kind and caring. Adoring of his lion-like peculiarities and gentlemanly charm.
"You'll be a better monarch than the whole lot of them combined." The fire in her voice contradicted the softness of her face and he chuckled at her calm ferocity.
"We will be."
Yumemi sat alone in the study, slouched in her chair. The sun had disappeared many hours before and fear gripped her heart when she failed to hear of anything from her husband.
No letter. No messenger.
It had been dead silent in the palace for the last few days. If this continued, Yumemi might lose her mind.
The study's doors burst open, revealing Rui's atypical disheveled hair. His cloak hung off his shoulders at a weird angle and his body bowed under the lightweight material. Chest heaving, he closed the doors gently and approached where she sat with hurried steps.
"Your Majesty." He quickly righted his cloak and kneeled before her.
"Rui…" Yumemi couldn't move. Not even an inch as the general fought to gather both his breath and thoughts. He never kneeled like this since the day Munto crowned her as queen.
"Your Majesty," he began once again, but without the breathless rush before, "King Munto is… missing."
Rui quickly glanced up to find his queen staring at him with an almost blank expression. Her left hand curled up over her heart, candlelight glinting off the gold band, a copy of the one Munto had given her so long ago, but with a ring of diamonds flanked by two bands of silver baroque designs. The only thing expressing her shock had been the widening of her eyes.
Her mouth opened but slowly closed. She leaned forward slightly in her chair as if she hadn't heard him and needed him to repeat.
"Missing?"
"Yes."
"Not… Not dead?" Rui couldn't help but to glance away from the hope that suddenly shined in her eyes.
"I cannot confirm." He was sure that light would die out, but it held firm.
"That means we can still find him." No argument laced her tone, but he had no choice.
"My queen," voice quiet, Rui shuffled himself forward until he kneeled directly at her feet and took her hand in his own, "I'm sorry. There was an ambush. We aren't sure if King Munto finished the peace negotiations, but I don't believe so." He squeezed her hand tightly. "There don't look to be survivors."
"Rui-"
"You need to be prepared that he might not be coming home."
Yumemi, half-tempted to rip her hand from his grasp, couldn't find the words. Her lips trembling, she tried to speak but choked on the air. Her vision blurred as tears surfaced and she could barely see the look of pity on her general's face.
Slipping from her chair, she reached for him and he enveloped her in his warmth. A warmth she didn't desire as much as need. Rui knew that, but Munto would kill him to find he had left Yumemi without an ounce of comfort in his absence.
Dutifully, he unclipped his cloak and wrapped it around her petite shoulders.
Yumemi peered over Rui's shoulder, mindlessly gazing at a corner of the room rather than anything in particular. Her hands clutched to the fabric around his shoulders despite how fierce her fingers trembled. He could feel her lips quiver yet not utter a sound against his collar.
It squeezed his heart.
"I'm sorry." He rested his chin on the crown of her head and patted down her hair. "I'm so sorry."
After some time, Yumemi wiped her tears, face red and looking exhausted. A distant calm settled over her, hiding the raging grief just inside, and Rui knew better than to attempt a conversation. She shut herself off completely. Something he had only seen her do once before.
He helped her from the floor and with his cloak keeping the chill of the night away, led her back to her room where several maids waited. They would see her bathed and dressed for bed.
Rui unwrapped his cloak from her shoulders and re-fastened it around his own. He would withhold all news from the public until Yumemi had time to process.
He quickly found the next morning how long she would really need. From what he gathered, she had said nothing as she bathed and headed to bed, and figured it would be a few days.
But this morning, she woke in between silk sheets with a warm, heavy comforter on top. Yet, a chill rose over her skin and left her feeling more alone than ever before. Yumemi reached over to the empty spot next to her. Gut tightening, she lifted herself from her spot and looked around. The room remained just as pristine as the night before and no sign of her husband could be seen.
