The sound of swords clanging together and the shuffling of feet came loudly from the outside. Two figures were fencing within the early hours of the day, in a secluded portion outside of the castle. They were joined by the Armada's spymaster and tinkerer. Deacon and Bishop sat at the only table out there, watching the two perform from afar. There was virtually no speaking while they resumed their practice.

"En-Garde!"

Kane's eyes locked on 'Queen's body intently, carefully examining her stance and positioning. She had a good habit of keeping excellent form while she made her movements. That was a comment he received from Deacon and Rooke - he even saw it back on those training grounds in her cadet days. She showed no struggle now, and even excelled with the strikes of her weapon. He stopped to remove his mask and offer her a proud smile.

"Nicely done."

She removed her own and grinned. She'd been so ecstatic when he told her he wished to 'reward' her for performing so well lately. The two of them practiced fencing all morning - the first few hours teaching her the basics, then executing it for several more. They received visitors when Deacon and Bishop arrived to speak with the Supreme Commander. He adamantly told them to wait until they were finished - which explained why they lingered for most of the session.

Noticing they stopped, the two masked figures stood from their seats and rushed over to Kane. The plague doctor glanced around before rubbing his hands together. He clearly had something important on his mind and wanted to take Kane's attention to his advantage.

"It is getting hot. Perhaps we should move indoors?"

'Queen' noticed the time. The hours must have passed by, as it was nearly afternoon now. She reluctantly began packing up her things. Neither Bishop or Deacon were addressed as Kane passed by them to offer something to his girlfriend. She was surprised to see an envelope held in his gloved hand. She gently took it from his grasp without a word. Her eyes went wide at the name she read.

"A letter from my mother..?"

"It was delivered the other night. I held onto it so we could get your practice done today."

He dipped his head before returning to the other men, who began frantically whispering to him. She paid no mind to the noise as she turned the envelope around in her hands. She carefully opened it and pulled the piece of paper out from inside. She recognized her mother's handwriting and read her message intently:

"Mia figlia,

It has been so long since you returned home. I have all of your things ready to pick up. Your friends have been asking about you. Please, return when you can. I look forward to meeting the man you are dating.

-Emilia"

She held a surprised hand to her lips. She last wrote to Emilia about her relationship, but had been too afraid at the time to name Kane. Her mother must already know such a thing by this point, she figured. She tucked the letter away in her pocket and finished grabbing her things. She politely waited for the other men to finish their conversation, then followed after them in the castle's doors. The look she gave her boyfriend told him that she wanted to be somewhere private as soon as possible.

He departed from his sons and brought 'Queen' to the women's powder room. She took her time changing and ensured they were alone. Once she was in her dress, she grabbed the letter and presented it to him.

"Emilia wants me to return home! She has all of my things ready, so I can grab them and properly move in with you."

"You're going to Tuscany?" He asked.

"I should see my mother and tell her everything that's happened. She doesn't even know I moved...she should also meet you. Again , I mean. Properly, as my boyfriend now."

This was when his look turned troubled. He placed a hand to his chin and suddenly looked away, contemplating something deeply. Her smile fell seeing his indifference to the idea. She leaned forward desperately.

"You are going to come, aren't you?"

"I shouldn't." He replied. "I still have plenty to do here - I can't afford anymore time away."

"But this is important!" She implored.

His eyes had a hard time tearing away from her face. The news Deacon and Bishop just delivered to him wasn't exactly good - it meant he'd have to pour his time and effort into his army more than usual. He would also be receiving a lot of questions and worry from the royalty. What she was asking from him was insignificant at a time like this. But the pleading look in her eyes… he couldn't stand it. He despised how his heart ached. He pressed his mask against his forehead in a stressed motion.

"...I can bring you a ship and a couple of my men to assist you. They should be able to-"

"It's not just about getting my things. It is having my mother knowing you, as my lover." Her arms drooped. "You can see my hometown, the way I used to live...even the paintings I kept in my room! I would love to know what you think of them."

