Royal Decree
Where is she? Cerulean eyes scan the room from atop the balcony. She'll be here...right?
"She'll be here." Pyrrha whispers to the Princess, the redhead keeps her composure. "Ruby, that is. Yang and her will be here, those two are known for making an entrance I am afraid."
Nora and Ren, both positioned on the other side of the Princess. "Yeah she will definitely be here!" Nora exclaims. "Well ...Ruby and Yang, they'll both be here for sure!"
"Hmmph" Sir Winchester grunts as he walks past the group. "I see that the so-called Captain of yours is missing. I knew she wasn't Knight material let alone deserving of the title of Captain. A title better served to a man..." He snickers loud enough that everyone on the balcony turns to Weiss, who barely blinks at the comment.
"She is more a Knight than you or any of your Knights under your command Sir Winchester. Even that son of yours." Weiss comments back, turning to look down at the main doors hoping her Captain and… even that brute appear at this very moment.
"I have served your family for many a year now girl! You would be privy to know your place." The man growls under his breath. "Your mouth will be the ruin of this family…"
Weiss turns her head, her upper lip twitching at the remark, before she can say anything a familiar voice cuts through the buzzing of the main hall.
"For a Knight… NO! For a Captain, you should show more respect to the family you serve!" A squeaky voice shouts from the bottom of the balcony. Ruby's face flustered and red, her breath ragged and shallow. The ill Captain grips the finely chiseled marble handrail before she launches upward her sister following close behind.
The brawler's face full of pride as she follows her sister up to the balcony, for a brief moment Yang feels worried as she notices Ruby's steps are not as light as they normally are, "Rubes you sure you're well enough to do this?" Yang's voice sounds slightly concerned but is also impressed with Ruby's demeanor. Ruby nods quickly before continuing up the stairwell.
"NO ONE speaks to Wei- the Princess like that. Ever." Ruby begins to go up the stairs faster, her eyes focused on the man she once admired, now all she wants to do is make him eat his words.
"RUBY!" Nora shouts, "I knew you would be here…" Ruby flies past everyone without even acknowledging them and stopping just before the prideful Captain. "Ruby?" Nora sadly calls watching the leader's eyes narrow at the man.
"So you did make it after all." Sir Winchester chuckles, "You look ill…perhaps you should leave. It would be better for everyone if a sick, squeaky, sniveling brat wasn't here."
"I am not a brat. You are supposed to be a knight. Your duty is the Royal Family. The entire family, especially the Princess who is the next in line to rule this Kingdom." Ruby's voice grows more confident the more she speaks.
The old Knight's face twists and contorts as the small woman continues to walk towards him until she is nearly stepping on his feet. "You dare speak to me with such disdain. You the daughter of a blacksmith... What could you possibly know!?"
Ruby's hands form into fists, the sweat drips down her forehead to her chin. "I may not know how things are run here, within these walls…" the warrior extends her arms and points to the castle walls that surround them, "… but I know that I am here to protect the Princess and her honor. And you will not speak to her like that as long as I have breath in my lungs and a beat in my heart. I will protect her from every threat including you!"
Sir Winchester cackles at the last comment, "You think that you could take me on?" Ruby keeps her face stern.
"Captain Rose." Ruby hears her name called from a familiar voice. Weiss purses her lips, "Would you please join me?"
"Your master beckons…Leave." Winchester turns so sharply the impact causes Ruby to fall backwards. Pyrrha throws her arm out stopping Ruby from losing her balance.
"Thank you, Pyrrha." Ruby bows her head to Pyrrha before snapping her gaze back to the old man. "Yes Princess."
"That's a good pup." Winchester retorts as Ruby turns to meet with Weiss.
"Let me show you what I know of respect on the battlefield." Ruby responds without turning her head . "Anywhere anytime Winchester, I will show you like I showed the entirety of Staub."
Ruby stops beside Weiss as Winchester walks down to the bottom of the balcony to await the arrival of King James. The young woman glares at the old man as he stands at attention.