Chest heaving, she launched herself from the bed and over to the balcony. She threw the sliding door out of the way and stepped out into the frozen, morning air. The sun had barely risen but her world felt dark. Darker than the winter nights that plagued the Lower World.
She grasped the railing as shadows closed in on her vision. How many times had she found Munto standing here - right here - watching his kingdom and the skies surrounding him? A weight settled on his shoulders, one she always desperately tried to release from him, but the stubborn man had never caved. Now, she stood with the weight of a widow and lonely queen.
Had he been this alone as a child?
Yumemi turned on her heel, banishing the shadows from her sight and summoned the Akuto from within. Light glowed gently over her skin as a loose, four-buttoned shirt with a black gypsy skirt that flared slightly at her ankles replaced the thin fabric of her lace-trimmed nightgown.
She threw open her bedroom doors, the last of the Akuto drifting from her fingers. Ignoring the growling of her stomach, she made her way down the hallway like a wraith.
Yumemi seized the door handle leading to Rui's personal study. The room didn't match up to the one Munto and Yumemi used, but it had its fair share of nice decor and plenty of space for his desk and bookshelves.
"Your Majesty." He nearly spilled his goblet of wine he stood so fast at her sudden appearance. "I apologize, I didn't know you were awake yet." He bowed his head to her.
"Rui." The ice in her tone cut him and he quickly realized she wouldn't need more than a night. "Who attacked my husband?"
"The Shainans." She knew that. Who else would have dared attack except for the one nation that had been threatening their peace for years now?
"Gather the war council." She turned on her heel, suddenly stopping and blonde hair flew around and rested on her shoulder. "Immediately."
"Of course, you Majesty."
Yumemi headed towards the kitchens for a quick breakfast as Rui did her bidding. A simple toast with jelly and a cup of water was all she needed.
Returning, she expected Rui to intercept her in the hallway but instead found Nazeal striding towards her. The older being had finely trimmed hair speckled with gray and black and wore olive greens with accenting tans. He gave a stiff bow to her, waiting for her to greet him before straightening.
"I excepted you to be in the council room." Her lack of a greeting and disapproval should have been a caution to her mood, but he seemed unfazed.
He stood as any soldier would, feet shoulder length apart, back straight, head held high and hands interlocked behind his back.
"Your Majesty, I am sure this a hard time for you and you must grieve properly. Calling a war council so soon appears rash and hurried rather than being calculated. I understand that we must be prepared, but we shouldn't be melodramatic in this time of need and of course, I understand as a widowed woman-"
"Nazeal." Yumemi locked her fierce gaze with his own, commanding absolute silence. "I am not a woman." His eyebrows shot up in partial surprise but before he could retort, she continued, "I am the queen."
Yumemi brushed by him, her steps unhurried as she made her way to the council room. She half expected him to follow her, but rather he watched her leave.
Several minutes into the meeting, he arrived, apologizing for his tardiness and taking his seat at the end of the table. With all members finally present, Yumemi called for their attention.
"Advisors, late last night General Rui had the unfortunate task of informing me of my husband's fate. While it is uncertain, it is appearing with every hour that passes that there are no survivors from the ambush." Quiet murmurs filled the room and Yumemi wiped a stray tear quickly. The time for grieving is over. "It also appears that Shainan does not wish peace with us," filling her voice with anger, Yumemi locked eyes with each member individually, "and if they do not want peace, then they want war."
Growls filled the room at the prospect. The Akuto crisis had taken its toll on the citizens of the Magical Kingdom, a toll that they had yet to fully recover from, but every day they grew stronger. Yumemi did not fail to remind them of that.
"Presently, our numbers rival the other nations of both the Upper and Lower World." Nods followed, several banging their fists on the table in proud agreement. "Now, I know that I'm surrounded here and out there," she gestured to what laid just beyond the walls of the room, "by people who feel they have more of a right than I do to be a leader. And perhaps, there are stronger, natural leaders. Perhaps they are better suited leading from the front." Her tone like ice, she narrowed her eyes on the council, "however, for better or worse, the crown has landed on my head and I will take full responsibility as the last monarch of this kingdom."
