The Banished

by Fallen Ark Angel

Being the head of the royal guard is hard enough without factoring in the fact you're an Overlander. How can Gregor possibly guard the queen while constantly having to watch his own back? But when a more prominent threat forms over Regalia, far more sinister than any they have faced before, Gregor must put his own problems aside for the greater good of them all.

14. Chapter 14

The Banished

Chapter 14

The area outside of the gates of Regalia was alive with activity. There were soldiers lined in their ranks, fliers zooming around above with troops, and many loud, commanding officers. Luxa had only assembled maybe a hundred or so soldiers, but it was still a pretty imposing group.

At the head of it all, Luxa stood, Aurora on one side, Gregor slightly behind on the other, in his guard attire. Luxa had suggested he head back and change into true battle armor, but he refused. He was a guard, not a solider. Not to mention, what he wore now was lighter; battle armor was quite heavy. It was harder to move around in.

"Queen Luxa, they approach at a rapid rate," a messenger was telling her. "You should take cover. We-"

"I shall do no such thing. Be gone. Your job is to give me updates. Message received."

Luxa was out in the open, the troops assembled behind her. Really, her only protection was Gregor. And, well, herself. Gregor knew that no matter how long it had been since Luxa last fought, she would always be something of a fear.

"I will not leave," Luxa told both Aurora and Gregor softly once they were alone again. "They will see me at the head of my men and understand that I shall not be messed with."

"People."

"What, Overlander? Speak up."

"They will see you at the head of your people," he told her.

That made Luxa smile, though she continued to stare ahead of them, into the dimly lit fields before them. "Yes. My people."

Barrett came running up then, almost out of breath as he stopped in front of his queen. Giving a sweeping bow, he quickly righted himself before saying, "Queen Luxa, we are all prepared."

"Yes," she agreed. "We are. And word on my uncle?"

"He has yet to arrive."

"Should he arrive while we are in battle, have him suit up and join us." Luxa's cocky little smile never left her. "It isn't much of a battle without him."

"Should we go to battle," Aurora reminded softly from her right. "Perhaps they come with thoughts of peace."

Luxa gave a slight shrug, saying no more. Barrett headed back to command whatever was his post was while Gregor adjusted his belt. Luxa had already given him his orders, should the people commence attack. She would take to the air quickly, as her best style of attack was aerial. A flier would come for Gregor, one that he was most familiar with, and he was to follow her in battle to the best of his abilities. Honestly, Gregor really didn't want her fighting at all. No one did. Perdita had already attempted to tell her where she belonged, but it did no good. It never did. Luxa's father was bloodthirsty, as were all her uncles. She seemed to have gotten far more traits from her male family members than the females. Then again, her grandmother was the worst general Gregor had ever seen. Perhaps Luxa never had a chance from the start.

Taking a deep breath, Gregor puffed his chest out, clicking his tongue slightly. He trusted echolocation much more than he did anything else. It was the only thing that had never lied to him or led him wrong. His heart had, his brain had, his own mouth had at times. This though, was always true. Real.

Luxa stared ahead as well, eyes leveled with nothing as she stared into the unknown. Her brevity was no doubt a veil concealing her nerves, but it was a strong veil. One made of bricks, of cement, of cinder blocks. It wasn't going anywhere anytime soon and Gregor actually welcomed that fact. Luxa was strong. For Hazard, for Nerissa, for Vikus, for Regalia. For him as well. He knew, should he fall in battle in the coming hours, should she see him fall in battle, that she would be fine. She would come out of everything okay. After all, she had lost way more important people than a stupid boyfriend. Way more.

"I see you equipped yourself with a dagger," Luxa said them softly as they stood there, not looking at one another.

"Yes," he agreed softly. "If Solovet taught me anything, it is that daggers are always useful."

Luxa made a soft noise in the back of her throat. "I never truly forgave her, giving you that dagger."

"It rests with your grandfather now," Gregor told her. "And should his light blow out before yours, I am sure he would gladly pass it on to you."

"It would not be the same," Luxa shaking her head slightly. "It shall be buried with him. I care not for it any longer. Childish wants are rarely actually useful in adult life."

He took another deep breath before closing his eyes for a moment. "They said they have fliers."

