Garnet til Alexandros

Memories of fonder days flooded the dark abyss I was embraced by. Gingerly, the humming of birds filled my ears and I was by myself sitting upon the marble bench deep within my garden. The heavy sound of the waterfall was still audible as the docking harbor was nearby. Resting on the ground, just a few feet away from my black leather slippers were a group of five or six pearly doves all pecking at the seeds I had thrown down. The crown resting on my head was securely pinned, as if it would never fall as far away from me as it was to me now.

"Your Majesty." A strict tone whispered just within my ear from behind, sending chills down my spine as I realized I was not alone as I had assumed. I slightly tilted my head and watched as General Beatrix walked around to the right side of me where she resumed saluting me, crossing her arm over her chest and bowed slightly.

"…I don't wish to make demands of you and forgive me if I am talking out of my place but –" My eyes would ease upon her, my heart bubbling with anxiety as I knew full well what she was going to say and why.

"I only ask that you do not escape your guards to seek solitude like this any longer. It is not safe for you to be alone, not even within your own garden." It was then reality hit and the troubles resting ashore arrived at my doorstep, diminishing any sense of peace I once held. Slowly, my eyes wavered away; a light sigh escaped my rose colored lips as my head bowed in distress.

"..."

I could not bear to apologize – words would not escape me. I knew I was being selfish. I simply wanted a moment to let my weaknesses show and I cannot do that in front of the men and women I lead.

"Surely, you've heard about the recent occurrence in Lindblum my queen?"

Goosebumps trailed down my body like a storm upon the skin, my eyes shutting gently as if it would erase the image that was immediately painted at the mere mentioning of the incident.

"…A group of followers from the Shepherds of Gaia got together and hung a large doll that resembled me – yes I've heard the news." The words escaped me solemnly and yet, I tried my best to conceal how shaken my voice was.

"Alec's followers are growing in numbers – we cannot afford to take any risks. He is using what the late queen did to Lindblum as fuel for his discrimination against you." My fingers clenched around the white of my gown just before I said.

"…Eiko too." This time I could not hide away how terrified I was. If those following under this monster of a man were to find out Eiko too was a Summoner, surely she would be in danger along with the regent.

"Yes…Princess Eiko as well." This time Beatrix's voice had softened.

For a few moments there was nothing but silence as neither of us could find anything to say. I had chosen not to crush this rebellious group due to the fact that I felt guilty for not being able to stop my mother – my step mother, from killing thousands and destroying the lives of thousands more. The sound of footsteps snapped me from my cogitations and I lifted my head to watch Beatrix walk before me. Her eyes stared down at me with such tenderness and it was something rare coming from the usually cold rose general.

"Your Majesty, please do not blame yourself. None of this is your fault. "

But it is.

I tried to smile and show that I found comfort in her words but I couldn't force it – not this time.

"And even if it truly was –"

She allowed her words to linger just before she took a knee and bowed her head, her bouncy curls falling from her shoulders as she did.

"…I would still stand guard over you. I will follow you into hell if I had to."

The chirping of the birds now filled the silence that fell between us and I recalled how my heart warmed at the reminder of her oath to me – that I wasn't alone like I had previously felt.

The sun's rays kissed upon my eyelids, forcing them slightly open as the sound of the birds joyously singing became much louder. At first my vision was blurry but when I finally came too, I met with a very tall wooden ceiling. My body drifted back into reality and it was in that moment, I realized I was resting against something a lot softer than the ground; a cotton sheet wrapped around a bed of hay.

Immediately, my eyes shot open and anxiety festers like wildfire within my chest. I jump from my resting spot, eyes frantically searching the area that was strange to me. The only thought that raced through my mind was that I had been caught by the enemy.

I start to pant as I very slowly start to take in my surroundings. A medium sized black pot hung over a flame within a fireplace, bubbling with something cooking inside, various tools used for art rest scattered along the red wooden table just a few feet away and large pieces of paper were scattered about the entire room. Once I realize that my hands were free and not bound, I start to calm myself. I look at parts of my appendages that were wrapped and treated. My dirty clothes were stripped from me and I was now wearing a simple midnight blue gown. The door to the room makes a loud creaking sound, catching my attention and forcing me to stiffen up as I anticipate who my supposed savior was.

