Author's notes : The story have more than 2000 views. I never thought it would have so much, thank you so much everyone. And thank you even more for all those feedbacks !
Goldspark1 : I didn't think about this parallel actually, but now that you point it it seem so obvious. And yes, politics are cruel.
Pt1of : I am very glad that you found it romantic, I really struggled with the scene, romance is not something I am used to write.
NightmareKnight1 : I hope this chapter is a little better in term of grammar and spelling, I am still on my way to find a beta reader. I hope I will be able to keep you interested.
With everything said, enjoy the story !
The Fiery Queen of Norh: Part 6
The wyvern hissed, making the little girl halt. Inhaling, she made a step. Then another. The beat's claws scrapped the floor. But this time the purple haired girl still moved forward, her arm slowly rising. Jaw chattered right before her fingers, but she didn't halt and reached the scaly head of the reptile. With a chilling whistling, the reptile's head slowly lowered, giving in to the caress.
''Good girl'' Whispered the child.
''Well done, princess.'' Praised master Hull, a tall man with a face covered in scars managing the wyvern stables of Windmire.
Princess Camilla was now hugging the reptile which started to purr, stretching it's neck under the strokes.
''Be careful princess, she may be passive now but cans still bite viciously.''
''I indeed remember how much she can.'' Interjected a feminine voice.
Camilla left the animal almost immediately, making it growl in disappointment while the princess turned toward Lora, who just came into the stable. The arm master knelt and greeted the child, studying her expression and looking at her hands for possible wounds. She then looked at Master Hull, who nodded and send two ostler to lead the wyvern back in the stable.
''Master Hull, your honest opinion.''
''General Lora, I have to say that lady Camilla possess quite the gift with wyvern. She may become a strong Wyvern Lord or Malign Knight later.''
''Your mount is especially tame for its race. Another wyvern would have bitten her.'' Pointed Lora.
''This is nonetheless impressive for a first time, Milady. Most recruit does not approach my Helena before their third or fourth try even if I am present, and they are all older than the princess.''
''We will see how it goes, then. If her talent is confirmed, you will be in charge of her training.''
''It would be an honor, General.'' Said the man before taking his leave.
''Lady Lora, I heard that you flied a lot. How does it feel to fly?'' Politely asked Camilla.
The princess seemed to have recovered from the recent death of her mother, even if Lora was still wary. There was no way to know how she truly felt behind that sweet and polite persona she was showing. Camilla never revealed anything of herself to the arm master.
''It is a fight. Against the wind and your own mount, a fight of dominance to always be the one in command.''
''Like father and the kingdom?''
''The kingdom is not a mount to tame.'' Politely corrected Lora before rising. ''I came to tell you that you are expected in the royal apartments. The king is waiting.''
''Thank you, lady Lora. Will you escort me?''
''Of course, princess. Follow me.''
It was almost exactly like back then. Lady Evelynn going to the royal apartment alongside her, both invited by the queen. It was the same posture, the same distance, the same silence. Young she may be, Camilla was already the spitting image of her mother. But the girl lacked the cold, menacing politeness that made her mother famous. For now. Their arrival in the royal apartment broke this image as a beaming smile blossomed on the girl face.
''Xander, Leo, Azura.''
''Hello sister.''
''Greeting sister.''
''Good afternoon sister.''
The kids immediately went to each other, Camilla completely leaving her formal attitude to exchange with them her previous experience. Lora remained at the doors, looking at the scene with mixing feeling. Xander was now much more confident, taking initiative and opening conversations with his father and siblings. Camilla, already refined despite her childish figure, caring fondly for her brothers and sister. Azura, quiet as always, but no longer ostracized from the other children. And the young Leo, whose sharp mind already impressed. They were the four last children of Garon. Hopefully five with the advanced pregnancy of lady Anaïs. So many died in the bloodbath between the concubines, their own mother. The remaining kids had officially made peace with each other in Garon presence, swearing to never repeat such horror. She remembered it. How their father embraced them all, telling them how much he was proud of them. And she have been there. Seeing the children of her king, hardened by what they came through. With the distinct feeling that she did nothing but fail to stop the tragedy.
''Lady Lora, may I ask you something?'' Asked Xander loudly, surprising her.
''Of course, prince.'' She answered without losing composure.
''We know very little of you apart from your outstanding skills in battle. Would it be possible to hear tales of your past until father come?''
She wanted to refuse... It was true that she never told them things like that. Her past was not something she was happy to recall. But it was obvious that the children were know waiting for her to abide to their curiosity. She could tell them a thing or two, Lora thought while looking at Azura's expecting eyes.
