Chapter Fifty Nine

City of Liberty

MELODY

Even though her home had just been liberated, she still felt as if there was a considerable weight that had yet to be lifted off her shoulders. One thought had kept her going throughout the mission, and even when she had been stranded on another world. That when she had finally gotten rid of the Empress and freed her kingdom, that everything would be alright.

However, she had realised belatedly, it was not that simple. Nothing ever really was. The niggling feeling that something was still hanging over her head was still present, and that was because there still was.

The Empress and her ally, the Consul, had retreated from Denmark, and the rest of the Exonian troops, however few that still remained, were being rounded up and detained. Suffice to say, Denmark was free again, but her friends' home, Arendelle, was still under threat. And her sense of duty and loyalty simply didn't allow to be at ease knowing that the Empire was still out there preparing to attack Anna and Elsa's home. No, her job wasn't done yet.

Whatever that had followed after the Empress escaped had passed like a blur. She had vaguely remembered Elsa fussing over Janus after seeing his badly injured shoulder and him being embarrassed at all the attention Elsa was giving him, while Deirdre had been still fuming and distraught over the revelation that her sister had deliberately engineered the deaths of their parents.

Elsa and the others hadn't taken the news of Jade's sacrifice well either, and Melody couldn't blame them. They had all just lost Will, and the thought of possibly losing yet another friend and Warrior was unbearable. The one who had taken the news hardest of all was Elsa, who had recoiled in on herself.

Melody hazarded a guess that Elsa was blaming herself for what happened to the sorcerers under her charge. She was the leader of the League of Sorcerers after all, and Melody could empathise with Elsa's need to be responsible for them. It was one of the many downsides of being a leader.

Meanwhile, Melody's own parents had seized control of the moment, calling for an impromptu press conference out in the castle courtyard. Those in attendance were all who remained from the Insurgency's all out assault. Lives had been lost in the scuffle, while others were injured, but generally the morale and spirits of the entire mob were high after their successful attempt at reclaiming their kingdom.

And now, Melody found herself out in front of the courtyard perched on the steps with Elsa, Tracy, Deirdre and Janus, standing before the mob. Her eyes flicked uncomfortably across the mob, and avoided their gaze as she saw looks of recognition and curious whispers.

She'd always known that if they won, the eventuality of her true identity being discovered would be inevitable. But now being here and seeing it finally happen, she could not feel any more awkward than she already was. Now they know I've been hiding who I really. Now everyone knows who I am.

"People of Denmark." Her father's voice boomed across the courtyard. He looked tired and the worse for wear, but everyone still recognised him, of course. "Let us put aside the pleasantries and formalities, and let me say that I am glad. Glad that we are finally free."

A ragged, unrefined cheer broke out from various parts of the mob. These weren't exactly the usually upper class citizens or nobles who attended the monarch's speeches, but then again, these weren't normal times. Melody saw Charlotte, Ivon and Oliver somewhere in different parts of the crowd, looking battle-worn and ready to collapse.

"My wife and I," King Eric looked over at Ariel. "Express our sincere gratitude for the undying effort you've all contributed in ensuring our freedom. The occupation of the Empire is over. As I speak, the remaining Exonians squatting in our kingdom are being rooted out. Before long, Quodrun, Tolston and the other towns in our kingdom will be cleared of whatever hostiles remain."

Melody sighed inwardly. I hope Will is seeing this. His sacrifice wasn't in vain. And then she felt a stab of anger. With everything that was going on, they wouldn't even have time to properly mourn or hold a funeral service for him. Not until all of this was over.

And then there was Jade too. Melody didn't even know if she was still alive, and it bugged her so badly. Then again, there was nothing she could do but hope that Kane had kept her alive, and that there would be an opportunity to spring her later, however slim the chances were.

"I am heartened to see that though oppressed, the spirit of resilience in all of you has not wavered." Her father continued. "Denmark has been through the fire, and has come out stronger through this trial. May the light in all of you continue to burn bright. Thank you all for your bravery and perseverance. And I want to take this time to acknowledge and thank my daughter." He gestured over to Melody, who cringed a little at the attention.