Kane wondered if he was starting to get soft. It was strange to feel his muscles weakening and his heart sinking. He couldn't remember the last time he felt like this. He wanted to punch something just to feel strong again. He shut his eyes and sighed in defeat. He should just get this out of the way. It was one trip that should last for only a day - he can return by tomorrow to focus on his work. But that was all the time he could spare.

"Alright." He crossed his arms in defeat. "I will join you."

Her face lit up at his acceptance. The sight made it all worth it.

The Supreme Commander made sure to get his most crucial work done before heading out of Cadiz. 'Queen' agreed to leave in the morning and return before nightfall. He put Deacon in charge in his absence. He was met with judgemental tsks when he told him the reason. Kane was getting tired of such disapprobation and promised this would be the last leave. He had to assure him he would keep in contact and communicate with his troops in the meantime.

They set sail at a decent time that morning. They spent only a couple hours on the water before reaching 'Queen's homeland. She was in awe - the beautiful landscape taking her breath away, and the familiar sight of fields and grass touching her heart deeply. She practically pulled him off the ship when they arrived, excitedly leading him to where her home was.

. . .

He paid careful attention along their way. She lived in a more rural area, the main town being several miles away. The building she led him to was situated on a hill surrounded by well-tended land. There was a beautiful garden overgrowing the path they walked on. He admired the rustic design of the house they approached. It was simple - nowhere near the size of his mansion or the extravagant detail of the houses in Cadiz. The size almost reminded him of his first home.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" She asked from beside him, looking at the sight nostalgically. He nodded in agreement.

He had little to say as they approached the front door and knocked. They waited patiently before it opened. The figure that met them was shorter than them both and beamed in excitement when she recognized their faces. They had no time to react before the woman lunged herself forward and onto her daughter's shoulders. Without warning, she began crying in delight.

" Valerie..! "

'Queen' held her back tightly as she squeezed her eyes shut, the tears almost escaping her own eyes. It felt like ages since she had last seen her mother. She didn't remember the actual time, but it mattered little. They were here now. She wanted to enjoy this embrace as long as she could.

" Mamma.. "

It took a minute until they pulled away from each other. It was then Emilia's brown eyes came to the man standing there. Her face was of pure shock as she took in his presence. It had been even longer since she saw Kane. It felt like she was dreaming again and she had to shake her head several times just to believe it.

"Supreme Commander..! On the doorstep of my own home..?"

He tipped his hat before offering her his hand, as he had done the last time they met. "Emilia, a pleasure to see you."

She barely comprehended the gesture as she took his hand and shook it feverishly in delight. Exactly as she had done the last time. "It's an honor..! I know you've been assisting Valerie with her training, but you didn't need to come."

"-Of course he did." She stepped forward. "You said you wanted to meet my boyfriend, didn't you?"

This news brought even more surprise to her as she gaped at him. Kane merely nodded to confirm her words. This made her gasp as she suddenly withdrew her hand, holding it to her chest and attempting to handle this announcement. The grin stretched to the sides of her face as she looked at them, clasping her hands together proudly. Her daughter and the Supreme Commander...

"Oh, please, come in!"

They were motioned inside and they obliged right away. The house was smaller than what he was used to - a quaint living room with an assortment of collectibles and antiques scattered around. He did notice the art settled on the walls and the couches situated comfortably around a small table and fireplace. The door closed behind them and she eagerly scuffled around. She was still staring at his figure, trying to come to terms with this situation. She's never had such an important guest like him in her own home before!

"You must be worn down from the trip! Can I offer you two some food or drink? Is there anything you'd like at all?"

"We're fine." 'Queen' answered for them as she sat down on one of the couches. Kane took the cue to join her side, keeping his posture upright. Her mother sat in the chair across from them and eyed the two curiously.

"So, the two of you are dating? I hoped it would happen…I knew it would; I just did!"

The other woman bowed her head and avoided their gazes. "You were right about a few... things… "

"You should've read what she wrote to me." She suddenly turned to Kane. "That opera you took her to sounded delightful! She was so happy you brought her...she just couldn't stop gushing about you."

"Why do you have to embarrass me this soon!?"

He chuckled. He suddenly remembered why he liked her. "Is that right?"