"And so do we. An abundant amount."

"Fliers get banished?"

"Quite often," Aurora said from the other side of Luxa. "Not the way humans do it, but just by social interactions. Should you be considered…odd, most will not associate with you. Roundabout banishment."

"Like Ares," Gregor mumbled. "That's cruel."

"And Overlanders are not cruel?" Aurora ruffled her wings. "Where do you think the Underlanders learned their tricks?"

"Calm yourself, Aurora. You know that my knight has a lose tongue at times." Luxa straightened her own belt as she heard Gregor click his tongue once more. "We can all have a nice drink when this is over yes? With York, should he ever find the way back home."

Gregor let out a slow breath, not opening up his eyes. "They near."

Luxa drew her sword slightly, keeping a hand on the hilt. "So does the end of my patience."

A few fliers came flying up then, one of them stopping above Luxa's head.

"They are close," the rider told her. "They carry few torches. Only six fliers with no riders. Men and women. They are armored. A man leads the procession, a crown on his head. We believe him to be Vlad."

"Alert the other generals," Luxa dismissed him.

"Aye, my queen."

Gregor kept his eyes closed, clicking faster then. Luxa glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes before shaking her head.

"Return to me at all costs, love," she told him softly. He didn't stop his clicking. "Win me a battle, win me a war. Lose me a battle, lose me war. Just return to me. Dead or alive. And I shall return to you. Dead or alive. With or lose. It is a pact. And should you break it…"

There was a shout behind them, someone calling orders to the soldiers. If Gregor was glad of anything, it was that he was free in battle. For now anyways.

The sound of footsteps was loud as the people droned on in their march. The soldiers of Regalia stood strong as always, the troops in the air just as prepared. Gregor didn't need his eyesight to know that Luxa had probably adjusted her crown half a thousand times. It was more in hopes that everyone else would notice than anything. A trait that she had retained from childhood.

"Hold, Overlander," Luxa whispered softly to him. "Allow them first attack. And should it be an arrow through my heart, well, then kill them all in my honor."

It wasn't until everything was silent that Gregor opened his eyes again. Not until every footstep, every bated breath, and every fidgeting was stilled. Silent. For so many men and women to be silent, you had to open your eyes.

What he was expecting was awaiting him. People filled the area in front of the Regalians, about the number that had been told to Luxa by her informants. At the head of them, standing proud and tall, was an Underland man, his silvery hair far longer than most men in Regalia kept theirs. He had a wicked, unkempt beard which was only highlighted by the same, cocky smirk he wore on his face, matching the one on the younger woman before him.

"Ah-ha. Queen Luxa, I presume?"

She merely stared at the man with unblinking eyes. Sizing him up, probably. Gregor kept his hand on his weapon, setting his face in a void look that could rival Hazard.

"You would assume correctly," Luxa said slowly, still only watching the man. "And what is this then? Bringing men to march on my lands?"

The man only laughed again, craning his neck as if to see behind Luxa. Then he looked back at her, a smile spreading across his face.

"I see that you are well prepared," he said. "Should it had been such an inconvenience, why, I doubt you would have had so many man ready at will. You have threatened my wife and yet I am to believe that-"

"I do not just threaten your wife," Luxa interrupted. "I threaten you all. These soldiers behind me? Not half the army."

"And you believe this to be all of my men?"

"I care not of how many men you have other than for the fact I do not have so many places for the bodies. We got through the plague however. And many, many wars. Tell me, how do you feel about fire? For we will burn all-"

"Ugh," the man let out a slight groan. "I read the scrolls you sent and thought you were only verbose on parchment. Had I known you were so wordy in person, why, I would have had my ear drums removed before arriving."

Gregor drew his sword at that. "Insult her again. I dare you."

The sound of other swords unsheathing could be heard behind them, but it was quickly followed with shouts from generals, yelling at men for acting unprovoked. Luxa glanced at Gregor before at the man in front of her who smiled brightly.

"I almost cut this one here's body to pieces," was all he said, keeping eye contact with Luxa. "Would have sent back to you ever part. I would have saved his head for last. No, his manhood. Have never seen an Overland cock myself. From what I hear though-"

Gregor made a move, a slightly one, but Luxa merely held up a hand, her arrogant smile never leaving her face.

