Looking out the large windows of the palace's ballroom, Queen Calliope Torres looked over her city with the slightest crease in her brow. She could barely see the flags of these 'United Kingdoms' fluttering in the smog and smoke choked winds. When her mother united the squabbling nations of these islands, she doubted the woman would ever have foreseen the urban sprawl that Callie looked upon now. So much had changed since those flags were sewn by hand in a back alley shop. Now hundreds were pumped out by the day from machines of spinning gears, pipes, needles and so much more.
"Much has changed even in our lifetime, your grace," Alexandra Grey said as she stepped up beside her queen, the handmaiden only using the formal honorific in this public setting. Behind them the soft music of violins carried over the gentle chatter and clinking of glasses between the nobles and those wealthy enough they might as well be nobles.
Callie sighed as she was brought out of her reverie by Lexie's ever cheerful demeanour. She was a good handmaid and a great friend but sometimes the brunette got way too excited.
She moved her gloved hands over her opulent gown that had intricate lace detailing. She loathed such gatherings. Her keen interest was in politics and running her reign smoothly but her father always took advantage of such gatherings to bring suitors for her from time to time. Though, he knew well of Callie's interest in the fairer sex, the man paid no heed and had told her that this would be something she will get over with once she found the right suitor. But Callie was as stubborn as her father, she never showed any interest in any of her father's recommendations.
She had been practising abstinence for 10 years now. That's what her old flame had done to her. Ruined her for any other suitor. And she hated her old flame passionately for the same. She was naive back then, when she was younger. She sent out carriages after carriages to look out for her lover, but with time she understood that the woman didn't want to be found.
That what they shared, didn't matter.
Men of high standing and most often soldiers with impeccable credentials often approached her in such gatherings, trying to impress her with their charm. Somehow none impress her in the way a girl of romantic disposition believes they should. They are charming and cultured but at the same time, bold and lacking in tenderness. It is feared among her elders that Callie will grow old and alone, a spinster. At thirty years of age she is already considered by many, to be on the shelf.
No-one could possibly know the depths of Callie's passion, her love of life and her desire to find the missing piece of the puzzle that is her life. It had been 10 years and yet most of her evenings were spent remembering that one old flame or in company of her friends Alexandra Grey, Margaret Pierce and Josephine Wilson, which only caused a deeper quandary for her. Why is it that none of her suitors please her? Why is it that she prefers the company of friends at the theatre or those oh so many cotillions? Perhaps familiarity is the easy answer.
Her whale bone corset was tightly laced and the reams of satin, beneath which reside seemingly endless layers of flannel and crinoline ended in a gaudy flounce. Topping it all was a bustle as large and ungainly as a melon. Her hair was styled into elaborate curls and decorated with jewels that matched her outfit perfectly. Quite the ordeal.
And now having navigated the winding staircase without entangling herself in yards of cloth, the long process of introductions for tonight was about to begin.
It was a simple party, compared to the balls and dalliances held in years past. But the war across the channel had drained the coffers. Still, now that victory and peace was upon them, etiquette dictated a celebration of some manner. Not just for those who led upon the battlefield, but those whose wallets had aided crown and country while the young took their rifles to bear upon the foe.
"And it will continue. At the rate the parliament rises in prominence, my grand-daughter will probably be queen in title alone," Callie said, but eased the frown on her face and put on a practised smile as she turned to Alexandra.
"You should attend to the guests, your grace. Moments like this will stave that moment off for a time."
"Perhaps. Once it was easy to know who was friend and foe in court. But lineage becomes less prevalent with each year, and it is becoming impossible to know who will hold the ears of the commoners, much less the seeming nobility, from one week to the next."
"Just so your grace. But the guest of honour should be arriving momentarily. One of the servants told me he was just arriving, with a young woman at his side."
"It seems war hasn't slackened his desires, or his taste for controversy. How that man has kept the parliament from demanding his titles, I shall never know."
"People love a hero, your grace. General Timothy is a more popular man than even the Prime Minister."
"According to the opposition, many are more popular than our Prime Minister," Callie let out a gentle sigh.
"Let us go and greet him then shall we?" Callie said, walking forwards through the gathering of the influential. She took note of the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition near one of the walls in heated debate. If not for etiquette they would have been at blows by now, Callie was sure. Others bowed and curtsied in their carefully tailored suits and gowns as she walked through the party. In turn she offered a gracious nod of her head, greeting each by name, asking after spouses and children. Inquiring into businesses she knew they were involved in, if acquisition deals had gone through, or if there were still rumours of a strike. Was trade still flowing from the colonies, despite their recent independence.
