The Red Roses

Chapter 5: Life in Falconia and Rickett's return

/

It has been a few months since the final battle and I have gotten back into my usual duty as being Queen of Midland…or rather…Queen of Falconia. I was made Queen of this capital and suddenly all the nostalgia of my old life came rushing back to me all at once, the only difference was that father was no longer with me. During our time of peace and prosperity, my dearest sister married Lord Richard and both are quite happy together as I would do my regular duties as I had in Midland; attend important meetings, approve and sign documents, write down new laws and doctrines for the new capital, and most importantly tend to the people. Every day I would sit on my throne for an hour or two and listen to the people and their grievances and concerns and, unlike when I was the royal representative of the people, I would take action and try to elevate all their grievances, from housing and crops to petty differences between neighbors. But unlike back when I was in Midland, my people have taken to me as if I were some type of goddess. In the middle of the Capital they built a beautiful statue of Griffith and I and leaving flowers and such around it. Even when I am seeing to my people, before they would leave the throne room they would leave me an 'offering' as you might say. They would give me flowers, fruits, vegetables, music and even animals. I spoke to the pope about this and he said these presents they give are in no offense to God so I may take them with no worry. My life has become like that of a dream, a dream I have now finally realized with the help of my beloved Griffith. I, Apple Elizabeth Cortina Maria Antoinette, am the Queen of the Ultimate Empire and it feels oh so right…but why does something feel so wrong?

For the past couple of days I have been getting strange dreams, nightmares from my past when I was a princess have for some reason resurfaced themselves.

*dream*

I dreamt of being in a place shrouded in darkness, but unlike my dreams back when I was hostage, the darkness was cold and extremely unpleasant. I could hear the screams of men being ripped apart, screaming for their lives and the grizzly sound of bones being crushed. I was so scared but I felt as though…as though I have already relived this before. Suddenly the darkness parted and a darker figure stood at the end. My feelings were torn, I wanted to run towards the figure with all my might, yet I felt as though I shouldn't be near it at all. When the figure turned around, all I saw were these bright glowing red eyes, they were so sharp and piercing it immobilized my whole body. The figure slowly walked towards me while I myself am planted firmly on the ground. As he stood in front of me, his clawed hands hold me gently as I start to hear the screaming again. I look behind the figure and what I saw stopped the breath in my throat and tears started to fill my eyes. I saw Guts with his arm in the jaws of gigantic creature beaten and bruised up glaring forward. I gazed my vision to what he was glaring at and saw he was actually glaring at the shadowy figure who was…raping Miss Casca. My eyes were bright and wide at the sight, the same creature who was raped Miss Casca was the same creature who is holding me at this moment. I released myself from him and I saw that instead of the leathery creature, it was my beloved Griffith. I gasped in shock while slowly backing away.

He walked towards me saying "isn't this what you wanted my dearest, you wanted the crown, the kingdom, everything. You said so yourself you'd do anything to get it and I did everything to give it to you"

I looked at him and back to the scene of him raping Miss Casca in front of Guts and said "no…no I never wanted that. Is this even real? Is it real?"

Suddenly his image melted into four disturbed figures. The female figure, as I am to guess is female, state "what a bother, it seems with her new powers she is starting to remember the past we erased"

The second larger ball shaped figure said "It does not matter whether she does remember or not. Her fate has been sealed as our blessed Queen, She chose her path and now she will walk it for eternity with our blessed King"

The smaller ball shaped figure chuckled loudly before saying "yes, her heart is balanced in dark and light, death and life, she is the one and no matter what she chooses, she will always chose this"

Finally the largest of all the figures with the distorted head proclaimed "Blessed Queen, you're ambition got you where you are now and our power will keep you there for the rest of this eternity. You wanted everything and you got exactly what you wished for. It does not matter the people who were sacrificed, the people who were collateral damage, you wished it and we granted it, just not for free as you know have realized"

I looked at the figures as they got bigger and I shout at them "but is this real? Did this truly happen? And what of my forgotten days? Do you know of them? Tell me what I want to know?"

The last figure chuckled at my outburst and stated "we cannot reveal what you have lost, but your beloved, however, can give you back the days you have lost in the past" He points over past me towards the figure that made out Griffith and said "Go to your blessed King and he will give you back what you have lost".

*Dream end*

I screamed from my dreams with a fright grabbing the blanket over me and holding it to my chest. The guards burst into my room with swords at hand with one of the guards saying "Your highness are you alright? Is there an intruder?"