"Is everything alright?" Weiss sighs, catching a glimpse of her out of breath Captain. "Are you feeling ill Ruby?"
"No, simply out of breath. I ran here having overslept." Ruby smiles softly lying as she catches her breath.
"Right" Yang chimes in, "We uhh got lost. The castle is quite the maze after all."
Weiss chuckles at Yang, "That doesn't surprise me…though you would think following me these last few days would have helped you get your bearings." The Princess turns to her Captain to begin discussing the rest of the day with her.
"Right exactly…Hey a few more nights and I will have the entire layout of the castle memorized." Yang rebuts Weiss pays the brawler no mind, so she turns to Nora and Ren, "Attitude much?"
"We were all worried when you both didn't show up for the mid-day meal." Nora mentions as she gives Yang a side-hug.
"Pyrrha and I were sure you two were fine, though perhaps we were correct to worry Ruby looks a bit ill." Ren raises his eyebrow as he watches Ruby swaying slightly.
"We went to the healer's quarters." Yang quietly admits, her lip drops into a frown for a moment. "That healer is a miracle worker, before Ruby could barely move. Then we went to see the healer and after only a few moments Ruby was walking…even running. Ruby doesn't want anyone to know she is ill…" Yang holds her finger up to her lips, "…so let's keep this between us alright?"
"Hmmm." Ren gently lowers his head causing Yang to smile.
"OUR LIPS ARE SEALED!" Nora holds her hands over her mouth after.
"Would you all hush?!" Weiss angrily stomps her foot, "We are here for whatever announcement my Father has deemed important enough for us to be here for. I am sure it will be 'thrilling' to say the least." Weiss groans while happily smiling to those below the balcony.
Ruby drops her chin slightly as she watches the Princess dread her Father's announcement. I wonder if she knows what the announcement is about. Whatever it is she is not looking forward to hearing it.
After the Princess' slight outburst her guard knows better than to even utter a word. They all hold their tongues, take their positions and stand diligently beside their ward. Moments later bellowing trumpets erupt from the main hall entrance.
"All Hail! Bow thy heads," The Orator roars, "His Royal Majesty King of Staub…" The trumpets play a triumphant tune as King James slowly enters the room. "King James!" The many Royals in the room clap as they force a smile watching the King wave at them.
"They all clap and smile as if they enjoy his company. No one here would endure more than ten minutes alone with him." Weiss quietly laughs watching her father make small talk with various Nobility as he walks towards the balcony.
"Hmm." Ruby hums in response. Princess Weiss straightens her back and begins her soulless wave to all the Nobility.
Pyrrha, Nora, Ren and Yang all inhale loudly as they notice Sir Winchester has a wicked smile as he approaches the group once more. "Well this will be interesting." Ren sighs.
"If he says anything I may feel the urge to …." Yang grinds her teeth as she holds her fists down by her sides.
"He will not utter a word." Weiss' words cut through Yang's sentence, "if he has any sense of loyalty to this family he will not say anything. There will be no need for your…theatrics." The last remark causes Yang to scoff and toss her hair to the side while Ren and Nora chuckle.
"The Princess is right, as usual. Even Sir Winchester would know better than to cause a ruckus while the King is speaking." Pyrrha adds bluntly as she keeps an eye on the nearby guards… Looks like the King is worried that we will not be enough to protect the Princess, after the last incident, the warrior takes notice of the fact that there are nearly triple the number of guardsmen in the already crowded hall.
"WELCOME," James bellows, his arms outstretched as he cordially strolls to the marbled stairwell. "I would like to start by thanking you all for coming to this announcement on such short notice." Begins as the King begins his ascend up the stairwell with his servants following even closer than his own shadow.
A new face appears beside the King, one new to almost all of the Princess' guard. A silver-haired man with dark colored glass hides his deep brown eyes, the green scarf around his neck sharply contrasting his black tunic and robe.
"Who is that?" Ruby whispers under her breath, as she watches the man scan the top of the balcony.