"She adores you completely. I can't blame her. You're the most admired man in Valencia. I am so happy you saw good things in my daughter." She folded her hands in her lap and glanced knowingly at her. "And what taste ..! The strongest and most powerful man around-"

She stood from her seat, cutting her off mid-sentence. "I think I will look around. It's been so long since I have been here…"

Emilia followed suit. "But of course, honey. Take all the time you need. Your belongings are in your room - I promise I haven't moved them."

'Queen' motioned for Kane to join her side. He followed without hesitation. Her features lit up as she explored her old home, eyes filled with reminiscence as she trailed fingers over paintings and cooed at old family photographs. She even showed him one of her father - a man in classic seaman uniform, posing proudly for a picture. Her eyes were moist as she held the frame. A tear managed to fall down her cheek as she returned it to the table it respectively sat on. He would've offered her some consolation if she hadn't picked herself up and moved on, admiring the other pictures collected over the years.

They approached a closed door at the end of a small hallway. She sighed as her hand caressed the doorknob. "My room... it has been so long…"

She opened it slowly and started to head inside. He would've followed after her, had he not been suddenly yanked to the side. A small pair of hands grabbed at his arm and pulled him through the hallway, far enough to be out of earshot from 'Queen's room. His form stiffened at the gesture and he whipped around to see the culprit - only to be met with the apprehensive eyes of Emilia's. She had her hands on her hip and leaned closely to him, her usual kind look now replaced with an interrogative one. Her demeanor caught him off-guard.

"What are your intentions?" She asked harshly.

He leaned forward. "Excuse me?"

She frowned as her gaze turned to the opened door. She rubbed her arm thoughtfully. "She just seems so different, now...the way she's talking and acting - I haven't seen her wear a dress like this in years ! Her manners have come back and that beautiful mask...It's hard to recognize her, like this."

"I may be responsible for that. I had been teaching her how to blend in with the rest of Valencia, as she told me she felt too judged from the people around her. We were in a prosperous area at the time, so I bought her the right clothes and taught her how to speak around there. It's been a great advantage for her."

The shorter woman's face softened. "I haven't seen her this happy in a long time…" She cleared her throat before facing him seriously. "I will repeat myself - what are your intentions with my daughter? Do you even plan on marrying her?"

This question made him hold his breath. This wasn't a new thought to him - he considered it awhile ago, though he can't remember when . But he knew the answer. She was almost ready...so close to being how he envisioned - his Queen, to aid his side on the battlefield and in command. She'd grown so beautifully in this time...it wouldn't be long before she was perfect. The answer left his lips as easy as it came.

"Of course. I intended on asking for your blessing."

This surprised her. Then she thought some more and asked, "Do you... love Valerie?"

This one was harder to answer. His chest tightened for a moment and he found he couldn't breathe. This was a matter that hadn't been on his mind - but his body made it very apparent that it should've been. Why else would he be here right now? Instead of preparing for an important war, he was off in the countryside meeting his girlfriend's mother and visiting her old house. It wasn't even hard to convince him to come here - she'd been weakening him over time, to the point where he would do anything for her at the bat of her eye.

That was the thing he despised about this feeling. It made him weak at times - vulnerable when he shouldn't be. He was praised by many in his field for being heartless and ruthless, but it was far from that. The pain and heartbreak he experienced in the past was real. His love and care for his sons, all in the beginning...it was genuine. He had always been capable of feeling, despite trying so hard not to. And even now, after he had grown alone and envisioned his future in solitude...he still felt attached. More so to her than his own work.

His eyes thoughtfully went to the opened door, knowing she was in there. His throat felt dry. The answer was obvious, now.

"..I do." He confessed barely under his breath.

Emilia caught it and smiled endearingly. Before either of them could say anything, 'Queen's voice came from the opened room.

"Kane! Come and look at this!"

He dismissed himself politely before heading towards her room. Emilia allowed him to go and left the vicinity, wanting to give them some privacy for the time being. Kane came inside and found himself in a small room. The walls were crowded with collections of paintings and a few photographs - a small desk and bed sat in the room, as well as some exercise equipment shoved in the corner. He was distracted by the petite figure currently pointing to one of the paintings, situated just at her height on the wall.