They of course told her all was well. Judging by the words that flowed from their lips, all was perfect in the capital of these United Kingdoms, and in the world beyond its sprawl. But Callie did not keep the crown on her head by believing anything told to her in polite conversation. Beyond the shores of these islands the world was on the verge of something terrible. Even among the hills and forests of her homeland, ideologies were shifting, and power changing hands.
Following just behind the queen, Alexandra took careful note of the words used. Which ones would require deeper peering, and which could simply be waved off.
Then the two footmen standing on the other side of the room's entrance pushed the doors open. Resplendent in his bright red jacket with gold braided cord running over both shoulders, freshly pleated black slacks, well shined black riding boots, and his officer's sabre sheathed at his hip in its polished scabbard, the Earl of Rosehill, General Timothy Robbins, entered the room. He was grinning as he snapped his heels together and gave a bow to the queen. All while everyone in the room applauded, knowing that it was his final victory that had been able to secure such an advantageous peace treaty with the foe.
With most eyes upon the General, Callie tried to glance around him, to see who this woman he had deemed appropriate for the Palace was.
Timothy rose, and waved his hands, calling the room to quiet. The silence spread in a wave as everyone waited to hear what the hero had to say.
"Thank you, thank you esteemed ladies and gentlemen, your grace. But, victory in Flanders was not won by my hand. Please, let me introduce the true hero of Flanders. Captain Arizona Robbins," the general stepped aside, and there was shocked silence.
Entering the doorway was a young woman who wore steeliness as her expression, her blonde hair pulled into a tight and neat ponytail. Any traditional beauty though was marred by the faint scar across her left cheek. Her military jacket was long in the back and coloured dark green with black trimming; even the buttons were darkened. A freshly forged sabre was sheathed at her hip; a battlefield commission then. Her boots had scuffs from the road, yet they still clicked sharply when she brought them together and bowed before the crowd.
Callie froze. For she will recognise this woman anywhere. Arizona was her first. The woman who broke her heart. The woman who showed her the moon and disappeared after their first union. After all these years, those ocean eyes still carried a depth that startled her but they now lacked the joyfulness of youth. Callie tried to keep her expressions as neutral as possible, not letting the entire ballroom know that internally she was about to have a meltdown. After all these years, she never expected to meet Arizona like this.
As Arizona rose, she stood at rigid attention, and looked a bit embarrassed as everyone stared at her. No one expected a woman to be a hero. Her eyes stayed trained straight. Even General Timothy looked about nervously, wondering if he had finally overstepped his bounds.
"To the hero of Flanders," Callie said, letting her voice carry across the room as she began the applause.
Arizona's head moved a little, eyes settling on the face whose voice she just heard, for the first time in 10 years. A royal woman who treated her like nothing but a slave. A woman who made her believe in love but broke her heart, repeatedly. Princess Calliope Torres was a queen now, Arizona would have never agreed to enter this reign had she known about the same. She didn't even know that Callie's kingdom Earstfall was one of the countries that got merged and Callie herself has risen so high in ranks. She hated this woman with passion. Calliope Torres was the reason why she had turned off her emotions. Gone soulless. Maybe Callie didn't remember her. It had been 10 years and 23 days.
Everyone else hurried to catch up with Callie's applause, and inwardly Callie thanked them for respecting a true hero, though she did catch the glance that Alexandra threw her way from the crowd. She moved inside swiftly, standing at the center of the room, joining the crowd in the applause.
As the applause died out, General Timothy let out a visible breath, and he turned to say a few quiet words to Captain Robbins. He motioned for other notable soldiers from his regiment to enter the ballroom, who came in and stood at the door, at a notable distance from the guests of honour. Arizona gave Timothy a short nod, before her eyes roamed the room. Callie let her attention shift quickly to the General, who stopped just before her and bowed.
"General Timothy, Earl you may be, but it seems we have your military mind to thank. We have heard much of your victory, and I'm sure many here would love to hear the details. Though, I find your choice in companion curious. A woman, in uniform," Callie said, keeping her expression neutral.
"It would seem, your grace, that despite unifying the crowns into one, those in the North still cling to certain... more savage traditions. And it certainly shows on the battlefield. Captain Robbins, woman she may be, has a mind for battle. I have done nothing. It's all her winning. I shall also propose for her to be a General soon. Though I might add, I do not hold any interest in companionship with her. She's like a sister I never had" Timothy said, and Callie visibly relaxed as she cast her eyes over to the captain who stood near the entrance still, hands folded behind her back.