"Still, Overlander. He speaks fallacies. More factitious even than that band he wears around his head." Luxa lowered her hand slowly. "What is your name then, storyteller?"

"King Vladimir." The man stood tall then, pride obvious from the look on his face. "Remember it."

"I shall not," Luxa told him simply. "For you merely gave me more factitious lies. The humans have no king. You spin a good tale though. I can see that from only hearing what you say now. Perhaps I shall keep you as a caretaker of my grandfather. He needs a few good laughs these days."

The man held his head high. "You told us to meet you on your own fields. And I have. Yet you have not been such the gracious host. Having soldiers awaiting our arrival, an Overlander threatening me. How can I ever trust a thing that jumps from your mouth?"

"Did you not bring men?" Luxa asked him then. "Why should I not bring mine? Is it my fault that I merely have more than you?"

Still, Vlad didn't move. "My wife sends me to ask for council with you. She will arrive herself soon."

"And if I refuse it?"

He grinned at that, his hand going to his own sword. Gregor wasn't exactly sure what kind of weapons they could have, coming from exile and all, but was more than ready to find out.

"Then we shall have a true war. Once and for all. It is, after all, prophesied."

Luxa gave nothing away in the look of her face, though Gregor knew she had no idea what the man was speaking of.

"You wage war with your queen and you face death." It was Luxa's turn to look around him, though it was the people behind him that she spoke to. "Let that be a warning to you all. Should you be from banishment, then flee. I am not my grandfather. Either of them. I am of my father. My beliefs are of my father. You should have died long ago. I myself will put a sword through each and everyone of your hearts."

Vlad licked his lips then, staring at her. "Do you wish to hear where I'll put my sword?"

She ignored him though, instead continuing to speaking to the people behind him. "Should the Uncharted Lands have been the only home you have ever known though, I welcome you. A great injustice has been done your way. We welcome you into our ranks. And should the capital not suit you, the Fount is always looking for more residence."

"Oh, we'll be coming to Regalia, girly. The Fount too." He looked passed her then. "And let me speak to the queen's loyal subjects. We come and we come by force. I know that you cannot break ranks now, but you shall soon enough. When you see the force we bring. The…power."

Luxa glanced behind herself before back at him with a slight shrug. Then, speaking to her own soldiers, she announced, "Should anyone wish to join the other side, do so. I am no tyrant. I do not ask for your faith, your love, your support. Do as you please. Worship false idols. False ideals. Follow the storyteller. I would. I am sure he has promised these fine people many things. Many wondrous things. And when bladed pierce their bellies and their heads are on spikes above the walls, allow me to be the first to carve the flesh from your bones and keep them. As reminders of what betrayal does to someone."

Luxa turned then, facing her own men again. Gregor stayed the way he was though, staring hard at Vlad, as if to judge his movements.

"Stab my back, Vladimir, and you will surely regret it. For one, I am expecting it," she told him with another shrug. "Two, my Overlander will gladly send your cock back to your wife. Or perhaps I will keep that as a reminder of what happens when one behaves foolishly, yes?"

Luxa started away from him then, leaving Aurora and Gregor behind. Over her shoulder, she called, "You shall camp here, Vladimir. You shall also send word to your wife. When she arrives, I shall speak with both of you. Perhaps something will come of it, perhaps not. Until then though, I do not wish to see your face."

"And what makes you so certain we won't attack while we await my wife?"

"Attack what? Innocent farms?" Luxa scoffed at him. "The rest of us reside in the castle walls. You shall not penetrate those. And should you somehow, we would rid the world off your kind. Starting with you. Perhaps I will show you where I put my sword."

---

"You are restless."

"How could I not be? God, Luxa, why couldn't we have just cut into them right then? Huh? Huh? What-"

She reached out and laid a hand on his thigh, stilling it. He had been bouncing since they sat down.

"Still, Overlander. It is hard to wrap your wounds when you rattle so."

He tried his hardest, but he couldn't help it. Luxa continued to wrap the gauze around his chest, shaking her head.

"You are nervous then?"

"Antsy," he corrected. "I fear what those men plan to do."

"Those men plan to take my crown from me. That specific man plans to murder me."