''Well, I can tell you some things.'' Said the arm master while sitting on the ground, the children in a circle around her. ''It happened while I was still a squire...''
She told them of the war with the demons of Chaos, that as squire of prince Lorian she had to fight in the front-lines. Described the nimble Capra demons with goat head and large twin machetes, the enormous Taurus demon whose giant axes broke bones through the sturdiest armor. Told them of the titanic duel opposing Lorian and the demon prince, and how the prince's sword became the host of a perpetual flame by dealing the killing blow.
''… The return to Lothric was glorious. It is as this occasion that I was knighted...''
She told them of more. Of the kingdom of Lothric in its golden age, her life in knighthood, her distant admiration of the elder prince. Lora described the beauty of the grand cathedral, the ferocity of the huge drakes the best knights rode in battle, the training in dragon hunting. The children listened with awe, questioning her about chivalry, nobility, magic and art.
''… No, Lothric's priest did not use staffs, but little chimes channeling their faith into power. It is weaker than staff of Nohr, but they could heal a whole group of soldier with a single spell.''
''An impressive achievement. However, we must adjust to the fact that even the best strategist can only help a soldier at a time. ''
The voice of Garon resonated for a good second before Lora abruptly rose up and bowed before the king, standing in the door frame.
''Father.'' Greeted the children as one, placing themselves before him.
''My lord, how long have you been there?!''
''Lora, have we not come to term with this?'' Asked the king before continuing with a playful smile. ''But to answer you, I must admit that hearing about your native kingdom was very interesting. I did not see a reason to interrupt you while you were remembering it so fondly. ''
That... was true. How did she came from distracting them with a tale to share her past so freely? She did not even realized because... Because it didn't hurt. No, Garon was right. She have been happy to remember, to recall the past without having her heart bleed.
''I am sorry, I spoke out of habit... Garon.'' Lora finally said, feeling the gazes of the princes and princesses.
''There is still room for improvement.'' Teased her lord before switching back to seriousness. ''I received a very important new from the chancellor of Cheve. Sumeragi, King of Hoshido, is on its way to the dukedom.''
This was... Startling. Cheve was neutral toward Nohr, being their principal trading partner for metal, but their relationship with Hoshido could only be described as friendly. A visit of the hoshidian king was not a good omen at all. But this line of thought was immediately swept aside when Lora understood what was truly important: for the first time in decades, it would be possible to force the king of Hoshido into negotiation.
''I intend to meet him in this occasion, and in the meantime you will behave as I will say.''
''What do you bid of us, father?'' Asked Xander, trying to conceal is uncertainty.
''From tomorrow onward and until my return, Lora will rule the kingdom in my stead. ''
Silence fell upon on the room. Shock was visible on every face, and it took a little time for Lora to process over the announcement, leaving the prince Xander the first to voice his surprise.
''Father, why? I-I mean, why don't you simply leave the council handle the usual matter of the kingdom like before?''
''I do not trust the council.'' Came the answer, cold and irrevocable.
''The prince is right. It would be better for me to be at your side during this encounter.''
''Enough. My decision...''
''Is not wise! I doubt Sumeragi will even accept to partake in negotiation, and he too received the strength of the Rainbow Sage!'' Insisted Lora.
''My decision is final!'' Countered Garon, his rising voice making his children recoil.
''No! I can't let you meet him alone, nor I can sit on the throne in their place!''
Tension was tangible in the room. Camilla have taken her younger brother and sister hand, sticking together with Xander in front of them as the two adults were defying each other. None of them backed down, gaze crossed. Garon was recognizing the fire in her eyes. An anger born of her feelings, feelings that he was knowing more of. But they would not interfere, not in this.
''Listen, Lora. While I am away, I need you to be in a rank where no one, not ever the entire council, may defy your word. Do you understand?'' He said sternly.
For a moment they stayed still, until Lora sighed, lowering her eyes.
''I understand, my lord. Do you wish something else?''
''Yes. My children, come.''
The kids approached slowly. Xander was standing as proudly as he could, even if his posture still betrayed him. Camilla was seemingly quiet, but her hands did not left those of her siblings, who were still not at ease. Garon knelt to meet their eyes, smiling fondly as he gave instructions.
''Xander, Camilla. While I am away, Lora will introduce you to the council, whose session you will assist regularly from now on. And do not forget to look for your younger siblings.''
''Yes father.'' Answered the two.
''Azura, stay safe alongside Lora. And do not forget to sing with your lovely voice.''
''I will do, father.''
''Leo, study well and listen to you elder.''
''Of course, father.''
''Stay strong, all of you.''