"No one that you need worry about, the real threats always hide in the shadows." Pyrrha holds her head high while she keeps her eyes alert. "Now is the time to be aware of every suspicious movement. Now is when we prove to Winchester and to the King we are worthy of the titles that the Princess has given us." For a brief moment Pyrrha turns her head to see her companions all give her a nod, their eyes lit with determination.
The King stops midway up the stairwell. "For those who do not know, my daughter, your Crowned Princess…Weiss Schnee's birthday is just before the nearing fall harvest festival in just two cycles of the moon."
"I'm surprised he remembered." Weiss scoffs under her breath. As she watches the reaction of the crowd some nod in agreement as others could care less. Looking around the James motions for applause and jubilee.
King James swings his right arm out, a roar of applause and cheers stop. He continues to up the stairs, as he approaches Weiss, her guard begins to move away from the King and his men. "My dearest daughter, as we approach your birthday I would like to throw you a celebration grander than any before." The man with the dark glasses watches Ruby closely completely ignoring the King as he speaks.
Weiss feels an arm around her shoulders, as she realizes that it is her father she releases a deep sigh her shoulders drop. "Thank you Father, I am sure it will be…lovely." She replies loudly to an uproar of applause. The Princess' fake smile fools many of the people in attendance but it does not fool any of her guard.
"I called for this announcement so that you all could spread this glorious news throughout the land." James waves his arms, "now go, far and wide telling all you see and meet! I have another gift for my dear daughter." He adds only loud enough for those atop the balcony to hear.
"I don't believe I could handle another…" Weiss groans, "Could it wait?" Hoping for a wait out, she looks over and sees Ruby staring with her mouth slightly open. What is she staring at and what could father possibly want to give me next…suitors…more suitors…ugh I hope not
"NO! It cannot. Once everyone clears from here I will meet you in your training room." James looks down and begins his descent to say his salutations to his most honored guests. Sir Winchester follows closely behind the King, all but one decent down the stairs. Weiss' eyes narrow as she watches her father who keeps a smile on his face all the way down the stairs
"Greetings…" A distinctly new voice cuts through the chatter below catching Ruby and the rest of the guard's attention.
Pyrrha turns stepping between Weiss and the man, "Lord Ozpin, it is good to see you." The redhead holds her hand out to the man.
"The same to you, Lady Nikos..." Ozpin shakes the warrior's hand, "I was a bit surprised to see you here and not in Mistral with your family."
Pyrrha notices that the entire time, Ozpin's eyes have been fixated on Ruby. "Yes, it was quite the surprise to them as well... Would you like to meet our Captain?"
"Hmm? That young woman is the Captain?" Ozpin sounds almost surprised, "I would love an introduction but first allow me to pay my respects to Her Royal Majesty." The mysterious man bows, his arm tucked into his chest. "It is my greatest pleasure to make your acquaintance Princess Weiss; I look forward to seeing more of you…all."
"Hmm…Lord Ozpin, it is good to see you. You already know Pyrrha. This is Nora Valkyrie, Lie Ren, Yang Xiao Long and this is Captain Rose, though she prefers to just be called Ruby." Weiss points to each person who nods as their names are called, as she turns to introduce Ruby. The Princess feels her cheeks get a slight dust of pink to them.
"Miss Rose… you have the most beautiful silver eyes." Ozpin tilts his head to get a better look into Ruby's eyes.
"Umm thank you?" Ruby scratches the back of her neck. "I believe the King is waiting for the Princess, Lord Ozpin if you would excuse us…" Ruby outstretches her arm to clear the path for the Princess to head downstairs.
Ozpin looks down the stairs taking notice that the King is no longer there, "Well we wouldn't want to keep the King waiting as he always says 'the Kingdom waits for no one'." The Lord bows before Princess Weiss who returns a nod. Pyrrha and Ruby follow right behind the Princess. Ren and Nora nod to the man in respect to the Lord, Yang clicks her tongue and points her index finger at the man, prompting a chuckle from Ozpin.