Rui hid his grin, knowing Munto left with full confidence in his queen. Her insecurity may have shone through, but she wasn't a naive girl to believe that she would have instant supporters with her husband gone. She married into the royal family compared to Munto's birthright status.
Still, he couldn't help but think that she forgot one important thing. While she is the wife of the late King Munto and the Queen of the Magical Kingdom, she is Yumemi Hidaka first and foremost. The Girl of Destiny. Savior of the Upper and Lower World. She is more powerful than that of the Outsider and King combined.
Dispersing, Yumemi waited for each member to leave and attend their duties. Rui remained beside her, not yet dismissed.
Nazeal also remained in his seat with a younger member beside him.
Alone, he cleared his throat, "you Majesty, I apologize for my rudeness earlier, but I do urgently advise you to hold off on any declaration of war."
"Really, Nazeal?" Yumemi drummed her fingers along the arm of her chair, watching the wind play with the leaves of a bush just outside the council room. "You advise me of this now and not when the other members are here?"
"I did not wish to publicly-"
"To publicly state your opposition? Because you knew there are many here that disagree with you and would urge me to war?" He held his tongue at her interruption. "Because you are not wrong. You are not wrong that many would verbally attack you for your stance and you are not wrong that I shouldn't be so quick to declare war."
With a smile, he nodded his head and opened his mouth to agree but Yumemi commanded his silence with her hand.
"However, I did not declare war, Nazeal. The Shainans did so the minute they killed my husband, who as it so happens, was your king." The smile faded from his face and a glower returned. "I am simply answering their call with one of my own."
"Nazeal," Rui watched the man carefully, waiting for him to attentively pay attention and when sure he would not interrupt, he spoke, "remember who you are speaking to."
"Of course, General Rui." Nodding respectfully, he stood and bowed to his queen. "I only wish to advise you on the best course of action."
"Thank you, Nazeal, but when I require advice, I will be sure to ask for it." She waved them off and watched as Nazeal and his counterpart left the room.
"Convene with me this evening, Rui. We both have other duties to attend to at the moment." Standing together, her general bowed in agreeance and quickly departed.
After a quiet meal alone with only a servant who kept idle by the door, Yumemi strolled through the gardens to settle her mind.
Ryueri waited for her deep inside the foliage, Toche by her side. He had grown over the years into a strong, young man, filled with beaming potential. Soon, Ryeuri would step down and settle into a quieter life outside of court politics and he would be the new advisor.
"Yumemi, I am sorry." The prophetess didn't even turn but rather, kept her focus solely on the turning waters before her.
Toche bowed at her approach, before slowly backing away and leaving them. He could have stayed, but perhaps this conversation was best between the two women.
"I should be apologizing to you." That shocked the older woman, enough for her to face the queen and let Yumemi see the tears in her lilac eyes. "You raised him."
"And you loved him a thousand times more than this entire kingdom combined." Ryueri extended her hand and Yumemi grasped it firmly. "I am sorry I never saw it coming."
"Can you see him?"
"No." The sob stuck in her throat. "But I am trying."
"Thank you. Please let me know."
"Of course, Yumemi." Ryueri let go and returned her attention to the clear waters. "When you announce the news to the public, let me know and I will join you."
"Thank you, Ryueri."
Yumemi hesitated to leave, but in the end, retreated back into the palace. She saw Toche and quickly beckoned him.
"Your Majesty." He bowed again.
"Please Toche, you are a friend." She ruffled his hair the way she did Chikara's so many years ago - before he had grown too tall for her to comfortably reach. Even with Toche, she had to stretch to brush his blonde locks back from his forehead. "Watch Ryueri for me. Make sure she rests and eats."
"Of course, Yumemi." He smiled at her, blue eyes bright, before tending to his master.
