A/N: As always, a big shout-out to everyone reading this, especially those of you who've enjoyed it enough to review/favorite/follow. I hope you will all continue to enjoy!
I don't own AT or any characters, etc etc.
It was an unusually hot day inside the throne room. Not that every day isn't hot, reflected the princess. The heat never particularly bothered her, but it still seemed as if that particular afternoon was slightly more oppressive than normal. She glanced up at the oversized lamp which hung from the ceiling like a chandelier. Doesn't look like they're up to anything, she thought, noting the two figures enclosed in the glass.
Flame Princess leaned back into the Red Throne with a contented sigh; there really was no sense in worrying about the Flame Kingdom feeling a bit warm. Besides, she had a line of citizens waiting for her help, and her duty was to worry about them. She nodded to Cinnamon Bun, and her knight motioned for the next person in line to step forward.
"What is your request?" Flame Princess looked on the family that had come before her. Two parents were clutching an infant whose flame had just begun to burn.
"Princess," the father started nervously, "we've just had our firstborn. Now, we've never had to ask for anything before; for generations, my family has always taken pride in our ability to live off of the land. But, over the past few years, things just…haven't gone as far as they used to. My wife and I have been able to get by on such a humble living for years, but…" The man lowered his head, seemingly too ashamed to continue.
"What my husband was trying to say," the mother picked up where he left off, though with little less difficulty, "is that we don't know if we can feed another mouth. Our family coal mine is almost tapped dry."
The princess frowned. This was not the first such story she had heard; countless miners had come before her in recent weeks complaining that the coal mines were running short. After the first few supplicants, Flame Princess and Cinnamon Bun had gone to explore some of the caverns. Sure enough, what she had been hearing was true; the mines were very close to being depleted. Much closer, in fact, than anyone seemed to realize. Unfortunately, it was not just a few of the mines, but every one they inspected, with some already completely empty. By her estimates, the available supply could last the kingdom maybe another year, at best.
If I don't figure out something soon…
She looked up again at her father, who was not paying the slightest bit of attention to what was going on in his former kingdom. Her frown deepened into a scowl. How could he have ignored this problem for so long? The flames above her crown began to rise, sending a heat wave throughout the chamber. Evil is one thing, but ignoring your own kingdom's supplies? That's just stupid! The temperature around her throne continued to increase as she glared at the lamp, the murmurs of conversation throughout the throne room fading away in response to the heat of Flame Princess's ire.
"Er, your majesty," the man before her stammered awkwardly, breaking the tense silence.
"Oh, sorry," Flame Princess calmed herself, and the business of the throne began again. She continued her previous thought, "I can't do anything for you right now, but I have soldiers looking for new mines as we speak. I promise that we'll tell you when we find something."
"Thank you, princess," the family bowed, and then turned around to leave.
It was a story she had become tired of retelling. Certainly it was the truth, but the soldiers had been searching for months and hadn't found much of anything. Not to mention the fact that when they did find something, it would be difficult to determine who had first claim to the coal. Nor was the any guarantee that they would find enough.
A sudden hush made the Flame Princess look about the throne room. Apparently having overheard the conversation, everyone else in the chamber followed the family she had just spoken with and left the chamber. The monarch groaned.
"CB, were they all here about finding more coal?"
"I think so, Princess," replied the knight.
She let out another sigh, this time in exasperation, "I don't know what we're gonna do about this."
"Don't worry; I'm sure something will turn up," Cinnamon Bun responded faithfully.
Smiling at the words of encouragement, the princess of flame stood up from her throne. "Thanks CB. I think I'm gonna go sit in my room for a bit. Watch over things while I'm out."
"Yes, your highness." Cinnamon Bun took his place standing in front of the throne.
The corridor ahead of Flame Princess was dimly lit as always, its only inhabitants the few guards that she hadn't sent to look for more resources. She finally made her way back to her own room. Making her way through the door, she walked over to the window. Outside, she could see much of the flame kingdom alight with activity. For the moment, it was peaceful; the people who had once prided themselves on their evil were slowly beginning to turn away from backstabbing as a hobby, whether they realized it or not. A kingdom was, after all, often a reflection of the one that ruled it.