"I'm sure Boadicea caused a stir when she took rule of her people. Our history is full of stories of women who fight, and rule. The days are changing, and gentlemanly war fare is coming to an end. It is good to know that our perhaps most esteemed General, is ready to change as the world does," Callie said, then let her eyes return to Timothy, who was smiling. The indentations in his cheek similar to that of Arizona's. Surely they can pass as siblings.
"Warfare has stayed stagnant for so long, your grace. It will be frightening to many, even among your own Chief Staff."
"I will imagine it will be the same for our rivals. I want you to start training our senior officers. We cannot let a single victory make us complacent."
"It is good to know your grace has an eye for the less glorious ways of battle. It will be done."
"Then we are pleased. But, this is a celebration for your victory. Go mingle. See what trouble you can narrowly avoid today," Callie said, and offered Timothy a soft smile. The man laughed in turn.
"You know me well your grace. But that doesn't surprise me either. With your leave," Timothy bowed once more, then was near immediately pulled away and into conversation. Alexandra was almost immediately at Callie's side.
"A woman, in uniform, bearing scars of battle, and you supported her publicly. You know this will not go over well with Parliament your grace, and the Opposition will use it to their advantage," she said in a low yet conversational whisper.
"Then, perhaps it is time to remind them who is sovereign."
"Is that wise your grace?"
"Perhaps, perhaps not. But it is certainly a bold move. And these are the days of bold moves. How else would the likes of Mr. Stark be invited to the Palace," Callie said, gesturing to an aging man with a monocle over one eye.
Alexandra held in a smirk, though Callie did take note of the slight twitch in her lips. After a final curtsy, she slipped back among the crowd, leaving Callie to her own machinations. The Queen stood for a few moments in the middle of the room, before making up her mind and walking towards the soldier standing by the doorway.
She could all but feel Alexandra's frustration, and if Callie was honest with herself, that amused her somewhat.
As the queen approached, Captain Robbins snapped her heels together and bowed. Callie took note, with another light smirk toying with her lips, of the specks of dirt that came off those scuffed boots.
"Even the General doesn't snap his heels when speaking to us directly. It's refreshing to see such respect again," Callie said as Arizona stood properly, the movement from her bow making the tightly tied tail of hair bounce along the back of her neck.
"As it please, your grace," Arizona said, her tone cold as ice, and Callie couldn't help but flinch. She almost regretted the sound though as she took note of the reddening cheeks. The woman was entirely on her back foot in this place. And the still healing gash stitched on her cheek told how much she had seen and faced in Flanders alone.
"It does, but please. Relax. It seems this party is as much for you as General Timothy. Yet here you are, by your lonesome."
Arizona let her gaze move back to Callie's decorated face. Calliope Torres has forgotten all about her, she was sure of that now.
At the suggestion to relax, Arizona let her heel drift apart, and folded her hands behind her back. It looked like the parade rest that Callie had seen on so many ceremonial military functions.
"All due respect your grace, but is it? I may have been given the rank of officer, but I am still a commoner with barely a quid to my name," Arizona's northern accent was indeed still so beautiful to listen to, even if rougher than most that Callie encountered hailing from beyond the ancient wall. It reminded her of the nights they had sat exchanging folk tales theories.
"Many of those in here were little more than commoners themselves. Picking their way upwards with hard work and ingenuity."
Callie had now earned herself a genuine smile from the woman. Maybe they can have a restart? Though, she felt a hint of sarcasm from the tilt in the captain's head.
"Yet they are not. They were invited here by royal hand, while I was all but smuggled in. Not a one of them would bleed on the fields, not a one of them would work in the factories. I doubt any of them even get coal smudges on their shoes despite owning factories. Your grace, if you think me and them are on the same level, you don't know your people very well," Arizona said, her voice dripping with venom. How dare the royalty even act like she knew what it's like to be a commoner. But then her smirk faded as she seemed to realize how she'd spoken to the crown.
Pursing her lips, Callie thought for a moment of a reaction. This Captain Robbins was so much different from the Arizona she knew.
"Perhaps you are right. Though, you are a hero now, and the Kingdoms will soon know your name. Printed in papers and distributed. You have earned yourself a seat among the high-rankers, the royalty. A shame about your cheek though. It does look awfully painful," Callie said, trying to offer a peace treaty. She wished they weren't in such a public setting.
"I don't know about that, your grace. If I were a man, it'd be quite dashing," came the almost immediate retort.
"How true. But tell us, Hero, do you plan on returning home?" Callie was desperate to know how long Arizona was planning to stick around this time.
Arizona tilted her head slightly, her left eyebrow scarcely rising above the other.
"Not, home. But my company does come from the North, and I'll be heading to rejoin them soon. We're a standing unit so it'll be some time before I see home again."