"And other things."

Luxa kissed Gregor's cheek then, an odd gesture for the two of them. "Do his veiled threats cause my knight any fear?"

"None."

"And you think mine have caused him any?"

Gregor shook his head slightly. "Not at all."

"He is a proud man," Luxa agreed. "But pride gets men nowhere."

"Then where does it get women?"

"I care not of other women. Only myself. And so far it has kept me alive. I plan to keep it that way."

At that very moment, they were in Luxa's bedroom, tending to Gregor's healing wounds. It was a dangerous place to do such a thing considering the hour, but he needed it done and she insisted on being the one to do it. Besides, part of him liked her fretting over him. A big part.

"I wonder how Ripred fares in the Dead Lands," Gregor mused then which elicited an eye roll from Luxa. "What?"

"That rat is too evil to die. Believe me, I've tried."

Gregor only shook his head. "You and Ripred, man."

"What?"

"Nothing," he said. "It is only that it's so obvious, you know? You guys are like Batman and Joker or something. Batman never just flat out kills Joker, oh no. They pretend it's 'cause, like Batman don't kill people, but he could kill Joker. He'd have just cause. He don't want to though. Because if he kills Joker or Penguin or the Riddler or Two-face, then what? Huh? He likes fighting them. He likes catching them. And they get off on it too. 'cause you guys are crazy."

"…Do you ever pause to realize that when you make references to the Overland, I do not understand them and therefore what you just said rings invalid and not useful?"

"My point is that you and Ripred secretly like each other. You like fighting."

"You are sadly mistaken, Gregor. I have nothing, but contempt for that rat."

He merely sighed. "You can say whatever you want. It makes no difference to me. You two both enjoy arguing. That's why you do it so much. With one another or with others."

"Luck finds you well, Overlander, that I care too deeply about you to rise to the bait when you dangle it in front of my eyes."

He smiled at that, though it was a soft one. "It is hardly midday and yet we have already done so much."

"Yes," she sighed softly. "But the day does not end just yet."

"Meaning what exactly?"

"Meaning we have greeted one man." She kissed his other cheek. "Now let us greet another."

Gregor found out exactly what she meant when, a few hours later, he and she both stood in the mostly empty High Hall, their guest arriving not soon after.

"And my niece awaits me," York exclaimed as his bond landed. Quickly getting off the flier, he walked over to Luxa, pulling her in for a tight hug, lifting her off the ground while he was at it. Gregor just stood there, not allowing himself to smile though he wanted to. York was always very impressed with his niece and though, as always, Luxa fed off that, his enthusiasm when it came to her always got on her nerves.

"Yes," Luxa said slowly as her uncle dropped her back to the ground. She glanced at Gregor before adding, "I have been awaiting you for some time."

"Things held me up," York told her simply as Namus landed in the hall with his own flier. "Things of little concern now."

"I did not tell you for my own health or to hear you lie to me." Luxa only stared into his eyes, her displeasure obvious. York still smiled at her. He always seemed amused with her, which only fueled Luxa's distaste. "The men marched on our lands today."

"Men?"

She nodded slightly. "They are outside the gate now, camping out. Awaiting the wife of their leader."

York patted one of his two weapons. "I assure you, niece, that I fear no man."

"Neither do I."

"Then why do we speak of this?" He walked passed her then, going to clap Gregor on the shoulder, rather roughly. "Overlander, I have yet to greet you. And how fare you?"

"I am well."

"I heard of your…misadventures in the Dead Lands." He clapped him again. "Next time, you take me. I will settle the score for you, yes?"

Gregor nodded slightly causing York to laugh. Then he headed off, calling over his shoulder to Luxa that should she need him, he would be feasting in mess hall for the soldiers. He always liked to stop there, as there was ale and soldiers to share stories with.

Luxa was done with him for that moment anyways as she turned her attention to Namus. The young general looked downright nervous, standing there before his queen.

"Tell me, Namus," Luxa began slowly, taking a step towards him once she was situated again. "When your queen commands you something, do you typically ignore her commands?"

"No, your grace. When I arrived at the Fount, your uncle-"

"Are you incapable of getting other men to follow your commands then? Even when they are truly mine?" She stared hard at him. "You speak out against me to my face, behind my back, and yet when you have a chance to do something on your own, you fail. And why, do you wonder?"