But if I can't get this coal thing fixed…Flame Princess shook her head. She would get it fixed; it was her duty.
Glancing around her room, the princess noted her favorite scented candles still burning on a nightstand. She walked over to the table and inhaled, suddenly remembering the time when Finn had risked his butt to bring them to her. He might be a liar, she thought, but he's definitely a fearless liar. When her own soldiers' initial attempts to find more coal had proved less than successful, she had thought to go to Finn again for help. But, the issue with her dad had made her hesitate; she didn't doubt that Finn could be helpful, but he was still just being too…weird. As brave as he was, Flame Princess doubted he could accomplish much if he spent all his time trying to flirt with her.
Her next thought had been to work out a trade with the Candy Kingdom. Princess Bubblegum was a scientist or whatever, and probably knew how to make coal if she didn't know where to find it. However, Flame Princess had quickly dismissed that idea as well; trying to trade with someone she didn't trust was even stupider than asking the help of someone who just wanted to try and get you back. She turned back to stare out of her window. This is something I've got to figure out for myself.
The princess remained motionless for some time, until she heard a light knock at her door.
"Princess?" The voice was clearly Cinnamon Bun.
Turning from the window, Flame Princess made her way over to the room's entrance. Opening the door, she saw Cinnamon Bun standing there, his eyes fixed to the floor.
"Princess, I'm sorry to bother you…" he continued, obviously uncomfortable at what he perceived to be a disturbance.
Flame Princess smiled reassuringly, "You're not bothering me at all, CB. What's up?"
Cinnamon Bun raised his head and returned the smile. Much more at ease now, he elaborated, "Your highness, there's someone in the throne room waiting to see you. I told him you were done for today, but he said it was urgent…something about the fate of the entire kingdom being on the line."
The princess felt a momentary rush of excitement. "Is it one of the soldiers I sent out to find more coal?"
"Uh, I don't think so; I've never even seen this guy before," Cinnamon Bun replied.
Flame Princess's heart sank, but she did her best not to show it. Besides, my soldiers might not be the only ones looking for what we need.
"Tell him I will meet him momentarily," she said.
A few minutes later, the Flame Princess made her way back into the throne room. The room was empty save for Cinnamon Bun, the few guards left at the gate, and a figure that the princess did not recognize. Making her way towards the Red Throne, the princess met eyes with the stranger, a flame man of average height whose sole article of clothing was a long black cloak. The hood of the cloak was down to reveal a red-orange flame that comprised the visitor's head, giving him the appearance of a long black candle. The man's gaze continued to follow the princess as she approached her throne, the coal-black eyes common to flame people accentuated by a thin ring of green. Flame Princess felt a distinct sense of unease in the stranger's presence. Then again, this was the Flame Kingdom; it wouldn't be the first time she had talked face to face with someone who wanted to kill her.
Seating herself on the throne, the princess addressed this newcomer in the same manner she had hailed supplicants all day, "What is your request?"
The man had remained unmoved with his gaze fixed upon the princess as he stood before the throne, and a sly smile crept across his face as the princess addressed him. "Ah, my princess," he began, "it is not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you."
Though clearly audible, his speaking voice had the feel of a whisper, making it seem as if his every word was a closely guarded secret. The princess raised an eyebrow in interest, enticed beyond her natural curiosity by the sense of desperation that had slowly begun to gnaw at her insides. As much as she needed help, however, she knew she had to remain on her guard. One false move and I'll be back in the lamp.
"Who are you?" she asked, in an attempt to level the playing field.
"Who I am is not important," the stranger replied. "It is the information in my possession that I believe will be the most useful to your highness."
"I don't have time for riddles and half-truths," the flames flickering above the princess' head displayed her irritation. "If you're only going to dance around my questions, then we have no more reason to be here." The princess made to leave the throne.
"I suppose you're not interested in saving your people from starvation, then."