As the sun settled below the islands and torches lit the hallways, Yumemi settled in her plush chair. The same chair Rui had knelt before just yesterday.
Rui entered the study quietly, a servant behind him with refreshments.
"His Majesty would not be pleased to find you dehydrated." The quick explanation brought a rush of warmth through her. Just enough to turn the corners of her mouth.
The servant briskly entered, leaving the tray for Rui to deal with before backing out of the room and closing the door with a soft click. He grabbed the pot of hot water and began to pour her a cup.
"Do you think I'm being rash?" Yumemi didn't want to waste any time.
"Your Grace, I-"
"Oh please, Rui. You have known me since I was a girl, we can do without the formalities." Her words stopped his fumbling hands. Or perhaps it was the exasperation in her voice that let him know she was two steps away from losing her composure.
"I don't believe it is my place to give such an opinion, as K- as Munto was a dear friend of mine. I fear I'll be too biased to give any good input on the matter." Rui handed her her tea and she let the warm porcelain flow into her bones as it seeped.
"Yes, but as your King? Would it be improper to-"
"Yumemi... I don't think there's anything you can do, Munto would find improper." He smiled her way, pulling up a chair to sit beside her, a goblet of wine in hand. "It is my duty to advise you in all matters relating to war, and avenging our king, who may or may not be dead, is something I agree completely with. Saying that, I will advise you without bias on how to do so with an efficiency and intelligence best suited to help our cause."
"As expected of you, Rui. Thank you." Together, they sipped their drinks in silence.
"You will announce the news tomorrow?"
"Yes."
Rui opened his mouth to respond, but no noise came out. Rather, his lips set into a straight line.
"Is there a problem?" Perhaps, he rethought her decision? Was it too soon?
"No," his lack of hesitation put her sudden anxiety to ease. "Let the storm come."
Her gut tightened at those words.
Yumemi paced behind the scarlet curtains, her stomach a heavyweight. Her black skirts scrapped along the floor while her bare feet pattered ahead of them.
"Your Majesty?" She twirled on the balls of her feet at the sound of Rui's worried call. "Are you alright?"
"Yes." She bit her lip, then shook her head hard enough to loosen a few tendrils of hair. "No. No, I am not."
"Is there anything I can do?"
"How…" Yumemi turned from him, peeking outside to the crowd that waited. "How did Munto handle this? How did he tell them that everyone and everything was against them because his parents dared to defy the Law?" She turned back to him. "How do I tell them their beloved king is dead and all they have left is me and the war to come?"
"Yumemi," his voice soft, he led her from the curtain by her hand and pulled her close. His hands firmly on her shoulders, he bent his head low and whispered, "you must smile and wave in greeting. Keep your shoulders and head high. Never let them know how hard this is to bear. You are their rock."
She nodded, limbs shaking as Ryueri joined them.
"We are with you." She straightened Yumemi's hair and righted her crown. "Whenever you are ready."
Yumemi took a breath for courage and led them out onto the podium. Her people cheered at the sight of her, greeting her with warmth and love. Despite not feeling it, she smiled at them, lips closed and skin crinkling around the eyes.
The gasps and terror that spread through the crowd at her declaration cut her soul deep. Several yelled out in anger but what they said was lost on her as the crowd raged. Guards stiffened as several stepped forward, fists raised.
Shoving her panic down, she raised her hand to quiet the crowd. It took a few minutes, but they settled without a word from her. The guards relaxed as she quelled them.
"I am Yumemi Hidaka. The Girl of Destiny. The savior of both the Upper and Lower Worlds. Queen of the Magical Kingdom." Cheers rang out in agreement. "I am your Girl of Destiny. Your savior. Your queen!" The crowd cheered louder, growing restless with every word. "And I give you my word that they will be brought to justice!"
Rui smiled behind her, but as he scanned the crowd, he took notice of the few nobles displeased by her speech. No doubt they agreed with Nazeal.