The king watched as his children left the antechamber, going deeper into the royal apartments. He then rose, facing his arm master once again.
''A full squadron of our elite soldiers will accompany me to Cheve. Nothing but a whole knight company of Cheve could ever hope to match them.''
''I still don't like it. If I am not here, who know what may happen. I don't want to lose you, my... My love.''
How rare, how precious those words were, Garon thought while looking at her. Slowly he put his hands on her shoulders and she rose her head, once again gazing into each other, before pulling into a deep embrace. Garon relished her warmth, the faint scent of ash coming from her body. No word was needed anymore. They said everything this fateful night, when she took him out of the nightmare.
Lora was already awake when her servants came into the chamber, the dim light of dawn illuminating her room. The housemaids bathed and dressed her with light leather, before putting her armor above. The servants then brought something that once again captured her eyes. It was a deep blue, almost black velvet cape with white fur edges and collar. Golden threads delicately formed the strap, and a single black rose was embroidered on it. The servants quickly worked with the delicate piece of clothing. Lora took a step forward to see the result into the tall mirror placed on the opposite of the window. It was beautiful. A magnificent article, matching perfectly with her armor. A gift of Garon, just before he departed to Cheve. She conjured the silver tiara that belonged to Shira and placed it on her head, the pearl ornamenting it reflecting an iridescent shine. Truly, this was perfect Lora thought as she brushed the amazingly soft cape. She looked... Regal. Too regal. The wearing of crown was a privilege that only the royal family possessed. But she needed it. She had to assert her authority, the status he granted her. Lora left the room, one of the two guards in duty at the door following her after a quick salute.
''Anything to report?''
''No suspicious troop movements in the castle or around, general.''
''Make sure the royal guard is ready as always.''
''Yes, general.''
He almost said it again. Lora did not display her disapproval and simply moved forward, going to the council room. Whisper followed her, like a hundred snake at once, and she ignored them too. It was little time later that she came at the crossroad of the royal apartments, finding prince Xander waiting with four royal guards.
''Good morning, prince. Are you ready?''
''Yes, arm master.''
They kept going, under a more numerous guard. The journey was silent, not even a look exchanged. The prince was quite capable of composing himself, a burden that Lora was happy to not worry about, unlike so many problems Garon just left her with. This line of thought ended as they came into the council room. The councilors were all present, immediately ceasing their talks at her arrival to placate false smile on their face. Step by step, she approached her siege, her place. And went over it, sitting on the royal throne with a deep silent breath while Xander sat on her former chair, before gesturing toward the herald.
''The session of the royal council is open under the supervision of the first advisor Lora, on the behalf of our majesty Garon.'' Announced the man. ''The first topic is the recent complaint about food shortage in the land of marquis Alex.''
''There is no food shortage.'' Immediately came the rebuttal of the marquis. ''Those peasants simply wasted away their stocks, and are now wrongly complaining.''
''Do they, truly?''
The young lord sent an irked look at the court mage, whose tone was full of mockery.
''You are hardly in position to tell me what happen in my own lands, mage.''
''Forgive me to presume about something that already happened no less than four time in the year. One must wonder how you can garner so much hostility from your people.''Answered Iago with false surprise.
''How dare you...''
''Iago, explain yourself.'' Cut the cold voice of Lora.
Silence immediately came over the room and the court mage smirked, half bowing toward Lora.
''Of course, lady Lora. According my sources, lord Alex simply decided to increases the taxes without moderation, leaving his people starving. How cruel of him, when harvests have been... ''
''Slander and lies! I won't have this snake insult me...''
''Control yourself, dear. It is obvious that our court mage seek to unsettle you. May I have a word in this, lady Lora?'' Said duchess Agnes with delicacy, to which she was responded with a nod. ''Thank you kindly. Recent harvest have been indeed bad, as our court mage testified. However, lord Alex lands are the most concerned with hoshidian incursion. There is no doubt that the constant damages done are what led him to increase taxes.''
''Surely his castle have been razed to the ground, if he need to ruin his people to...''
''Mind your manner, mage. It would be unfortunate for you that our king learnt how much you have misbehaved.'' Whispered lady Agnes.
The pale man sniffed at the barely veiled threat, but shut up nonetheless.
''This sort of distraction is the last thing we need. You should just quell them once and for all.'' Suggested earl Kayn.
''I won't waste men on this while hoshidians are gnawing at my door. I suggest we ignore this and speak of more important matter.''
''Lord Alex, I have a suggestion.''
The prince's intervention brought all eyes to him. After a short silence, the young man started to speak.