"I-I-"

"I don't wonder," she told him. "Because I know. I've known. You've been a failure this whole time. And now, on the doorsteps of another war, I do not have time for failures."

"Queen Luxa-"

"You shall be taken off active duty," Luxa said then. That got Namus. It got him good.

"You cannot do such a thing," he said, glaring at her then. "Because of your filthy uncle's drunkenness, I-"

"There are many other reasons. That just will be the one you choose to blame it on." Luxa turned from him then, making eye contact with Gregor. "Come, Overlander. I-"

"We are not done talking," Namus yelled at Luxa then. "You turn around. Now! You will listen to me and listen to me well. I have watched you run many things into the ground, but my own career? How am I to survive, should you do this?"

"You shall find more work or you shall die," Luxa told him simply, continuing out of the hall. "Overlander-"

"You worthless bitch."

Gregor's eyes widened at that, but Luxa continued on her walk. The few others in the High Hall were looking at them then, but Luxa clearly didn't care. One of the other men in the room rushed over to Namus, trying to quiet him. His flier bond whispered something, but he wouldn't give up.

"You taint the crown of queen by taking this…Overlander into your bed and then you tell me that I am fit for my job? You are not fit for yours!"

"Treason statements," one of the other men in the hall said. Luxa still only left, not even giving him a second glance. Gregor kept his eyes on Namus though, hand having moved once more to the hilt of his sword.

"Test me," Gregor told him simply, staring into the other man's eyes. "I have had many reasons to fight today and yet not had the opportunity. Give me one good reason. One decent reason, and I shall disembowel you."

Namus moved to draw his blade, but the other men had come over to him by that point. One whispered something in his ear causing Namus to harshly turn away and walk off. Gregor merely turned on his heel to head after his queen.

"You should not give in so easily, Overlander," Luxa told him once he had finally caught up to her again. She was walking at a fast clip down the hall, a clear destination in mind. "He wished for us both to argue with him, to fight with him."

"I would have. He spoke to you like-"

"He spoke to me," she told him. "Not you. Should he have said that to a male, a king, you would have all thought it the king's duty to engage in combat with him."

"Your sex has nothing to do with it," he told her through gritted teeth. "I've had about enough of people thinking they can say whatever they want today. I truly have. And yet I have not been allowed to act on this anger I possess. You won't do anything in your own defense."

"But that is the thing, Gregor," she told him, glancing back at him. "I do not let things slip my mind. Ever. I do not forgive or forget. I remember. I still remember when we were thirteen and you shoved me into the waterway as a joke."

He just stared at her. "So?"

"My point is that I will act on things when they present themselves. I could have had you kill Namus, the things he said. Had him thrown in the dungeons. But what good would it have done? If I killed everyone that has ever said such a thing, half of the people we know and care for would be dead. Gone. And to what end?"

"Still. He-"

"You and Namus will have your day, I am sure," Luxa told him simply. "I have already had mine. I have taken his job. And should another opportunity present itself, I will enact an even worse punishment. But for now, I have much on my plate. I do not need to add another piece of meat just yet."

It was then that they made it to the doors of the tactics room. Luxa took a moment to calm herself before entering, Gregor following along behind.

Perdita was in there, as well as Barrett and Helix. As Gregor headed over to his corner to take his post, Luxa merely did a head count.

"We are missing Mareth," she said.

"Namus as well."

"Namus is no more," Luxa told Barrett who only shook his head and looked back down at the map spread over the table. "He has been taken off active duty."

Helix, who had no doubt formed a bond with the other young general, looked at his queen in horror. "Then what will become of his position?"

"It is of no matter now," Perdita answered. "I shall take over for the foreseeable future. Perhaps, when things have settled down, we will find that we only need room for two generals anyways."

Helix turned his look onto her. "You mean three?"

"No," she told him dryly. "I do not."

"Do not worry, Helix," Barrett said then. "It shall be you and I, if we make it through this alright."

Luxa frowned. "What makes you say this?"

"Why, Mareth is leaving."

"What nonsense is this that you speak?" Perdita asked.