He turned his attention back to her. How her back remained straight. Head held high as her gaze danced over the people gathered. Her people. Hands delicately placed behind her back in such an unlady-fashion, but not uncommon for a soldier. The lines on her face smoothed out as if stone. Serious, no ounce of pleasure fluttered across her features at the thought of an upcoming war.
Yumemi silenced the crowd once more.
"We are not the same as we were those years ago during the Akuto Crisis. We are a kingdom reborn. Strengthened. More powerful than ever. They sought to bring us to our knees. They wanted us to kneel before them. We refused then and we refuse to do so now." Yumemi turned to look at Rui and with his nod of approval, she continued, "I do not wish to go to war so carelessly. I do not wish to punish in anger. As such, I declare war with a heavy heart for the sacrifices we must make once more."
A somberness befell the people as they listened attentively.
"I will not leave injustice unmet as it was not just my husband we lost in their ambush, but the husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters that had followed him. They went in peace and they were answered with violence. So, we shall answer their call with one of our own!" Voice strong and proud, Yumemi finished her speech and turned from the roaring crowd to disappear behind the curtains.
"You inspired the people, Yumemi. That's good." Rui flanked her right as Ryueri flanked her left.
"Indeed. You did well. I will return to the sacred pools in hopes to see something of Munto's fate." Ryueri bowed her head before departing.
"Your Majesty." A noblewoman hurried her steps in order to catch up with the queen and her general. She gave a curt curtsey along with the few ladies that followed her.
"How can I help you, Lady Laverien?" The woman straightened herself at the call of her name, brushing braided apricot hair back over her shoulder.
Yumemi rarely spoke with the lady. In fact, they scarcely said more than greetings at banquets.
"I am sorry for your loss. I know what it feels like to desperately wait for the return of a husband that will never be coming home. However, as queen, I understand that must fall quite hard on your shoulders. The kingdom is a heavy burden to bear and I only wish to pass on a some advice, if you'd have them."
Yumemi quirked an eyebrow at what she offered. It sounded like such a sweet gesture, she had no hesitation in accepting it.
"Of course."
"A lady of rank must always hold virtues true to her heart. A motto to guide her through the courts and storms life may bring. As a lonely queen, I usher you to be humble and penitent in the times coming."
While the advice would have rolled down Yumemi's back with nothing more than a smile and thanks, a raw fury ignited deep inside her gut. Like Nazeal, she wanted her to be quiet in the face of war.
Sneering at the thought, Yumemi spat the words out before she could stop them, "humble and penitent may be damned in the face of this war. Hidden and patient shall be my motto."
Yumemi spun on her heel and stalked back into the palace. Rui kept right on her heels, not saying a word of approval or disapproval.
"Spit it out."
"What?" He nearly ran into her with how fast she halted.
"Just spit it out, Rui." Venom laced her tone.
"I have nothing to say." An amused smiled haunted the edges of his lips.
"Nothing?" Her voice wavered, thick from the bundle of emotion that wracked her brain and tore her heart.
"Nothing, Your Majesty. Though, I believe 'hidden and patient' is a good motto to have."
Yumemi laughed at that, stifling it behind her hand. She could hear his own chuckles from behind her.
"Your Majesty!"
Thundering steps sounded behind her and it took all her will not to scoff at the lord that just stopped her from reaching the dining hall. Rui waited to eat dinner with her.
"Yes?" Smiling pleasantly, Yumemi turned to address him.
"I, along with the other lord and ladies of your court, find it most appropriate to extend this offer to you."
"Really?" If he heard the ice in her tone, he ignored it. Not particularly wise.
"Indeed. We find it best that in this time of need, a union with a strong lord, one with influence and power, would better your cause. No one would find cause to doubt you with a husband by your side."
"Oh? Such as yourself?" He seemed flattered by the suggestion, bowing his head and chuckling.
"I would be humbled."
"You want to be king." It wasn't a question.
As if now just sensing her mood, the humor fled his face.
"I will admit that there have been times I have doubted myself. Especially these last few nights."