''There is a large reserve of soldiers and food at the northern fortress. Since we are at peace with the Ice tribe, they are currently unused. By sending them to your land, they would cover your need and allow you to alleviate the burden on your people.''
''Such help would be... extremely appreciated.'' Answered the marquis, thoughtful.
''Indeed, a wise and generous proposition, prince Xander.'' Approved lady Agnes.
''This idea hold merit. I support it.'' Finally spoke the duke Richard.
''I am opposed to it. We need those soldiers in case of an attack from the north.'' Opposed lord Kayn.
''To send those resources would be wasting them. Lord Alex should solve his own mess by himself.'' Followed Iago, contempt in his voice.
There was a silence. Lora was thinking, weighting options. She would prefer the northern fortress still ready to face anything, including, like lord Kayn said, a sneak attack from the north. The problem was not the Ice Tribe, but Hoshido. The nothern moutains were harsh, unforgiving, but a little group of soldier could survive and infiltrate Norh this way. It have been done before. To underestimate Hoshido's ninjas was a mistake people rarely made twice. On the other hand, refusing the prince idea would weaken his standing in the council, and by extension the court. And to have the border in turmoil was not a good idea while the king was absent. Keeping an imperturbable face, she looked at every of the councilor, then the prince.
''Prince Xander, your proposition is accepted. Marquis Alex, you will receive five hundred soldiers from the northern fortress, alongside a shipment of grain. However, it will not be without compensations. For the duration of the soldiers stay, half of the taxes you perceive will be send to the crown. Moreover, each dead soldier among the reinforcement will be replaced by one of your own men.''
There was various reactions, but to her inward relief no one dared to contest the verdict.
''Herald.'' She called out to mean it was time to move on.
''Yes, milady. The next topic is the rise of banditry in the south...''
The servant that opened the door bowed with respect, but anxiety was obvious in her posture. Given the history of the castle, she unfortunately had every right to be worried. Not long ago, anyone coming to the apartments of a concubine would be either the king or a potential assassin. Not even the children were innocents, as Lora learned...
''Tell your mistress that I want to have a word with her.''
Looking quickly at the guards, the girl bowed once more and disappeared into the apartments. It took little time for her to return, and she was no more calm ans still eyed the guards that were alongside Lora.
''Mistress Anïa is ready to meet you, lady Lora. She, huh, wish for you to come alone if possible.'' The maid said, bowing even more as if it would prevent an eventual irritation.
''Very well. Soldiers, stay at the door.'' She commanded.
They complied, and the maid then guided her inside the rooms. Decorations were lot less elaborate than she thought they would be. The most luxurious things she could see were the two mirrors and a handful of colored flowers inside ornamented pots, positioned on a ledge and a wood table. Now she understood why lady Anïa had her apartments on the edge of the castle, where light could flow.
''Lady Lora. It's been a long time since I ever saw you, to what do I owe your visit?''
The woman in the large bed was a lot different from what she remembered. Her fair features were pale, tired, and it was impossible to miss her round stomach, so big compared to her petite stature. Even if she was not confined, she probably would not be able to move much.
''The king told me to before his departure. He is worried about your health.'' Admitted Lora.
''As expected of him, he cannot even make it look like he don't care.'' Smiled the woman. ''He went to me before departing as well, you know, and even insisted to listen the baby. Rest assured, I am well even if the little one is restless.''
''It is good to hear.'' Nodded the arm master, ready to leave.
''Do not leave so soon, we barely talked. Nina, sit me and bring us drinks. And the chessboard.''
The maid helped her mistress to sat on the bed before bowing and leaving.
''Do you play chess, lady Lora?''
''I know the rules.''
''Not more? But you are general, don't you play the game to sharpen your skills? Even if I don't have have much opponents those days, I hope I won't bore you.''
The game was brought, alongside wine and goblets before the maid left for good. The concubine took white, and they started. Lora tried to concentrate on the game, but her opponent was already starting to talk again.
''I have always wondered how you managed to keep your youth, is it dark magic? Some mysterious power from your land?''
''You could say the latter.''
Her first line was already threatened by the aggressive tactics of her opponent. Moving the knight away, she gathered her pieces in a defensive wall around the center of the board.
''Surely you must bless it, it sound like a dream. Some women would kill for this, I'm sure some already did.''
She took a bishop but lost a pawn, opening a dangerous rift in her defenses that she closed with a knight.
''I am mostly pleased that I don't have to worry about my body losing strength.''
''Of course, you are a knight after all, always training and fighting. But surely, you will have to do with some retirement time.''
''I doubt it.''
''Huhuhu, you will have to rest a day or another before that is done anyway. The king will surely be happy when it will happen.''