"Of course. The Rangers have shown their skill and professionalism again and again. From the colonies to the mainland. But you deserve some rest... for we have plans for you Captain..." the Queen trailed off, lifting her hand upwards, resting a knuckle against her lips. One thing she was sure of was that she will not let Arizona walk away before she has her answers. Callie needed to know why it was so easy for Arizona to forget everything, when she can't spent a moment alone without reminiscing.
For her part, Arizona glanced around the room again. Was she looking for ways out? Or was it something else.
"Where are you staying this evening, before your journey?" Callie finally said.
"I was going to rent a room down at an inn on the Thames."
"No. That simply will not do for a hero of these United Kingdoms. You will stay here in the Palace this evening. Don't worry, it will be arranged. We have plans for you Captain Robbins. We hope you are prepared for a very different kind of battlefield," Callie said.
"As prepared as I think I could be your grace," Arizona said, maintaining utmost professionalism and the Queen smiled.
"At least this evening will be more pleasant than Flanders was."
"Perhaps, your grace. The French women were very pretty," Arizona said, and Callie's eyes immediately widened at the insinuation. Her jaw tightened, eyes burning with loathe.
"I'm sure they were. Did you left some money on their nightstand this time when you left them in the morning? Or do you still leave letters proclaiming your undying love?" Callie snapped, in a low whisper.
So Callie hasn't forgotten.
Arizona's eyes widened and she snapped her mouth closed as her cheeks reddened again.
"Enjoy the party Captain. Do try and mingle, We are sure some would love to hear your tales. We shall be in touch," Callie spat and made to leave. Captain Robbins promptly snapped her heels with the sharp click of hard leather and bowed once again. Callie let her eyes linger just a moment before she walked away.
Arizona felt her fellow Captain Theodora Altman, step just a step behind her. "Her Majesty? That's the woman for whom you have been sleeping around with everything on two legs for years now? It's her isn't it? The reason you swore off commitment?" Theodora hissed in shock. She has been Arizona's friend ever since they joined the same regiment. Theodora wasn't a soldier, she worked as a doctor to help the wounded soldiers. Though the whole regiment knew about Arizona's sexuality and respected her for her bravery nonetheless, Theodora shared a special bond with the blonde soldier.
"She wasn't a queen back then. And I don't sleep with everything….only women" Arizona said as her eyes stayed on Callie, who was effortlessly chatting up a crowd. Not even slightest bothered with seeing her after all these years.
It did not take long for Alexandra to be at her side. Callie kept a careful guard of her expression as she moved guest to guest, speaking to each of them. Dropping little hints of the information she had hoarded away. Of the power she could still wield. Finally, in a pause of conversations, Alexandra cornered her near a window, away from the crowd and spoke.
"I saw the way you looked at her. No. We can't let a common woman be a part of your political gains "
Callie took a deep breath and looked down, "She's the one, Lexie"
"You just met her and you are already calling her the one?"
"No. She's 'the one'", Callie insisted as she met Alexandra's confused eyes.
Recognition registered on Alexandra's face as she moved her gaze to the soldier across the room. She had been Callie's friend & trusted handmaid for years now, and she knew all about Callie's interest in women and the woman who broke her heart. It's a secret between them that not even Josephine and Margaret were aware of.
"Still. No. It's more dangerous than ever then." Alexandra added
"Yes. As I said, it is a time for boldness. And I need Captain Arizona Robbins as an ally. She will have the attention of the public, and I would have hers. It is the public the Opposition claims to support, and if we control the narrative, we can undermine them," Callie said, turning to face her friend and handmaiden, but glanced over her shoulder to regard Arizona. She just needs to keep this association as political as possible.
The Captain found herself in conversation with Mr. Shepherd, a man who had offered a great amount of money to the Crown's coffers for the war. Whatever she was saying, it certainly appeared she had him on the back foot. It only made Callie like her more.
"Send a letter to Mr. Richard Webber this evening. Tell him I have a story for him," Callie said, and Alexandra nodded, hiding her own smile. It seemed the handmaiden agreed with this course of action at least.
"And see what else you can discover about our dear Captain. I want to know everything about her. Enemies closer was always a foolish suggestion in court, when you never know who your enemies are."
"Isn't it everyone, your grace?"
"Very nearly my dear."
"I shall have it attended to. While you, attend our hero," Alexandra said, giving another curtsy as she fluttered away. The woman was such a viper.
And that's why Callie kept her draped over her shoulders.
The room smelled of burned whale oil from the lamps, and Arizona found she preferred the gunsmoke of the battlefield. At least it was better than the choking coal scent that was filling the streets of the capital, and all its shops that plied far too much incense to hide the scent. Even the prostitutes were wearing far too much perfume, though luckily Arizona had grown to enjoy that particular scent.