I looked around and saw it was actually morning time and light was flooding in my room for all to see. I lessened my grip on the blanket and sat it back down on my lap and turned towards the guards with a fake dazzling smile before saying "it is nothing, just a small nightmare, please do not be alarmed. Return to your stations and thank you for such a quick response. I am happy I can rest easy with such amazing guards ensuring my safety"

The guards blushed at my comment and bowed before closing the door and leaving me alone in this room. I looked over the side of me and saw my beloved was not next to me, clearly he must have went off to get ready for the funeral rite service today, and as so, I must too get ready. I pushed my dream to the back of my mind and readied myself for the service. My specially picked handmaidens came in and lead me to the bathroom where I was bathed in sweet smelling oils and had my hair detangled, combed and brushed.

For today's service I decided to wear a black cotton gown with 4 petticoats, white ruffles going down the front to my waist and long puffed out sleeves and came to my finger tips and with white designs and ruffles going through the dress . I had my hair wrapped up in a neat and elegant bun with a few random stray hairs left out on purpose. My headdress was also in all black and came with a silk vail that went down my back and fitted perfectly with my dress with its white ruffles and opal jewels with the cross dangling from my headdress and black high heels. I looked in the mirror and checked myself, I looked in the mirror and saw this beautiful goddess like woman staring back at me in content. Sometimes I would look at myself to remind myself what I now look like, since the day that Falconia was erected.

I arrived at the great mass hall with everyone else as I made my way to the people to give them comfort to about their loved ones. Today's mass was to honor those who have lost their lives in the journey to Falconia and to honor the brave soldiers who protected them. The young and the old, men, women, children were all here to honor their loved ones and to bid them a final farewell. I, being the Queen, went to all the citizens I could to give them comfort in their time of need, whispering words of comfort to lift their spirits and they were ever grateful, that not only were their loved ones to be buried here in the castle, but that their own queen would personally come to their comforting aid. All in all I understand how these people feel, I had lost father two years ago and the pain still throbs in my heart knowing I will never see his smile or hear his laugh again.

As the mass was about to begin, an usher boy came to me as I was comforting a woman and her son who had lost their father to illness and said "Your Majesty, you are needed up front so we may begin"

I nod to him and say to the woman "you and your son be strong, this is a day to celebrate your husband's great life on earth, honor his memory with your love and laughter"

The woman took both my hands in hers and says sobbing "Bless you Queen Apple, Blessed be with you"

I give her a final hug and pat the son on the head saying "you're the man of your house, protect your mother"

He gave me a tearful nod and I give him a final smile before I make my way up towards the alter where I stand on the side next to a high ranked priest on the platform where the pope and two choirboys stood.

He looked up into the mass as the choir boys sung a hymn and I closed my eyes and prayed silently as I listened to the words of the pope "sons of man, daughters of woman, are blessed, and speed to the side of our lord. Without sorrow, without regret."

And with those words spoken, Griffith and Sonia soon appear on the platform. Griffith looked as radiant as ever in his all white armor and Sonia wearing the garb of a high priestess. Suddenly Griffith closed his eyes and just like that, the spirits of the undead suddenly appear to him as they had back when we were at the forest base camp back when he first rescued me. When I first saw this I had thought Griffith might have been an angel for the sight itself was like that from a scene in the Holy Scriptures, but it's seems he is more than that….much more. My thoughts were once again pushed back as he moved his hand towards the crowd and guided the spirits towards the crowd, and the spirits then morphed into the physical beings of those we have lost, saying their final good byes to their loved ones. The sight itself, even now, was exceptionally moving, I felt light tears trickle down my cheek watching the final interaction before the spirits found peace in heaven. In my own mind I truly envied these people, to get to have one final goodbye with their loved ones before their crossing, I wished I could have had the same opportunities to do the same with my father, but I guess things just happen for a reason.

After the goodbyes were finally said, the spirits moved on to the afterlife and mass was over, I was stopped by the pope as he said "Your Majesty, we must meet and discuss some important duties your majesty, perhaps in the courtyards later"

I look at him smiling and say "very well, your holiness, I will see that both Griffith and I are present this afternoon"

He smiled gently and made his way out through the double doors. The pope truly is a sweet man, he kind of reminds me of a grandfather. I, suddenly, felt a hand go around my shoulders and I instantly knew it was Griffith.

He pulled me gently to him and asks "did you enjoy service my dearest?"

I placed my hand on top of his and looked out at the departing people and said "it was bittersweet, I am sad for these people, for that was the last time they would ever see their loved ones again. I know of that feeling all too well to lose someone you hold in your heart. First it was my mother, then Uncle Julius, cousin Adonis, Father and for a time….you"

Griffith must have sensed my distress and turned me around facing him and put four of his fingers under my chin and lifted my head up towards him as he wore a serious expression "Apple, I love you, and I will never leave you alone, not ever, after everything we have been through, everything that has happened, all that you have done for me and I you…I couldn't possibly see myself with anyone else in this world but you and you alone. I made a vow to you and I intend to keep every word of it"

This made me blush quite noticeably and shy gaze away to the interesting tile floors. He chuckles at this gesture and kisses my cheek, thus causing me to blush more.