"Some of you may know her. I'm told she fought in the Insurgency alongside some of you. Princess Melody of Denmark has shown what it means to be a true leader, being one of the people and sharing in their burdens and victories. She has what it takes to be the ruler Denmark deserves, and in due time, she will take her rightful place. But for now, let us celebrate her courage and all she has done alongside her companions-" he waved at Elsa and the rest. "-and every single one of you."

A loud cheer rang across the courtyard and her father held back from continuing, knowing that any further words would be drowned out by the roar from the mob. And when the shouts and voices of the crowd began to die down slowly, he held up a hand for silence and the crowd hushed itself.

"Even though we've won, I'm sure we all recognise that there's still work to be done in repairing what has been damaged, but that shall begin tomorrow. For now, celebrate and rest. Tomorrow, a new day dawns and we shall rebuild, raising our great home to a greater height than it has ever been before. Once again, thank you all and good night."

He raised both hands as a show of victory, and hands shot up throughout the crowd, and an even louder unified roar spread throughout the air. Shouts of "Long live Denmark" and "Long live the King and Queen" jumbled together as they were chanted over and over, amid the screams and victorious whistles.

Melody caught Charlotte's eye, and smiled as the older woman gave her an approving nod as if to say that she understood. The anxiety melted away almost instantaneously, and Melody felt unspoken relief at the fact that the leader of the Insurgency wasn't mad at the knowledge of her identity. There went a load of weight off her shoulders.

Her eyes swept through the crowd to find Oliver and some of the other faces she recognised, but could not find them. She so badly wanted to explain to them in person why she had to hide who she really was, but knew that there was no time now. It would have to wait till much later.

She walked over to her parents. "Mom. Dad." She began. "I-"

"You have to go." Her mother finished for her.

Melody nodded slowly. She didn't want to, if she was being completely honest with herself. Before, all she wanted was to stay with the Warriors and shirk her responsibilities and identity as the Princess of her land. But now, she felt compelled to stay, but there was just one more thing she had to do.

"At this point, I don't think we have to remind you to be careful." Her father smiled. "But please, Melody, be safe and come back to us."

"I will. Promise." Melody said. And this time, she knew she really meant it. She turned back to the Warriors who were waiting for her. Holli had joined them at some point, after coming over from having tended to the wounded. "So what now?"

"Melody, you don't have to come." Elsa said. "You have your kingdom back. You should stay to help them recover from the occupation."

"It can wait one more day." She said firmly. "I have to help."

"No you don't."

"I owe you all that much." Melody insisted. "Me leaving you all when you still have a war coming from the Southern Isles and the Empire won't make me a very good friend, now would it?"

Elsa sighed. It was quite clear that she was very worn out and Melody felt a pang of sympathy for her. Her own battle was won, but Elsa still had a war coming to her kingdom. There was no way Melody was going to abandon her friends now, not when they needed her most.

"Melody, I-" Elsa began.

"Look, I'm coming whether you like it or not." She said stubbornly. "End of story. Now can we stop wasting time and get going?"

Elsa watched her for some time in quiet contemplation, and then glanced round. "I assume the rest of you…"

Tracy shrugged nonchalantly, as usual. The Snow Queen exhaled in defeat.

"Fine." She finally relented. "But I don't know what else you all could contribute at this point. Anna and Kristoff probably have the army of the Arendellians and the Northuldra tribe ready to face the attackers. Not that they'll really be enough, but do you really think a few more sorcerers joining the war would help?"

"Actually," Tracy flashed a grin. "I think we could offer more than just a few of us."

Melody caught her eye and couldn't help but grin back. The girl had stumbled upon a great idea, and Melody had to admit that things would certainly look up for them if the plan succeeded.

"What do you mean?" Elsa puzzled.

"Leave it to us." Melody said, nodding at Tracy. "We'll have it handled."

Elsa frowned. "I don't follow."

"I'll open up Crossing Points for you guys to get back to Arendelle." Tracy explained.

"While Tracy and myself," Melody continued. "We're going down to Atlantica."

"For?"

"Reinforcements."