"Your Majesty-" He smiled as if she had just proven his point.
The sincerity on her face turned to stone as she glared him down and the memory of these lords and ladies raining down their treachery on her husband in the form of rumors and petty gossip ignited her ire.
"But there is one thing I will never waver on - no matter how many mistakes I have made or will make, I know that I am a better monarch than the entire lot of you combined." Yumemi nearly slapped the lord but refrained. He wasn't worth the sting it would cause.
"Please, I urge you to reconsider. You need someone with a strong head on their shoulders by your side during this time of grief and war."
"I do. They're called my advisors, of which you are not one of them." Haughty, she snapped at his affront, "you insult me and more importantly, you insult my husband's memory." Not entertaining him further, she left him gaping in the hallway.
"The absolute nerve!"
"A marriage proposal already?" Rui was already seated, pouring them both a cup of wine.
"Yes!"
"Munto received quite a bit of pressuring when he took the throne as well."
She snatched the goblet from his outstretched hand.
"I find I am widowed a mere 48 hours and they dare spit on his grave with such offers." She gulped down the alcohol and filled her cup full again.
"I should have warned you. They have no emotion, I swear."
"Clearly." This time, she sipped her drink, pulling the trays of food laid out closer to her.
They ate in silence and when they had their fill, they sat back in their chairs.
"Did you finish what you sought to do today?" Rui picked at the loaf of bread.
While their bodies never required them to eat, Munto never wanted Yumemi to eat by herself and always had a plate made for him. Rui also picked up the habit with a few others and joined the monarchs for their meals when he could.
"There is never enough hours in the day." He nodded to that. "But the nights always have too many."
Sympathy filled his heart at the sorrow in her voice. Her fingers quaked as she traced the edges of her chalice.
"Yumemi?"
"I can hardly breath thinking I'll wake alone forevermore. This morning was so cold and empty without him, Rui."
"You will hardly be alone." Teary eyes shot towards him in surprise. "While I am not Munto, if you allow it, I will gladly dine with you every morning and night." She smiled at his kindness. "And should you ever find the need, my doors are always open when the lords and ladies of the court become unbearingly dull." That succeeded in breaking her grief, if only for a moment, and let laughter bubble from her breast.
"Thank you, Rui."
"Anytime, Yumemi."
Upon the morn, she set out with her entourage, Rui by her side.
Her dark hood covered her blonde locks, a grey neck gaiter covering her mouth and nose. She wore armor plates along her shoulders and down her arms. Another stretched across most of her chest, a strap reaching up to wrap around her shoulder and down her back. They were all painted to blend into her dark clothing. A small, steel dagger strapped to her lower back, sheathed in dark wood with silver designs around its tip and opening.
The men that followed her dawned their own dark clothing. Yumemi had to admit, it was weird seeing Rui without his usual light cerulean hues.
They traveled to the edges of Holgooze where they were greeted by ambassadors from both Holgooze and Ond. No Shanian ambassador came.
"Queen Yumemi." They bowed in regal greeting, hands folded properly in front of them and hidden in their sleeves.
"Ambassadors." Uncloaking herself, she dipped her chin down in greeting. "What brings you here?"
"We urge you to not seek war, but rather finish the peace King Munto sought," brash in his confidence, the ambassador from Holgooze smiled at her amicably.
"Peace? The same peace my husband worked hard to procure? The same peace that led him and his men to be ambushed and murdered?" Searing white pumped through her veins, she all but growled the words, "their immoral acts against my kingdom - against me - are a declaration of war in itself. We are merely answering their call."
"You would have to pass through our lands. We will not permit you." Holgooze had a shaky alliance with the Magical Kingdom, but their will was weak after the death of their king and the grave loss of land during the Crisis.
They were still attempting to restore themselves.
"Do not assume I don't possess the power to crush you as well."
"Your Grace..." His voice shook, but the ambassador did his best to keep his head held high.