"It is not nonsense. I ran into York before I made it to the tactics room. He said part of the reason he is here is because Mareth spoke with him about the army that's forming in the Fount."

"I have said many times that-"

"I know what you have said, Perdita," Barrett assured her. "But once this is over, we will likely still have a surplus. And should York want a few good men down there to keep his city safe, what difference then?"

"Mareth is not going to the Fount," she told him harshly.

"And why not?" Barrett asked, truly interested. "He has no family here. None at all. Only his bond. And she is no doubt wishing for a change as well."

Luxa shook her head. "Should Mareth wish for this, I see no problem with sending him there. It will give him more of a chance to relax. Almost a retirement, but not quite. Should anyone deserve it, Mareth is the person."

"He shall not wish to go," Perdita said then, shaking her head.

"And why is that?"

"He has only ever lived in Regalia," she reasoned. "He trained here, fought here, and he shall die here."

"If not out at battle, I see no more a fitting end for him," Luxa said with a shrug. "Regardless, let us get back to the matters at hand, yes? Mareth is not here to say whether he wishes to leave or stay and, quite honestly, I care little of that currently."

Perdita nodded then, though her face showed how troubled she still was. "It is as you say, your grace."

---

"My niece caring for a small child? Ha! I never imagined it."

Luxa only stared across the table from her uncle before shaking her head. "I do not care for him. In the slightest. He is merely the charge of the head of my royal guard currently. He should not even have been allowed in here."

Gregor made a face at Luxa. "Well, the nursery is closed for the night and both Vikus and Nerissa are in bed. You're the one that wanted me here."

"A night of drinking then," York said as he picked up the cup in front of him. "For those of us not in charge of small children, yes?"

Zander, who was seated in Gregor's lap at the moment, clapped his hands, causing York to let out one of his deep bellied laughs. The man was much of a mystery to Gregor. In times of war or great turmoil, he was very quiet, reserved. Calculating was the best word for it. He was not smart, not in the book sense, but he had great attack plans that he executed well. In times of peace, however, the man was very lively. He was well liked by most men and seem to enjoy the company of many. Though a heavy drinker, he was far from an angry drunk, which boded well, given his size and stature.

Luxa merely smiled from her spot next to Gregor before picking up her own cup. "Yes. Not too much to drink though. There is still the threat outside our gates."

"There is no better time to drink, my dear," York told her with a shake of his head. "Than when the enemy is at your doors."

Zander reached out for the plate of sweets that had been placed in the center of the table. It was the middle of the night and Gregor had once again been summoned to Luxa's dining hall. It was rather eerie in there, however, as it was only her, York, and himself in there. Not to mention Zander, but the boy seemed to be more of a nuisance than anything else.

"There is much to speak of, York," Luxa told her uncle as she reached forward to grab the plate of sweets and push it closer to the boy. Giggling, Zander grabbed a cookie, though he made a noise of disappointment when Luxa quickly pushed the plate back away from him, out of his reach. "And little time for pleasantries."

"That is good, niece, as it is rare that I ever see you act in a pleasant manner."

Luxa gave her uncle a strong stare. "You joke and yet this is no joking matter. I have wolves and my door and you choose to speak as if I had you make this trip merely so you could drink your fair share of all the ale in the Underland."

"I mean not to offend you, Luxa," he told her before taking a long sip from his cup. "I only act in jest. Should you choose to treat such a simple manner with such importance, fine."

"Simple?"

"Simple," he repeated. "I shall take a group of men out there and slaughter then all."

"That is not even all of their men. They-"

"And once they hear that I have killed those men, they shall either flee or they shall come here to avenge them. And then, I shall kill them as well. I will have the head of that woman, the one that wishes to take your crown, brought to you. I shall present it to all, to show them not to mess with my family."

She still only stared at him. "You over simplify things. It is not that simple, uncle."

"And what makes it unsimple?"

"They have not attacked us," she reasoned. "We should not-"

"They nearly killed Gregor," York said. Then he looked at the young man. "That is what I heard. That they nearly killed you. Is this true?"

He glanced at Luxa before nodding his head. "They planned to cut me into pieces and send them back to Regalia."