He joined her side and curiously looked at her. "What is it?"

"My favorite painting." She answered proudly, wanting him to observe it. "I bought it years ago from a local shop in town. The family that sold it said it was painted by an anonymous visitor who brought many colorful things here. I've always wanted to know what that meant."

Kane was quiet - and for a good reason. The creation sitting before him was something he recognized. A sight he'd seen so long ago...it was a landscape painting of the lake and trees from this area. He suddenly had a flashback to when he last saw this, with a paintbrush in his hand, his old, worn-down clothes situated on his frame...sitting on an uncomfortable stool as he painted the image, while his father watched from behind. The strokes were long and painful. It felt like eternity before he'd ever finished it.

She noted his silence. "Is something wrong?"

A few moments passed before he told her. "I painted this."

"What?"

"That is one of my old paintings. If memory serves right..." He stepped forward and grabbed the painting from the wall, carefully turning it in his hands and noting his small signature written in the corner. "..I always painted my initials in the bottom left."

'Queen' was in pure disbelief. She grabbed it from him and searched for herself. Her jaw fell open. There were his initials, bright as day - K.V.! She'd seen them back on his handkerchief, that fateful day after she was injured...she wondered why it looked so familiar. She had no clue who had been the artist until now. All of those nights wondering who would have painted her favorite creation, dreaming night and day of what hand made those strokes...it had been him all along.

"But how ..?" Is all she managed.

"My father was a famous toymaker back in the day. He visited the countryside hoping the rich families would want to buy his toys. I was brought along - he would have me paint the scenery and people on the streets, in order to sell them for gold. We visited Tuscany a long time ago - this painting was made that same day."

She stared at him for a long time. She wasn't even sure what to say. The words left her lips without any thought. "So I have known your art this entire time.."

He smiled. "It seems like it."

"I can't believe it...how old were you when you made this..!? All of the professionals, the masters and their canvases I've seen...they never met the quality as this.."

"I was quite young, in my teenage years I believe. It was mostly practice back then. I should show you my more recent works - they're much better than my old commissions."

Her lip began to wobble as her eyes watered. He hadn't lied to her at all. Not only was he an artist, but...he was her favorite of all time! She truly did fall in love with her idol...after insisting the Supreme Commander was only a celebrity - he was capable of so much more than controlling an army. She held the artwork close before gently setting it down on her bed. She started to gather things around the room wordlessly.

"I should get my things together…" She mumbled. "We can load them on the ship now and not have to worry about it later."

"Please, allow me." He insisted, taking the material from her hands. "It is a far walk. I'll take care of all of it."

She watched with impressed eyes as he easily lifted everything and gathered them in his arms and hands, giving her a polite bow of the head before leaving the room. He moved everything to their front patio to prepare to load on the ship. She thanked him for the help and gave him a kiss on his lips before he left. She gazed in his direction as he walked off. Once she was alone, she heard the footsteps of her mother joining her side.

"Valerie." She spoke with a hand on her arm. "We should catch up."

"So, how are you doing?"

'Queen' set down her cup of tea as she watched Emilia sit down beside her. They were situated in the dining room, now. It was a bigger room than the others, fitting a table that used to sit her family back in the day. There were a couple of candles in the middle of the table as well as a fresh vase of flowers. She tapped her cup a couple of times before smiling and lowering her head.

"I am doing very well. Better than I have ever been. I've met so many people and seen so many things...none of this would've been possible if I hadn't left home."

"And I am so proud!" She leaned forward and pinched her cheek teasingly. "My soldier is becoming a woman all over again...I have not seen you this way for a long time, topolina ."

"I feel true to myself again. I wish I had never changed. But then I wouldn't have met Kane...you could say things just worked out."

She heard her chair move and picked up her head. Emilia looked at her sternly. "You know it is my duty to ask; I would for any man that would've taken you. Are you positive you want to be with the Supreme Commander?"

She didn't even hesitate. "Of course I do. He makes me happy."

