A/N: We're getting to the last handful of chapters, folks.
Thanks so much for making this so rewarding with all of your reviews.
I really hope you love the finale I'm building toward ;-)
The sun set over the land of Rosym. And the sun set on its most notorious ruler, Noxymis, an embittered wizard who once was loyal to the crown. But in recent years, he grew to hate the king and his people. And in an elaborate coup, he overthrew and killed the king. But it didn't stop there; he also sowed the seeds for war by kidnapping the Princess of Reinhart and framing Rosym. But his treachery and deceit would be undone by a combination of noble forces.
Disparate soldiers from Reinhart and a few colorful characters, including a thief and a self-taught sorceress, would by fate meet with the secreted Prince Andre. And the heir to the throne had his own men ready to fight. But none of Rosym's saviors could anticipate a determined young woman in armor, standing a tiptoe alongside the armed men. And her motivations were not of duty or patriotism or honor.
It was love. Simple and yet complicated. She was of less than honorable origins and while she was in the shadow of the princess, the common servant girl couldn't help but fall in love. And when word of the princess' abduction broke; the servant hadn't a moments hesitation donning armor, mounting a horse and heading into parts unknown for one shining purpose: the bring the princess, her love, back alive.
All was well after the great battle of Rosym. With the setting sun; the last of the flood waters rolled back into the sea and the defenders of the king rode toward the castle. They were relieved at the sight of Andre, son of the murdered king, ruler of Rosym sitting upon the throne. But the victory had a dark cloud over it. Because Victoria, orphan/servant turned heroine, was dead.
She was carried by a mixture of companions as well as men who owe her their lives but had never met before. King Andre said a few words about Victoria's brazen actions and incredible focus. Beckett said some kind words about her strong character and kind heart. The others, such as her sister Trina, were too grief-stricken to speak. The most distraught was Princess Jadelyn. After the rest of the mourners departed, she had finally gathered up enough courage to approach Victoria.
Victoria was in her armor, well-cleaned and polished to perfection. Her hair was down and embellished with flowers. Her face was tended to and made up a little; though some bruises could not be masked. And in her grasp was her own sword held with both hands. She was a perfect marriage of honorable warrior and feminine beauty; the very epitome of graceful hero.
Jadelyn licked her lips, trying to hold the big lump in her throat back.
"Vic...Victor...ia..."
She could feel her chest concaving from her breaking heart and erratic breathing.
"I was...talking with Trina." Jadelyn smiled and made a small chuckle. "I did not know you even had a sister. But she explained to me everything and I do mean everything." she grabbed Victoria's arm. "Oh, Victoria, had I known before...perhaps I could have been brave with my own feelings had I only known. All those men that would come and go, all to pleased my mother and father, and not one of them made my heart glad. Beckett is a decent man, a good good man, but I would trade in scores of men like him if I could get you back to me."
Jadelyn started shaking the deceased Victoria.
"Please wake up! Please! You do not deserve this, so wonderful, so beautiful, you never asked for anything" she let out a scream that echoed and tears poured from her face. "I do not wish to be queen of anything; not without you. Oh, ancestors...you can take everything away from me; my birthright, all of it. I just want Victoria back. You need to open your eyes, I beg of you!" Jadelyn felt Victoria's face. Her expression's peacefulness only made her collapse even more. "Let the blossom return to your cheek, I pray to see your chest rise and fall..."
The princess cried and hugged her love tightly as Trina entered.
"Rise, Victoria, rise! Be alive, please!"
"Princess..."
The dark-haired young woman turned to Trina.
"Oh, I am so sorry..."
"No," Trina protested. "It is alright. She needed to hear this."
Jadelyn sniffed, "A great deal of good such words do now."
"You should rest, Your Highness..." Trina wiped her eyes. "They will bury her tomorrow."
Jadelyn shook her head, "Beckett said that we had to go back to Reinhart first thing in the morning. Besides, I could not bear to see Victoria put into the ground. So cold, so dark; it is not right nor fair. But that is where she is going."
Trina nodded, "I understand."
"Could I have one more minute with her please?" Jadelyn asked. "I wish to finish saying goodbye."
"Very well," she responded and left the room.
Jadelyn ran her fingers through Victoria's brown locks. She closed her eyes and proceeded to kiss her cheek, then her neck and finally slowly on the lips. Once they departed, Jadelyn whispered into Victoria's ear "I love you and always will. I shall wed Beckett to put the King at ease but know that you will always be my divine light. And that I only continue on because you had sacrificed so much for my sake." She was about to leave but hesitated. "Forgive me but I must kiss you once more because I will have no more beyond this."
She kissed the cold, still Victoria and quietly sobbed as she left.
The following morning, one of the royal guards was on patrol. The sun hadn't completely risen and the air still had a snapping chill to it. He was approaching the great dining hall where they held the funeral service for the girl from Reinhart. Then he heard it. He started running inside, almost slipping on the plenty wet grass.
Something aroused his concern.
It sounded like, if he had to guess, a sword falling to the floor.