"And yet you say they have done no harm?" York shook his head. "They have had their chance at peace, Luxa. They had their chance to run. Now they march on our lands. The lands that you have fought for, I have fought for. That your father fought for. And died for. My wife's sister as well. That will not stand. King Lennox-"

"King Lennox is dead," Luxa said, sitting up taller. "He was killed. He and Judith both."

"Yes," York said slowly, nodding his head. "And it is for that reason that you should not let others take advantage of us. You have not before. In the past-"

"You know what the past is, uncle? The past." She shook her head. "Do you know how much blood I have on my hands? Have had on my hands? Will have on my hands? Perhaps it is because I am a woman, yes? That I worry for my soldiers so. That I do not send men and women, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters off to war without a second thought. Perhaps that makes me weak. I do not care. But I cannot end more lives without just cause. I just can't."

"Lux…" Gregor glanced at her, but it was York that spoke next.

"It does not make you weak, Luxa," he told her with a sigh. "And it does not make you a woman. The things that make you a woman give me very little interest. We have had kings, Luxa, that would send their own sons off to frivolous battles. Your own grandmother would have killed her son, just so she could win a war. She killed him, truly. Deeply. All the things that made him who he was. The fact that you wish to preserve what's left of Regalia does not make you a woman or a man or a queen or king. It makes you a good leader."

She looked off for a moment before picking up her wine glass. Still, she sat there for a moment before taking a sip. "Uncle?"

He looked up. "What?"

"What would…Lennox do?"

He shook his head. "Your father would have killed them all. From the biggest to the smallest. Oldest to youngest. He would not take for someone threatening his crown."

"I believe he would do the same."

"But you are not your father, dear," he told her softly. "You are not your mother. You are not your grandmother. You are not your grandfather. You are you. And so far, you have made many, many good decisions since coming into power. Do not let the judgment of others flaw you."

"You speak highly of me when I am near. No doubt you mock me the second you get the chance," she told him offhandedly. "Annoyed that you must follow the leadership of your niece."

"Is that so?"

"It is so."

He scoffed at her. "Should I have wished to serve under a new king, I would have. I have had ample opportunity to slaughter you, Luxa. You and your cousin, Nerissa. That boy too. Yet I never have. Nor will I. Do I wish your father alive at times? Most certainly. But it is nothing personal. You may be my niece, but I also consider you a strong queen. I would follow you to Hell."

Zander let out a yawn then, done with his treat and ready for bed. Gregor just bounced the boy in his lap slightly, sighing.

"There are no better parents in the Underland for the child?" York asked then.

"We are not his parents. I told you-"

"I found him," Gregor told York, cutting Luxa off. "It's my job to take care of him."

"You have much on your plate," York said. "Heading the guard and caring for your sister. Now you add-"

"My sister?"

York nodded. "I saw her. With the Halflander. My nephew. Hazard."

Luxa took a long gulp of wine before looking at Gregor. "I sent word to your mother through the grate. Margaret shall be-"'

"No, Luxa, she won't."

"Overlander-"

"I do not raise Hazard for you."

"Margaret is not yours to raise." Luxa rolled her eyes. "Besides, I have never sent her to a whore house."

"You're never going to let that go, are you, Luxa?"

"And why should I? Besides, I told you that I do not forget. Ever."

York laughed then, causing both the younger people to frown at him. He only shook his head, standing.

"The Fount is behind you, Luxa," he said, taking his ale with him as he left the room. "I shall stay in Regalia for a few days, however. I like to be near you, should something break out here. Right now, however, it is clear that you have much to discuss with your…Overlander."

Luxa gave Gregor a hard stare, not eve turning to look at her uncle. He only stared down at Zander, who was staring at Luxa, wishing she would put him to bed already. It was Gregor who broke first, turning to look up at Luxa.

"She's my sister. My underage sister. Hazard is of age here. He can do as he wishes. Boots though is still a child. Over or under."

For a moment, she said nothing. Then, slowly, she got to her feet, reaching out to take Zander from him.

"He shall go to bed now," Luxa said simply. "As should you. I have seen to it that Boots got her own sleeping quarters for the time being. So yours are now free. I shall see you in the morrow, Overlander."

"Lux-"

"Early," she told him as she headed out of the room. "After all, we have a war to avoid."