And all the French lasses, hardly wore any. Which, considering the stories coming from Paris, was a slight surprise to Arizona. But, they had known how to use their tongues far better than many north of the channel. Even Arizona had learned a thing or two.
With a sigh she removed her sabre and tossed it on the bed. The sword rattled slightly inside it's scabbard and bounced on a mattress that seemed more comfortable than any she'd lain on before. That at least Arizona was looking forward to. She then turned and sat on one of the chairs in the room, thankful to be off her feet. The party, supposedly in her honour, had been dreadfully boring. They had wanted to hear tales from the battle, but had gotten shocked and frightened when she started relaying the blood and the screams that she'd partaken in. Perhaps forgetting that she was no general that sat on a horse in the rear to overlook, to send commands, not to partake.
Letting out a sigh, and wishing she'd not been brought to such admittedly nice rooms, Arizona leaned down to start working off one of her boots. She could have been in a run down inn right now, savouring the scent of a woman of the night, who was seemingly happy to be making coins and not being thrust into with her back to a wall. They didn't care about her attractions; just her coin.
Arizona was glad she was able to woo one of the maids with her war stories tonight though, the woman was so enamoured that she all but threw herself on Arizona, when she dragged her to solitaire of one of the many rooms of the Palace. It was quick and dirty and didn't involved the coming out of clothes, but it was all that Arizona needed after running into Queen Calliope Torres. She needed not to think of the queen.
Callie had looked so magnificent in her ruby red gown tonight. Skin shining as fiery copper, lips painted a tempting scarlet, hair as dark as night adorned in a delicate way—every bit of woman that's unreachable and off limits to Arizona. It had always been this way. She's the royalty, Arizona was a commoner. They were like opposite banks of the river that walk parallelly, but never meet. 10 years ago, she had learned this rule from Callie herself.
A soft knock at the wall startled Arizona. She sat up, staring at the overly detailed wallpaper. Slowly she rose from her chair, and took up her sabre from the bed. One hand gripping the scabbard, the fingers of the other slowly curling around the grip, she looked towards the wall. She pushed down on her left foot, slipping her boot firmly back into place.
"Hello?" she said, unsure if she should be whispering or shouting.
There was another soft knock, before the sound of metal clicking. Like lock tumblers falling into place, making Arizona's brow crease. She let a few inches of steel show between hilt and scabbard. When the wall quietly began to swing open, Arizona wished she could have been surprised by discovering secret passages in the Palace. What was the surprise though was seeing the Queen personal handmaiden entering the room, holding a candle on a thin bronze tray.
"Captain. Your presence is requested," the woman said softly, and Arizona let out a breath, snapping her sword home.
Secret passages and personal handmaidens passing on requests that weren't truly requests. Arizona was starting to regret accepting this commission.
She started forward, and the handmaiden's eyes flicked for a moment to the sword at the captain's hip. In the end, she said nothing. Instead, leading the way through a labyrinth of hallways and stairwells. All hidden within the walls of the palace. The doors were much more obvious on this side, and Arizona wondered where there popped out. Whose rooms, which back chambers.
How much had this handmaiden gleamed simply by knowing her way through this maze? Without the lamps that lit much of the Palace, the place smelled of wood, plaster, and dust. It was dark, with only a candle's flame protected by a cupped hand to light the way. It threw the handmaiden's shadow across the ceiling in twisting patterns, thrown asunder ever more by the cobwebs clinging to wooden beams. The two continued to creep through these secret passages.
It felt longer than it was, but the two reached one of the hidden doors. The handmaiden stood to the side as she pulled a key out from the folds of her dress, and unlocked the door. She gently pushed it open, revealing a long and opulent room, though it was lit only by a few fluttering candles. Arizona glanced to the handmaiden, who only gently waved her hand and walked away.
Arizona entered, pleasantly surprised by the lack of whale oil scent. She looked around, as she heard the door closing behind her, and quickly found the actual entrance to the room. A bedroom she found shortly after, by the sight of the four corner bed against one wall. White silk drapes hung low over it, obscuring any that might be resting within. The room was opulent to say the least, traces of gold, rose and silk omnipresent and overpowering. Nothing like Arizona had ever seen before.
The Queen though was sitting at a small table, holding a small tea cup. As Arizona clued in to where she was, the Queen rose and gestured to a seat around the table. Arizona was about to clap her heels together, but the Queen rose a hand.
"No ceremony here, Arizona. Let us talk as two people. Now please, sit," Callie said.
"It's Captain Robbins, your grace." was Arizona's curt reply.