What an interesting group of people you have surrounded yourself with Princess. Ruby Rose could you be…no that would be impossible but…very few people have those silver eyes.
"Lord Ozpin," Klein calls as he appears behind Ozpin. Klein notices that Ozpin holds his gaze on Princess Weiss and those around her. I wonder if King James called for Ozpin? Or did Ozpin come of his own accord. He wouldn't come all the way here just to hear about the Princess' celebration…what are you doing here Ozpin? He motions for Oz to follow him out of the main hall. Lord Ozpin nods with a smile as he follows the butler.
"Klein! How are you my friend?" Ozpin smiles, following the stout man away from the horde of people all abuzz with rumors and speculations.
"Do you think the Princess will have a lot of suitors at the event?" "I wonder what the Princess shall wear?" "I am surprised the King didn't announce her official Coronation."
"I am well, Lord Ozpin." Klein forces a smile, "Princess Weiss is growing up so fast and…"
Ozpin sighs, "she has a good group with her Klein" the butler looks up and smiles. "And you can drop the Lord, Ozpin is fine."
"You're right. So... Ozpin what exactly are you doing here? Did the King request your presence?" Klein's mustache rises in the corners as he notices Oz smirking.
"He sent word to me via carrier pigeon a week ago, but I did not come for him. There was mention of the Princess Weiss' guard in the letter. As well as some distress about their capabilities in their role to protect her..But now I must go and have a discussion with the King about some important matters. The other Kingdoms are becoming restless..." Ozpin's lips purse as he walks off. "It was good to see you Klein." The Lord says a few salutations to a few other noble Lords and Ladies before making his exit.
"Until next time Lord Ozpin…" Klein words catch after the Lord who is well out of earshot.
"So what do you think the King wants to give the Princess as a gift?" Yang yawns from the back of the group her fingers laced together behind her head as usual. "Do we all have to accompany her…I know it was important that all of us were there when King James was making the announcement but…"
"If you have other plans that are more important…" Weiss interrupts angrily, throwing her fists down her sides. She lets out a heavy sigh, closing her eyes and releasing her fists, "I won't order you to come and endure more of my so-called father's generosity, but I would…appreciate it if you could all be there." The Princess turns eyes to Yang with a tint of sadness that causes the brawler to bite her lip.
"Yeah…it's not like I have a lot going on. Besides I am sure it won't take up too much time." Yang sighs in reply.
"I wonder if there will be a special dinner made for the occasion." Nora smiles wide as images of roasts and various delectable meals float across her eyes.
"Do you think Oscar would make some of those…what were they called…cu kies?" Ruby excitedly grabs Nora's hands as the pair giggles at the thought of the variety of exotic delicacies that the young chef could create.
"I am pretty sure he called them cookeys." Nora giggles as they hop about.
Pyrrha, Ren, Yang and even Weiss stop and watch in delight as the Princess almost begins to giggle as Ruby and Nora spin about, but the moment is cut short by a bitter voice.
"Nice to see that the Crown Princess of the Wealthiest Kingdom in all of Remnant is keeping the King waiting to watch this …" Sir Winchester sneers as he pushes off the wall his back rested on, holding his palms up flat towards the ceiling. Ruby instantly plants her feet and reaches for the short sword she has begun to carry on her belt while with Weiss. "But what do I know of the importance of the King's time." Yang clicks her tongue as her eyes narrow at the remark. Ren and Norr grit their teeth but before tensions can reach a boiling point Weiss places her hand on Ruby's shoulders. While Pyrrha holds her hand out to the other members, sedating their emotions for a moment.
"Worry not, Sir Winchester. I am sure Father will make this short…" Weiss walks up to the knight then brushes his shoulder as she walks past him.
"Sir Winchester a pleasure as always." Pyrrha quickly greets as she passes the man. The rest of guard silently passes the man glaring at them as they follow the redhead.
"I would make haste Princess, you know how your Father gets when he is kept waiting." Winchester calls as he goes in the opposite direction.