The words froze Flame Princess in place, and she slowly returned to her seat. How could he know how bad it was? She was hesitant to trust anyone regarding this situation, much less someone she didn't even know, but she was running out of options.
"Continue," she said, her frustration making her more curt than she meant to sound.
Whether the stranger had noticed her begrudging tone or not, he didn't seem to care; he appeared perfectly content to have his audience exactly where he wanted her.
"As I was saying," he continued, "I have information that you can use to help your people, if you would take advantage of it. My sources tell me that which you seek may be just outside the borders of your country."
The stranger's momentary pause must have allowed him some time to see the look on the princess's face, for he added, "My sources, your highness, are quite reliable. But, you are free to take my advice or not, as you wish."
Flame Princess trusted the speaker less and less by the minute; if things were up to her she would have already thrown him out. But, if her short time on the throne had taught her anything, it was that patience was just as important as strength. Besides, what choice do I have?
"I'm still listening," came her answer.
The man grinned again. "In the badlands, just to the east of your kingdom, lie vast, unclaimed deserts," he said. "Legend has it that over a thousand years ago, the inhabitants of the area used to dig deep into the ground in search of liquid coal. They say this liquid coal was so potent that it was used to power the fires of entire continents. So great was its power that wars were fought over it, and some even say that the liquid coal was part of the reason for the Great Mushroom War, itself. But now, centuries later, this great fortune lies untapped in the wasteland, waiting for someone to take ahold of it."
"And I suppose these sources of yours are over a thousand years old, too?" the princess asked.
"In a manner of speaking," the man chuckled. "My sources are purveyors of the ancient past; representatives of the whispers that remain of a forgotten era."
Wordlessly, the princess continued to study her guest. Liquid coal? She had certainly never heard of such a thing, and it almost sounded too outlandish to exist.
But what if it's true?
She couldn't help but consider. Liquid coal would certainly be easier to move around, and the badlands weren't very far away. If it could really light the fire of entire continents, surely it would last her people for generations. At the very least, it was a proposition worth looking into.
"You have my interest, stranger. How do I get this liquid coal?" asked the princess.
"Ah, now that," the man tapped a fiery finger against his cheek, "that is where things get a bit…complicated. You see, someone is already moving to take the treasure for themselves."
"What? Who?" The princess demanded, the heat in the room intensifying once more. She found it hard to believe that anyone else had even heard of such a thing, and even more difficult to think of anyone who could possibly have more of a use for it than her.
"I am informed, your highness," said the stranger, "that it is none other than Princess Bubblegum."
"Her?" The Red Throne briefly erupted into a tower of flame at the mention of the princess of the Candy Kingdom. Cinnamon Bun had to step back to avoid the intensity of the fire, and even the cloaked man temporarily seemed to lose the calm assurance he had had throughout the meeting. Shortly, however, the princess regained her composure along with her normal form. Sitting back in her throne and taking a deep breath, she continued. "What could she possibly want with the liquid coal?"
"Of that, unfortunately, I am uncertain," came the reply. "Though, if I were to speculate…"
"Spit it out," the princess demanded.
"Well," he continued, "I have heard that her people are outgrowing the current kingdom, and she is seeking a new source of power to provide for her followers."
Flame Princess considered this. She was frustrated that Bubblegum was going to get there first, but if it was about providing for the candy people, she couldn't exactly fault her. Maybe, if she just told PB about her own problem, they could come to some sort of agreement…
"However," the man's voice interrupted Flame Princess's thoughts, "I don't believe this to be true. If I may be so bold, your highness, I believe what the Candy Kingdom is planning is much more underhanded."
"What do you mean by that?" she asked.
"Princess Bubblegum has never put much trust in the Flame Kingdom," the man said. "During your father's reign, she was content to simply leave the Kingdom to its own devices, confident that if they ever attempted anything with her borders that she could fend off their advances. You, however, she perceives as a threat. She has always been looking for ways to contain your power, and I think she believes she has finally found a way to do just that."