I look away from him for a moment and say "I should go and get changed, we must meet with the pope to discuss some matters"

I gently took his hand and pulled him down slightly while raising myself up kissed him on his cheek and said "I will meet you at the courtyard my love"

And with that I quickly walked out blushing at myself for being so open with our kisses lately, though that is to be expect since we are betrothed. Come to think of it we have yet to start planning anything for our wedding, this might be something I will have to bring up before the pope before we done with business.

I went back to my room and quickly changed into a white cotton gown with 5 petticoats. It had a golden rings sewn around the waist and golden rings sewn at the bottom of the dress. The dress was off shoulder and the sleeves were down to my knees and slit all the way up to my forearm. I let my hair down in its natural waves and wore an opal headpiece with diamonds. I also decided that today I was going to go without shoes, since for some reason I didn't really feel the need to wear any today.

Later that day I met with Griffith and the Pope outside in a venue set up with tea and cakes, surprisingly (or not) Sonia was there as well as Charlotte and her husband, but I didn't really mind their company, I actually found myself warming up to the younger girl. The view was absolutely breath-taking, so many different flowers grew and thrived here it made my garden in the palace look like small weeds in a glen.

As I was preparing the tea, some beautiful butterflies started to surround me, some landing in my hair and others landing on my dress and the rest just fluttering around me like I was a fairy tale princess. But I paid the dear little ones no mind as I was too busy admiring the flowers. I looked at the flowers and said "It's wonderful…any flower can thrive here in this place. It is most pleasing to know I can plant more and more flowers here, why even the little butterflies are happily thriving from the nectar"

I poured the Pope some tea as he says "I see you are gathering the flowers of the world in this garden little by little"

I nodded happily, giggling about the idea of having every living flower in existence in my own little Garden of Eden, and gave him a cup of the tea "hoho…my…I am much obliged, your highness"

Griffith, whom was staring at me this entire time, asked me "do you wonder, my dear, why it is that these butterfly surround you so? It is almost as if you were a flower yourself"

I only shrugged for an answer, the butterflies honestly didn't bother me at all, and I actually enjoy their company as I have enjoy the company of all other living animals.

Charlotte giggled at the question Griffith asked and said "yes, I myself have always found it strange how she could attract the attention of so many different living animals and make friends with the birds and the squirrels, at one time I actually thought that you were a fairy switched with my sister from birth"

We all laughed at Charlotte's comment and it made me realize how lucky I am to have everything that I have right now, my crown, my beloved and my family.

I look to Sonia who was passed out on the table and poured her a cup of tea and said "Your duties are quite strenuous as well, aren't they Sonia?"

Sonia grumbled out while practically cuddling with the table itself "BLEEEH I'm done. I don't ever want to see another ghost"

I giggle at her little outburst as I poured myself a cup of tea. The pope smiled at the tea I provided. He looked at me in wonder as I said "it is an herbal tea, that is, we are all always so busy, so at least a short rest…"

"Chamomile, ginger, marjoram, hibiscus…it does put your mind at ease my love" Griffith stated as he sipped on the tea.

I blushed lightly as I sat down right next to Griffith and I sipped on my tea, lightly shooing away a butterfly that landed on the teacup.

Charlotte looked at Griffith in amazement and said "truly, Sir Griffith, there must be nothing beyond your ken."

Sonia on the other hand was making quite a strange face as she says to me "tastes pretty grassy to me. And yet it provides some relief. I'll have another!"

She shoves her cup in my face and I smile at her moxie saying "oh course Sonia, there is some cake too if you'll have some. But now on to business, your holiness"

The pope suddenly laughs at my eagerness to get down to business and says "in a moment my dear, this tea does seem to quiet the soul"

Charlotte looked over to pope wearing a worried expression on her face saying "your holiness, please do not overwork yourself…your health is…"

The pope simply laughed it off and took Charlotte by the hand saying "Please, these old bones have no business fearing death. If anything it would be welcomed. For that I have the Lord Falcon, The Lady Dove and the Lady Seeress to thank, for letting me bear witness to that spectacle again today. But I will not die yet. I must still place the crown upon the head of the falcon of light. Rather, I am still fated to do so"

I look up from my tea and look at his holiness with contentment. His holiness was a very noble man. Kind in his stature, wise in his years, to think he has so much faith in Griffith and I makes me want to puff out my chest with pride, but pride always comes before a downfall so no matter what I always try and keep myself humble (or so that is what father says).

But then the pope looks at me and says "However, before then, there is still the matter of the wedding ceremony"

I blushed lightly looking down at my tea seeing it was empty and Griffith take one of my hands in his for reassurance making me blush even more.