"That is all I need to know, then." She sat back in her seat with a pleased smile. "You just seem so different...but it is a good change. I am confident he will keep taking good care of you."

"You always look out for me, mamma ...I promise I will visit again. This will not be the last time you see me."

"It better not be..! I may as well march up to your new house if that were the case." She giggled. "You're living with Kane now, aren't you? I bet his house is beautiful."

"Yes, it's very lovely; but that was more recent. I had been in Florenza much longer, and now I am in Cadiz. That is where the castle is - did I tell you I met the King and Queen?"

" Non mi dire !" Her mother furiously slammed her hands on the table. "How did you manage that?"

"Kane is close with them and he wanted us to meet. Or, at least his Majesty wanted to see me. Their castle is big and breathtaking; I hope that I can take you there someday. I know you would love to meet Casimir. He is very kind - and her majesty is just as beautiful."

" Oddio Mio …it would be a dream to do that. I hope you do not forget about me, with all the luxury you're in..."

She laughed. "Of course not."

They exchanged a few more words. 'Queen' asked how her mother had been faring and wanted to know what her friends were up to. The rest of the conversation was pleasant and killed enough time that when their drinks were finished, Kane returned. He informed her that all her things were now on the ship. He offered her a hand and helped her out of the seat like a gentleman. Emilia sprang to her feet and suddenly hugged the Supreme Commander. She nearly knocked him off his feet.

"Thank you for taking care of my Valerie." She told him. Kane looked completely taken aback at the gesture.

"...All my pleasure," He insisted, patting her back with uncertainty. She soon withdrew and went to hug her daughter.

"You two are going to leave now, aren't you?" 'Queen' sadly nodded at her words. "Just make sure you return soon...it gets a little lonely out here, at times."

"We will. Take care of yourself…"

They took one last stroll around her old house, admiring the gardens and beautiful ponds that were around. They soon bid goodbye to its resident, and finally headed on the path back to the shore. She held tightly onto his gloved hand and he did the same. Their walk was peaceful and quiet, beyond the sounds of the ocean from afar. 'Queen' felt satisfied and even joyful for their trip here. It was nice seeing and speaking with her mother again...her hand went to her pearl necklace out of habit and touched them again. Seeing that picture of her father made her so sentimental…

"It may be late when we get back. We still had good timing today." His deep voice informed her. She nodded along to his words.

"Thank you for coming with me. I know you didn't really want to, but it meant a lot that you did." She leaned over and kissed him on the unmasked part of his cheek. He felt lighter. It made all of this worth it.

"This is the last time I can do something like this." He informed her seriously. "You'll start getting me in trouble otherwise."

"More than I already have?" She replied flirtatiously. His knowing look confirmed her words.

They boarded their ship after entering the docks. The men aboard tended to her things and hastily set sail. The wind was harsh on their way back - she and Kane retreated to the cabin to escape the cold. They sat together at a table and ate a small dinner, as they would not return in time to have it at their home. She momentarily set down her fork as her thoughts wandered. She just couldn't get it out of her mind that he made her favorite painting. And his story about it...he seldom talked about his father or revealed much about his past. She wanted to know all about it - to get to know his own father like he knew her mother...to learn more past Gazpaccio's name and occupation - the missing part of his family she had yet to meet.

"Kane?" She asked quietly. He looked up from his food and gave her his full attention.

"Yes?"

"What was your father like?"

He went quiet at her question. He took a couple of bites in the silence and she understood that he wasn't going to answer. She decided to change the question.

"Were you close with him? You said he taught you about clockwork, if he was a toymaker, then-"

"-I don't want to talk about it." He interrupted.

She opened her mouth to inquire further until she heard his fork roughly scratch at the plate. He was normally so mindful when he ate. She hushed down and sat back in her seat with a frown. Perhaps it was too sensitive of a topic at the wrong time. She noticed his look turned troubled and his smile had fallen. Like something was troubling his mind. He moved slower through dinner, avoiding her eye contact and saying very little. Some guilt started to settle in the pit of her stomach and she bit her lip, turning her head away from him painfully.

...Why doesn't he want to talk about this?