Flame Princess clenched her fist. "How?"
"Seeing as how I know of the Kingdom's…current predicament, it should come as no surprise to you that Princess Bubblegum is also aware of it. She also knows that the liquid coal could make the Fire Kingdom even more powerful than it has been in the past, and she will do anything to keep that from happening. Imagine, then, if she were to keep you from getting the supplies your country so desperately needs…"
The meaning behind the man's story became clear to the princess. "She wouldn't…"
"Wouldn't she?" the stranger asked, his voice rising. "This same Princess Bubblegum had so little faith in your ability to control your power that she interfered with your relationship. This same Princess Bubblegum was so petrified of your power that she had you imprisoned when you were just a child. This same Princess Bubblegum, if she had her way, would have kept you locked up forever just because it would be more convenient for her precious kingdom!"
The princess of flame was taken aback by the sudden change in the speaker's intensity; it almost sounded like he had his own vendetta against Bubblegum. Sure, she didn't have the slightest bit of trust for Princess Bubblegum, but the pink princess wasn't without her own sense of justice. This all seemed too much, even for the Candy Kingdom.
"Even so, would she really go that far just because of a grudge against me? What you're suggesting is intentionally trying to destroy an entire country."
"A country that, when the time comes, will demand a ruler of action. As I said, you are free to do with this information what you please, but I suggest you make a decision sooner rather than later. The people of the Fire Kingdom will not tolerate a ruler who would be content to let them starve. Now, I have said my piece," the man bowed respectfully, and then placed the hood of his cloak back over his head.
"I thank your highness for her hospitality," he said as he headed for the exit.
As the gates of the throne room closed behind the unexpected visitor, the princess slumped back into her throne and groaned. The man's last words still weighed heavily on her; she had no doubt that it wouldn't take much for her people to turn on her if they found out they were on the brink of starvation. Still, could she risk a direct confrontation with the Candy Kingdom? Flame Princess weighed her odds. Princess Bubblegum was powerful, and likely better supplied. On the other hand, the Flame Kingdom had fearsome fighters, herself included. If it came down to it, she could probably do a fair amount of damage by herself. No one in the Candy Kingdom could possibly be a match for her; she had already seen that. It would be easy, she thought. All I'd have to do is just let the flames go. I could burn everything in my path, lay waste to the kingdom of liars, and watch the flames as they…
Flame Princess suddenly stopped, recoiling at the thought. She shook her head. No, I'm not that kind of ruler. I am not my father, and I'm not evil. Warfare, she was certain, was best left as a last resort.
"Well CB, what do you think?" the princess addressed the knight, hoping for some sort of reassurance.
"I dunno, Princess," he replied. "Bubblegum has done some cruddy stuff, but I don't know if she'd do all that."
Breathing a sigh of relief, the princess allowed herself to smile. "That's what I thought, too."
She stood up and looked outside, the smile quickly fading from her face. Whether or not Princess Bubblegum was up to something, she still had a nation to feed. What the man had to say was difficult to swallow, but she no longer had the luxury of only investigating leads that appealed to her. No matter what, I have to be prepared.
"Cinnamon Bun," the princess turned her head back towards her friend.
"Yes, your highness?"
"Prepare an emissary for the Candy Kingdom. I need to speak with Princess Bubblegum."
"Consider it done."
Taking her leave of the throne room, Flame Princess made her way back to her quarters. Her course of action decided, she was finally ready to retire for the evening. She would find out from Princess Bubblegum herself the truth of the stranger's words, and that would tell her all she needed to know about what to do next.
War would be her last resort, but she couldn't be afraid to do what was necessary.
A/N: I have to admit, it's a lot easier to write for CB now that he's not a complete bumbling idiot (though, perhaps, a bit less fun). Anywho, I'm happy to announce that the next chapter will be from Marceline's POV! Marceline is one of my favorite characters to write for, and I can't wait to see how the next chapter comes out. As always, if you've got a minute, feel free to let me know what you think! I deeply, deeply appreciate you guys taking the time to read this.