''I don't see how. My retirement would deprive him of an arm master, advisor and general at the same time.''
''It would not be for long. Why wouldn't he be happy to have another child?''
Silence fell. Lora kept looking at the board. A rook took a pawn only to be taken in return. The black king rocked. The white queen took the last black rook. The black queen took the white queen.
''Oh, you mean you didn't bed him?''
''No.''
''I was sure it was the case, especially since you came from his apartments this night-''
''No. And I won't.'' Repeated Lora with less control.
Calm down. She had to concentrate, to keep it down. Check. The black queen took the pawn menacing the king. Check again, from the white rook this time. The black queen was moved in the path, then taken. Checkmate. She lost.
''I am sorry, I spoke without thinking, it just seemed so obvious for everyone.''
''It does, not, matter.''
''I can tell it's matter, I am still a healer you know, you are clearly stressed out. I understand it is hard be queen but...''
''I am no queen!''
The loud and harsh answer was followed by another silence.
''Forgive me for this outburst, lady Anïa, it was disgraceful of me. I shall take my leave.''
She was about to rise when a weak grip held her back, the little hand of the woman who did not deserve the lashing out she received.
''Stay with me a little more, I won't be at ease if I let you go away in such a bad condition.''
''Lady Anïa, you should take your rest-''
''No and that's final! I won't let you go until you cooled down, healer's order!...'' Tried to fiercely exclaim the little woman before her strength gave out at the end of her phrase, leaving her out of breath.
Lora stayed still, unable to oppose the demand in spite, or maybe because of the shame. The concubine was right, she was unstable right now, and could at least make amend by abiding to her request. She also had to clear her mind, she thought as she explained to lady Anïa.
''I am just obeying to the king's directives. Once he return, I will return to being his advisor and knight.''
''Hehehe. He is still so smooth, he nearly got me like that too.''
''What do you mean?'' Asked Lora, the heartfelt laugh of the concubine ringing almost mockingly in her ears.
''I mean just look, he give you a gift, then another, then a little position, then a greater, and before you understand it you are a great lady of the court. How could a nature-loving maiden like me arrive there otherwise, I ask you? I was smart enough to refuse to be something more than part of our late queen's escort. At least he still give me flowers at each visit.''
She laughed again, weakly but happily, as an insidious doubt crawled inside the mind of Lora. Was Garon trying to circumvent her reluctance this way? Was she falling for his scheme from the start without even noticing it? No, even if he was truly trying to push her into the role, there was no way for her to accept. It was not right for her to.
''But you know, even if you don't want to be called that way, aren't you queen in all but name right now? Even the court is just waiting for Garon's return and the marriage announcement.''
''Whatever they think or say, I can't be queen. ''
Lora drank the wine, the bitter taste sharpening her senses. She poured another cup to herself and lady Anïa, drinking once again. Yes, she just had to endure for a little more time. Maybe she could take some time in the training ground to vent her issues.
''I insist now milady, take your rest, you need it.'' Insisted the arm master, placing the little hand on the round stomach. ''You can see that I am better now.''
''If that's how it is then it can't be helped right? Just don't be too gloomy, it's bad for the skin even if you don't age.'' Said lady Anïa, winking.
''Good day to you, milady.'' Simply answered Lora, rising from the bed.
And just like that, she was gone. Lady Anïa rested her head on the pillows, tiredness taking her as she was slowly slipping into sleep. A little bump inside her belly and she smiled, feeling the limitless energy of the child.
''I am so jealous, little one.'' She said. ''She have everything we all ever wanted, and yet she is hurting herself so much for having it, isn't that unfair? So busy trying not to be the role she is now playing, not even seeing how much she fit into it. And here I still feel that I must try to help her even a little... ''
Even if she was locked in her apartments, she still had ears and eyes in the castle. She knew what was going on, and what was the mood of the court. Otherwise, she would have never survived the deadly trap that the witch Evelyn had set. She remembered Garon visiting her before his departure, small red flowers in hand. They talked about everything and nothing, about foreseeable names and how the child would look like his father. And she knew that was why she didn't resented lady Lora, just like she didn't resented the previous queens. Because even if she was not the favorite, she was undoubtedly loved.
''Don't worry little one, once you come out your father will have eyes only for you. Who know, I may even be able to see him a little more, after all a royal couple always need a dedicated healer, isn't it? And if the queen decide to have a child to remember him by, you will have a little brother or sister to cuddle all day.'' She whispered, half giggling at the imaginary sight.
This chapter ended lot differently from what I wanted, but I hope it was good nonetheless. I always answer to review so don't be shy, and have a good day !