Suddenly Sonia makes another outburst disturbing the conversing saying the guard in the back wishes for a slice of cake and he scolds her for involving him. I relax more in my chair not paying attention to all the ruckus, just holding Griffith's hand in mine and inspecting the butterfly that landed on my other hand dreamily while humming the wedding march.

It's every woman's dream to get married and mines was actually happening to the man I loved. Ideas for the wedding came flowing into my head for what I wanted. I would like a large wedding with both noblemen and common men coming to see their beloved monarch get tied in holy matrimony.

All the chatter then was interrupted when a guard came at attention to Griffith and said "Sir Griffith, Sir Locus is approaching, with a visitor in tow."

I looked over to the bridge and saw Sir Locus, but the boy…he was ringing many bells in my mind. Something about him seemed strangely familiar to me, like something from my days back at the palace before Griffith and I were engaged to each other the first time. I saw that the boy moved his gaze over at me and looked completely shocked, not that should be a surprise, I mean even my own people who have seen me since birth have yet to get use to my new appearance, maybe he is the same…or maybe there is some to his gaze than just that of shock.

I watched as Griffith walked towards this boy and I watched the boy's facial expression out of interest and saw he had a look of conflict on his face, as if he did not know what he wanted to say.

I closed my eyes and felt the butterflies on my skin and hair while I try to listen into the conversation. I made out Griffith's voice as he spoke to the lad "do you still share my dream…? Did you find your answer to what you asked on the hill of swords? Rickett."

The next thing I knew I heard a smack, which made me immediately open my eyes towards the bridge and I saw the boy's hand was up and Griffith's head was turned, this boy had just slapped Griffith. I stood up from my seat, not in anger but in shock, as well as to everyone else at the table. In the boy's eyes I saw tears of anger and remorse, for what reason I know not but it must have been something to strike a heart cord.

As Sir Locus was about to approach but Griffith held up his hand and stopped them from progressing any further. I walked up to the bridge and stopped at the end while holding the rail as the boy spoke "I was ashamed. I couldn't go with everyone to Wyndham that day to rescue you…There was a debt I had to pay, for not going with my comrades to their doom."

I raised a curious eyebrow 'to their doom? I had thought that the rescue was a success. Griffith told me that after the rescue he lived with Casca for a while and the band split up and went into hiding in another country. Is he wrong? No, it couldn't be. He is of the band of hawk as was Griffith, but that just widens my questions now?' I thought as the boy continued on.

"Unlike Guts, I couldn't get angry, I couldn't shoulder that burden, but…on that hill…the one who forged those swords in remembrance of everyone that was me!"

'Are they dead? Did something happen? Does that have to do with my lost memories of that rescue?' I thought, but the more I thought of it the more my head started to hurt.

"Did you notice…? The crest of the new band of the falcon, compared to the badge of the old one…the shape of the wings is a little bit different" The boy, Rickett I do believe stated.

Griffith looked at it and said "so it is."

The boy clutched the badge as he continued on "I am led, by the white-winged Griffith. I am Rickett of the band of the falcon. The falcon of light is not my commander. Farewell"

With that he turned around and made his way to leave he stopped and looked at me again before leaving the bridge with the budge being held tightly in his grip. I slowly walked up to Griffith until I was beside him and I placed a hand on his shoulder as I watched Rickett leave.

I said not a word and he said not a word for a couple of moments before he finally said "let us go back, we still have to plan for the wedding ceremony".

I looked at him blinking and nodded my head. He kissed my hair and walked back to the table, but as he left, I caught up to Sir Locus and said to him "Sir Locus, if I may bother you for a moment for a favor"

Sir Locus gave me a small bow and said "Yes your majesty?"

I looked back to Griffith making sure he was far enough away he couldn't hear and said "That boy would was here…Rickett? Could you find him before he leaves and tell him the Queen would like to invite him for tea tomorrow in the garden"

He looked at curiously before bowing again and leaving. I always liked Sir Locus, He and I had our quiet understanding of each other, just as Sonia has with the archer man.

With that settled I made my way back to the table while lost in my own thoughts 'I don't like this, Griffith said he was with Miss Casca out of the country and was offered a way to get his health back magically and he took is and left Miss Casca after that. But then this boy shows up and says something that completely contradicts what Griffith said. He said that the Band of the Hawks all met their doom during the rescue, but I remember it going flawlessly. Did something happen? Did it cause me to lose my memories of that rescue? Is it maybe connect to the dreams I have been having lately? I need more information and that boy may hold some answers I need. I just need to talk to him.'

I returned to my seat and held Griffith's hand as we started on the preparation on our wedding, but I couldn't help my mind wondering on that ever so present question: What happened that day of the rescue?