Weiss looks behind her momentarily in a hushed voice she mutters, "I know all too well what he is like." Everyone's face solemn and focused as no one mutters a single word even as they stand before the damaged door to the training room. Ruby stares at the splintered door, seeing each of Nora's hammer swings forever etched into what was salvaged from the door and it's frame.
"Really did a number on the door, there Nora." Yang yanks a few splinters that protrude from the door and toss them off to the side.
Nora smirks, "The Princess was in peril and we had to get in, the door was not cooperating with me."
Weiss stands before the door, "Winchester was right we should get this over with, Captain if you and Pyrrha would do the honor."
"It would be our pleasure Princess." Ruby replies, grabbing the door and swinging it out, Pyrrha enters the room to see that King James and Lord Ozpin are as deep in conversation as the King's arms swing about.
"Your Majesty, if I may interrupt the Princess here." Pyrrha announces, promptly bowing as Weiss enters with her head held high.
What is Lord Ozpin discussing with him? Pyrrha closes her eyes, taking a quick glance at the Lord Ozpin.
"Perfect timing, Princess!" Ozpin exclaims joyously, clapping his hands together. "Hmm." Ozpin notices that the Princess' guard all stands just outside the battered doorway. "Please all of you should come in." The Lord motions for everyone to enter.
"I think not Oz..." James howls from behind Ozpin. "They will absolutely not be allowed to be here. If what you said is true Oz…then my daughter and I have much to discuss IN PRIVATE." The King huffs as Oz smirks at the King's reaction to a simple request.
"You are the King, anything you wish shall be granted but remember the words we discussed." The Lord rolls his wrist in a mocking manner as he takes his leave. "Princess I do hope you enjoy my gift. Your Father has decided to bestow it onto you in my stead." Weiss turns with a confused look before nodding to Pyrrha and Ruby that she will be fine with her Father.
"LEAVE!" The King orders, throwing his hand towards the door, "and close that door." Once Pyrrha exits the room Ruby slowly closes the door watching as Weiss steps towards her father.
"Worry not a young warrior. Things are only just starting for you and the Princess." Ozpin's voice seems far away.
"Where did he go?" Nora asks, noticing that the Lord is nowhere to be seen. Yang and Ren both look around, Ruby and Pyrrha have their ears trained on the door as muffled voices grow loud just to be hushed.
That Lord…what did he mean by that… Yang scratches her head, plopping her arm around her sister's neck "Ruby she will be okay. I mean that is her father after all."
"Do you think we will be excused for dinner after this?" Nora asks, Ren looks down and shakes his head. Pyrrha realizes after a few more moments that any attempt to listen to what is being discussed is futile.
"Until we know how this discussion goes we should remain here." Pyrrha sighs knowing that the Princess and the King do not have the most civil relationship since the Late Princess was declared dead. Lord Ozpin's comment…I wonder if it has something to do with his gift…though what could that be he arrived without a carriage.
"Well until Princess Weiss emerges we should play a game." Ruby suggests as she watches the flickering torches in the hallway. Pyrrha, Ren and Yang all seem confused while Nora claps in excitement. "The name of the game is hide and seek, the last one found is the winner!" Ruby announces and the entire group giggles, they scatter as Weiss stands before her father.
The night grows colder and darker as the Princess glares at her Father, who sighs in return. "Weiss…we have a lot to discuss…" James turns and looks at the garden just outside remembering his eldest daughter sitting just outside as a tear rolls down his cheek.
A/N Hello travelers, I hope everyone is doing well. I apologize for the late post. As always I cannot believe the amount of support and just the sheer volume of reads, likes, favorites and new followers every month. This story means so much to me and it is amazing to see that it is something other people are also enjoying. With the current state of the world it is great to know that we all have an escape in the stories we read, tell and write. Remember to like, favorite, follow, comment or DM me if you are still loving this story as much as I love writing it. Thank you so much to everyone still following the story. I know it is long but I hope you are enjoying the journey as much as I am. Thanks again and see you in the next chapter \\(^,.,^)