My eyes widen in shock as a young woman entered the room, a bright smile painted across her features just before her bright emerald colored eyes lit up at the sight of me.

"Oh – you're awake! Thank goodness." Her voice was sweet and melted the many concerns I held before. She rushes to my side, dropping her basket on the table as her cold hand finds itself on my forehead and my body jumps at the touch. I had not been touched with such kindness in a long time.

"…It seems your fever has gone down a lot since yesterday." Yesterday? From the sunlight peeking in from the window behind me, I knew it was daylight outside. I was out for an entire day? Her hand returns to her side just before she says, " You had me scared there for a while. You were shaking so badly the night before I had to wrap you in everything I had!"

I simply stare at her with wonder. Everyone else that sought to help me before turned me away once they figured out who I was – not wanting the burden of the troubles that would come with refuging a wanted criminal or because…of their ignorant hatred for Summoners. I could tell my silence left her rather uncomfortable. I wanted to apologize – but I couldn't.

"Erm…So my name's Lilly! Lilly Decesare and you are?!" She stands up tall and holds out her hand to me and feel only embarrassed because I could not return the respectful formality she had exchanged with me. I look away in shame. "…Not much of a talker, huh?"

I felt the need to defend myself. I look to her with widen eyes as I used my hand to explain that I couldn't speak – that I had lost my voice by resting my fingers on my throat and then shaking my head. "You're a mute?" Her smile fades into a frown instantly. "…I'm sorry…I don't know why I couldn't think of that." Guilt washes over my features as I too frown in response. It isn't your fault.

For a moment we shared this moment of silence until the young woman clasps her hands together and shouts excitingly, "I've prepared a very delicious meal for you!" I felt uneasy that she was showing me such kindness. I can hardly break a smile as I watch her walk over to the pot with a large wooden spoon. As she stirs the mixture within it, she begins to speak without looking back at me.

"I found you unconscious on an empty road. It was one that travelers often avoided due to rumors of muggers but I had no choice but to take that route as a shortcut to get home in time before dark!" I look to my hands, finally realizing that my skin was clean and smooth. Immediately, my fingers found its way into my thick hair and the feeling of its softness was such a relief.

"You definitely don't want to be caught traveling at night. That is when the very terrible monsters lurk about." Her tone changes into a solemn one as she talks – as if the very words she spoke ignited an unpleasant memory.

My hands fall upon my lap as I stare back at her who was now pouring a milky white soup into a bowl. My lips parts as she approaches me, wishing only to thank her for her hospitality. But of course, my voice fails me. The warmth of the soup tingles upon the skin of my hands; my eyes study the condiments within the wooden bowl.

Was it safe to eat it? I shake the thought from my head, feeling absolutely terrible that I would conjure up such a thought. A sigh escapes me, forcing my shoulders to sink as I recall why my mind has become so paranoid to begin with.

"It has everything in there that you need to builds your strength back up." Her voice breaks me from my cogitations. I stare at Lilly with widen eyes as she continues to talk.

"The broth is made out of milk and flour, then there's chicken, potatoes, onions, corn and kale – you need lots of vegetables!" She winks just before giggling. Without realizing it, a smile curves upon my dry lips as I simply nod in return as a way to show my thanks. I lift the spoon up to my mouth and I eagerly take my first bite. I gasp quietly as my taste buds send a shiver throughout my entire body. The soup was delicious beyond words. I swallow hastily, hurrying to take my next bite and it was then I remember how long it has been since I've eaten anything worth being called a meal.

"Hey, slow down there! You're going to get a stomach ache!" Lilly snickered kindly just has she hands me a glass of clean water.

After eating a few bowls of her delicious soup, I start to feel exhausted. As I begin to lie down, the young lady throws the blanket over me. I felt like a child again.

"I have to take care of the garden for a bit. I will only be outside in the backyard. If you need anything just cal-" She pauses within her tracks and rolls her eyes – looking as if she was cursing herself.

"…Just peek your head in the window. I'll be sure to look from time to time to make sure, alright?" I nod gingerly as the warmth of the thick wool blanket comforts me into sleep. As Lilly walks out of the house, I start to wish with all of my heart that once I fall asleep, I won't wake up and find out that all of this was a cruel dream.

I know not much is going on. But trust me, this will all build up nicely. I don't wish to rush anything. Next chapter will have some pretty exciting things going on and more flashbacks! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

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