She restored these lands. She restored these people. She ended the Crisis they brought upon their own heads.
Yumemi refrained from mentioning it.
She held up her hand to stop his blabbering. She had been a bit rash in her words and sought to calm the Heavenly being down.
"We do not want war with you. However, I will not allow you to stand in my way after they butchered my husband while he sought peace."
Besides, Edna appeared in support of her thus far. It wouldn't be a direct route, but her armies could pass through the south to reach Shainan.
"Perhaps a means of peace can be arranged." The ambassador of Ond finally spoke, stepping forward quite timidly to address her.
"You think they want peace now?"
"Your Majesty, I am sure this is a misunderstanding. We do not wish to stand against you. If anything, we want to stand with you. As trusted allies." His charming smile did nothing to dull her fire, rather it only fueled the flames more. "I have spoken with the Shainans and I believe an agreement can be reached."
"And how would you propose that?"
Rui stiffened beside her. They both knew where this would lead.
Yumemi needed him to say it.
"The Shainan prince is a fine, young bachelor. I am sure you can see where this is going?"
"No, I cannot. Spell it out for me."
Lay this offer out on the table so she could spit it back in his face.
He sighed, "I am proposing an alliance between your two great kingdoms through marriage. It would save us all from war and allow you to save your status."
Yumemi raised a brow at that.
"Save face?"
"You are the Girl of Destiny. You should not curry favor to one kingdom or the other. It is an abuse of power."
"Abuse of power to protect my kingdom?" Amused, she turned to look back at her group, all of who recognized the fire in her gaze. "Interesting choice of words."
"You are the queen of the Magical Kingdom but you are the Girl of Destiny - a pure source of Akuto that should not be used for war! We only wish to save you from dishonor." He made it sound like this was all for her. What she could lose or what she could gain.
"I do not need saving." Akuto glowed at her fingertips. Refined energy pulled directly from the root. "I will certainly never bow to a man, more importantly, a foreigner." She spat the words, forgetting she too was once a foreigner to her kingdom, but those times have long passed. "I will face every threat to my domain with sword drawn. I will spill as much blood as I have to to keep my people secure. And any who stand in my way shall burn."
The ambassadors paled at her threat and at the Akuto that charged the air around them.
"Return to your craven kings and the Shainans and let them know that I will not rest until their king is bleeding at my feet for the treachery against my husband and his men."
Inspired by: Gloria Regali by Tomme Profitt ft. Fleurie ( watch?v=fn_m9FDPuuw)
Playlist of amazing YT videos: ( playlist?list=PLXY-OQziSPk_Z8zmxT6UyM-a1N-6-NoMI)
Outfit Inspirations:
Announcement: pin/788411478503516283/
Meeting the Ambassadors: pin/788411478503305592/
Quotes: Not all verbatim, but they inspired a lot of Yumemi's dialogue
"I am not a woman, I am a queen." - Not sure
"I'm aware I'm surrounded by people who feel they can do the job better. Strong people, more natural leaders, better suited for leading from the front, making a mark, but for better or worse, the crown has landed on my head." - Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown
"If I require advice, I will ask for it." - Queen Victoria, Victoria
"Don't you know I love you a thousand times more than Catherine ever did!?" - Anne Boleyn, Tudors
"Smile and wave and never let them know how hard it is to bear." - Lord M, Victoria
"Humble and Penitent may be damned. Hidden and patient that will be my motto." - Elizabeth of York, The White Princess
"There have been times I doubted my own judgment, but there is one thing of which I'm quite certain, that how many mistakes I have or have yet to make, I know I am a better monarch then you could ever be." Queen Victoria, Victoria
"There cannot be enough hours in the day of a queen, and her nights have too many." - Not sure
"Do not assume I no longer possess the power to crush you." - Anne Boleyn, Tudors
"I need no one to save me. I will bow to no man. I will face every threat to my reign with sword in hand and any who stand in my way shall fall." - Queen Elizabeth, Reign
